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Yin J, Wu K, Yu Y, Zhong Y, Song Z, Chang C, Liu G. Terahertz Photons Inhibit Cancer Cells Long Term by Suppressing Nano Telomerase Activity. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4796-4810. [PMID: 38261783 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Telomeres are nanoscale DNA-protein complexes to protect and stabilize chromosomes. The reexpression of telomerase in cancer cells is a key determinant crucial for the infinite proliferation and long-term survival of most cancer cells. However, the use of telomerase inhibitors for cancer treatment may cause problems such as poor specificity, drug resistance, and cytotoxicity. Here, we discovered a nondrug and noninvasive terahertz modulation strategy capable of the long-term suppression of cancer cells by inhibiting telomerase activity. First, we found that an optimized frequency of 33 THz photon irradiation effectively inhibited the telomerase activity by molecular dynamics simulation and frequency filtering experiments. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that telomerase activity in 4T1 and MCF-7 cells significantly decreased by 77% and 80% respectively, after 21 days of regular 33 THz irradiation. Furthermore, two kinds of cells were found to undergo aging, apoptosis, and DNA double-strand breaks caused by telomere crisis, which seriously affected the survival of cancer cells. In addition, the tumorigenicity of 4T1 cells irradiated with 33 THz waves for 21 days in in vivo mice decreased by 70%. In summary, this study demonstrates the potential application of THz modulation in nano therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junkai Yin
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zihua Song
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guozhi Liu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
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2
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Ke J, Zhang DG, Liu SZ, Luo Z. Functional analysis of selenok, selenot and selenop promoters and their regulation by selenium in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Gene 2023; 873:147461. [PMID: 37149273 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The selenok, selenot and selenop are three key selenoproteins involved in stress response. Our study, using the yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco as the experimental animal, obtained the 1993-bp, 2000-bp and 1959-bp sequences of selenok, selenot and selenop promoters, respectively, and predicted the binding sites of several transcriptional factors on their promoters, such as Forkhead box O 4 (FoxO4), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Selenium (Se) increased the activities of the selenok, selenot and selenop promoters. FoxO4 and Nrf2 can directly bind with selenok promoter and controlled selenok promoter activities positively; KLF4 and Nrf2 can directly bind with selenot promoter and controlled selenot promoter activities positively; FoxO4 and ATF4 can directly bind to selenop promoter and regulated selenop promoter activities positively. Se promoted FoxO4 and Nrf2 binding to selenok promoter, KLF4 and Nrf2 binding to selenot promoter, and FoxO4 and ATF4 binding to selenop promoter. Thus, we provide the first evidence for FoxO4 and Nrf2 bindnig elements in selenok promoter, KLF4 and Nrf2 binding elements in selenot promoter, and FoxO4 and ATF4 binding elements in selenop promoter, and offer novel insight into regulatory mechanism of these selenoproteins induced by Se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ke
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Fishery College, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Dian-Guang Zhang
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Fishery College, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sheng-Zan Liu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Fishery College, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Fishery College, Huazhong Agriculture University, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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3
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Moses EJ, Azlan A, Khor KZ, Mot YY, Mohamed S, Seeni A, Barneh F, Heidenreich O, Yusoff N. A RUNX1/ETO-SKP2-CDKN1B axis regulates expression of telomerase in t (8;21) acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:70. [PMID: 36820913 PMCID: PMC11071865 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04713-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The fusion oncoprotein RUNX1/ETO which results from the chromosomal translocation t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an essential driver of leukemic maintenance. We have previously shown that RUNX1/ETO knockdown impairs expression of the protein component of telomerase, TERT. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of how RUNX1/ETO controls TERT expression has not been fully elucidated. Here we show that RUNX1/ETO binds to an intergenic region 18 kb upstream of the TERT transcriptional start site and to a site located in intron 6 of TERT. Loss of RUNX1/ETO binding precedes inhibition of TERT expression. Repression of TERT expression is also dependent on the destabilization of the E3 ubiquitin ligase SKP2 and the resultant accumulation of the cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1B, that are both associated with RUNX1/ETO knockdown. Increased CDKN1B protein levels ultimately diminished TERT transcription with E2F1/Rb involvement. Collectively, our results show that RUNX1/ETO controls TERT expression directly by binding to its locus and indirectly via a SKP2-CDKN1B-E2F1/Rb axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel J Moses
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia.
