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Ruta V, Naro C, Pieraccioli M, Leccese A, Archibugi L, Cesari E, Panzeri V, Allgöwer C, Arcidiacono PG, Falconi M, Carbone C, Tortora G, Borrelli F, Attili F, Spada C, Quero G, Alfieri S, Doglioni C, Kleger A, Capurso G, Sette C. An alternative splicing signature defines the basal-like phenotype and predicts worse clinical outcome in pancreatic cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101411. [PMID: 38325381 PMCID: PMC10897606 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101411] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by extremely poor prognosis. PDAC presents with molecularly distinct subtypes, with the basal-like one being associated with enhanced chemoresistance. Splicing dysregulation contributes to PDAC; however, its involvement in subtype specification remains elusive. Herein, we uncover a subtype-specific splicing signature associated with prognosis in PDAC and the splicing factor Quaking (QKI) as a determinant of the basal-like signature. Single-cell sequencing analyses highlight QKI as a marker of the basal-like phenotype. QKI represses splicing events associated with the classical subtype while promoting basal-like events associated with shorter survival. QKI favors a plastic, quasi-mesenchymal phenotype that supports migration and chemoresistance in PDAC organoids and cell lines, and its expression is elevated in high-grade primary tumors and metastatic lesions. These studies identify a splicing signature that defines PDAC subtypes and indicate that QKI promotes an undifferentiated, plastic phenotype, which renders PDAC cells chemoresistant and adaptable to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ruta
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Pieraccioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Leccese
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Archibugi
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chantal Allgöwer
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Paolo Giorgio Arcidiacono
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Pancreas and Transplantation Surgical Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Medical Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabia Attili
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Quero
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Gemelli Pancreatic Advanced Research Center (CRMPG), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Alfieri
- Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; Gemelli Pancreatic Advanced Research Center (CRMPG), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; Division of Pathology, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Institute for Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Division of Interdisciplinary Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
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2
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Fang S, Zheng L, Chen X, Guo X, Ding Y, Ma J, Ding J, Chen W, Yang Y, Chen M, Zhao Z, Tu J, Ji J. MEX3A determines in vivo hepatocellular carcinoma progression and induces resistance to sorafenib in a Hippo-dependent way. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:1500-1518. [PMID: 37460832 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is most common malignant tumor worldwide, and one of the most lethal malignancies. MEX3A, RNA-binding protein, is profoundly implicated in tumor initiation and progression. But its role and potential mechanism in HCC remains fully unclear. METHODS The expression of MEX3A in HCC was analysis using the data derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and further confirmed by HCC samples and cells lines. The roles of MEX3A in the proliferation, migration and sorafenib resistance were detected both in vitro and vivo. In addition, the underline mechanism was investigated. RESULTS In this study, MEX3A expression was upregulated in HCC tissue and cell lines. Knockdown or overexpression of MEX3A disturbed the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of HCC cells by modulating the activation of Hippo signaling pathway. The expression of MEX3A was negatively associated with sorafenib sensitivity and upregulated in sorafenib resistant HCC cells. MEX3A knockdown facilitated the expression of WWC1, a negative modulator of Hippo signaling pathway, and led to increase of the phosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP1. Pharmacological inhibition of LATS1 or WWC1 overexpression alleviated the proliferative and migrated suppression and increased sorafenib sensitivity, whereas WWC1 inhibition using genetic interference strategy showed opposite trend in MEX3A knockdown HCC cells. Importantly, MEX3A knockdown led to growth and lung metastasis inhibition using xenograft model established by means of subcutaneous or tail vein injection. In addition, a combination of MEX3A knockdown and WWC1 overexpression dramatically enhances the growth inhibition of sorafenib in vivo. CONCLUSION MEX3A may facilitate HCC progression and hinder sorafenib sensitivity via inactivating Hippo signaling. The present study suggested that targeting MEX3A can be served as a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiji Fang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Liyun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Xiaoju Guo
- Shaoxing University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, 312099, China
| | - Yiming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jiayi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jianfei Tu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Institute of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, 323000, China.
