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Kielbik M, Szulc-Kielbik I, Klink M. Snail transcription factors - Characteristics, regulation and molecular targets relevant in vital cellular activities of ovarian cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119705. [PMID: 38513918 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Snail transcription factors play essential roles in embryonic development and participate in many physiological processes. However, these genes have been implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer. In epithelial ovarian cancer, high expression of these transcription factors is usually associated with the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype and thus, considered to be a poor prognostic factor. Numerous molecular signals create a complex network of signaling pathways regulating the expression and stability of Snails, which in turn control genes involved in vital cellular functions of ovarian cancer cells, such as invasion, survival, proliferation and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kielbik
- Institute of Medical Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland.
| | | | - Magdalena Klink
- Institute of Medical Biology Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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Motizuki M, Yokoyama T, Saitoh M, Miyazawa K. The Snail signaling branch downstream of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway mediates Rho activation and subsequent stress fiber formation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105580. [PMID: 38141763 PMCID: PMC10821601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells acquire malignant phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is induced by environmental factors or extracellular signaling molecules, including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Among epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated cell responses, cell morphological changes and cell motility are closely associated with remodeling of the actin stress fibers. Here, we examined the TGF-β signaling pathways leading to these cell responses. Through knockdown experiments in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells, we found that Smad3-mediated induction of Snail, but not that of Slug, is indispensable for morphological changes, stress fiber formation, and enhanced motility in cells stimulated with TGF-β. Ectopic expression of Snail in SMAD3-knockout cells rescued the defect in morphological changes and stress fiber formation by TGF-β, indicating that the role of Smad3 in these responses is to upregulate Snail expression. Mechanistically, Snail is required for TGF-β-induced upregulation of Wnt5b, which in turn activates RhoA and subsequent stress fiber formation in cooperation with phosphoinositide 3-kinase. However, ectopic expression of Snail in SMAD3-knockout cells failed to rescue the defect in cell motility enhancement by TGF-β, indicating that activation of the Smad3/Snail/Wnt5b axis is indispensable but not sufficient for enhancing cell motility; a Smad3-dependent but Snail-independent pathway to activate Rac1 is additionally required. Therefore, the Smad3-dependent pathway leading to enhanced cell motility has two branches: a Snail-dependent branch to activate RhoA and a Snail-independent branch to activate Rac1. Coordinated activation of these branches, together with activation of non-Smad signaling pathways, mediates enhanced cell motility induced by TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuyoshi Motizuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takashi Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masao Saitoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan; Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Keiji Miyazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.
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Kielbik M, Przygodzka P, Szulc-Kielbik I, Klink M. Snail transcription factors as key regulators of chemoresistance, stemness and metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189003. [PMID: 37863122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological malignancies among women. The reason for this outcome is the frequent acquisition of cancer cell resistance to platinum-based drugs and unresponsiveness to standard therapy. It has been increasingly recognized that the ability of ovarian cancer cells to adopt more aggressive behavior (mainly through the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), as well as dedifferentiation into cancer stem cells, significantly affects drug resistance acquisition. Transcription factors in the Snail family have been implicated in ovarian cancer chemoresistance and metastasis. In this article, we summarize published data that reveal Snail proteins not only as key inducers of the EMT in ovarian cancer but also as crucial links between the acquisition of ovarian cancer stem properties and spheroid formation. These Snail-related characteristics significantly affect the ovarian cancer cell response to treatment and are related to the acquisition of chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kielbik
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Patrycja Przygodzka
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Izabela Szulc-Kielbik
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Klink
- Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland.
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Lu Y, Han G, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Li Z, Wang Q, Chen Z, Wang X, Wu J. M2 macrophage-secreted exosomes promote metastasis and increase vascular permeability in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:299. [PMID: 37904170 PMCID: PMC10614338 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00872-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is a key feature of malignant tumors and significantly contributes to their high mortality, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, it is imperative to explore the mechanism of tumor metastasis. Recently, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been demonstrated to promote tumor progression, while TAM-derived molecules involved in HCC metastasis warrant further investigation. METHODS THP-1 was treated with IL-4 (Interleukin-4) and IL-13 (Interleukin-13) for M2 polarized macrophages. Exosomes derived from M2 macrophages were characterized. Then, HCC cells or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with M2 macrophages or treated with M2 macrophage-secreted exosomes. Next, Transwell®, Scratch assay, tube formation, and endothelial permeability assays were performed. Moreover, RT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were used to assess mRNA and protein expression levels. Finally, the miRNA expression profiles of exosomes derived from M2 and M0 macrophages were analyzed. RESULTS M2 macrophage infiltration was correlated with metastasis and a poor prognosis in HCC patients. M2-derived exosomes were absorbed by HCC and HUVEC cells and promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), vascular permeability, and angiogenesis. Notably, MiR-23a-3p levels were significantly higher in M2-derived exosomes and hnRNPA1 mediated miR-23a-3p packaging into exosomes. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) were the targets of miR-23a-3p, as confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Lastly, HCC cells co-cultured with M2-derived exosomes secreted more GM-CSF, VEGF, G-CSF, MCP-1, and IL-4, which in turn further recruited M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that M2 macrophage-derived miR-23a-3p enhances HCC metastasis by promoting EMT and angiogenesis, as well as increasing vascular permeability. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guoyong Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingyuan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jindao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation,, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Liu J, Feng H, Wang D, Wang Y, Luo J, Xu S, Zhao F, Qin G. HOXA13 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma HNE1 cells by upregulating the expression of Snail and MMP-2. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12978. [PMID: 37563232 PMCID: PMC10415404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40041-8] [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: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox A13 (HOXA13) has been verified as an oncogen in some malignancies. However, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still unclear. This study aims to explore the role of HOXA13 in NPC and its underlying mechanism. The mRNA expression of HOXA13 in NPC was obtained from the GSE53819 and GSE64634 datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. MTT, colony formation and transwell assays and xenograft tumour models were used to investigate the effects of HOXA13 on NPC HNE1 cells in vitro and in vivo. The expression of HOXA13, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factor (EMT-TF) Snail and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. The results showed that HOXA13 was upregulated in NPC. Silencing HOXA13 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNE1 cells, which inhibited tumour growth, while overexpression of HOXA13 induced the opposite effects. In addition, the expression of Snail and MMP-2 at the transcriptional and protein levels was associated with the expression of HOXA13. In summary, our results suggest that HOXA13 plays a role as a cancer-promoting gene in NPC. The underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulation of Snail and MMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Huajun Feng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Dingting Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jian Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, 644000, China
| | - Shengen Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Feipeng Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, NO: 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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Upregulated SSB Is Involved in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Metastasis through the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Antiapoptosis, and Altered ROS Level Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:5207431. [PMID: 36785788 PMCID: PMC9922187 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5207431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, finding new diagnostic and therapeutic targets is vital for HCC patients. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins is often associated with cancer progression. Several studies have reported that the RNA-binding protein SSB can promote cancer occurrence and progression and is linked to tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which could be a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. However, the expression and function of SSB in HCC remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study is aimed at clarifying the expression and biological function of SSB in HCC through bioinformatics analysis combined with in vitro experiments. We found that SSB is highly expressed in HCC and is associated with the poor prognosis of HCC patients, and it can serve as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Knockdown of SSB can inhibit the growth of HCC cells in vitro, increase the level of apoptosis and the expression of pro-apoptosis-related proteins, and decrease the expression of antiapoptotic proteins. Meanwhile, SSB knockdown reduced HCC cell invasiveness, and the expression of EMT-related proteins changed significantly. We also found that the gene SSB was associated with the level of oxidative stress in liver cancer cells, and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased after knockdown of SSB. The results of bioinformatics analysis also showed that high expression of SSB may affect the effect of checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. In conclusion, we found that SSB is highly expressed in HCC and that upregulated SSB can promote the proliferation and metastasis of HCC through antiapoptotic, altered intracellular oxidative stress level, and EMT pathways, which can serve as a new diagnostic marker and therapeutic target, and patients with high SSB expression may not have obvious ICB therapy effect.
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Rho SB, Byun HJ, Kim BR, Lee CH. Snail Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation via Its Interaction with the BIRC3. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:380-388. [PMID: 35711139 PMCID: PMC9252879 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Snail is implicated in tumour growth and metastasis and is up-regulated in various human tumours. Although the role of Snails in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is particularly important in cancer metastasis, is well known, how they regulate tumour growth is poorly described. In this study, the possible molecular mechanisms of Snail in tumour growth were explored. Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) repeat-containing protein 3 (BIRC3), a co-activator of cell proliferation during tumourigenesis, was identified as a Snail-binding protein via a yeast two-hybrid system. Since BIRC3 is important for cell survival, the effect of BIRC3 binding partner Snail on cell survival was investigated in ovarian cancer cell lines. Results revealed that Bax expression was activated, while the expression levels of anti-apoptotic proteins were markedly decreased by small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for Snail (siSnail). siSnail, the binding partner of siBIRC3, activated the tumour suppressor function of p53 by promoting p53 protein stability. Conversely, BIRC3 could interact with Snail, for this reason, the possibility of BIRC3 involvement in EMT was investigated. BIRC3 overexpression resulted in a decreased expression of the epithelial marker and an increased expression of the mesenchymal markers. siSnail or siBIRC3 reduced the mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. These results provide evidence that Snail promotes cell proliferation by interacting with BIRC3 and that BIRC3 might be involved in EMT via binding to Snail in ovarian cancer cells. Therefore, our results suggested the novel relevance of BIRC3, the binding partner of Snail, in ovarian cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Bae Rho
- Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Byun
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul/Goyang 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Boh-Ram Kim
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul/Goyang 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- BK21 FOUR Team and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Seoul/Goyang 04620, Republic of Korea
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Giordano G, Ferioli E, Tafuni A. The Role of Mesothelin Expression in Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Impacts on Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092283. [PMID: 35565412 PMCID: PMC9103848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesothelin (MSLN) is a protein expressed in the mesothelial cell lining of the pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium; its biological functions in normal cells are still unknown. Experimental studies using knockout mice have suggested that this molecule does not play an important role in development and reproduction. In contrast, it has been observed that this molecule is produced in abnormal amounts in several malignant neoplasms, such as mesotheliomas and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Many molecular studies have also demonstrated that mesothelin is overexpressed in HSOCs. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of mesothelin and focus on its role in clinical and pathological diagnoses, as well as its impact on the prognosis of HSOC. Moreover, regarding the binding of MSLN to the ovarian cancer antigen CA125, which has been demonstrated in many studies, we also report on signal transduction pathways that may play an important role in the spread and neoplastic progression of this lethal neoplasm. Given that mesothelin is overexpressed in many solid tumours and has antigenic properties, this molecule could be considered an antigenic target for the treatment of many malignancies. Consequently, we also review the literature to report on mesothelin-targeting therapies for HSOC that have been recently investigated in many clinical studies.
