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Chi LH, Redfern AD, Roslan S, Street IP, Burrows AD, Anderson RL. Loss of tumor-derived SMAD4 enhances primary tumor growth but not metastasis following BMP4 signalling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:248. [PMID: 38689334 PMCID: PMC11060976 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01559-0] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a potent inhibitor of breast cancer metastasis. However, a tumor-promoting effect of BMP4 is reported in other tumor types, especially when SMAD4 is inactive. METHODS To assess the requirement for SMAD4 in BMP4-mediated suppression of metastasis, we knocked down SMAD4 in two different breast tumors and enforced SMAD4 expression in a third line with endogenous SMAD4 deletion. In addition, we assessed the requirement for SMAD4 in tumor cell-specific BMP signalling by expression of a constitutively active BMP receptor. Delineation of genes regulated by BMP4 in the presence or absence of SMAD4 was assessed by RNA sequencing and a BMP4-induced gene, MYO1F was assessed for its role in metastasis. Genes regulated by BMP4 and/or SMAD4 were assessed in a publicly available database of gene expression profiles of breast cancer patients. RESULTS In the absence of SMAD4, BMP4 promotes primary tumor growth that is accompanied by increased expression of genes associated with DNA replication, cell cycle, and MYC signalling pathways. Despite increased primary tumor growth, BMP4 suppresses metastasis in the absence of tumor cell expression of SMAD4. Consistent with the anti-metastatic activity of BMP4, enforced signalling through the constitutively active receptor in SMAD4 positive tumors that lacked BMP4 expression still suppressed metastasis, but in the absence of SMAD4, the suppression of metastasis was largely prevented. Thus BMP4 is required for suppression of metastasis regardless of tumor SMAD4 status. The BMP4 upregulated gene, MYO1F, was shown to be a potent suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. Gene signature upregulated by BMP4 in the absence of SMAD4 was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, whereas gene signature upregulated by BMP4 in the presence of SMAD4 was associated with improved prognosis. CONCLUSIONS BMP4 expression is required for suppression of metastasis regardless of the SMAD4 status of the tumor cells. Since BMP4 is a secreted protein, we conclude that it can act both in an autocrine manner in SMAD4-expressing tumor cells and in a paracrine manner on stromal cells to suppress metastasis. Deletion of SMAD4 from tumor cells does not prevent BMP4 from suppressing metastasis via a paracrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lap Hing Chi
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew D Redfern
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Suraya Roslan
- Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian P Street
- Children's Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allan D Burrows
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin L Anderson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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2
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Shafi O, Siddiqui G, Jaffry HA. The benign nature and rare occurrence of cardiac myxoma as a possible consequence of the limited cardiac proliferative/ regenerative potential: a systematic review. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1245. [PMID: 38110859 PMCID: PMC10726542 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11723-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac Myxoma is a primary tumor of heart. Its origins, rarity of the occurrence of primary cardiac tumors and how it may be related to limited cardiac regenerative potential, are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the key cardiac genes/ transcription factors (TFs) and signaling pathways to understand these important questions. METHODS Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving cardiac myxoma, cardiac genes/TFs/signaling pathways and their roles in cardiogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, key interactions and tumorigenesis, with focus on cardiomyocytes. RESULTS The cardiac genetic landscape is governed by a very tight control between proliferation and differentiation-related genes/TFs/pathways. Cardiac myxoma originates possibly as a consequence of dysregulations in the gene expression of differentiation regulators including Tbx5, GATA4, HAND1/2, MYOCD, HOPX, BMPs. Such dysregulations switch the expression of cardiomyocytes into progenitor-like state in cardiac myxoma development by dysregulating Isl1, Baf60 complex, Wnt, FGF, Notch, Mef2c and others. The Nkx2-5 and MSX2 contribute predominantly to both proliferation and differentiation of Cardiac Progenitor Cells (CPCs), may possibly serve roles based on the microenvironment and the direction of cell circuitry in cardiac tumorigenesis. The Nkx2-5 in cardiac myxoma may serve to limit progression of tumorigenesis as it has massive control over the proliferation of CPCs. The cardiac cell type-specific genetic programming plays governing role in controlling the tumorigenesis and regenerative potential. CONCLUSION The cardiomyocytes have very limited proliferative and regenerative potential. They survive for long periods of time and tightly maintain the gene expression of differentiation genes such as Tbx5, GATA4 that interact with tumor suppressors (TS) and exert TS like effect. The total effect such gene expression exerts is responsible for the rare occurrence and benign nature of primary cardiac tumors. This prevents the progression of tumorigenesis. But this also limits the regenerative and proliferative potential of cardiomyocytes. Cardiac Myxoma develops as a consequence of dysregulations in these key genes which revert the cells towards progenitor-like state, hallmark of CM. The CM development in carney complex also signifies the role of TS in cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Shafi
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ghazia Siddiqui
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hassam A Jaffry
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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3
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Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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4
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Kersten V, Seitz T, Sommer J, Thasler WE, Bosserhoff A, Hellerbrand C. Bone Morphogenetic Protein 13 Has Protumorigenic Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11059. [PMID: 37446238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311059] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in hepatic fibrosis and, thus, build the "soil" for hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, HSCs are known to promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms are only incompletely understood. Recently, we newly described the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 13 (BMP13) by HSCs in fibrotic liver tissue. In addition, BMP13 has mostly been studied in the context of cartilage and bone repair, but not in liver disease or cancer. Thus, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of BMP13 in HCC. Expression analyses revealed high BMP13-expression in activated human HSCs, but not in human HCC-cell-lines. Furthermore, analysis of human HCC tissues showed a significant correlation between BMP13 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the co-localization of BMP13 and α-SMA, indicating activated HSCs as the cellular source of BMP13 in HCC. Stimulation of HCC cells with recombinant BMP13 increased the expression of the inhibitors of differentiation 1 (ID1) and 2 (ID2), which are known targets of BMP-signaling and cell-cycle promotors. In line with this, BMP13-stimulation caused an induced SMAD 1/5/9 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, as well as reduced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors 1A (CDKN1A) and 2A (CDKN2A). Furthermore, stimulation with recombinant BMP13 led to increased proliferation and colony size formation of HCC cells in clonogenicity assays. The protumorigenic effects of BMP13 on HCC cells were almost completely abrogated by the small molecule dorsomorphin 1 (DMH1), which selectively blocks the intracellular kinase domain of ALK2 and ALK3, indicating that BMP13 acts via these BMP type I receptors on HCC cells. In summary, this study newly identifies stroma-derived BMP13 as a potential new tumor promotor in HCC and indicates this secreted growth-factor as a possible novel therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Kersten
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Judith Sommer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Human Tissue and Cell Research-Services GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
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5
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Lin F, Tuffour A, Hao G, Peprah FA, Huang A, Zhou Y, Zhang H. Distinctive modulation of hepcidin in cancer and its therapeutic relevance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1141603. [PMID: 36895478 PMCID: PMC9989193 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1141603] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin, a short peptide synthesized primarily by hepatocytes in response to increased body iron and inflammation, is a crucial iron-regulating factor. Hepcidin regulates intestinal iron absorption and releases iron from macrophages into plasma through a negative iron feedback mechanism. The discovery of hepcidin inspired a torrent of research into iron metabolism and related problems, which have radically altered our understanding of human diseases caused by an excess of iron, an iron deficiency, or an iron disparity. It is critical to decipher how tumor cells manage hepcidin expression for their metabolic requirements because iron is necessary for cell survival, particularly for highly active cells like tumor cells. Studies show that tumor and non-tumor cells express and control hepcidin differently. These variations should be explored to produce potential novel cancer treatments. The ability to regulate hepcidin expression to deprive cancer cells of iron may be a new weapon against cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Alex Tuffour
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guijie Hao
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | | | - Aixia Huang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Freshwater Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou, China