| | - Adam Azlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Kang Zi Khor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Yee Yik Mot
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Saleem Mohamed
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Azman Seeni
- Department of Toxicology, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Farnaz Barneh
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Narazah Yusoff
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Malaysia
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Dutta B, Osato M. The RUNX Family, a Novel Multifaceted Guardian of the Genome. Cells 2023; 12:255. [PMID: 36672189 PMCID: PMC9856552 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA repair machinery exists to protect cells from daily genetic insults by orchestrating multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors. One such factor recently identified is the Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) family, a group of proteins that act as a master transcriptional regulator for multiple biological functions such as embryonic development, stem cell behaviors, and oncogenesis. A significant number of studies in the past decades have delineated the involvement of RUNX proteins in DNA repair. Alterations in RUNX genes cause organ failure and predisposition to cancers, as seen in patients carrying mutations in the other well-established DNA repair genes. Herein, we review the currently existing findings and provide new insights into transcriptional and non-transcriptional multifaceted regulation of DNA repair by RUNX family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibek Dutta
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Motomi Osato
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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Meessen S, Najjar G, Azoitei A, Iben S, Bolenz C, Günes C. A Comparative Assessment of Replication Stress Markers in the Context of Telomerase. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092205. [PMID: 35565334 PMCID: PMC9103842 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genetic alterations such as oncogenic- or aneuploidy-inducing mutations can induce replication stress as a tumor protection mechansim. Previous data indicated that telomerase may ameliorate the cellular responses that induce replication stress. However, the mechanisms how this may occur are still unclear. In order to address this question, the accurate evaluation of replication stress in the presence and absence of telomerase is crucial. Therefore, we used telomerase negative normal human fibroblasts, as well as their telomerase positive counterparts to compare the suitability of three protein markers (pRPA2, γ-H2AX and 53BP1), which were previously reported to accumulate in response to harmful conditions leading to replication stress in cells. In summary, we find that pRPA2 is the most consistent and reliable marker for the detection of replication stress. Further, we demonstrated that the inhibition of the DNA-damage activated ATM and ATR kinases by specific small compounds impaired the accumulation of pRPA2 foci in the absence of telomerase. These data suggest that telomerase rescues the cells from replication stress upon supression of DNA damage induction by modulating the ATM and ATR signaling pathways, and may therefore support tumor formation of genetically unstable cells. Abstract Aberrant replication stress (RS) is a source of genome instability and has serious implications for cell survival and tumourigenesis. Therefore, the detection of RS and the identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms are crucial for the understanding of tumourigenesis. Currently, three protein markers—p33-phosphorylated replication protein A2 (pRPA2), γ-phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX), and Tumor Protein P53 Binding Protein 1 (53BP1)—are frequently used to detect RS. However, to our knowledge, there is no report that compares their suitability for the detection of different sources of RS. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate the suitability of pRPA2, γ-H2AX, and 53BP1 for the detection of RS caused by different sources of RS. In addition, we examine their suitability as markers of the telomerase-mediated alleviation of RS. For these purposes, we use here telomerase-negative human fibroblasts (BJ) and their telomerase-immortalized counterparts (BJ-hTERT). Replication stress was induced by the ectopic expression of the oncogenic RAS mutant RASG12V (OI-RS), by the knockdown of ploidy-control genes ORP3 or MAD2 (AI-RS), and by treatment with hydrogen peroxide (ROS-induced RS). The level of RS was determined by immunofluorescence staining for pRPA2, γ-H2AX, and 53BP1. Evaluation of the staining results revealed that pRPA2- and γ-H2AX provide a significant and reliable assessment of OI-RS and AI-RS compared to 53BP1. On the other hand, 53BP1 and pRPA2 proved to be superior to γ-H2AX for the evaluation of ROS-induced RS. Moreover, the data showed that among the tested markers, pRPA2 is best suited to evaluate the telomerase-mediated suppression of all three types of RS. In summary, the data indicate that the choice of marker is important for the evaluation of RS activated through different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Meessen
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.M.); (G.N.); (A.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Gregoire Najjar
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.M.); (G.N.); (A.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Anca Azoitei
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.M.); (G.N.); (A.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Sebastian Iben
- Department of Dermatology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - Christian Bolenz
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.M.); (G.N.); (A.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.M.); (G.N.); (A.A.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)731-500-58019; Fax: +49-(0)731-500-58093
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Huang JQ, Zhang H, Guo XW, Lu Y, Wang SN, Cheng B, Dong SH, Lyu XL, Li FS, Li YW. Mechanically Activated Calcium Channel PIEZO1 Modulates Radiation-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Forming a Positive Feedback With TGF-β1. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:725275. [PMID: 34722630 PMCID: PMC8548710 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.725275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β-centered epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process involved in radiation-induced pulmonary injury (RIPI) and pulmonary fibrosis. PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive calcium channel, is expressed in myeloid cell and has been found to play an important role in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Whether PIEZO1 is related with radiation-induced EMT remains elusive. Herein, we found that PIEZO1 is functional in rat primary type II epithelial cells and RLE-6TN cells. After irradiation, PIEZO1 expression was increased in rat lung alveolar type II epithelial cells and RLE-6TN cell line, which was accompanied with EMT changes evidenced by increased TGF-β1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Fibronectin, and α-SMA expression and decreased E-cadherin expression. Addition of exogenous TGF-β1 further enhanced these phenomena in vitro. Knockdown of PIEZO1 partly reverses radiation-induced EMT in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that activation of PIEZO1 could upregulate TGF-β1 expression and promote EMT through Ca2+/HIF-1α signaling. Knockdown of HIF-1α partly reverses enhanced TGF-β1 expression caused by radiation. Meanwhile, the expression of PIEZO1 was up-regulated after TGF-β1 co-culture, and the mechanism could be traced to the inhibition of transcription factor C/EBPβ expression by TGF-β1. Irradiation also caused a decrease in C/EBPβ expression in RLE-6TN cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP) confirmed that C/EBPβ represses PIEZO1 expression by binding to the PIEZO1 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression of C/EBPβ by using the synonymous mutation to C/EBPβ siRNA could reverse siRNA-induced upregulation of PIEZO1. In summary, our research suggests a critical role of PIEZO1 signaling in radiation-induced EMT by forming positive feedback with TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Qi Huang
