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Li M, Freeman S, Franco-Barraza J, Cai KQ, Kim A, Jin S, Cukierman E, Ye K. A bioprinted sea-and-island multicellular model for dissecting human pancreatic tumor-stroma reciprocity and adaptive metabolism. Biomaterials 2024; 310:122631. [PMID: 38815457 PMCID: PMC11186049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a formidable clinical challenge due to its intricate microenvironment characterized by desmoplasia and complex tumor-stroma interactions. Conventional models hinder studying cellular crosstalk for therapeutic development. To recapitulate key features of PDAC masses, this study creates a novel sea-and-island PDAC tumor construct (s&i PTC). The s&i PTC consists of 3D-printed islands of human PDAC cells positioned within an interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) populated by human cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). This design closely mimics the in vivo desmoplastic architecture and nutrient-poor conditions. The model enables studying dynamic tumor-stroma crosstalk and signaling reciprocity, revealing both known and yet-to-be-discovered multicellular metabolic adaptations. Using the model, we discovered the orchestrated dynamic alterations of CAFs under nutrient stress, resembling critical in vivo human tumor niches, such as the secretion of pro-tumoral inflammatory factors. Additionally, nutrient scarcity induces dynamic alterations in the ECM composition and exacerbates poor cancer cell differentiation-features well-established in PDAC progression. Proteomic analysis unveiled the enrichment of proteins associated with aggressive tumor behavior and ECM remodeling in response to poor nutritional conditions, mimicking the metabolic stresses experienced by avascular pancreatic tumor cores. Importantly, the model's relevance to patient outcomes is evident through an inverse correlation between biomarker expression patterns in the s&i PTCs and PDAC patient survival rates. Key findings include upregulated MMPs and key ECM proteins (such as collagen 11 and TGFβ) under nutrient-avid conditions, known to be regulated by CAFs, alongside the concomitant reduction in E-cadherin expression associated with a poorly differentiated PDAC state under nutrient deprivation. Furthermore, elevated levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and integrins in response to nutrient deprivation underscore the model's fidelity to the PDAC microenvironment. We also observed increased IL-6 and reduced α-SMA expression under poor nutritional conditions, suggesting a transition of CAFs from myofibroblastic to inflammatory phenotypes under a nutrient stress akin to in vivo niches. In conclusion, the s&i PTC represents a significant advancement in engineering clinically relevant 3D models of PDAC masses. It offers a promising platform for elucidating tumor-stroma interactions and guiding future therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian Freeman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Janusz Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Sha Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Lewis Katz Temple School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kaiming Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center of Biomanufacturing for Regenerative Medicine, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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2
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Ancona P, Trentini A, Terrazzan A, Grassilli S, Navals P, Gates EWJ, Rosta V, Cervellati C, Bergamini CM, Pignatelli A, Keillor JW, Taccioli C, Bianchi N. Transcriptomics Studies Reveal Functions of Transglutaminase 2 in Breast Cancer Cells Using Membrane Permeable and Impermeable Inhibitors. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168569. [PMID: 38604527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168569] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) performs many functions both under physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer, its expression is associated with aggressiveness, propensity to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Since TG2 performs key functions both outside and inside the cell, using inhibitors with different membrane permeability we analyzed the changes in the transcriptome induced in two triple-negative cell lines (MDA-MB-436 and MDA-MB-231) with aggressive features. By characterizing pathways and gene networks, we were able to define the effects of TG2 inhibitors (AA9, membrane-permeable, and NCEG2, impermeable) in relation to the roles of the enzyme in the intra- and extracellular space within the context of breast cancer. The deregulated genes revealed p53 and integrin signaling to be the common pathways with some genes showing opposite changes in expression. In MDA-MB-436, AA9 induced apoptosis, modulated cadherin, Wnt, gastrin and cholecystokinin receptors (CCKR) mediated signaling, with RHOB and GNG2 playing significant roles, and affected the Warburg effect by decreasing glycolytic enzymes. In MDA-MB-231 cells, AA9 strongly impacted HIF-mediated hypoxia, including AKT and mTOR pathway. These effects suggest an anti-tumor activity by blocking intracellular TG2 functions. Conversely, the use of NCEG2 stimulated the expression of ATP synthase and proteins involved in DNA replication, indicating a potential promotion of cell proliferation through inhibition of extracellular TG2. To effectively utilize these molecules as an anti-tumor strategy, an appropriate delivery system should be evaluated to target specific functions and avoid adverse effects. Additionally, considering combinations with other pathway modulators is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Pauline Navals
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Eric W J Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Valentina Rosta
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carlo M Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Pignatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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3
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Meshram DD, Fanutti C, Pike CVS, Coussons PJ. Membrane Association of the Short Transglutaminase Type 2 Splice Variant (TG2-S) Modulates Cisplatin Resistance in a Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cell Line. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4251-4270. [PMID: 38785527 PMCID: PMC11119602 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050259] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy with complex carcinogenesis. Although there has been significant progress in the treatment of HCC over the past decades, drug resistance to chemotherapy remains a major obstacle in its successful management. In this study, we were able to reduce chemoresistance in cisplatin-resistant HepG2 cells by either silencing the expression of transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) using siRNA or by the pre-treatment of cells with the TG2 enzyme inhibitor cystamine. Further analysis revealed that, whereas the full-length TG2 isoform (TG2-L) was almost completely cytoplasmic in its distribution, the majority of the short TG2 isoform (TG2-S) was membrane-associated in both parental and chemoresistant HepG2 cells. Following the induction of cisplatin toxicity in non-chemoresistant parental cells, TG2-S, together with cisplatin, quickly relocated to the cytosolic fraction. Conversely, no cytosolic relocalisation of TG2-S or nuclear accumulation cisplatin was observed, following the identical treatment of chemoresistant cells, where TG2-S remained predominantly membrane-associated. This suggests that the deficient subcellular relocalisation of TG2-S from membranous structures into the cytoplasm may limit the apoptic response to cisplatin toxicity in chemoresistant cells. Structural analysis of TG2 revealed the presence of binding motifs for interaction of TG2-S with the membrane scaffold protein LC3/LC3 homologue that could contribute to a novel mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipak D. Meshram
- Cancer Cell Biology Subgroup, Biomedical Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; (D.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.V.S.P.)
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Firth Court, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Cristina Fanutti
- Cancer Cell Biology Subgroup, Biomedical Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; (D.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.V.S.P.)
| | - Claire V. S. Pike
- Cancer Cell Biology Subgroup, Biomedical Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; (D.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.V.S.P.)
| | - Peter J. Coussons
- Cancer Cell Biology Subgroup, Biomedical Research Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK; (D.D.M.); (C.F.); (C.V.S.P.)
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Navals P, Rangaswamy AMM, Kasyanchyk P, Berezovski MV, Keillor JW. Conformational Modulation of Tissue Transglutaminase via Active Site Thiol Alkylating Agents: Size Does Not Matter. Biomolecules 2024; 14:496. [PMID: 38672511 PMCID: PMC11048362 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040496] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
TG2 is a unique member of the transglutaminase family as it undergoes a dramatic conformational change, allowing its mutually exclusive function as either a cross-linking enzyme or a G-protein. The enzyme's dysregulated activity has been implicated in a variety of pathologies (e.g., celiac disease, fibrosis, cancer), leading to the development of a wide range of inhibitors. Our group has primarily focused on the development of peptidomimetic targeted covalent inhibitors, the nature and size of which were thought to be important features to abolish TG2's conformational dynamism and ultimately inhibit both its activities. However, we recently demonstrated that the enzyme was unable to bind guanosine triphosphate (GTP) when catalytically inactivated by small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we designed a library of models targeting covalent inhibitors of progressively smaller sizes (15 to 4 atoms in length). We evaluated their ability to inactivate TG2 by measuring their respective kinetic parameters kinact and KI. Their impact on the enzyme's ability to bind GTP was then evaluated and subsequently correlated to the conformational state of the enzyme, as determined via native PAGE and capillary electrophoresis. All irreversible inhibitors evaluated herein locked TG2 in its open conformation and precluded GTP binding. Therefore, we conclude that steric bulk and structural complexity are not necessary factors to consider when designing TG2 inhibitors to abolish G-protein activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (P.N.); (A.M.M.R.); (P.K.); (M.V.B.)