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6
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Vignjević Petrinović S, Jauković A, Milošević M, Bugarski D, Budeč M. Targeting Stress Erythropoiesis Pathways in Cancer. Front Physiol 2022; 13:844042. [PMID: 35694408 PMCID: PMC9174937 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.844042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is a common multifactorial disorder that adversely affects the quality of life and overall prognosis in patients with cancer. Safety concerns associated with the most common CRA treatment options, including intravenous iron therapy and erythropoietic-stimulating agents, have often resulted in no or suboptimal anemia management for many cancer patients. Chronic anemia creates a vital need to restore normal erythropoietic output and therefore activates the mechanisms of stress erythropoiesis (SE). A growing body of evidence demonstrates that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling, along with glucocorticoids, erythropoietin, stem cell factor, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and hypoxia-inducible factors, plays a pivotal role in SE. Nevertheless, a chronic state of SE may lead to ineffective erythropoiesis, characterized by the expansion of erythroid progenitor pool, that largely fails to differentiate and give rise to mature red blood cells, further aggravating CRA. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the emerging roles for stress erythroid progenitors and activated SE pathways in tumor progression, highlighting the urgent need to suppress ineffective erythropoiesis in cancer patients and develop an optimal treatment strategy as well as a personalized approach to CRA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Vignjević Petrinović
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Jauković
- Laboratory for Experimental Hematology and Stem Cells, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Milošević
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Diana Bugarski
- Laboratory for Experimental Hematology and Stem Cells, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirela Budeč
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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7
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Hepcidin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:185-192. [PMID: 35264787 PMCID: PMC9296449 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01753-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common reasons for cancer-related deaths. Excess iron increases HCC risk. Inevitably, hepcidin, the iron hormone that maintains systemic iron homoeostasis is involved in HCC pathology. Distinct from other cancers that show high hepcidin expression, HCC patients can show low hepcidin levels. Thus, it is of immense clinical benefit to address the regulation and action of hepcidin in HCC as this may help in identifying molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. Accordingly, this review explores hepcidin in HCC. It presents the levels of tissue and serum hepcidin and explains the mechanisms that contribute to hepcidin reduction in HCC. These include downregulation of HAMP, TfR2, HJV, ALK2 and circular RNA circ_0004913, upregulation of matriptase-2 and GDF15, inactivation of RUNX3 and mutation in TP53. The enigmas around mir-122 and the functionalities of two major hepcidin inducers BMP6 and IL6 in relation to hepcidin in HCC are discussed. Effects of hepcidin downregulation are explained, specifically, increased cancer proliferation via activation of CDK1/STAT3 pathway and increased HCC risk due to reduction in a hepcidin-mediated protective effect against hepatic stellate cell activation. Hepcidin–ferroportin axis in HCC is addressed. Finally, the role of hepcidin in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics of HCC is highlighted.
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8
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Pawlak JB, Blobe GC. TGF-β superfamily co-receptors in cancer. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:137-163. [PMID: 33797167 PMCID: PMC8484463 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling via their cognate receptors is frequently modified by TGF-β superfamily co-receptors. Signaling through SMAD-mediated pathways may be enhanced or depressed depending on the specific co-receptor and cell context. This dynamic effect on signaling is further modified by the release of many of the co-receptors from the membrane to generate soluble forms that are often antagonistic to the membrane-bound receptors. The co-receptors discussed here include TβRIII (betaglycan), endoglin, BAMBI, CD109, SCUBE proteins, neuropilins, Cripto-1, MuSK, and RGMs. Dysregulation of these co-receptors can lead to altered TGF-β superfamily signaling that contributes to the pathophysiology of many cancers through regulation of growth, metastatic potential, and the tumor microenvironment. Here we describe the role of several TGF-β superfamily co-receptors on TGF-β superfamily signaling and the impact on cellular and physiological functions with a particular focus on cancer, including a discussion on recent pharmacological advances and potential clinical applications targeting these co-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard C. Blobe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center,Corresponding author: Gerard Blobe, B354 LSRC, Box 91004 DUMC, Durham, NC 27708, , 919-668-1352
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9
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Madan E, Peixoto ML, Dimitrion P, Eubank TD, Yekelchyk M, Talukdar S, Fisher PB, Mi QS, Moreno E, Gogna R. Cell Competition Boosts Clonal Evolution and Hypoxic Selection in Cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2020; 30:967-978. [PMID: 33160818 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The comparison of fitness between cells leads to the elimination of less competent cells in the presence of more competent neighbors via cell competition (CC). This phenomenon has been linked with several cancer-related genes and thus may play an important role in cancer. Various processes are involved in the regulation of tumor initiation and growth, including tumor hypoxia, clonal stem cell selection, and immune cell response, all of which have been recently shown to have a potential connection with the mechanisms involved in CC. This review aims to unravel the relation between these processes and competitive cell interactions and how this affects disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Madan
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Peter Dimitrion
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Timothy D Eubank
- In Vivo Multifunctional Magnetic Resonance Center, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Michail Yekelchyk
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sarmistha Talukdar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Eduardo Moreno
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Rajan Gogna
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.
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10
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Li X, Sun B, Zhao X, An J, Zhang Y, Gu Q, Zhao N, Wang Y, Liu F. Function of BMP4 in the Formation of Vasculogenic Mimicry in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2020; 11:2560-2571. [PMID: 32201526 PMCID: PMC7066000 DOI: 10.7150/jca.40558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is linked to vascular invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). BMP4, one BMP family member, is upregulated in several cancers. The purpose of this report is to identify the function of BMP4 in the formation of VM in HCC and the mechanism underling this regulation. In our report, BMP4 up-regulation resulted in an increase in migration, invasion and channel-like structure formation as well as induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and stem cell-associated proteins OCT4 and SOX2 expression in HCC cells. In addition, The VM-associated proteins, including EphA2, VE-cadherin and MMP2, also could be effectively enhanced by the overexpression of BMP4. Furthermore, according to the TCGA database, higher expression of BMP4 is seen in HCC in contrast to normal liver samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed that BMP4 was positively associated with VM formation, age, histological differentiation, HCC stage, and shorter survival duration. These data demonstrated that BMP4 could promote VM network formation in HCC through induction of stemness in EMT and modulating the EphA2/VE-cadherin/MMP2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Baocun Sun
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jindan An
- Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.,Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yanhui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qiang Gu
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department Of Pathology, General Hospital Of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China.,Department Of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
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11
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Pasquier J, Ghiabi P, Chouchane L, Razzouk K, Rafii S, Rafii A. Angiocrine endothelium: from physiology to cancer. J Transl Med 2020; 18:52. [PMID: 32014047 PMCID: PMC6998193 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of cancer as a cell-autonomous disease has been challenged by the wealth of knowledge gathered in the past decades on the importance of tumor microenvironment (TM) in cancer progression and metastasis. The significance of endothelial cells (ECs) in this scenario was initially attributed to their role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis that is critical for tumor initiation and growth. Nevertheless, the identification of endothelial-derived angiocrine factors illustrated an alternative non-angiogenic function of ECs contributing to both physiological and pathological tissue development. Gene expression profiling studies have demonstrated distinctive expression patterns in tumor-associated endothelial cells that imply a bilateral crosstalk between tumor and its endothelium. Recently, some of the molecular determinants of this reciprocal interaction have been identified which are considered as potential targets for developing novel anti-angiocrine therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Pasquier
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France.