- The Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University (The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center), Beijing, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Wei Guo
- The Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University (The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center), Beijing, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Neurology, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Nian Wang
- Department of Nuclear Radiation Injury and Monitoring, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Pathology Department, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Su-He Dong
- Department of Nuclear Radiation Injury and Monitoring, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Li Lyu
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng-Sheng Li
- Department of Nuclear Radiation Injury and Monitoring, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Wang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China.,The Third people's Hospital of Longgang District Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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He Y, Zhao T, Chen F, Song C, Zhong C, Luo Z. Functional Analysis of the Promoter Regions of Two Apoptosis-Related Genes ( Bcl-2 and Cycs) and Their Regulation by Zn in Yellow Catfish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126291. [PMID: 34208159 PMCID: PMC8230946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and cytochrome c (Cycs) are two important proteins relevant to cellular apoptosis. In this study, we characterized the functions of the promoter regions of two apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2 and Cycs, in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. We obtained a 1989 bp Bcl-2 promoter and an 1830 bp Cycs promoter and predicted several key transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) on the promoters, such as Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), forkhead box O (FOXO), metal-responsive element (MRE) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α). Zinc (Zn) increased the activities of the Bcl-2 promoter but decreased the activities of the Cycs promoter. Metal-responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) and HNF-1α directly bound with Bcl-2 and Cycs promoters, and they positively regulated the activity of the Bcl-2 promoter but negatively regulated the activity of the Cycs promoter. Zn promoted the binding ability of HNF-1α to the Bcl-2 promoter but decreased its binding ability to the Cycs promoter. However, Zn had no significant effect on the binding capability of MTF-1 to the regions of Bcl-2 and Cycs promoters. Zn upregulated the mRNA and total protein expression of Bcl-2 but downregulated the mRNA and total protein expression of Cycs. At the same time, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that Zn significantly reduced the apoptosis of primary hepatocytes. For the first time, our study provides evidence for the MRE and HNF-1α response elements on the Bcl-2 and Cycs promoters, offering new insight into the mechanism by which Zn affects apoptosis in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhi Luo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-27-8728-2113; Fax: +86-27-8728-2114
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Schneider L, Liu J, Zhang C, Azoitei A, Meessen S, Zheng X, Cremer C, Gorzelanny C, Kempe-Gonzales S, Brunner C, Wezel F, Bolenz C, Gunes C, John A. The Role of Interleukin-1-Receptor-Antagonist in Bladder Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115875. [PMID: 34070905 PMCID: PMC8198563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The interleukin-1-receptor antagonist IL1RA (encoded by the IL1RN gene) is a potent competitive antagonist to interleukin-1 (IL1) and thereby is mainly involved in the regulation of inflammation. Previous data indicated a role of IL1RA in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) as well as an IL1-dependent decrease in tissue barrier function, potentially contributing to cancer cell invasion. Objective: Based on these observations, here we investigated the potential roles of IL1RA, IL1A, and IL1B in bladder cancer cell invasion in vitro. Methods: Cell culture, real-time impedance sensing, invasion assays (Boyden chamber, pig bladder model), qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, gene overexpression. Results: We observed a loss of IL1RA expression in invasive, high-grade bladder cancer cell lines T24, UMUC-3, and HT1197 while IL1RA expression was readily detectable in the immortalized UROtsa cells, the non-invasive bladder cancer cell line RT4, and in benign patient urothelium. Thus, we modified the invasive human bladder cancer cell line T24 to ectopically express IL1RA, and measured changes in cell migration/invasion using the xCELLigence Real-Time-Cell-Analysis (RTCA) system and the Boyden chamber assay. The real-time observation data showed a significant decrease of cell migration and invasion in T24 cells overexpressing IL1RA (T24-IL1RA), compared to cells harboring an empty vector (T24-EV). Concurrently, tumor cytokines, e.g., IL1B, attenuated the vascular endothelial barrier, which resulted in a reduction of the Cell Index (CI), an impedance-based dimensionless unit. This reduction could be reverted by the simultaneous incubation with IL1RA. Moreover, we used an ex vivo porcine organ culture system to evaluate cell invasion capacity and showed that T24-IL1RA cells showed significantly less invasive capacity compared to parental T24 cells or T24-EV. Conclusions: Taken together, our results indicate an inverse correlation between IL1RA expression and tumor cell invasive capacity and migration, suggesting that IL1RA plays a role in bladder carcinogenesis, while the exact mechanisms by which IL1RA influences tumor cells migration/invasion remain to be clarified in future studies. Furthermore, we confirmed that real-time impedance sensing and the porcine ex vivo organ culture methods are powerful tools to discover differences in cancer cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schneider
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Junnan Liu
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Anca Azoitei
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Sabine Meessen
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Catharina Cremer
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | | | - Sybille Kempe-Gonzales
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany; (S.K.-G.); (C.B.)
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, 89075 Ulm, Germany; (S.K.-G.); (C.B.)