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Bottner J, Ribbat-Idel J, Klapper L, Jagomast T, Lemster AL, Perner S, Idel C, Kirfel J. Elevated LSD1 and SNAIL Expression Indicate Poor Prognosis in Hypopharynx Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095075. [PMID: 35563463 PMCID: PMC9100259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are among the most common cancers worldwide and are associated with a poor prognosis for patients. Among HNSCC, those originating in the hypopharynx have the worst prognosis. The histone demethylase LSD1 has been shown to promote cancer initiation, progression, and relapse through various mechanisms and is upregulated in many cancer tissues. LSD1 physically interacts with SNAIL and is required for SNAIL mediated transcriptional repression. Previous studies of the prognostic value of LSD1 in HNSCC have been limited in their analysis of sub-sites, and a correlation between LSD1 and SNAIL has not been shown in HNSCC patient samples. Here we used a large, representative, and clinically well-characterized cohort of 339 HNSCC patients to investigate the co-expression of LSD1 and SNAIL and their prognostic value in all HNSCC using immunohistochemical staining. Elevated LSD1 expression correlated with advanced tumor stage and poor progression-free survival (PFS) in HNSCC originating in the hypopharynx. Overexpression of the transcription factor SNAIL independently correlated with worse overall survival (OS) and PFS in HNSCC in general and prominently in tumors of the hypopharynx. Furthermore, increased LSD1 expression significantly correlated with elevated SNAIL expression in patient samples. Therefore, the presented data implicates LSD1 and SNAIL as independent prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Bottner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Julika Ribbat-Idel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Luise Klapper
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Tobias Jagomast
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Anna-Lena Lemster
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
- Institute of Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, 23845 Borstel, Germany
| | - Christian Idel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany;
| | - Jutta Kirfel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany; (J.B.); (J.R.-I.); (L.K.); (T.J.); (A.-L.L.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Zang W, Liu J, Geng F, Liu D, Zhang S, Li Y, Pan Y. Butyrate promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma cells migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12991. [PMID: 35223210 PMCID: PMC8877342 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common type of primary malignant tumor in the oral cavity, is a lethal disease with high recurrence and mortality rates. Butyrate, a metabolite produced by periodontal pathogens, has been linked to oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells in vitro and to explore the potential mechanism. METHODS Two OSCC cell lines (HSC-4 and SCC-9) were treated with NaB at different concentrations. The cell proliferation was assayed by CCK-8, ethylene deoxyuridine (EdU), and flow cytometry. Wound healing and transwell assay were performed to detect cell migration and invasion. Changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, and SNAI1, were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescent staining. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were analyzed by qRT-PCR and gelatin zymography. RESULTS Our results showed that NaB inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells and induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, but NaB significantly enhanced cell migration and invasion compared with the control group. Further mechanistic investigation demonstrated that NaB induced EMT by increasing the expression of Vimentin and SNAI1, decreasing the expression of membrane-bound E-cadherin, and correspondingly promoting E-cadherin translocation from the membrane to the cytoplasm. In addition, the overexpression of MMP1/2/9/13 was closely related to NaB treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study conclude that butyrate may promote the migration and invasion of OSCC cells by inducing EMT. These findings indicate that butyrate may contribute to OSCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junchao Liu
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fengxue Geng
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dongjuan Liu
- Department of Emergency and Oral Medicine, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuwei Zhang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuchao Li
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaping Pan
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Tsai CL, Jung SM, Chi LM, Tsai CN, Lin CY, Chao A, Lee YS. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β)-mediated phosphorylation of ETS1 promotes progression of ovarian carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:13739-13763. [PMID: 34023818 PMCID: PMC8202891 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ETS1 - an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor involved in the regulation of a number of cellular processes - is overexpressed in several malignancies, including ovarian cancer. Most studies on ETS1 expression have been focused on the transcriptional and RNA levels, with post-translational control mechanisms remaining relatively unexplored in the pathogenesis of malignancies. Here, we show that ETS1 forms a complex with glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β). Specifically, GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of ETS1 at threonine 265 and serine 269 promoted protein stability, induced the transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, and increased cell migration. In vivo experiments revealed that a GSK3β inhibitor was able to suppress both endogenous ETS1 expression and induction of MMP-9 expression. Upon generation of a specific antibody against phosphorylated ETS1, we demonstrated that phospho-ETS1 immunohistochemical expression in ovarian cancer specimens was correlated with that of MMP-9. Notably, the cumulative overall survival of patients with low phospho-ETS1 histoscores was significantly longer than that of those showing higher scores. We conclude that the GSK3β/ETS1/MMP-9 axis may regulate the biological aggressiveness of ovarian cancer and can serve as a prognostic factor in patients with this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lung Tsai
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Jung
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lang-Ming Chi
- Clinical Proteomics Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Neu Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yun Lin
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Angel Chao
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shien Lee
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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12
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Wang D, Wang Y, Wu X, Kong X, Li J, Dong C. RNF20 Is Critical for Snail-Mediated E-Cadherin Repression in Human Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:613470. [PMID: 33364200 PMCID: PMC7753216 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.613470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND E-cadherin, a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is often repressed due to Snail-mediated epigenetic modification; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. There is an urgent need to understand the determinants of tumor aggressiveness and identify potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We studied the association of RNF20 with Snail and G9a by co-immunoprecipitation. We employed quantitative real-time PCR, ChIP, transwell assay, colony formation assay, and mammosphere assay to dissect the molecular events associated with the repression of E-cadherin in human breast cancer. We used a proteogenomic dataset that contains 105 breast tumor samples to determine the clinical relevance of RNF20 by Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS In this study, we identified that Snail interacted with RNF20, an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase responsible for monoubiquitination of H2BK120, and G9a, a methyltransferase for H3K9me2. RNF20 expression led to the inhibition of E-cadherin expression in the human breast cancer cells. Mechanically, we showed that RNF20 and H3K9m2 were enriched on the promoter of E-cadherin and knockdown of Snail reduced the enrichment of RNF20, showing a Snail-dependent manner. RNF20 expression enhanced breast cancer cell migration, invasion, tumorsphere and colony formation. Clinically, patients with high RNF20 expression had shorter overall survival. CONCLUSION RNF20 expression contributes to EMT induction and breast cancer progression through Snail-mediated epigenetic suppression of E-cadherin expression, suggesting the importance of RNF20 in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danping Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Surgical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Surgical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuebiao Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiangxing Kong
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Surgical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Surgical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenfang Dong
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, and Department of Surgical Oncology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Disease Proteomics of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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13
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Zeinali T, Karimi L, Hosseinahli N, Shanehbandi D, Mansoori B, Mohammadi A, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Babaloo Z, Majidi-Zolbanin J, Baradaran B. Overexpression of miRNA-145 induces apoptosis and prevents proliferation and migration of MKN-45 gastric cancer cells. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:1446-1458. [PMID: 33250681 PMCID: PMC7689247 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MiR-145 is a tumor suppressor miRNA that its ubiquitously expressed in the body but in numerous types of cancers such as GC, its expression became reduced or sometimes ceased in many subjects. This study aimed at restoring the function of the miR-145 in MKN-45 cells and investigating the function of this miRNA in proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of GC cells. MKN-45 cells were transfected using the PCMV-miR-145 plasmid vector. The MTT, DAPI staining, and wound healing assays were applied to estimate the impacts of ectopic expression of miR-145 in vitro. Moreover, alterations in the expression levels of K-Ras, c-Myc, caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR analysis. The findings designated that high expression of miR-145 reduced the proliferation and migration and increased the apoptosis of the MKN-45 cells. These effects occur with concurrent suppression of c-Myc, K-Ras, Bcl-2, and MMP-9 as well as induction of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax expression. Exogenous miR-145 influences multiple oncogenic pathways and can be regarded as a promising avenue of future therapeutic interventions for GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Zeinali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Leila Karimi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nayer Hosseinahli
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Zohreh Babaloo
- Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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The Overexpression of Keratin 23 Promotes Migration of Ovarian Cancer via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8218735. [PMID: 33204716 PMCID: PMC7652601 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8218735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Keratin 23 (KRT23) is a new member of the KRT gene family and known to be involved in the development and migration of various types of tumors. However, the role of KRT23 in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the function of KRT23 in OC. Methods The expression of KRT23 in normal ovarian and OC tissues was determined using the Oncomine database and immunohistochemical staining. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze the expression of KRT23 in normal ovarian epithelial cell lines and OC cell lines. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), wound healing assay, and transwell assay were conducted to detect the effects of KRT23 on OC cell migration and invasion. Further mechanistic studies were verified by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis platform, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Results KRT23 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cell lines. High KRT23 expression could regulate OC cell migration and invasion, and the reduction of KRT23 by siRNA inhibited the migration and invasion of OC cells in vitro. Furthermore, KRT23 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating p-Smad2/3 levels in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusions These results demonstrate that KRT23 plays an important role in OC migration via EMT by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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MYC as a Multifaceted Regulator of Tumor Microenvironment Leading to Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207710. [PMID: 33081056 PMCID: PMC7589112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Myc family of oncogenes is deregulated in many types of cancer, and their over-expression is often correlated with poor prognosis. The Myc family members are transcription factors that can coordinate the expression of thousands of genes. Among them, c-Myc (MYC) is the gene most strongly associated with cancer, and it is the focus of this review. It regulates the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, self-renewal, survival, metabolism, protein synthesis, and apoptosis. More recently, novel studies have shown that MYC plays a role not only in tumor initiation and growth but also has a broader spectrum of functions in tumor progression. MYC contributes to angiogenesis, immune evasion, invasion, and migration, which all lead to distant metastasis. Moreover, MYC is able to promote tumor growth and aggressiveness by recruiting stromal and tumor-infiltrating cells. In this review, we will dissect all of these novel functions and their involvement in the crosstalk between tumor and host, which have demonstrated that MYC is undoubtedly the master regulator of the tumor microenvironment. In sum, a better understanding of MYC’s role in the tumor microenvironment and metastasis development is crucial in proposing novel and effective cancer treatment strategies.