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Pegah Ghiabi
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Laboratory of Genetic Medicine and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kais Razzouk
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Arash Rafii
- Nice Breast Institute, 57 bld de la Californie, 06000, Nice, France
- Stem Cell & Microenvironment Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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12
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Multiplexed Proteomic Approach for Identification of Serum Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Normal AFP. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020323. [PMID: 31979338 PMCID: PMC7074125 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has been used as a serologic indicator of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify an HCC-specific serum biomarker for diagnosis using a multiplexed proteomic technique in HCC patients with normal AFP levels. A total of 152 patients were included from Guro Hospital, Korea University. Among 267 identified proteins, 28 and 86 proteins showed at least a two-fold elevation or reduction in expression, respectively. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis of 41 proteins revealed 10 proteins were differentially expressed in patients with liver cirrhosis and HCC patients with normal AFP. A combination of tripartite motif22 (Trim22), seprase, and bone morphogenetic protein1 had an area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.957 for HCC diagnosis. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis of the paired tumor/non-tumor liver tissue in HCC revealed a reduced expression of Trim22 in the tumor tissue. Also, serum levels of Trim22 were significantly reduced in HCC patients with normal AFP compared to those with liver cirrhosis (p = 0.032). Inhibition of Trim22 increased cellular proliferation in human hepatoma cell lines, whereas overexpression of Trim22 decreased cellular proliferation in hepatoma cell lines. In conclusion, the combination of three serum markers improved the chance of diagnosing HCC. MRM-based quantification of the serum protein in patients with normal AFP provides the potential for early diagnosis of HCC.
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13
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Zhou Y, Liu Y, Zhang J, Yu D, Li A, Song H, Zhang W, Davis D, Gilbert MR, Liu F, Yang C. Autocrine BMP4 Signaling Enhances Tumor Aggressiveness via Promoting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in IDH1-mutant Gliomas. Transl Oncol 2019; 13:125-134. [PMID: 31865175 PMCID: PMC6926316 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1/2) mutations are frequent genetic abnormalities in the majority of WHO grade II/III glioma and secondary GBM. IDH1-mutated (IDH1Mut) glioma exhibits distinctive patterns in cancer biology and metabolism. In the present study, we showed that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP4) are significantly upregulated in IDH1Mut glioma. Further, we demonstrated that cancer-associated BMP4 is secreted to tumor microenvironment, which enhances the tumor migration and invasion through an autocrine manner. Mechanistically, BMP4 activates its receptor and concomitant SMAD1/5/8 signaling, which potentiates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by enhancing Frizzled receptor expression. LDN-193189, a selective BMP receptor inhibitor, prolonged the overall survival of mice bearing IDH1-mutated intracranial xenografts by limiting BMP/catenin signaling. These findings demonstrate the pivotal role of BMP4 on tumor aggressiveness in IDH1Mut gliomas, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy for this type of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiang Zhou
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Junwen Zhang
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Di Yu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aiguo Li
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hua Song
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dionne Davis
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark R Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fusheng Liu
- Brain Tumor Research Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Chunzhang Yang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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14
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Mano Y, Yoshio S, Shoji H, Tomonari S, Aoki Y, Aoyanagi N, Okamoto T, Matsuura Y, Osawa Y, Kimura K, Yugawa K, Wang H, Oda Y, Yoshizumi T, Maehara Y, Kanto T. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 provides cancer-supportive phenotypes to liver fibroblasts in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol 2019; 54:1007-1018. [PMID: 30941514 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-019-01579-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are essential constituents of cancer-supportive microenvironments. The high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in advanced fibrosis patients implies that fibroblasts have a promoting effect on HCC development. We aimed to explore the regulators of phenotypes and function of CAFs in the liver. METHODS We established primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and non-cancerous liver fibroblasts (NFs) from 15 patients who underwent HCC resection. We compared phenotypes, capacity of cytokine/chemokine production and gene expression profiles between pairs of CAFs and NFs from the same donors. We examined resected tissue from additional 50 patients with HCC for immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS The CAFs expressed more ACTA2 and COL1A1 than the NFs, suggesting that CAFs are more activated phenotype. The CAFs produced larger amounts of IL-6, IL-8 and CCL2 than the NFs, which led to invasiveness of HuH7 in vitro. We found that Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 (BMP4) is up-regulated in CAFs compared to NFs. The CAF phenotype and function were gained by BMP4 over-expression or recombinant BMP4 given to fibroblasts, all of which decreased with BMP4 knockdown. In tissues obtained from the patients, BMP4-positive cells are mainly observed in encapsulated fibrous lesions and HCC. Positive expression of BMP4 in HCC in resected tissues, not in fibroblasts, was associated with poorer postoperative overall survival in patients with HCC. CONCLUSION Endogenous and exogenous BMP4 activate liver fibroblasts to gain capacity of secreting cytokines and enhancing invasiveness of cancer cells in the liver. BMP4 is one of the regulatory factors of CAFs functioning in the microenvironment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Mano
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.,Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Yoshio
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Shimagaki Tomonari
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.,Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Aoki
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Aoyanagi
- Department of Surgery, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Osawa
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kimura
- Department of Hepatology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyohei Yugawa
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Huanlin Wang
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Kanto
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-7-1, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8516, Japan.
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15
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Mihajlović J, Diehl LAM, Hochhaus A, Clement JH. Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein signaling reduces viability, growth and migratory potential of non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:2675-2687. [PMID: 31531741 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-03026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE BMP signaling has an oncogenic and tumor-suppressing activity in lung cancer that makes the prospective therapeutic utility of BMP signaling in lung cancer treatment complex. A more in-depth analysis of lung cancer subtypes is needed to identify BMP-related therapeutic targets. We sought to examine the influence of BMP signaling on the viability, growth and migration properties of the cell line LCLC-103H, which originates from a large cell lung carcinoma with giant cells and an extended aneuploidy. METHODS We used BMP-4 and LDN-214117 as agonist/antagonist system for the BMP receptor type I signaling. Using flow cytometry, wound healing assay, trans-well assay and spheroid culture, we examined the influence of BMP signaling on cell viability, growth and migration. Molecular mechanisms underlying observed changes in cell migration were investigated via gene expression analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. RESULTS BMP signaling inhibition resulted in LCLC-103H cell apoptosis and necrosis 72 h after LDN-214117 treatment. Cell growth and proliferation are markedly affected by BMP signaling inhibition. Chemotactic motility and migratory ability of LCLC-103H cells were clearly hampered by LDN-214117 treatment. Cell migration changes after BMP signaling inhibition were shown to be coupled with considerable down-regulation of transcription factors involved in EMT, especially Snail. CONCLUSIONS BMP signaling inhibition in LCLC-103H cells leads to reduced growth and proliferation, hindered migration and accelerated cell death. The findings contribute to the pool of evidence on BMP signaling in lung cancer with a possibility of introducing BMP signaling inhibition as a novel therapeutic approach for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Mihajlović
- Klinik Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura A M Diehl
- Klinik Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Hochhaus
- Klinik Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Joachim H Clement
- Klinik Innere Medizin II, Abteilung Hämatologie und Internistische Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany.