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Christian Bolenz
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
| | - Cagatay Gunes
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-731-500-58019
| | - Axel John
- Department of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.S.); (J.L.); (C.Z.); (A.A.); (S.M.); (X.Z.); (C.C.); (F.W.); (C.B.); (A.J.)
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9
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Wezel F, Lustig J, Azoitei A, Liu J, Meessen S, Najjar G, Zehe V, Faustmann P, Zengerling F, John A, Martini T, Bolenz C, Günes C. Grainyhead-Like 3 Influences Migration and Invasion of Urothelial Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062959. [PMID: 33803949 PMCID: PMC8000182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive urothelial carcinomas of the bladder (UCB) characteristically show a loss of differentiation markers. The transcription factor Grainyhead-like 3 (GRHL3) plays an important role in the development and differentiation of normal urothelium. The contribution to UCB progression is still elusive. Differential expression of GRHL3 was assessed in normal human urothelium and in non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer cell lines. The contribution of GRHL3 to cell proliferation, viability and invasion in UCB cell lines was determined by gain- and loss-of-function assays in vitro and in an organ culture model using de-epithelialized porcine bladders. GRHL3 expression was detectable in normal human urothelial cells and showed significantly higher mRNA and protein levels in well-differentiated, non-invasive RT4 urothelial carcinoma cells compared to moderately differentiated RT112 cells. GRHL3 expression was absent in anaplastic and invasive T24 cells. Ectopic de novo expression of GRHL3 in T24 cells significantly impaired their migration and invasion properties in vitro and in organ culture. Its downregulation improved the invasive capacity of RT4 cells. The results indicate that GRHL3 may play a role in progression and metastasis in UCB. In addition, this work demonstrates that de-epithelialized porcine bladder organ culture can be a useful, standardized tool to assess the invasive capacity of cancer cells.
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in der Stroth L, Tharehalli U, Günes C, Lechel A. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Development of Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2048. [PMID: 32722302 PMCID: PMC7464754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Liver carcinoma is distinguished by a high heterogeneity in pathogenesis, histopathology and biological behavior. Dysregulated signaling pathways and various gene mutations are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), which represent the two most common types of liver tumors. Both tumor types are characterized by telomere shortening and reactivation of telomerase during carcinogenesis. Continuous cell proliferation, e.g., by oncogenic mutations, can cause extensive telomere shortening in the absence of sufficient telomerase activity, leading to dysfunctional telomeres and genome instability by breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, which induce senescence or apoptosis as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Telomerase reactivation is required to stabilize telomere functionality and for tumor cell survival, representing a genetic risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Therefore, telomeres and telomerase could be useful targets in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we review similarities and differences between HCC and iCCA in telomere biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena in der Stroth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
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11
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A Novel Tissue and Stem Cell Specific TERF1 Splice Variant Is Downregulated in Tumour Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010085. [PMID: 31877678 PMCID: PMC6981981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we describe the identification of a novel splice variant of TERF1/PIN2, one of the main components of the telomeric shelterin complex. This new splice variant is identical to TERF1, apart from a 30 amino acid internal insertion near to the C-terminus of TERF1. Based on genome comparison analyses and RNA expression data, we show that this splice variant is conserved among hominidae but absent from all other species. RNA expression and histological analyses show specific expression in human spermatogonial and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), while all other analyzed tissues lack the expression of this TERF1-isoform, hence the name TERF1-tsi (TERF1-tissue-specific-isoform). In addition, we could not detect any expression in primary human cells and established cancer cell lines. Immunohistochemistry results involving two new rabbit polyclonal antibodies, generated against TERF1-tsi specific peptides, indicate nuclear localization of TERF1-tsi in a subset of spermatogonial stem cells. In line with this observation, immunofluorescence analyzes in various cell lines consistently revealed that ectopic TERF1-tsi localizes to the cell nucleus, mainly but not exclusively at telomeres. In a first attempt to evaluate the impact of TERF1-tsi in the testis, we have tested its expression in normal testis samples versus matched tumor samples from the same patients. Both RT-PCR and IHC show a specific downregulation of TERF1-tsi in tumor samples while the expression of TERF1 and PIN2 remains unchanged.