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16
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Nguyen VHL, Yue C, Du KY, Salem M, O’Brien J, Peng C. The Role of microRNAs in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197093. [PMID: 32993038 PMCID: PMC7583982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, and the major cause of death is mainly attributed to metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that exert important regulatory functions in many biological processes through their effects on regulating gene expression. In most cases, miRNAs interact with the 3′ UTRs of target mRNAs to induce their degradation and suppress their translation. Aberrant expression of miRNAs has been detected in EOC tumors and/or the biological fluids of EOC patients. Such dysregulation occurs as the result of alterations in DNA copy numbers, epigenetic regulation, and miRNA biogenesis. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can promote or suppress events related to EOC metastasis, such as cell migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and interaction with the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of miRNA biogenesis and highlight some key events and regulations related to EOC metastasis. We summarize current knowledge on how miRNAs are dysregulated, focusing on those that have been reported to regulate metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of miRNAs in promoting and inhibiting EOC metastasis. Finally, we point out some limitations of current findings and suggest future research directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Hong Loan Nguyen
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Chenyang Yue
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Kevin Y. Du
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Jacob O’Brien
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
| | - Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada; (V.H.L.N.); (C.Y.); (K.Y.D.); (M.S.); (J.O.)
- Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Erdogan S, Turkekul K. Neferine inhibits proliferation and migration of human prostate cancer stem cells through p38 MAPK/JNK activation. J Food Biochem 2020; 44:e13253. [PMID: 32394497 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the significant causes of cancer treatment failure and metastasis, as they have significant chemo-and radio-resistance leading to tumor recurrence. Here we investigated the possible anticancer properties of neferine, a natural alkaloid, on human prostate cancer (PCa) cells and their stem cells. CD44+ CSCs were isolated from androgen-insensitive PC3 cells by magnetic-activated cell sorting system (MACS). Neferine dose-and time-dependently inhibited the viability of PC3 and CSCs as well as androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells through inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Neferine was shown to downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK4, and upregulate caspase 3, clePARP, p21, p27, and p53. The treatment significantly inhibits the migration of CSCs. Neferine induces JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and downregulates PI3K and NF-ĸβ signaling. In conclusion, neferine may have a therapeutic effect inhibiting the PCa cell proliferation as well as by eliminating CSCs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Neferine is an alkaloid found in the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera and has recently been shown to have anticancer effects on various human cancer cells. More than 90% of cancer-related deaths develop after metastasis, and CSCs are considered to be largely responsible for the cell migration and invasion. It has been shown that treatment of neferine kills not only PCa cells but also CSCs, and may contribute to the prevention of progression of PCa and metastasis by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suat Erdogan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Kader Turkekul
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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Lu E, Hu X, Pan C, Chen J, Xu Y, Zhu X. Up-regulation of peroxiredoxin-1 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis and inhibits apoptosis in cervical cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:1170-1181. [PMID: 31956363 PMCID: PMC6959069 DOI: 10.7150/jca.37147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) on the biological behavior of cervical cancer cells and the possible mechanism. Materials and methods: The expression of PRDX1 in human cervical cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Lentivirus containing PRDX1-cDNA or shRNA against PRDX1 was constructed to overexpress or knockdown PRDX1 in SiHa cervical cancer cells. Cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8 and BrdU incorporation assay and cell apoptosis was evaluated by AnnexinV-PE /7AAD assay. Scratch wound and transwell invasion assay were used to test migration and invasion activity after PRDX1 was overexpressed or suppressed. Furthermore, the effect of PRDX1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis was also studied using a xenograft model of nude mice. Results: The expression of PRDX1 protein was significantly up-regulated in the tumor tissues compared with the paired adjacent non-tumor tissues. Meanwhile, PRDX1 overexpression was associated with tumor stage, lymphatic metastasis and differentiation. Overexpression of PRDX1 significantly promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis by increasing the expression of Nanog, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulating the expression of Bcl2-associated X protein (BAX) in SiHa cervical cancer cells. Moreover, PRDX1 overexpression increased invasion and migration of SiHa cervical cancer cells via up-regulating the expression of Snail and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9) and down-regulating the expression of E-cadherin. Knockdown of PRDX1 resulted in the opposite results. The role of PRDX1 in promoting SiHa cervical cancer cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis has also been confirmed in vivo in a mouse xenograft model. Conclusions: PRDX1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed apoptosis of cervical cancer possibly via regulating the expression of related protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermei Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Chunyu Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yichi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
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Guan H, Li J, Sun R, Liu W, Feng M, Ma H, Li C. Expression Of BMP7 In Ovarian Cancer And Biological Effect Of BMP7 Knockdown On Ovarian Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7897-7909. [PMID: 31576147 PMCID: PMC6769165 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s217975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of our research was to investigate the expression of BMP7 in ovarian cancer (OC) and the biological effect of knocking down BMP7 on ovarian cancer A2780 cells. Methods We detected BMP7 expression in ovarian cancer and normal ovarian tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We downregulated BMP7 expression using lentivirus-mediated RNAi and then examined the effects of knocking down BMP7 on the cell growth and invasion, cell cycle and paclitaxel sensitivity of A2780 cells. The mRNA and protein levels were detected by total RNA extraction and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The number of cells in each cell cycle stage and those undergoing apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Results BMP7 expression was significantly higher in the ovarian cancer tissues than it was in the normal ovarian tissues. Knocking down BMP7 in ovarian cancer A2780 cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion; led to G1 cell cycle arrest; and reversed the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process. In addition, downregulating BMP7 increased the sensitivity of the A2780 cells to paclitaxel. Moreover, BMP7 downregulation resulted in decreased expression of Smad1/5/9, p-Smad1/5/9, ID2 and cyclin D1 protein. Conclusion The results presented here are expected to contribute to the development of possible therapeutic targets for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Feng
- Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Ma
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Perfluorocarbon regulates the intratumoural environment to enhance hypoxia-based agent efficacy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1580. [PMID: 30952842 PMCID: PMC6450981 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-based agents (HBAs), such as anaerobic bacteria and bioreductive prodrugs, require both a permeable and hypoxic intratumoural environment to be fully effective. To solve this problem, herein, we report that perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (PNPs) can be used to create a long-lasting, penetrable and hypoxic tumour microenvironment for ensuring both the delivery and activation of subsequently administered HBAs. In addition to the increased permeability and enhanced hypoxia caused by the PNPs, the PNPs can be retained to further achieve the long-term inhibition of intratumoural O2 reperfusion while enhancing HBA accumulation for over 24 h. Therefore, perfluorocarbon materials may have great potential for reigniting clinical research on hypoxia-based drugs. Hypoxia-based agents need permeable and hypoxic intratumour environment to be effective. Here, the authors show that perfluorocarbon nanoparticles promote increased permeability and sustained hypoxia to improve accumulation of hypoxia-based agents, and inhibit intratumour oxygen reperfusion.