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16
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BMP2 secretion from hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG2 enhances angiogenesis and tumor growth in endothelial cells via activation of the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:237. [PMID: 31387619 PMCID: PMC6683571 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1301-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumors globally, with varying prevalence based on endemic risk factors. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities in various tissues including angiogenesis. Here, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of BMP2 in HCC by mediating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p38 signaling pathway. Methods BMP2 expression was quantified in HCC and adjacent tissues. BMP2 gain- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted by infection with lentivirus over-expressing BMP2 or expressing shRNA against BMP2. The angiogenesis was evaluated with HepG2 cells co-cultured with ECV304 cells. SB-239063 was applied to inhibit the activation of the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway so as to identify the significance of this pathway in HCC progression. Finally, in vivo experiments were conducted to identify the role of BMP2 and the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Results BMP2 was highly expressed in HCC. Over-expression of BMP2 was found to accelerate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, microvascular density, and angiogenesis and decrease cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. BMP2 silencing exhibited inhibitory effects on HCC cell invasion and angiogenesis. The co-culture system illustrated that HepG2 cells secreted BMP2 in ECV304, and silenced BMP2 in HepG2 cells resulted in the inactivation of the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway, thus suppressing cancer progression, tumor growth, and angiogenesis in HCC. Conclusion Taken together, the key findings of this study propose that silencing of BMP2 inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in HCC, highlighting BMP2 silencing as a potential strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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17
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Arndt S, Karrer S, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-6 Inhibits Fibrogenesis in Scleroderma Offering Treatment Options for Fibrotic Skin Disease. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:1914-1924.e6. [PMID: 30878675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BMP6 is known to be crucial for regulating embryonic skin development. This study assessed the role of BMP6 in dermal fibrosis. We detected that BMP6 is significantly increased in skin-derived fibroblasts of patients with localized scleroderma. Moreover, it was shown that BMP6 significantly impacts proliferation, migration, cytoskeletal organization, and collagen expression, as well as activity of the major pro-fibrogenic transcription factor AP-1 in dermal fibroblasts. The importance of BMP6 in dermal fibrosis was further confirmed in an in vivo model of dermal fibrosis in which BMP6-deficient mice showed significantly enhanced fibrosis compared with wild-type mice. Conversely, application of recombinant BMP6 significantly ameliorated dermal fibrosis in this preclinical bleomycin-induced sclerosis model, and herewith provided proof of concept for the successful treatment of this fibrotic skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Karrer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany.
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18
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Ning J, Zhao Y, Ye Y, Yu J. Opposing roles and potential antagonistic mechanism between TGF-β and BMP pathways: Implications for cancer progression. EBioMedicine 2019; 41:702-710. [PMID: 30808576 PMCID: PMC6442991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily participates in tumour proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration, invasion, immune evasion and extracellular matrix remodelling. Genetic deficiency in distinct components of TGF-β and BMP-induced signalling pathways or their excessive activation has been reported to regulate the development and progression of some cancers. As more in-depth studies about this superfamily have been conducted, more evidence suggests that the TGF-β and BMP pathways play an opposing role. The cross-talk of these 2 pathways has been widely studied in kidney disease and bone formation, and the opposing effects have also been observed in some cancers. However, the antagonistic mechanisms are still insufficiently investigated in cancer. In this review, we aim to display more evidences and possible mechanisms accounting for the antagonism between these 2 pathways, which might provide some clues for further study in cancer. Describe the basics of TGF-β and BMP signalling Summarize the potential mechanisms accounting for the antagonism between TGF-β and BMP pathways Provide some evidence about the antagonistic effects between pathways observed in some cancers
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Ning
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China; Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Information Processing, Advanced Computer Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Computer Architecture, Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yingnan Ye
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China; Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, PR China.
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19
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Hughes A, Dhoot GK. Dysregulated cancer cell transdifferentiation into erythrocytes is an additional metabolic stress in hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2018; 40:1010428318811467. [DOI: 10.1177/1010428318811467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of human and canine hepatocellular carcinoma tissues showed clear signs of hypoxia indicated by HIF1α-activation and the presence of large clusters of cells resembling erythrocytes at different stages of nuclear elimination without any defined endothelial cell lining or blood vessel walls. Differentiated erythrocytic identity of such cells in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was apparent from their non-nucleated and evolving basophilic to eosinophilic staining characteristics. In addition to the fully differentiated non-nucleated mesenchymal cell clusters, the onset of erythroblastic transdifferentiation was apparent from the activation of Glycophorin A, a marker of erythrocytic progenitors, in some epithelial cancer cells. Activation of canonical Wnt signalling in such tumours was apparent from the expression of Wnt2 ligand and active β-catenin translocation into the nucleus indicating Wnt signalling to be one of the key signalling pathways participating in such cell transdifferentiation. Sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein signalling along with Sulf1/Sulf2 activation was also observed in such hepatocellular carcinoma tissue samples. The presence of stem cell markers and the cell signalling pathways associated with erythropoiesis, and the detection of messenger RNAs for both α and β haemoglobins, support the assumption that hepatocellular carcinoma cells have the potential to undergo cell fate change despite this process being dysregulated as indicated by the lack of simultaneous generation of endothelial cell lining. Lack of blood vessel walls or endothelial cell lining around erythrocytic clusters was confirmed by non-detection of multiple blood vessel markers such as vWF, CD146 and smooth muscle α-actin that were clearly apparent in normal and unaffected adjacent regions of hepatocellular carcinoma livers. In addition to the activation of Glycophorin A, transdifferentiation of some hepatocellular carcinoma hepatocytes into other cell fates was further confirmed by the activation of some stem cell markers, for example, NANOG and OCT4 transcription factors, not only by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction but also by their restricted expression in such cells at protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Hughes
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Gurtej K Dhoot
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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20
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Deng G, Zeng S, Qu Y, Luo Q, Guo C, Yin L, Han Y, Li Y, Cai C, Fu Y, Shen H. BMP4 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation by autophagy activation through JNK1-mediated Bcl-2 phosphorylation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:156. [PMID: 30012194 PMCID: PMC6048721 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process with complicated roles in tumor development. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF-β) family of regulatory proteins, plays a crucial role in human malignancies. However, whether BMP4 contributes to the regulation of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains elusive. Methods Functional analysis of BMP4 on HCC proliferation and autophagy was performed both in vitro and in vivo in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells. Autophagic activity was estimated by Western blot for autophagic marker proteins and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transfection of mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus was applied to observe autophagic flux and high content screening was used for quantification. The signaling pathway of BMP4-regulated HCC proliferation and autophagy was investigated by Western blot. Results BMP4 treatment promoted HCC cells proliferation and induced autophagy. The in vivo xenograft model supported that BMP4 overexpression promoted the growth of HCC cells and autophagy induction while BMP4 knockdown exerted the opposite effect. 3-MA pre-treatment or knockdown of Beclin-1 (BECN1) blocked HCC autophagy by decreasing the expression of LC3-II and subsequently attenuated BMP4-induced autophagy and cells proliferation enhanced by BMP4 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic study revealed that the induction of autophagy by BMP4 was mediated through activating the JNK1/Bcl2 pathway. Furthermore, the JNK1 inhibitor and knockdown of JNK1 could attenuate autophagy induced by BMP4 and eliminated BMP4-promoted HCC cells growth. Conclusions BMP4 promoted HCC proliferation by autophagy activation through JNK1/Bcl-2 signaling. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0828-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganlu Deng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yanling Qu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qingqing Luo
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Cao Guo
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Yin
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yaojie Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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21
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Chen C, Lou T. Hypoxia inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46691-46703. [PMID: 28493839 PMCID: PMC5542303 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers with limited therapeutic options. Pathogenesis of this disease involves tumor hypoxia and the activation of hypoxia inducible factors. In this review, we describe the current understanding of hypoxia signaling pathway and summarize the expression, function and target genes of hypoxia inducible factors in hepatocellular carcinoma. We also highlight the recent progress in hypoxia-targeted therapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss further the future efforts for the study of hypoxia and/or hypoxia inducible factors in this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Lou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, Zhejiang, China