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12
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Günes C, Wezel F, Southgate J, Bolenz C. Implications of TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity in urothelial carcinogenesis. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 15:386-393. [PMID: 29599449 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase activity imparts eukaryotic cells with unlimited proliferation capacity, one of the cancer hallmarks. Over 90% of human urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) tumours are positive for telomerase activity. Telomerase activation can occur through several mechanisms. Mutations in the core promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (TERT) cause telomerase reactivation in 60-80% of UCBs, whereas the prevalence of these mutations is lower in urothelial cancers of other origins. TERT promoter mutations are the most frequent genetic alteration across all stages of UCB, indicating a strong selection pressure during neoplastic transformation. TERT promoter mutations could arise during regeneration of normal urothelium and, owing to consequential telomerase reactivation, might be the basis of UCB initiation, which represents a new model of urothelial cancer origination. In the future, TERT promoter mutations and telomerase activity might have diagnostic and therapeutic applications in UCB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Felix Wezel
- Department of Urology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jennifer Southgate
- Department of Biology, Jack Birch Unit of Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of York, York, UK
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13
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Minner S, Lutz J, Hube-Magg C, Kluth M, Simon R, Höflmayer D, Burandt E, Tsourlakis MC, Sauter G, Büscheck F, Wilczak W, Steurer S, Schlomm T, Huland H, Graefen M, Haese A, Heinzer H, Jacobsen F, Hinsch A, Poos A, Oswald M, Rippe K, König R, Schroeder C. Loss of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is linked to poor prognosis in PTEN deleted and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion type prostate cancers. Prostate 2019; 79:302-311. [PMID: 30430607 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPA) is a crucial regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation. Expression levels of CEBPA have been suggested to be prognostic in various tumor types. METHODS Here, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of CEBPA in a tissue microarray containing more than 17 000 prostate cancer specimens with annotated clinical and molecular data including for example TMPRSS2:ERG fusion and PTEN deletion status. RESULTS Normal prostate glands showed moderate to strong CEBPA staining, while CEBPA expression was frequently reduced (40%) or lost (30%) in prostate cancers. Absence of detectable CEBPA expression was markedly more frequent in ERG negative (45%) as compared to ERG positive cancers (20%, P < 0.0001). Reduced CEBPA expression was linked to unfavorable phenotype (P < 0.0001) and poor prognosis (P = 0.0008). Subgroup analyses revealed, that the prognostic value of CEBPA loss was entirely driven by tumors carrying both TMPRSS2:ERG fusions and PTEN deletions. In this subgroup, CEBPA loss was tightly linked to advanced tumor stage (P < 0.0001), high Gleason grade (P < 0.0001), positive nodal stage (0.0003), and early biochemical recurrence (P = 0.0007), while these associations were absent or markedly diminished in tumors with normal PTEN copy numbers and/or absence of ERG fusion. CONCLUSIONS CEBPA is down regulated in about one third of prostate cancers, but the clinical impact of CEBPA loss is strictly limited to the subset of about 10% prostate cancers carrying both ERG fusion and deletions of the PTEN tumor suppressor. Our findings challenge the concept that prognostic molecular markers may be generally applicable to all prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jannes Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Doris Höflmayer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | | | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Franziska Büscheck
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Waldemar Wilczak
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schlomm
- Department of Urology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hartwig Huland
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Markus Graefen
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Haese
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Hans Heinzer
- Martini-Clinic, Prostate Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Andrea Hinsch
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Alexandra Poos
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany and Network Modeling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Marcus Oswald
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany and Network Modeling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Karsten Rippe
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer König
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany and Network Modeling, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Cornelia Schroeder
- General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery Department and Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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14
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Jose SS, Tidu F, Burilova P, Kepak T, Bendickova K, Fric J. The Telomerase Complex Directly Controls Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation and Senescence in an Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Telomeropathy. Front Genet 2018; 9:345. [PMID: 30210531 PMCID: PMC6123533 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeropathies are rare disorders associated with impaired telomere length control mechanisms that frequently result from genetic mutations in the telomerase complex. Dyskeratosis congenita is a congenital progressive telomeropathy in which mutation in the telomerase RNA component (TERC) impairs telomere maintenance leading to accelerated cellular senescence and clinical outcomes resembling premature aging. The most severe clinical feature is perturbed hematopoiesis and bone-marrow failure, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we developed a model of telomerase function imbalance using shRNA to knockdown TERC expression in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We then promoted in vitro hematopoiesis in these cells to analyze the effects of TERC impairment. Reduced TERC expression impaired hematopoietic stem-cell (HSC) differentiation and increased the expression of cellular senescence markers and production of reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, telomere length was unaffected in shTERC knockdown iPSCs, leading to conclusion that the phenotype is controlled by non-telomeric functions of telomerase. We then assessed the effects of TERC-depletion in THP-1 myeloid cells and again observed reduced hematopoietic and myelopoietic differentiative potential. However, these cells exhibited impaired telomerase activity as verified by accelerated telomere shortening. shTERC-depleted iPSC-derived and THP-1-derived myeloid precursors had lower phagocytic capacity and increased ROS production, indicative of senescence. These findings were confirmed using a BIBR1532 TERT inhibitor, suggesting that these phenotypes are dependent on telomerase function but not directly linked to telomere length. These data provide a better understanding of the molecular processes driving the clinical signs of telomeropathies and identify novel roles of the telomerase complex other than regulating telomere length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sushama Jose