- Clinical College of The Affiliated Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Lishui, 323000, China.
- Shaoxing University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, 312099, China.
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Abstract
As a gastrointestinal malignancy, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Mex-3 RNA-binding family member A (MEX3A) is upregulated in multiple types of tumors and plays a critical role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. However, the function of MEX3A in CRC angiogenesis has not been fully understood. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the role of MEX3A in CRC angiogenesis and investigate its underlying mechanisms. MEX3A expression in CRC was first investigated by bioinformatics means and then measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. CCK-8 assay was employed to test cell viability. Angiogenesis assay was used to assess angiogenesis. The protein levels of VEGF, FGF and SDF-1 were evaluated using Western blot. The expression levels of MYC, HK2 and PGK1 were investigated by qRT-PCR. Extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were determined by Seahorse XP 96. The levels of pyruvate, lactate, citric acid and malate were measured by corresponding kits. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated high MEX3A expression in CRC tissues and MEX3A enrichment in glycolysis and angiogenesis pathways. Cell assays showed high MEX3A expression in CRC cells and its promoting effects in CRC cell proliferation and glycolysis as well as angiogenesis. Rescue experiment confirmed that glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG could offset the promoting effects of MEX3A on the proliferation, angiogenesis and glycolysis of CRC cells. In conclusion, MEX3A could facilitate CRC angiogenesis by activating the glycolytic pathway, suggesting that MEX3A may be a novel therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Tienan Bi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Shenkang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Minhui Guo
- Department of Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
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Feng G, Wang P, Zhang H, Cheng S, Xing Y, Wang Y. MEX3A induces the development of thyroid cancer via targeting CREB1. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1843-1853. [PMID: 37529875 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12076] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a prevalent form of endocrine cancer, and its global incidence has been steadily increasing. MEX3A is a protein that is known to be highly expressed in various human malignant tumors, including thyroid cancer, and it has been linked to patient prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MEX3A's tumorigenic capabilities in thyroid cancer are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MEX3A in thyroid cancer. We confirmed that MEX3A was overexpressed in both thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between high levels of MEX3A and the AJCC stage. To further understand the functional significance of MEX3A in thyroid cancer, we depleted MEX3A expression in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. Interestingly, we observed a significant reduction in thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration, as well as ameliorated cell apoptosis and arrested tumor growth upon MEX3A depletion. These findings strongly suggested that MEX3A played a critical role in the development of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, our study uncovered an important interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 (cAMP response element-binding protein 1). The interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 appeared to contribute to the tumor-promoting effects of MEX3A in thyroid cancer by directly targeting CREB1. Silencing CREB1 was observed to alleviate the malignant phenotypes promoted by MEX3A in thyroid cancer cells. Together, this study highlighted the importance of the MEX3A-CREB1 interaction in thyroid cancer development and suggested the therapeutic potential of targeting MEX3A for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxun Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wang X, Kuang W, Ding J, Li J, Ji M, Chen W, Shen H, Shi Z, Wang D, Wang L, Yang P. Systematic Identification of the RNA-Binding Protein STAU2 as a Key Regulator of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153629. [PMID: 35892886 PMCID: PMC9367319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the most common tumors of the gastrointestinal tract and is difficult to diagnose and treat due to tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. RNA-binding proteins have been studied and their dysregulation has been found to play a key role in altering RNA metabolism in various malignancies. STAU2 is one of them. To investigate the role of STAU2 in PAAD, we monitored the signaling pathway by regulating substrate mRNA and experimentally confirmed that STAU2 is the most potential biomarker for the occurrence and development of PAAD. Furthermore, we found that high expression of STAU2 not only contributes to immune evasion but also correlates with sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents, suggesting that STAU2 may be a potential target for combined natural therapy. These results demonstrate that STAU2 is a novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for PAAD, revealing STAU2′s utility in cancer therapy and drug development. Abstract Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a highly aggressive cancer. