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Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X, Guo Y. YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e340. [PMID: 37576865 PMCID: PMC10412783 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Victoria Lee Zhi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsLanzhou Stomatological HospitalLanzhouGansuChina
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2
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Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhao H, Wei Y, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Zhao J, Li X, Lin Y, Liu K. The roles of the SOX2 protein in the development of esophagus and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and pharmacological target for therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114764. [PMID: 37100016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a transcription factor belonging to the SOX gene family, whose activity has been associated with the maintenance of the stemness and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as the induction of differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Moreover, accumulating studies have shown that SOX2 is amplified in various cancers, notably in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In addition, SOX2 expression is linked to multiple malignant processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. Taken together, targeting SOX2 might shed light on novel approaches for cancer therapy. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge regarding SOX2 in the development of esophagus and ESCC. We also highlight several therapeutic strategies for targeting SOX2 in different cancer types, which can provide new tools to treat cancers possessing abnormal levels of SOX2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam 999077, Hong Kong, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China.
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Fujian Health College, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350101, China.
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3
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Yang Y, Zhang Y, Cao J, Su Z, Li F, Zhang P, Zhang B, Liu R, Zhang L, Xie J, Li J, Zhang J, Chen X, Hong A. FGFR4 and EZH2 inhibitors synergistically induce hepatocellular carcinoma apoptosis via repressing YAP signaling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:96. [PMID: 37085881 PMCID: PMC10122280 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide, but current treatment options remain limited and cause serious life-threatening side effects. Aberrant FGFR4 signaling has been validated as an oncogenic driver of HCC, and EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex, is a potential factor that contributes to acquired drug resistance in many tumors, including HCC. However, the functional relationship between these two carcinogenic factors, especially their significance for HCC treatment, remains unclear. In this study, we systematically evaluated the feasibility of a combination therapy targeting FGFR4 and EZH2 for HCC. METHODS RNA sequencing data of patients with Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed to determine FGFR4 and EZH2 expression and their interaction with prognosis. Moreover, the HCC cell lines, zebrafish/mouse HCC xenografts and zebrafish HCC primary tumors were treated with FGFR4 inhibitor (Roblitinib) and/or EZH2 inhibitor (CPI-169) and then subjected to cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and tumor growth analyses to evaluate the feasibility of combination therapy for HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RNA-Seq was performed in combination with ChIP-Seq data analysis to investigate the critical mechanism underlying the combination treatment with Roblitinib and CPI-169. RESULTS EZH2 accumulated through the non-canonical NF-kB signaling in response to FGFR4 inhibitor treatment, and the elevated EZH2 levels led to the antagonism of HCC against Roblitinib (FGFR4 inhibitor). Notably, knockdown of EZH2 sensitized HCC cells to Roblitinib, while the combination treatment of Roblitinib and CPI-169 (EZH2 inhibitor) synergistically induced the HCC cell apoptosis in vitro and suppressed the zebrafish/mouse HCC xenografts and zebrafish HCC primary tumors development in vivo. Moreover, Roblitinib and CPI-169 synergistically inhibited HCC development via repressing YAP signaling. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our study highlighted the potential of the therapeutic combination of FGFR4 and EZH2 inhibitors, which would provide new references for the further development of clinical treatment strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Yang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jieqiong Cao
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zijian Su
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Fu Li
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Peiguang Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Bihui Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rongzhan Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Linhao Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Junye Xie
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jingsheng Li
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jinting Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - An Hong