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5
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Buccarelli M, Castellani G, Fiorentino V, Pizzimenti C, Beninati S, Ricci-Vitiani L, Scattoni ML, Mischiati C, Facchiano F, Tabolacci C. Biological Implications and Functional Significance of Transglutaminase Type 2 in Nervous System Tumors. Cells 2024; 13:667. [PMID: 38667282 PMCID: PMC11048792 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family. TG2 catalyzes the transamidation reaction leading to several protein post-translational modifications and it is also implicated in signal transduction thanks to its GTP binding/hydrolyzing activity. In the nervous system, TG2 regulates multiple physiological processes, such as development, neuronal cell death and differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Given its different enzymatic activities, aberrant expression or activity of TG2 can contribute to tumorigenesis, including in peripheral and central nervous system tumors. Indeed, TG2 dysregulation has been reported in meningiomas, medulloblastomas, neuroblastomas, glioblastomas, and other adult-type diffuse gliomas. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the biological and functional relevance of TG2 in the pathogenesis of nervous system tumors, highlighting its involvement in survival, tumor inflammation, differentiation, and in the resistance to standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariachiara Buccarelli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Giorgia Castellani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Cristina Pizzimenti
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Simone Beninati
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carlo Mischiati
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Francesco Facchiano
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (G.C.); (L.R.-V.); (F.F.)
| | - Claudio Tabolacci
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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6
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Reddy AP, Rawat P, Rohr N, Alvir R, Bisht J, Bushra MA, Luong J, Reddy AP. Role of Serotonylation and SERT Posttranslational Modifications in Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0328. [PMID: 38607731 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is implicated mainly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and reported to be responsible for several processes and roles in the human body, such as regulating sleep, food intake, sexual behavior, anxiety, and drug abuse. It is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin also functions as a signal between neurons to mature, survive, and differentiate. It plays a crucial role in neuronal plasticity, including cell migration and cell contact formation. Various psychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease, have been linked to an increase in serotonin-dependent signaling during the development of the nervous system. Recent studies have found 5-HT and other monoamines embedded in the nuclei of various cells, including immune cells, the peritoneal mast, and the adrenal medulla. Evidence suggests these monoamines to be involved in widespread intracellular regulation by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. Serotonylation is the calcium-dependent process in which 5-HT forms a long-lasting covalent bond to small cytoplasmic G-proteins by endogenous transglutaminase 2 (TGM2). Serotonylation plays a role in various biological processes. The purpose of our article is to summarize historical developments and recent advances in serotonin research and serotonylation in depression, aging, AD, and other age-related neurological diseases. We also discussed several of the latest developments with Serotonin, including biological functions, pathophysiological implications and therapeutic strategies to treat patients with depression, dementia, and other age-related conditions.
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7
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Wu R, Li D, Zhang S, Wang J, Chen K, Tuo Z, Miyamoto A, Yoo KH, Wei W, Zhang C, Feng D, Han P. A pan-cancer analysis of the oncogenic and immunological roles of transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) in human cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:123. [PMID: 38472489 PMCID: PMC10933153 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05640-6] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is currently a limited number of studies on transglutaminase type 1 (TGM1) in tumors. The objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis across various types of cancer to determine the prognostic significance of TGM1 in tumors and investigate its role in the immune environment. METHOD Pan-cancer and mutational data were retrieved from the TCGA database and analyzed using R (version 3.6.4) and its associated software package. The expression difference and prognosis of TGM1 were examined, along with its correlation with tumor heterogeneity, stemness, mutation landscape, and RNA modification. Additionally, the relationship between TGM1 expression and tumor immunity was investigated using the TIMER method. RESULTS TGM1 is expressed differently in various tumors and normal samples and is associated with the overall survival and progression-free time of KIRC, ACC, SKCM, LIHC, and STES. In LICH, we found a negative correlation between TGM1 expression and 6 indicators of tumor stemness. The mutation frequencies of BLCA, LIHC, and KIRC were 1.7%, 0.3%, and 0.3% respectively. In BLCA and BRCA, there was a significant correlation between TGM1 expression and the infiltration of CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. CONCLUSION TGM1 has the potential to serve as both a prognostic marker and a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruicheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Dengxiong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Research Core Facilities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhouting Tuo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Akira Miyamoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, West Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koo Han Yoo
- Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wuran Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dechao Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Zaltron E, Vianello F, Ruzza A, Palazzo A, Brillo V, Celotti I, Scavezzon M, Rossin F, Leanza L, Severin F. The Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Cancer: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2797. [PMID: 38474044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed and well characterized member of the transglutaminase family. It is a ubiquitous multifunctional enzyme implicated in the regulation of several cellular pathways that support the survival, death, and general homeostasis of eukaryotic cells. Due to its multiple localizations both inside and outside the cell, TG2 participates in the regulation of many crucial intracellular signaling cascades in a tissue- and cell-specific manner, making this enzyme an important player in disease development and progression. Moreover, TG2 is capable of modulating the tumor microenvironment, a process of dynamic tissue remodeling and biomechanical events, resulting in changes which influence tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Even if generally related to the Ca2+-dependent post-translational modification of proteins, a number of different biological functions have been ascribed to TG2, like those of a peptide isomerase, protein kinase, guanine nucleotide binder, and cytosolic-nuclear translocator. With respect to cancer, TG2's role is controversial and highly debated; it has been described both as an anti- and pro-apoptotic factor and is linked to all the processes of tumorigenesis. However, numerous pieces of evidence support a tissue-specific role of TG2 so that it can assume both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessia Ruzza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alberta Palazzo
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Celotti
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Federica Rossin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Leanza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Severin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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9
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Liu J, Mouradian MM. Pathogenetic Contributions and Therapeutic Implications of Transglutaminase 2 in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2364. [PMID: 38397040 PMCID: PMC10888553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042364] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders that afflict millions of people worldwide. Characteristic protein aggregates are histopathological hallmark features of these disorders, including Amyloid β (Aβ)-containing plaques and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease, α-Synuclein (α-Syn)-containing Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, and mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in nuclear inclusions in Huntington's disease. These various aggregates are found in specific brain regions that are impacted by neurodegeneration and associated with clinical manifestations. Transglutaminase (TG2) (also known as tissue transglutaminase) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family with protein crosslinking activity. To date, Aβ, tau, α-Syn, and mHTT have been determined to be substrates of TG2, leading to their aggregation and implicating the involvement of TG2 in several pathophysiological events in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the biochemistry and physiologic functions of TG2 and describe recent advances in the pathogenetic role of TG2 in these diseases. We also review TG2 inhibitors tested in clinical trials and discuss recent TG2-targeting approaches, which offer new perspectives for the design of future highly potent and selective drugs with improved brain delivery as a disease-modifying treatment for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Maral Mouradian
- RWJMS Institute for Neurological Therapeutics and Department of Neurology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
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10
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Selcuk K, Leitner A, Braun L, Le Blanc F, Pacak P, Pot S, Vogel V. Transglutaminase 2 has higher affinity for relaxed than for stretched fibronectin fibers. Matrix Biol 2024; 125:113-132. [PMID: 38135164 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) plays a vital role in stabilizing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins through enzymatic crosslinking during tissue growth, repair, and inflammation. TG2 also binds non-covalently to fibronectin (FN), an essential component of the ECM, facilitating cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. However, the interaction between TG2 and fibrillar FN remains poorly understood, as most studies have focused on soluble or surface-adsorbed FN or FN fragments, which differ in their conformations from insoluble FN fibers. Using a well-established in vitro FN fiber stretch assay, we discovered that the binding of a crosslinking enzyme to ECM fibers is mechano-regulated. TG2 binding to FN is tuned by the mechanical tension of FN fibers, whereby TG2 predominantly co-localizes to low-tension FN fibers, while fiber stretching reduces their affinity for TG2. This mechano-regulated binding relies on the proximity between the N-terminal β-sandwich and C-terminal β-barrels of TG2. Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) revealed a novel TG2-FN synergy site within TG2's C-terminal β-barrels that interacts with FN regions located outside of the canonical gelatin binding domain, specifically FNI2 and FNIII14-15. Combining XL-MS distance restraints with molecular docking revealed the mechano-regulated binding mechanism between TG2 and modules FNI7-9 by which mechanical forces regulate TG2-FN interactions. This highlights a previously unrecognized role of TG2 as a tension sensor for FN fibers. This novel interaction mechanism has significant implications in physiology and mechanobiology, including how forces regulate cell adhesion, spreading, migration, phenotype modulation, depending on the tensional state of ECM fibers. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD043976.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Selcuk
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37-39 GLC G11, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Leitner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Braun
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37-39 GLC G11, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fanny Le Blanc
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Pacak
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37-39 GLC G11, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Pot
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37-39 GLC G11, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, ETH Zurich, Gloriastrasse 37-39 GLC G11, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
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11
