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Zhu X, Meng L, Xu L, Hua Y, Feng J. Novel Therapeutic Target for ALI/ARDS: Forkhead Box Transcription Factors. Lung 2024; 202:513-522. [PMID: 39259274 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-024-00740-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
ALI/ARDS can be a pulmonary manifestation of a systemic inflammatory response or a result of overexpression of the body's normal inflammatory response involving various effector cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators, which regulate the body's immune response through different signalling pathways. Forkhead box transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism, and DNA damage response. Transcription factors control protein synthesis by regulating gene transcription levels, resulting in diverse biological outcomes. The Fox family plays a role in activating or inhibiting the expression of various molecules related to ALI/ARDS through phosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, and control of multiple signalling pathways. An in-depth analysis of the integrated Fox family's role in ALI/ARDS can aid in the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leyuan Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liqin Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Hua
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Wang J, Morita K, Iwata T. Induction of periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Regen Ther 2024; 26:432-441. [PMID: 39045575 PMCID: PMC11263952 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Periodontal disease is a common oral infection which affects the tooth-supportive tissues directly. Considering the limitation of present regenerative treatments for severe periodontal cases, cytotherapies have been gradually introduced. Human periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPDLMSCs), while identified as one of the promising cell sources for periodontal regenerative therapy, still hold some problems in the clinical application especially their limited life span. To solve the problems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are taken into consideration as a robust supply for hPDLMSCs. Methods The induction of hPDLMSCs was performed based on the generation of neural crest-like cells (NCLCs) from hiPSCs. Fibronectin and laminin were tested as coating materials for NCLCs differentiation when following previous protocol, and the characteristics of induced cells were identified by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR for evaluating the induction efficiency. Subsequently, selected dental ectoderm signaling-related cytokines were applied for hPDLMSCs induction for 14 days, and dental mesenchyme-related genes, dental follicle-related genes and hPDL-related genes were tested by RT-qPCR for the evaluation of differentiation. Results Compared to the 58% in laminin-coated condition, fibronectin-coated condition had a higher induction efficiency of CD271high cells as 86% after 8-day induction, while the mesenchymal potential of induced NCLCs was similar between two coating materials.It was shown that the gene expressions of dental mesenchyme, dental follicles and hPDL cells were significantly enhanced with the stimulation of the combination with fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b), FGF2, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). Conclusion FN coating was more effective in NCLCs induction, and the FGF8b+FGF2+BMP4 growth factor cocktail was effective in hPDLMSC-like cell generation. These findings underscored the likely regenerative potential of hiPSCs as an applicable and promising curative strategy for periodontal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Wang
- Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuki Morita
- Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Takanori Iwata
- Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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3
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Li X, Li S, Bai S, Tang Y, Jia Z, Yin J, Xu X, Zhang J, Irwin DM, Zhang S, Wang Z. Research Note: SOCS2 contributes to reduction of the third digit during development of the chicken forelimb. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103672. [PMID: 38564834 PMCID: PMC10999695 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the avian wing pattern has been the subject of heated debate due to its special shape. The Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) gene encodes a negative regulator of growth hormone (GH) signaling and bone growth and is known to be strongly expressed in the third digit of chicken forelimbs. These observations suggest that SOCS2 might regulate the morphology of the avian wing, however, the function of SOCS2 in avian limb development remains unknown. Here, we reexamined SOCS2 expression in successive developmental stages of chicken limb development by in situ hybridization (ISH) and describe extended expression from the posterior of the stypolod to the third digit of the forelimbs. We used the RCAS avian retrovirus to overexpress SOCS2 in the developing chicken limb buds, which resulted in reduced or malformed chicken wings while hindlimbs developed normally. Transcriptome sequencing (mRNA-Seq) revealed changes in expression of genes known to be associated with growth and development in forelimbs with overexpressed SOCS2. This study highlights a pivotal role for SOCS2 during the development of the wing in the chicken and provides new insight into molecular mechanisms regulating avian limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Shibin Bai
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Yining Tang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Ziqiu Jia
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Jialong Yin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Xiaona Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China.
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4
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Rraku E, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Swertz MA, Dijkhuizen T, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CMA, Engwerda A. The phenotypic spectrum of terminal and subterminal 6p deletions based on a social media-derived cohort and literature review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:68. [PMID: 36964621 PMCID: PMC10039519 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terminal 6p deletions are rare, and information on their clinical consequences is scarce, which impedes optimal management and follow-up by clinicians. The parent-driven Chromosome 6 Project collaborates with families of affected children worldwide to better understand the clinical effects of chromosome 6 aberrations and to support clinical guidance. A microarray report is required for participation, and detailed phenotype information is collected directly from parents through a multilingual web-based questionnaire. Information collected from parents is then combined with case data from literature reports. Here, we present our findings on 13 newly identified patients and 46 literature cases with genotypically well-characterised terminal and subterminal 6p deletions. We provide phenotype descriptions for both the whole group and for subgroups based on deletion size and HI gene content. RESULTS The total group shared a common phenotype characterised by ocular anterior segment dysgenesis, vision problems, brain malformations, congenital defects of the cardiac septa and valves, mild to moderate hearing impairment, eye movement abnormalities, hypotonia, mild developmental delay and dysmorphic features. These characteristics were observed in all subgroups where FOXC1 was included in the deletion, confirming a dominant role for this gene. Additional characteristics were seen in individuals with terminal deletions exceeding 4.02 Mb, namely complex heart defects, corpus callosum abnormalities, kidney abnormalities and orofacial clefting. Some of these additional features may be related to the loss of other genes in the terminal 6p region, such as RREB1 for the cardiac phenotypes and TUBB2A and TUBB2B for the cerebral phenotypes. In the newly identified patients, we observed previously unreported features including gastrointestinal problems, neurological abnormalities, balance problems and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS We present an overview of the phenotypic characteristics observed in terminal and subterminal 6p deletions. This reveals a common phenotype that can be highly attributable to haploinsufficiency of FOXC1, with a possible additional effect of other genes in the 6p25 region. We also delineate the developmental abilities of affected individuals and report on previously unrecognised features, showing the added benefit of collecting information directly from parents. Based on our overview, we provide recommendations for clinical surveillance to support clinicians, patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Rraku
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Morris A Swertz
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Trijnie Dijkhuizen
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Conny M A van Ravenswaaij-Arts
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- ATN/Jonx, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Aafke Engwerda
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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5
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Jia D, Zhou Z, Kwon OJ, Zhang L, Wei X, Zhang Y, Yi M, Roudier MP, Regier MC, Dumpit R, Nelson PS, Headley M, True L, Lin DW, Morrissey C, Creighton CJ, Xin L. Stromal FOXF2 suppresses prostate cancer progression and metastasis by enhancing antitumor immunity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6828. [PMID: 36369237 PMCID: PMC9652358 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mediate an immunosuppressive effect, but the underlying mechanism remains incompletely defined. Here we show that increasing prostatic stromal Foxf2 suppresses the growth and progression of both syngeneic and autochthonous mouse prostate cancer models in an immunocompetent context. Mechanistically, Foxf2 moderately attenuates the CAF phenotype and transcriptionally downregulates Cxcl5, which diminish the immunosuppressive myeloid cells and enhance T cell cytotoxicity. Increasing prostatic stromal Foxf2 sensitizes prostate cancer to the immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Augmenting lung stromal Foxf2 also mediates an immunosuppressive milieu and inhibits lung colonization of prostate cancer. FOXF2 is expressed higher in the stroma of human transition zone (TZ) than peripheral zone (PZ) prostate. The stromal FOXF2 expression level in primary prostate cancers inversely correlates with the Gleason grade. Our study establishes Foxf2 as a stromal transcription factor modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and potentially explains why cancers are relatively rare and indolent in the TZ prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyong Jia
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zhicheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Oh-Joon Kwon
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xing Wei
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mingyang Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mary C Regier
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ruth Dumpit
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark Headley
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lawrence True
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel W Lin
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colm Morrissey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Xin
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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6
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Foxf2 represses bone formation via Wnt2b/β-catenin signaling. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:753-764. [PMID: 35668101 PMCID: PMC9256714 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts is a critical process for proper skeletal development and acquisition/maintenance of bone mass. However, since this regulatory mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, the treatment of severe osteoporosis and fractures is a challenge. Here, through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression during the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, we show that the forkhead transcription factor Foxf2 is a crucial regulator of this process. Foxf2 expression transiently increased during MSC osteoblastic differentiation. Overexpression of Foxf2 in MSCs inhibited osteoblastic differentiation, and conversely, knockdown of Foxf2 expression promoted this process. Osteoprogenitor-specific Foxf2 knockout mice developed a high bone mass phenotype due to increased bone formation. RNA-seq analysis and molecular experiments revealed that Foxf2 regulation of bone formation is mediated by Wnt2b. Knockdown of Foxf2 in mouse femurs enhanced bone regeneration in vivo. FOXF2 expression was correlated with hip bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Finally, inhibition of FOXF2 promoted osteoblastic differentiation of human MSCs. This study uncovers a critical role of Foxf2 in the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and provides insight into the pathogenesis associated with bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and nonunion after fracture.
