1
|
Carroll C, Manaprasertsak A, Boffelli Castro A, van den Bos H, Spierings DC, Wardenaar R, Bukkuri A, Engström N, Baratchart E, Yang M, Biloglav A, Cornwallis CK, Johansson B, Hagerling C, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Paulsson K, Amend SR, Mohlin S, Foijer F, McIntyre A, Pienta KJ, Hammarlund EU. Drug-resilient Cancer Cell Phenotype Is Acquired via Polyploidization Associated with Early Stress Response Coupled to HIF2α Transcriptional Regulation. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:691-705. [PMID: 38385626 PMCID: PMC10919208 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance and recurrence remain core challenges in cancer therapy. How therapy resistance arises is currently not fully understood with tumors surviving via multiple alternative routes. Here, we demonstrate that a subset of cancer cells survives therapeutic stress by entering a transient state characterized by whole-genome doubling. At the onset of the polyploidization program, we identified an upregulation of key transcriptional regulators, including the early stress-response protein AP-1 and normoxic stabilization of HIF2α. We found altered chromatin accessibility, ablated expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB1), and enrichment of AP-1 motif accessibility. We demonstrate that AP-1 and HIF2α regulate a therapy resilient and survivor phenotype in cancer cells. Consistent with this, genetic or pharmacologic targeting of AP-1 and HIF2α reduced the number of surviving cells following chemotherapy treatment. The role of AP-1 and HIF2α in stress response by polyploidy suggests a novel avenue for tackling chemotherapy-induced resistance in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE In response to cisplatin treatment, some surviving cancer cells undergo whole-genome duplications without mitosis, which represents a mechanism of drug resistance. This study presents mechanistic data to implicate AP-1 and HIF2α signaling in the formation of this surviving cell phenotype. The results open a new avenue for targeting drug-resistant cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carroll
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Auraya Manaprasertsak
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arthur Boffelli Castro
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hilda van den Bos
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Diana C.J. Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anuraag Bukkuri
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niklas Engström
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Etienne Baratchart
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Minjun Yang
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Biloglav
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Bertil Johansson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hagerling
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Paulsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sarah R. Amend
- Cancer Ecology Center, the Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alan McIntyre
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Cancer Ecology Center, the Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emma U. Hammarlund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Richter S, Steenblock C, Fischer A, Lemm S, Ziegler CG, Bechmann N, Nölting S, Pietzsch J, Ullrich M. Improving susceptibility of neuroendocrine tumors to radionuclide therapies: personalized approaches towards complementary treatments. Theranostics 2024; 14:17-32. [PMID: 38164150 PMCID: PMC10750207 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Radionuclide therapies are an important tool for the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). Especially [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE are routinely used for the treatment of a subset of NENs, including pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas and gastroenteropancreatic tumors. Some patients suffering from other forms of NENs, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma or neuroblastoma, were shown to respond to radionuclide therapy; however, no general recommendations exist. Although [131I]MIBG and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE can delay disease progression and improve quality of life, complete remissions are achieved rarely. Hence, better individually tailored combination regimes are required. This review summarizes currently applied radionuclide therapies in the context of NENs and informs about recent advances in the development of theranostic agents that might enable targeting subgroups of NENs that previously did not respond to [131I]MIBG or [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Moreover, molecular pathways involved in NEN tumorigenesis and progression that mediate features of radioresistance and are particularly related to the stemness of cancer cells are discussed. Pharmacological inhibition of such pathways might result in radiosensitization or general complementary antitumor effects in patients with certain genetic, transcriptomic, or metabolic characteristics. Finally, we provide an overview of approved targeted agents that might be beneficial in combination with radionuclide therapies in the context of a personalized molecular profiling approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Richter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alessa Fischer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sandy Lemm