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate highly dynamic post-transcriptional processes and perform very important biological functions. Although over 1900 RBPs have been identified, most are considered markers of tumor progression, and further information on their general role in PAAD is not known. Here, we report a bioinformatics analysis that identified five hub RBPs and produced a high-value prognostic model based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets. Among these, the prognostic signature of the double-stranded RNA binding protein Staufen double-stranded RNA (STAU2) was identified. Firstly, we found that it is a highly expressed critical regulator of PAAD associated with poor clinical outcomes. Accordingly, the knockdown of STAU2 led to a profound decrease in PAAD cell growth, migration, and invasion and induced apoptosis of PAAD cells. Furthermore, through multiple omics analyses, we identified the key target genes of STAU2: Palladin cytoskeletal associated protein (PALLD), Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU), SERPINE1 mRNA Binding Protein 1 (SERBP1), and DEAD-box polypeptide 3, X-Linked (DDX3X). Finally, we found that a high expression level of STAU2 not only helps PAAD evade the immune response but is also related to chemotherapy drug sensitivity, which implies that STAU2 could serve as a potential target for combinatorial therapy. These findings uncovered a novel role for STAU2 in PAAD aggression and resistance, suggesting that it probably represents a novel therapeutic and drug development target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (P.Y.); Tel.: +86-13681986682 (P.Y.)
| | - Wenbin Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiayu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Minghui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Weijiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zhongrui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.K.); (J.D.); (J.L.); (M.J.); (W.C.); (H.S.); (Z.S.); (D.W.); (L.W.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Correspondence: (X.W.); (P.Y.); Tel.: +86-13681986682 (P.Y.)
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6
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Li F, Zhao C, Diao Y, Wang Z, Peng J, Yang N, Qiu C, Kong B, Li Y. MEX3A promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by regulating intron retention in TIMELESS. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:553. [PMID: 35715407 PMCID: PMC9205863 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The latest research shows that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) could serve as novel potential targets for cancer therapy. We used bioinformatics analysis to screen and identify the key RBPs in ovarian cancer, from which we found that Mex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A (MEX3A) was intimately associated with the clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, little is known about its biological roles in ovarian cancer. In this case, we observed that MEX3A was highly overexpressed in fresh-frozen ovarian cancer tissues. MEX3A knockdown suppressed the development and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while MEX3A overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, TIMELESS was the critical downstream target gene of MEX3A, as demonstrated through alternative splicing event analysis based on RNA-seq. MEX3A knockdown resulted in retention of intron twenty-three of TIMELESS mRNA and decreased TIMELESS mRNA owing to stimulation of nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD). Additionally, we found that TIMELESS overexpression with MEX3A knockdown partially restored the proliferation ability of ovarian cancer cells. The results of this paper demonstrated that the MEX3A/TIMELESS signaling pathway was a key regulator of ovarian cancer, and MEX3A was a novel possible treatment target for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256600 Shangdong China
| | - Chen Zhao
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yuchao Diao
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 Shangdong China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Jiali Peng
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Ning Yang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Beihua Kong
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yingwei Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
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7
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MEX3A promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression via the miR-3163/SCIN axis by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:420. [PMID: 35490173 PMCID: PMC9056523 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A (MEX3A) is an RNA-binding protein that plays complex and diverse roles in the development of various malignancies. However, its role and mechanism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain undefined and were therefore evaluated in this study. By analyzing Gene Expression Omnibus data and using tissue microarrays, we found that MEX3A is significantly upregulated in NPC and negatively associated with prognosis. Notably, MEX3A depletion led to decreased cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, but increased apoptosis in NPC cells in vitro, while inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. Using whole-transcript expression arrays and bioinformatic analysis, we identified scinderin (SCIN) and miR-3163 as potential downstream targets of MEX3A in NPC. The regulatory mechanisms of MEX3A, SCIN and miR-3163 were further investigated using rescue experiments. Importantly, SCIN depletion and miR-3163 inhibition reversed and rescued the oncogenic effects of MEX3A, respectively. Moreover, NF-κB signaling inhibition reversed the oncogenic effects of both SCIN and MEX3A. In summary, our results demonstrate that MEX3A may promote NPC development and progression via the miR-3163/SCIN axis by regulating NF-κB signaling, thus providing a potential target for NPC treatment.