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7
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Zhang X, Zhang R, Hou C, He R, Wang QS, Zhou TH, Li XQ, Zhai QL, Feng YM. FOXF2 oppositely regulates stemness in luminal and basal-like breast cancer cells through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102082. [PMID: 35660418 PMCID: PMC9254110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The stemness of cancer cells contributes to tumorigenesis, the heterogeneity of malignancies, cancer metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, the role and regulatory mechanisms maintaining stemness among breast cancer subtypes remain elusive. Our previous studies have demonstrated that ectopic expression and dynamic alteration of the mesenchymal transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) differentially regulates breast cancer progression and metastasis organotropism in a cell subtype-specific manner. Here, we reveal the underlying mechanism by which FOXF2 enhances stemness in luminal breast cancer cells but suppresses that in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells. We show that luminal breast cancer and BLBC cells with FOXF2-regulated stemness exhibit partial mesenchymal stem cell properties that toward osteogenic differentiation and myogenic differentiation, respectively. Furthermore, we show that FOXF2 activates the Wnt signaling pathway in luminal breast cancer cells but represses this pathway in BLBC cells by recruiting nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCoA3) and nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) to the promoters of Wnt family member 2B (WNT2B) and frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1) genes to activate and repress their transcription, respectively. We propose that targeting the Wnt signaling pathway is a promising strategy for the treatment of breast cancers with dysregulated expression of FOXF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chen Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Tian-Hao Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qiong-Li Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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8
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Li T, Huang S, Yan W, Zhang Y, Guo Q. FOXF2 Regulates PRUNE2 Transcription in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221118717. [PMID: 35929169 PMCID: PMC9358570 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221118717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Forkhead box F2, a member of the Forkhead box transcription factor superfamily, plays an important role in several types of cancer. However, the mechanisms of Forkhead box F2 in the progression of colorectal cancer remain unclear. PRUNE2 is closely associated with prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, and melanoma. The relationship between Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 in colorectal cancer remains unknown. Method: We investigated the effects of Forkhead box F2 upregulation on colorectal cancer cell behavior in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, Transwell, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Nude mouse xenografts were established to investigate the effect of Forkhead box F2 upregulation on the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the Forkhead box F2 regulation of PRUNE2 transcription. A series of in vitro assays was performed in cells with Forkhead box F2 upregulation and PRUNE2 knockdown to elucidate the function and regulatory effects of Forkhead box F2 on PRUNE2 transcription in colorectal cancer. Results: Forkhead box F2 was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. Forkhead box F2 overexpression significantly suppressed the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Forkhead box F2 directly targeted PRUNE2 to promote its transcription in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, PRUNE2 mediated the Forkhead box F2-regulated proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant positive correlation between Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 mRNA levels in colorectal cancer tissues. Conclusion: These results indicated that Forkhead box F2 and PRUNE2 in combination may serve as a prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer and that Forkhead box F2 upregulation inhibits the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by upregulating PRUNE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, 47910Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, China.,Medical School, 47910Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Silin Huang
- Medical School, 47910Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, 47910Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Faculty of Life Science and Technology, 47910Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, China
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9
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Stevenson AW, Melton PE, Moses EK, Wallace HJ, Wood FM, Rea S, Danielsen PL, Alghamdi M, Hortin N, Borowczyk J, Deng Z, Manzur M, Fear MW. A methylome and transcriptome analysis of normal human scar cells reveals a role for FOXF2 in scar maintenance. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1489-1498.e12. [PMID: 34687743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.08.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Scar is maintained for life and increases in size during periods of growth such as puberty. Epigenetic changes in fibroblasts after injury may underpin the maintenance and growth of scar. Here, we, combined methylome and transcriptome data from normotrophic mature scar and contralateral uninjured normal skin fibroblasts to identify potential regulators of scar maintenance. 219 significantly differentially expressed and 1199 significantly differentially methylated promoters were identified, of which there were 12 genes both significantly differentially methylated and expressed. Of these the two transcription factors, Forkhead Box F2 (FOXF2) and Mohawk Homeobox (MKX) were selected for further analysis. Immunocytochemistry and qPCR suggested FOXF2 but not MKX had elevated expression in scar fibroblasts. Using RNASeq, FOXF2 knockdown was shown to significantly reduce expression of extracellular matrix related genes, whilst MKX did not appear to affect similar pathways. Finally, FOXF2 knockdown was also shown to significantly decrease collagen I production in scar and keloid fibroblasts. This study provides insights into the maintenance of normotrophic scar, suggesting FOXF2 is an important regulator of this process. Targeting genes responsible for maintenance of scar phenotype may ameliorate scar appearance and improve patient outcomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Stevenson
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Phillip E Melton
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Eric K Moses
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Hilary J Wallace
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia
| | - Fiona M Wood
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Burns Service of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Suzanne Rea
- Burns Service of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Patricia L Danielsen
- Department of Dermatology and Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mansour Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Genomics and Personalised Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nicole Hortin
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Julia Borowczyk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Zhenjun Deng
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mitali Manzur
- Telethon Kids Institute, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Mark W Fear
- Burn Injury Research Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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10
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Zhang C, Li YZ, Dai DQ. Aberrant DNA Methylation-Mediated FOXF2 Dysregulation Is a Prognostic Risk Factor for Gastric Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:645470. [PMID: 34568422 PMCID: PMC8460759 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.645470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) patients is poor. The effect of aberrant DNA methylation on FOXF2 expression and the prognostic role of FOXF2 methylation in GC have not yet been identified. Methods: The RNA-Seq and gene methylation HM450 profile data were used for analyzing FOXF2 expression in GC and its association with methylation level. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) was performed to measure the methylation level of the FOXF2 promoter region in GC cell lines and normal GES-1 cells. The cells were treated with the demethylation reagent 5-Aza-dC, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of FOXF2 were then measured by qRT-PCR and western blot assays. The risk score system from SurvivalMeth was calculated by integrating the methylation level of the cg locus and the corresponding Cox regression coefficient. Results: FOXF2 was significantly downregulated in GC cells and tissues. On the basis of RNA-Seq and Illumina methylation 450 data, FOXF2 expression was significantly negatively correlated with the FOXF2 methylation level (Pearson’s R = −0.42, p < 2.2e−16). The FOXF2 methylation level in the high FOXF2 expression group was lower than that in the low FOXF2 expression group. The BSP assay indicated that the methylation level of the FOXF2 promoter region in GC cell lines was higher than that in GES-1 cells. The qRT-PCR and western blot assay showed that FOXF2 mRNA and protein levels were increased in GC cells following treatment with 5-Aza-Dc. The methylation risk score model indicated that patients in the high risk group had poorer survival probability than those in the low risk group (HR = 1.84 (1.11–3.07) and p = 0.0068). FOXF2 also had a close transcriptional regulation network with four miRNAs and their corresponding target genes. Functional enrichment analysis of the target genes revealed that these genes were significantly related to several important signaling pathways. Conclusion: FOXF2 was downregulated due to aberrant DNA methylation in GC, and the degree of methylation in the promoter region of FOXF2 was related to the prognosis of patients. The FOXF2/miRNAs/target genes axis may play a vital biological regulation role in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong-Zhi Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Qiu Dai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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11
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Chen Q, Zhou L, Chen F, Hu A, Wang K, Liang H, Dong J. Forkhead box F2 as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in human cancers prone to bone metastasis: a meta-analysis. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211002372. [PMID: 33845605 PMCID: PMC8047092 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211002372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of Forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) levels in different types of cancers prone to bone metastasis. METHODS A systematic search of publications listed in electronic databases (The Web of Science, EMBASE®, PubMed®, PMC, Science Direct and CNKI) from inception to 5 November 2020 was conducted. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the relationship between FOXF2 levels and patient prognosis including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Sixteen studies enrolling 8461 participants were included in the meta-analysis. High levels of FOXF2 were a predictor of OS (HR: 0.66; 95% CI 0.51, 0.86) and DFS (HR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.48, 0.76). The trim-and-fill analysis, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses stratified by the study characteristics confirmed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION These current findings indicate that high FOXF2 levels could be an indicator of a good prognosis in cancer patients with tumours that are prone to bone metastasis. FOXF2 levels might be a clinically important prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fancheng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ketao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Liang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Wu Q, Li W, You C. The regulatory roles and mechanisms of the transcription factor FOXF2 in human diseases. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10845. [PMID: 33717680 PMCID: PMC7934645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have focused on the relationship between transcription factors and a variety of common pathological conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and cancer. It has been found that abnormal transcription factor regulation can lead to aberrant expression of downstream genes, which contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family is encoded by the FOX gene, which mediates gene transcription and follow-up functions during physiological and pathological processes. FOXF2, a member of the FOX transcription family, is expressed in various organs and tissues while maintaining their normal structural and functional development during the embryonic and adult stages. Multiple regulatory pathways that regulate FOXF2 may also be controlled by FOXF2. Abnormal FOXF2 expression induced by uncontrollable regulatory signals mediate the progression of human diseases by interfering with the cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. FOXF2 manipulates downstream pathways and targets as both a pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic factor across different types of cancer, suggesting it may be a new potential clinical marker or therapeutic target for cancer. However, FOXF2’s biological functions and specific roles in cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we provide an overview of FOXF2’s structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms in the physiological and pathological conditions of human body. We also discussed the possible reasons why FOXF2 performs the opposite function in the same types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongge You