- Institute of Biomedicine & Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Ji'nan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Ding LN, Yu YY, Ma CJ, Lei CJ, Zhang HB. SOX2-associated signaling pathways regulate biological phenotypes of cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114336. [PMID: 36738502 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is a transcription factor involved in multiple stages of embryonic development. In related reports, SOX2 was found to be abnormally expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with clinical features such as TNM staging, tumor grade, and prognosis in patients with various cancer types. In most cancer types, SOX2 is a tumor-promoting factor that regulates tumor progression and metastasis primarily by maintaining the stemness of cancer cells. In addition, SOX2 also regulates the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, ferroptosis and drug resistance of cancer cells. However, SOX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in some cases in certain cancer types, such as gastric and lung cancer. These key regulatory functions of SOX2 involve complex regulatory networks, including protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions through signaling pathways and noncoding RNA interactions, modulating SOX2 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical cancer patients. Therefore, we sorted out the phenotypes related to SOX2 in cancer, hoping to provide a basis for further clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L N Ding
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y Y Yu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - C J Ma
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - C J Lei
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - H B Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Mandalos NP, Dimou A, Gavala MA, Lambraki E, Remboutsika E. Craniofacial Development Is Fine-Tuned by Sox2. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020380. [PMID: 36833308 PMCID: PMC9956624 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The precise control of neural crest stem cell delamination, migration and differentiation ensures proper craniofacial and head development. Sox2 shapes the ontogeny of the cranial neural crest to ensure precision of the cell flow in the developing head. Here, we review how Sox2 orchestrates signals that control these complex developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Panagiotis Mandalos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapoditrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Aikaterini Dimou
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapoditrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Center for Translational Medicine and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Maria Angeliki Gavala
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapoditrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- National Technical University of Athens, 157 80 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathia Lambraki
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapoditrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Polytechnic School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eumorphia Remboutsika
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapoditrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Thrivus Institute for Biomedical Science and Technology, Constellations Ave, Accra GT-336-4330, Ghana
- Correspondence:
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Xie S, Wan X, Chen S, Hu Y, Liu X. p21-activated kinase 2 binds to transcription factor SOX2 and up-regulates DEK to promote the progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 102:1109-1120. [PMID: 35821094 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00808-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a prevalent and progressive subtype of lung cancer. This study aimed to substantiate the regulatory effect of the PAK2/SOX2/DEK axis on the LSCC development. LSCC tissues (n = 83) and adjacent normal tissues were collected and SOX2 expression was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Correlation between SOX2 expression and the prognosis of LSCC patients was then explored utilizing Kaplan-Meier analysis. Co-immunoprecipitation and glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays were conducted to validate the binding of SOX2 to DEK. Gain- and loss- of function assays were then performed on LSCC cells, with CCK-8 and Transwell assays applied to detect the malignant behaviors of cells. A mouse xenograft model of LSCC was further established for in vivo validation. The expression levels of SOX2, PAK2 and DEK were up-regulated in LSCC tissues and cells. SOX2 overexpression was correlated with poor prognosis of LSCC patients. Knockdown of SOX2 weakened the viability and the migratory and invasive potential of LSCC cells. Further, PAK2 directly interacted with SOX2. PAK2 overexpression accelerated the malignant phenotypes of LSCC cells through interplay with SOX2. Moreover, SOX2 activated the expression of DEK, and silencing DEK attenuated the malignant behaviors of LSCC cells. In conclusion, PAK2 could bind to the transcription factor SOX2 and thus activate the expression of DEK, thereby driving the malignant phenotypes of LSCC cells both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiguang Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Wan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, P.R. China
| | - Shuyun Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, P.R. China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, P.R. China.
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TAOK1 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibition of WWC1. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3157448. [PMID: 36158126 PMCID: PMC9499761 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3157448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background For patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), targeted therapy significantly improves the therapeutic effect of NSCLC patients. With the development of molecular targeted therapy, more and more NSCLC-related genes have been found. Thousand and one amino-acid kinase 1 (TAOK1) has been identified as a potential target for drug research in various cancers. The main objective of this study was to explore the expression and function of TAOK1 in NSCLC. Methods Western blotting was employed to assess TAOK1 expression in NSCLC cell lines. The effects of TAOK1 on biological behaviors, including proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells, were assessed. The relationship between TAOK1 and WW and C2 domain containing 1 (WWC1) was assessed by