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RNA-binding protein MEX3A controls G1/S transition via regulating the RB/E2F pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:241-255. [PMID: 34976441 PMCID: PMC8703191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A is an RNA-binding protein that mediates mRNA decay through binding to 3′ untranslated regions. However, its role and mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma remain unknown. In this study, we found that MEX3A expression was transcriptionally activated by ETS1 and upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Silencing MEX3A markedly reduced clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting MEX3A induced G1/S cell-cycle arrest. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that E2F targets are the central downstream pathways of MEX3A. To identify MEX3A targets, systematic screening using enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing assays were performed. A network of 4,000 genes was identified as potential targets of MEX3A. Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes bound by MEX3A indicated that negative regulation of the cell proliferation pathway was highly enriched. Further assays indicated that MEX3A bound to the CDKN2B 3′ untranslated region, promoting its mRNA degradation. This leads to decreased levels of CDKN2B and an uncontrolled cell cycle in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which was confirmed by rescue experiments. Our findings revealed that MEX3A acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of abnormal cell-cycle progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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Ji P, Wang H, Cheng Y, Liang S. Prognostic prediction and gene regulation network of EIF2S2 in hepatocellular carcinoma based on data mining. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:3061-3078. [PMID: 35070430 PMCID: PMC8748036 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with a high fatality rate, predicting poor prognosis and therapeutic effect. Screening potential prognostic genes in HCC could be a creative way to advance clinical treatment. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit beta (EIF2S2) has reportedly been linked to several tumors, including liver cancer, but the prognostic predictions remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the prognostic role and interaction network of EIF2S2 in HCC using bioinformatics data. METHODS We screened EIF2S2 using the Oncomine, Ualcan, and TCGA databases. R software was used to analyze the mRNA level and clinicopathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Evaluation of the correlations between EIF2S2 and patients' survival was made using the Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression model. Then, the influence of EIF2S2 gene mutations on the prognosis of patients was explored by cBioPortal. The protein-protein interaction network of 50 similar genes related to EIF2S2 was implemented by GEPIA2 and Metascape. The LinkedOmics database allowed us to carry out Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Finally, we constructed the EIF2S2 kinase, miRNA, and transcription factor target networks using GeneMANIA. RESULTS EIF2S2 mRNA was overexpressed in HCC and was closely associated with clinicopathological features, including gender, age, race, tumor grade, and stage. There was no correlation between EIF2S2 genetic mutations and prognostic survival. Combining Cox proportional hazards regression model analyses, high-expressed EIF2S2 predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. Additionally, we screened the top three EIF2S2-related genes (PFDN4, HM13, and SNRPD1), the 50 similar genes, and then constructed a 50-similar-gene protein-protein interaction network identified by the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways using Metascape. EIF2S2 target networks in HCC were identified in kinase, miRNA, and transcription factor networks, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), miRNAs (Mir-144), and transcription factors (GGAANCGGAANY_UNKNOWN) using GeneMANIA. CONCLUSIONS EIF2S2 plays a crucial role in the gene-regulating network of HCC and may be a potential prognostic marker or therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyou Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic-Splenic Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Shaohua Liang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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Zhou H, Liu W, Zhou Y, Hong Z, Ni J, Zhang X, Li Z, Li M, He W, Zhang D, Chen X, Zhu J. Therapeutic inhibition of GAS6-AS1/YBX1/MYC axis suppresses cell propagation and disease progression of acute myeloid leukemia. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:353. [PMID: 34753494 PMCID: PMC8576903 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Its therapy has not significantly improved during the past four decades despite intense research efforts. New molecularly targeted therapies are in great need. The proto-oncogene c-Myc (MYC) is an attractive target due to its transactivation role in multiple signaling cascades. Deregulation of the MYC is considered one of a series of oncogenic events required for tumorigenesis. However, limited knowledge is available on which mechanism underlie MYC dysregulation and how long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in MYC dysregulation in AML. METHODS AML microarray chips and public datasets were screened to identify novel lncRNA GAS6-AS1 was dysregulated in AML. Gain or loss of functional leukemia cell models were produced, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were