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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13
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Pongpanich M, Sanguansin S, Kengkarn S, Chaiwongkot A, Klongnoi B, Kitkumthorn N. An integrative analysis of genome-wide methylation and expression in ameloblastoma: A pilot study. Oral Dis 2020; 27:1455-1467. [PMID: 33022811 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE DNA methylation regulates the expression of various genes involved in tumorigenesis. Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic jaw tumor. It is locally aggressive with a high level of recurrence. A delay in treatment can lead to severe facial disfigurement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression in ameloblastoma with the aim to identify genes that may be regulated by DNA methylation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used an Infinium MethylationEPIC array to measure genome-wide methylation and the Illumina HiSeq platform to obtain gene expression data in ameloblastoma tissues from five patients and dental follicles from three healthy subjects. An integration analysis was performed using City of Hope CpG Island Analysis Pipeline software. RESULTS We identified 25,255 differentially methylated CpG sites and 17 differentially methylated CpG islands; six of the islands were negatively correlated with the expression of BAIAP2, DUSP6, FGFR2, FOXF2, NID2, and PAK6. Pyrosequencing and immunostaining techniques were further used to validate FGFR2, NID2, and PAK6. CONCLUSIONS This analysis identifies a group of novel genes that may be regulated by DNA methylation and will possibly lead to new insights into the pathology and invasion mechanism of ameloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnat Pongpanich
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirima Sanguansin
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudaporn Kengkarn
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Arkom Chaiwongkot
- Applied Medical Virology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Boworn Klongnoi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Kitkumthorn
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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14
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Lu JT, Tan CC, Wu XR, He R, Zhang X, Wang QS, Li XQ, Zhang R, Feng YM. FOXF2 deficiency accelerates the visceral metastasis of basal-like breast cancer by unrestrictedly increasing TGF-β and miR-182-5p. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:2973-2987. [PMID: 32424142 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) is a critical regulator of embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Our previous studies demonstrated that FOXF2 is ectopically expressed in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells and that FOXF2 deficiency promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aggressiveness of BLBC cells. In this study, we found that FOXF2 controls transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling pathway activation through transrepression of TGF-β-coding genes in BLBC cells. FOXF2-deficient BLBC cells adopt a myofibroblast-/cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype, and tend to metastasize to visceral organs by increasing autocrine TGF-β signaling and conferring aggressiveness to neighboring cells by increasing paracrine TGF-β signaling. In turn, TGF-β silences FOXF2 expression through upregulating miR-182-5p, a posttranscriptional regulator of FOXF2 and inducer of metastasis. In addition to mediating a reciprocal repression loop between FOXF2 and TGF-β through direct transrepression by SMAD3, miR-182-5p forms a reciprocal repression loop with FOXF2 that directly transrepresses MIR182 expression. Therefore, FOXF2 deficiency accelerates the visceral metastasis of BLBC through unrestricted increases in autocrine and paracrine TGF-β signaling, and miR-182-5p expression. Our findings provide novel mechanisms underlying the roles of TGF-β, miR-182-5p, and FOXF2 in accelerating BLBC dissemination and metastasis, and may facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for aggressive BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Tao Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Cong-Cong Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China. .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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15
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Chen G, Liu L, Sun J, Zeng L, Cai H, He Y. Foxf2 and Smad6 co-regulation of collagen 5A2 transcription is involved in the pathogenesis of intrauterine adhesion. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2802-2818. [PMID: 32022446 PMCID: PMC7077542 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The replacement of normal endometrial epithelium by fibrotic tissue is the pathological feature of intrauterine adhesion (IUA), which is caused by trauma to the basal layer of the endometrium. COL5A2 is a molecular subtype of collagen V that regulates collagen production in fibrotic tissue. Here, we investigated the roles of Foxf2 and Smad6 in regulating the transcription of COL5A2 and their involvement in the pathogenesis of IUA. Small interference‐mediated Foxf2 (si‐Foxf2) silencing and pcDNA3.1‐mediated Smad6 (pcDNA3.1‐Smad6) up‐regulation were performed in a TGF‐β1‐induced human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) fibrosis model. Assessment of collagen expression by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and qRT‐PCR showed that COL5A2, COL1A1 and FN were significantly down‐regulated in response to si‐Foxf2 and pcDNA3.1‐Smad6. Transfection of lentivirus vector‐Foxf2 (LV‐Foxf2) and pcDNA3.1‐Smad6 into HESCs and qRT‐PCR showed that Foxf2 promoted COL5A2 expression and Smad6 inhibited Foxf2‐induced COL5A2 expression. Co‐immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase reporter assays to detect the interaction between Foxf2 and Smad6 and their role in COL5A2 transcription showed that Foxf2 interacted with Smad6 and bond the same promoter region of COL5A2. In a rat IUA model, injection of ADV2‐Foxf2‐1810 and ADV4‐Smad6 into the uterine wall showed that Foxf2 down‐regulation and Smad6 up‐regulation decreased fibrosis and the expression of COL5A2 and COL1A1, as detected by haematoxylin/eosin, Masson trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. Taken together, these results suggested that Foxf2 interacted with Smad6 and co‐regulated COL5A2 transcription in the pathogenesis of IUA, whereas they played opposite roles in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Maternity and Childcare Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liying Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huihua Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People`s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanli He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Orlova E, Carlson JC, Lee MK, Feingold E, McNeil DW, Crout RJ, Weyant RJ, Marazita ML, Shaffer JR. Pilot GWAS of caries in African-Americans shows genetic heterogeneity. BMC Oral Health 2019; 19:215. [PMID: 31533690 PMCID: PMC6751797 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-019-0904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in the US and disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minorities. Caries is heritable, and though genetic heterogeneity exists between ancestries for a substantial portion of loci associated with complex disease, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of caries specifically in African Americans has not been performed previously. METHODS We performed exploratory GWAS of dental caries in 109 African American adults (age > 18) and 96 children (age 3-12) from the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia (COHRA1 cohort). Caries phenotypes (DMFS, DMFT, dft, and dfs indices) assessed by dental exams were tested for association with 5 million genotyped or imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), separately in the two age groups. The GWAS was performed using linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, and two principal components of ancestry. A maximum of 1 million adaptive permutations were run to determine empirical significance. RESULTS No loci met the threshold for genome-wide significance, though some of the strongest signals were near genes previously implicated in caries such as antimicrobial peptide DEFB1 (rs2515501; p = 4.54 × 10- 6) and TUFT1 (rs11805632; p = 5.15 × 10- 6). Effect estimates of lead SNPs at suggestive loci were compared between African Americans and Caucasians (adults N = 918; children N = 983). Significant (p < 5 × 10- 8) genetic heterogeneity for caries risk was found between racial groups for 50% of the suggestive loci in children, and 12-18% of the suggestive loci in adults. CONCLUSIONS The genetic heterogeneity results suggest that there may be differences in the contributions of genetic variants to caries across racial groups, and highlight the critical need for the inclusion of minorities in subsequent and larger genetic studies of caries in order to meet the goals of precision medicine and to reduce oral health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Orlova
- Department of Human Genetics, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - J C Carlson
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - M K Lee
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Dept. of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - E Feingold
- Department of Human Genetics, Pittsburgh, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, USA
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Dept. of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - D W McNeil
- Departments of Psychology, & Dental Practice and Rural Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA
| | - R J Crout
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - R J Weyant
- Department of Dental Public Health and Information Management, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - M L Marazita
- Department of Human Genetics, Pittsburgh, USA
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Dept. of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J R Shaffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Dept. of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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17
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Bademci G, Abad C, Incesulu A, Elian F, Reyahi A, Diaz-Horta O, Cengiz FB, Sineni CJ, Seyhan S, Atli EI, Basmak H, Demir S, Nik AM, Footz T, Guo S, Duman D, Fitoz S, Gurkan H, Blanton SH, Walter MA, Carlsson P, Walz K, Tekin M. FOXF2 is required for cochlear development in humans and mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1286-1297. [PMID: 30561639 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms governing the development of the human cochlea remain largely unknown. Through genome sequencing, we identified a homozygous FOXF2 variant c.325A>T (p.I109F) in a child with profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) associated with incomplete partition type I anomaly of the cochlea. This variant is not found in public databases or in over 1000 ethnicity-matched control individuals. I109 is a highly conserved residue in the forkhead box (Fox) domain of FOXF2, a member of the Fox protein family of transcription factors that regulate the expression of genes involved in embryogenic development as well as adult life. Our in vitro studies show that the half-life of mutant FOXF2 is reduced compared to that of wild type. Foxf2 is expressed in the cochlea of developing and adult mice. The mouse knockout of Foxf2 shows shortened and malformed cochleae, in addition to altered shape of hair cells with innervation and planar cell polarity defects. Expressions of Eya1 and Pax3, genes essential for cochlear development, are reduced in the cochleae of Foxf2 knockout mice. We conclude that FOXF2 plays a major role in cochlear development and its dysfunction leads to SNHL and developmental anomalies of the cochlea in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guney Bademci
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Clemer Abad
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Armagan Incesulu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Fahed Elian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Azadeh Reyahi
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Oscar Diaz-Horta
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Filiz B Cengiz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claire J Sineni
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Serhat Seyhan