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Gallo M, Ferrari E, Terrazzan A, Brugnoli F, Spisni A, Taccioli C, Aguiari G, Trentini A, Volinia S, Keillor JW, Bergamini CM, Bianchi N, Pertinhez TA. Metabolic characterisation of transglutaminase 2 inhibitor effects in breast cancer cell lines. FEBS J 2023; 290:5411-5433. [PMID: 37597264 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16931] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), which mediates post-translational modifications of multiple intracellular enzymes, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. We used 1 H-NMR metabolomics to study the effects of AA9, a novel TG2 inhibitor, on two breast cancer cell lines with distinct phenotypes, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. AA9 can promote apoptosis in both cell lines, but it is particularly effective in MD-MB-231, inhibiting transamidation reactions and decreasing cell migration and invasiveness. This metabolomics study provides evidence of a major effect of AA9 on MDA-MB-231 cells, impacting glutamate and aspartate metabolism, rather than on MCF-7 cells, characterised by choline and O-phosphocholine decrease. Interestingly, AA9 treatment induces myo-inositol alteration in both cell lines, indicating action on phosphatidylinositol metabolism, likely modulated by the G protein activity of TG2 on phospholipase C. Considering the metabolic deregulations that characterise various breast cancer subtypes, the existence of a metabolic pathway affected by AA9 further points to TG2 as a promising hot spot. The metabolomics approach provides a powerful tool to monitor the effectiveness of inhibitors and better understand the role of TG2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gallo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Spisni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Carlo M Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Keillor JW, Weber DJ, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Binds to the CD44v6 Cytoplasmic Domain to Stimulate CD44v6/ERK1/2 Signaling and Maintain an Aggressive Cancer Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:922-932. [PMID: 37227250 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key cancer cell survival protein in many cancer types. As such, efforts are underway to characterize the mechanism of TG2 action. In this study, we report that TG2 stimulates CD44v6 activity to enhance cancer cell survival via a mechanism that involves formation of a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 signaling to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal intracellular cytoplasmic domain to activate ERK1/2 and stimulate cell proliferation and invasion. This is the same region that binds to ERM proteins and ankyrin to activate CD44v6-dependent cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. We further show that treatment with hyaluronan (HA), the physiologic CD44v6 ligand, stimulates CD44v6 activity, as measured by ERK1/2 activation, but that this response is severely attenuated in TG2 or CD44v6 knockdown or knockout cells. Moreover, treatment with TG2 inhibitor reduces tumor growth and that is associated with reduced CD44v6 level and ERK1/2 activity, and reduced stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These changes are replicated in CD44v6 knockout cells. These findings suggest that a unique TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex leads to increased ERK1/2 activity to stimulate an aggressive cancer phenotype and stimulate tumor growth. These findings have important implications for cancer stem cell maintenance and suggest that cotargeting of TG2 and CD44v6 with specific inhibitors may be an effective anticancer treatment strategy. IMPLICATIONS TG2 and CD44v6 are important procancer proteins. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal domain to form a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 to stimulate the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J Newland
- Department of Surgery Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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13
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Qin XY, Furutani Y, Yonezawa K, Shimizu N, Kato-Murayama M, Shirouzu M, Xu Y, Yamano Y, Wada A, Gailhouste L, Shrestha R, Takahashi M, Keillor JW, Su T, Yu W, Fujii S, Kagechika H, Dohmae N, Shirakami Y, Shimizu M, Masaki T, Matsuura T, Suzuki H, Kojima S. Targeting transglutaminase 2 mediated exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 signaling in liver cancer stem cells with acyclic retinoid. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:358. [PMID: 37308486 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that promotes or suppresses tumorigenesis, depending on intracellular location and conformational structure. Acyclic retinoid (ACR) is an orally administered vitamin A derivative that prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by targeting liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we examined the subcellular location-dependent effects of ACR on TG2 activity at a structural level and characterized the functional role of TG2 and its downstream molecular mechanism in the selective depletion of liver CSCs. A binding assay with high-performance magnetic nanobeads and structural dynamic analysis with native gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography-coupled multi-angle light scattering or small-angle X-ray scattering showed that ACR binds directly to TG2, induces oligomer formation of TG2, and inhibits the transamidase activity of cytoplasmic TG2 in HCC cells. The loss-of-function of TG2 suppressed the expression of stemness-related genes, spheroid proliferation and selectively induced cell death in an EpCAM+ liver CSC subpopulation in HCC cells. Proteome analysis revealed that TG2 inhibition suppressed the gene and protein expression of exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1) and heparan sulfate biosynthesis in HCC cells. In contrast, high levels of ACR increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations along with an increase in apoptotic cells, which probably contributed to the enhanced transamidase activity of nuclear TG2. This study demonstrates that ACR could act as a novel TG2 inhibitor; TG2-mediated EXT1 signaling is a promising therapeutic target in the prevention of HCC by disrupting liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yang Qin
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Furutani
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Yonezawa
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Center for Digital Green-innovation, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Shimizu
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yali Xu
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumiko Yamano
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akimori Wada
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Luc Gailhouste
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory for Brain Development and Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rajan Shrestha
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Masataka Takahashi
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Su
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkui Yu
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masaki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harukazu Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Soichi Kojima
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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14
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Chen Y, Liu X, Yan D, Xu J, Luan S, Xiao C, Huang Q. Exposure to emamectin benzoate confers cytotoxic effects on human molt-4 T-cells and possible ameliorative role of vitamin E and dithiothreitol. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:413-422. [PMID: 35266429 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2044350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is an avermectin insecticide that is extensively used for pest control, but there are few reports concerning its cytotoxic effects on human lymphocytes. In the current study, the hematotoxicity of EMB was evaluated in Molt-4 T-cells, a human T-lymphoblastic cell line with high motility, and the role of vitamin E (VitE) and dithiothreitol (DTT) in attenuating EMB cytotoxicity was characterized. Exposure of Molt-4 cells to EMB decreased cell viability and proliferation, induced a loss of cell clusters, and significantly increased membrane collapse and chromatin condensation. Moreover, EMB significantly increased cell death and suppressed transglutaminase activity. EMB treatment modulated the NF-κB signaling pathway, decreased the expression of p105, p50, and p65/RelA in cytosolic and nuclear fractions, and increased nuclear IκBα expression. EMB increased oxidative stress, as demonstrated by a significant increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with non-cytotoxic concentrations of VitE or DTT ameliorated the hematotoxicity induced by pretreatment with EMB, increased Molt-4 cell viability, raised the IC50 values of EMB, limited intracellular ROS generation, and mitigated EMB-mediated effects on NF-κB signaling. The results indicate the potential cytotoxicity of EMB on human lymphocytes, and demonstrate that VitE and DTT treatment can reduce the cytotoxic effects of EMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Chen
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Yan
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Xu
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaorong Luan
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ciying Xiao
- School of Biochemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingchun Huang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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15
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Fisher ML, Balinth S, Mills AA. ΔNp63α in cancer: importance and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:280-292. [PMID: 36115734 PMCID: PMC10011024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cancer and the key pathways that drive cancer survival has expanded rapidly over the past several decades. However, there are still important challenges that continue to impair patient survival, including our inability to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), metastasis, and drug resistance. The transcription factor p63 is a p53 family member with multiple isoforms that carry out a wide array of functions. Here, we discuss the critical importance of the ΔNp63α isoform in cancer and potential therapeutic strategies to target ΔNp63α expression to impair the CSC population, as well as to prevent metastasis and drug resistance to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Seamus Balinth
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alea A Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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16
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Jambrovics K, Botó P, Pap A, Sarang Z, Kolostyák Z, Czimmerer Z, Szatmari I, Fésüs L, Uray IP, Balajthy Z. Transglutaminase 2 associated with PI3K and PTEN in a membrane-bound signalosome platform blunts cell death. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:217. [PMID: 36977701 PMCID: PMC10050012 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Atypically expressed transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been identified as a poor prognostic factor in a variety of cancers. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of TG2 to the prolonged cell survival of differentiated acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cells in response to the standard treatment with combined retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). We report that one advantage of ATRA + ATO treatment compared to ATRA alone diminishes the amount of activated and non-activated CD11b/CD18 and CD11c/CD18 cell surface integrin receptors. These changes suppress ATRA-induced TG2 docking on the cytosolic part of CD18 β2-integrin subunits and reduce cell survival. In addition, TG2 overexpresses and hyperactivates the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-AKT S473, and phospho-mTOR S2481 signalling axis. mTORC2 acts as a functional switch between cell survival and death by promoting the full activation of AKT. We show that TG2 presumably triggers the formation of a signalosome platform, hyperactivates downstream mTORC2-AKT signalling, which in turn phosphorylates and inhibits the activity of FOXO3, a key pro-apoptotic transcription factor. In contrast, the absence of TG2 restores basic phospho-mTOR S2481, phospho-AKT S473, PI3K, and PTEN expression and activity, thereby sensitising APL cells to ATO-induced cell death. We conclude, that atypically expressed TG2 may serve as a hub, facilitating signal transduction via signalosome formation by the CD18 subunit with both PI3K hyperactivation and PTEN inactivation through the PI3K-PTEN cycle in ATRA-treated APL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Károly Jambrovics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Pál Botó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Attila Pap
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Sarang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kolostyák
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Czimmerer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
- Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Biological Research Centre, Institute of Genetics, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Istvan Szatmari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - László Fésüs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Iván P Uray
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Balajthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary.
