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Krajnović M, Kožik B, Božović A, Jovanović-Ćupić S. Multiple Roles of the RUNX Gene Family in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Potential Clinical Implications. Cells 2023; 12:2303. [PMID: 37759525 PMCID: PMC10527445 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182303] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers in humans, characterised by a high resistance to conventional chemotherapy, late diagnosis, and a high mortality rate. It is necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in hepatocarcinogenesis to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The Runt-related (RUNX) family of transcription factors (RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3) participates in cardinal biological processes and plays paramount roles in the pathogenesis of numerous human malignancies. Their role is often controversial as they can act as oncogenes or tumour suppressors and depends on cellular context. Evidence shows that deregulated RUNX genes may be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis from the earliest to the latest stages. In this review, we summarise the topical evidence on the roles of RUNX gene family members in HCC. We discuss their possible application as non-invasive molecular markers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and development of novel treatment strategies in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bojana Kožik
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Vinča, 11351 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.K.); (A.B.); (S.J.-Ć.)
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Nasimi Shad A, Fanoodi A, Maharati A, Akhlaghipour I, Moghbeli M. Molecular mechanisms of microRNA-301a during tumor progression and metastasis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154538. [PMID: 37209575 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is known as one of the leading causes of human deaths globally. Late diagnosis is considered as one of the main reasons for the high mortality rate among cancer patients. Therefore, the introduction of early diagnostic tumor markers can improve the efficiency of therapeutic modalities. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have a key role in regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. MiRNAs deregulation has been frequently reported during tumor progressions. Since, miRNAs have a high stability in body fluids; they can be used as the reliable non-invasive tumor markers. Here, we discussed the role of miR-301a during tumor progressions. MiR-301a mainly functions as an oncogene via the modulation of transcription factors, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and signaling pathways. This review paves the way to suggest miR-301a as a non-invasive marker for the early tumor diagnosis. MiR-301a can also be suggested as an effective target in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nasimi Shad
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Fanoodi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maharati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Iman Akhlaghipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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3
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Timofeeva AV, Asaturova AV, Sannikova MV, Khabas GN, Chagovets VV, Fedorov IS, Frankevich VE, Sukhikh GT. Search for New Participants in the Pathogenesis of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer with the Potential to Be Used as Diagnostic Molecules. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12122017. [PMID: 36556382 PMCID: PMC9784419 DOI: 10.3390/life12122017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have attempted to develop molecular signatures of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) based on the quantitation of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs to predict disease prognosis. Due to the heterogeneity of EOC, none of the developed prognostic signatures were directly applied in clinical practice. Our work focuses on high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) due to the highest mortality rate relative to other types of EOC. Using deep sequencing of small non-coding RNAs in combination with quantitative real-time PCR, we confirm the dualistic classification of epithelial ovarian cancers based on the miRNA signature of HGSOC (type 2), which differs from benign cystadenoma and borderline cystadenoma-precursors of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (type 1)-and identified two subtypes of HGSOC, which significantly differ in the level of expression of the progesterone receptor in the tumor tissue, the secretion of miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-20a-5p, the level of serum CA125, tumor size, surgical outcome (optimal or suboptimal cytoreduction), and response to chemotherapy. It was found that the combined determination of the level of miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-93-5p circulating in blood plasma of patients with primary HGSOC tumors makes it possible to predict optimal cytoreduction with 80.1% sensitivity and 70% specificity (p = 0.022, TPR = 0.8, FPR = 0.3), as well as complete response to adjuvant chemotherapy with 77.8% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity (p = 0.001, TPR = 0.78, FPR = 0.09). After the additional verification of the obtained data in a larger HGSOC patient cohort, the combined quantification of these four miRNAs is proposed to be used as a criterion for selecting patients either for primary cytoreduction or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval cytoreduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika V. Timofeeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-531-4444
| | - Aleksandra V. Asaturova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maya V. Sannikova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Grigory N. Khabas
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaliy V. Chagovets
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S. Fedorov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir E. Frankevich
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of The Russian Federation, Ac. Oparina 4, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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MicroRNA-20a-5p regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting RUNX3. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2089-2097. [PMID: 35143426 PMCID: PMC9746768 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001975] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-20a (miR-20a) is dysregulated in many types of malignancies, including human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its expression level and functional significance in HCC are still disputed. We aimed to study the role of miR-20a-5p in HCC and its downstream molecular mechanisms. METHODS We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of miR-20a-5p and runt-related transcription factor 3 ( RUNX3 ) in HCC and paraneoplastic tissue, transfected Huh7 and highly metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97H) cells. A live cell workstation was used to observe the proliferation and migration of transfected cells. The invasiveness of transfected cells was verified by Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins after transfection were measured using simple western immunoblot measurements. Gene expression profiles between HCC and normal samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results were processed by the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery. Potential target genes of miR-20a-5p were predicted to further investigate how miR-20a-5p regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC. RESULTS MiR-20a-5p was significantly highly expressed in HCC tissues, and overexpression of miR-20a-5p significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. The protein expression of E-cadherin was decreased and that of vimentin was increased after overexpression of miR-20a-5p in HCC cells. We discovered the intersection of genes from miRDB, miR TarBase, and TargetScan, obtained 397 target genes and finally focused on RUNX3. RUNX3 was not only reduced in HCC specimens but also drastically reduced in HCC cells overexpressing miR-20a-5p. RUNX3 expression decreased with elevated miR-20a-5p, which activated downstream EMT signaling and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Since RUNX3 is involved in EMT in HCC, as proven by previous research, our findings provide further evidence for a novel regulatory pathway comprising the miR-20a/RUNX3/EMT axis that upregulates EMT signaling and enhances the migration of HCC cells.
