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Guo X, Yang Y, Tang J, Xiang J. Ephs in cancer progression: complexity and context-dependent nature in signaling, angiogenesis and immunity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:299. [PMID: 38811954 PMCID: PMC11137953 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors constitute the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, comprising 14 distinct members classified into two subgroups: EphAs and EphBs.. Despite their essential functions in normal physiological processes, accumulating evidence suggests that the involvement of the Eph family in cancer is characterized by a dual and often contradictory nature. Research indicates that Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling influences cell-cell communication, subsequently regulating cell migration, adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. The contradictory functionalities may arise from the diversity of Eph signaling pathways and the heterogeneity of different cancer microenvironment. In this review, we aim to discuss the dual role of the Eph receptors in tumor development, attempting to elucidate the paradoxical functionality through an exploration of Eph receptor signaling pathways, angiogenesis, immune responses, and more. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development. Additionally, we will explore the evolving landscape of utilizing Eph receptors as potential targets for tumor therapy and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Guo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyi Yang
- Health Management Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingqun Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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2
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Fang H, Ren W, Cui Q, Liang H, Yang C, Liu W, Wang X, Liu X, Shi Y, Feng J, Chen C. Integrin β4 promotes DNA damage-related drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer via TNFAIP2/IQGAP1/RAC1. eLife 2023; 12:RP88483. [PMID: 37787041 PMCID: PMC10547475 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor drug resistance is a challenge for human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. Our previous work demonstrated that TNFAIP2 activates RAC1 to promote TNBC cell proliferation and migration. However, the mechanism by which TNFAIP2 activates RAC1 is unknown. In this study, we found that TNFAIP2 interacts with IQGAP1 and Integrin β4. Integrin β4 activates RAC1 through TNFAIP2 and IQGAP1 and confers DNA damage-related drug resistance in TNBC. These results indicate that the Integrin β4/TNFAIP2/IQGAP1/RAC1 axis provides potential therapeutic targets to overcome DNA damage-related drug resistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Fang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
- Kunming College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
| | - Wenlong Ren
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
- School of Life Science, University of Science & Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Qiuxia Cui
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityGuangdongChina
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeShenzhenChina
| | - Huichun Liang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
| | - Chuanyu Yang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
| | - Xinye Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
| | - Xue Liu
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South CampusShanghaiChina
| | - Yujie Shi
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jing Feng
- Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South CampusShanghaiChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen)ShenzhenChina
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangdong ProvinceGuangzhouChina
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunming, YunnanChina
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
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3
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Chicherova I, Hernandez C, Mann F, Zoulim F, Parent R. Axon guidance molecules in liver pathology: Journeys on a damaged passport. Liver Int 2023; 43:1850-1864. [PMID: 37402699 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The liver is an innervated organ that develops a variety of chronic liver disease (CLD). Axon guidance cues (AGCs), of which ephrins, netrins, semaphorins and slits are the main representative, are secreted or membrane-bound proteins that can attract or repel axons through interactions with their growth cones that contain receptors recognizing these messengers. While fundamentally implicated in the physiological development of the nervous system, the expression of AGCs can also be reinduced under acute or chronic conditions, such as CLD, that necessitate redeployment of neural networks. METHODS This review considers the ad hoc literature through the neglected canonical neural function of these proteins that is also applicable to the diseased liver (and not solely their observed parenchymal impact). RESULTS AGCs impact fibrosis regulation, immune functions, viral/host interactions, angiogenesis, and cell growth, both at the CLD and HCC levels. Special attention has been paid to distinguishing correlative and causal data in such datasets in order to streamline data interpretation. While hepatic mechanistic insights are to date limited, bioinformatic evidence for the identification of AGCs mRNAs positive cells, protein expression, quantitative regulation, and prognostic data have been provided. Liver-pertinent clinical studies based on the US Clinical Trials database are listed. Future research directions derived from AGC targeting are proposed. CONCLUSION This review highlights frequent implication of AGCs in CLD, linking traits of liver disorders and the local autonomic nervous system. Such data should contribute to diversifying current parameters of patient stratification and our understanding of CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ievgeniia Chicherova
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Inserm Unit 1052, CNRS UMR 5286, University of Lyon, Léon Bérard Anticancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Charlotte Hernandez
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Inserm Unit 1052, CNRS UMR 5286, University of Lyon, Léon Bérard Anticancer Centre, Lyon, France
| | - Fanny Mann
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Inserm Unit 1052, CNRS UMR 5286, University of Lyon, Léon Bérard Anticancer Centre, Lyon, France
- Hepatogastroenterology Service, Croix-Rousse University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Romain Parent
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, Inserm Unit 1052, CNRS UMR 5286, University of Lyon, Léon Bérard Anticancer Centre, Lyon, France
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4
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Ye P, Chen Z, Lou H, Mai Y, Zhu X, Fu X. Ephrin-A4 Ligand (EFNA4) Predicts Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Promotes Tumor Proliferation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:767-773. [PMID: 37693261 PMCID: PMC10482992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal tumor diseases in the world. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are thought to play a vital role in HCC and Ephrin-A4 ligand (EFNA4) is a membrane-bound molecule that can activate RTKs through erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors. However, the specific role of EFNA4 remains unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic value of EFNA4 expression in HCC. Methods Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to probe the expression levels and prognostic value of EFNA4 in HCC. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical and western blot were used to confirm the expression of EFNA4 in paired clinical specimens of HCC. Colony formation assay was used to confirm the proliferation of tumor cell. Results The expression of EFNA4 is generally elevated in various cancers. Especially, EFNA4 was upregulated in tumor tissue and associated with clinical stage in HCC patients. HCC patients with lower levels of EFNA4 possessed better survival and progression-free survival times. Colony formation assay indicated that the overexpression of EFNA4 promoted tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion These results demonstrated that EFNA4 played as an oncogenic gene and a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zide Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haibo Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjun Mai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xihua Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Papadakos SP, Stergiou IE, Gkolemi N, Arvanitakis K, Theocharis S. Unraveling the Significance of EPH/Ephrin Signaling in Liver Cancer: Insights into Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3434. [PMID: 37444544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133434] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a complex and challenging disease with limited treatment options and dismal prognosis. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms driving liver cancer progression and metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. The EPH/ephrin system, which comprises a family of cell surface receptors and their corresponding ligands, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of the EPH/ephrin system in HCC. Specifically, we discuss the dysregulation of EPH/ephrin signaling in HCC and its impact on various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overall, the EPH/ephrin signaling system emerges as a compelling and multifaceted player in liver cancer biology. Elucidating its precise mechanisms and understanding its implications in disease progression and therapeutic responses may pave the way for novel targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches for liver cancer patients. Further research is warranted to unravel the full potential of the EPH/ephrin system in liver cancer and its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna E Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolina Gkolemi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Huang S, Dong C, Zhang J, Fu S, Lv Y, Wu J. A comprehensive prognostic and immunological analysis of ephrin family genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:943384. [PMID: 36052169 PMCID: PMC9424725 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.943384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ephrins, a series of Eph-associated receptor tyrosine kinase ligands, play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. However, their contributions to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to explore their prognostic value and immune implications in HCC. Methods: Multiple public databases, such as TCGA, GTEx, and UCSC XENA, were used to analyze the expression of ephrin genes across cancers. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to explore the prognostic role of ephrin genes in HCC. A logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate the association between ephrin gene expression and clinical characteristics. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to elucidate their potential biological mechanisms. Various immune algorithms were utilized to investigate the correlation between ephrin genes and tumor immunity. We also analyzed their association with drug sensitivity, and gene mutations. Finally, RT–qPCR was performed to validate the expression of ephrin family genes in HCC cells and clinical tissues. Results: The expression of EFNA1, EFNA2, EFNA3, EFNA4, EFNB1, and EFNB2 was upregulated in most cancer types, while EFNA5 and EFNB3 was downregulated in most cancers. In HCC, the expression levels of EFNA1, EFNA3, EFNA4, EFNB1, and EFNB2 were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues. High expression of EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNB1 was associated with tumor progression and worse prognosis in HCC patients. The expression of EFNA3 and EFNA4 was negatively associated with the stromal/ESTIMATE scores, while EFNB1 was positively correlated with the immune/stromal/ESTIMATE scores. Moreover, these ephrin genes were closely relevant to the infiltration of immune cells, such as B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophil cells, macrophage cells, and dendritic cells. EFNB1 expression was positively associated with most immune-related genes, while EFNA3/EFNA4 was positively related to TMB and MSI. In addition, EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNB1 were related to drug sensitivity and affected the mutation frequency of some genes in HCC. Conclusion: EFNA3, EFNA4, and EFNB1 are independent prognostic factors for HCC patients and are closely correlated with tumor immunity, which may provide a new direction for exploring novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Cairong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shumin Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yaqin Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianbing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Jianbing Wu,
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7
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Sauzeau V, Beignet J, Vergoten G, Bailly C. Overexpressed or hyperactivated Rac1 as a target to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106220. [PMID: 35405309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite novel targeted and immunotherapies, the prognosis remains bleak for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for advanced and/or metastatic forms. The rapid emergence of drug resistance is a major obstacle in the success of chemo-, targeted-, immuno-therapies of HCC. Novel targets are needed. The prominent roles of the small GTPase Rac1 in the development and progression of HCC are discussed here, together with its multiple protein partners, and the targeting of Rac1 with RNA-based regulators and small molecules. We discuss the oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC, including the contribution of Rac1 mutants and isoform Rac1b. Rac1 is a ubiquitous target, but the protein is frequently overexpressed and hyperactivated in HCC. It contributes to the aggressivity of the disease, with key roles in cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis and resistance to treatment. Small molecule targeting Rac1, indirectly or directly, have shown anticancer effects in HCC experimental models. Rac1-binding agents such as EHT 1864 and analogues offer novel opportunities to combat HCC. We discuss the different modalities to repress Rac1 overactivation in HCC with small molecules and the combination with reference drugs to promote cancer cell death and to repress cell invasion. We highlight the necessity to combine Rac1-targeted approach with appropriate biomarkers to select Rac1 activated tumors. Our analysis underlines the prominent oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC and discuss the modalities to target this small GTPase. Rac1 shall be considered as a valid target to limit the acquired and intrinsic resistance of HCC tumors and their metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE - U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, 59006, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal 59290, France.
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Bayo J, Fiore EJ, Dominguez LM, Cantero MJ, Ciarlantini MS, Malvicini M, Atorrasagasti C, Garcia MG, Rossi M, Cavasotto C, Martinez E, Comin J, Mazzolini GD. Bioinformatic analysis of RHO family of GTPases identifies RAC1 pharmacological inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Gut 2021; 70:1362-1374. [PMID: 33106353 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-321454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The RHO family of GTPases, particularly RAC1, has been linked with hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting that their inhibition might be a rational therapeutic approach. We aimed to identify and target deregulated RHO family members in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DESIGN We studied expression deregulation, clinical prognosis and transcription programmes relevant to HCC using public datasets. The therapeutic potential of RAC1 inhibitors in HCC was study in vitro and in vivo. RNA-Seq analysis and their correlation with the three different HCC datasets were used to characterise the underlying mechanism on RAC1 inhibition. The therapeutic effect of RAC1 inhibition on liver fibrosis was evaluated. RESULTS Among the RHO family of GTPases we observed that RAC1 is upregulated, correlates with poor patient survival, and is strongly linked with a prooncogenic transcriptional programme. From a panel of novel RAC1 inhibitors studied, 1D-142 was able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HCC cells, displaying a stronger effect in highly proliferative cells. Partial rescue of the RAC1-related oncogenic transcriptional programme was obtained on RAC1 inhibition by 1D-142 in HCC. Most importantly, the RAC1 inhibitor 1D-142 strongly reduce tumour growth and intrahepatic metastasis in HCC mice models. Additionally, 1D-142 decreases hepatic stellate cell activation and exerts an anti-fibrotic effect in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The bioinformatics analysis of the HCC datasets, allows identifying RAC1 as a new therapeutic target for HCC. The targeted inhibition of RAC1 by 1D-142 resulted in a potent antitumoural effect in highly proliferative HCC established in fibrotic livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bayo