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Ikbal Atli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Basmak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Selma Demir
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Ali Moussavi Nik
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shengru Guo
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Duygu Duman
- Division of Pediatric Genetics, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suat Fitoz
- Department of Radiology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gurkan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Susan H Blanton
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Peter Carlsson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katherina Walz
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mustafa Tekin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Dr John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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18
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Wang S, Li GX, Tan CC, He R, Kang LJ, Lu JT, Li XQ, Wang QS, Liu PF, Zhai QL, Feng YM. FOXF2 reprograms breast cancer cells into bone metastasis seeds. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2707. [PMID: 31222004 PMCID: PMC6586905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metastases occur in most advanced breast cancer patients and cause serious skeletal-related complications. The mechanisms by which bone metastasis seeds develop in primary tumors and specifically colonize the bone remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) functions as a master transcription factor for reprogramming cancer cells into an osteomimetic phenotype by pleiotropic transactivation of the BMP4/SMAD1 signaling pathway and bone-related genes that are expressed at early stages of bone differentiation. The epithelial-to-osteomimicry transition regulated by FOXF2 confers a tendency on cancer cells to metastasize to bone which leads to osteolytic bone lesions. The BMP antagonist Noggin significantly inhibits FOXF2-driven osteolytic bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. Thus, targeting the FOXF2-BMP/SMAD axis might be a promising therapeutic strategy to manage bone metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in transactivating bone-related genes implies a biological function of FOXF2 in regulating bone development and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Gui-Xi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Cong-Cong Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Li-Juan Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jun-Tao Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Pei-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qiong-Li Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China. .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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19
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Meyer-Schaller N, Heck C, Tiede S, Yilmaz M, Christofori G. Foxf2 plays a dual role during transforming growth factor beta-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition by promoting apoptosis yet enabling cell junction dissolution and migration. Breast Cancer Res 2018; 20:118. [PMID: 30285803 PMCID: PMC6167826 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-1043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The most life-threatening step during malignant tumor progression is reached when cancer cells leave the primary tumor mass and seed metastasis in distant organs. To infiltrate the surrounding tissue and disseminate throughout the body, single motile tumor cells leave the tumor mass by breaking down cell-cell contacts in a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). An EMT is a complex molecular and cellular program enabling epithelial cells to abandon their differentiated phenotype, including cell-cell adhesion and cell polarity, and to acquire mesenchymal features and invasive properties. Methods We employed gene expression profiling and functional experiments to study transcriptional control of transforming growth factor (TGF)β-induced EMT in normal murine mammary gland epithelial (NMuMG) cells. Results We identified that expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein F2 (Foxf2) is upregulated during the EMT process. Although it is not required to gain mesenchymal markers, Foxf2 is essential for the disruption of cell junctions and the downregulation of epithelial markers in NMuMG cells treated with TGFβ. Foxf2 is critical for the downregulation of E-cadherin by promoting the expression of the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, Zeb1 and Zeb2, while repressing expression of the epithelial maintenance factor Id2 and miRNA 200 family members. Moreover, Foxf2 is required for TGFβ-mediated apoptosis during EMT by the transcriptional activation of the proapoptotic BH3-only protein Noxa and by the negative regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated survival signaling through direct repression of its ligands betacellulin and amphiregulin. The dual function of Foxf2 during EMT is underscored by the finding that high Foxf2 expression correlates with good prognosis in patients with early noninvasive stages of breast cancer, but with poor prognosis in advanced breast cancer. Conclusions Our data identify the transcription factor Foxf2 as one of the important regulators of EMT, displaying a dual function in promoting tumor cell apoptosis as well as tumor cell migration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-018-1043-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Meyer-Schaller
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Present address: Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Heck
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Present address: Integra Biosciences AG, Zizers, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Tiede
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mahmut Yilmaz
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Present address: Roche Pharma, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Christofori
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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The Risk G Allele of the Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism rs928413 Creates a CREB1-Binding Site That Activates IL33 Promoter in Lung Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102911. [PMID: 30257479 PMCID: PMC6212888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine interleukin 33 (IL-33) is constitutively expressed by epithelial barrier cells, and promotes the development of humoral immune responses. Along with other proinflammatory mediators released by the epithelium of airways and lungs, it plays an important role in a number of respiratory pathologies. In particular, IL-33 significantly contributes to pathogenesis of allergy and asthma; genetic variations in the IL33 locus are associated with increased susceptibility to asthma. Large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified minor “G” allele of the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs928413, located in the IL33 promoter area, as a susceptible variant for early childhood and atopic asthma development. Here, we demonstrate that the rs928413(G) allele creates a binding site for the cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) transcription factor. In a pulmonary epithelial cell line, activation of CREB1, presumably via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade, activates the IL33 promoter containing the rs928413(G) allele specifically and in a CREB1-dependent manner. This mechanism may explain the negative effect of the rs928413 minor “G” allele on asthma development.
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21
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Lo PK. FOXF2 differentially regulates expression of metabolic genes in non-cancerous and cancerous breast epithelial cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1. [PMID: 30294731 DOI: 10.15761/tdm.1000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) functions as a transcription factor and is critically involved in programming organogenesis and regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell proliferation. We recently have revealed that FOXF2 can exert distinct functional effects on different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. We found that FOXF2 expression is epigenetically silenced in luminal breast cancers due to its tumor-suppressive role in DNA replication regulation. In contrast, FOXF2 is overexpressed in basal-like triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) due to its oncogenic role in promoting EMT. Although our and other studies have shown that FOXF2 dysregulation is critical for tumorigenesis of various tissue types, the role of FOXF2 in metabolic rewiring of cancer remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed our previous microarray data to understand the metabolic role of FOXF2 in non-cancerous and cancerous breast epithelial cells. Our studies showed that in non-cancerous breast epithelial cells FOXF2 can also play a dual role either in tumor suppression or in tumor promotion through regulating expression of tumor-suppressive and oncogenic metabolic genes. Furthermore, we found that FOXF2-regulated metabolic genes are not conserved between non-cancerous and cancerous breast epithelial cells and FOXF2 is involved in metabolic rewiring in breast cancer cells. This is the first report to explore the metabolic function of FOXF2 in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Kuo Lo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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22
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Marcu R, Choi YJ, Xue J, Fortin CL, Wang Y, Nagao RJ, Xu J, MacDonald JW, Bammler TK, Murry CE, Muczynski K, Stevens KR, Himmelfarb J, Schwartz SM, Zheng Y. Human Organ-Specific Endothelial Cell Heterogeneity. iScience 2018; 4:20-35. [PMID: 30240741 PMCID: PMC6147238 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium first forms in the blood islands in the extra-embryonic yolk sac and then throughout the embryo to establish circulatory networks that further acquire organ-specific properties during development to support diverse organ functions. Here, we investigated the properties of endothelial cells (ECs), isolated from four human major organs-the heart, lung, liver, and kidneys-in individual fetal tissues at three months' gestation, at gene expression, and at cellular function levels. We showed that organ-specific ECs have distinct expression patterns of gene clusters, which support their specific organ development and functions. These ECs displayed distinct barrier properties, angiogenic potential, and metabolic rate and support specific organ functions. Our findings showed the link between human EC heterogeneity and organ development and can be exploited therapeutically to contribute in organ regeneration, disease modeling, as well as guiding differentiation of tissue-specific ECs from human pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Marcu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yoon Jung Choi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chelsea L Fortin
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yuliang Wang
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan J Nagao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James W MacDonald
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Theo K Bammler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Kelly R Stevens
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan Himmelfarb
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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23
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Dou C, Jin X, Sun L, Zhang B, Han M, Li T. FOXF2 deficiency promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inducing mesenchymal-epithelial transition. Cancer Biomark 2018; 19:447-454. [PMID: 28582850 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The transcription factor FOXF2 is reported to be down-regulated in HCC. Its deficiency is correlated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival of HCC patients; however, the mechanism remains to be elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we performed qRT-PCR and western blotting to confirm the down-regulated FOXF2 in HCC tissue and cell lines. Then the HCC cell line Huh7 transduced with FOXF2 shRNA was adopted in a series of in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the cell phenotype change, migration, invasion, proliferation, colonization of circulating cell and the formation of metastatic nodules. RESULTS We found that FOXF2 was down-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. FOXF2 deficiency in Huh7 cells increased E-cadherin and decreased Vimentin. The down-regulation of FOXF2 impeded HCC cell migration and invasion capacity, but promoted the proliferation of HCC cells and the growth of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice, which indicated a mesenchymal-to-epithelial phenotypic change in Huh7 cells. FOXF2 deficiency enhanced the colonization of circulating HCC cell, thus promoted the formation of metastatic nodules. CONCLUSIONS FOXF2 deficiency induced mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in Huh7 cell which might facilitate the colonization of circulating tumor cells and the formation of metastasis.