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Wang YC, Wang ZJ, Zhang C, Ning BF. Cell reprogramming in liver with potential clinical correlations. J Dig Dis 2022; 23:13-21. [PMID: 34921720 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The theory of cell reprogramming has developed rapidly during the past decades. Cell reprogramming has been widely used in the construction of experimental models and cytotherapy for certain diseases. Hepatocyte-like cells that are important for the treatment of end-stage liver disease can now be obtained with a variety of reprogramming techniques. However, improving the differentiation status and physiological function of these cells remains challenging. Hepatocytes can transdifferentiate into other types of cells directly, whereas other types of cells can also transdifferentiate into hepatocyte-like cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, cell reprogramming is to some extent similar to malignant cell transformation. During the initiation and progression of liver cancer, cell reprogramming is always associated with cancer metastasis and chemoresistance. In this review, we summarized the research related to cell reprogramming in liver and highlighted the potential effects of cell reprogramming in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chuan Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Jie Wang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bei Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Wang C, Shi Z, Zhang Y, Li M, Zhu J, Huang Z, Zhang J, Chen J. CBFβ promotes colorectal cancer progression through transcriptionally activating OPN, FAM129A, and UPP1 in a RUNX2-dependent manner. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:3176-3192. [PMID: 34050318 PMCID: PMC8563980 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is commonly associated with aberrant transcription regulation, but characteristics of the dysregulated transcription factors in CRC pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. In the present study, core-binding factor β (CBFβ) is found to be significantly upregulated in human CRC tissues and correlates with poor survival rate of CRC patients. Mechanistically, CBFβ is found to promote CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibit cell apoptosis in a RUNX2-dependent way. Transcriptome studies reveal that CBFβ and RUNX2 form a transcriptional complex that activates gene expression of OPN, FAM129A, and UPP1. Furthermore, CBFβ significantly promotes CRC tumor growth and live metastasis in a mouse xenograft model and a mouse liver metastasis model. In addition, tumor-suppressive miR-143/145 are found to inhibit CBFβ expression by specifically targeting its 3'-UTR region. Consistently, an inverse correlation between miR-143/miR-145 and CBFβ expression levels is present in CRC patients. Taken together, this study uncovers a novel regulatory role of CBFβ-RUNX2 complex in the transcriptional activation of OPN, FAM129A, and UPP1 during CRC development, and may provide important insights into CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Ziyu Shi
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yuqian Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Mingyue Li
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zhen Huang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China ,grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XState Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
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Kanumuri R, Chelluboyina AK, Biswal J, Vignesh R, Pandian J, Venu A, Vaishnavi B, Leena DJ, Jeyaraman J, Ganesan K, Aradhyam GK, Venkatraman G, Rayala SK. Small peptide inhibitor from the sequence of RUNX3 disrupts PAK1-RUNX3 interaction and abrogates its phosphorylation-dependent oncogenic function. Oncogene 2021; 40:5327-5341. [PMID: 34253860 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
P21 Activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) is an oncogenic serine/threonine kinase known to play a significant role in the regulation of cytoskeleton and cell morphology. Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) was initially known for its tumor suppressor function, but recent studies have reported the oncogenic role of RUNX3 in various cancers. Previous findings from our laboratory provided evidence that Threonine 209 phosphorylation of RUNX3 acts as a molecular switch in dictating the tissue-specific dualistic functions of RUNX3 for the first time. Based on these proofs and to explore the translational significance of these findings, we designed a small peptide (RMR) from the protein sequence of RUNX3 flanking the Threonine 209 phosphorylation site. The selection of this specific peptide from multiple possible peptides was based on their binding energies, hydrogen bonding, docking efficiency with the active site of PAK1 and their ability to displace PAK1-RUNX3 interaction in our prediction models. We found that this peptide is stable both in in vitro and in vivo conditions, not toxic to normal cells and inhibits the Threonine 209 phosphorylation in RUNX3 by PAK1. We also tested the efficacy of this peptide to block the RUNX3 Threonine 209 phosphorylation mediated tumorigenic functions in in vitro cell culture models, patient-derived explant (PDE) models and in in vivo tumor xenograft models. These results proved that this peptide has the potential to be developed as an efficient therapeutic molecule for targeting RUNX3 Threonine 209 phosphorylation-dependent tumor phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kanumuri
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Aruna Kumar Chelluboyina
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
- Division of General Medical Sciences - Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jayashree Biswal
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Ravichandran Vignesh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Jaishree Pandian
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Akkanapally Venu
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - B Vaishnavi
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - D J Leena
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman
- Structural Biology and Bio-Computing Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, Science Block, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Kumaresan Ganesan
- Unit of Excellence in Cancer Genetics, Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India
| | - Gopala Krishna Aradhyam
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Ganesh Venkatraman
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Suresh K Rayala
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of technology Madras (IITM), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
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Saran U, Chandrasekaran B, Kolluru V, Tyagi A, Nguyen KD, Valadon CL, Shaheen SP, Kong M, Poddar T, Ankem MK, Damodaran C. Diagnostic molecular markers predicting aggressive potential in low-grade prostate cancer. Transl Res 2021; 231:92-101. [PMID: 33279680 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Currently, clinicians rely on clinical nomograms to stratify progression risk at the time of diagnosis in patients with prostate cancer (CaP). However, these tools may not accurately distinguish aggressive potential in low-grade CaP. The current study determined the diagnostic potential of 3 molecular markers (ROCK1, RUNX3, and miR-301a) in terms of their ability to identify which low-grade tumors are likely to progress. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess ROCK1, RUNX3, and miR-301a expression profiles in 118 serum and needle biopsy specimens. Expressions of ROCK1 and miR-301a were found to be significantly higher in Gleason 6 and 7 CaP as compared to BPH, while an inverse trend was observed with RUNX3. Further, incorporation of all 3 molecular markers significantly improved clinical nomograms' diagnostic accuracy and correlated with disease progression. Hence, in conclusion, the inclusion of these 3 molecular markers identified aggressive phenotype and predicted disease progression in low-grade CaP tumors at the time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Saran
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | | | | | - Ashish Tyagi
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Kristy D Nguyen
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | | | - Saad P Shaheen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | | | | | - Murali K Ankem
- Department of Urology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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Giovannini C, Fornari F, Piscaglia F, Gramantieri L. Notch Signaling Regulation in HCC: From Hepatitis Virus to Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030521. [PMID: 33804511 PMCID: PMC8000248 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch family includes evolutionary conserved genes that encode for single-pass transmembrane receptors involved in stem cell maintenance, development and cell fate determination of many cell lineages. Upon activation by different ligands, and depending on the cell type, Notch signaling plays pleomorphic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affecting neoplastic growth, invasion capability and stem like properties. A specific knowledge of the deregulated expression of each Notch receptor and ligand, coupled with resultant phenotypic changes, is still lacking in HCC. Therefore, while interfering with Notch signaling might represent a promising therapeutic approach, the complexity of Notch/ligands interactions and the variable consequences of their modulations raises concerns when performed in undefined molecular background. The gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), representing the most utilized approach for Notch inhibition in clinical trials, are characterized by important adverse effects due to the non-specific nature of GSIs themselves and to the lack of molecular criteria guiding patient selection. In this review, we briefly summarize the mechanisms involved in Notch pathway activation in HCC supporting the development of alternatives to the γ-secretase pan-inhibitor for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Giovannini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2144903; Fax: +39-051-2143902
| | - Francesca Fornari
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.G.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gramantieri
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.G.)
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Wang N, Zhang H, Cui X, Ma C, Wang L, Liu W. Runx3 Induces a Cell Shape Change and Suppresses Migration and Metastasis of Melanoma Cells by Altering a Transcriptional Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2219. [PMID: 33672337 PMCID: PMC7926509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor-3 (Runx3) is a tumor suppressor, and its contribution to melanoma progression remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 melanoma cells changed their shape and attenuated their migration. In this study, we found that Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 cells also suppressed their pulmonary metastasis. We performed microarray analysis and uncovered an altered transcriptional profile underlying the cell shape change and the suppression of migration and metastasis. This altered transcriptional profile was rich in Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (GO/KEGG) annotations relevant to adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton and included differentially expressed genes for some major extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins as well as genes that were inversely associated with the increase in the metastatic potential of B16-F10 cells compared to B16-F0 melanoma cells. Further, we found that this altered transcriptional profile could have prognostic value, as evidenced by myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) and vilin-like (VILL). Finally, Mal gene expression was correlated with metastatic potential among the cells and was targeted by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in B16-F10 cells, and the knockdown of Mal gene expression in B16-F0 cells changed their shape and enhanced the migratory and invasive traits of their metastasis. Our study suggests that self-entrapping of metastatic Runx3-negative melanoma cells via adhesion and the actin cytoskeleton could be a powerful therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Institute of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, No. 5268, Renmin St., Changchun 130024, China; (N.W.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (L.W.)
| | - Haiying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology of Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, No. 126, Xinmin St., Changchun 130021, China;
| | - Xiulin Cui
- Institute of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, No. 5268, Renmin St., Changchun 130024, China; (N.W.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (L.W.)
| | - Chao Ma
- Institute of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, No. 5268, Renmin St., Changchun 130024, China; (N.W.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (L.W.)
| | - Linghui Wang
- Institute of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, No. 5268, Renmin St., Changchun 130024, China; (N.W.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (L.W.)
| | - Wenguang Liu
- Institute of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Northeast Normal University, No. 5268, Renmin St., Changchun 130024, China; (N.W.); (X.C.); (C.M.); (L.W.)