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban J Fiore
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana María Dominguez
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Jose Cantero
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matias S Ciarlantini
- Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, INTI, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Malvicini
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Cancer Immunobiology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina Atorrasagasti
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Gabriela Garcia
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Genómica Funcional y Ciencia de Datos, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Cavasotto
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ingeniería, and Austral Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Computational Drug Design and Biomedical Informatics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisabeth Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Julieta Comin
- Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, INTI, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Ingredientes Activos y Biorrefinerías, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo D Mazzolini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Buenos Aires, Argentina .,Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Zhao Y, Cai C, Zhang M, Shi L, Wang J, Zhang H, Ma P, Li S. Ephrin-A2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and promoting EMT. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:2013-2023. [PMID: 33772606 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ephrin-A2, a member of the Eph receptor subgroup, is used in diagnosing and determining the prognosis of prostate cancer. However, the role of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer is remains elusive. METHODS We established stable clones overexpressing or silencing ephrin-A2 from prostate cancer cells. Then, CCK-8 was used in analyzing the proliferation ability of cells. CD31 staining was used in evaluating angiogenesis. Migration and invasion assay were conducted in vivo and in vitro. The expression of EMT-related markers was evaluated in prostate cancer cells through Western blotting. RESULTS We revealed that the ectopic expression of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer cells facilitated cell migration and invasion in vitro and promoted tumor metastasis and angiogenesis in vivo and that the silencing of ephrin-A2 completely reversed this effect. Although ephrin-A2 did not affect tumor cell proliferation in vitro, ephrin-A2 significantly promoted primary tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, to determine the biological function of ephrin-A2, we assayed the expression of EMT-related markers in stable-established cell lines. Results showed that the overexpression of ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer cells down-regulated the expression of epithelial markers (ZO-1, E-cadherin, and claudin-1) and up-regulated the expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, Slug, and Snail), but the knocking out of ephrin-A2 opposed the effects on the expression of EMT markers. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ephrin-A2 promotes prostate cancer metastasis by enhancing angiogenesis and promoting EMT and may be a potentially therapeutic target in metastatic prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, China
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Chenchen Cai
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, The Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Medical College of Southeast University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Lubing Shi
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Haoliang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
| | - Shibao Li
- Medical Technology School of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 West Huaihai Road, Xuzhou, 221002, China.
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10
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Abstract
Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) plays essential roles in cellular and organismal homeostasis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis. It is not fully understood how the function of TFEB in autophagy pathway is regulated. Here, we show that Rac1 GTPase is a negative modulator of autophagy by targeting TFEB. Mechanistically, Rac1 reduces autophagy flux by repressing the expressing of autophagy genes. Further investigation revealed that under nutrient-rich conditions, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylates TFEB to facilitate the interaction between Rac1 and TFEB. Biochemical dissection uncovered that guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-bound form of Rac1 selectively interacts with phosphorylated TFEB. This inhibitory interaction prevents the dephosphorylation and nucleus translocation of TFEB, which hampers the transcriptional activation of autophagy-related genes. Furthermore, Rac1-TFEB axis appeared to be important for tumorigenesis, as overexpression of dephosphorylated mutant of TFEB was able to delay the tumor growth driven by Rac1 overexpression. Together, this study not only elucidates a previously uncharacterized autophagy regulation mechanism involving Rac1 and TFEB under physiological and pathological conditions but also suggests a strategy to treat cancers that are driven by Rac1 overexpression.
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11
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Yaghoubi A, Khazaei M, Jalili S, Hasanian SM, Avan A, Soleimanpour S, Cho WC. Bacteria as a double-action sword in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188388. [PMID: 32589907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria have long been known as one of the primary causative agents of cancer, however, recent studies suggest that they can be used as a promising agent in cancer therapy. Because of the limitations that conventional treatment faces due to the specific pathophysiology and the tumor environment, there is a great need for the new anticancer therapeutic agents. Bacteriotherapy utilizes live, attenuated strains or toxins, peptides, bacteriocins of the bacteria in the treatment of cancer. Moreover, they are widely used as a vector for delivering genes, peptides, or drugs to the tumor target. Interestingly, it was found that their combination with the conventional therapeutic approaches may enhance the treatment outcome. In the genome editing era, it is feasible to develop a novel generation of therapeutic bacteria with fewer side effects and more efficacy for cancer therapy. Here we review the current knowledge on the dual role of bacteria in the development of cancer as well as cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Yaghoubi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saba Jalili
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hasanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saman Soleimanpour
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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12
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Ni Q, Chen Z, Zheng Q, Xie D, Li JJ, Cheng S, Ma X. Epithelial V-like antigen 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis via the ERBB-PI3K-AKT pathway. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:1500-1513. [PMID: 31997489 PMCID: PMC7226218 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of epithelial V‐like antigen 1 (EVA1) has been well studied in thymic development and homostasis; however, its putative relationship with cancer remains largely unknown. Therefore, here we investigated the role of EVA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, EVA1 expression was significantly increased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was also associated with a poor prognosis and recurrence in HCC patients. Overexpression of EVA1 promoted cell growth, invasion and migration in vitro. Consistently, knockdown of EVA1 expression inhibited proliferation and migration in vitro, while repressing metastasis of HCC cells in vivo. RNA‐seq analysis indicated that EVA1 is able to upregulate the expression of genes in the ERBB3‐PI3K pathway. Accordingly, an increased level of AKT phosphorylation was detected in HCC cells after EVA1 overexpression. LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, inhibited AKT phosphorylation and rescued the tumor‐promoting effect of EVA1 overexpression. Altogether, the present study has revealed the oncogenic role of EVA1 during HCC progression and metastasis through the ERBB‐PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway, reiterating the potential use of EVA1 as a therapeutic target and/or prognostic marker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- QianZhi Ni