- Cellular and Molecular Immunoregulation Group, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Federico Tidu
- Cellular and Molecular Immunoregulation Group, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petra Burilova
- Cellular and Molecular Immunoregulation Group, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Tomas Kepak
- Pediatric Oncology Translational Research, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Kamila Bendickova
- Cellular and Molecular Immunoregulation Group, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Fric
- Cellular and Molecular Immunoregulation Group, Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
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15
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Bruns M, Wanger J, Schumacher U, Deppert W. T-cell epitope strength in WAP-T mouse mammary carcinomas is an important determinant in PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 7:64543-64559. [PMID: 27579535 PMCID: PMC5323098 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the SV40 transgenic WAP-T/WAP-TNP mouse models for mammary carcinomas, we compared the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in tumor mice expressing either SV40 T-antigen containing the LCMV NP-epitope (T-AgNP in WAP-TNP mice), or the unmodified T-antigen (T-Ag in WAP-T mice). Specifically, we asked, whether the presence of the highly immunogenic NP-epitope in T-AgNP influences this response in comparison to the weakly immunogenic T-cell epitopes of T-Ag in WAP-T tumor mice. Treatment of WAP-TNP tumor mice with either anti-PD1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies led to tumor regression, with anti-PD-L1 treatment being more effective. However, tumors had fully re-appeared after 21 days, indicating that CTL exhaustion had been rapidly re-established. Surprisingly, the same treatment applied to WAP-T tumor mice resulted in a significantly prolonged period of tumor regression. We provide evidence that in contrast to the weak antigenic stimuli exerted by T-cell epitopes of T-Ag, the strong antigenic stimulus of the NP-epitope in T-AgNP has a dual effect: (i) a rapid generation of active NP-specific CTLs, accompanied (ii) by accelerated CTL exhaustion. Our data support the hypothesis that the immunogenicity of tumor antigen T-cell epitopes strongly influences the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bruns
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jara Wanger
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.,Woldsenweg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute for Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Deppert
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Bruns M, Wanger J, Utermöhlen O, Deppert W. An inducible transgenic mouse breast cancer model for the analysis of tumor antigen specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Oncotarget 2016; 6:38487-503. [PMID: 26513294 PMCID: PMC4770716 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In Simian virus 40 (SV40) transgenic BALB/c WAP-T mice tumor development and progression is driven by SV40 tumor antigens encoded by inducible transgenes. WAP-T mice constitute a well characterized mouse model for breast cancer with strong similarities to the corresponding human disease. BALB/c mice mount only a weak cellular immune response against SV40 T-antigen (T-Ag). For studying tumor antigen specific CD8+ T-cell responses against transgene expressing cells, we created WAP-TNP mice, in which the transgene additionally codes for the NP118–126-epitope contained within the nucleoprotein of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), the immune-dominant T-cell epitope in BALB/c mice. We then investigated in WAP-TNP mice the immune responses against SV40 tumor antigens and the NP-epitope within the chimeric T-Ag/NP protein (T-AgNP). Analysis of the immune-reactivity against T-Ag in WAP-T and of T-AgNP in WAP-TNP mice revealed that, in contrast to wild type (wt) BALB/c mice, WAP-T and WAP-TNP mice were non-reactive against T-Ag. However, like wtBALB/c mice, WAP-T as well as WAP-TNP mice were highly reactive against the immune-dominant LCMV NP-epitope, thereby allowing the analysis of NP-epitope specific cellular immune responses in WAP-TNP mice. LCMV infection of WAP-TNP mice induced a strong, LCMV NP-epitope specific CD8+ T-cell response, which was able to specifically eliminate T-AgNP expressing mammary epithelial cells both prior to tumor formation (i.e. in cells of lactating mammary glands), as well as in invasive tumors. Elimination of tumor cells, however, was only transient, even after repeated LCMV infections. Further studies showed that already non-infected WAP-TNP tumor mice contained LCMV NP-epitope specific CD8+ T-cells, albeit with strongly reduced, though measurable activity. Functional impairment of these ‘endogenous’ NP-epitope specific T-cells seems to be caused by expression of the programmed death-1 protein (PD1), as anti-PD1 treatment of splenocytes from WAP-TNP tumor mice restored their activity. These characteristics are similar to those found in many tumor patients and render WAP-TNP mice a suitable model for analyzing parameters to overcome the blockade of immune checkpoints in tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bruns
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jara Wanger
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Utermöhlen
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Medical Center and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Deppert
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute, Leibniz-Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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17
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Telomerase: The Devil Inside. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7080043. [PMID: 27483324 PMCID: PMC4999831 DOI: 10.3390/genes7080043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High telomerase activity is detected in nearly all human cancers but most human cells are devoid of telomerase activity. There is well-documented evidence that reactivation of telomerase occurs during cellular transformation. In humans, tumors can rely in reactivation of telomerase or originate in a telomerase positive stem/progenitor cell, or rely in alternative lengthening of telomeres, a telomerase-independent telomere-length maintenance mechanism. In this review, we will focus on the telomerase positive tumors. In this context, the recent findings that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations represent the most common non-coding mutations in human cancer have flared up the long-standing discussion whether cancer originates from telomerase positive stem cells or telomerase reactivation is a final step in cellular transformation. Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of both concepts in the context of telomere length-dependent and telomere length-independent functions of telomerase. Together, these observations may provoke a re-evaluation of telomere and telomerase based therapies, both in telomerase inhibition for cancer therapy and telomerase activation for tissue regeneration and anti-ageing strategies.