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11
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Dodla P, Bhoopalan V, Khoo SK, Miranti C, Sridhar S. Gene expression analysis of human prostate cell lines with and without tumor metastasis suppressor CD82. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1211. [PMID: 33298014 PMCID: PMC7724878 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07675-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetraspanin CD82 is a tumor metastasis suppressor that is known to down regulate in various metastatic cancers. However, the exact mechanism by which CD82 prevents cancer metastasis is unclear. This study aims to identify genes that are regulated by CD82 in human prostate cell lines. METHODS We used whole human genome microarray to obtain gene expression profiles in a normal prostate epithelial cell line that expressed CD82 (PrEC-31) and a metastatic prostate cell line that does not express CD82 (PC3). Then, siRNA silencing was used to knock down CD82 expression in PrEC-31 while CD82 was re-expressed in PC3 to acquire differentially-expressed genes in the respective cell line. RESULTS Differentially-expressed genes with a P < 0.05 were identified in 3 data sets: PrEC-31 (+CD82) vs PrEC-31(-CD82), PC3-57 (+CD82) vs. PC3-5 V (-CD82), and PC3-29 (+CD82) vs. PC3-5 V (-CD82). Top 25 gene lists did not show overlap within the data sets, except (CALB1) the calcium binding protein calbindin 1 which was significantly up-regulated (2.8 log fold change) in PrEC-31 and PC3-29 cells that expressed CD82. Other most significantly up-regulated genes included serine peptidase inhibitor kazal type 1 (SPINK1) and polypeptide N-acetyl galactosaminyl transferase 14 (GALNT14) and most down-regulated genes included C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), urotensin 2 (UTS2D), and fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13). Pathways related with cell proliferation and angiogenesis, migration and invasion, cell death, cell cycle, signal transduction, and metabolism were highly enriched in cells that lack CD82 expression. Expression of two mutually inclusive genes in top 100 gene lists of all data sets, runt-related transcription factor (RUNX3) and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), could be validated with qRT-PCR. CONCLUSION Identification of genes and pathways regulated by CD82 in this study may provide additional insights into the role that CD82 plays in prostate tumor progression and metastasis, as well as identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpaja Dodla
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401, USA
| | - Vanitha Bhoopalan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401, USA
| | - Sok Kean Khoo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, 49401, USA
| | - Cindy Miranti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Suganthi Sridhar
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 140, 7Th Avenue S, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
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12
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The oncogenic role of Jagged1/Notch signaling in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110416. [PMID: 32593969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Notch signaling plays an oncogenic role in cancer development. Jagged1 (JAG1) is an important Notch ligand that triggers Notch signaling through cell-cell interactions. JAG1 overexpression has been reported in many different types of cancer and correlates with a poor clinical prognosis. JAG1/Notch signaling controls oncogenic processes in different cell types and cellular contexts. Furthermore, JAG1/Notch signaling cascades activate a number of oncogenic factors that regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, metastasis, drug-resistance, and angiogenesis. To suppress the severe toxicity of pan-Notch inhibitors, JAG1 is attracting increasing attention as a source of therapeutic targets for cancers. In this review, the oncogenic role of JAG1/Notch signaling in cancer is discussed, as well as implications of strategies to inhibit JAG1/Notch signaling activity.
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13
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Sweeney K, Cameron ER, Blyth K. Complex Interplay between the RUNX Transcription Factors and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Cancer: A Tango in the Night. Mol Cells 2020; 43:188-197. [PMID: 32041394 PMCID: PMC7057843 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2019.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are designed to be sensitive to a myriad of external cues so they can fulfil their individual destiny as part of the greater whole. A number of well-characterised signalling pathways dictate the cell's response to the external environment and incoming messages. In healthy, well-ordered homeostatic systems these signals are tightly controlled and kept in balance. However, given their powerful control over cell fate, these pathways, and the transcriptional machinery they orchestrate, are frequently hijacked during the development of neoplastic disease. A prime example is the Wnt signalling pathway that can be modulated by a variety of ligands and inhibitors, ultimately exerting its effects through the β-catenin transcription factor and its downstream target genes. Here we focus on the interplay between the three-member family of RUNX transcription factors with the Wnt pathway and how together they can influence cell behaviour and contribute to cancer development. In a recurring theme with other signalling systems, the RUNX genes and the Wnt pathway appear to operate within a series of feedback loops. RUNX genes are capable of directly and indirectly regulating different elements of the Wnt pathway to either strengthen or inhibit the signal. Equally, β-catenin and its transcriptional co-factors can control RUNX gene expression and together they can collaborate to regulate a large number of third party co-target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Sweeney
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G6 BD, UK
| | - Ewan R. Cameron
- Glasgow Veterinary School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G6 BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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14
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Han P, Li DX, Lei Y, Liu JM, Ding XM, Wang H, Lin ZY, Yan W, Tian DA. A Potential Model for Detecting Crowding-induced Epithelial Cell and Cancer Cell Extrusion. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:391-395. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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15
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Li X, Zhong M, Wang J, Wang L, Lin Z, Cao Z, Huang Z, Zhang F, Li Y, Liu M, Ma X. miR-301a promotes lung tumorigenesis by suppressing Runx3. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:99. [PMID: 31122259 PMCID: PMC6532219 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous report demonstrated that genetic ablation of miR-301a reduces Kras-driven lung tumorigenesis in mice. However, the impact of miR-301a on host anti-tumor immunity remains unexplored. Here we assessed the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-301a in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS The differentially expressed genes were identified by using deep sequencing. The immune cell counts, and cytokines expression were analyzed by realtime PCR, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The role of miR-301a/Runx3 in lung tumor was evaluated on cell growth, migration and invasion. The function of miR-301a/Runx3 in regulating tumor microenvironment and tumor metastasis were evaluated in Kras transgenic mice and B16/LLC1 syngeneic xenografts tumor models. RESULTS In this work, we identified 1166 up-regulated and 475 down-regulated differentially expressed genes in lung tumor tissues between KrasLA2 and miR-301a-/-; KrasLA2 mice. Immune response and cell cycle were major pathways involved in the protective role of miR-301a deletion in lung tumorigenesis. Overexpression of the miR-301a target, Runx3, was an early event identified in miR-301a-/-; KrasLA2 mice compared to WT-KrasLA2 mice. We found that miR-301a deletion enhanced CD8+ T cell accumulation and IFN-γ production in the tumor microenvironment and mediated antitumor immunity. Further studies revealed that miR-301a deficiency in the tumor microenvironment effectively reduced tumor metastasis by elevating Runx3 and recruiting CD8+ T cells, whereas miR-301a knockdown in tumor cells themselves restrained cell migration by elevating Runx3 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings further underscore that miR-301a facilitates tumor microenvironment antitumor immunity by Runx3 suppression in lung tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Li
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Mingtian Zhong
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Jiexuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120 China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Zhanwen Lin
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
| | - Zhi Cao
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Zhujuan Huang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Fengxue Zhang
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120 China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631 China
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 China
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16
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RUNX family: Oncogenes or tumor suppressors (Review). Oncol Rep 2019; 42:3-19. [PMID: 31059069 PMCID: PMC6549079 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins belong to a transcription factors family known as master regulators of important embryonic developmental programs. In the last decade, the whole family has been implicated in the regulation of different oncogenic processes and signaling pathways associated with cancer. Furthermore, a suppressor tumor function has been also reported, suggesting the RUNX family serves key role in all different types of cancer. In this review, the known biological characteristics, specific regulatory abilities and experimental evidence of RUNX proteins will be analyzed to demonstrate their oncogenic potential and tumor suppressor abilities during oncogenic processes, suggesting their importance as biomarkers of cancer. Additionally, the importance of continuing with the molecular studies of RUNX proteins' and its dual functions in cancer will be underlined in order to apply it in the future development of specific diagnostic methods and therapies against different types of cancer.