- School of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianwen Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyuan Ma
- School of Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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13
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Yaghoubi A, Khazaei M, Hasanian SM, Avan A, C. Cho W, Soleimanpour S. Bacteriotherapy in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5880. [PMID: 31771178 PMCID: PMC6928964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality among women around the world. Conventional treatments in the fight against breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, are being challenged regarding their effectiveness. Thus, strategies for the treatment of breast cancer need to be continuously refined to achieve a better patient outcome. We know that a number of bacteria are pathogenic and some are even associated with tumor development, however, recent studies have demonstrated interesting results suggesting some bacteria may have potential for cancer therapy. Therefore, the therapeutic role of bacteria has aroused attention in medical and pharmaceutical studies. Furthermore, genetic engineering has been used in bacterial therapy and may led to greater efficacy with few side effects. Some genetically modified non-pathogenic bacterial species are more successful due to their selectivity for cancer cells but with low toxicity for normal cells. Some live, attenuated, or genetically modified bacterias are capable to multiply in tumors and inhibit their growth. This article aims to review the role of bacteria and their products including bacterial peptides, bacteriocins, and toxins for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Yaghoubi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran;
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9138735499, Iran;
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hasanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical, Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran;
| | - Amir Avan
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran;
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Saman Soleimanpour
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran;
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91387-35499, Iran
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14
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Semaphorin 4A acts in a feed-forward loop with NF-κB pathway to exacerbate catabolic effect of IL-1β on chondrocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 69:88-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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15
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Li S, Zhao Y, Chen W, Yin L, Zhu J, Zhang H, Cai C, Li P, Huang L, Ma P. Exosomal ephrinA2 derived from serum as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer. J Cancer 2018; 9:2659-2665. [PMID: 30087706 PMCID: PMC6072821 DOI: 10.7150/jca.25201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Up-regulation of serum ephrinA2 is common in various malignancies and has been suggested as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the type of serum ephrinA2 expressed in PCa patients remains elusive. Furthermore, the level of exosomal ephrinA2 derived from serum is increased in patients with osteoporosis, a common complication of PCa patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. It is unknown whether exosomes derived from PCa patient serum contains ephrinA2. In this study, we explored the ephrinA2 expression in whole serum and tissues and identified the circulating exosomal ephrinA2 as a potential biomarker for PCa. Exosomes were isolated from patient sera by differential centrifugation and the presence of ephrinA2 was confirmed via electron microscopy and western blotting. The type of ephrinA2 in serum was evaluated by western blotting. The expression of serum ephrinA2 including secreted and cleaved ephrinA2 and exosomal ephrinA2 were detected by ELISA and western blotting. Compared with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and controls, the levels of whole serum ephrinA2 and exosomal ephrinA2 were significantly higher in PCa patients. Moreover, exosomal ephrinA2 expression was positively correlated with TNM staging and Gleason score of PCa patients. The diagnostic efficiency of exosomal ephrinA2 was superior to that of whole serum ephrinA2 and serum PSA in distinguishing PCa patients from those from BPH patents. Our study indicates that exosomal ephrinA2 has high potential as a biomarker for the presence of PCa and offers a new therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibao Li
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Wenbai Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Lingyu Yin
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Haoliang Zhang
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Chenchen Cai
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Pengpeng Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Lingyan Huang
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Medical Technology Institute of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
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16
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17
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Yin L, Cai Z, Zhu B, Xu C. Identification of Key Pathways and Genes in the Dynamic Progression of HCC Based on WGCNA. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9020092. [PMID: 29443924 PMCID: PMC5852588 DOI: 10.3390/genes9020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a devastating disease worldwide. Though many efforts have been made to elucidate the process of HCC, its molecular mechanisms of development remain elusive due to its complexity. To explore the stepwise carcinogenic process from pre-neoplastic lesions to the end stage of HCC, we employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) which has been proved to be an effective method in many diseases to detect co-expressed modules and hub genes using eight pathological stages including normal, cirrhosis without HCC, cirrhosis, low-grade dysplastic, high-grade dysplastic, very early and early, advanced HCC and very advanced HCC. Among the eight consecutive pathological stages, five representative modules are selected to perform canonical pathway enrichment and upstream regulator analysis by using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software. We found that cell cycle related biological processes were activated at four neoplastic stages, and the degree of activation of the cell cycle corresponded to the deterioration degree of HCC. The orange and yellow modules enriched in energy metabolism, especially oxidative metabolism, and the expression value of the genes decreased only at four neoplastic stages. The brown module, enriched in protein ubiquitination and ephrin receptor signaling pathways, correlated mainly with the very early stage of HCC. The darkred module, enriched in hepatic fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation, correlated with the cirrhotic stage only. The high degree hub genes were identified based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and were verified by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The novel five high degree hub genes signature that was identified in our study may shed light on future prognostic and therapeutic approaches. Our study brings a new perspective to the understanding of the key pathways and genes in the dynamic changes of HCC progression. These findings shed light on further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yin
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Cell Differentiation Regulation and Henan Engineering Laboratory for Bioengineering and Drug Development, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China.
- Luohe Medical College, Luohe 462002, Henan, China.
| | - Zhihui Cai
- Luohe Medical College, Luohe 462002, Henan, China.
| | - Baoan Zhu
- Luohe Medical College, Luohe 462002, Henan, China.
| | - Cunshuan Xu
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Cell Differentiation Regulation and Henan Engineering Laboratory for Bioengineering and Drug Development, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China.