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian G. Ziegler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), and University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical and Chemical Biology, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karakaya S, Gunnesson L, Elias E, Martos-Salvo P, Robledo M, Nilsson O, Wängberg B, Abel F, Påhlman S, Muth A, Mohlin S. Cytoplasmic HIF-2α as tissue biomarker to identify metastatic sympathetic paraganglioma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11588. [PMID: 37463949 PMCID: PMC10354100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. PGLs can further be divided into sympathetic (sPGLs) and head-and-neck (HN-PGLs). There are virtually no treatment options, and no cure, for metastatic PCCs and PGLs (PPGLs). Here, we composed a tissue microarray (TMA) consisting of 149 PPGLs, reflecting clinical features, presenting as a useful resource. Mutations in the pseudohypoxic marker HIF-2α correlate to an aggressive tumor phenotype. We show that HIF-2α localized to the cytoplasm in PPGLs. This subcompartmentalized protein expression differed between tumor subtypes, and strongly correlated to proliferation. Half of all sPGLs were metastatic at time of diagnosis. Cytoplasmic HIF-2α was strongly expressed in metastatic sPGLs and predicted poor outcome in this subgroup. We propose that higher cytoplasmic HIF-2α expression could serve as a useful clinical marker to differentiate paragangliomas from pheochromocytomas, and may help predict outcome in sPGL patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Karakaya
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC B11, 223 84, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Gunnesson
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Elias
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paula Martos-Salvo
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC B11, 223 84, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ola Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Wängberg
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frida Abel
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sven Påhlman
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Muth
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, BMC B11, 223 84, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund University Cancer Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bechmann N, Westermann F, Eisenhofer G. HIF and MYC signaling in adrenal neoplasms of the neural crest: implications for pediatrics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1022192. [PMID: 37361539 PMCID: PMC10286580 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1022192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neural crest-derived adrenal neoplasms include neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma. Both entities are associated with a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, varying from spontaneous regression to malignant disease with poor outcome. Increased expression and stabilization of HIF2α appears to contribute to a more aggressive and undifferentiated phenotype in both adrenal neoplasms, whereas MYCN amplification is a valuable prognostic marker in neuroblastoma. The present review focuses on HIF- and MYC signaling in both neoplasms and discusses the interaction of associated pathways during neural crest and adrenal development as well as potential consequences on tumorigenesis. Emerging single-cell methods together with epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses provide further insights into the importance of a tight regulation of HIF and MYC signaling pathways during adrenal development and tumorigenesis. In this context, increased attention to HIF-MYC/MAX interactions may also provide new therapeutic options for these pediatric adrenal neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi T, Zhu J, Zhang X, Mao X. The Role of Hypoxia and Cancer Stem Cells in Development of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092613. [PMID: 37174078 PMCID: PMC10177528 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is recognized as the most malignant brain tumor with a high level of hypoxia, containing a small population of glioblastoma stem like cells (GSCs). These GSCs have the capacity of self-renewal, proliferation, invasion and recapitulating the parent tumor, and are major causes of radio-and chemoresistance of GBM. Upregulated expression of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) in hypoxia fundamentally contributes to maintenance and progression of GSCs. Therefore, we thoroughly reviewed the currently acknowledged roles of hypoxia-associated GSCs in development of GBM. In detail, we recapitulated general features of GBM, especially GSC-related features, and delineated essential responses resulted from interactions between GSC and hypoxia, including hypoxia-induced signatures, genes and pathways, and hypoxia-regulated metabolic alterations. Five hypothesized GSC niches are discussed and integrated into one comprehensive concept: hypoxic peri-arteriolar niche of GSCs. Autophagy, another protective mechanism against chemotherapy, is also closely related to hypoxia and is a potential therapeutic target for GBM. In addition, potential causes of therapeutic resistance (chemo-, radio-, surgical-, immuno-), and chemotherapeutic agents which can improve the therapeutic effects of chemo-, radio-, or immunotherapy are introduced and discussed. At last, as a potential approach to reverse the hypoxic microenvironment in GBM, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might be an adjuvant therapy to chemo-and radiotherapy after surgery. In conclusion, we focus on demonstrating the important role of hypoxia on development of GBM, especially by affecting the function of GSCs. Important advantages have been made to understand the complicated responses induced by hypoxia in GBM. Further exploration of targeting hypoxia and GSCs can help to develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve the survival of GBM patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
- Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710024, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xinggang Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mehrotra P, Ikhapoh I, Lei P, Tseropoulos G, Zhang Y, Wang J, Liu S, Bronner ME, Andreadis ST. Wnt/BMP Mediated Metabolic Reprogramming Preserves Multipotency of Neural Crest-Like Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2023; 41:287-305. [PMID: 36617947 PMCID: PMC10020983 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neural crest-like stem cells resembling embryonic neural crest cells (NCs) can be derived from adult human tissues such as the epidermis. However, these cells lose their multipotency rapidly in culture limiting their expansion for clinical use. Here, we show that the multipotency of keratinocyte-derived NCs (KC-NCs) can be preserved by activating the Wnt and BMP signaling axis, promoting expression of key NC-specifier genes and ultimately enhancing their differentiation potential. We also show that transcriptional changes leading to multipotency are linked to metabolic reprogramming of KC-NCs to a highly glycolytic state. Specifically, KC-NCs treated with CHIR and BMP2 rely almost exclusively on glycolysis for their energy needs, as seen by increased lactate production, glucose uptake, and glycolytic enzyme activities. This was accompanied by mitochondrial depolarization and decreased mitochondrial ATP production. Interestingly, the glycolytic end-product lactate stabilized β-catenin and further augmented NC-gene expression. Taken together, our study shows that activation of the Wnt/BMP signaling coordinates the metabolic demands of neural crest-like stem cells governing decisions regarding multipotency and differentiation, with possible implications for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pihu Mehrotra
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Izuagie Ikhapoh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Pedro Lei
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Georgios Tseropoulos
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Stelios T Andreadis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, NY, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Center for Cell, Gene and Tissue Engineering (CGTE), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jacques F, Baratchart E, Pienta KJ, Hammarlund EU. Origin and evolution of animal multicellularity in the light of phylogenomics and cancer genetics. Med Oncol 2022; 39:160. [PMID: 35972622 PMCID: PMC9381480 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The rise of animals represents a major but enigmatic event in the evolutionary history of life. In recent years, numerous studies have aimed at understanding the genetic basis of this transition. However, genome comparisons of diverse animal and protist lineages suggest that the appearance of gene families that were previously considered animal specific indeed preceded animals. Animals' unicellular relatives, such as choanoflagellates, ichthyosporeans, and filastereans, demonstrate complex life cycles including transient multicellularity as well as genetic toolkits for temporal cell differentiation, cell-to-cell communication, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. This has warranted further exploration of the genetic basis underlying transitions in cellular organization. An alternative model for the study of transitions in cellular organization is tumors, which exploit physiological programs that characterize both unicellularity and multicellularity. Tumor cells, for example, switch adhesion on and off, up- or downregulate specific cell differentiation states, downregulate apoptosis, and allow cell migration within tissues. Here, we use insights from both the fields of phylogenomics and tumor biology to review the evolutionary history of the regulatory systems of multicellularity and discuss their overlap. We claim that while evolutionary biology has contributed to an increased understanding of cancer, broad investigations into tissue-normal and transformed-can also contribute the framework for exploring animal evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Jacques
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Etienne Baratchart
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kenneth J Pienta
- The Cancer Ecology Center, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Emma U Hammarlund
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rosenberg T, Marco A, Kisliouk T, Haron A, Shinder D, Druyan S, Meiri N. Embryonic heat conditioning in chicks induces transgenerational heat/immunological resilience via methylation on regulatory elements. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22406. [PMID: 35713935 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101948r] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The question of whether behavioral traits are heritable is under debate. An obstacle in demonstrating transgenerational inheritance in mammals originates from the maternal environment's effect on offspring phenotype. Here, we used in ovo embryonic heat conditioning (EHC) of first-generation chicks, demonstrating heredity of both heat and immunological resilience, confirmed by a reduced fibril response in their untreated offspring to either heat or LPS challenge. Concordantly, transcriptome analysis confirmed that EHC induces changes in gene expression in the anterior preoptic hypothalamus (APH) that contribute to these phenotypes in the offspring. To study the association between epigenetic mechanisms and trait heritability, DNA-methylation patterns in the APH of offspring of control versus EHC fathers were evaluated. Genome-wide analysis revealed thousands of differentially methylated sites (DMSs), which were highly enriched in enhancers and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) sites. Overlap analysis revealed 110 differentially expressed genes that were associated with altered methylation, predominantly on enhancers. Gene-ontology analysis shows pathways associated with immune response, chaperone-mediated protein folding, and stress response. For the proof of concept, we focused on HSP25 and SOCS3, modulators of heat and immune responses, respectively. Chromosome conformational capture (3C) assay identified interactions between their promoters and methylated enhancers, with the strongest frequency on CTCF binding sites. Furthermore, gene expression corresponded with the differential methylation patterns, and presented increased CTCF binding in both hyper- and hypomethylated DMSs. Collectively, we demonstrate that EHC induces transgenerational thermal and immunological resilience traits. We propose that one of the mechanisms underlying inheritance depends on three-dimensional (3D) chromatin reorganization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tali Rosenberg