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17
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Jia Y, Ji P, French B, Tillman B, French SW. The different expression of tumor suppressors, RASSF1A, RUNX3, and GSTP1, in patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) vs non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 108:156-163. [PMID: 30951700 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) causes up to one million deaths annually. Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are becoming the two major risk factors because both may develop liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) if left untreated. However, compared with 3-10% of patients with ASH may progress to HCC annually, about only 0.5% NASH patients may progress to HCC annually. The present study is to clarify the protein expression differences of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) between ASH and NASH. In liver biopsied specimens from NASH and ASH patients, using an immunofluorescence method and morphometrically quantitating the fluorescence intensity, we studied the protein expression within hepatocytes cytoplasm of candidate TSGs including RUNX3, GSTP1, and RASSF1A. Compared with the control group of patients, the expression levels of all three proteins were upregulated in the ASH group of patients (p < .001 in all molecules). While RUNX3 was upregulated, GSTP1 and RASSF1 did not change in the NASH group of patients. The most important finding is that compared with the ASH group of patients, the expression levels of all three TSG proteins, RUNX3, GSTP1, and RASSF1, were significantly lower in the NASH group of patients (p < .001 in all three molecules). These results confirmed our previous finding that there are significant differences of many molecules including TSGs that changed in NASH compared to ASH. Thus, we conclude that there are significantly different TSGs and pathways involved during the pathogenesis of HCC development in NASH compared to ASH that may help to develop different strategies for prevention and treatment of NASH and ASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jia
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90502, United States
| | - Ping Ji
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90502, United States
| | - Barbara French
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90502, United States
| | - Brittany Tillman
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90502, United States
| | - Samuel W French
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Torrance, CA 90502, United States.
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18
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Chen Z, Zuo X, Pu L, Zhang Y, Han G, Zhang L, Wu J, Wang X. circLARP4 induces cellular senescence through regulating miR-761/RUNX3/p53/p21 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:568-581. [PMID: 30520539 PMCID: PMC6361555 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have emerged as indispensable modulators in human malignancies. Aberrant cellular senescence is a phenotype observed in various cancers. The association of circRNAs with cellular senescence in tumors is yet to determined. Here, we investigated the role of circLARP4 in cellular senescence and cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Downregulated circLARP4 level was observed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Low expression level of circLARP4 independently predicted poor survival outcome. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays demonstrated that circLARP4 suppressed HCC cell proliferation, mediated cell cycle arrest and induced senescence in vitro. Levels of p53 and p21, 2 key regulatory molecules in cellular senescence, were increased in circLARP4-overexpressed HCC cells and decreased in circLARP4-silenced HCC cells. In vivo experiments further confirmed the tumor-suppressing activity of circLARP4. Further mechanistic studies showed that circLARP4 dampened HCC progression by sponging miR-761, thereby promoting the expression level of RUNX3 and activating the downstream p53/p21 signaling. Our study revealed the role of circLARP4/miR-761/RUNX3/p53/p21 signaling in HCC progression, providing a potential survival predictor and therapeutic candidate for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Chen
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
| | - Xueliang Zuo
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalYijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical CollegeWuhuChina
| | - Liyong Pu
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
| | - Guoyong Han
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
| | - Long Zhang
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
| | - Jindao Wu
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Liver TransplantationChinese Academy of Medical SciencesNHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver TransplantationNanjingChina
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19
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Chen F, Liu X, Cheng Q, Zhu S, Bai J, Zheng J. RUNX3 regulates renal cell carcinoma metastasis via targeting miR-6780a-5p/E-cadherin/EMT signaling axis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:101042-101056. [PMID: 29254144 PMCID: PMC5731854 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a tumor suppressor in many human solid tumors. In this study, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) microarray analysis showed that the level of RUNX3 expression was lower in RCC tissue than in adjacent normal renal tissues, and was correlated with depth of invasion (pT stage) (P<0.001) and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (P<0.001). RUNX3 expression was negatively correlated with poor 5-year overall and disease-free patient survival. RUNX3 suppressed RCC metastasis and invasion and increased levels of E-cadherin, an important marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in vitro and in vivo. RUNX3 also inhibited microRNA-6780a-5p, which directly targeted the E-cadherin 3'untranslated region and decreased its expression. We confirmed that miR-6780a-5p mimics abrogated RUNX3-mediated E-cadherin upregulation and RCC metastasis/invasion inhibition. Thus, RUNX3 targeted the miR-6780a-5p/E-cadherin/EMT signaling axis to suppress renal carcinoma cell migration and invasion. This pathway illustrates a new RUNX3 function and provides potential targets for the treatment of RUNX3 mutant and loss-of-function RCC tumors. RUNX3 may also act as an effective prognostic indicator in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Chen
- Jiangsu Cancer Biotherapy Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Jiangsu Cancer Biotherapy Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shudong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Bai
- Jiangsu Cancer Biotherapy Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
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20
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Yang H, Fu J, Yao L, Hou A, Xue X. Runx3 is a key modulator during the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of alveolar type II cells in animal models of BPD. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:1466-1476. [PMID: 28949375 PMCID: PMC5627869 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major challenge for premature infants; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We previously reported that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in alveolar type II (AT2) epithelial cells influences the normal alveolar development process. In this study, we wished to examine whether Runx3 is an important factor for BPD by regulating EMT in AT2 cells. In vivo, animal models of BPD were established by placing newborn rats in hyperoxia tanks. Lung tissue and isolated AT2 cells were collected on different days following exposure to oxygen. The pathological changes in lung tissue, alveolar development and Runx3 expression were then investigated. In vitro, RLE-6TN cells were divided into 5 groups as follows: the cont-rol, Runx3, siRunx3, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Runx3 + TGF-β1 groups, and the biomarkers of EMT were investigated. In the newborn rat model of BPD, Runx3 protein and mRNA levels in both lung tissue and BPD-derived AT2 cells were significantly lower than those in the control group. The correlation between Runx3 protein expression and pulmonary development indicators was analyzed; Runx3 expression positively correlated with the radial alveolar count (RAC) and the percentage of smooth muscle actin-positive secondary septa, but negatively correlated with alveolar wall thickness. EMT was observed in the RLE-6TN cells in which the Runx3 gene was knocked down and follwoing TGF-β1‑induced EMT stimulation; however, TGF-β1 failed to induce EMT in the RLE-6TN cells overexpressing Runx3. On the whole, our data indicte that low Runx3 levels may promote EMT, while high Runx3 levels inhibit TGF-β1-induced EMT. Therefore, we predict that low levels of Runx3 in BPD lung tissue may promote EMT in AT2 cells, thus affecting alveolar development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Ana Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xindong Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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21
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Zhang X, Wang L, Zeng X, Fujita T, Liu W. Runx3 inhibits melanoma cell migration through regulation of cell shape change. Cell Biol Int 2017; 41:1048-1055. [PMID: 28699302 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor Runx3 is a known tumor suppressor gene, and its expression is frequently lost in melanoma. However, the potential contribution of the loss of Runx3 expression to melanoma development and progression remains unclear. In this in vitro study, we demonstrated that ectopic Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 melanoma cells changed the cell shape from elongated and branched to spread and unbranched, which enhanced stress fiber formation, increased the number of mature and fibrillar focal adhesions, and up-regulated fibronectin expression. In association with the cell shape change, the Runx3 re-expression in B16-F10 melanoma cells inhibited cell migration. Moreover, the phenotype of the Runx3 induced cell shape change was partially resembled when the melanoma cells were cultured on a fibronectin-coated coverslip, suggesting that fibronectin may mediate the Runx3 induced cell shape change of the melanoma cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that Runx3 may regulate cell shape to inhibit melanoma cell migration partly through enhancing stress fiber formation and ECM protein production. Our present study provides further evidence for the idea that cell shape change is potentially correlated with melanoma development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, China
| | - Linghui Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, China
| | - Xianlu Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, China
| | - Takashi Fujita
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Toxicology Lab, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga 525-8577, Japan
| | - Wenguang Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin 130024, China