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18
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Zhao J, Li J, Fan TWM, Hou SX. Glycolytic reprogramming through PCK2 regulates tumor initiation of prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:83602-83618. [PMID: 29137367 PMCID: PMC5663539 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) play important roles in tumor progression and metastasis. Identifying the factors regulating TICs may open new avenues in cancer therapy. Here, we show that TIC-enriched prostate cancer cell clones use more glucose and secrete more lactate than TIC-low clones. We determined that elevated levels of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase isoform 2 (PCK2) are critical for the metabolic switch and the maintenance of TICs in prostate cancer. Information from prostate cancer patient databases revealed that higher PCK2 levels correlated with more aggressive tumors and lower survival rates. PCK2 knockdown resulted in low TIC numbers, increased cytosolic acetyl-CoA and cellular protein acetylation. Our data suggest PCK2 promotes tumor initiation by lowering acetyl-CoA level through reducing the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Thus, PCK2 is a potential therapeutic target for aggressive prostate tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangsha Zhao
- The Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jieran Li
- Graduate Center of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Teresa W M Fan
- Graduate Center of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Steven X Hou
- The Basic Research Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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19
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Jiang H, Ma N, Shang Y, Zhou W, Chen T, Guan D, Li J, Wang J, Zhang E, Feng Y, Yin F, Yuan Y, Fang Y, Qiu L, Xie D, Wei D. Triosephosphate isomerase 1 suppresses growth, migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 482:1048-1053. [PMID: 27908734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.11.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation is one of the most common and recognizable features of cancer. Triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1), which catalyzes the interconversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and d-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) during glycosis and gluconeogenesis, is a crucial enzyme in the carbohydrate metabolism. However, the biological function and mechanism of TPI1 in cancer remain largely unknown. In this study, we have found that TPI1 expression was greatly decreased in clinical HCC samples, positively correlated with overall survival, and negatively associated with histological differentiation, tumor size and organ metastasis. Forced expression of TPI1 in HCC cells inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. Consistently, knockdown of TPI1 by shRNA promoted cell growth, migration and invasion. Moreover, overexpression of TPI1 led to slowed tumor growth and decreased tumor weight in vivo. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest was induced by TPI1 overexpression. These phenotypes were associated with altered expression of β-catenin, Vimentin, P53, P27 and CyclinD1. Therefore, our data suggested that TPI1 functioned as a tumor suppressor in HCC and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurong Shang
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianwei Chen
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxian Guan
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Erbin Zhang
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenfen Yin
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmei Yuan
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Xie
- Institute of Nutrition Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dongzhi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Li S, Wu Z, Chen Y, Kang Z, Wang H, He P, Zhang X, Hu T, Zhang Q, Cai Y, Xu X, Guan M. Diagnostic and prognostic value of tissue and circulating levels of Ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:5365-74. [PMID: 26561474 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4398-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ephrin-A2, a member of the Eph/ephrin family, is associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of both serum and tissue levels of Ephrin-A2 in prostate cancer (PCa) management. One hundred and forty-five frozen prostate tissues, 55 paraffin-embedded prostate tissues, 88 serum samples, and seven prostate cell lines (RWPE-1, LNCaP, LNCaP-LN3, PC-3, PC-3M, PC-3M-LN4, and DU145) were examined via quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Induced Ephrin-A2 messenger RNA (mRNA) or protein expression was detected in 8.6 % (5/58) benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 59.8 % (52/87) PCa, and five prostate cancer cell lines. Ephrin-A2 immunostaining was present in 6.7 % (1/15) patients with BPHs and 62.5 % (25/40) clinically localized PCa. Accordingly, serum Ephrin-A2 was significantly higher in PCa patients compared to those in the BPH patients and controls (P < 0.001). The expression of Ephrin-A2 was higher in tumor patients with an elevated Gleason score or T3-T4 staging. Ephrin-A2 expression was correlated with Ki-67 expression in PCa patients, both at the gene scale and protein level. Our data indicate that Ephrin-A2 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a promising molecular therapeutic target to attenuate prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shibao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuming Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinju Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunfeng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqun Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, 12 Central Urumqi Road, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Central Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Wu T, Liu Y, Fan Z, Xu J, Jin L, Gao Z, Wu Z, Hu L, Wang J, Zhang C, Chen W, Wang S. miR-21 Modulates the Immunoregulatory Function of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through the PTEN/Akt/TGF-β1 Pathway. Stem Cells 2015; 33:3281-90. [PMID: 26086742 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) act as regulatory signals for maintaining stemness, self-renewal, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but whether miRNAs modulate the immunoregulatory function of MSCs remains largely unknown. Here, we show that miR-21 negatively regulates the activity of immunoregulatory cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in MSCs. Consistently, bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) from miR-21(-/-) mice show enhanced immunosuppressive function by more TGF-β1 secretion and induce more CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells compared with wild-type BMMSCs in vitro, which anti-TGF-β1 antibody abrogates. Mechanistically, miR-21 inhibits TGF-β1 expression by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in BMMSCs. Downstream of PTEN, miR-21 promotes activation of Akt, and consequently increases activation of NF-κB pathway. Importantly, adoptive transfer of miR-21(-/-) BMMSCs into mice with experimental colitis more effectively ameliorates colonic inflammation in a TGF-β1-dependent manner. Thus, these findings indicate a previously uncovered mechanism of miR-21 control immunoregulatory function of BMMSCs through TGF-β1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration and Immunology and Department of Periodontics
| | - Zhipeng Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cell Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Junji Xu
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Luyuan Jin
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Zhenhua Gao
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Zhifang Wu
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Lei Hu
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Jinsong Wang
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration
| | - Wanjun Chen
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Songlin Wang
- Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Goldufsky J, Wood S, Hajihossainlou B, Rehman T, Majdobeh O, Kaufman HL, Ruby CE, Shafikhani SH. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin T induces potent cytotoxicity against a variety of murine and human cancer cell lines. J Med Microbiol 2015; 64:164-73. [PMID: 25627204 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with malignancy, the major barrier to achieving complete response is emergence of resistance to current chemotherapeutic agents. One of the major mechanisms by which tumour cells become resistant to therapies is by altering cellular drug targets through mutations and/or deletions. Resistance by this mechanism is achieved more easily if the drug has limited cellular targets and/or processes. We hypothesized that as Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin T (ExoT) targets six proteins that are required for cancer cell survival and proliferation, it is highly unlikely for cancer cells to develop resistance to this toxin. We assessed ExoT's cytotoxicity against multiple invasive and highly resistant tumour cell lines in order to evaluate its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent. Our data demonstrated that ExoT induced potent cytotoxicity in all tumour cell lines that we examined. Collectively, our data highlighted the potential of ExoT as a possible chemotherapeutic candidate for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Goldufsky
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen Wood
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Behnam Hajihossainlou
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tooba Rehman
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Omar Majdobeh
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Carl E Ruby
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA Sarepta Therapeutics, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sasha H Shafikhani
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA Rush University Cancer Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Goldufsky J, Wood S, Hajihossainlou B, Rehman T, Majdobeh O, Kaufman HL, Ruby CE, Shafikhani SH. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin T induces potent cytotoxicity against a variety of murine and human cancer cell lines. J Med Microbiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joe Goldufsky
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Stephen Wood
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Behnam Hajihossainlou
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tooba Rehman
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Omar Majdobeh
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Carl E. Ruby
- Sarepta Therapeutics, Corvallis, OR, USA
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sasha H. Shafikhani
- Rush University Cancer Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Li RX, Chen ZH, Chen ZK. The role of EPH receptors in cancer-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2013; 33:231-40. [PMID: 24103789 PMCID: PMC4026543 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.013.10108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (EPH) receptors are considered the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and play key roles in physiological and pathologic processes in development and disease. EPH receptors are often overexpressed in human malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the functions of EPH receptors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remain largely unknown. This review depicts the relationship between EPH receptors and the EMT marker E-cadherin as well as the crosstalk between EPH receptors and the signaling pathways involved EMT. Further discussion is focused on the clinical significance of EPH receptors as candidates for targeting in cancer therapeutics. Finally, we summarize how targeted inhibition of both EPH receptors and EMT-related signaling pathways represents a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Xin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P. R. China.