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17
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The Impact of Nε-Acryloyllysine Piperazides on the Conformational Dynamics of Transglutaminase 2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021650. [PMID: 36675164 PMCID: PMC9865645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the classic functions of proteins, such as acting as a biocatalyst or binding partner, the conformational states of proteins and their remodeling upon stimulation need to be considered. A prominent example of a protein that undergoes comprehensive conformational remodeling is transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2), the distinct conformational states of which are closely related to particular functions. Its involvement in various pathophysiological processes, including fibrosis and cancer, motivates the development of theranostic agents, particularly based on inhibitors that are directed toward the transamidase activity. In this context, the ability of such inhibitors to control the conformational dynamics of TGase 2 emerges as an important parameter, and methods to assess this property are in great demand. Herein, we describe the application of the switchSENSE® principle to detect conformational changes caused by three irreversibly binding Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides, which are suitable radiotracer candidates of TGase 2. The switchSENSE® technique is based on DNA levers actuated by alternating electric fields. These levers are immobilized on gold electrodes with one end, and at the other end of the lever, the TGase 2 is covalently bound. A novel computational method is introduced for describing the resulting lever motion to quantify the extent of stimulated conformational TGase 2 changes. Moreover, as a complementary biophysical method, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed under similar conditions to validate the results. Both methods prove the occurrence of an irreversible shift in the conformational equilibrium of TGase 2, caused by the binding of the three studied Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides.
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18
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Ma E, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival factor maintains mTOR activity to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:90-100. [PMID: 35848131 PMCID: PMC9771885 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23446] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important cancer stem-like cell survival protein that is highly expressed in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma and drives an aggressive cancer phenotype. In the present study, we show that TG2 knockdown or inactivation results in a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) level and activity in epidermal cancer stem-like cells which are associated with reduced spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Similar changes were observed in both cultured cells and tumors. mTOR knockdown or treatment with rapamycin phenocopies the reduction in spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Moreover, mTOR appears to be a necessary mediator of TG2 action, as a forced expression of constitutively active mTOR in TG2 knockdown cells partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Tumor studies show that rapamycin reduces tumor growth and cancer stem cell marker expression and EMT. These studies suggest that TG2 stimulates mTOR activity to stimulate cancer cell stemness and EMT and drive aggressive tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J. Newland
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Ma
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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19
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Xu D, Xu N, Sun L, Yang Z, He M, Li Y. TG2 as a novel breast cancer prognostic marker promotes cell proliferation and glycolysis by activating the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1267. [PMID: 36471278 PMCID: PMC9724448 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been reported as a major player across several types of cancer. However, the effects of TG2 in breast cancer are less known. METHODS The expression of TG2 in patients with BC was detected by immunochemistry staining and RT-qPCR. The correlation of TG2 expression and clinicopathological factors or overall survival (OS) was analyzed by Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox-regression analysis. The effects of TG2 on cell proliferation and glycolysis were investigated in vivo and in vitro by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. RESULT Both mRNA and protein levels of TG2 were overexpressed in BC tissues and cultured cells. Clinical stage (p = 0.011), molecular subtype (p<0.001) and survival status (p<0.001) were significantly correlated with TG2 expression. Specifically, TG2 expression was positively associated with the clinical stage (r = 0.193, p = 0.005) and OS (r = 0.230, p = 0.001), while negatively associated with molecular subtype (r = - 0.161, p = 0.020). Overexpressed TG2 was a prognostic factor of poor OS by Cox-regression analysis. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments indicated that cell proliferation and glycolysis were regulated by TG2 via the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway. TG2-induced activation of the MEK/ERK/LDH pathway and glycolysis were attenuated by MEK inhibitor U0126. CONCLUSION TG2 is overexpressed in BC, which can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS. TG2 promotes tumor cell proliferation and increases glycolysis associated with the activation of the MEK/ERK/LHD pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Xu
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
| | - Ning Xu
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
| | - Liang Sun
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033 Jilin China
| | - Zhaoying Yang
- grid.415954.80000 0004 1771 3349Department of Breast Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033 Jilin China
| | - Miao He
- grid.452829.00000000417660726Department of Anesthesia, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, Jilin 130022 P. R. China
| | - Youjun Li
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021 P. R. China
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20
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Naselsky W, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Chen X, Ezeka G, Xu W, Friedberg JS, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 enhances hepatocyte growth factor signaling to drive the mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:537-548. [PMID: 35319795 PMCID: PMC10074999 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23399] [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: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important mesothelioma cancer cell survival protein. However, the mechanism whereby TG2 maintains mesothelioma cell survival is not well understood. We present studies showing that TG2 drives hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-dependent MET receptor signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype. TG2 increases HGF and MET messenger RNA and protein levels to enhance MET signaling. TG2 inactivation reduces MET tyrosine kinase activity to reduce cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion and migration. We also confirm that HGF/MET signaling is a biologically important mediator of TG2 action. Reducing MET level using genetic methods or treatment with MET inhibitors reduces spheroid formation, invasion and migration and this is associated with reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors suppress the cancer phenotype. Moreover, MET knockout mesothelioma cells form 10-fold smaller tumors compared to wild-type cells and these tumors display reduced MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 activity. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF and MET levels in cultured mesothelioma cells and tumors to drive HGF/MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Geraldine Ezeka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph S Friedberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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21
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Shmelev ME, Titov SI, Belousov AS, Farniev VM, Zhmenia VM, Lanskikh DV, Penkova AO, Kumeiko VV. Cell and Tissue Nanomechanics: From Early Development to Carcinogenesis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020345. [PMID: 35203554 PMCID: PMC8961777 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell and tissue nanomechanics, being inspired by progress in high-resolution physical mapping, has recently burst into biomedical research, discovering not only new characteristics of normal and diseased tissues, but also unveiling previously unknown mechanisms of pathological processes. Some parallels can be drawn between early development and carcinogenesis. Early embryogenesis, up to the blastocyst stage, requires a soft microenvironment and internal mechanical signals induced by the contractility of the cortical actomyosin cytoskeleton, stimulating quick cell divisions. During further development from the blastocyst implantation to placenta formation, decidua stiffness is increased ten-fold when compared to non-pregnant endometrium. Organogenesis is mediated by mechanosignaling inspired by intercellular junction formation with the involvement of mechanotransduction from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Carcinogenesis dramatically changes the mechanical properties of cells and their microenvironment, generally reproducing the structural properties and molecular organization of embryonic tissues, but with a higher stiffness of the ECM and higher cellular softness and fluidity. These changes are associated with the complete rearrangement of the entire tissue skeleton involving the ECM, cytoskeleton, and the nuclear scaffold, all integrated with each other in a joint network. The important changes occur in the cancer stem-cell niche responsible for tumor promotion and metastatic growth. We expect that the promising concept based on the natural selection of cancer cells fixing the most invasive phenotypes and genotypes by reciprocal regulation through ECM-mediated nanomechanical feedback loop can be exploited to create new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail E. Shmelev
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Sergei I. Titov
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Andrei S. Belousov
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Vladislav M. Farniev
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Valeriia M. Zhmenia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Daria V. Lanskikh
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Alina O. Penkova
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
| | - Vadim V. Kumeiko
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (M.E.S.); (S.I.T.); (A.S.B.); (V.M.F.); (V.M.Z.); (D.V.L.); (A.O.P.)