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22
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Gou Y, Zhai F, Zhang L, Cui L. RUNX3 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell metastasis via targeting miR-186/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61475-61486. [PMID: 28977878 PMCID: PMC5617438 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18424] [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: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) has been reported as a tumor suppressor in some kinds of cancers. In the present study, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microarray analysis showed that RUNX3 expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-tumor tissues, and was negatively associated with metastasis and TNM stage. RUNX3 was an independently prognostic factor for 5-year overall and disease-free patient survival. Mechanically, RUNX3 repressed metastasis and invasion of HCC, and increased E-cadherin expression. RUNX3 also repressed microRNA-186 to increase E-cadherin expression. We demonstrated that miR-186 mimics attenuated RUNX3-induced increase of E-cadherin and inhibition of metastasis and invasion. In conclusion, RUNX3 suppressed HCC cell migration and invasion by targeting the miR-186/E-cadherin/EMT pathway. RUNX3 may be recommended as an effective prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Gou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Fangbing Zhai
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Lan Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, Liaoning, China
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23
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Voon DCC, Thiery JP. The Emerging Roles of RUNX Transcription Factors in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:471-489. [PMID: 28299674 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an evolutionary conserved morphogenetic program necessary for the shaping of the body plan during development. It is guided precisely by growth factor signaling and a dedicated network of specialised transcription factors. These are supported by other transcription factor families serving auxiliary functions during EMT, beyond their general roles as effectors of major signaling pathways. EMT transiently induces in epithelial cells mesenchymal properties, such as the loss of cell-cell adhesion and a gain in cell motility. Together, these newly acquired properties enable their migration to distant sites where they eventually give rise to adult epithelia. However, it is now recognized that EMT contributes to the pathogenesis of several human diseases, notably in tissue fibrosis and cancer metastasis. The RUNX family of transcription factors are important players in cell fate determination during development, where their spatio-temporal expression often overlaps with the occurrence of EMT. Furthermore, the dysregulation of RUNX expression and functions are increasingly linked to the aberrant induction of EMT in cancer. The present chapter reviews the current knowledge of this emerging field and the common themes of RUNX involvement during EMT, with the intention of fostering future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Chih-Cheng Voon
- Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117596, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A-STAR, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
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Runx3 and Cell Fate Decisions in Pancreas Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:333-352. [PMID: 28299667 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The RUNX family transcription factors are critical regulators of development and frequently dysregulated in cancer. RUNX3, the least well characterized of the three family members, has been variously described as a tumor promoter or suppressor, sometimes with conflicting results and opinions in the same cancer and likely reflecting a complex role in oncogenesis. We recently identified RUNX3 expression as a crucial determinant of the predilection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells to proliferate locally or promulgate throughout the body. High RUNX3 expression induces the production and secretion of soluble factors that support metastatic niche construction and stimulates PDA cells to migrate and invade, while simultaneously suppressing proliferation through increased expression of cell cycle regulators such as CDKN1A/p21 WAF1/CIP1 . RUNX3 expression and function are coordinated by numerous transcriptional and post-translational inputs, and interactions with diverse cofactors influence whether the resulting RUNX3 complexes enact tumor suppressive or tumor promoting programs. Understanding these exquisitely context-dependent tumor cell behaviors has the potential to inform clinical decision-making including the most appropriate timing and sequencing of local vs. systemic therapies.
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25
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Chen Y, Wang X, Cheng J, Wang Z, Jiang T, Hou N, Liu N, Song T, Huang C. MicroRNA-20a-5p targets RUNX3 to regulate proliferation and migration of human hepatocellular cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:3379-3386. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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26
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Giannelli G, Koudelkova P, Dituri F, Mikulits W. Role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2016; 65:798-808. [PMID: 27212245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 418] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a multistep biological process whereby epithelial cells change in plasticity by transient de-differentiation into a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT and its reversal, mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), essentially occur during embryogenetic morphogenesis and have been increasingly described in fibrosis and cancer during the last decade. In carcinoma progression, EMT plays a crucial role in early steps of metastasis when cells lose cell-cell contacts due to ablation of E-cadherin and acquire increased motility to spread into surrounding or distant tissues. Epithelial plasticity has become a hot issue in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as strong inducers of EMT such as transforming growth factor-β are able to orchestrate both fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis, showing rising cytokine levels in cirrhosis and late stage HCC. In this review, we consider the significance of EMT-MET in malignant hepatocytes as well as changes in the plasticity of hepatic stellate cells for cellular heterogeneity of HCC, and further aim at explaining the current limiting insights into EMT by snapshot analyses of HCC tissues. Recent advances in the identification of clinically relevant mechanisms that impinge on important EMT-transcription factors, as well as on miRNAs causing EMT signatures and HCC progression are highlighted. In addition, we draw particular attention to framing EMT in the context of potential clinical relevance for HCC patients. We conclude that some aspects of EMT are still elusive and further studies are required to better link the clinical management of HCC with biomarkers and targeted therapies related to EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Giannelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Petra Koudelkova
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Francesco Dituri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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Poungpairoj P, Whongsiri P, Suwannasin S, Khlaiphuengsin A, Tangkijvanich P, Boonla C. Increased Oxidative Stress and RUNX3 Hypermethylation in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and Induction of RUNX3 Hypermethylation by Reactive Oxygen Species in HCC Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2016. [PMID: 26225676 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.13.5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoter hypermethylation of the runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) gene is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Oxidative stress plays a vital role in both carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. However, whether oxidative stress and RUNX3 hypermethylation in HCC have a cause- and-effect relationship is not known. In this study, plasma protein carbonyl and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC (n=60) and age-matched healthy subjects (n=80) was determined. RUNX3 methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of subjects was measured by methylation-specific PCR. Effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on induction of RUNX3 hypermethylation in HCC cells was investigated. Plasma protein carbonyl content was significantly higher, whereas plasma TAC was significantly lower, in HCC patients than healthy controls. Based on logistic regression, increased plasma protein carbonyl and decreased plasma TAC were independently associated with increased risk for HCC. PBMC RUNX3 methylation in the patient group was significantly greater than in the healthy group. RUNX3 methylation in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated HepG2 cells was significantly higher than in untreated control cells. In conclusion, increase in oxidative stress in Thai patients with HBV-associated HCC was demonstrated. This oxidative increment was independently associated with an increased risk for HCC development. RUNX3 in PBMC was found to be hypermethylated in the HCC patients. In vitro, RUNX3 hypermethylation was experimentally induced by H2O2. Our findings suggest that oxidative stress is a cause of RUNX3 promoter hypermethylation in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonsin Poungpairoj
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand E-mail :
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28