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22
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Cao X, Xu L, Liu Q, Yang L, Li N, Li X. MicroRNA-1277 Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells by Targeting and Suppressing BMP4 Expression and Reflects the Significant Indicative Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Pathology and Diagnosis After Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment. Oncol Res 2018; 27:301-309. [PMID: 29562958 PMCID: PMC7848408 DOI: 10.3727/096504018x15213058045841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to investigate the roles and possible regulatory mechanism of miR-1277 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC patients were identified from patients who were diagnosed with focal liver lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The expression levels of miR-1277 in the serum of HCC patients and HepG2 cells were measured. Then miR-1277 mimic, miR-1277 inhibitor, or scramble RNA was transfected into HepG2 cells. The effects of miR-1277 overexpression and suppression on HepG2 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were then investigated. Additionally, the expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, including E-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin, were detected. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assay were performed to explore the potential target of miR-1277. miR-1277 was significantly downregulated in the serum of HCC patients and HepG2 cells. Suppression of miR-1277 promoted HepG2 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas overexpression of miR-1277 had opposite effects. In addition, after miR-1277 was suppressed, the expressions of E-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly increased, while the expressions of vimentin were markedly decreased. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) was identified as the direct target of miR-1277. Knockdown of BMP4 reversed the effects of miR-1277 suppression on HepG2 cell migration and invasion, as well as the expressions of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin. Our results indicate that downregulation of miR-1277 may promote the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells by targeting BMP4 to induce EMT. Combination of MRI and miR-1277 level will facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinshan Cao
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Liver Disease Center, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Binzhou City, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Quanyuan Liu
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Yang
- Department of Experiment Center of Tumor, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Department of Radiology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, P.R. China
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23
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Zhang L, Ye Y, Long X, Xiao P, Ren X, Yu J. BMP signaling and its paradoxical effects in tumorigenesis and dissemination. Oncotarget 2018; 7:78206-78218. [PMID: 27661009 PMCID: PMC5363655 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play important roles in embryonic and postnatal development by regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, motility, and survival, thus maintaining homeostasis during organ and tissue development. BMPs can lead to tumorigenesis and regulate cancer progression in different stages. Therefore, we summarized studies on BMP expression, the clinical significance of BMP dysfunction in various cancer types, and the molecular regulation of various BMP-related signaling pathways. We emphasized on the paradoxical effects of BMPs on various aspects of carcinogenesis, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), and angiogenesis. We also reviewed the molecular mechanisms by which BMPs regulate tumor generation and progression as well as potential therapeutic targets against BMPs that might be valuable in preventing tumor growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Yingnan Ye
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Long
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Pei Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin, P. R. China.,Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Caner, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, P. R. China
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24
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Ma J, Zeng S, Zhang Y, Deng G, Qu Y, Guo C, Yin L, Han Y, Cai C, Li Y, Wang G, Bonkovsky HL, Shen H. BMP4 promotes oxaliplatin resistance by an induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition via MEK1/ERK/ELK1 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 411:117-129. [PMID: 28987388 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is a key regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is crucial for cancer cells to acquire chemoresistance. The effects of BMP4 on OXA sensitivity in HCC need to be elucidated. METHODS Functional analysis of BMP4 on EMT-regulated OXA sensitivity was performed in human HCC specimens, in the HCC cell lines HepG2 and HCCLM3, and in a subcutaneous tumor model receiving OXA treatment. The downstream signaling targets of BMP4 in HCC were profiled and confirmed. RESULTS BMP4 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissue, and was correlated with tumor de-differentiation and unfavorable prognosis. BMP4 promoted HCC EMT and was correlated with OXA resistance. Blocking of BMP4 reversed EMT and increased OXA chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. ELK1, a transcription factor involved in EMT, was an important mediator of BMP4-induced OXA resistance in HCC. Blocking of MEK/ERK/ELK1 attenuated BMP4-induced EMT and enhanced OXA sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS BMP4 induces EMT and OXA chemoresistance via MEK/ERK/ELK1 signaling pathway in HCC. BMP4 may be a valuable therapeutic target for HCC patients receiving OXA-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Ma
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yanling Qu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Cao Guo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ling Yin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Guqi Wang
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA; Whole Pharm Biotechnology Corp., Matthews, NC 28105, USA
| | - Herbert L Bonkovsky
- School of Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA.
| | - Hong Shen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China; Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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25
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Goto F, Kakinuma S, Miyoshi M, Tsunoda T, Kaneko S, Sato A, Asano Y, Otani S, Azuma S, Nagata H, Kawai-Kitahata F, Murakawa M, Nitta S, Itsui Y, Nakagawa M, Asahina Y, Watanabe M. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 modulates proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:941-952. [PMID: 27670640 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, play central roles in liver organogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and terminal differentiation of such cells have not been completely elucidated. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is essential for the development of stem cells in various tissues, but its function in regulating the phenotype of hepatoblasts after the mid-gestational fetal stage remains unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify a functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts in mid-gestational fetal livers. METHODS A functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts was validated by assay of colony formation, biliary luminal formation, and hepatic maturation using primary hepatoblasts in vitro. Molecular mechanisms regulating such effects of BMP-4 on primary hepatoblasts were also analyzed. RESULTS Stimulation of BMP-4 upregulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in hepatoblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 significantly suppressed colony formation of primary hepatoblasts in a dose-dependent manner, significantly suppressed cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts, and promoted hepatic maturation of primary hepatoblasts. Stimulation of BMP-4 regulated the activation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Akt, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα in primary hepatoblasts. Moreover, Wnt5a, a molecule regulating cholangiocytic luminal formation, and BMP-4 coordinately suppressed proliferation and cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts. CONCLUSION This study shows that BMP-4-mediated signaling controls proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Goto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei Kakinuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department for Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Asano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishin Azuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fukiko Kawai-Kitahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nitta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Itsui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department for Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Omar R, Yang J, Liu H, Davies NM, Gong Y. Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis and siRNA-Based Therapy. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 172:1-37. [PMID: 27534415 DOI: 10.1007/112_2016_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response to either acute or chronic liver injury caused by hepatitis B or C, alcohol, and toxic agents. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation and reduced degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive accumulation of ECM alters the hepatic architecture leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cirrhosis results in failure of common functions of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis as HSC are the main source of the excessive production of ECM in an injured liver. RNA interference (RNAi) is a recently discovered therapeutic tool that may provide a solution to manage multiple diseases including liver fibrosis through silencing of specific gene expression in diseased cells. However, gene silencing using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is encountering many challenges in the body after systemic administration. Efficient and stable siRNA delivery to the target cells is a key issue for the development of siRNA therapeutic. For that reason, various viral and non-viral carriers for liver-targeted siRNA delivery have been developed. This review will cover the current strategies for the treatment of liver fibrosis as well as discussing non-viral approaches such as cationic polymers and lipid-based nanoparticles for targeted delivery of siRNA to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refaat Omar
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Haoyuan Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
| | - Neal M Davies
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, 8613-114 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H1
| | - Yuewen Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3E 0T5.