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Asaf Marco
- Department of Animal Science, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tatiana Kisliouk
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Amit Haron
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Dmitry Shinder
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Shelly Druyan
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Noam Meiri
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Differential HIF2α Protein Expression in Human Carotid Body and Adrenal Medulla under Physiologic and Tumorigenic Conditions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122986. [PMID: 35740651 PMCID: PMC9221385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122986] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) 2α and 1α are the major oxygen-sensing molecules in eukaryotic cells. HIF2α has been pathogenically linked to paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma (PPGL) arising in sympathetic paraganglia or the adrenal medulla (AM), respectively. However, its involvement in the pathogenesis of paraganglioma arising in the carotid body (CB) or other parasympathetic ganglia in the head and neck (HNPGL) remains to be defined. Here, we retrospectively analyzed HIF2α by immunohistochemistry in 62 PPGL/HNPGL and human CB and AM, and comprehensively evaluated the HIF-related transcriptome of 202 published PPGL/HNPGL. We report that HIF2α is barely detected in the AM, but accumulates at high levels in PPGL, mostly (but not exclusively) in those with loss-of-function mutations in VHL and genes encoding components of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) complex. This is associated with upregulation of EPAS1 and the HIF2α-regulated genes COX4I2 and ADORA2A. In contrast, HIF2α and HIF2α-regulated genes are highly expressed in CB and HNPGL, irrespective of VHL and SDH dysfunctions. We also found that HIF2α and HIF1α protein expressions are not correlated in PPGL nor HNPGL. In addition, HIF1α-target genes are almost exclusively overexpressed in VHL-mutated HNPGL/PPGL. Collectively, the data suggest that involvement of HIF2α in the physiology and tumor pathology of human paraganglia is organ-of-origin-dependent and HIF1α-independent.
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao R, Trainor PA. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition during mammalian neural crest cell delamination. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 138:54-67. [PMID: 35277330 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.018] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-defined cellular process that was discovered in chicken embryos and described as "epithelial to mesenchymal transformation" [1]. During EMT, epithelial cells lose their epithelial features and acquire mesenchymal character with migratory potential. EMT has subsequently been shown to be essential for both developmental and pathological processes including embryo morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue fibrosis and cancer [2]. During the past 5 years, interest and study of EMT especially in cancer biology have increased exponentially due to the implied role of EMT in multiple aspects of malignancy such as cell invasion, survival, stemness, metastasis, therapeutic resistance and tumor heterogeneity [3]. Since the process of EMT in embryogenesis and cancer progression shares similar phenotypic changes, core transcription factors and molecular mechanisms, it has been proposed that the initiation and development of carcinoma could be attributed to abnormal activation of EMT factors usually required for normal embryo development. Therefore, developmental EMT mechanisms, whose timing, location, and tissue origin are strictly regulated, could prove useful for uncovering new insights into the phenotypic changes and corresponding gene regulatory control of EMT under pathological conditions. In this review, we initially provide an overview of the phenotypic and molecular mechanisms involved in EMT and discuss the newly emerging concept of epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). Then we focus on our current knowledge of a classic developmental EMT event, neural crest cell (NCC) delamination, highlighting key differences in our understanding of NCC EMT between mammalian and non-mammalian species. Lastly, we highlight available tools and future directions to advance our understanding of mammalian NCC EMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhao
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang Y, Duan LJ, Fong GH. Oxygen-sensing mechanisms in development and tissue repair. Development 2021; 148:273632. [PMID: 34874450 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Under normoxia, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) α subunits are hydroxylated by PHDs (prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins) and subsequently undergo polyubiquitylation and degradation. Normal embryogenesis occurs under hypoxia, which suppresses PHD activities and allows HIFα to stabilize and regulate development. In this Primer, we explain molecular mechanisms of the oxygen-sensing pathway, summarize HIF-regulated downstream events, discuss loss-of-function phenotypes primarily in mouse development, and highlight clinical relevance to angiogenesis and tissue repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yida Jiang
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Li-Juan Duan
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Fong