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Kataoka J, Shiraha H, Horiguchi S, Sawahara H, Uchida D, Nagahara T, Iwamuro M, Morimoto H, Takeuchi Y, Kuwaki K, Onishi H, Nakamura S, Takaki A, Nouso K, Yagi T, Yamamoto K, Okada H. Loss of Runt-related transcription factor 3 induces resistance to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2016; 35:2576-82. [PMID: 26985715 PMCID: PMC4811400 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is known to function as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer and other types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its role has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the role of RUNX3 in HCC. We used the human HCC cell lines Hep3B, Huh7 and HLF; RUNX3 cDNA was introduced into Hep3B and Huh7 cells, which were negative for endogenous RUNX3 expression, and RUNX3 siRNA was transfected into HLF cells, which were positive for endogenous RUNX3. We analyzed the expression of RUNX3 and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) by immunoblotting. MTT assays were used to determine the effects of RUNX3 expression on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) sensitivity. Finally, 23 HCC specimens resected from patients with HCC at Okayama University Hospital were analyzed, and correlations among immunohistochemical expression of RUNX3 protein and MRP protein were evaluated in these specimens. Exogenous RUNX3 expression reduced the expression of MRP1, MRP2, MRP3 and MRP5 in the RUNX3-negative cells, whereas knockdown of RUNX3 in the HLF cells stimulated the expression of these MRPs. An inverse correlation between RUNX3 and MRP expression was observed in the HCC tissues. Importantly, loss of RUNX3 expression contributed to 5-FU and CDDP resistance by inducing MRP expression. These data have important implications in the study of chemotherapy resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junro Kataoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hidenori Shiraha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shigeru Horiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sawahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Daisuke Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Teruya Nagahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masaya Iwamuro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroki Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuto Takeuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kenji Kuwaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideki Onishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Takahito Yagi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Transplant and Surgical Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama Saiseikai General Hospital, Okayama 700-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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29
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Chen F, Liu X, Bai J, Pei D, Zheng J. The emerging role of RUNX3 in cancer metastasis (Review). Oncol Rep 2015; 35:1227-36. [PMID: 26708741 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains the major driver of mortality in patients with cancer. The multistep metastatic process starts with the dissemination of tumor cells from a primary site and leading to secondary tumor development in an anatomically distant location. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular characteristics of metastasis, many questions remain regarding the intracellular mechanisms governing transition through the various metastatic stages. The runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a downstream effector of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and has critical roles in the regulation of cell death by apoptosis, and in angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and invasion. RUNX3 functions as a bona fide initiator of carcinogenesis by linking the Wnt oncogenic and TGF-β tumor suppressive pathways. RUNX3 is frequently inactivated in human cancer cell lines and cancer samples by hemizygous deletion of the Runx3 gene, hypermethylation of the Runx3 promoter, or cytoplasmic sequestration of RUNX3 protein. Inactivation of RUNX3 makes it a putative tumor suppressor in human neoplasia. In the present review, we summarize the proposed roles of RUNX3 in metastasis and, when applicable, highlight the mechanism by which they function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Chen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jin Bai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Pei
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
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30
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Zhu F, Duan YF, Bao WY, Liu WS, Yang Y, Cai HH. HtrA1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 467:589-94. [PMID: 26403966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the development and progression of cancer. HtrA1 had been showed to play a modulatory role in metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The relationship between HtrA1 and EMT in HCC was investigated in the present study. METHODS The HtrA1 expression in human HCC tumor tissues and cells was determined by real-time PCR. SiRNA-HtrA1 and pcDNA-HtrA1 were respectively transfected into HepG2 and MHCC97H cells to observe their effects on cell migration and expression of EMT-associated markers Vimentin and E-cadherin. The relationship between HtrA1 and EMT in 60 HCC patients was also investigated. RESULTS HtrA1 expression of tumor tissues was down-regulated with the increasing of number in lymph nodes metastasis in HCC patients. HtrA1 down-regulation led to the significant increase of cell migration, Vimentin expression and decrease of E-cadherin expression, while HtrA1 overexpression resulted in an opposite function. The HtrA1 expression was positively related to the E-cadherin level (R(2) = 0.5903, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with Vimentin level (R(2) = 0.6067, P < 0.001) in tumor tissues of HCC, respectively. CONCLUSION HtrA1 expression was closely related to EMT, which might be a potential mechanism underlying metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yun-Fei Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wan-Yuan Bao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Song Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui-Hua Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, ChangZhou 213003, Jiangsu Province, China
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31
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Govaere O, Roskams T. Pathogenesis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma at the cellular and molecular levels. Clin Liver Dis 2015; 19:261-76. [PMID: 25921662 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Different approaches predict the outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of biliary-hepatic progenitor cell markers generally correlates with poor prognosis. This article focuses on the pathogenesis of HCC, how differentiation or dedifferentiation leads to a phenotype switch, and heterogeneity in the same tumor. A tumor cell decides its fate based on a complex interplay of signaling pathways. Interaction with the microenvironment decides whether it will invade, proliferate, or enter survival mode. Several signaling pathways contribute to stemness features, reflecting a small chemoresistant subpopulation of the tumor that expresses biliary-hepatic progenitor cell markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Govaere
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KULeuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 12, Leuven B3000, Belgium.
| | - Tania Roskams
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KULeuven and University Hospitals Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 12, Leuven B3000, Belgium.
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Abstract
RUNX proteins belong to a family of metazoan transcription factors that serve as master regulators of development. They are frequently deregulated in human cancers, indicating a prominent and, at times, paradoxical role in cancer pathogenesis. The contextual cues that direct RUNX function represent a fast-growing field in cancer research and could provide insights that are applicable to early cancer detection and treatment. This Review describes how RUNX proteins communicate with key signalling pathways during the multistep progression to malignancy; in particular, we highlight the emerging partnership of RUNX with p53 in cancer suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Ito
- 1] Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive #12-01, 117599, Singapore. [2]
| | - Suk-Chul Bae
- 1] Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, and Institute for Tumour Research, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 361763, South Korea. [2]
| | - Linda Shyue Huey Chuang
- 1] Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive #12-01, 117599, Singapore. [2]
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Li D, Masiero M, Banham AH, Harris AL. The notch ligand JAGGED1 as a target for anti-tumor therapy. Front Oncol 2014; 4:254. [PMID: 25309874 PMCID: PMC4174884 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch pathway is increasingly attracting attention as a source of therapeutic targets for cancer. Ligand-induced Notch signaling has been implicated in various aspects of cancer biology; as a consequence, pan-Notch inhibitors and therapeutic antibodies targeting one or more of the Notch receptors have been investigated for cancer therapy. Alternatively, Notch ligands provide attractive options for therapy in cancer treatment due to their more restricted expression and better-defined functions, as well as their low rate of mutations in cancer. One of the Notch ligands, Jagged1 (JAG1), is overexpressed in many cancer types, and plays an important role in several aspects of tumor biology. In fact, JAG1-stimulated Notch activation is directly implicated in tumor growth through maintaining cancer stem cell populations, promoting cell survival, inhibiting apoptosis, and driving cell proliferation and metastasis. In addition, JAG1 can indirectly affect cancer by influencing tumor microenvironment components such as tumor vasculature and immune cell infiltration. This article gives an overview of JAG1 and its role in tumor biology, and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demin Li
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Massimo Masiero
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Alison H Banham
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Cancer Research UK Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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34
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Yang Y, Ye Z, Zou Z, Xiao G, Luo G, Yang H. Clinicopathological significance of RUNX3 gene hypermethylation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:10333-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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35