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27
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Ma J, Zeng S, Zhang Y, Deng G, Qu Y, Guo C, Yin L, Han Y, Shen H. BMP4 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression via ID2/CDKN1B signaling. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2279-2289. [PMID: 28543546 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis, but the effects and signaling mechanisms of BMP4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not clearly clarified. The present study aimed to identify the roles of BMP4 in the proliferation of human HCC. In this study, BMP4 expression and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics and the survival of HCC patients were analyzed in two independent cohorts consisting of 310 subjects. Functional analysis of BMP4 on HCC proliferation was performed in vitro and in vivo in human HCC specimens, HCC cells of Bel-7402 and HCCLM3, and subcutaneous tumor model. The downstream signaling targets of BMP4 in HCC were investigated by PCR Array and Western blot. The results indicated that BMP4 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissues and closely related with unfavorable prognosis of HCC. BMP4 treatment increased cell proliferation and promoted G1/S cell cycle progression. In vivo subcutaneous tumor of nude mice model supported that BMP4 overexpression promoted the growth of HCC cells and BMP4 knockdown hold the opposite trend. Id2 was directly upregulated by BMP4, resulting in the mediated expression of cell cycle regulatory protein of CDKN1B. Blocking of Id2 attenuated BMP4-induced proliferation, confirming the important roles of Id2 in BMP4-mediated proliferation in HCC. So BMP4 is overexpressed in HCC tissues and acts as a poor prognostic factor of HCC patients. BMP4-induced ID2/CDKN1B signaling facilitates proliferation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Ma
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ganlu Deng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanling Qu
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cao Guo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Yin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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28
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Pickup MW, Owens P, Moses HL. TGF-β, Bone Morphogenetic Protein, and Activin Signaling and the Tumor Microenvironment. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017; 9:cshperspect.a022285. [PMID: 28062564 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cellular and noncellular components surrounding the tumor cells influence many aspects of tumor progression. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and activins have been shown to regulate the phenotype and functions of the microenvironment and are attractive targets to attenuate protumorigenic microenvironmental changes. Given the pleiotropic nature of the cytokines involved, a full understanding of their effects on numerous cell types in many contexts is necessary for proper clinical intervention. In this review, we will explore the various effects of TGF-β, BMP, and activin signaling on stromal phenotypes known to associate with cancer progression. We will summarize these findings in the context of their tumor suppressive or promoting effects, as well as the molecular changes that these cytokines induce to influence stromal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Pickup
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
| | - Harold L Moses
- Department of Cancer Biology and Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232
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29
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BMP4 promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by an induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition via upregulating ID2. Cancer Lett 2017; 390:67-76. [PMID: 28093286 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a crucial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediator, in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients heretofore has not been elucidated. The present study analyzed BMP4 expression in tumors and paired non-tumorous liver tissue and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics from two independent cohorts consisting of 420 HCC patients. Functional analysis of BMP4 was performed in Bel-7402 and HCCLM3 HCC cells, and in a murine HCC model. The downstream targets of BMP4 in HCC were screened and confirmed. The results indicated that BMP4 expression was significantly increased in HCC tissue and highly metastatic HCC cells. BMP4 expression was correlated with vein invasion, overall survival and recurrence-free survival of HCC. BMP4 promoted HCC EMT and metastasis in vitro, and consistently in vivo. BMP4 knockdown blocked EMT and tumor metastasis in nude mice. ID2 was up-regulated by recombinant human BMP4, resulting in HCC EMT. Knockdown of ID2 blocked BMP4-induced EMT. In conclusion, BMP4 promotes invasion and metastasis of HCC by an induction of EMT via up-regulating ID2. BMP4 may be a valuable prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target for HCC therapy.
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30
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Wang H, Lindborg C, Lounev V, Kim JH, McCarrick-Walmsley R, Xu M, Mangiavini L, Groppe JC, Shore EM, Schipani E, Kaplan FS, Pignolo RJ. Cellular Hypoxia Promotes Heterotopic Ossification by Amplifying BMP Signaling. J Bone Miner Res 2016; 31:1652-65. [PMID: 27027798 PMCID: PMC5010462 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia and inflammation are implicated in the episodic induction of heterotopic endochondral ossification (HEO); however, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. HIF-1α integrates the cellular response to both hypoxia and inflammation and is a prime candidate for regulating HEO. We investigated the role of hypoxia and HIF-1α in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), the most catastrophic form of HEO in humans. We found that HIF-1α increases the intensity and duration of canonical bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling through Rabaptin 5 (RABEP1)-mediated retention of Activin A receptor, type I (ACVR1), a BMP receptor, in the endosomal compartment of hypoxic connective tissue progenitor cells from patients with FOP. We further show that early inflammatory FOP lesions in humans and in a mouse model are markedly hypoxic, and inhibition of HIF-1α by genetic or pharmacologic means restores canonical BMP signaling to normoxic levels in human FOP cells and profoundly reduces HEO in a constitutively active Acvr1(Q207D/+) mouse model of FOP. Thus, an inflammation and cellular oxygen-sensing mechanism that modulates intracellular retention of a mutant BMP receptor determines, in part, its pathologic activity in FOP. Our study provides critical insight into a previously unrecognized role of HIF-1α in the hypoxic amplification of BMP signaling and in the episodic induction of HEO in FOP and further identifies HIF-1α as a therapeutic target for FOP and perhaps nongenetic forms of HEO. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carter Lindborg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vitali Lounev
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jung-Hoon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruth McCarrick-Walmsley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meiqi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Mangiavini
- Departments of Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jay C Groppe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eileen M Shore
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ernestina Schipani
- Departments of Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Frederick S Kaplan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert J Pignolo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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31
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García de Vinuesa A, Abdelilah-Seyfried S, Knaus P, Zwijsen A, Bailly S. BMP signaling in vascular biology and dysfunction. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2015; 27:65-79. [PMID: 26823333 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The vascular system is critical for developmental growth, tissue homeostasis and repair but also for tumor development. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling has recently emerged as a fundamental pathway of the endothelium by regulating cardiovascular and lymphatic development and by being causative for several vascular dysfunctions. Two vascular disorders have been directly linked to impaired BMP signaling: pulmonary arterial hypertension and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Endothelial BMP signaling critically depends on the cellular context, which includes among others vascular heterogeneity, exposure to flow, and the intertwining with other signaling cascades (Notch, WNT, Hippo and hypoxia). The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent findings illustrating the clear need for reconsidering the role of BMPs in vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya García de Vinuesa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Salim Abdelilah-Seyfried
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam University, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - An Zwijsen
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sabine Bailly
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM, U1036), Grenoble F-38000, France; Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Grenoble F-38000, France; Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France.