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24
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Kong PZ, Li GM, Tian Y, Song B, Shi R. Decreased expression of FOXF2 as new predictor of poor prognosis in stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55601-55610. [PMID: 27487137 PMCID: PMC5342439 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) is relatively limited to the adult lung, but its contribution to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prognosis is unclear. Results FOXF2 mRNA levels in NSCLC were lower than that in paired normal lung tissues (P = 0.012). The FOXF2low patients had shorter survival time than the FOXF2high patients (P = 0.024) especially in stage I (P = 0.002), chemotherapy (P = 0.018) and < 60 age groups (P = 0.002). Lower FOXF2 mRNA levels could independently predict poorer survival for patients with NSCLC (HR = 2.384, 95% CI = 1.241–4.577; P = 0.009), especially in stage I (HR =4.367, 95% CI =1.599–11.925; P = 0.004). The two independent datasets confirmed our findings. Methods We examined FOXF2 mRNA levels in 84 primary NSCLC and 8 normal lung tissues using qRT-PCR. Rank-sum tests and chi-square tests were used to assess the differences among groups with various clinicopathological factors. Kaplan-Meier tests were used to compare survival status in patients with different FOXF2 mRNA levels. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the predictive value of FOXF2 mRNA level in NSCLC patients. Independent validation was performed using an independent dataset (98 samples) and an online survival analysis software Kaplan-Meier plotter (1928 samples). Conclusions Our results demonstrated that decreased FOXF2 expression is an independent predictive factor for poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC, especially in stage I NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Zhou Kong
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.,Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Guang-Ming Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yin Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of JingZhou, JingZhou 434000, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Bin Song
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.,Department of Oncology, The First Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - RuYi Shi
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.,Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
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25
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Higashimori A, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Kang W, Nakatsu G, Ng SSM, Arakawa T, Sung JJY, Chan FKL, Yu J. Forkhead Box F2 Suppresses Gastric Cancer through a Novel FOXF2-IRF2BPL-β-Catenin Signaling Axis. Cancer Res 2018; 78:1643-1656. [PMID: 29374064 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation has been identified as a hallmark of gastric cancer (GC). Identifying genes that are repressed by DNA promoter methylation is essential in providing insights into the molecular pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Using genome-wide methylation studies, we identified that transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) was preferentially methylated in gastric cancer. We then investigated the functional significance and clinical implication of FOXF2 in gastric cancer. FOXF2 was silenced in gastric cancer cell lines and cancer tissues by promoter methylation, which was negatively associated with mRNA expression. Ectopic expression of FOXF2 inhibited proliferation, colony formation, G1-S cell-cycle transition, induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cell lines, and suppressed growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice; knockdown of FOXF2 elicited opposing effects. FOXF2 inhibited Wnt signaling by inducing β-catenin protein ubiquitination and degradation independently of GSK-3β. FOXF2 directly bound the promoter of E3 ligase interferon regulatory factor 2-binding protein-like (IRF2BPL) and induced its transcriptional expression. IRF2BPL in turn interacted with β-catenin, increasing its ubiquitination and degradation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified FOXF2 hypermethylation as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival in early-stage gastric cancer patients. In conclusion, FOXF2 is a critical tumor suppressor in gastric carcinogenesis whose methylation status serves as an independent prognostic factor for gastric cancer patients.Significance: FOXF2-mediated upregulation of the E3 ligase IRF2BPL drives ubiquitylation and degradation of β-catenin in gastric cancer, blunting Wnt signaling and suppressing carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 78(7); 1643-56. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Higashimori
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yujuan Dong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Yanquan Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Geicho Nakatsu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Simon S M Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tetsuo Arakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Joseph J Y Sung
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Francis K L Chan
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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26
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Bolte C, Whitsett JA, Kalin TV, Kalinichenko VV. Transcription Factors Regulating Embryonic Development of Pulmonary Vasculature. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2018; 228:1-20. [PMID: 29288383 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-68483-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Lung morphogenesis is a highly orchestrated process beginning with the appearance of lung buds on approximately embryonic day 9.5 in the mouse. Endodermally derived epithelial cells of the primitive lung buds undergo branching morphogenesis to generate the tree-like network of epithelial-lined tubules. The pulmonary vasculature develops in close proximity to epithelial progenitor cells in a process that is regulated by interactions between the developing epithelium and underlying mesenchyme. Studies in transgenic and knockout mouse models demonstrate that normal lung morphogenesis requires coordinated interactions between cells lining the tubules, which end in peripheral saccules, juxtaposed to an extensive network of capillaries. Multiple growth factors, microRNAs, transcription factors, and their associated signaling cascades regulate cellular proliferation, migration, survival, and differentiation during formation of the peripheral lung. Dysregulation of signaling events caused by gene mutations, teratogens, or premature birth causes severe congenital and acquired lung diseases in which normal alveolar architecture and the pulmonary capillary network are disrupted. Herein, we review scientific progress regarding signaling and transcriptional mechanisms regulating the development of pulmonary vasculature during lung morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Bolte
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Whitsett
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tanya V Kalin
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Vladimir V Kalinichenko
- Center for Lung Regenerative Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Division of Developmental Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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27
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FOXF1 transcription factor promotes lung regeneration after partial pneumonectomy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10690. [PMID: 28878348 PMCID: PMC5587533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11175-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXF1, a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors, has been previously shown to be critical for lung development, homeostasis, and injury responses. However, the role of FOXF1 in lung regeneration is unknown. Herein, we performed partial pneumonectomy, a model of lung regeneration, in mice lacking one Foxf1 allele in endothelial cells (PDGFb-iCre/Foxf1 fl/+ mice). Endothelial cell proliferation was significantly reduced in regenerating lungs from mice deficient for endothelial Foxf1. Decreased endothelial proliferation was associated with delayed lung regeneration as shown by reduced respiratory volume in Foxf1-deficient lungs. FACS-sorted endothelial cells isolated from regenerating PDGFb-iCre/Foxf1 fl/+ and control lungs were used for RNAseq analysis to identify FOXF1 target genes. Foxf1 deficiency altered expression of numerous genes including those regulating extracellular matrix remodeling (Timp3, Adamts9) and cell cycle progression (Cdkn1a, Cdkn2b, Cenpj, Tubb4a), which are critical for lung regeneration. Deletion of Foxf1 increased Timp3 mRNA and protein, decreasing MMP14 activity in regenerating lungs. ChIPseq analysis for FOXF1 and histone methylation marks identified DNA regulatory regions within the Cd44, Cdkn1a, and Cdkn2b genes, indicating they are direct FOXF1 targets. Thus FOXF1 stimulates lung regeneration following partial pneumonectomy via direct transcriptional regulation of genes critical for extracellular matrix remodeling and cell cycle progression.
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28
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Zhang X, Ma G, Liu J, Zhang Y. MicroRNA-182 promotes proliferation and metastasis by targeting FOXF2 in triple-negative breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4805-4811. [PMID: 29085483 PMCID: PMC5649577 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC), is characterized as high proliferation, young age and poor prognosis. MicroRNA-182 (miR-182) was reported to have oncogenic potential in many cancers. We aimed to elucidate pathobiological effects of miR-182 expression by targeting forkhead-box F2 (FOXF2) in TNBC. In this study, we explored the functional role of miR-182 expression in TNBC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate the expression of miR-182 in cell lines and tissues. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with miR-182 overexpression. Luciferase reporter assays and western blot analysis were used to identify FOXF2 as the direct and functional target of miR-182. In TNBC tissues and cell lines, we found that miR-182 was significantly upregulated. Transwell assay showed that re-expression of miR-182 increased cell migration and invasion abilities and MTT assay showed that it promoted cell growth in vitro. In vivo assay, re-expression of miR-182 significantly increase tumor volume and enhanced instant metastasis in the lungs of mice. Besides, FOXF2 was identified as a direct and functional target of miR-182. These results indicated that miR-182 plays an important role in the initiation and progression of TNBC by targeting FOXF2 and the miR-182/FOXF2 axis may present a new therapeutic strategy for TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Genshun Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Jianchao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, P.R. China
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29
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MicroRNAs as regulators and mediators of forkhead box transcription factors function in human cancers. Oncotarget 2017; 8:12433-12450. [PMID: 27999212 PMCID: PMC5355356 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence has shown that microRNAs are widely implicated as indispensable components of tumor suppressive and oncogenic pathways in human cancers. Thus, identification of microRNA targets and their relevant pathways will contribute to the development of microRNA-based therapeutics. The forkhead box transcription factors regulate numerous processes including cell cycle progression, metabolism, metastasis and angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tumor initiation and progression. A complex network of protein and non-coding RNAs mediates the expression and activity of forkhead box transcription factors. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and concepts concerning the involvement of microRNAs and forkhead box transcription factors and describe the roles of microRNAs-forkhead box axis in various disease states including tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, we describe some of the technical challenges in the use of the microRNA-forkhead box signaling pathway in cancer treatment.