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9-02-555-1821
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22
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Structure-activity relationships of N-terminal variants of peptidomimetic tissue transglutaminase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Rorke EA, Adhikary G, Szmacinski H, Lakowicz JR, Weber DJ, Godoy-Ruiz R, Puranik P, Keillor JW, Gates EW, Eckert RL. Sulforaphane covalently interacts with the transglutaminase 2 cancer maintenance protein to alter its structure and suppress its activity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:19-32. [PMID: 34610184 PMCID: PMC8665039 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) functions as an important cancer cell survival protein in a range of cancers including epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. TG2 exists in open and closed conformations each of which has a distinct and mutually exclusive activity. The closed conformation has GTP-binding/GTPase activity while the open conformation functions as a transamidase to catalyze protein-protein crosslinking. GTP-binding/GTPase activity is required for TG2 maintenance of the aggressive cancer phenotype. Thus, identifying agents that convert TG2 from the closed to the open GTP-binding/GTPase inactive conformation is an important cancer prevention/treatment strategy. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an important diet-derived cancer prevention agent that is known to possess a reactive isothiocyanate group and has potent anticancer activity. Using a biotin-tagged SFN analog (Biotin-ITC) and kinetic analysis we show that SFN covalently and irreversibly binds to recombinant TG2 to inhibit transamidase activity and shift TG2 to an open/extended conformation, leading to a partial inhibition of GTP binding. We also show that incubation of cancer cells or cancer cell extract with Biotin-ITC results in formation of a TG2/Biotin-ITC complex and that SFN treatment of cancer cells inhibits TG2 transamidase activity and shifts TG2 to an open/extended conformation. These findings identify TG2 as a direct SFN anticancer target in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A. Rorke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Henryk Szmacinski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Joseph R. Lakowicz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - David J. Weber
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Raquel Godoy-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Purushottamachar Puranik
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | | | - Eric W.J Gates
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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24
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Keillor JW, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Maintains Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling to Enhance the Cancer Cell Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:2026-2035. [PMID: 34593609 PMCID: PMC10088464 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer cell survival protein. However, how TG2 maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype is not well understood. The present studies show that TG2, which is highly expressed in epidermal cancer stem-like cells (ECS cells), maintains hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling to drive an aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype. Inhibiting TG2 reduces MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression and activity and attenuates the cancer cell phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of TG2 or HGF/MET function reduces downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activity, and this is associated with reduced cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced stem and EMT marker expression. Treatment of TG2 knockdown cells with HGF partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype, confirming that MET signaling is downstream of TG2. MET knockout reduces ERK1/2 signaling, doubles the time to initial tumor appearance, and reduces overall tumor growth. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF/MET and MAPK (MEK1/2 and ERK1/2) signaling to drive the aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype and tumor formation, and that TG2-dependent MET signaling may be a useful anti-cancer target. IMPLICATIONS: TG2 is an important epidermal squamous cell carcinoma stem cell survival protein. We show that TG2 activates an HGF/MET, MEK1/2 ERK1/2 signaling cascade that maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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25
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Mickle M, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Eckert RL. VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD signaling to suppress the epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:497-507. [PMID: 34004031 PMCID: PMC8243851 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in response to ultraviolet light exposure and is among the most common cancers. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival protein stimulates the activity of the YAP1/TEAD transcription complex to drive the expression of genes that promote aggressive epidermal SCC cell invasion, migration, and tumor formation. Therefore, we are interested in mechanisms that may inhibit these events. Vestigial-like protein-4 (VGLL4) is a transcription cofactor/tumor suppressor that inhibits several pro-cancer pathways including YAP1 signaling. Our present studies show that VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD-dependent transcription to reduce the expression of YAP1 target genes (CCND1, CYR61, and CTGF) and pro-cancer collagen genes (COL1A2 and COL3A1). We further show that loss of these YAP1 regulated genes is required for VGLL4 suppression of the cancer cell phenotype, as forced CCND1 or COL1A2 expression partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype in VGLL4 expressing cells. Consistent with these findings, VGLL4 expression reduces tumor formation, and this is associated with reduced CCND1, CYR61, CTGF, COL1A2, and COL1A3 mRNA and protein levels, and reduced EMT marker expression. These findings indicate that VGLL4 suppresses the malignant epidermal SCC cancer phenotype by inhibiting YAP1/TEAD-dependent pro-cancer signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKayla Mickle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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26
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Jiang SH, Wang YH, Hu LP, Wang X, Li J, Zhang XL, Zhang ZG. The physiology, pathology and potential therapeutic application of serotonylation. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:268950. [PMID: 34085694 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.257337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical neurotransmitter serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), synthesized from tryptophan, can be produced both centrally and peripherally. Through binding to functionally distinct receptors, serotonin is profoundly implicated in a number of fundamental physiological processes and pathogenic conditions. Recently, serotonin has been found covalently incorporated into proteins, a newly identified post-translational modification termed serotonylation. Transglutaminases (TGMs), especially TGM2, are responsible for catalyzing the transamidation reaction by transferring serotonin to the glutamine residues of target proteins. Small GTPases, extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, cytoskeletal proteins and histones are the most reported substrates for serotonylation, and their functions are triggered by this post-translational modification. This Review highlights the roles of serotonylation in physiology and diseases and provides perspectives for pharmacological interventions to ameliorate serotonylation for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Li-Peng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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28
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Liu J, Liu Q, Zhang X, Cui M, Li T, Zhang Y, Liao Q. Immune subtyping for pancreatic cancer with implication in clinical outcomes and improving immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:137. [PMID: 33637086 PMCID: PMC7908647 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence has shown that intra-tumor immune features are associated with response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Accordingly, patient stratification is needed for identifying target patients and designing strategies to improve the efficacy of ICB therapy. We aimed to depict the specific immune features of patients with pancreatic cancer and explore the implication of immune diversity in prognostic prediction and individualized immunotherapy. Methods From transcriptional profiles of 383 tumor samples in TCGA, ICGC, and GEO database, robust immune subtypes which had different response immunotherapy, including ICB therapy, were identified by consensus clustering with five gene modules. DEGs analysis and tumor microarray were used to screen and demonstrate potential targets for improving ICB therapy. Results Three subtypes of pancreatic cancer, namely cluster 1–3 (C1–C3), characterized with distinct immune features and prognosis, were generated. Of that, subtype C1 was an immune-cold type in lack of immune regulators, subtype C2, with an immunosuppression-dominated phenotype characterized by robust TGFβ signaling and stromal reaction, showed the worst prognosis, subtype C3 was an immune-hot type, with massive immune cell infiltration and in abundance of immune regulators. The disparity of immune features uncovered the discrepant applicability of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and potential sensitivity to other alternative immunotherapy for each subtype. Patients in C3 were more suitable for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, while patients in the other two clusters may need combined strategies targeted on other immune checkpoints or oncogenic pathways. A promising target for improving anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, TGM2, was screened out and its role in the regulation of PD-L1 was investigated for the first time. Conclusion Collectively, immune features of pancreatic cancer contribute to distinct immunosuppressive mechanisms that are responsible for individualized immunotherapy. Despite pancreatic cancer being considered as a poor immunogenic cancer type, the derived immune subtypes may have implications in tailored designing of immunotherapy for the patients. TGM2 has potential synergistic roles with ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qiaofei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ming Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yalu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
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29
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Ulukan B, Bihorac A, Sipahioglu T, Kiraly R, Fesus L, Telci D. Role of Tissue Transglutaminase Catalytic and Guanosine Triphosphate-Binding Domains in Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:28273-28284. [PMID: 33163811 PMCID: PMC7643270 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that can act as a cross-linking enzyme, GTPase/ATPase, protein kinase, and protein disulfide isomerase. TG2 is involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and growth, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our previous findings indicate that the increased expression of TG2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) results in tumor metastasis with a significant decrease in disease- and cancer-specific survival outcome. Given the importance of the prometastatic activity of TG2 in RCC, in the present study, we aim to investigate the relative contribution of TG2's transamidase and guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding/GTPase activity in the cell migration, invasion, EMT, and cancer stemness of RCC. For this purpose, the mouse RCC cell line RenCa was transduced with wild-type-TG2 (wt-TG2), GTP-binding deficient-form TG2-R580A, transamidase-deficient form with low GTP-binding affinity TG2-C277S, and transamidase-inactive form TG2-W241A. Our results suggested that predominantly, GTP-binding activity of TG2 is responsible for cell migration and invasion. In addition, CD marker analysis and spheroid assay confirmed that GTP binding/GTPase activity of TG2 is important in the maintenance of mesenchymal character and the cancer stem cell profile. These findings support a prometastatic role for TG2 in RCC that is dependent on the GTP binding/GTPase activity of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burge Ulukan
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Ajna Bihorac
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Tarik Sipahioglu
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Robert Kiraly
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of Debrecen, Debrecen H4010, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Fesus
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of Debrecen, Debrecen H4010, Hungary
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
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30
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31
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Jambrovics K, Uray IP, Keillor JW, Fésüs L, Balajthy Z. Benefits of Combined All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Arsenic Trioxide Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cells and Further Enhancement by Inhibition of Atypically Expressed Transglutaminase 2. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030648. [PMID: 32168763 PMCID: PMC7139906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized trials in acute promyelocytic leukemia patients have shown that treatment with a combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) is superior in efficacy to monotherapy, with significantly decreased mortality. So far, there are little data available to explain the success of the ATRA and ATO combination treatment in molecular terms. We showed that ATRA- and ATO-treated cells had the same capacity for superoxide production, which was reduced by two-thirds in the combined treatment. Secreted inflammatory biomarkers (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 [MCP-1], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β] and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were significantly decreased and were further reduced in a transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression-dependent manner. The amount of secreted TNF-α in the supernatant of NB4 TG2 knockout cells was close to 50 times lower than in ATRA-treated differentiated wild-type NB4 cells. The irreversible inhibitor of TG2 NC9 not only decreased reactive oxygen species production 28-fold, but decreased the concentration of MCP-1, IL-1β and TNF-α 8-, 15- and 61-fold, respectively in the combined ATRA + ATO-treated wild-type NB4 cell culture. We propose that atypical expression of TG2 leads to the generation of inflammation, which thereby serves as a potential target for the prevention of differentiation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Károly Jambrovics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.J.); (L.F.)
| | - Iván P. Uray
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - László Fésüs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.J.); (L.F.)