applied to demonstrate its leukemogenic phenotypes. Interactive network analyses were performed to define intrinsic mechanism. RESULTS We identified GAS6-AS1 was overexpressed in AML, and its aberrant function lead to more aggressive leukemia phenotypes and poorer survival outcomes. We revealed that GAS6-AS1 directly binds Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to facilitate its interaction with MYC, leading to MYC transactivation and upregulation of IL1R1, RAB27B and other MYC target genes associated with leukemia progression. Further, lentiviral-based GAS6-AS1 silencing inhibited leukemia progression in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed a previously unappreciated role of GAS6-AS1 as an oncogenic lncRNA in AML progression and prognostic prediction. Importantly, we demonstrated that therapeutic targeting of the GAS6-AS1/YBX1/MYC axis inhibits AML cellular propagation and disease progression. Our insight in lncRNA associated MYC-driven leukemogenesis may contribute to develop new anti-leukemia treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yongming Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Zhenya Hong
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian Ni
- Department of Oncology Clinical Pharmacy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ziping Li
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenjuan He
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xuexing Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441000, China.
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Zhou X, Li S, Ma T, Zeng J, Li H, Liu X, Li F, Jiang B, Zhao M, Liu Z, Qin Y. MEX3A knockdown inhibits the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via modulating CDK2 expression. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1343. [PMID: 34630697 PMCID: PMC8495542 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10778] [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: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) promotes the progression of multiple types of cancer, including ovarian and cervical cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of MEX3A in CRC is not completely understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of MEX3A in CRC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MEX3A in CRC cells were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to measure cell viability. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected via flow cytometry, and CRC cell invasion was analyzed by performing Transwell assays. Moreover, the mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC cells was measured via JC-1 staining. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of MEX3A were upregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. MEX3A knockdown notably inhibited CRC cell viability, and induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury. In addition, MEX3A knockdown markedly induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest in CRC cells via downregulating CDK2 expression. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that MEX3A knockdown may inhibit the tumorigenesis of CRC cells by regulating CDK2 expression. Therefore, MEX3A may serve as a novel target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Shaojie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Tiexiang Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Huanyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Qin
- Clinical Medical College, Follow-up Research Center, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, P.R. China
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Vera-Otarola J, Castillo-Vargas E, Angulo J, Barriga FM, Batlle E, Lopez-Lastra M. The viral nucleocapsid protein and the human RNA-binding protein Mex3A promote translation of the Andes orthohantavirus small mRNA. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009931. [PMID: 34547046 PMCID: PMC8454973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The capped Small segment mRNA (SmRNA) of the Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) lacks a poly(A) tail. In this study, we characterize the mechanism driving ANDV-SmRNA translation. Results show that the ANDV-nucleocapsid protein (ANDV-N) promotes in vitro translation from capped mRNAs without replacing eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G. Using an RNA affinity chromatography approach followed by mass spectrometry, we identify the human RNA chaperone Mex3A (hMex3A) as a SmRNA-3’UTR binding protein. Results show that hMex3A enhances SmRNA translation in a 3’UTR dependent manner, either alone or when co-expressed with the ANDV-N. The ANDV-N and hMex3A proteins do not interact in cells, but both proteins interact with eIF4G. The hMex3A–eIF4G interaction showed to be independent of ANDV-infection or ANDV-N expression. Together, our observations suggest that translation of the ANDV SmRNA is enhanced by a 5’-3’ end interaction, mediated by both viral and cellular proteins. Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV) is endemic in Argentina and Chile and is the primary etiological agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in South America. ANDV is unique among other members of the Hantaviridae family of viruses because of its ability to spread from person to person. The molecular mechanisms driving ANDV protein synthesis remain poorly understood. A previous report showed that translation of the Small segment mRNA (SmRNA) of ANDV relied on both the 5’cap and the 3’untranslated region (UTR) of the SmRNA. In this new study, we further characterize the mechanism by which the 5’ and 3’end of the SmRNA interact to assure viral protein synthesis. We establish that the viral nucleocapsid protein N and the cellular protein hMex3A participate in the process. These observations indicated that both viral and cellular proteins regulate viral gene expression during ANDV infection by enabling the viral mRNA to establish a non-covalent 5’-3’end interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Vera-Otarola