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18
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Meena JK, Cerutti A, Beichler C, Morita Y, Bruhn C, Kumar M, Kraus JM, Speicher MR, Wang ZQ, Kestler HA, d'Adda di Fagagna F, Günes C, Rudolph KL. Telomerase abrogates aneuploidy-induced telomere replication stress, senescence and cell depletion. EMBO J 2015; 34:1371-84. [PMID: 25820263 PMCID: PMC4491997 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201490070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The causal role of aneuploidy in cancer initiation remains under debate since mutations of euploidy-controlling genes reduce cell fitness but aneuploidy strongly associates with human cancers. Telomerase activation allows immortal growth by stabilizing telomere length, but its role in aneuploidy survival has not been characterized. Here, we analyze the response of primary human cells and murine hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to aneuploidy induction and the role of telomeres and the telomerase in this process. The study shows that aneuploidy induces replication stress at telomeres leading to telomeric DNA damage and p53 activation. This results in p53/Rb-dependent, premature senescence of human fibroblast, and in the depletion of hematopoietic cells in telomerase-deficient mice. Endogenous telomerase expression in HSCs and enforced expression of telomerase in human fibroblasts are sufficient to abrogate aneuploidy-induced replication stress at telomeres and the consequent induction of premature senescence and hematopoietic cell depletion. Together, these results identify telomerase as an aneuploidy survival factor in mammalian cells based on its capacity to alleviate telomere replication stress in response to aneuploidy induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra K Meena
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany
| | - Aurora Cerutti
- IFOM Foundation-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Yohei Morita
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany
| | - Christopher Bruhn
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johann M Kraus
- Medical Systems Biology Unit, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Zhao-Qi Wang
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany
| | - Hans A Kestler
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany Medical Systems Biology Unit, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM Foundation-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology Foundation, Milan, Italy Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Leibniz Institute of Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, Germany
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19
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Tahtouh R, Azzi AS, Alaaeddine N, Chamat S, Bouharoun-Tayoun H, Wardi L, Raad I, Sarkis R, Antoun NA, Hilal G. Telomerase inhibition decreases alpha-fetoprotein expression and secretion by hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines: in vitro and in vivo study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119512. [PMID: 25822740 PMCID: PMC4379025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A direct relationship between poor prognosis and the concentration of serum AFP has been observed. Telomerase, an enzyme that stabilizes the telomere length, is expressed by 90% of HCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of telomerase inhibition on AFP secretion and the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Proliferation and viability tests were performed using tetrazolium salt. Apoptosis was determined through the Annexin V assay using flow cytometry. The concentrations of AFP were measured using ELISA kits. The AFP mRNA expression was evaluated using RT-PCR, and cell migration was evaluated using a Boyden chamber assay. The in vivo effect of costunolide on AFP production was tested in NSG mice. Telomerase inhibition by costunolide and BIBR 1532 at 5 and 10 μM decreased AFP mRNA expression and protein secretion by HepG2/C3A cells. The same pattern was obtained with cells treated with hTERT siRNA. This treatment exhibited no apoptotic effect. The AFP mRNA expression and protein secretion by PLC/PRF/5 was decreased after treatment with BIBR1532 at 10 μM. In contrast, no effect was obtained for PLC/PRF/5 cells treated with costunolide at 5 or 10 μM. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway decreased the AFP concentration. In contrast, the MAPK/ERK pathway appeared to not be involved in HepG2/C3A cells, whereas ERK inhibition decreased the AFP concentration in PLC/PRF/5 cells. Modulation of the AFP concentration was also obtained after the inhibition or activation of PKC. Costunolide (30 mg/kg) significantly decreased the AFP serum concentration of NSG mice bearing HepG2/C3A cells. Both the inhibition of telomerase and the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway decreased the AFP production of HepG2/C3A and PLC/PRF/5 cells, suggesting a relationship between telomerase and AFP expression through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Aminobenzoates/pharmacology
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Naphthalenes/pharmacology
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/pathology
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/prevention & control
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Sesquiterpenes/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Telomerase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Telomerase/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- alpha-Fetoproteins/genetics
- alpha-Fetoproteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Roula Tahtouh
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anne-Sophie Azzi
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Alaaeddine
- Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Soulaima Chamat
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | | | - Layal Wardi
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Issam Raad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Riad Sarkis
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University and Hotel-Dieu de France, Surgery Department, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - George Hilal
- Cancer and Metabolism Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Xu M, Chen X, Yin H, Yin L, Liu F, Fu Y, Yao J, Deng X. Cloning and characterization of the human integrin β6 gene promoter. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121439. [PMID: 25816241 PMCID: PMC4376883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrin β6 (ITGB6) gene, which encodes the limiting subunit of the integrin αvβ6 heterodimer, plays an important role in wound healing and carcinogenesis. The mechanism underlying ITGB6 regulation, including the identification of DNA elements and cognate transcription factors responsible for basic transcription of human ITGB6 gene, remains unknown. This report describes the cloning and characterization of the human ITGB6 promoter. Using 5'-RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) analysis, the transcriptional initiation site was identified. Promoter deletion analysis identified and functionally validated a TATA box located in the region -24 to -18 base pairs upstream of the ITGB6 promoter. The regulatory elements for transcription of the ITGB6 gene were predominantly located -289 to -150 from the ITGB6 promoter and contained putative binding sites for transcription factors such as STAT3 and C/EBPα. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, this study has demonstrated, for the first time, that transcription factors STAT3 and C/EBPα are involved in the positive regulation of ITGB6 transcription in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. These findings have important implications for unraveling the mechanism of abnormal ITGB6 activation in tissue remodeling and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Xu
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomaterial, Xiamen Stomatological Research Institute, Xiamen Stomatological Hospital, Fujian, China
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen University Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xihe Chen
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liqin Yin
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen University Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yucai Fu
- Laboratory of Cell Senescence, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiangwu Yao
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomaterial, Xiamen Stomatological Research Institute, Xiamen Stomatological Hospital, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (JY); (XD)
| | - Xiaoling Deng
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen University Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- * E-mail: (JY); (XD)
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Abstract
Telomeres form protective caps at the ends of linear chromosomes to prevent nucleolytic degradation, end-to-end fusion, irregular recombination, and chromosomal instability. Telomeres are composed of repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG)n in humans, that are bound by specialized telomere binding proteins. Telomeres lose capping function in response to telomere shortening, which occurs during each division of cells that lack telomerase activity-the enzyme that can synthesize telomeres de novo. Telomeres have a dual role in cancer: telomere shortening can lead to induction of chromosomal instability and to the initiation of tumors, however, initiated tumors need to reactivate telomerase in order to stabilize chromosomes and to gain immortal growth capacity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the role of telomeres in the maintenance of chromosomal stability and carcinogenesis.