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García-Álvaro M, Addante A, Roncero C, Fernández M, Fabregat I, Sánchez A, Herrera B. BMP9-Induced Survival Effect in Liver Tumor Cells Requires p38MAPK Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:20431-48. [PMID: 26343646 PMCID: PMC4613212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160920431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) role in tumorigenic processes, and specifically in the liver, has gathered importance in the last few years. Previous studies have shown that BMP9 is overexpressed in about 40% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In vitro data have also shown evidence that BMP9 has a pro-tumorigenic action, not only by inducing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration, but also by promoting proliferation and survival in liver cancer cells. However, the precise mechanisms driving these effects have not yet been established. In the present work, we deepened our studies into the intracellular mechanisms implicated in the BMP9 proliferative and pro-survival effect on liver tumor cells. In HepG2 cells, BMP9 induces both Smad and non-Smad signaling cascades, specifically PI3K/AKT and p38MAPK. However, only the p38MAPK pathway contributes to the BMP9 growth-promoting effect on these cells. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that p38MAPK activation, although dispensable for the BMP9 proliferative activity, is required for the BMP9 protective effect on serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the BMP9 pro-tumorigenic role in liver tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- María García-Álvaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Cesáreo Roncero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Margarita Fernández
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) and University of Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona 08908, Spain.
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid. San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Plaza Ramón y Cajal S/N, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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Higher Matrix Stiffness Upregulates Osteopontin Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Mediated by Integrin β1/GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134243. [PMID: 26280346 PMCID: PMC4539226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased stromal stiffness is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. However, the molecular mechanism by which matrix stiffness stimuli modulate HCC progress is largely unknown. In this study, we explored whether matrix stiffness-mediated effects on osteopontin (OPN) expression occur in HCC cells. We used a previously reported in vitro culture system with tunable matrix stiffness and found that OPN expression was remarkably upregulated in HCC cells with increasing matrix stiffness. Furthermore, the phosphorylation level of GSK3β and the expression of nuclear β-catenin were also elevated, indicating that GSK3β/β-catenin pathway might be involved in OPN regulation. Knock-down analysis of integrin β1 showed that OPN expression and p-GSK3β level were downregulated in HCC cells grown on high stiffness substrate compared with controls. Simultaneously, inhibition of GSK-3β led to accumulation of β-catenin in the cytoplasm and its enhanced nuclear translocation, further triggered the rescue of OPN expression, suggesting that the integrin β1/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway is specifically activated for matrix stiffness-mediated OPN upregulation in HCC cells. Tissue microarray analysis confirmed that OPN expression was positively correlated with the expression of LOX and COL1. Taken together, high matrix stiffness upregulated OPN expression in HCC cells via the integrin β1/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. It highlights a new insight into a pathway involving physical mechanical signal and biochemical signal molecules which contributes to OPN expression in HCC cells.
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Schley G, Scholz H, Kraus A, Hackenbeck T, Klanke B, Willam C, Wiesener MS, Heinze E, Burzlaff N, Eckardt KU, Buchholz B. Hypoxia inhibits nephrogenesis through paracrine Vegfa despite the ability to enhance tubulogenesis. Kidney Int 2015. [PMID: 26200943 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2015.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reduced nephron number predisposes to hypertension and kidney disease. Interaction of the branching ureteric bud and surrounding mesenchymal cells determines nephron number. Since oxygen supply may be critical for intrauterine development, we tested whether hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) influence nephrogenesis. We found that HIF-1α is required for branching of MDCK cells. In addition, culture of metanephric mouse kidneys with ureteric bud cell-specific stabilization or knockout of HIF-1α revealed a positive impact of HIF-1α on nephrogenesis. In contrast, widespread stabilization of HIF-1α in metanephric kidneys through hypoxia or HIF stabilizers impaired nephrogenesis, and pharmacological HIF inhibition enhanced nephrogenesis. Several lines of evidence suggest an inhibitory effect through the hypoxia response of mesenchymal cells. HIF-1α was expressed in mesenchymal cells during nephrogenesis. Expression of the anti-branching factors Bmp4 and Vegfa, secreted by mesenchymal cells, was increased upon HIF stabilization. The conditioned medium from hypoxic metanephric kidneys inhibited MDCK branching, which was partially rescued by Vegfa antibodies. Thus, the effect of HIF-1α on nephrogenesis appears context dependent. While HIF-1α in the ureteric bud is of importance for proper branching morphogenesis, the net effect of hypoxia-induced HIF activation in the embryonic kidney appears to be mesenchymal cell-dependent inhibition of ureter branching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schley
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Holger Scholz
- Department of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andre Kraus
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Hackenbeck
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Klanke
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carsten Willam
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael S Wiesener
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Heinze
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Burzlaff
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bjoern Buchholz
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Arndt S, Wacker E, Dorn C, Koch A, Saugspier M, Thasler WE, Hartmann A, Bosserhoff AK, Hellerbrand C. Enhanced expression of BMP6 inhibits hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Gut 2015; 64:973-81. [PMID: 25011936 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2014-306968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) has been identified as crucial regulator of iron homeostasis. However, its further role in liver pathology including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of BMP6 in chronic liver disease. DESIGN BMP6 was analysed in hepatic samples from murine models of chronic liver injury and patients with chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, a tissue microarray comprising 110 human liver tissues with different degree of steatosis and inflammation was assessed. BMP6-deficient (BMP6(-/-)) and wild-type mice were compared in two dietary NASH-models, that is, methionine choline-deficient (MCD) and high-fat (HF) diets. RESULTS BMP6 was solely upregulated in NAFLD but not in other murine liver injury models or diseased human livers. In NAFLD, BMP6 expression correlated with hepatic steatosis but not with inflammation or hepatocellular damage. Also, in vitro cellular lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes induced increased BMP6 expression. MCD and HF diets caused more hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in BMP6(-/-) compared with wild-type mice. However, only in the MCD and not in the HF diet model BMP6(-/-) mice developed marked hepatic iron overload, suggesting that further mechanisms are responsible for protective BMP6 effect. In vitro analysis revealed that recombinant BMP6 inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and reduced proinflammatory and profibrogenic gene expression in already activated HSCs. CONCLUSIONS Steatosis-induced upregulation of BMP6 in NAFLD is hepatoprotective. Induction of BMP6-signalling may be a promising antifibrogenic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Eva Wacker
- Institute of Pathology, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Dorn
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Saugspier
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Grosshadern Tissue Bank and Center for Liver Cell Research, Department of Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Valletta D, Czech B, Spruss T, Ikenberg K, Wild P, Hartmann A, Weiss TS, Oefner PJ, Müller M, Bosserhoff AK, Hellerbrand C. Regulation and function of the atypical cadherin FAT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:1407-15. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Zheng Y, Wang X, Wang H, Yan W, Zhang Q, Chang X. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth and migration through downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:5189-98. [PMID: 24573607 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-1673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Previous studies have suggested that abnormal expression of BMP-4, BMP-7, and BMP-9 is correlated with tumor progression in HCC, but the role played by BMP-2 in HCC has not yet been reported. To determine the role of BMP-2 in HCC, we first investigated the effect of exogenous BMP-2 on the growth of the cell lines HCC SK-Hep-1, Hep G2, and Hep 3B. Next, we studied the function of BMP-2 in SK-Hep-1 HCC cell line using a recombinant lentivirus vector to deliver BMP-2. We also used siRNA to silence endogenous BMP-2 expression in the HCC Hep 3B cell line. Then, cell growth and migration were assayed in vitro using WST-8, wound-healing, and transwell invasion assays. Cellular apoptosis and cell-cycle distribution were assessed using flow cytometry. We also investigated the effects of BMP-2 overexpression and knockdown on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85α (PI3Kp85α), Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, p21, and cyclin E. As a result, we observed that BMP-2 inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. Furthermore, HCC cell proliferation and migration were significantly diminished by BMP-2 overexpression, as was indicated by WST-8, would healing, and transwell assays, while knockdown of BMP-2 led to an increase in proliferation and migration of Hep 3B cells. BMP-2 overexpression significantly increased the susceptibility of SK-Hep-1 cells to low-serum-induced apoptosis, while BMP-2 knockdown reduced the susceptibility of Hep 3B cells. Overexpression of BMP-2 induced G1 phase arrest through upregulation of p21. When BMP-2 expression was elevated in SK-Hep-1 cells, the expression of PI3Kp85α, p-AKT, PCNA, and MMP-2 declined. These results suggest that BMP-2 exerts an inhibitory effect on the growth and migration of HCC cells, possibly via a blockade of PI3K/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zheng