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21
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Shi Y, Zhang J, Liu M, Huang Y, Yin L. SMAD3 inducing the transcription of STYK1 to promote the EMT process and improve the tolerance of ovarian carcinoma cells to paclitaxel. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:10796-10811. [PMID: 30701575 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To figure out the relationship between SMAD3 and serine-threonine tyrosine kinase (STYK1) in ovarian carcinoma cell's paclitaxel resistance. METHODS The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactpostion and Western blot analysis were used to analyze RNA and protein content of SMAD3 and STYK1, respectively. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to confirm the binding site of SMAD3 to the STYK1 promoter region. Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion and migration, and Western Blot was used to detect the marker proteins (vimentin and E-cadherin) of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. MTT and apoptosis assay were used to, respectively, measure cell vitality and apoptosis. In vivo experiments, rats were subcutaneously implanted with A2780 cells to establish an animal model of ovarian cancer and the survival curve was drawn. RESULTS Upregulating SMAD3 induced the expression of STYK1 in ovarian cancer cell lines. STYK1 is a direct transcriptional target of SMAD3. Upregulating STYK1 improved the paclitaxel resistance of ovarian carcinoma cells. Upregulating STYK1 promoted cell invasion, migration, and the EMT process, and SMAD3 had the same effect with STYK1 on cell invasion, cell migration, and the EMT process. The animal assay showed that downregulating STYK1 inhibited the EMT process and the paclitaxel resistance, further promoting the treatment of cervical cancer. CONCLUSION SMAD3 combined with the promoter region of STYK1 to promote the transcription process of STYK1, thereby promoting the EMT process and paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengran Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, China
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Jiang K, Zhao T, Shen M, Zhang F, Duan S, Lei Z, Chen Y. MiR-940 inhibits TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell invasion by targeting Snail in non-small cell lung cancer. J Cancer 2019; 10:2735-2744. [PMID: 31258781 PMCID: PMC6584929 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased evidence reveals that miR-940 inhibits the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Considering transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is crucial to cellular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and metastasis of cancer, it is in urgent to explore whether and how miR-940 plays an essential role in regulating TGF-β-induced EMT in lung cancer progression. In the present study, we observed a reciprocal expression with down-regulated miR-940 and up-regulated Snail mRNA in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. we further found that the expression of miR-940 was decreased in NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stages and poor cell differentiation, in which, on the contrary, the expression of Snail was increased. Overexpression of miR-940 significantly inhibited Snail mRNA and protein expression in A549 and H226 cells. Mechanistically, Snail mRNA was identified as target of miR-940. In addition, miR-940 repressed TGF-β-induced EMT and further hampered the cell migration and invasion. Finally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Snail copied the phenotype of miR-940 overexpression in A549 and H226 cells. Taken together, our study reveals that miR-940 can suppress TGF-β-induced EMT and cell invasion by targeting Snail 3'-UTR mRNA in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanqiu Jiang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Mingjing Shen
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Fuquan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Shanzhou Duan
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Zhe Lei
- Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Genetics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Zhe Lei, Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Sino-Singapore Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China. E-mail: , and Yongbing Chen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Street, Suzhou 215004, China. E-mail:
| | - Yongbing Chen
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Zhe Lei, Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Sino-Singapore Industrial Park, Suzhou 215123, China. E-mail: , and Yongbing Chen, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Street, Suzhou 215004, China. E-mail:
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23
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Assani G, Zhou Y. Effect of modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulators Snail1 and Snail2 on cancer cell radiosensitivity by targeting of the cell cycle, cell apoptosis and cell migration/invasion. Oncol Lett 2018; 17:23-30. [PMID: 30655734 PMCID: PMC6313178 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Several strategies of treatment, including radiotherapy, have been developed and used to treat this disease. However, post-treatment metastasis and resistance to treatment are two major causes for the limited effectiveness of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regulated by SNAIL family transcription factors, including Snail1 and Snail2 (Slug), and serves important roles in progression and cancer resistance to treatment. Snail1 and Slug also have been shown to be implicated in cancer treatment resistance. For resolving the resistance to treatment problems, combining the modulation of gene expression with radiotherapy is a novel strategy to treat patients with cancer. The present review focuses on the effect of Snail1 and Slug on cancer radiosensitivity by targeting cell apoptosis, the cell cycle and cell migration/invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganiou Assani
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Yunfeng Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biology Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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24
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Ponicidin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via suppressing the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:627-638. [PMID: 30244296 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ponicidin (PON), a natural diterpenoid compound, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activities in a wide variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-metastasis effect of PON have not yet been completely defined. The present study was designed to uncover the inhibitory effect of PON on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of HCT116 cells induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vitro, and liver metastasis in vivo. Briefly, cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, followed by wound healing and transwell assays to evaluate cell migration and invasion. The EMT-related molecular markers were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, WB was used to assess the expression of AKT, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), GSK-3β, and phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β). As a result, PON could effectively suppress EMT, migration, and invasion in HCT116 cells in vitro, and liver metastasis of HCT116 cells in vivo. Additionally, PON administration also dramatically altered the expression of EMT-associated markers such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and suppressed the expression of p-AKT, p-GSK-3β and transcription factor, Snail in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the incidence of liver metastasis in the control group was 100% and although the incidence of liver metastasis did not decrease, the number of metastatic nodules in the livers of each PON dose group decreased by (34 ± 4.2)%, (64 ± 3.6)%, and (76 ± 5.3)%, respectively, compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings indicated that targeting the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway by PON might be a promising treatment for TNF-α-induced EMT and metastasis of CRC.
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25
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Li C, Balazsi G. A landscape view on the interplay between EMT and cancer metastasis. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2018; 4:34. [PMID: 30155271 PMCID: PMC6107626 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-018-0068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a basic developmental process that converts epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells. Although EMT might promote cancer metastasis, the molecular mechanisms for it remain to be fully clarified. To address this issue, we constructed an EMT-metastasis gene regulatory network model and quantified the potential landscape of cancer metastasis-promoting system computationally. We identified four steady-state attractors on the landscape, which separately characterize anti-metastatic (A), metastatic (M), and two other intermediate (I1 and I2) cell states. The tetrastable landscape and the existence of intermediate states are consistent with recent single-cell measurements. We identified one of the two intermediate states I1 as the EMT state. From a MAP approach, we found that for metastatic progression cells need to first undergo EMT (enter the I1 state), and then become metastatic (switch from the I1 state to the M state). Specifically, for metastatic progression, EMT genes (such as ZEB) should be activated before metastasis genes (such as BACH1). This suggests that temporal order is important for the activation of cellular programs in biological systems, and provides a possible mechanism of EMT-promoting cancer metastasis. To identify possible therapeutic targets from this landscape view, we performed sensitivity analysis for individual molecular factors, and identified optimal interventions for landscape control. We found that minimizing transition actions more effectively identifies optimal combinations of targets that induce transitions between attractors than single-factor sensitivity analysis. Overall, the landscape view not only suggests that intermediate states increase plasticity during cell fate decisions, providing a possible source for tumor heterogeneity that is critically important in metastatic progress, but also provides a way to identify therapeutic targets for preventing cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhe Li
- Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gabor Balazsi
- The Louis and Beatrice Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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26
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Hojo N, Huisken AL, Wang H, Chirshev E, Kim NS, Nguyen SM, Campos H, Glackin CA, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Snail knockdown reverses stemness and inhibits tumour growth in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8704. [PMID: 29880891 PMCID: PMC5992154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop effective therapies for advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), understanding mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis is necessary. In this study, we define the epithelial/mesenchymal status of cell lines that accurately model HGSOC, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting Snai1 (Snail), a master regulator of the epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. The ratio of Snail to E-cadherin (S/E index) at RNA and protein levels was correlated with mesenchymal morphology in four cell lines. The cell lines with high S/E index (OVCAR8 and COV318) showed more CSC-like, motile, and chemoresistant phenotypes than those with low S/E index (OVSAHO and Kuramochi). We tested the role of Snail in regulation of malignant phenotypes including stemness, cell motility, and chemotherapy resistance: shRNA-mediated knockdown of Snail reversed these malignant phenotypes. Interestingly, the expression of let-7 tumour suppressor miRNA was upregulated in Snail knockdown cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Snail decreased tumour burden in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. We conclude that Snail is important in controlling HGSOC malignant phenotypes and suggest that the Snail/Let-7 axis may be an attractive target for HGSOC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hojo
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - A L Huisken
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - H Wang
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - E Chirshev
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - N S Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Chonbuk National University, Dukjindong 664-14, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 561-756, Republic of Korea
| | - S M Nguyen
- University of California, Riverside - School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - H Campos
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - C A Glackin
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Y J Ioffe
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - J J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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27
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Raposo-Ferreira TMM, Brisson BK, Durham AC, Laufer-Amorim R, Kristiansen V, Puré E, Volk SW, Sorenmo K. Characteristics of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Primary and Paired Metastatic Canine Mammary Carcinomas. Vet Pathol 2018; 55:622-633. [PMID: 29788797 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818776054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process linked to metastasis in many tumor types, including mammary tumors. In this study, we evaluated E-cadherin and vimentin immunolocalization in primary canine mammary carcinomas (20 cases) and their respective metastases, as well as their relationship with the core regulators SNAIL/SLUG. To assess the number of cells undergoing the process of EMT, we quantitated double-positive (E-cadherin+/vimentin+) cells using immunofluorescence, via cell counting and image analysis. In addition, SNAIL/SLUG expression was evaluated by established immunohistochemical methods. Primary tumors had significantly more E-cadherin+/vimentin+ co-expression than their paired respective lymph node or distant metastasis, respectively. Furthermore, the percentage of E-cadherin+/vimentin+ cells in grade II and III carcinomas was significantly higher than in grade I tumors. Primary tumors had significantly higher SNAIL/SLUG expression when analyzed based on the percentage of positive cells compared with their respective distant metastases in pairwise comparisons. An inverse correlation was noted between SNAIL/SLUG immunoreactivity and percentage of E-cadherin+/vimentin+ immunopositive cells in primary tumor samples when SNAIL/SLUG immunoreactivity was grouped into 2 categories (high versus low) based on percentage-positive staining. These results show a positive correlation between E-cadherin+/vimentin+ cells and higher tumor grade, establish differences between primary tumor and their respective metastases, and provide further support that EMT plays a critical role in the metastasis of canine mammary carcinoma. Furthermore, these data suggest that modulation of this process could provide greater therapeutic control and provide support for further research to determine if E-cadherin+/vimentin+ co-immunoreactivity imparts predictive value in the clinical outcome of patients with canine mammary carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita M M Raposo-Ferreira