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25
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Park JE, Son AI, Zhou R. Roles of EphA2 in Development and Disease. Genes (Basel) 2013; 4:334-57. [PMID: 24705208 PMCID: PMC3924825 DOI: 10.3390/genes4030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been implicated in the regulation of many aspects of mammalian development. Recent analyses have revealed that the EphA2 receptor is a key modulator for a wide variety of cellular functions. This review focuses on the roles of EphA2 in both development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Eun Park
- Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Alexander I Son
- Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Renping Zhou
- Susan Lehman-Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Design, synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo biological studies of a 3'-deoxythymidine conjugate that potentially kills cancer cells selectively. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52199. [PMID: 23300611 PMCID: PMC3530607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymidine kinases (TKs) have been considered one of the potential targets for anticancer therapeutic because of their elevated expressions in cancer cells. However, nucleobase analogs targeting TKs have shown poor selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells despite effective antiviral activity. 3′-Deoxythymidine phenylquinoxaline conjugate (dT-QX) was designed as a novel nucleobase analog to target TKs in cancer cells and block cell replication via conjugated DNA intercalating quinoxaline moiety. In vitro cell screening showed that dT-QX selectively kills a variety of cancer cells including liver carcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma and brain glioma cells; whereas it had a low cytotoxicity in normal cells such as normal human liver cells. The anticancer activity of dT-QX was attributed to its selective inhibition of DNA synthesis resulting in extensive mitochondrial superoxide stress in cancer cells. We demonstrate that covalent linkage with 3′-deoxythymidine uniquely directed cytotoxic phenylquinoxaline moiety more toward cancer cells than normal cells. Preliminary mouse study with subcutaneous liver tumor model showed that dT-QX effectively inhibited the growth of tumors. dT-QX is the first molecule of its kind with highly amendable constituents that exhibits this selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells.
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27
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Zozulya SA, Udovichenko IP. [Eph family receptors as therapeutic targets]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2012; 38:267-79. [PMID: 22997698 DOI: 10.1134/s106816201203017x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapy is currently a commonly accepted and rapidly developing approach in oncology and other pathologies linked to aberrant neovascularization. Discovery and validation of additional molecular targets in angiogenesis is needed due to the limitations of the existing clinical therapeutics inhibiting activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. A brief review of normal and pathological biological functions of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands is presented, and the approaches to developing therapeutics with anti- and pro-angiogenic and anti-tumor activity based on selective molecular modulation of Eph-ephrin signaling pairs are discussed. Functional roles of Eph-kinases and ephrins in such mechanisms of cancerogenesis as cell proliferation and invasion are also addressed.
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Wang TH, Ng KF, Yeh TS, Wang YL, Liang KH, Yeh CT, Chen TC. Peritumoral small ephrinA5 isoform level predicts the postoperative survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41749. [PMID: 22860012 PMCID: PMC3408466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background EphrinA5, a member of Eph/Ephrin family, possesses two alternative isoforms, large ephrinA5 isoform (ephrinA5L) and small ephrinA5 isoform (ephrinA5S). EphrinA5L is a putative tumor suppressor in several types of human cancers. However, the role of ephrinA5S in hepato-carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we evaluate the role of ephrinA5 isoforms in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 142 paired HCCs and peritumoral liver tissue was examined for relative expression of ephrinA5L and ephrinA5S by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed their expression in relation to clinical parameters, disease-free survival and overall survival. Functional assays were performed to dissect the possible underlying mechanisms. Both ephrinA5L and ephrinA5S were significantly downregulated in HCCs, as compared to those in peritumoral tissue (p = 0.013 and 0.001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that ephrinA5S was positively correlated with old age and histological grade. In multivariate analysis, high ephrinA5S expression in peritumoral tissue had better disease-free survival (p = 0.002) and overall survival (p = 0.045) in patients with HCC after surgical resection. Functional analysis in HCC cell lines revealed that ephrinA5S had a more potent suppressive effect than ephrinA5L on cell proliferation (p<0.05) and migration (p<0.01). Furthermore, forced expression of both ephrinA5 isoforms in HCC cell lines significantly down-regulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression by promoting c-Cbl-mediated EGFR degradation. Conclusions/Significance EphrinA5S might be a useful prognostic biomarker for HCCs after surgical resection. EphrinA5, especially ephrinA5S, acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocarcinogenesis. Peritumoral small ephrinA5 isoform level could determine the postoperative survival in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Hong Wang
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Kwai-Fong Ng
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Sen Yeh
- Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Wang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Hao Liang
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (TCC); (CTY)
| | - Tse-Ching Chen
- Tissue Bank, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (TCC); (CTY)