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30
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Seok Y, Kang HG, Lee SY, Jeong JY, Choi JE, Jung DK, Jin CC, Hong MJ, Do SK, Lee WK, Park JY, Shin KM, Yoo SS, Lee J, Cho S, Cha SI, Kim CH, Jheon S, Lee EB, Park JY. Polymorphisms in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Genes and the Prognosis of Surgically Treated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2017; 24:3386-3395. [PMID: 28766235 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-017-6002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to determine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EMT-related genes may influence the prognosis of NSCLC after surgery. METHODS There were 88 SNPs in EMT-related genes evaluated in a discovery set of 376 patients who underwent curative surgery for NSCLC. Significantly, 14 SNPs were evaluated in a validation set of 428 patients. Luciferase assay and RT-PCR were conducted to examine functional relevance of polymorphisms. RESULTS Fourteen SNPs that were associated with survival outcomes in a discovery set were selected for validation. Among those, two SNPs (FOXF2 rs1711972A>C and HEYL rs784621G>A) were replicated in a validation study. In combined analysis, FOXF2 rs1711972 AC+CC genotype was associated with significantly better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) compared with AA genotype (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] for OS = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.88, P = 0.004; and aHR for DFS = 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95, P = 0.01). HEYL rs784621 AA genotype exhibited a significantly worse OS compared with GG+GA genotype (aHR for OS = 2.65, 95% CI 1.63-4.31, P = 8 × 10-5). FOXF2 rs1711972C allele had a significantly increased promoter activity than rs1711972A allele (P = 0.01), and HEYL rs784621A allele had a significantly lower promoter activity than rs784621G allele (P = 0.004). FOXF2 rs1711972A>C was significantly associated with increased FOXF2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS FOXF2 rs1711972A>C and HEYL rs784621G>A were associated with survival outcomes of surgically treated NSCLC. These SNPs may help to identify patients at high risk of poor disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangki Seok
- Lung Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Gyoung Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Yup Lee
- Lung Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yun Jeong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Eun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Deuk Kju Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheng Cheng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Hong
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook Kyung Do
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kee Lee
- Biostatistics Medical Research Collaboration Center, Kyungpook National University Hospital and Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Shin
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Soo Yoo
- Lung Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukki Cho
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ick Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghoon Jheon
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung Bae Lee
- Lung Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Yong Park
- Lung Cancer Center, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,Cell and Matrix Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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FoxF1 and FoxF2 transcription factors synergistically promote rhabdomyosarcoma carcinogenesis by repressing transcription of p21 Cip1 CDK inhibitor. Oncogene 2016; 36:850-862. [PMID: 27425595 PMCID: PMC5243941 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of Forkhead Box F1 (FoxF1) transcription factor in carcinogenesis is not well characterized. Depending on tissue and histological type of cancer, FoxF1 was shown to be either oncogene or tumor suppressor. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most aggressive pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. While FoxF1 is highly expressed in alveolar RMS, the functional role of FoxF1 in RMS is unknown. The present study demonstrates that expression of FoxF1 and its closely related transcription factor FoxF2 are essential for rhabdomyosarcoma tumor growth. Depletion of FoxF1 or FoxF2 in rhabdomyosarcoma cells decreased tumor growth in orthotopic mouse models of RMS. The decreased tumorigenesis was associated with the reduced tumor cell proliferation. Cell cycle regulatory proteins Cdk2, Cdk4/6, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E2 were decreased in FoxF1- and FoxF2-deficient RMS tumors. Depletion of either FoxF1 or FoxF2 delayed G1-S cell cycle progression, decreased levels of phosphorylated Rb and increased protein levels of the CDK inhibitors, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Depletion of both FoxF1 and FoxF2 in tumor cells completely abrogated RMS tumor growth in mice. Overexpression of either FoxF1 or FoxF2 in tumor cells was sufficient to increase carcinogenesis in orthotopic RMS mouse model. FoxF1 and FoxF2 directly bound to and repressed transcriptional activity of p21Cip1 promoter through −556/−545 bp region, but did not affect p27Kip1 transcription. Knockdown of p21Cip1 restored cell cycle progression in the FoxF1- or FoxF2-deficient tumor cells. Altogether, FoxF1 and FoxF2 promoted RMS tumorigenesis by inducing tumor cell proliferation via transcriptional repression of p21Cip1 gene promoter. Due to robust oncogenic activity in RMS tumors, FoxF1 and FoxF2 may represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy.
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Nik AM, Johansson JA, Ghiami M, Reyahi A, Carlsson P. Foxf2 is required for secondary palate development and Tgfβ signaling in palatal shelf mesenchyme. Dev Biol 2016; 415:14-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Zhang R, Chen X, Li P, Lu X, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhang L, Xu M, Cram DS. Molecular characterization of a novel ring 6 chromosome using next generation sequencing. Mol Cytogenet 2016; 9:33. [PMID: 27103944 PMCID: PMC4839136 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-016-0245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Karyotyping is the gold standard cytogenetic method for detection of ring chromosomes. In this study we report the molecular characterization of a novel ring 6 (r6) chromosome in a six-year-old girl with severe mental retardation, congenital heart disease and craniofacial abnormalities. Methods Cytogenetic analysis was performed by conventional karyotyping. Molecular genetic analyses were performed using high-resolution chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) and next generation sequencing (NGS). OMIM, UCSC and PubMed were used as reference databases to determine potential genotype to phenotype associations. Results Peripheral blood and skin fibroblast karyotyping revealed the presence of a dominant cell line, 46,XX,(r6)(p25.3;q27) and a minor cell line 45,XX,-6. Molecular karyotyping using NGS identified 6p25.3 and 6q27 subtelomeric deletions of 1.78 Mb and a 0.56 Mb, respectively. Based on the known genes located within the r6 deletion interval 6q25.3-pter, genotype to phenotype association studies found compelling evidence to suggest that hemizygous expression of disease genes FOXC1, FOXF2, IRF4 and GMDS was the main underlying cause of the patient’s phenotype. We further speculate that the severity of the patient’s symptoms may have been exacerbated by low-level instability of the r6 chromosome. Conclusion This is the first report of a novel r6 chromosome characterized at the molecular level using NGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Center for Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Center for Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Peiling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Xiumin Lu
- Center for Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Center for Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Obstetrics and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150000 Harbin, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Translational Medicine Center, Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400 China
| | - Mengnan Xu
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Building 9, No 6 Court Jingshun East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015 China
| | - David S Cram
- Berry Genomics Corporation, Building 9, No 6 Court Jingshun East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015 China
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Bu L, Chen Q, Wang H, Zhang T, Hetmanski JB, Schwender H, Parker M, Chou YHW, Yeow V, Chong SS, Zhang B, Jabs EW, Scott AF, Beaty TH. Novel evidence of association with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate was shown for single nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXF2 gene in an Asian population. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2015; 103:857-62. [PMID: 26278207 PMCID: PMC5180447 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The forkhead box F2 gene (FOXF2) located in chromosome 6p25.3 has been shown to play a crucial role in palatal development in mouse and rat models. To date, no evidence of linkage or association has been reported for this gene in humans with oral clefts. METHODS Allelic transmission disequilibrium tests were used to robustly assess evidence of linkage and association with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate for nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around FOXF2 in both Asian and European trios using PLINK. RESULTS Statistically significant evidence of linkage and association was shown for two SNPs (rs1711968 and rs732835) in 216 Asian trios where the empiric P values with permutation tests were 0.0016 and 0.005, respectively. The corresponding estimated odds ratios for carrying the minor allele at these SNPs were 2.05 (95% confidence interval = 1.41, 2.98) and 1.77 (95% confidence interval = 1.26, 2.49), respectively. CONCLUSION Our results provided statistical evidence of linkage and association between FOXF2 and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxue Bu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Public Health Surveillance and Information Services, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Health KeyLaboratory of Reproductive Health, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxiao Zhang
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jacqueline B Hetmanski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Holger Schwender
- Mathematical Institute, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Margaret Parker
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yah-Huei Wu Chou
- Department of Medical Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Vincent Yeow
- Department of Plastic Surgery, K K Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Samuel S Chong
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA. Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alan F Scott
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Terri H Beaty
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Homayounfar N, Park SS, Afsharinejad Z, Bammler TK, MacDonald JW, Farin FM, Mecham BH, Cunningham ML. Transcriptional analysis of human cranial compartments with different embryonic origins. Arch Oral Biol 2015; 60:1450-60. [PMID: 26188427 PMCID: PMC4750879 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous investigations suggest that the embryonic origins of the calvarial tissues (neural crest or mesoderm) may account for the molecular mechanisms underlying sutural development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in the gene expression of human cranial tissues and assess the presence of an expression signature reflecting their embryonic origins. METHODS Using microarray technology, we investigated global gene expression of cells from the frontal and parietal bones and the metopic and sagittal intrasutural mesenchyme (ISM) of four human foetal calvaria. qRT-PCR of a selected group of genes was done to validate the microarray analysis. Paired comparison and correlation analyses were performed on microarray results. RESULTS Of six paired comparisons, frontal and parietal compartments (distinct tissue types of calvaria, either bone or intrasutural mesenchyme) had the most different gene expression profiles despite being composed of the same tissue type (bone). Correlation analysis revealed two distinct gene expression profiles that separate frontal and metopic compartments from parietal and sagittal compartments. TFAP2A, TFAP2B, ICAM1, SULF1, TNC and FOXF2 were among differentially expressed genes. CONCLUSION Transcriptional profiles of two groups of tissues, frontal and metopic compartments vs. parietal and sagittal compartments, suggest differences in proliferation, differentiation and extracellular matrix production. Our data suggest that in the second trimester of human foetal development, a gene expression signature of neural crest origin still exists in frontal and metopic compartments while gene expression of parietal and sagittal compartments is more similar to mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Homayounfar
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 - 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States; Department of Oral Health Sciences, Dental School, University of Washington, United States; Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States.