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Unidad de Virología Aplicada, Dirección de Investigación y Doctorados de la Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Estefania Castillo-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jenniffer Angulo
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco M. Barriga
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona). The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona). The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology. Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcelo Lopez-Lastra
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas e Inmunología Pediátrica, Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Lederer M, Müller S, Glaß M, Bley N, Ihling C, Sinz A, Hüttelmaier S. Oncogenic Potential of the Dual-Function Protein MEX3A. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:415. [PMID: 34067172 PMCID: PMC8151450 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A belongs to the MEX3 (Muscle EXcess) protein family consisting of four members (MEX3A-D) in humans. Characteristic for MEX3 proteins is their domain structure with 2 HNRNPK homology (KH) domains mediating RNA binding and a C-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) domain that harbors E3 ligase function. In agreement with their domain composition, MEX3 proteins were reported to modulate both RNA fate and protein ubiquitination. MEX3 paralogs exhibit an oncofetal expression pattern, they are severely downregulated postnatally, and re-expression is observed in various malignancies. Enforced expression of MEX3 proteins in various cancers correlates with poor prognosis, emphasizing their oncogenic potential. The latter is supported by MEX3A's impact on proliferation, self-renewal as well as migration of tumor cells in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Lederer
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Simon Müller
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Markus Glaß
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Nadine Bley
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Christian Ihling
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
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Xu Y, Pan S, Chen H, Qian H, Wang Z, Zhu X. MEX3A suppresses proliferation and EMT via inhibiting Akt signaling pathway in cervical cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1446-1462. [PMID: 33948367 PMCID: PMC8085868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MEX3A, one member of the human MEX3 gene family, exerts different effects on a variety of human cancer cells. However, the biological functions and regulatory mechanism have not been explored in cervical cancer. In our study, we used multiple approaches to determine the functions and underlying molecular mechanism of MEX3A in cervical tumorigenesis, including CCK-8 assay, BrdU assay, FACS for cell cycle and apoptosis, wound healing assay, Transwell migration and invasion assays, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, Transfection, real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. IHC results showed that the expression levels of MEX3A were decreased in cervical cancer patients with advanced clinical stages and lymph node involvement. Moreover, upregulation of MEX3A attenuated cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in human cervical cancer cells, whereas knockdown of MEX3A exhibited the opposite effects. Mechanistically, MEX3A exerted its tumor suppressive functions via inactivation of Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, Akt activation by its activator SC79 reversed the biological functions of MEX3A overexpression. Furthermore, MEX3A inhibited tumor growth in xenograft models. Overall, our investigation suggested that MEX3A participated in antitumor activity in cervical cancer by inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway and EMT. Hence, targeting MEX3A might have a therapeutic potential to treat cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Xu
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfei Qian
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center for Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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Wang J, Li Y, Xu B, Dong J, Zhao H, Zhao D, Wu Y. ALYREF Drives Cancer Cell Proliferation Through an ALYREF-MYC Positive Feedback Loop in Glioblastoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:145-155. [PMID: 33447056 PMCID: PMC7802773 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s286408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are known to affect RNA homeostasis during cancer cell initiation and development, their characteristics and biological function in glioblastoma (GBM) remain unclear. Methods Differences in RBP expression were explored by differential analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas-GBM and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets. Real-time PCR was conducted to verify the expressional levels of Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF) in normal brain and GBM tissues. Proliferative assays were performed to investigate molecular functions of ALYREF in GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. Real-time PCR and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed to analyze the ALYREF downstream signaling pathways. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to identify key transcriptional factors that regulate ALYREF expression at RNA level. UV crosslinking, immunoprecipitation (CLIP) and RNA stability assays were conducted to reveal the bound RNAs and their stability regulated by ALYREF. Results The results showed that ALYREF is frequently increased in GBM tissues, and its mRNA expression is regulated by the MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (MYC). Inhibition of ALYREF expression decreased GBM cell proliferative ability in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. KEGG analysis revealed that high ALYREF expression in GBM tissues was enriched in the upregulation of oncogenic pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The CLIP assay showed that ALYREF drives GBM carcinogenesis by binding to and stabilizing MYC mRNAs. Overexpression of MYC restored the oncogenic property of ALYREF-deficient GBM cells. Conclusion Our data showed that ALYREF is regulated by MYC at the transcriptional level. ALYREF drives GBM cell proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and stabilizing MYC mRNA, suggesting that an ALYREF-MYC positive feedback loop might be a potential therapeutic target for treating GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Lanzhou City 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Binbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Dong
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Lanzhou City 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Lanzhou City 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxia Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Lanzhou City 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Archibugi L, Ruta V, Panzeri V, Redegalli M, Testoni SGG, Petrone MC, Rossi G, Falconi M, Reni M, Doglioni C, Sette C, Arcidiacono PG, Capurso G. RNA Extraction from Endoscopic Ultrasound-Acquired Tissue of Pancreatic Cancer Is Feasible and Allows Investigation of Molecular Features. Cells 2020; 9:E2561. [PMID: 33266052 PMCID: PMC7761443 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analyses allow the distinguishing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subtypes, exhibiting different prognoses and chemotherapy responses. However, RNA extraction from pancreatic tissue is cumbersome and has been performed mainly from surgical samples, which are representative of < 20% of cases. The majority of PDAC patients undergo endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA), but RNA has been rarely extracted from EUS-TA with scanty results. Herein, we aimed to determine the best conditions for RNA extraction and analysis from PDAC EUS-TA samples in order to carry out molecular analyses. PDAC cases underwent diagnostic EUS-TA, with needles being a 25G fine needle aspiration (FNA) in all patients and then either a 20G lateral core-trap fine needle biopsy (FNB) or a 25G Franseen FNB; the conservation methods were either snap freezing, RNALater or Trizol. RNA concentration and quality (RNA integrity index; RIN) were analyzed and a panel of genes was investigated for tissue contamination and markers of molecular subtype and aggressivity through qRT-PCR. Seventy-four samples from 37 patients were collected. The median RNA concentration was significantly higher in Trizol samples (10.33 ng/uL) compared with snap frozen (0.64 ng/uL; p < 0.0001) and RNALater (0.19 ng/uL; p < 0.0001). The RIN was similar between Trizol (5.15) and snap frozen samples (5.85), while for both methods it was higher compared with RNALater (2.7). Among the needles, no substantial difference was seen in terms of RNA concentration and quality. qRT-PCR analyses revealed that samples from all needles were suitable for the detection of PDAC subtype markers (GATA6 and ZEB1) and splice variants associated with mutational status (GAP17) as well as for the detection of contaminating tissue around PDAC cells. This is the first study that specifically investigates the best methodology for RNA extraction from EUS-TA. A higher amount of good quality RNA is obtainable with conservation in Trizol with a clear superiority of neither FNA nor FNB needles. RNA samples from EUS-TA are suitable for transcriptome analysis including the investigation of molecular subtype and splice variants expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Archibugi
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Veronica Ruta
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.); (C.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.); (C.S.)
- Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Redegalli
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
- Pathology Department, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Gloria Giulia Testoni
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Maria Chiara Petrone
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Gemma Rossi
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
- Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Reni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
- Pathology Department, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.R.); (V.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Paolo Giorgio Arcidiacono
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Pancreato-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (L.A.); (S.G.G.T.); (M.C.P.); (G.R.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS-Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.R.); (M.F.); (C.D.)
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