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Narmontė M, Gibas P, Daniūnaitė K, Gordevičius J, Kriukienė E. Multiomics Analysis of Neuroblastoma Cells Reveals a Diversity of Malignant Transformations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727353. [PMID: 34557494 PMCID: PMC8452964 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727353] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric cancer of the developing sympathetic nervous system that exhibits significant variation in the stage of differentiation and cell composition of tumors. Global loss of DNA methylation and genomic 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a hallmark of human cancers. Here, we used our recently developed single-base resolution approaches, hmTOP-seq and uTOP-seq, for construction of 5hmC maps and identification of large partially methylated domains (PMDs) in different NB cell subpopulations. The 5hmC profiles revealed distinct signatures characteristic to different cell lineages and stages of malignant transformation of NB cells in a conventional and oxygen-depleted environment, which often occurs in tumors. The analysis of the cell-type-specific PMD distribution highlighted differences in global genome organization among NB cells that were ascribed to the same lineage identity by transcriptomic networks. Collectively, we demonstrated a high informativeness of the integrative epigenomic and transcriptomic research and large-scale genome structure in investigating the mechanisms that regulate cell identities and developmental stages of NB cells. Such multiomics analysis, as compared with mutational studies, open new ways for identification of novel disease-associated features which bring prognostic and therapeutic value in treating this aggressive pediatric disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milda Narmontė
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Gibas
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Kristina Daniūnaitė
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,Human Genome Research Group, Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Gordevičius
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Edita Kriukienė
- Department of Biological DNA Modification, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bechmann N, Eisenhofer G. Hypoxia-inducible Factor 2α: A Key Player in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma? Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 130:282-289. [PMID: 34320663 DOI: 10.1055/a-1526-5263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Germline or somatic driver mutations linked to specific phenotypic features are identified in approximately 70% of all catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Mutations leading to stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) and downstream pseudohypoxic signaling are associated with a higher risk of metastatic disease. Patients with metastatic PPGLs have a variable prognosis and treatment options are limited. In most patients with PPGLs, germline mutations lead to the stabilization of HIF2α. Mutations in HIF2α itself are associated with adrenal pheochromocytomas and/or extra-adrenal paragangliomas and about 30% of these patients develop metastatic disease; nevertheless, the frequency of these specific mutations is low (1.6-6.2%). Generally, mutations that lead to stabilization of HIF2α result in distinct catecholamine phenotype through blockade of glucocorticoid-mediated induction of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, leading to the formation of tumors that lack epinephrine. HIF2α, among other factors, also contributes importantly to the initiation of a motile and invasive phenotype. Specifically, the expression of HIF2α supports a neuroendocrine-to-mesenchymal transition and the associated invasion-metastasis cascade, which includes the formation of pseudopodia to facilitate penetration into adjacent vasculature. The HIF2α-mediated expression of adhesion and extracellular matrix genes also promotes the establishment of PPGL cells in distant tissues. The involvement of HIF2α in tumorigenesis and in multiple steps of invasion-metastasis cascade underscores the therapeutic relevance of targeting HIF2α signaling pathways in PPGLs. However, due to emerging resistance to current HIF2α inhibitors that target HIF2α binding to specific partners, alternative HIF2α signaling pathways and downstream actions should also be considered for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Department of Experimental Diabetology, Nuthetal, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carroll C, Engström N, Nilsson PF, Haxen ER, Mohlin S, Berg P, Glud RN, Hammarlund EU. Hypoxia Generated by Avian Embryo Growth Induces the HIF-α Response and Critical Vascularization. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.675800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer research has transformed our view on cellular mechanisms for oxygen sensing. It has been documented that these mechanisms are important for maintaining animal tissues and life in environments where oxygen (O2) concentrations fluctuate. In adult animals, oxygen sensing is governed by the Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) that are stabilized at low oxygen concentrations (hypoxia). However, the importance of hypoxia itself during development and for the onset of HIF-driven oxygen sensing remains poorly explored. Cellular responses to hypoxia associates with cell immaturity (stemness) and proper tissue and organ development. During mammalian development, the initial uterine environment is hypoxic. The oxygenation status during avian embryogenesis is more complex since O2 continuously equilibrates across the porous eggshell. Here, we investigate HIF dynamics and use microelectrodes to determine O2 concentrations within the egg and the embryo during the first four days of development. To determine the increased O2 consumption rates, we also obtain the O2 transport coefficient (DO2) of eggshell and associated inner and outer shell membranes, both directly (using microelectrodes in ovo for the first time) and indirectly (using water evaporation at 37.5°C for the first time). Our results demonstrate a distinct hypoxic phase (<5% O2) between day 1 and 2, concurring with the onset of HIF-α expression. This phase of hypoxia is demonstrably necessary for proper vascularization and survival. Our indirectly