- 1 Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Becky K Brisson
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy C Durham
- 3 Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,4 Penn Vet Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Renee Laufer-Amorim
- 5 Department of Veterinary Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Veronica Kristiansen
- 6 Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Puré
- 4 Penn Vet Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,7 Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan W Volk
- 2 Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,4 Penn Vet Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,7 Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karin Sorenmo
- 4 Penn Vet Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,7 Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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28
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Ghoneum A, Afify H, Salih Z, Kelly M, Said N. Role of tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer pathobiology. Oncotarget 2018; 9:22832-22849. [PMID: 29854318 PMCID: PMC5978268 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer affecting the female population and at present, stands as the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Poor prognosis and low five-year survival rate are attributed to nonspecific symptoms and below par diagnostic criteria at early phases along with a lack of effective treatment at advanced stages. It is thus of utmost importance to understand ovarian carcinoma through several lenses including its molecular pathogenesis, epidemiology, histological subtypes, hereditary factors, diagnostic approaches and methods of treatment. Above all, it is crucial to dissect the role that the unique peritoneal tumor microenvironment plays in ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. This review seeks to highlight several important aspects of ovarian cancer pathobiology as a means to provide the necessary background to approach ovarian malignancies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Ghoneum
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Hesham Afify
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ziyan Salih
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Michael Kelly
- Department of Cancer Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Neveen Said
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Cancer Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Cancer Urology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
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29
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Kwon M, Kim JH, Rybak Y, Luna A, Choi CH, Chung JY, Hewitt SM, Adem A, Tubridy E, Lin J, Libutti SK. Reduced expression of FILIP1L, a novel WNT pathway inhibitor, is associated with poor survival, progression and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:77052-77070. [PMID: 27776341 PMCID: PMC5340232 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamin A interacting protein 1-like (FILIP1L) is an inhibitor of the canonical WNT pathway. WNT/β-catenin signaling and its downstream pathway, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), play a key role in ovarian cancer metastasis and chemoresistance. To study the clinical implications of FILIP1L in regulating the WNT/β-catenin pathway, the expression of FILIP1L, β-catenin, SNAIL and SLUG was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays of 369 ovarian samples ranging from normal to metastatic. In addition, the results were validated in mouse model and in vitro cell culture. In the present study, we demonstrated that FILIP1L expression was inversely correlated with poor prognosis, stage and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Notably, low FILIP1L expression was independent negative prognostic factor with respect to overall and disease-free survival. FILIP1L inhibited peritoneal metastases in orthotopic mouse model. FILIP1L knockdown induced chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells and this phenotype was rescued by simultaneous knockdown of FILIP1L and SLUG, an EMT activator. We also demonstrated that FILIP1L regulates β-catenin degradation. FILIP1L co-localizes with phospho-β-catenin and increases phospho-β-catenin at the centrosomes, destined for proteosomal degradation. Finally, we showed that FILIP1L regulates EMT. Overall, these findings suggest that FILIP1L promotes β-catenin degradation and suppresses EMT, thereby inhibiting metastases and chemoresistance. Our study provides the first clinical relevance of FILIP1L in human cancer, and suggests that FILIP1L may be a novel prognostic marker for chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. Further, the modulation of FILIP1L expression may have the potential to be a target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijung Kwon
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 135-720, Korea.,Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 135-720, Korea
| | - Yevangelina Rybak
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Alex Luna
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Chel Hun Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-710, Korea.,Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joon-Yong Chung
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Asha Adem
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tubridy
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Juan Lin
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Steven K Libutti
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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30
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Haxho F, Neufeld RJ, Szewczuk MR. Neuraminidase-1: a novel therapeutic target in multistage tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:40860-40881. [PMID: 27029067 PMCID: PMC5130050 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several of the growth factors and their receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and insulin are promising candidate targets for cancer therapy. Indeed, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have been developed to target these growth factors and their receptors, and have demonstrated dramatic initial responses in cancer therapy. Yet, most patients ultimately develop TKI drug resistance and relapse. It is essential in the clinical setting that the targeted therapies are to circumvent multistage tumorigenesis, including genetic mutations at the different growth factor receptors, tumor neovascularization, chemoresistance of tumors, immune-mediated tumorigenesis and the development of tissue invasion and metastasis. Here, we identify a novel receptor signaling platform linked to EGF, NGF, insulin and TOLL-like receptor (TLR) activations, all of which are known to play major roles in tumorigenesis. The importance of these findings signify an innovative and promising entirely new targeted therapy for cancer. The role of mammalian neuraminidase-1 (Neu1) in complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 and G protein-coupled receptor tethered to RTKs and TLRs is identified as a major target in multistage tumorigenesis. Evidence exposing the link connecting growth factor-binding and immune-mediated tumorigenesis to this novel receptor-signaling paradigm will be reviewed in its current relationship to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Haxho
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald J Neufeld
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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31
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De A, Powers B, De A, Zhou J, Sharma S, Van Veldhuizen P, Bansal A, Sharma R, Sharma M. Emblica officinalis extract downregulates pro-angiogenic molecules via upregulation of cellular and exosomal miR-375 in human ovarian cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:31484-500. [PMID: 27129171 PMCID: PMC5058772 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly resistant to current treatment strategies based on a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We have recently demonstrated the anti-neoplastic effect of Amla extract (Emblica officinalis, AE) on OC cells in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that AE attenuates growth of OC through microRNA (miR)-regulated mechanism(s). The inhibitory effect of AE on proliferation, migration and invasiveness (P≤0.001) of SKOV3 cells and >90% attenuation of tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model suggested multiple targets. RT-qPCR analysis of microRNAs associated with OC showed a >2,000-fold increase in the expression of miR-375 in AE-treated SKOV3 cells that was blocked by an exogenous miR-375 inhibitor (P≤0.001). AE also decreased the gene and protein expression of IGF1R, a target of miR-375 (P≤0.001), and SNAIL1 (P≤0.002), an EMT-associated transcription factor that represses E-cadherin expression (P≤0.003). AE increased E-cadherin expression (P≤0.001). Treatment of SKOV3 cells with AE resulted in increased miR-375 in exosomes in the medium (P≤0.01). Finally, AE significantly decreased the expression of IGF1R and SNAIL1 proteins during attenuation of SKOV3-derived xenograft tumor. Together, these results show that AE modulates cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment via activation of miR-375 and by targeting IGF1R and SNAIL1 in OC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok De
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Benjamin Powers
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Archana De
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Siddarth Sharma
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Peter Van Veldhuizen
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Ajay Bansal
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Ramratan Sharma
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Kansas City VA Medical Center and Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Kansas City, MO 64128, United States
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32
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Dominguez C, David JM, Palena C. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammation at the site of the primary tumor. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 47:177-184. [PMID: 28823497 PMCID: PMC5698091 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor growth and progression are the products of complex signaling networks between different cell types within the tumor and its surrounding stroma. In particular, established tumors are known to stimulate an inflammatory reaction via the secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that favor the recruitment of a range of infiltrating immune cell populations into the tumor microenvironment. While potentially able to exert tumor control, this inflammatory reaction is typically seized upon by the tumor to promote its own growth and progression towards metastasis. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding how an established tumor can initiate an inflammatory response via the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and IL-8, and their roles in cancer metastasis. In particular, the role of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenotypic switch observed in carcinomas that promotes progression towards metastasis, is discussed here in relation to cancer inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charli Dominguez
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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33
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Dominguez C, McCampbell KK, David JM, Palena C. Neutralization of IL-8 decreases tumor PMN-MDSCs and reduces mesenchymalization of claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer. JCI Insight 2017; 2:94296. [PMID: 29093275 PMCID: PMC5752275 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.94296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex signaling networks of the tumor microenvironment that facilitate tumor growth and progression toward metastatic disease are becoming a focus of potential therapeutic options. The chemokine IL-8 is overexpressed in multiple cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it promotes the acquisition of mesenchymal features, stemness, resistance to therapies, and the recruitment of immune-suppressive cells to the tumor site. The present study explores the utility of a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody that neutralizes IL-8 (HuMax-IL8) as a potential therapeutic option for TNBC. HuMax-IL8 was shown to revert mesenchymalization in claudin-low TNBC models both in vitro and in vivo as well as to significantly decrease the recruitment of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) at the tumor site, an effect substantiated when used in combination with docetaxel. In addition, HuMax-IL8 enhanced the susceptibility of claudin-low breast cancer cells to immune-mediated lysis with NK and antigen-specific T cells in vitro. These results demonstrate the multifaceted way in which neutralizing this single chemokine reverts mesenchymalization, decreases recruitment of MDSCs at the tumor site, assists in immune-mediated killing, and forms the rationale for using HuMax-IL8 in combination with chemotherapy or immune-based therapies for the treatment of TNBC.
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Clinical significance of altering epithelial-mesenchymal transition in metastatic lymph nodes of gastric cancer. Gastric Cancer 2017; 20:802-810. [PMID: 28247164 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-017-0705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Snail genes are epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducible genes. Previous studies demonstrated that the expression of EMT markers in the primary tumor sites of gastric cancer correlates with tumor progression and prognosis. However, the clinical significance of the expression of these EMT markers in metastatic lymph nodes remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the expression of these EMT markers in the primary tumor sites and metastatic lymph nodes. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Snail in 89 primary tumors and 511 metastatic lymph nodes obtained from patients with gastric cancer. RESULTS The weak expression of E-cadherin in tumors and lymph nodes increased with more lymph node metastasis and in more undifferentiated tumors. The strong expression of N-cadherin in lymph nodes correlated with more lymph nodes metastasis, an advanced stage, and poor prognosis. The weak expression of Snail in tumors correlated with lymphatic invasion. The strong expression of Snail in lymph nodes correlated with more lymph node metastasis and an advanced stage. The strong expression of Snail in tumors and its weak expression in lymph nodes correlated with more lymph node metastasis, an advanced stage, and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The expression of N-cadherin in metastatic lymph nodes is useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. The Snail switch-namely, the positive-to-negative conversion of the Snail status-between primary tumors and lymph node metastasis may be important for confirming EMT and mesenchymal-epithelial transition.