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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang X, Xu X, Xing H, Zhang Y, Li W, Yu H, Zeng J, Jia J. RUNX3 regulates vimentin expression via miR-30a during epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:610-23. [PMID: 24447545 PMCID: PMC4000113 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a putative tumour suppressor via regulating the expression of a series of target genes. Clinical studies demonstrated that loss of RUNX3 expression is associated with gastric cancer progression and poor prognosis, but the underlying mechanism is not entirely clear. Accumulating evidence shows that the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in cancer relapse and metastasis. Therefore, we addressed whether RUNX3 has a role in the EMT in gastric cancer. Knockdown of RUNX3 promoted cell invasion and increased the protein expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin in human gastric cancer cells. Overexpression of RUNX3 suppressed cell invasion and decreased the protein expression of vimentin in the cells and inhibited gastric cancer cells colonization in nude mice. Furthermore, overexpression of RUNX3 increased the expression of microRNA-30a (miR-30a), and miR-30a directly targeted the 3′ untranslated region of vimentin and decreased its protein level. miR-30a inhibitor abrogated RUNX3-mediated inhibition of cell invasion and downregulation of vimentin. Thus, RUNX3 suppressed gastric cancer cell invasion and vimentin expression by activating miR-30a. In gastric cancer patients, levels of RUNX3 were positively correlated with miR-30a and negatively associated with the levels of vimentin. Collectively, our data suggest a novel molecular mechanism for the tumour suppressor activity of RUNX3. Effective therapy targeting the RUNX3 pathway may help control gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis by inhibiting the EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Reebye V, Sætrom P, Mintz P, Huang K, Swiderski P, Peng L, Liu C, Liu X, Jensen S, Zacharoulis D, Kostomitsopoulos N, Kasahara N, Nicholls J, Jiao L, Pai M, Mizandari M, Chikovani T, Emara M, Haoudi A, Tomalia D, Rossi J, Habib N, Spalding D. Novel RNA oligonucleotide improves liver function and inhibits liver carcinogenesis in vivo. Hepatology 2014; 59:216-27. [PMID: 23929703 PMCID: PMC4655108 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs predominantly in patients with liver cirrhosis. Here we show an innovative RNA-based targeted approach to enhance endogenous albumin production while reducing liver tumor burden. We designed short-activating RNAs (saRNA) to enhance expression of C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α), a transcriptional regulator and activator of albumin gene expression. Increased levels of both C/EBPα and albumin mRNA in addition to a 3-fold increase in albumin secretion and 50% decrease in cell proliferation was observed in C/EBPα-saRNA transfected HepG2 cells. Intravenous injection of C/EBPα-saRNA in a cirrhotic rat model with multifocal liver tumors increased circulating serum albumin by over 30%, showing evidence of improved liver function. Tumor burden decreased by 80% (P = 0.003) with a 40% reduction in a marker of preneoplastic transformation. Since C/EBPα has known antiproliferative activities by way of retinoblastoma, p21, and cyclins, we used messenger RNA (mRNA) expression liver cancer-specific microarray in C/EBPα-saRNA-transfected HepG2 cells to confirm down-regulation of genes strongly enriched for negative regulation of apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Up-regulated genes were enriched for tumor suppressors and positive regulators of cell differentiation. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis of C/EBPα-saRNA-transfected cells suggested that in addition to the known antiproliferative targets of C/EBPα, we also observed suppression of interleukin (IL)6R, c-Myc, and reduced STAT3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION A novel injectable saRNA-oligonucleotide that enhances C/EBPα expression successfully reduces tumor burden and simultaneously improves liver function in a clinically relevant liver cirrhosis/HCC model.
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MESH Headings
- Albumins/metabolism
- Animals
- CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-alpha/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/complications
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genetic Therapy
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Injections, Intravenous
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/complications
- Liver Function Tests
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/complications
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Male
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism
- RNA/therapeutic use
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Reebye
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - P. Sætrom
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7489 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - P.J. Mintz
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - K.W. Huang
- Department of Surgery & Hepatitis Research Center. National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, 10002, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University. Taipei City, 10002, Taiwan
| | - P. Swiderski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, CA 91010. USA
| | - L. Peng
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - C. Liu
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - X.X. Liu
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - S. Jensen
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - D. Zacharoulis
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa Mezourlo, Larisa, Greece
| | - N. Kostomitsopoulos
- Centre for Experimental Surgery, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - N. Kasahara
- Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7019, USA
| | - J.P. Nicholls
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - L.R. Jiao
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - M. Pai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - M. Mizandari
- Department of Radiology. Tbilisi 1 Hospital University Clinic. High Technology Medical Center. Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - T. Chikovani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Faculty of Medicine. Tbilisi State Medical University. Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - M.M. Emara
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Education City, P.O BOX 5825, Doha, Qatar
| | - A. Haoudi
- Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Education City, P.O BOX 5825, Doha, Qatar
| | - D.A. Tomalia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J.J. Rossi
- Division of Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - N.A. Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Yu YY, Chen C, Kong FF, Zhang W. Clinicopathological significance and potential drug target of RUNX3 in breast cancer. Drug Des Devel Ther 2014; 8:2423-30. [PMID: 25525332 PMCID: PMC4266273 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s71815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports indicate that RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor in several types of human tumors, including breast cancer (BC). However, the correlation between RUNX3 hypermethylation and the incidence of BC remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to comprehensively assess the potential role of RUNX3 hypermethylation in the pathogenesis of BC. METHODS A detailed literature search was made to identify studies for related research publications. Methodological quality of the studies was evaluated. Analysis of pooled data was performed. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated and summarized respectively. RESULTS Final analysis of 565 BC patients from eleven eligible studies was performed. The results showed that RUNX3 hypermethylation was significantly higher in BC than in normal breast tissue, the pooled OR from nine studies including 339 BC and 248 normal breast tissue (OR =24.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] =13.50-43.11, Z=10.75, P<0.00001). Further analysis also showed significantly increased OR of RUNX3 hypermethylation in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive than in ER-negative BC patients (OR =5.67, 95% CI =2.69-11.95, Z=4.57, P<0.00001). In addition, RUNX3 messenger RNA (mRNA) high expression was found to be correlated to better overall survival in 3,455 cases of BC patients that were followed up for 20 years (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, P=8.8×10(-5)). Interestingly, RUNX3 mRNA overexpression was found to be correlated to better overall survival in only 668 cases of ER-negative patients (HR 0.72, P=0.01), but not in 1,767 cases of ER-positive patients (HR 0.87, P=0.13). CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis suggest that RUNX3 hypermethylation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of BC. Detection of RUNX3 mRNA may be a helpful and valuable biomarker for diagnosis of BC, especially in ER-negative BC. We also discussed the significance of RUNX3 as a potential drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Yu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital Affiliated to TongJi University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan-fei Kong
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital Affiliated to TongJi University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Wei Zhang, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 413 Zhaozhou Road, Shanghai 200011, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Li H, Li Y, Liu D, Sun H, Su D, Yang F, Liu J. Extracellular HSP70/HSP70-PCs promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocarcinoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84759. [PMID: 24386414 PMCID: PMC3874008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular heat shock protein 70 and peptide complexes (eHSP70/HSP70-PCs) regulate a variety of biological behaviors in tumor cells. Whether eHSP70/HSP70-PCs are involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells remains unclear. Aims To determine the effects of eHSP70/HSP70-PCs on EMT of hepatocarcinoma cells. Methods The expressions of E-cadherin, HSP70, α-smooth muscle actin protein (α-SMA) and p-p38 were detected immunohistochemically in liver cancer samples. Immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time RT-PCR methods were used to analyze the effects of eHSP70/HSP70-PCs on the expressions of E-cadherin, α-SMA and p38/MAPK in vivo. Results HSP70, E-cadherin, α-SMA and p-p38 were elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The expression of HSP70 was positively correlated with malignant differentiated liver carcinoma. The expressions of HSP70, α-SMA and p-p38 correlated with recurrence-free survival after resection. eHSP70/HSP70-PCs significantly promoted the expressions of α-SMA and p-p38 and reduced the expressions of E-cadherin in vivo. The effect was inhibited by SB203580. Conclusion The expressions of HSP70, E-cadherin, α-SMA and p-p38 may represent indicators of malignant potential and could discriminate the malignant degree of liver cancer. eHSP70/HSP70-PCs play an important role in the EMT of hepatocellular carcinoma via the p38/MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongzhi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, First Hospital Affiliated to Liaoning Medical College, Jinzhou, China
| | - Dongming Su
- Center of Metabolic Disease Research, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuquan Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Sukowati CHC, Tiribelli C. The biological implication of cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: a possible target for future therapy. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 7:749-57. [PMID: 24161136 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2013.846826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicated the importance of stem cells in cancer, including in hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of the stem cells and cancer stem cells in liver diseases is associated with the initiation, maintenance, metastasis and chemoresistance. Since hepatocellular carcinoma is a heterogeneous disease with a wide variety of prognostic types, which may limit the efficiency of standardized therapy, the understanding of the source of the cancer, alteration in important molecular signaling pathways and interaction between cancer cells and other cells types will be important in defining future, tailored treatment strategies.