- MTA DE Apoptosis, Genomics and Stem Cell Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Balajthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (K.J.); (L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-416-432; Fax: +36-52-314-989
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An JJ, Li SY, Guan X, Xu XN, Jiang XJ. Clinical significance of expression of MEG8 and TGM2 genes in gastric cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:122-128. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i4.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the common malignant tumors, and its incidence and mortality rates are among the highest in China and even the world, posing an important threat to human health. There is still a lack of early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis-related gene targets for GC.
AIM To investigate the expression of maternally expressed gene 8 (MEG8) and transglutaminase-2 (TGM2) in GC and analyze their clinical significance.
METHODS The expression of MEG8 and TGM2 in 30 pairs of GC and tumor-adjacent tissues was detected by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between MEG8 and TGM2 expression and clinicopathological features of GC patients was analyzed. The difference of TGM2 expression and its correlation with the survival status of GC patients were analyzed by employing the relevant research data in Oncomine database.
RESULTS The expression of MEG8 in GC tissues was significantly lower than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (0.462 ± 0.082 vs 1.048 ± 0.149, P < 0.05), and the expression of TGM2 in GC tissues was significantly higher than that in tumor-adjacent tissues (1.202 ± 0.143 vs 0.742 ± 0.083, P < 0.05). The expression of MEG8 was correlated with age and clinical stage, and the expression of TGM2 was correlated with clinical stage (P < 0.05). The expression of TGM2 was not related to the survival status of patients with GC (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION MEG8 and TGM2 may be involved in the occurrence and development of GC and can be used as potential targets for the diagnosis and prognosis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jian An
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Na Xu
- Central Laboratory, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Jiang
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Rudlong J, Cheng A, Johnson GVW. The role of transglutaminase 2 in mediating glial cell function and pathophysiology in the central nervous system. Anal Biochem 2019; 591:113556. [PMID: 31866289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.113556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitously expressed transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has diverse functions in virtually all cell types, with its role depending not only on cell type, but also on specific subcellular localization. In the central nervous system (CNS) different types of glial cells, such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes and their precursor cells (OPCs), play pivotal supportive functions. This review is focused on what is currently known about the role of TG2 in each type of glial cell, in the context of normal function and pathophysiology. For example, astrocytic TG2 facilitates their migration and proliferation, but hinders their ability to protect neurons after CNS injury. The review also examines the interactions between glial cell types, and how TG2 in one cell type may affect another, as well as implications for specific TG2 populations as therapeutic targets in CNS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Rudlong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA
| | - Anson Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14620, USA.
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Jones MC, Zha J, Humphries MJ. Connections between the cell cycle, cell adhesion and the cytoskeleton. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180227. [PMID: 31431178 PMCID: PMC6627016 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell division, the purpose of which is to enable cell replication, and in particular to distribute complete, accurate copies of genetic material to daughter cells, is essential for the propagation of life. At a morphological level, division not only necessitates duplication of cellular structures, but it also relies on polar segregation of this material followed by physical scission of the parent cell. For these fundamental changes in cell shape and positioning to be achieved, mechanisms are required to link the cell cycle to the modulation of cytoarchitecture. Outside of mitosis, the three main cytoskeletal networks not only endow cells with a physical cytoplasmic skeleton, but they also provide a mechanism for spatio-temporal sensing via integrin-associated adhesion complexes and site-directed delivery of cargoes. During mitosis, some interphase functions are retained, but the architecture of the cytoskeleton changes dramatically, and there is a need to generate a mitotic spindle for chromosome segregation. An economical solution is to re-use existing cytoskeletal molecules: transcellular actin stress fibres remodel to create a rigid cortex and a cytokinetic furrow, while unipolar radial microtubules become the primary components of the bipolar spindle. This remodelling implies the existence of specific mechanisms that link the cell-cycle machinery to the control of adhesion and the cytoskeleton. In this article, we review the intimate three-way connection between microenvironmental sensing, adhesion signalling and cell proliferation, particularly in the contexts of normal growth control and aberrant tumour progression. As the morphological changes that occur during mitosis are ancient, the mechanisms linking the cell cycle to the cytoskeleton/adhesion signalling network are likely to be primordial in nature and we discuss recent advances that have elucidated elements of this link. A particular focus is the connection between CDK1 and cell adhesion. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin J. Humphries
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Search for Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers of Prostate Inflammation-Related Disorders: Role of Transglutaminase Isoforms as Potential Candidates. Mediators Inflamm 2019; 2019:7894017. [PMID: 31360119 PMCID: PMC6652054 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7894017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations on prostate inflammation-related disorders, including acute and chronic prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa), are still ongoing to find new, accurate, and noninvasive biomarkers for a differential diagnosis of those pathological conditions sharing some common macroscopic features. Moreover, an ideal biomarker should be useful for risk assessment of prostate inflammation progression to more severe disorders, like BPH or PCa, as well as for monitoring of treatment response and prognosis establishment in carcinoma cases. Recent literature evidence highlighted that changes in the expression of transglutaminases, enzymes that catalyze transamidation reactions leading to posttranslational modifications of soluble proteins, occur in prostate inflammation-related disorders. This review focuses on the role specifically played by transglutaminases 4 (TG4) and 2 (TG2) and suggests that both isoenzymes hold a potential to be included in the list of candidates as novel diagnostic biomarkers for the above-cited prostate pathological conditions.
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Transglutaminase 2 maintains a colorectal cancer stem phenotype by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncotarget 2019; 10:4556-4569. [PMID: 31360304 PMCID: PMC6642042 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a multifunctional protein, is reported in regulating the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in various cancers. Our previous work suggested the link between TG2 and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we demonstrate the importance of TG2 in CSC development in human CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW620. CRC spheroid cells showed increased CSC characteristics over their monolayer cells with increased expression of CD44 and over expression of Oct3/4, Sox2 and Nanog. They also showed increased EMT and invasiveness, and enhanced expression of TG2. TG2 inhibition by its selective inhibitor 1-155 reduced both spheroid formation and invasive potential of the spheroid cells. β-catenin, a mediator of stem cell maintenance, was overexpressed in the spheroid cells and could be attenuated by TG2 inhibition. Spheroid cells possessed increased angiogenesis stimulating ability via overexpression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Increased VEGF was present in the culture media from spheroid cells when compared to monolayer cultures which could be reduced by selective inhibition by 1-155. Stemness and malignancy in the colorectal spheroid cells was associated with increased TG2, EMT, β-catenin and VEGF. Here we demonstrate that inhibiting TG2 reduces both stemness and angiogenic stimulating activity in CRC.