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Huang J, Ye X, Guan J, Chen B, Li Q, Zheng X, Liu L, Wang S, Ding Y, Ding Y, Chen L. Tiam1 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:90-100. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Cournoyer S, Nyalendo C, Addioui A, Belounis A, Beaunoyer M, Aumont A, Teira P, Duval M, Fernandes K, Fetni R, Haddad E, Sartelet H. Genotype analysis of tumor-initiating cells expressing CD133 in neuroblastoma. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2012; 51:792-804. [PMID: 22514116 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and lethal extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Despite aggressive therapy, more than half of the children with advanced NB will die of uncontrolled metastatic disease. After chemotherapy, tumor-initiating cells (TICs) could persist, cause relapses and metastasis. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the tumor-initiating properties of CD133high NB cells and to identify new specific genetic abnormalities. Isolation of the CD133high cell population from NB cell lines was followed by neurosphere formation, soft agar assays, and orthotopic injections in NOD/SCID/IL2Rγc-null mice. A differential genotyping analysis was performed with Affymetrix SNP 6.0 arrays on CD133low and CD133high populations and the frequency of the abnormalities of 36 NB tumors was determined. Our results show that CD133high NB cells possess tumor-initiating properties, as CD133high cells formed significantly more neurospheres and produced significantly more colonies in soft agar than CD133low. Injection of 500 CD133high cells was sufficient to generate primary tumors and frequent metastases in mice. Differential genotyping analysis demonstrated two common regions with gains (16p13.3 and 19p13.3) including the gene EFNA2 in the CD133high population, and two with loss of heterozygosity (16q12.1 and 21q21.3) in the CD133low population. The gain of EFNA2 correlated with increased expression of the corresponding protein. These abnormalities were found in NB samples and some were significantly correlated with CD133 expression. Our results show that CD133high NB cells have TICs properties and present different genotyping characteristics compared to CD133low cells. Our findings reveal insights into new therapeutic targets in NB TICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Cournoyer
- Centre de recherche CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Fu CT, Sretavan D. Involvement of EphB/Ephrin-B signaling in axonal survival in mouse experimental glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:76-84. [PMID: 22064993 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.11-8546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the functional significance of EphB/ephrin-B upregulation in mouse experimental glaucoma. METHODS In a loss-of-function approach, mouse mutants lacking EphB2 (EphB2(-/-)) or EphB3 (EphB3(-/-)) protein, and mutants expressing EphB2 truncated in the C-terminus (EphB2(lacZ/lacZ)) were subjected to laser-induced ocular hypertension (LIOH), an experimental mouse model of glaucoma. The number of optic nerve axons was counted in paraphenylenediamine (PPD)-stained sections and compared between EphB mutants and wild type littermates. In a gain-of-function approach, retina/optic nerve explants obtained from LIOH-treated animals were exposed to EphB2-Fc recombinant proteins or Fc control proteins. Tissue sections through the optic nerve head (ONH) were labeled with neuron-specific anti-tubulin β-III antibody to determine axonal integrity. RESULTS Both EphB2 and EphB3 null mutant mice exhibited more severe axonal degeneration than wild type littermates after treatment with LIOH. Mutant mice in which the C-terminal portion of EphB2 is truncated had an intermediate phenotype. Application of EphB2-Fc recombinant protein to LIOH-treated optic nerve explants resulted in greater sparing of tubulin β-III-containing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons. CONCLUSIONS These results provide genetic evidence in mice that both EphB/ephrin-B forward and reverse signaling feed into an endogenous pathway to moderate the effects of glaucomatous insult on RGC axons. LIOH-induced axon loss is maintained in retina/optic nerve explants after removal from an ocular hypertensive environment. Exogenous application of EphB2 protein enhances RGC axon survival in explants, suggesting that modulation of Eph/ephrin signaling may be of therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine T Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Karidis NP, Giaginis C, Tsourouflis G, Alexandrou P, Delladetsima I, Theocharis S. Eph-A2 and Eph-A4 expression in human benign and malignant thyroid lesions: an immunohistochemical study. Med Sci Monit 2011; 17:BR257-65. [PMID: 21873938 PMCID: PMC3560523 DOI: 10.12659/msm.881929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are frequently overexpressed in a wide variety of human malignant tumors, being associated with tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of Eph-A2 and Eph-A4 expression in human benign and malignant thyroid lesions. Material/Methods Eph-A2 and Eph-A4 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues from 131 patients with benign and malignant lesions. Results Eph-A2 was significantly overexpressed in malignant compared to benign thyroid lesions (p<0.001). Papillary carcinoma cases presented significantly increased Eph-A2 expression compared to those with hyperplasia nodules (p<0.001). Eph-A4 expression was not differentiated between cases with malignant or benign thyroid lesions. Papillary carcinoma cases presented significantly increased Eph-A4 expression compared to those with hyperplasia nodules (p=0.006). In the subgroup of malignant thyroid lesions, Eph-A2 and Eph-A4 expression was not associated with TNM stage, capsular, lymphatic or vascular invasion. Conclusions The present data suggest that Eph-A2, but not Eph-A4, overexpression may be associated with the malignant transformation of thyroid neoplasia. Further studies conducted on cohorts including a higher proportion of patients with advanced nodal and metastatic disease are recommended to draw definite conclusions on the clinical significance of Eph proteins in thyroid neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Karidis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Brantley-Sieders DM. Clinical relevance of Ephs and ephrins in cancer: lessons from breast, colorectal, and lung cancer profiling. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011; 23:102-8. [PMID: 22040912 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2011.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pre-clinical studies provide compelling evidence that members of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands promote tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, and neovascularization. Tumor suppressive roles have also been reported for the receptors, and ligand-dependent versus ligand-independent signaling has emerged as one key mechanism underlying tumor suppressive function as opposed to oncogenic effects. Determining how these observations relate to clinical outcome is a crucial step for translating the biological and mechanistic data into new molecularly targeted therapies. Expression profiling in human patient samples bridges this gap and provides valuable clinical relevance to laboratory observations. In addition to analyses performed using privately assembled patient tumor samples, publically available microarray datasets and tissue microarrays linked to clinical data have emerged as tractable tools for addressing the clinical relevance of specific molecules and families of related molecules. This review summarizes the clinical relevance of specific Eph and ephrin molecules in human breast, colorectal, and lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Brantley-Sieders
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, A-4323 MCN, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2363, USA.