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He L, Zhou X, Qu C, Hu L, Tang Y, Zhang Q, Liang M, Hong J. Musashi2 predicts poor prognosis and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma by driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 18:49-58. [PMID: 24305552 PMCID: PMC3916117 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of recurrence and the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necessitate the discovery of new predictive markers of HCC invasion and prognosis. In this study, we evaluated the expression pattern of two members of a novel oncogene family, Musashi1 (MSI1) and Musashi2 (MSI2) in 40 normal hepatic tissue specimens, 149 HCC specimens and their adjacent non-tumourous tissues. We observed that MSI1 and MSI2 were significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues. High expression levels of MSI1 and MSI2 were detectable in 37.6% (56/149) and 49.0% (73/149) of the HCC specimens, respectively, but were rarely detected in adjacent non-tumourous tissues and were never detected in normal hepatic tissue specimens. Nevertheless, only high expression of MSI2 correlated with poor prognosis. In addition, MSI2 up-regulation correlated with clinicopathological parameters representative of highly invasive HCC. Further study indicated that MSI2 might enhance invasion of HCC by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Knockdown of MSI2 significantly decreased the invasion of HCC cells and changed the expression pattern of EMT markers. Moreover, immunohistochemistry assays of 149 HCC tissue specimens further confirmed this correlation. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrated that MSI2 correlates with EMT and has the potential to be a new predictive biomarker of HCC prognosis and invasion to help guide diagnosis and treatment of post-operative HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Affiliated Tumour Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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The expression and regulation of DFNA5 in human hepatocellular carcinoma DFNA5 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:6525-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2581-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers expressed in circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with different stages of disease. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e831. [PMID: 24091674 PMCID: PMC3824657 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood is associated with metastasis and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has a pivotal role in tumor invasion and dissemination. To identify more sensitive biomarkers for evaluating metastasis and prognosis, we investigated the expression of EMT markers, including vimentin, twist, ZEB1, ZEB2, snail, slug and E-cadherin in CTCs, primary HCC tumors and adjacent non-tumoral liver tissues. After isolating viable CTCs from the peripheral blood of HCC patients using asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs), the CTCs were identified with immunofluorescence staining. CTCs were detected in the peripheral blood obtained from 46 of 60 (76.7%) HCC patients. Triple-immunofluorescence staining showed that twist and vimentin expression could be detected in CTCs obtained from 39 (84.8%) and 37 (80.4%) of the 46 patients, respectively. The expression of both twist and vimentin in CTCs was significantly correlated with portal vein tumor thrombus. Coexpression of twist and vimentin in CTCs could be detected in 32 (69.6%) of the 46 patients and was highly correlated with portal vein tumor thrombus, TNM classification and tumor size. Quantitative fluorescence western blot analysis revealed that the expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin and twist in HCC tumors were significantly associated with the positivity of isolated CTCs (P=0.013, P=0.012, P=0.009, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in ZEB1, ZEB2, snail and slug expression levels in CTCs, primary HCC tumors and adjacent non-tumoral liver tissues across samples with regard to the clinicopathological parameters. Our results demonstrate that the EMT has a role in promoting the blood-borne dissemination of primary HCC cells, and the twist and vimentin expression levels in CTCs could serve as promising biomarkers for evaluating metastasis and prognosis in HCC patients.
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Ren KQ, Cao XZ, Liu ZH, Guo H, Quan MF, Liu F, Jiang L, Xiang HL, Deng XY, Cao JG. 8-bromo-5-hydroxy-7-methoxychrysin targeting for inhibition of the properties of liver cancer stem cells by modulation of Twist signaling. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:1719-29. [PMID: 23970349 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has suggested that cancer stem cells with expression of surface biomarkers including CD133 and CD44 have more aggressive biological behavior, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which are closely related to invasion. The upregulation and nuclear relocation of the EMT regulator Twist1 have been implicated in the tumor invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize a small population of CD133+ cells that existed in the HCC cell line SMMC-7721 by MACS and investigated the possible roles of 8-bromo-7-methoxychrysin (BrMC), a synthetic analogue of chrysin, in inhibiting the properties of CD133+ sphere-forming cells (SFCs) derived from the HCC cell line SMMC-7721, namely liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). Based on the data, BrMC inhibited the proliferation, self-renewal and invasion of LCSCs in vitro and in vivo, downregulated the expression of the LCSC biomarkers CD133 and CD44 and induced EMT by downregulating the expression of Twist and β-catenin in LCSCs. BrMC potentiated the inhibition of LCSCs self-renewal after reduction of twist protein levels, which was attenuated when twist was overexpressed. This study not only provides an important experimental and theoretical basis for investigation of BrMC in LCSCs, but also helps in the development of effective therapeutic medicine for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Qun Ren
- Medical College, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
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Cheng HC, Liu YP, Shan YS, Huang CY, Lin FC, Lin LC, Lee L, Tsai CH, Hsiao M, Lu PJ. Loss of RUNX3 increases osteopontin expression and promotes cell migration in gastric cancer. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:2452-9. [PMID: 23774402 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of RUNX3 expression is frequently observed in gastric cancer and is highly associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer remain unknown. In this study, we found that the protein levels of RUNX3 and osteopontin (OPN) are inversely correlated in gastric cancer clinical specimens and cell lines. Furthermore, similar inverse trends between RUNX3 and OPN messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were demonstrated in six out of seven normal-tumor-paired gastric cancer clinical specimens. In addition, low RUNX3 and high OPN expression were associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Ectopic expression of green fluorescent protein-RUNX3 reduced OPN protein and mRNA expression in the AGS and SCM-1 gastric cancer cell lines. In contrast, knockdown of RUNX3 in GES-1, a normal gastric epithelial cell line, increased OPN expression. Although three RUNX3-binding sequences have been identified in the OPN promoter region, direct binding of RUNX3 to the specific binding site, -142 to -137bp, was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. The binding of RUNX3 to the OPN promoter significantly decreased OPN promoter activity. The knockdown of OPN or overexpression of RUNX3 inhibited cell migration in AGS and SCM-1 cells; however, the coexpression of RUNX3 and OPN reversed the RUNX3-reduced migration ability in AGS and SCM-1 cells. In contrast, the knockdown of both RUNX3 and OPN inhibited RUNX3-knockdown-induced migration of GES-1 cells. Together, our data demonstrated that RUNX3 is a transcriptional repressor of OPN and that loss of RUNX3 upregulates OPN, which promotes migration in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chuan Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan
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Shiraha H, Yamamoto K, Namba M. Human hepatocyte carcinogenesis (review). Int J Oncol 2013; 42:1133-8. [PMID: 23426905 PMCID: PMC3622653 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide; and its incidence rate is increasing. Clinical and molecular medical analyses have revealed substantial information on hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a stepwise process during which multiple genes are altered. Genetic changes and their biological consequences in human HCC can be divided into at least 4 groups: i) tumor suppressor genes (p53, retinoblastoma, phosphatase tensin homolog and runt-related transcription factor 3), ii) oncogenes (myc, K-ras, BRAF), iii) reactivation of developmental pathways (Wnt, hedgehog), and iv) growth factors and their receptors (transforming growth factor-α, insulin-like growth factor-2 receptor). An experimental model of human hepatocarcinogenesis such as in vitro neoplastic transformation of human hepatocytes has not been successfully achieved yet, but several immortalized human hepatocyte cell lines have been established. These immortalized human hepatocytes will become useful tools for the elucidation of hepatocarcinogenesis, especially for the initial step of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Shiraha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Faculty of Medicine, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
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