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Sharma V, Dogra N, Saikia UN, Khullar M. Transcriptional regulation of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cardiac fibrosis: role of myocardin-related transcription factor A and activating transcription factor 3. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:1263-1270. [PMID: 28686848 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of cardiac fibrogenesis is quite diverse, but a common feature is the presence of activated fibroblasts. Experimental evidence suggests that a subset of cardiac fibroblasts is derived via transition of vascular endothelial cells into fibroblasts by endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). During EndMT, endothelial cells lose their endothelial characteristics and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. Molecular mechanisms and the transcriptional mediators controlling EndMT in heart during development or disease remain relatively undefined. Myocardin-related transcription factor A facilitates the transcription of cytoskeletal genes by serum response factor during fibrosis; therefore, its specific role in cardiac EndMT might be of importance. Activation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF-3) during cardiac EndMT is speculative, since ATF-3 responds to a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) stimulus and controls the expression of the primary epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers Snail, Slug, and Twist. Although the role of TGF-β in EndMT-mediated cardiac fibrosis has been established, targeting of the TGF-β ligand has not proven to be a viable anti-fibrotic strategy owing to the broad functional importance of this ligand. Thus, targeting of downstream transcriptional mediators may be a useful therapeutic approach in attenuating cardiac fibrosis. Here, we discuss some of the transcription factors that may regulate EndMT-mediated cardiac fibrosis and their involvement in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Sharma
- a Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Nilambra Dogra
- b Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Uma Nahar Saikia
- a Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Madhu Khullar
- b Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
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Kenda Suster N, Smrkolj S, Virant-Klun I. Putative stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition revealed in sections of ovarian tumor in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma using immunohistochemistry for vimentin and pluripotency-related markers. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:11. [PMID: 28231820 PMCID: PMC5324304 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of aggressive character of ovarian cancer and unsuccessful treatment of women with this deadly disease has been recently explained by the theory of cancer stem cells (CSCs). It has been reported that ovarian carcinogenesis and progression of disease is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT, a physiological cell process during embryonic development and later in life during regeneration, could, when induced in pathological condition, generate CSCs-like cells. Until now EMT in the ovarian tissue has been mainly studied in cell cultures in vitro. The aim of this study was to focus on in situ morphological changes in the ovarian surface epithelium of tumor tissue in women with epithelial ovarian cancer after we applied the antibodies for markers of EMT vimentin and pluripotency-related markers NANOG, SOX2 and SSEA-4. Methods We analyzed ovarian tissue sections of 20 women with high grade serous ovarian carcinoma. After eosin and hematoxylin staining, used in standard practice, immunohistochemistry was performed for vimentin and markers of pluripotency: NANOG, SSEA-4 and SOX2. We focused on the ovarian surface epithelium in order to observe morphological changes in tumor tissue. Results Among epithelial cells of the ovarian surface epithelium in women with serous ovarian carcinoma we observed a population of small NANOG-positive cells with diameters of up to 5 μm and nuclei, which filled almost the entire cell volumes. These small NANOG-positive cells were in some cases concentrated in the regions with morphologically changed epithelial cells. In these regions, a population of bigger round cells with diameters of 10–15 μm with large nuclei, and positively stained for vimentin, NANOG and other markers of pluripotnecy, were released from the surface epithelium. These cells are proposed as CSCs, and possibly originate from small stem cells among epithelial cells. They formed typical cell clusters, invaded the tissue by changing their round shape into a mesenchymal-like phenotype, and contributed to the manifestation of ovarian cancer. Conclusions Our findings show morphological changes in the ovarian surface epithelium in tumor slides of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma and provide a new population of putative CSCs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13048-017-0306-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Kenda Suster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Smrkolj
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Feng H, Lu JJ, Wang Y, Pei L, Chen X. Osthole inhibited TGF β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by suppressing NF-κB mediated Snail activation in lung cancer A549 cells. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11:464-475. [PMID: 28146373 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1259058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, has been implicated in the metastasis and provides novel strategies for cancer therapy. Osthole (OST), a dominant active constituent of Chinese herb Cnidium monnieri, has been reported to inhibit cancer metastasis while the mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we studied the inhibitory effect and mechanisms of OST on TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells. Cells were treated with TGF-β1 in the absence and presence of OST. The morphological alterations were observed with a microscopy. The protein and mRNA expressions were determined by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The protein localization was detected with immunofluorescence. The adhesion, migration, and invasion were determined by Matrigel, wound-healing, and Transwell assays. TGF-β1 treatment induced spindle-shaped alterations of cells, upregulation of N-cadherin, Vimentin, NF-κB p65, and downregulation of E-cadherin. Dysregulated membrane expression and mRNA expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin were observed after TGF-β1 treatment. TGF-β1 increased abilities of migration and invasion and triggered the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. These alterations were dramatically inhibited by OST. Furthermore, PDTC, a NF-κB inhibitor, showed similar effects. In addition, TGF-β1-induced expression of Snail was significantly inhibited by OST and silenced Snail partially reversed TGF-β1-induced EMT biomarkers without affecting NF-κB p-65. In conclusion, OST inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT, adhesion, migration, and invasion through inactivation of NF-κB-Snail pathways in A549 cells. This study provides novel molecular mechanisms for the anti-metastatic effect of OST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Feng
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Yitao Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
| | - Lixia Pei
- b Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau , Macau , China
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Ren X, Yang X, Cheng B, Chen X, Zhang T, He Q, Li B, Li Y, Tang X, Wen X, Zhong Q, Kang T, Zeng M, Liu N, Ma J. HOPX hypermethylation promotes metastasis via activating SNAIL transcription in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14053. [PMID: 28146149 PMCID: PMC5296651 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by a high rate of local invasion and early distant metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic abnormalities play important roles in NPC development. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying NPC metastasis remain unclear. Here we investigate aberrantly methylated transcription factors in NPC tissues, and we identify the HOP homeobox HOPX as the most significantly hypermethylated gene. Consistently, we find that HOXP expression is downregulated in NPC tissues and NPC cell lines. Restoring HOPX expression suppresses metastasis and enhances chemosensitivity of NPC cells. These effects are mediated by HOPX-mediated epigenetic silencing of SNAIL transcription through the enhancement of histone H3K9 deacetylation in the SNAIL promoter. Moreover, we find that patients with high methylation levels of HOPX exhibit poor clinical outcomes in both the training and validation cohorts. In summary, HOPX acts as a tumour suppressor via the epigenetic regulation of SNAIL transcription, which provides a novel prognostic biomarker for NPC metastasis and therapeutic target for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyue Ren
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road west, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road west, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510055, China
| | - Xiaozhong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 38 Guangji Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Tianpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, 132 Waihuan Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qingmei He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 38 Guangji Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yingqin Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Xinran Tang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Qian Zhong
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Tiebang Kang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Musheng Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Na Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, China
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Jha HC, Sun Z, Upadhyay SK, El-Naccache DW, Singh RK, Sahu SK, Robertson ES. KSHV-Mediated Regulation of Par3 and SNAIL Contributes to B-Cell Proliferation. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005801. [PMID: 27463802 PMCID: PMC4963126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have suggested that Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and transformation is an important step in progression to cancer. Par3 (partitioning-defective protein) is a crucial factor in regulating epithelial cell polarity. However, the mechanism by which the latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by Kaposi's Sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) regulates Par3 and EMTs markers (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) during viral-mediated B-cell oncogenesis has not been fully explored. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated a crucial role for EMT markers during B-cell malignancies. In this study, we demonstrate that Par3 is significantly up-regulated in KSHV-infected primary B-cells. Further, Par3 interacted with LANA in KSHV positive and LANA expressing cells which led to translocation of Par3 from the cell periphery to a predominantly nuclear signal. Par3 knockdown led to reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptotic induction. Levels of SNAIL was elevated, and E-cadherin was reduced in the presence of LANA or Par3. Interestingly, KSHV infection in primary B-cells led to enhancement of SNAIL and down-regulation of E-cadherin in a temporal manner. Importantly, knockdown of SNAIL, a major EMT regulator, in KSHV cells resulted in reduced expression of LANA, Par3, and enhanced E-cadherin. Also, SNAIL bound to the promoter region of p21 and can regulate its activity. Further a SNAIL inhibitor diminished NF-kB signaling through upregulation of Caspase3 in KSHV positive cells in vitro. This was also supported by upregulation of SNAIL and Par3 in BC-3 transplanted NOD-SCID mice which has potential as a therapeutic target for KSHV-associated B-cell lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hem C. Jha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Zhiguo Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Santosh K. Upadhyay
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Darine W. El-Naccache
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rajnish K. Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sushil K. Sahu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Erle S. Robertson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Cancer, and Tumor Virology Program and Tumor Virology Program, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Snail is a typical transcription factor that could induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer progression. There are some related reports about the clinical significance of snail protein expression in gastric cancer. However, the published results were not completely consistent. This study was aimed to investigate snail expression and clinical significance in gastric cancer. RESULTS A systematic review of PubMed, CNKI, Weipu, and Wanfang database before March 2015 was conducted. We established an inclusion criterion according to subjects, method of detection, and results evaluation of snail protein. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan4.2 software. And merged odds ratio (OR) and 95 % CI (95 % confidence interval) were calculated. Also, forest plots and funnel plot were used to assess the potential of publication bias. A total of 10 studies were recruited. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the positive rate of snail protein expression. OR and 95 % CI for different groups were listed below: (1) gastric cancer and para-carcinoma tissue [OR = 6.15, 95 % CI (4.70, 8.05)]; (2) gastric cancer and normal gastric tissue [OR = 17.00, 95 % CI (10.08, 28.67)]; (3) non-lymph node metastasis and lymph node metastasis [OR = 0.40, 95 % CI (0.18, 0.93)]; (4) poor differentiated cancer, highly differentiated cancer, and moderate cancer [OR = 3.34, 95 % CI (2.22, 5.03)]; (5) clinical stage TI + TII and stage TIII + TIV [OR = 0.38, 95 % CI (0.23, 0.60)]; (6) superficial muscularis and deep muscularis [OR = 0.18, 95 % CI (0.11, 0.31)]. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the increase of snail protein expression may play an important role in the carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of gastric cancer. And this result might provide instruction for the diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of gastric cancer.