Co-IP assay. The subcutaneous injection of tumor cells in nude mice was used to verify it in vivo. Results As expected, TAOK1 was increased in NSCLC cell lines. Following TAOK1 knockdown, NSCLC cells exhibited a significant decrease in the invasion and increased apoptosis in vitro. Instead, the TAOK1 elevation showed the opposite results. The Co-IP assay identified that TAOK1 specifically interacted with WWC1. Knockdown of WWC1 overturned TAOK1 silencing-mediated malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells. Additionally, subcutaneous tumorigenesis assays in nude mice confirmed that TAOK1 knockdown markedly restrained the proliferation capacity of NSCLC cells in vivo. Conclusion Surprisingly, TAOK1 overexpression in NSCLC promotes tumor cell growth and invasion, which is associated with downregulation of its downstream protein WWC1, and this result might provide a robust research basis to inquire about the precise therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
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Su W, Hu H, Ding Q, Wang M, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Geng Z, Lin S, Zhou P. NEK2 promotes the migration and proliferation of ESCC via stabilization of YAP1 by phosphorylation at Thr-143. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:87. [PMID: 35705994 PMCID: PMC9199137 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00898-0] [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: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) was characterized as a regional-prevalent and aggressive tumor with high morbidity and mortality. NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is an interesting oncogene, the alteration of which leads to patients-beneficial outcomes. We aimed to explore the role of NEK2 in ESCC and excavate its mechanism. METHODS RNA-seq data were downloaded from TCGA and GEO and analyzed by R software. The protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or western blot (WB), and mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The in vitro role of proliferation and migration was detected by Transwell migration assay and by colony formation assay, respectively. The in vivo roles were explored using a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, where immunofluorescence (IF) and IHC were employed to investigate expression and localization. The interaction between proteins was detected by immunoprecipitation. The stability of proteins was measured by WB in the presence of cycloheximide. RESULTS A higher level of NEK2 was found in ESCC than normal esophageal epithelia in GEO, TCGA, and tissue microarray, which was associated with worse prognoses. The NEK2 knockdown impaired the proliferation and migration of ESCC, which also downregulated YAP1 and EMT markers like N-cadherin and Vimentin in vitro. On the contrary, NEK2 overexpression enhanced the migration of ESCC and elevated the levels of YAP1, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Additionally, the overexpression of YAP1 in NEK2 knocked down ESCCs partly rescued the corresponding decrease in migration. The knockdown of NEK2 played an anti-tumor role in vivo and was accompanied by a lower level and nucleus shuffling of YAP1. In mechanism, NEK2 interacted with YAP1 and increased the stability of both endogenous and exogenous YAP1 by preventing ubiquitination. Moreover, the computer-predicted phosphorylation site of YAP1, Thr-143, reduced the ubiquitination of HA-YAP1, strengthened its stability, and thus influenced the migration in vitro. CONCLUSIONS NEK2 is a prognostic oncogene highly expressed in ESCC and promotes the progression of ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NEK2-mediated phosphorylation of YAP1 at Thr-143 protects it from proteasome degradation and might serve as a promising therapeutic target in ESCC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiurong Ding
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaochao Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zihan Geng
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shengli Lin
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Pinghong Zhou
- Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Endoscopy Center, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Endoscopy, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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FAT1 and PTPN14 Regulate the Malignant Progression and Chemotherapy Resistance of Esophageal Cancer through the Hippo Signaling Pathway. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2021; 2021:9290372. [PMID: 34712552 PMCID: PMC8548181 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9290372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor, which brings heavy economic burden to patients and society. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanism of recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance of esophageal cancer. Methods Human esophageal cancer cell line TE13 (poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma) and normal human esophageal epithelial cell line het-1a were selected for aseptic culture. At the same time, 6 bottles of TE13 cell line were inoculated in logarithmic phase. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Cell clone formation assay was used to analyze the proliferation. Fibronectin-coated dishes were used to detect the characteristics of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. The Transwell method was used to detect the cell invasion ability. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of Yap1, PTPN14, FAT1, and Myc. Results Results showed that FAT1 and PTPN14 were downregulated, while Yap1 was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues. FAT1 inhibited the proliferation, adhesion, and invasion of human esophageal cancer cell lines, which might be associated with the upregulation of PTPN14 and the inhibition of Yap1 and Myc. Conclusion The results suggested that PTPN14 and FAT1 could regulate malignant progression and chemotherapy resistance of esophageal cancer based on the Hippo signaling pathway.