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Torres A, Pac-Sosińska M, Wiktor K, Paszkowski T, Maciejewski R, Torres K. CD44, TGM2 and EpCAM as novel plasma markers in endometrial cancer diagnosis. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:401. [PMID: 31035965 PMCID: PMC6489287 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Despite years of research, the accurate screening strategy is still not available in this disease and it is usually diagnosed only after the clinical signs are present. The recent technological advances in analytical methodologies enabled detection of multiple molecules in one, small sample of biological materials. Such approach was undertaken in the presented study. Methods Concentrations of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1), carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), CD44, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), hepsin, kallikrein-6, mesothelin, midkine, neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM), and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) were measured using MAGPIX®System in plasma samples of 45 EC, 20 healthy controls and 11 patients with endometriosis. Results Significantly increased concentration in EC as compared to healthy controls were found in case of CD44 (p < 0.001), EpCAM (p = 0.033) and TGM2 (p < 0.001). EpCAM and mesothelin concentrations differed based on FIGO stages. Regression analysis revealed marker panels with high accuracy in detection of EC. The highest AUC 0.937 was attributed to the 3-marker panel of CD44/TGM2/EpCAM (84% sensitivity, 100% specificity), FIGO IA samples were discriminated from more advanced stages of EC with the mesothelin/grade 1 model featuring AUC of 0.911 (95.24% sensitivity, 78.26% specificity). Conclusions Novel plasma biomarkers presenting good accuracy in diagnosing EC were found with TGM2 reported for the first time as plasma marker. It was also revealed that endometriosis may share similarities in the pattern of markers alterations characteristic for EC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5556-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Torres
- Laboratory of Biostructure, Chair of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. .,III Chair and Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. .,Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Unit, University Children's Hospital, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland. .,Collegium Anatomicum, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Pac-Sosińska
- Laboratory of Biostructure, Chair of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Wiktor
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Procedures, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Paszkowski
- III Chair and Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ryszard Maciejewski
- Laboratory of Biostructure, Chair of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamil Torres
- Laboratory of Biostructure, Chair of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Eble JA, Niland S. The extracellular matrix in tumor progression and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:171-198. [PMID: 30972526 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09966-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the scaffold of tissues and organs. It is a complex network of extracellular proteins, proteoglycans and glycoproteins, which form supramolecular aggregates, such as fibrils and sheet-like networks. In addition to its biochemical composition, including the covalent intermolecular cross-linkages, the ECM is also characterized by its biophysical parameters, such as topography, molecular density, stiffness/rigidity and tension. Taking these biochemical and biophysical parameters into consideration, the ECM is very versatile and undergoes constant remodeling. This review focusses on this remodeling of the ECM under the influence of a primary solid tumor mass. Within this tumor stroma, not only the cancer cells but also the resident fibroblasts, which differentiate into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), modify the ECM. Growth factors and chemokines, which are tethered to and released from the ECM, as well as metabolic changes of the cells within the tumor bulk, add to the tumor-supporting tumor microenvironment. Metastasizing cancer cells from a primary tumor mass infiltrate into the ECM, which variably may facilitate cancer cell migration or act as barrier, which has to be proteolytically breached by the infiltrating tumor cell. The biochemical and biophysical properties therefore determine the rates and routes of metastatic dissemination. Moreover, primed by soluble factors of the primary tumor, the ECM of distant organs may be remodeled in a way to facilitate the engraftment of metastasizing cancer cells. Such premetastatic niches are responsible for the organotropic preference of certain cancer entities to colonize at certain sites in distant organs and to establish a metastasis. Translational application of our knowledge about the cancer-primed ECM is sparse with respect to therapeutic approaches, whereas tumor-induced ECM alterations such as increased tissue stiffness and desmoplasia, as well as breaching the basement membrane are hallmark of malignancy and diagnostically and histologically harnessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes A Eble
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Stephan Niland
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, Waldeyerstr. 15, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Daouk R, Hassane M, Bahmad HF, Sinjab A, Fujimoto J, Abou-Kheir W, Kadara H. Genome-Wide and Phenotypic Evaluation of Stem Cell Progenitors Derived From Gprc5a-Deficient Murine Lung Adenocarcinoma With Somatic Kras Mutations. Front Oncol 2019; 9:207. [PMID: 31001473 PMCID: PMC6454871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) with somatic mutations in the KRAS oncogene comprise the most common molecular subtype of lung cancer in smokers and present with overall dismal prognosis and resistance to most therapies. Our group recently demonstrated that tobacco carcinogen-exposed mice with knockout of the airway lineage G-protein coupled receptor, Gprc5a, develop LUADs with somatic mutations in Kras. Earlier work has suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in clonal evolution of tumors and in therapy resistance. To date, our understanding of CSCs in LUADs with somatic Kras mutations remains lagging. Here we derived CSCs (as spheres in 3D cultures) with self-renewal properties from a murine Kras-mutant LUAD cell line we previously established from a tobacco carcinogen-exposed Gprc5a−/− mouse. Using syngeneic Gprc5a−/− models, we found that these CSCs, compared to their parental isoforms, exhibited increased tumorigenic potential in vivo, particularly in female animals. Using whole-transcriptome sequencing coupled with pathways analysis and confirmatory PCR, we identified gene features (n = 2,600) differentially expressed in the CSCs compared to parental cells and that were enriched with functional modules associated with an augmented malignant phenotype including stemness, tumor-promoting inflammation and anti-oxidant responses. Further, based on in silico predicted activation of GSK3β in CSCs, we found that tideglusib, an irreversible inhibitor of the kinase, exhibited marked anti-growth effects in the cultured CSCs. Our study underscores molecular cues in the pathogenesis of Kras-mutant LUAD and presents new models to study the evolution, and thus high-potential targets, of this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Daouk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Hassane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ansam Sinjab
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Junya Fujimoto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Grun D, Adhikary G, Eckert RL. NRP-1 interacts with GIPC1 and SYX to activate p38 MAPK signaling and cancer stem cell survival. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:488-499. [PMID: 30456845 PMCID: PMC6417965 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal cancer stem cells (ECS cells) comprise a limited population of cells that form aggressive, rapidly growing, and highly vascularized tumors. VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling is a key driver of the ECS cell phenotype and aggressive tumor formation. However, relatively less is known regarding the downstream events following VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction. In the present study, we show that VEGF-A/NRP-1, GIPC1, and Syx interact to increase RhoA-dependent p38 MAPK activity to enhance ECS cell spheroid formation, invasion, migration, and angiogenic potential. Inhibition or knockdown of NRP-1, GIPC1 or Syx attenuates RhoA and p38 activity to reduce the ECS cell phenotype, and NRP-1 knockout, or pharmacologic inhibition of VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction or RhoA activity, reduces p38 MAPK activity and tumor growth. Moreover, expression of wild-type or constitutively-active RhoA, or p38, in NRP1-knockout cells, restores p38 activity and the ECS cell phenotype. These findings suggest that NRP-1 forms a complex with GIPC1 and Syx to activate RhoA/ROCK-dependent p38 activity to enhance the ECS cell phenotype and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:837-853. [PMID: 30693974 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has emerged as a key cancer cell survival factor that drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and stemness, and invasion and migration. TG2 can exist in a GTP-bound signaling-active conformation or in a transamidase-active conformation. The GTP bound conformation of TG2 contributes to cell survival and the transamidase conformation can contribute to cell survival or death. We present evidence suggesting that TG2 has a role in human cancer, summarize what is known about the TG2 mechanism of action in a range of cancer types, and discuss TG2 as a cancer therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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42
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Regulation of c-Raf Stability through the CTLH Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040934. [PMID: 30795516 PMCID: PMC6412545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Raf is a central component of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway which is implicated in the development of many cancer types. RanBPM (Ran-Binding Protein M) was previously shown to inhibit c-Raf expression, but how this is achieved remains unclear. RanBPM is part of a recently identified E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, the CTLH (C-terminal to LisH) complex. Here, we show that the CTLH complex regulates c-Raf expression through a control of its degradation. Several domains of RanBPM were found necessary to regulate c-Raf levels, but only the C-terminal CRA (CT11-RanBPM) domain showed direct interaction with c-Raf. c-Raf ubiquitination and degradation is promoted by the CTLH complex. Furthermore, A-Raf and B-Raf protein levels are also regulated by the CTLH complex, indicating a common regulation of Raf family members. Finally, depletion of CTLH subunits RMND5A (required for meiotic nuclear division 5A) and RanBPM resulted in enhanced proliferation and loss of RanBPM promoted tumour growth in a mouse model. This study uncovers a new mode of control of c-Raf expression through regulation of its degradation by the CTLH complex. These findings also uncover a novel target of the CTLH complex, and suggest that the CTLH complex has activities that suppress cell transformation and tumour formation.
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43
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Transglutaminase 2: The Maestro of the Oncogenic Mediators in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:medsci7020024. [PMID: 30736384 PMCID: PMC6409915 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7020024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional crosslinking enzyme that displays transamidation, protein disulfide isomerase, protein kinase, as well as GTPase and ATPase activities. TG2 can also act as an adhesion molecule involved in the syndecan and integrin receptor signaling. In recent years, TG2 was implicated in cancer progression, survival, invasion, migration, and stemness of many cancer types, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Von Hippel-Lindau mutations leading to the subsequent activation of Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-1-mediated signaling pathways, survival signaling via the PI3K/Akt pathway resulting in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) metastasis and angiogenesis are the main factors in RCC progression. A number of studies have shown that TG2 was important in HIF-1- and PI3K-mediated signaling, VHL and p53 stabilization, glycolytic metabolism and migratory phenotype in RCC. This review focuses on the role of TG2 in the regulation of molecular pathways nurturing not only the development and propagation of RCC, but also drug-resistance and metastatic potential.