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Xie R, Wang X, Qi G, Wu Z, Wei R, Li P, Zhang D. DDR1 enhances invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:12049-12059. [PMID: 27179963 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of DDR1 on the invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer (GC) via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Immunohistochemistry analysis was used to detect DDR1, E-cadherin, and Vimentin expression in GC tissues as well as DDR1 expression in GC cell lines and normal gastric epithelial cells. The relationship between DDR1 expression and EMT in GC cell lines was explored by down and upregulating DDR1 and examining corresponding changes in the expression of EMT-related proteins and in biological characteristics. Furthermore, a nude mice model with a transplantation tumor generating from stably transfected GC cells with DDR1 overexpression was established and performed to further reveal the effects of DDR1 expression on cellular morphology and growth of GC. Our results showed that DDR1 was highly expressed in GC tissues and cell lines compared with adjacent tissues and normal cell line, and its expression was significantly higher in GC having poor differentiation (p < 0.01), advanced depth of wall invasion (p = 0.020), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0001), liver metastasis (p < 0.01), and high TNM stage (p < 0.01). Western blot analyses revealed that DDR1 overexpression resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of E-cadherin (p < 0.01) and an increase in the expression of Vimentin and Snail (p < 0.01), while knockdown of DDR1 led to opposite outcomes. We further demonstrated that DDR1 overexpression promoted GC cell proliferation (p < 0.05), migration (p < 0.01), and invasion (p < 0.01), and accelerated the growth (p < 0.05) as well as the microvessel formation (p < 0.01) of transplantation tumor in nude mice. Our study establishes that DDR1 enhances invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer via EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixia Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Guoqing Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Rong Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Peirong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiyingmen, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
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Stasikowska-Kanicka O, Wągrowska-Danilewicz M, Danilewicz M. Immunohistochemical Study EMT-Related Proteins in HPV-, and EBV-Negative Patients with Sinonasal Tumours. Pathol Oncol Res 2016; 22:781-8. [PMID: 27138192 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-016-0068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process in which the epithelial cells, transform to mesenchymal cells via multiple biochemical modifications. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of EMT-related proteins: Slug, E-cadherin and fibronectin, in 41 cases of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP), 33 cases of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNC), and 22 cases of normal mucosa as a control. In all cases negative viral status was previously confirmed using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical method. The immunoexpression of Slug and fibronectin were significantly increased in the SNC group as compared to SIPs and control cases. The immunoexpresssion of Slug was also higher in SIPs as compared to controls. The immunoexpression of E-cadherin was significantly lower in SNCs group as compared with SIPs and controls, but no statistically significant difference in E-cadherin immunoexpression was noted between SIPs and control cases. There were statistically significant negative correlations between immunoexpression of Slug vs E-cadherin, E-cadherin vs fibronectin and positive correlation between Slug vs fibronectin in SNC. Statistically significant correlation between Slug and fibronectin immunoexpression in SIPs was also found. In conclusion, our findings suggest that relationships between Slug, E-cadherin and fibronectin could potentially point to EMT in the sinonasal cancer. Lack of correlation between EMT-related proteins in tested SIPs could reflect a benign nature of those cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marian Danilewicz
- Department of Nephropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Baldwin LA, Hoff JT, Lefringhouse J, Zhang M, Jia C, Liu Z, Erfani S, Jin H, Xu M, She QB, van Nagell JR, Wang C, Chen L, Plattner R, Kaetzel DM, Luo J, Lu M, West D, Liu C, Ueland FR, Drapkin R, Zhou BP, Yang XH. CD151-α3β1 integrin complexes suppress ovarian tumor growth by repressing slug-mediated EMT and canonical Wnt signaling. Oncotarget 2015; 5:12203-17. [PMID: 25356755 PMCID: PMC4322965 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Human ovarian cancer is diagnosed in the late, metastatic stages but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We report a surprising functional link between CD151-α3β1 integrin complexes and the malignancy of serous-type ovarian cancer. Analyses of clinical specimens indicate that CD151 expression is significantly reduced or diminished in 90% of metastatic lesions, while it remains detectable in 58% of primary tumors. These observations suggest a putative tumor-suppressing role of CD151 in ovarian cancer. Indeed, our analyses show that knocking down CD151 or α3 integrin enhances tumor cell proliferation, growth and ascites production in nude mice. These changes are accompanied by impaired cell-cell contacts and aberrant expression of E-cadherin, Mucin 5AC and fibronectin, largely reminiscent of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like change. Importantly, Slug, a master regulator of EMT, is markedly elevated. Knocking down Slug partially restores CD151-α3β1 integrin complex-dependent suppression of cell proliferation. Moreover, disruption of these adhesion protein complexes is accompanied by a concomitant activation of canonical Wnt signaling, including elevated levels of β-catenin and Axin-2 as well as resistance to the inhibition in β-catenin-dependent transcriptional complexes. Together, our study demonstrates that CD151-α3β1 integrin complexes regulate ovarian tumor growth by repressing Slug-mediated EMT and Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Baldwin
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - John T Hoff
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Jason Lefringhouse
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Michael Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Changhe Jia
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Zeyi Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Sonia Erfani
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Hongyan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Qing-Bai She
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - John R van Nagell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Rina Plattner
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - David M Kaetzel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Michael Lu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Dava West
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Chunming Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Fred R Ueland
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Binhua P Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
| | - Xiuwei H Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Burkhalter RJ, Westfall SD, Liu Y, Stack MS. Lysophosphatidic Acid Initiates Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Induces β-Catenin-mediated Transcription in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:22143-54. [PMID: 26175151 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.641092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
During tumor progression, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which influences metastatic success. Mutation-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in gain of mesenchymal phenotype and loss of differentiation in several solid tumors; however, similar mutations are rare in most EOC histotypes. Nevertheless, evidence for activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in EOC has been reported, and immunohistochemical analysis of human EOC tumors demonstrates nuclear staining in all histotypes. This study addresses the hypothesis that the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), prevalent in the EOC microenvironment, functions to regulate EMT in EOC. Our results demonstrate that LPA induces loss of junctional β-catenin, stimulates clustering of β1 integrins, and enhances the conformationally active population of surface β1 integrins. Furthermore, LPA treatment initiates nuclear translocation of β-catenin and transcriptional activation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes resulting in gain of mesenchymal marker expression. Together these data suggest that LPA initiates EMT in ovarian tumors through β1-integrin-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, providing a novel mechanism for mutation-independent activation of this pathway in EOC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Burkhalter
- From the Departments of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and the Harper Cancer Research Institute
| | - Suzanne D Westfall
- Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212 and
| | - Yueying Liu
- the Harper Cancer Research Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana 46617
| | - M Sharon Stack
- the Harper Cancer Research Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana 46617
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Haxho F, Allison S, Alghamdi F, Brodhagen L, Kuta VE, Abdulkhalek S, Neufeld RJ, Szewczuk MR. Oseltamivir phosphate monotherapy ablates tumor neovascularization, growth, and metastasis in mouse model of human triple-negative breast adenocarcinoma. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2014; 6:191-203. [PMID: 25525387 PMCID: PMC4266271 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s74663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) lack the estrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor-2 (HER2/neu) receptors. Patients with TNBC have typical high grading, more frequent relapses, and exhibit poorer outcomes or prognosis compared with the other subtypes of breast cancers. Currently, there are no targeted therapies that are effective for TNBC. Preclinical antitumor activity of oseltamivir phosphate (OP) therapy was investigated to identify its role in tumor neovascularization, growth, invasiveness, and long-term survival in a mouse model of human TNBC. Methods Live cell sialidase, water soluble tetrazolium, WST-1 cell viability, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to evaluate sialidase activity, cell survival, and the expression levels of tumor E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and host endothelial CD31+/PECAM-1 cells in archived paraffin-embedded TNBC MDA-MB-231 tumors grown in RAGxCγ double mutant mice. Results OP, anti-Neu1 antibodies, and matrix metalloproteinase-9-specific inhibitor blocked Neu1 activity associated with EGF-stimulated TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. OP treatment of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells and their long-term tamoxifen-resistant clones reproducibly and dose-dependently reduced the sialidase activity associated with EGF-stimulated live cells and the cell viability after 72 hours of incubation. Combination of 1 μM cisplatin, 5-FU, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, or tamoxifen with OP dosages ≥300 μg/mL significantly reduced cell viability at 24, 48, and 72 hours when compared to the chemodrug alone. Heterotopic xenografts of MDA-MB-231 tumors developed robust and bloody tumor vascularization in RAG2xCγ double mutant mice. OP treatment at 30 mg/kg daily intraperitoneally reduced tumor vascularization and growth rate as well as significantly reduced tumor weight and spread to the lungs compared with the untreated cohorts. OP treatment at 50 mg/kg completely ablated tumor vascularization, tumor growth and spread to the lungs, with significant long-term survival at day 180 postimplantation, tumor shrinking, and no relapses after 56 days off-drug. OP 30 mg/kg cohort tumors expressed significantly reduced levels of human N-cadherins and host CD31+ endothelial cells with concomitant significant expression of E-cadherins compared to the untreated cohorts. Conclusion OP monotherapy may be the effective treatment therapy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Haxho