| | - Sarah S Park
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 - 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
| | - Zahra Afsharinejad
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, # 100, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States
| | - Theodor K Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, # 100, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States
| | - James W MacDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, # 100, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States
| | - Federico M Farin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, # 100, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, United States
| | - Brigham H Mecham
- Trialomics, 1700 7th Avenue, # 116, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
| | - Michael L Cunningham
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 - 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101, United States; Seattle Children's Craniofacial Center, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
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Tian HP, Lun SM, Huang HJ, He R, Kong PZ, Wang QS, Li XQ, Feng YM. DNA Methylation Affects the SP1-regulated Transcription of FOXF2 in Breast Cancer Cells. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:19173-83. [PMID: 26070560 PMCID: PMC4521039 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.636126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXF2 (forkhead box F2) is a mesenchyme-specific transcription factor that plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis through the maintenance of epithelial polarity. In a previous study, we demonstrated that FOXF2 is specifically expressed in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells and functions as an epithelial-mesenchymal transition suppressor. FOXF2 deficiency enhances the metastatic ability of BLBC cells through activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition program, but reduces cell proliferation. In this study, we demonstrate that CpG island methylation of the FOXF2 proximal promoter region is involved in the regulatory mechanism of the subtype-specific expression of FOXF2 in breast cancer cells. DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B commonly or individually contributed to this DNA methylation in different breast cancer cells. SP1 regulated the transcriptional activity of FOXF2 through direct binding to the proximal promoter region, whereas this binding was abrogated through DNA methylation. FOXF2 mediated the SP1-regulated suppression of progression and promotion of proliferation of non-methylated BLBC cells. Thus, we conclude that the subtype-specific expression and function of FOXF2 in breast cancer cells are regulated through the combined effects of DNA methylation and SP1 transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Pan Tian
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Shu-Min Lun
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Huan-Jing Huang
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Rui He
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Peng-Zhou Kong
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
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Cai J, Tian AX, Wang QS, Kong PZ, Du X, Li XQ, Feng YM. FOXF2 suppresses the FOXC2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and multidrug resistance of basal-like breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2015. [PMID: 26210254 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) F2 and FOXC2 belong to the FOX transcription factor superfamily. FOXC2 is recognized as an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and its overexpression promotes basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) metastasis. Our previous study demonstrated that FOXF2 functions as an EMT suppressor and that FOXF2 deficiency promotes BLBC metastasis. However, the relationship between the opposite EMT-related transcription factors FOXF2 and FOXC2 remains unknown. Here, we found that FOXF2 directly targets FOXC2 to negatively regulate FOXC2 transcription in BLBC cells. Functionally, we observed that FOXC2 mediates the FOXF2-regulated EMT phenotype, aggressive behavior, and multiple chemotherapy drug resistance of BLBC cells. Additionally, we detected a significant negative correlation between the FOXF2 and FOXC2 mRNA levels in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues. TNBC patients in the FOXF2high/FOXC2low and FOXF2low/FOXC2high groups exhibited the best and worst disease-free survival (DFS), respectively, whereas the patients in the FOXF2high/FOXC2high and FOXF2low/FOXC2low groups exhibited moderate DFS. In summary, we found that FOXF2 transcriptionally targets FOXC2 and suppresses EMT and multidrug resistance by negatively regulating the transcription of FOXC2 in BLBC cells. The combined expression levels of FOXF2 and FOXC2 mRNA might serve as an effective prognostic indicator and could guide tailored therapy for TNBC or BLBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ai-Xian Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Peng-Zhou Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions during digestive tract development and epithelial stem cell regeneration. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3883-96. [PMID: 26126787 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1975-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract develops from a simple and uniform tube into a complex organ with specific differentiation patterns along the anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral axes of asymmetry. It is derived from all three germ layers and their cross-talk is important for the regulated development of fetal and adult gastrointestinal structures and organs. Signals from the adjacent mesoderm are essential for the morphogenesis of the overlying epithelium. These mesenchymal-epithelial interactions govern the development and regionalization of the different gastrointestinal epithelia and involve most of the key morphogens and signaling pathways, such as the Hedgehog, BMPs, Notch, WNT, HOX, SOX and FOXF cascades. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying mesenchyme differentiation into smooth muscle cells influence the regionalization of the gastrointestinal epithelium through interactions with the enteric nervous system. In the neonatal and adult gastrointestinal tract, mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are essential for the maintenance of the epithelial regionalization and digestive epithelial homeostasis. Disruption of these interactions is also associated with bowel dysfunction potentially leading to epithelial tumor development. In this review, we will discuss various aspects of the mesenchymal-epithelial interactions observed during digestive epithelium development and differentiation and also during epithelial stem cell regeneration.
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40
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Linhares ND, Svartman M, Rodrigues TC, Rosenberg C, Valadares ER. Subtelomeric 6p25 deletion/duplication: Report of a patient with new clinical findings and genotype–phenotype correlations. Eur J Med Genet 2015; 58:310-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Shi Z, Liu J, Yu X, Huang J, Shen S, Zhang Y, Han R, Ge N, Yang Y. Loss of FOXF2 Expression Predicts Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2015; 23:211-7. [PMID: 25824262 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-015-4515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXF2 is a member of the forkhead box (FOX) family of transcription factors. FOXF2 plays an important role in several tumors but its expression and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed FOXF2 expression in 295 clinicopathologically characterized HCC cases. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we investigated the effects of FOXF2 depletion on tumor cell behavior in vitro. Statistical analyses were used to determine associations between FOXF2 levels, tumor features, and patient outcomes. RESULTS FOXF2 downregulation was observed in HCC tissues (p < 0.001) compared with peritumorous tissues, and its expression levels were closely correlated with overall survival and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.023 and 0.006, respectively) in patients with HCC. RNAi-mediated silencing of the FOXF2 gene in the MHCC-97H cell line significantly promoted proliferation and anti-apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that FOXF2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for HCC and may be a promising target in the treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Shi
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaohe Yu
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqun Shen
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongshun Zhang
- Department of Digestion, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Rongli Han
- Department of Cardiology, Dahua Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Naijian Ge
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yefa Yang
- Department of Radioactive Intervention, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Tang H, Fan H, Guo Q. miR-182 promotes cell growth and invasion by targeting forkhead box F2 transcription factor in colorectal cancer. Oncol Rep 2015; 33:2592-8. [PMID: 25738520 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box F2 transcription factor (FoxF2) has been described to promote organ development, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Although recent studies reported decreased FoxF2 expression in several types of cancers, indicating its potential role in carcinogenesis, the mechanistic role of FoxF2 is yet to be explored. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strongly implicated in carcinogenesis. The oncogenetic properties of miR-182 have been described in multiple cancers. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-182 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and identify the regulation of FoxF2 by miR-182. Bioinformatic analyses on gene expression profiling datasets showed decreased FoxF2 expression in colorectal adenomas, primary tumors compared to normal colon epithelial and a negative association between FoxF2 and β-catenin expression. Restoration of FoxF2 in CRC cells suppressed β-catenin expression and simultaneously inhibited cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, we observed that miR-182 was aberrantly upregulated in CRC. Knockdown of miR-182 in CRC cells impeded cell growth and invasion. The direct binding of miR-182 to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of FoxF2 mRNA was confirmed using a luciferase reporter gene assay. Importantly, elevated FoxF2 expression was observed in miR-182-knockdown cells with a simultaneous reduction in β-catenin. In conclusion, the present study describes a potential mechanism underlying an miR-182/FoxF2 link contributing to CRC development. miR-182-induced downregulation of FoxF2 partly accounts for increased activity of β-catenin signaling. Inhibition of miR-182 represents a potential strategy against CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Institute of Digestive Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhongqiu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Hui Tang
- Yunnan Provincial Institute of Digestive Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Hong Fan
- Yunnan Provincial Institute of Digestive Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Yunnan Provincial Institute of Digestive Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, P.R. China
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Wang QS, Kong PZ, Li XQ, Yang F, Feng YM. FOXF2 deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of basal-like breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2015; 17:30. [PMID: 25848863 PMCID: PMC4361145 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-015-0531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our previous clinical study demonstrated that the under-expression of FOXF2 is associated with early-onset metastasis and poor prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer. In this study, we further characterized the role of FOXF2 in metastasis of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods RT-qPCR, immunoblot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the expression of genes and proteins in cell lines and tissues. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays was performed in the cells with RNAi-mediated knockdown or overexpression to elucidate the function and transcriptional regulatory role of FOXF2 in breast cancer. Results We found that FOXF2 was specifically expressed in most basal-like breast cells. FOXF2 deficiency enhanced the metastatic ability of BLBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, FOXF2 deficiency induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of basal-like breast cells. Furthermore, we identified that TWIST1 is a transcriptional target of FOXF2. TWIST1 was negatively regulated by FOXF2 and mediated the FOXF2-regulated EMT phenotype of basal-like breast cells and aggressive property of BLBC. Conclusions FOXF2 is a novel EMT-suppressing transcription factor in BLBC. FOXF2 deficiency enhances metastatic ability of BLBC cells by activating the EMT program through upregulating the transcription of TWIST1. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0531-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Zheng YZ, Wen J, Cao X, Yang H, Luo KJ, Liu QW, Huang QY, Chen JY, Fu JH. Decreased mRNA expression of transcription factor forkhead box F2 is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2015; 3:713-719. [PMID: 26137292 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) is an evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding protein involved in embryogenesis and metabolism. Although recent studies prove that FOXF2 is a tumor suppressor in various human cancers, the role of FOXF2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Therefore, samples were collected from 188 ESCC patients, including 33 pairs of tumor and non-tumor tissues, and FOXF2 mRNA expression was investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that FOXF2 mRNA is downregulated in tumor tissues compared to paired non-tumor tissues (P=0.048). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated 1.2 as a cut-off point and, thus, 125 and 63 tumors were classified as low- and high-level FOXF2 mRNA expression, respectively. We observed that low-level FOXF2 mRNA expression in the tumors was associated with a higher frequency of lymph node metastasis (P=0.044), an effect further suggested by the multivariate logistic regression analysis (P=0.060). According to the univariate Cox analysis, patients harboring tumors with low-level FOXF2 mRNA expression had a significantly increased mortality risk compared to those with high-level expression (hazard ratio=1.700, 95% confidence interval, 1.077-2.681), with 5-year survival rates of 41.1 and 61.9%, respectively. This negative prognostic effect of low-level FOXF2 mRNA expression was further validated in the multivariate Cox analysis (P=0.021). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that the effect of FOX2 mRNA expression was limited to male patients and those with advanced-stage disease. Taken together, these findings suggest that FOXF2 may be an anti-oncogene for ESCC and decreased FOXF2 mRNA expression is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Zhen Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wen