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Maehama T, Nishio M, Otani J, Mak TW, Suzuki A. The role of Hippo-YAP signaling in squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer Sci 2020; 112:51-60. [PMID: 33159406 PMCID: PMC7780025 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo‐YAP pathway regulates organ size, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis in mammals. In response to cell density, external mechanical pressure, and/or other stimuli, the Hippo core complex controls the translocation of YAP1/TAZ proteins to the nucleus and thereby regulates cell growth. Abnormal upregulation or nuclear localization of YAP1/TAZ occurs in many human malignancies and promotes their formation, progression, and metastasis. A key example is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) genesis. Many risk factors and crucial signals associated with SCC development in various tissues accelerate YAP1/TAZ accumulation, and mice possessing constitutively activated YAP1/TAZ show immediate carcinoma in situ (CIS) formation in these tissues. Because CIS onset is so rapid in these mutants, we propose that many SCCs initiate and progress when YAP1 activity is sustained and exceeds a certain oncogenic threshold. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the roles of YAP1/TAZ in several types of SCCs. We also discuss whether targeting aberrant YAP1/TAZ activation might be a promising strategy for SCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Maehama
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miki Nishio
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junji Otani
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tak Wah Mak
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN, Toronto, Canada.,Departments of Immunology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Zhou C, Fan N, Liu F, Fang N, Plum PS, Thieme R, Gockel I, Gromnitza S, Hillmer AM, Chon SH, Schlösser HA, Bruns CJ, Zhao Y. Linking Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity to Therapeutic Resistance-Mechanism and Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Esophageal Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061481. [PMID: 32560537 PMCID: PMC7349233 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is an aggressive form of cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma (EAC) as two predominant histological subtypes. Accumulating evidence supports the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) able to initiate and maintain EAC or ESCC. In this review, we aim to collect the current evidence on CSCs in esophageal cancer, including the biomarkers/characterization strategies of CSCs, heterogeneity of CSCs, and the key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, YAP, JAK/STAT3) in modulating CSCs during esophageal cancer progression. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of therapy resistance in EC highlights DNA damage response (DDR), metabolic reprogramming, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the role of the crosstalk of CSCs and their niche in the tumor progression. According to these molecular findings, potential therapeutic implications of targeting esophageal CSCs may provide novel strategies for the clinical management of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghui Zhou
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Ningbo Fan
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Fanyu Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nan Fang
- Singleron Biotechnologies, Yaogu Avenue 11, Nanjing 210000, China;
| | - Patrick S. Plum
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.G.); (A.M.H.)
| | - René Thieme
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, 4107 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (I.G.)
| | - Ines Gockel
- Department of Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Leipzig, 4107 Leipzig, Germany; (R.T.); (I.G.)
| | - Sascha Gromnitza
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.G.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Axel M. Hillmer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.G.); (A.M.H.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Seung-Hun Chon
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Hans A. Schlösser
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (C.Z.); (N.F.); (F.L.); (P.S.P.); (S.-H.C.); (H.A.S.); (C.J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-221-4783-0601; Fax: +49-221-4783-0664
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12
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Chai Y, Li Q, Zhao H, Zhang Z, Yu X, Pang L, Liu Z, Zhao J, Wang L, Li F. SOX2 antagonizes WWC1 to drive YAP1 activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2019; 8:7055-7064. [PMID: 31560173 PMCID: PMC6853808 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether SOX2 and ACTL6A/TP63 interact with the Hippo-YAP1 pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Here, we reveal that SOX2, ACTL6A, and TP63 are co-amplified and upregulated in ESCC samples. Multiple SOX2 binding peaks in the locus of WWC1, a Hippo-YAP1 regulator, and an inverse correlation between the expression of SOX2 and WWC1 are identified, suggesting direct repression of WWC1 by SOX2. Expression scores of SOX2 are higher in tumors than normal tissues and positively correlated with nuclear YAP1 staining in primary ESCC. Moreover, SOX2 gain-of-function significantly promotes nuclear YAP1 expression in ESCC cells while silencing of SOX2 expression inhibits YAP1 activation. SOX2 overexpression leads to a significant enhancement of cell migration and invasion as well as chemoresistance to cisplatin, whereas knockdown of SOX2 or ectopic expression of WWC1 suppresses the SOX2-induced migration ability and invasive potential. Disruption of this SOX2-WWC1-YAP1 axis could be a therapeutic strategy for SOX2-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Chai
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Qihang Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Hongying Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Lijuan Pang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Lianghai Wang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases/the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China.,Department of Pathology and Medical Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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