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Allison
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Farah Alghamdi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada ; The King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Serology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lacey Brodhagen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria El Kuta
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Samar Abdulkhalek
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada ; Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ronald J Neufeld
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Abdulkhalek S, Geen OD, Brodhagen L, Haxho F, Alghamdi F, Allison S, Simmons DJ, O'Shea LK, Neufeld RJ, Szewczuk MR. Transcriptional factor snail controls tumor neovascularization, growth and metastasis in mouse model of human ovarian carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2014; 3:28. [PMID: 26932374 PMCID: PMC4884043 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-014-0028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Snail, a transcriptional factor and repressor of E-cadherin is well known for its role in cellular invasion. It can regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryonic development and in epithelial cells. Snail also mediates tumor progression and metastases. Silencing of Snail and its associate member Slug in human A2780 ovarian epithelial carcinoma cell line was investigated to identify its role in tumor neovascularization. METHODS Live cell sialidase, WST-1 cell viability and immunohistochemistry assays were used to evaluate sialidase activity, cell survival and the expression levels of tumor E-cadherin, N-cadherin, VE-cadherin, and host endothelial CD31+(PECAM-1) cells in archived paraffin-embedded ovarian A2780, A2780 Snail shRNA GIPZ lentiviral knockdown (KD) and A2780 Slug shRNA GIPZ lentiviral KD tumors grown in RAGxCγ double mutant mice. RESULTS Oseltamivir phosphate (OP), anti-Neu1 antibodies and MMP-9 specific inhibitor blocked Neu1 activity associated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated A2780 ovarian epithelial carcinoma cells. Silencing Snail in A2780 cells abrogated the Neu1 activity following EGF stimulation of the cells compared to A2780 and A2780 Slug KD cells. OP treatment of A2780 and cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells reproducibly and dose-dependently abated the cell viability with a LD50 of 7 and 4 μm, respectively, after 48 h of incubation. Heterotopic xenografts of A2780 and A2780 Slug KD tumors developed robust and bloody tumor vascularization in RAG2xCγ double mutant mice. OP treatment at 50 mg/kg daily intraperitoneally did not significantly impede A2780 tumor growth rate but did cause a significant reduction of lung metastases compared with the untreated and OP 30mg/kg cohorts. Silencing Snail in A2780 tumor cells completely abrogated tumor vascularization, tumor growth and spread to the lungs in RAGxCγ double mutant mice. A2780 and A2780 Slug KD tumors expressed high levels of human N- and VE-cadherins, and host CD31+ endothelial cells, while A2780 Snail KD tumors expressed E-cadherin and reduced host CD31+ cells. OP 50mg/kg cohort tumors had reduced numbers of host CD31+ cells compared to a higher expression levels of CD31+ cells in tumors from the untreated control and OP 30mg/kg cohorts. CONCLUSION Snail transcriptional factor is an important intermediate player in human ovarian tumor neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Abdulkhalek
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
- Present address: Department of Molecular Genetics, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Olivia D Geen
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Lacey Brodhagen
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Fiona Haxho
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Farah Alghamdi
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
- Present address: The King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, Serology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Stephanie Allison
- Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Duncan J Simmons
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Leah K O'Shea
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
- Present address: Mississauga Academy of Medicine, University of Toronto Mississauga, North Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, ON, Canada.
| | - Ronald J Neufeld
- Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, ON, Canada.
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Zhou XM, Zhang H, Han X. Role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition proteins in gynecological cancers: pathological and therapeutic perspectives. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:9523-30. [PMID: 25168372 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecorelogic cancers like ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers are among the major threats to modern life, especially to female health. Like some other types of cancers, all of these gynecological cancers have found to be associated with the developmental stage epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). More specifically, the aberrant expression of major EMT markers, such as lower expressions of E-cadherin and alpha-catenin, and overexpressions of N-cadherin, beta-catenin, vimentin, and matrix metalloproteinases, have been reported in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The transcription factors, such as Twist, Snail, Slug, and Zeb, which regulate these EMT mediators, are also reported to be overexpressed in gynecological cancers. In addition to the over/lower expression, the promoter methylation of some of these genes has been identified too. In the era of target-specific cancer therapeutics, some promising studies showed that targeting EMT markers might be an interesting and successful tool in future cancer therapy. In this study, we have reviewed the recent development in the research on the association of EMT markers with three major gynecological cancers in the perspectives of carcinogenesis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Zhou
- Department of Gynaecolgy and Obstetrics, Shenzhen FuTian District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No. 6001 Beihuan Blvd., Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China,
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Wang Y, Shi J, Chai K, Ying X, Zhou BP. The Role of Snail in EMT and Tumorigenesis. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2014; 13:963-972. [PMID: 24168186 DOI: 10.2174/15680096113136660102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 647] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved process in which polarized, immobile epithelial cells lose tight junctions, associated adherence, and become migratory mesenchymal cells. Several transcription factors, including the Snail/Slug family, Twist, δEF1/ZEB1, SIP1/ZEB2 and E12/E47 respond to microenvironmental stimuli and function as molecular switches for the EMT program. Snail is a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor controlling EMT during embryogenesis and tumor progression. Through its N-terminal SNAG domain, Snail interacts with several corepressors and epigenetic remodeling complexes to repress specific target genes, such as the E-cadherin gene (CDH1). An integrated and complex signaling network, including the RTKs, TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, TNF-α, and BMPs pathways, activates Snail, thereby inducing EMT. Snail expression correlates with the tumor grade, nodal metastasis of many types of tumor and predicts a poor outcome in patients with metastatic cancer. Emerging evidences indicate that Snail causes a metabolic reprogramming, bestows tumor cells with cancer stem cell-like traits, and additionally, promotes drug resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis. Despite many new and exciting developments, several challenges remain to be addressed in order to understand more thoroughly the role of Snail in metastasis. Additional investigations are required to disclose the contribution of microenvironmental factors on tumor progression. This information will lead to a comprehensive understanding of Snail in cancer and will provide us with novel approaches for preventing and treating metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States.,Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Jian Shi
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Kequn Chai
- Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Xuhua Ying
- Cancer Institute of Integrative Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang
| | - Binhua P Zhou
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
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Di Palma T, Lucci V, de Cristofaro T, Filippone MG, Zannini M. A role for PAX8 in the tumorigenic phenotype of ovarian cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:292. [PMID: 24766781 PMCID: PMC4005813 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background PAX8 is a member of the paired box (Pax) multigene family of transcription factors, which are involved in the developmental and tissue-specific control of the expression of several genes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Previously, several studies reported that PAX8 is expressed at high levels in specific types of tumors. In particular, PAX8 has been recently reported to be conspicuously expressed in human ovarian cancer, but the functional role of PAX8 in the carcinogenesis of this type of tumor has not been addressed. In this study, we investigated the contribution of PAX8 in ovarian cancer progression. Methods Stable PAX8 depleted ovarian cancer cells were generated using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs. PAX8 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR, immunoblot and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation, motility and invasion potential of PAX8 silenced cells were analyzed by means of growth curves, wound healing and Matrigel assays. In addition, PAX8 knockdown and control cells were injected into nude mice for xenograft tumorigenicity assays. Finally, qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of EMT markers in PAX8-overexpressing and control cells. Results Here, we show that PAX8 plays a critical role in the migration, invasion and tumorigenic ability of ovarian cancer cells. Our results show that RNA interference-mediated knockdown of PAX8 expression in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells produces a significant reduction of cell proliferation, migration ability and invasion activity compared with control parental SKOV-3 cells. Moreover, PAX8 silencing strongly suppresses anchorage-independent growth in vitro. Notably, tumorigenesis in vivo in a nude mouse xenograft model is also significantly inhibited. Conclusions Overall, our results indicate that PAX8 plays an important role in the tumorigenic phenotype of ovarian cancer cells and identifies PAX8 as a potential new target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mariastella Zannini
- IEOS, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology 'G, Salvatore', National Research Council, Naples, Italy.
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50
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Expression profiles of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated proteins in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:495754. [PMID: 24800235 PMCID: PMC3988710 DOI: 10.1155/2014/495754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been suggested to contribute to tumor progression and acquisition of therapeutic resistance. To assess the clinical significance of EMT-associated proteins, we evaluated the expression of Snail and Slug, the key regulators of EMT, in the primary ovarian cancer samples (n = 103) by immunohistochemistry. Snail was differentially expressed according to the histologic subtype (P = 0.001) and was predominantly expressed in serous and endometrioid types. In the serous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas, the expression of Snail remained high across the stage and grade, suggesting its role in the early phase of carcinogenesis. However, the expression of Snail and Slug was not related to chemoresistance and poor prognosis and did not serve as independent predictive or prognostic marker.
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