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xun Cao
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Intensive Care Unit, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kong-Jia Luo
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Wen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Yuan Huang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Ying Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Fu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China ; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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Bolte C, Ren X, Tomley T, Ustiyan V, Pradhan A, Hoggatt A, Kalin TV, Herring BP, Kalinichenko VV. Forkhead box F2 regulation of platelet-derived growth factor and myocardin/serum response factor signaling is essential for intestinal development. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:7563-75. [PMID: 25631042 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.609487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the forkhead box F2 gene expression have been reported in numerous pathologies, and Foxf2(-/-) mice are perinatal lethal with multiple malformations; however, molecular mechanisms pertaining to Foxf2 signaling are severely lacking. In this study, Foxf2 requirements in murine smooth muscle cells were examined using a conditional knock-out approach. We generated novel Foxf2-floxed mice, which we bred to smMHC-Cre-eGFP mice to generate a mouse line with Foxf2 deleted specifically from smooth muscle. These mice exhibited growth retardation due to reduced intestinal length as well as inflammation and remodeling of the small intestine. Colons of Tg(smMHC-Cre-eGFP(+/-));Foxf2(-/-) mice had expansion of the myenteric nerve plexus and increased proliferation of smooth muscle cells leading to thickening of the longitudinal smooth muscle layer. Foxf2 deficiency in colonic smooth muscle was associated with increased expression of Foxf1, PDGFa, PDGFb, PDGF receptor α, and myocardin. FOXF2 bound to promoter regions of these genes indicating direct transcriptional regulation. Foxf2 repressed Foxf1 promoter activity in co-transfection experiments. We also show that knockdown of Foxf2 in colonic smooth muscle cells in vitro and in transgenic mice increased myocardin/serum response factor signaling and increased expression of contractile proteins. Foxf2 attenuated myocardin/serum response factor signaling in smooth muscle cells through direct binding to the N-terminal region of myocardin. Our results indicate that Foxf2 signaling in smooth muscle cells is essential for intestinal development and serum response factor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Bolte
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - Xiaomeng Ren
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - Tatiana Tomley
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - Vladimir Ustiyan
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - Arun Pradhan
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - April Hoggatt
- the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Tanya V Kalin
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
| | - B Paul Herring
- the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Vladimir V Kalinichenko
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229 and
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Arnold CR, Lamont RE, Walker JT, Spice PJ, Chan CK, Ho CY, Childs SJ. Comparative analysis of genes regulated by Dzip1/iguana and hedgehog in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:211-23. [PMID: 25476803 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zebrafish genetic mutant iguana (igu) has defects in the ciliary basal body protein Dzip1, causing improper cilia formation. Dzip1 also interacts with the downstream transcriptional activators of Hedgehog (Hh), the Gli proteins, and Hh signaling is disrupted in igu mutants. Hh governs a wide range of developmental processes, including stabilizing developing blood vessels to prevent hemorrhage. Using igu mutant embryos and embryos treated with the Hh pathway antagonist cyclopamine, we conducted a microarray to determine genes involved in Hh signaling mediating vascular stability. RESULTS We identified 40 genes with significantly altered expression in both igu mutants and cyclopamine-treated embryos. For a subset of these, we used in situ hybridization to determine localization during embryonic development and confirm the expression changes seen on the array. CONCLUSIONS Through comparing gene expression changes in a genetic model of vascular instability with a chemical inhibition of Hh signaling, we identified a set of 40 differentially expressed genes with potential roles in vascular stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey R Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
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Fritzenwanker JH, Gerhart J, Freeman RM, Lowe CJ. The Fox/Forkhead transcription factor family of the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii. EvoDevo 2014; 5:17. [PMID: 24987514 PMCID: PMC4077281 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-5-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Fox gene family is a large family of transcription factors that arose early in organismal evolution dating back to at least the common ancestor of metazoans and fungi. They are key components of many gene regulatory networks essential for embryonic development. Although much is known about the role of Fox genes during vertebrate development, comprehensive comparative studies outside vertebrates are sparse. We have characterized the Fox transcription factor gene family from the genome of the enteropneust hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii, including phylogenetic analysis, genomic organization, and expression analysis during early development. Hemichordates are a sister group to echinoderms, closely related to chordates and are a key group for tracing the evolution of gene regulatory mechanisms likely to have been important in the diversification of the deuterostome phyla. Results Of the 22 Fox gene families that were likely present in the last common ancestor of all deuterostomes, S. kowalevskii has a single ortholog of each group except FoxH, which we were unable to detect, and FoxQ2, which has three paralogs. A phylogenetic analysis of the FoxQ2 family identified an ancestral duplication in the FoxQ2 lineage at the base of the bilaterians. The expression analyses of all 23 Fox genes of S. kowalevskii provide insights into the evolution of components of the regulatory networks for the development of pharyngeal gill slits (foxC, foxL1, and foxI), mesoderm patterning (foxD, foxF, foxG), hindgut development (foxD, foxI), cilia formation (foxJ1), and patterning of the embryonic apical territory (foxQ2). Conclusions Comparisons of our results with data from echinoderms, chordates, and other bilaterians help to develop hypotheses about the developmental roles of Fox genes that likely characterized ancestral deuterostomes and bilaterians, and more recent clade-specific innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens H Fritzenwanker
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - John Gerhart
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, 142 Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Robert M Freeman
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Warren Alpert 536, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christopher J Lowe
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
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Nik AM, Reyahi A, Pontén F, Carlsson P. Foxf2 in intestinal fibroblasts reduces numbers of Lgr5(+) stem cells and adenoma formation by inhibiting Wnt signaling. Gastroenterology 2013; 144:1001-11. [PMID: 23376422 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The stem cell niche at the base of the intestinal crypts, as well as stemness and high clonogenicity in colon cancer cells, depend on Wnt signaling to β-catenin. Fibroblasts modulate the Wnt pathway in normal and neoplastic epithelial cells via unclear mechanisms. We investigated how in intestinal fibroblasts the forkhead transcription factor Foxf2 controls Wnt signaling to affect numbers of stem cells and formation and growth of adenomas in mice. METHODS We created mice with different copy numbers of Foxf2 by generating Foxf2(-/+) mice and a transgenic strain, Tg(FOXF2). Adenoma formation was investigated in Apc(Min/+) mice, stem cells were counted in mice with the Lgr5-enhanced green fluorescent protein knock-in allele, proliferation was measured by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine, Foxf2 and Sfrp1 were localized by immunohistochemistry, and signaling pathways were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assays. RESULTS Epithelial β-catenin was stabilized in Foxf2(-/+) mice, resulting in increased number and size of adenomas. Tg(FOXF2) mice, however, were partially resistant to intestinal neoplasia and developed fewer and smaller adenomas; Foxf2(-/+) mice developed 24-fold more tumors than Tg(FOXF2) mice. Epithelial cells of Foxf2(-/+) mice also had higher numbers of Lgr5(+) stem cells and greater amounts of crypt cell proliferation and expression of Myc (a target of Wnt signaling) than Tg(FOXF2) mice. Expression of Sfrp1, which encodes an extracellular inhibitor of Wnt, in fibroblasts increased with copy number of Foxf2. CONCLUSIONS Foxf2 is a fibroblast factor that inhibits paracrine Wnt signaling and restricts the crypt stem cell niche in intestines of mice. Loss of Foxf2 promotes adenoma formation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Moussavi Nik
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kong PZ, Yang F, Li L, Li XQ, Feng YM. Decreased FOXF2 mRNA expression indicates early-onset metastasis and poor prognosis for breast cancer patients with histological grade II tumor. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61591. [PMID: 23620774 PMCID: PMC3631231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor, FOXF2, plays an important role in tissue development, extracellular matrix synthesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, implying that it may be associated with the metastatic capabilities of cancer cells. However, the relationship between FOXF2 expression and breast cancer progression, metastasis, and prognosis, remains to be elucidated. In this study, FOXF2 mRNA levels in 305 primary breast cancer tissues were examined using RT-QPCR. Results showed that FOXF2 mRNA levels in primary breast cancer were negatively associated with tumor progression, including tumor size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, and clinical stage. Patients with low FOXF2 mRNA levels had a high risk of relapse and metastasis within three years. Low FOXF2 mRNA levels could predict shorter disease-free survival for those patients with histological grade II and triple-negative breast cancer. Taken together, we conclude that decreased FOXF2 expression indicates the early-onset metastasis and poor prognosis for patients with histological grade II and triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Zhou Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Allegra M, Zaragkoulias A, Vorgia E, Ioannou M, Litos G, Beug H, Mavrothalassitis G. Semaphorin-7a reverses the ERF-induced inhibition of EMT in Ras-dependent mouse mammary epithelial cells. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:3873-81. [PMID: 22875994 PMCID: PMC3459863 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e12-04-0276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression and metastasis, requiring cooperation of the epidermal growth factor/Ras with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway in a multistep process. The molecular mechanisms by which Ras signaling contributes to EMT, however, remain elusive to a large extent. We therefore examined the transcriptional repressor Ets2-repressor factor (ERF)-a bona fide Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase effector-for its ability to interfere with TGF-β-induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells (EpH4) expressing oncogenic Ras (EpRas). ERF-overexpressing EpRas cells failed to undergo TGF-β-induced EMT, formed three-dimensional tubular structures in collagen gels, and retained expression of epithelial markers. Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGF-β signaling through Smads was mostly unaffected, and ERF suppressed the TGF-β-induced EMT via Semaphorin-7a repression. Forced expression of Semaphorin-7a in ERF-overexpressing EpRas cells reestablished their ability to undergo EMT. In contrast, inhibition of Semaphorin-7a in the parental EpRas cells inhibited their ability to undergo TGF-β-induced EMT. Our data suggest that oncogenic Ras may play an additional role in EMT via the ERF, regulating Semaphorin-7a and providing a new interconnection between the Ras- and the TGF-β-signaling pathways.
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