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44
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The Role of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer Cell Initiation, Survival and Progression. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:medsci7020019. [PMID: 30691081 PMCID: PMC6409630 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase type 2; TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family (EC 2.3.2.13) that catalyzes specific post-translational modifications of proteins through a calcium-dependent acyl-transfer reaction (transamidation). In addition, this enzyme displays multiple additional enzymatic activities, such as guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, protein kinase, disulfide isomerase activities, and is involved in cell adhesion. Transglutaminase 2 has been reported as one of key enzymes that is involved in all stages of carcinogenesis; the molecular mechanisms of action and physiopathological effects depend on its expression or activities, cellular localization, and specific cancer model. Since it has been reported as both a potential tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting factor, the role of this enzyme in cancer is still controversial. Indeed, TG2 overexpression has been frequently associated with cancer stem cells’ survival, inflammation, metastatic spread, and drug resistance. On the other hand, the use of inducers of TG2 transamidating activity seems to inhibit tumor cell plasticity and invasion. This review covers the extensive and rapidly growing field of the role of TG2 in cancer stem cells survival and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis and differentiation, and formation of aggressive metastatic phenotypes.
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Sullivan KE, Cerione RA, Wilson KF. ALDH1A3 in CSCs. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 9:1351-1352. [PMID: 28476022 PMCID: PMC5472733 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 82071, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 82071, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 82071, USA
| | - Kristin F Wilson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 82071, USA
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Furini G, Verderio EAM. Spotlight on the Transglutaminase 2-Heparan Sulfate Interaction. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:E5. [PMID: 30621228 PMCID: PMC6359630 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), syndecan-4 (Sdc4) especially, have been suggested as potential partners of transglutaminase-2 (TG2) in kidney and cardiac fibrosis, metastatic cancer, neurodegeneration and coeliac disease. The proposed role for HSPGs in the trafficking of TG2 at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been linked to the fibrogenic action of TG2 in experimental models of kidney fibrosis. As the TG2-HSPG interaction is largely mediated by the heparan sulfate (HS) chains of proteoglycans, in the past few years a number of studies have investigated the affinity of TG2 for HS, and the TG2 heparin binding site has been mapped with alternative outlooks. In this review, we aim to provide a compendium of the main literature available on the interaction of TG2 with HS, with reference to the pathological processes in which extracellular TG2 plays a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Furini
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Elisabetta A M Verderio
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
- BiGeA, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Lee SH, Lee WK, Kim N, Kang JH, Kim KH, Kim SG, Lee JS, Lee S, Lee J, Joo J, Kwon WS, Rha SY, Kim SY. Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Abrogated by p53 Stabilization through Transglutaminase 2 Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10110455. [PMID: 30463244 PMCID: PMC6267221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In general, expression of transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2) is upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), resulting in p53 instability. Previous studies show that TGase 2 binds to p53 and transports it to the autophagosome. Knockdown or inhibition of TGase 2 in RCC induces p53-mediated apoptosis. Here, we screened a chemical library for TGase 2 inhibitors and identified streptonigrin as a potential therapeutic compound for RCC. Surface plasmon resonance and mass spectroscopy were used to measure streptonigrin binding to TGase 2. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that streptonigrin binds to the N-terminus of TGase 2 (amino acids 95–116), which is associated with inhibition of TGase 2 activity in vitro and with p53 stabilization in RCC. The anti-cancer effects of streptonigrin on RCC cell lines were demonstrated in cell proliferation and cell death assays. In addition, a single dose of streptonigrin (0.2 mg/kg) showed marked anti-tumor effects in a preclinical RCC model by stabilizing p53. Inhibition of TGase 2 using streptonigrin increased p53 stability, which resulted in p53-mediated apoptosis of RCC. Thus, targeting TGase 2 may be a new therapeutic approach to RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Hyeong Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Won-Kyu Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
- New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Korea.
| | - Nayeon Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Dongguk University, 30 Pildong-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04620, Korea.
| | - Joon Hee Kang
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Kyung-Hee Kim
- Omics Core Lab, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Seul-Gi Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Jae-Seon Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Jongkook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24341, Korea.
| | - Jungnam Joo
- Biometric Research Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
| | - Woo Sun Kwon
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
| | - Sun Young Rha
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.
| | - Soo-Youl Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do 10408, Korea.
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Kim SY. New Insights into Development of Transglutaminase 2 Inhibitors as Pharmaceutical Lead Compounds. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6040087. [PMID: 30297644 PMCID: PMC6313797 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (EC 2.3.2.13; TG2 or TGase 2) plays important roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancers, neurodegeneration, and inflammatory disorders. Under normal conditions, however, mice lacking TGase 2 exhibit no obvious abnormal phenotype. TGase 2 expression is induced by chemical, physical, and viral stresses through tissue-protective signaling pathways. After stress dissipates, expression is normalized by feedback mechanisms. Dysregulation of TGase 2 expression under pathologic conditions, however, can potentiate pathogenesis and aggravate disease severity. Consistent with this, TGase 2 knockout mice exhibit reversal of disease phenotypes in neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory disease models. Accordingly, TGase 2 is considered to be a potential therapeutic target. Based on structure–activity relationship assays performed over the past few decades, TGase 2 inhibitors have been developed that target the enzyme’s active site, but clinically applicable inhibitors are not yet available. The recently described the small molecule GK921, which lacks a group that can react with the active site of TGase 2, and efficiently inhibits the enzyme’s activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that GK921 binds at an allosteric binding site in the N-terminus of TGase 2 (amino acids (a.a.) 81–116), triggering a conformational change that inactivates the enzyme. Because the binding site of GK921 overlaps with the p53-binding site of TGase 2, the drug induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma by stabilizing p53. In this review, we discuss the possibility of developing TGase 2 inhibitors that target the allosteric binding site of TGase 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Youl Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Research Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 10408, Korea.
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Soluri MF, Boccafoschi F, Cotella D, Moro L, Forestieri G, Autiero I, Cavallo L, Oliva R, Griffin M, Wang Z, Santoro C, Sblattero D. Mapping the minimum domain of the fibronectin binding site on transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and its importance in mediating signaling, adhesion, and migration in TG2-expressing cells. FASEB J 2018; 33:2327-2342. [PMID: 30285580 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800054rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between the enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and fibronectin (FN) is involved in the cell-matrix interactions that regulate cell signaling, adhesion, and migration and play central roles in pathologic conditions, particularly fibrosis and cancer. A precise definition of the exact interaction domains on both proteins could provide a tool to design novel molecules with potential therapeutic applications. Although specific residues involved in the interaction within TG2 have been analyzed, little is known regarding the TG2 binding site on FN. This site has been mapped to a large internal 45-kDa protein fragment coincident with the gelatin binding domain (GBD). With the goal of defining the minimal FN interacting domain for TG2, we produced several expression constructs encoding different portions or modules of the GBD and tested their binding and functional properties. The results demonstrate that the I8 module is necessary and sufficient for TG2-binding in vitro, but does not have functional effects on TG2-expressing cells. Modules I7 and I9 increase the strength of the binding and are required for cell adhesion. A 15-kDa fragment encompassing modules I7-9 behaves as the whole 45-kDa GBD and mediates signaling, adhesion, spreading, and migration of TG2+ cells. This study provides new insights into the mechanism for TG2 binding to FN.-Soluri, M. F., Boccafoschi, F., Cotella, D., Moro, L., Forestieri, G., Autiero, I., Cavallo, L., Oliva, R., Griffin, M., Wang, Z., Santoro, C., Sblattero, D. Mapping the minimum domain of the fibronectin binding site on transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and its importance in mediating signaling, adhesion, and migration in TG2-expressing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Felicia Soluri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Boccafoschi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Diego Cotella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Moro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Gabriela Forestieri
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - Ida Autiero
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Romina Oliva
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University Parthenope of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martin Griffin
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Claudio Santoro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
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Adhikary G, Grun D, Alexander HR, Friedberg JS, Xu W, Keillor JW, Kandasamy S, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase is a mesothelioma cancer stem cell survival protein that is required for tumor formation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:34495-34505. [PMID: 30349644 PMCID: PMC6195372 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial cell layer of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis. It is typically caused by asbestos, notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and generally considered incurable with a poor life expectancy. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a GTP binding regulatory protein, is an important cancer stem cell survival and therapy resistance factor. We show that TG2 is highly expressed in human mesothelioma tumors and in mesothelioma cancer stem cells (MCS cells). TG2 knockdown or TG2 inhibitor treatment reduces MCS cell spheroid formation, matrigel invasion, migration and tumor formation. Time to tumor first appearance is doubled in TG2 knockout cells as compared to wild-type. In addition, TG2 loss is associated with reduced expression of stemness, and epithelial mesenchymal transition markers, and enhanced apoptosis. These studies indicate that TG2 is an important MCS cell survival protein and suggest that TG2 may serve as a mesothelioma cancer stem cell therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Adhikary
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Grun
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - H. Richard Alexander
- 7 Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joseph S. Friedberg
- 4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wen Xu
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sivaveera Kandasamy
- 5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,2 Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,3 Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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