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Chen Y, Lin X, Liu Y, Xie D, Fang J, Le Y, Ke Z, Zhai Q, Wang H, Guo F, Wang F, Liu Y. Research advances at the Institute for Nutritional Sciences at Shanghai, China. Adv Nutr 2011; 2:428-39. [PMID: 22332084 PMCID: PMC3183593 DOI: 10.3945/an.111.000703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition-related health issues have emerged as a major threat to public health since the rebirth of the economy in China starting in the 1980s. To meet this challenge, the Chinese Academy of Sciences established the Institute for Nutritional Sciences (INS) at Shanghai, China ≈ 8 y ago. The mission of the INS is to apply modern technologies and concepts in nutritional research to understand the molecular mechanism and provide means of intervention in the combat against nutrition-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and many types of cancers. Through diligent and orchestrated efforts by INS scientists, graduate students, and research staff in the past few years, the INS has become the leading institution in China in the areas of basic nutritional research and metabolic regulation. Scientists at the INS have made important progress in many areas, including the characterization of genetic and nutritional properties of the Chinese population, metabolic control associated with nutrient sensing, molecular mechanisms underlying glucose and lipid metabolism, regulation of metabolism by adipokines and inflammatory pathways, disease intervention using functional foods or extracts of Chinese herbs, and many biological studies related to carcinogenesis. The INS will continue its efforts in understanding the optimal nutritional needs for Chinese people and the molecular causes associated with metabolic diseases, thus paving the way for effective and individualized intervention in the future. This review highlights the major research endeavors undertaken by INS scientists in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Lai MC, Yang Z, Zhou L, Zhu QQ, Xie HY, Zhang F, Wu LM, Chen LM, Zheng SS. Long non-coding RNA MALAT-1 overexpression predicts tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2011. [PMID: 21678027 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-0004- z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(MALAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is up-regulated in many solid tumors and associated with cancer metastasis and recurrence. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of MALAT1 by quantitative real-time PCR in 9 liver cancer cell lines and 112 HCC cases including 60 cases who received liver transplantation (LT) with complete follow-up data. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit MALAT1 expression to investigate its biological role in tumor progression. We found that MALAT1 was up-regulated in both cell lines and clinical tissue samples. Patients with high expression level of MALAT1 had a significantly increased risk of tumor recurrence after LT, particularly in patients who exceeded the Milan criteria. On multivariate analysis, MALAT1 was an independent prognostic factor for predicting HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.280, P = 0.003).In addition, inhibition of MALAT1 in HepG2 cells could effectively reduce cell viability, motility, invasiveness, and increase the sensitivity to apoptosis. Our data suggest that lncRNA MALAT1 play an important role in tumor progression and could be a novel biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence after LT and serve as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-chun Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Key Lab of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
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Lai MC, Yang Z, Zhou L, Zhu QQ, Xie HY, Zhang F, Wu LM, Chen LM, Zheng SS. Long non-coding RNA MALAT-1 overexpression predicts tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. Med Oncol 2011; 29:1810-6. [PMID: 21678027 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-0004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 469] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1(MALAT1), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is up-regulated in many solid tumors and associated with cancer metastasis and recurrence. However, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of MALAT1 by quantitative real-time PCR in 9 liver cancer cell lines and 112 HCC cases including 60 cases who received liver transplantation (LT) with complete follow-up data. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit MALAT1 expression to investigate its biological role in tumor progression. We found that MALAT1 was up-regulated in both cell lines and clinical tissue samples. Patients with high expression level of MALAT1 had a significantly increased risk of tumor recurrence after LT, particularly in patients who exceeded the Milan criteria. On multivariate analysis, MALAT1 was an independent prognostic factor for predicting HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.280, P = 0.003).In addition, inhibition of MALAT1 in HepG2 cells could effectively reduce cell viability, motility, invasiveness, and increase the sensitivity to apoptosis. Our data suggest that lncRNA MALAT1 play an important role in tumor progression and could be a novel biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence after LT and serve as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-chun Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Key Lab of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, People's Republic of China
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Ma Y, Wang J, Liu L, Zhu H, Chen X, Pan S, Sun X, Jiang H. Genistein potentiates the effect of arsenic trioxide against human hepatocellular carcinoma: role of Akt and nuclear factor-κB. Cancer Lett 2011; 301:75-84. [PMID: 21078540 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2010.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal malignancy mostly because of de novo and acquired resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Constitutive activation of Akt and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) represent major cellular abnormalities associated with both the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of HCC. The aim of the present study was to determine whether genistein, a natural Akt/NF-κB inhibitor, could enhance the anti-HCC efficacy of ATO both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that genistein not only potentiated the proliferation-inhibiting and apoptosis-inducing effect of ATO on human HCC cell lines in vitro, but also dramatically augmented its suppressive effect on both tumor growth and angiogenesis in nude mice. The mechanism is at least partially due to the suppressive effect of genistein both on the proper and ATO-induced Akt activation, and on the activity of NF-κB, and the latter correlated with the suppression of NF-κB regulated gene products, including cyclin D1, Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, c-myc, COX-2, and VEGF. These data suggest that the combination of ATO with genistein presents a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ma
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
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Feng YX, Wang T, Deng YZ, Yang P, Li JJ, Guan DX, Yao F, Zhu YQ, Qin Y, Wang H, Li N, Wu MC, Wang HY, Wang XF, Cheng SQ, Xie D. Sorafenib suppresses postsurgical recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in an orthotopic mouse model. Hepatology 2011; 53:483-92. [PMID: 21274870 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Surgical resection is the first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with well-preserved liver function. Nevertheless, the rate of postoperative recurrence at 5 years is as high as 70%, and this gravely jeopardizes the therapeutic outcome. Clearly, new approaches are needed for preventing the relapse of this deadly disease. Taking advantage of a luciferase-labeled orthotopic xenograft model of HCC, we examined the role of sorafenib, the first systemic drug approved for advanced HCC patients, in the prevention of HCC recurrence. We found that sorafenib suppressed the development of postsurgical intrahepatic recurrence and abdominal metastasis and consequently led to prolonged postoperative survival of mice in this model. Furthermore, hyperactivity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling caused by elevated levels of growth factors associated with postoperative liver regeneration enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib; this provides a plausible explanation for the observation that recurrent tumors are more responsive to growth inhibition by sorafenib. CONCLUSION Our results strongly suggest that by effectively reducing postoperative recurrence, sorafenib has a potential application in early-stage HCC patients who have undergone hepatectomy with curative intention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiong Feng
- Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Mao Z, Ma X, Rong Y, Cui L, Wang X, Wu W, Zhang J, Jin D. Connective tissue growth factor enhances the migration of gastric cancer through downregulation of E-cadherin via the NF-κB pathway. Cancer Sci 2010; 102:104-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2010.01746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Eph receptors and ephrin ligands: important players in angiogenesis and tumor angiogenesis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2010; 2010:135285. [PMID: 20224755 PMCID: PMC2836134 DOI: 10.1155/2010/135285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands were identified in the late 1980's. Subsequently, they were linked to different physiological and pathophysiological processes like embryonic development, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis. In this regard, recent work focused on the distribution and effects of Eph receptors and ephrins on tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to outline the role of these molecules in physiological angiogenesis and pathophysiological tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, novel therapeutical approaches are discussed as Eph receptors and ephrins represent attractive targets for antiangiogenic therapy.
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