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LincRNA-uc002yug.2 involves in alternative splicing of RUNX1 and serves as a predictor for esophageal cancer and prognosis. Oncogene 2014; 34:4723-34. [PMID: 25486427 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) have critical regulatory roles in cancer biology; however, the contributions of lincRNAs to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have been infrequently explored. The aim of this study was to explore the contribution of lincRNAs, located at ESCC susceptibility loci identified by genome-wide association studies, to the risk and prognosis of ESCC. The associations between lincRNAs and the risk and prognosis of ESCC were analyzed in 358 diagnosed patients from eastern China, and the findings were validated in 326 additional patients from southern China. Functional relevance of lincRNAs was further examined by biochemical assays. We found that lincRNA-uc002yug.2 was commonly overexpressed in ESCC compared with paired peritumoral tissue in eastern and southern Chinese populations. The expression levels of lincRNA-uc002yug.2 in ESCC might be a prognostic factor for survival. Moreover, lincRNA-uc002yug.2 promoted a combination of RUNX1 and alternative splicing (AS) factors in the nucleus to produce more RUNX1a, the short isoform and inhibitor of RUNX1, and reduce CEBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α) gene expression, thereby promoting ESCC progression. These results indicated that lincRNA-uc002yug.2 might involve in AS of RUNX1/AML1 and serve as a predictor for esophageal cancer and prognosis.
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GITR promoter polymorphism contributes to risk of coal workers' pneumoconiosis: a case-control study from China. Immunol Lett 2014; 162:210-6. [PMID: 25445616 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-related protein (GITR) mainly affects the functions of effector T cells and regulatory T cells thus it may influence various diseases. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a serious occupational disease worldwide. In the present study, we examined the association between the functional polymorphisms in GITR and risk of CWP in a Chinese population. METHODS An association study analyzing three polymorphisms (rs3753348, rs2298213, and rs11466668) in GITR were performed in a case-control study including 693 patients with CWP and 690 controls. Genotyping was carried out by Taqman method. RESULTS The GITR rs3753348 GG/GC genotypes significantly enhanced the risk of CWP (adjusted OR=1.32, 95%CI=1.02-1.71), compared with the CC genotype, particularly among subgroups of long exposure years (adjusted OR=1.47, 95%CI=1.06-2.04) and non-smokers (adjusted OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.01-2.09). Moreover, the polymorphism was significantly associated with risk for CWP cases with stage II. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report revealing an association between the GITR rs3753348 polymorphism and CWP, and our results suggest that the GITR rs3753348 polymorphism may be involved in the development and susceptibility of CWP.
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Eldholm V, Haugen A, Zienolddiny S. CTCF mediates the TERT enhancer-promoter interactions in lung cancer cells: identification of a novel enhancer region involved in the regulation of TERT gene. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:2305-13. [PMID: 24174344 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase activation is a hallmark of cancer. Although the regulation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit (TERT), the rate-limiting factor for telomerase activity, has been studied intensively it remains incompletely understood. In cells devoid of telomerase activity, TERT is embedded in a region of condensed chromatin and the chromatin remodeling protein CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) has been implicated in the inhibition of TERT expression. The importance of TERT activation for cellular immortalization and carcinogenesis is attested by the fact that the gene is expressed in more than 90% of immortal cell lines and tumors and that gain of TERT is the most frequent amplification event in early stage lung cancer. This study was designed to study the mechanisms of regulation of the TERT gene expression by the CTCF transcription factor in three human lung cancer cell lines, A427, A549 and H838. Depletion of CTCF by siRNA resulted in reduced TERT mRNA levels in two (A427 and A549) of the three cell lines. A novel enhancer element was identified approximately 4.5 kb upstream of the TERT transcription start site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed recruitment of CTCF to this enhancer element. Chromosome conformation capture experiments demonstrated the presence of CTCF-dependent chromatin loops between this enhancer element and the TERT proximal promoter in A427 and A549 cell lines. In summary, the results show that CTCF plays an important role in maintaining TERT expression in a subset of human lung cancer cell lines. This role may be due to CTCF-dependent enhancer-promoter interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Eldholm
- Department of Chemical and Biological Work Environment, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Otto B, Streichert T, Wegwitz F, Gevensleben H, Klätschke K, Wagener C, Deppert W, Tolstonog GV. Transcription factors link mouse WAP-T mammary tumors with human breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:1311-22. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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