determined DO2 values are about 30% higher than those determined directly. A comparison with previously reported values indicates that this discrepancy may be real, reflecting that water vapor and O2 may be transported through the eggshell at different rates. Based on our obtained DO2 values, we demonstrate that increased O2 consumption of the growing embryo appears to generate the phase of hypoxia, which is also facilitated by the initially small gas cell and low membrane permeability. We infer that the phase of in ovo hypoxia facilitates correct avian development. These results support the view that hypoxic conditions, in which the animal clade evolved, remain functionally important during animal development. The study highlights that insights from the cancer field pertaining to the cellular capacities by which both somatic and cancer cells register and respond to fluctuations in O2 concentrations can broadly inform our exploration of animal development and success.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang L, Sun L, Liu R, Mo H, Niu Y, Chen T, Wang Y, Han S, Tu K, Liu Q. Long non-coding RNA MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:72. [PMID: 33596983 PMCID: PMC7891009 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely involved in human cancers’ progression by regulating tumor cells’ various malignant behaviors. MAPKAPK5-AS1 has been recognized as an oncogene in colorectal cancer. However, the biological role of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been explored. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect the level of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of MAPKAPK5-AS1 on tumor growth and metastasis were assessed via in vitro experiments, including MTT, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, transwell assays, and nude mice models. The western blotting analysis was carried out to determine epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and AKT signaling. The interaction between MAPKAPK5-AS1, miR-154-5p, and PLAGL2 were explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The regulatory effect of HIF-1α on MAPKAPK5-AS1 was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results MAPKAPK5-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in HCC, and its overexpression associated with malignant clinical features and reduced survival. Functionally, MAPKAPK5-AS1 knockdown repressed the proliferation, mobility, and EMT of HCC cells and induced apoptosis. Ectopic expression of MAPKAPK5-AS1 contributed to HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, MAPKAPK5-AS1 silencing suppressed, while MAPKAPK5-AS1 overexpression enhanced HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MAPKAPK5-AS1 upregulated PLAG1 like zinc finger 2 (PLAGL2) expression by acting as an endogenous competing RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-154-5p, thereby activating EGFR/AKT signaling. Importantly, rescue experiments demonstrated that the miR-154-5p/PLAGL2 axis mediated the function of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC cells. Interestingly, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a transcript factor, could directly bind to the promoter to activate MAPKAPK5-AS1 transcription. MAPKAPK5-AS1 regulated HIF-1α expression through PLAGL2 to form a hypoxia-mediated MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC. Conclusions Our results reveal a MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC progression and suggest that MAPKAPK5-AS1 could be a potential novel therapeutic target of HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01868-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liankang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yongshen Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shaoshan Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Niklasson CU, Fredlund E, Monni E, Lindvall JM, Kokaia Z, Hammarlund EU, Bronner ME, Mohlin S. Hypoxia inducible factor-2α importance for migration, proliferation, and self-renewal of trunk neural crest cells. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:191-236. [PMID: 32940375 PMCID: PMC7891386 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The neural crest is a transient embryonic stem cell population. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐2α is associated with neural crest stem cell appearance and aggressiveness in tumors. However, little is known about its role in normal neural crest development. Results Here, we show that HIF‐2α is expressed in trunk neural crest cells of human, murine, and avian embryos. Knockdown as well as overexpression of HIF‐2α in vivo causes developmental delays, induces proliferation, and self‐renewal capacity of neural crest cells while decreasing the proportion of neural crest cells that migrate ventrally to sympathoadrenal sites. Reflecting the in vivo phenotype, transcriptome changes after loss of HIF‐2α reveal enrichment of genes associated with cancer, invasion, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, and growth arrest. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that expression levels of HIF‐2α must be strictly controlled during normal trunk neural crest development and that dysregulated levels affects several important features connected to stemness, migration, and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla U Niklasson
- Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Center at Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elina Fredlund
- Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Center at Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Monni
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jessica M Lindvall
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Restorative Neurology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma U Hammarlund
- Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Center at Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Translational Cancer Research, Lund University Cancer Center at Medicon Village, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|