- Department of Anesthesia, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 6 Beijing Road West, Huai'an, Jiangsu, 223300, People's Republic of China,
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Rowe IA, Galsinh SK, Wilson GK, Parker R, Durant S, Lazar C, Branza-Nichita N, Bicknell R, Adams DH, Balfe P, McKeating JA. Paracrine signals from liver sinusoidal endothelium regulate hepatitis C virus replication. Hepatology 2014; 59:375-84. [PMID: 23775568 PMCID: PMC3992845 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of global morbidity, causing chronic liver injury that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver is a large and complex organ containing multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), Kupffer cells, and biliary epithelial cells. Hepatocytes are the major reservoir supporting HCV replication; however, the role of nonparenchymal cells in the viral lifecycle remains largely unexplored. LSEC secrete factors that promote HCV infection and transcript analysis identified bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) as a candidate endothelial-expressed proviral molecule. Recombinant BMP4 increased HCV replication and neutralization of BMP4 abrogated the proviral activity of LSEC-conditioned media. Importantly, BMP4 expression was negatively regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) by way of a VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) primed activation of p38 MAPK. Consistent with our in vitro observations, we demonstrate that in normal liver VEGFR-2 is activated and BMP4 expression is suppressed. In contrast, in chronic liver disease including HCV infection where there is marked endothelial cell proliferation, we observed reduced endothelial cell VEGFR-2 activation and a concomitant increase in BMP4 expression. CONCLUSION These studies identify a role for LSEC and BMP4 in HCV infection and highlight BMP4 as a new therapeutic target for treating individuals with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Rowe
- Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK,Centre for Liver Research and NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Sukhdeep K Galsinh
- Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Garrick K Wilson
- Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Richard Parker
- Centre for Liver Research and NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Sarah Durant
- Angiogenesis Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Catalin Lazar
- Viral Glycoproteins Department, Institute of BiochemistryBucharest, Romania
| | | | - Roy Bicknell
- Angiogenesis Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - David H Adams
- Centre for Liver Research and NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Peter Balfe
- Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK,Centre for Liver Research and NIHR Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of BirminghamBirmingham, UK,Address reprint requests to: Professor Jane McKeating, Hepatitis C Virus Research Group, Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham UK B15 2TT. E-mail: fax: +44 (0)1214143599
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Chang J, Erler J. Hypoxia-Mediated Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 772:55-81. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5915-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Wang X, Wang Q, Burczynski FJ, Kong W, Gong Y. Saikosaponin A of Bupleurum chinense (Chaihu) elevates bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) during hepatic stellate cell activation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 20:1330-1335. [PMID: 23969230 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saikosaponin a (SSa) is a compound extracted from a Chinese herb which has been widely used in treating liver diseases such as liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism of SSa in treatment of liver fibrosis still remain unclear. Our previous study demonstrated that BMP4 stimulated the expression of smooth muscle alpha actin (α-SMA) in the liver. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of SSa on BMP4 expression during hepatic stellate cell activation in a human hepatic stellate cell line. METHODS LX-2 cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 with fetal bovine serum and treated with SSa in different times and concentrations. The expression of BMP4 was examined by both RT-PCR and western blot analysis. WST-1 proliferation reagent was used to evaluate cell proliferation. α-SMA and Bax protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS Both mRNA and protein levels of BMP-4 were significantly inhibited in LX-2 cells after 5 μM SSa treatment. SSa significantly inhibited LX-2 proliferation at the concentration of 5μM while BMP-4 had no effect on LX-2 proliferation. BMP-4 increased α-SMA expression in LX-2 while SSa reduced α-SMA expression. In addition SSa could neutralize the effect of BMP-4 on α-SMA expression. SSd also inhibited BMP4 expression but not NG. Bax protein expression was induced in these cells by 5 μM SSa. CONCLUSION SSa could down-regulate BMP-4 expression and inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation. Therefore, SSa could be used for treatment of liver disease with elevated BMP-4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0T5; Department of TCM Basic Clinical Research, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 North No. 3 Road East, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
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Herrera B, García-Álvaro M, Cruz S, Walsh P, Fernández M, Roncero C, Fabregat I, Sánchez A, Inman GJ. BMP9 is a proliferative and survival factor for human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69535. [PMID: 23936038 PMCID: PMC3720667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β family members play a relevant role in tumorigenic processes, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but a specific implication of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) subfamily is still unknown. Although originally isolated from fetal liver, little is known about BMP9, a BMP family member, and its role in liver physiology and pathology. Our results show that BMP9 promotes growth in HCC cells, but not in immortalized human hepatocytes. In the liver cancer cell line HepG2, BMP9 triggers Smad1,5,8 phosphorylation and inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id1) expression up- regulation. Importantly, by using chemical inhibitors, ligand trap and gene silencing approaches we demonstrate that HepG2 cells autocrinely produce BMP9 that supports their proliferation and anchorage independent growth. Additionally, our data reveal that in HepG2 cells BMP9 triggers cell cycle progression, and strikingly, completely abolishes the increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells induced by long-term incubation in low serum. Collectively, our data unveil a dual role for BMP9, both promoting a proliferative response and exerting a remarkable anti-apoptotic function in HepG2 cells, which result in a robust BMP9 effect on liver cancer cell growth. Finally, we show that BMP9 expression is increased in 40% of human HCC tissues compared with normal human liver as revealed by immunohistochemistry analysis, suggesting that BMP9 signaling may be relevant during hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo. Our findings provide new clues for a better understanding of BMPs contribution, and in particular BMP9, in HCC pathogenesis that may result in the development of effective and targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Herrera
- Dep. Bioquímica y Biología Molecular II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
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Lai D, Yang X. BMP4 is a novel transcriptional target and mediator of mammary cell migration downstream of the Hippo pathway component TAZ. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1720-8. [PMID: 23673366 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the metastatic progression of cancers is often fatal with limited treatment options, understanding the mechanism of metastasis is imperative for designing novel and targeted therapies. TAZ has been identified as a novel oncogene in both breast and lung cancers and is inhibited by the Hippo signaling pathway. In this study we provide convincing evidence that overexpression of TAZ in a mammary epithelial cell line, MCF10A, leads to enhanced cell migration - a fundamental characteristic of the metastatic progression of cancers. In addition, we identified the secreted growth factor BMP4 as a mediator of TAZ-induced cell migration. TAZ induces BMP4 transcription through the TEAD family of transcription factors, which mediate BMP4 promoter activation through binding to TEAD response element 1 (TRE1). Importantly, BMP4 activation by TAZ also enhances signaling downstream of TAZ, in particular, promoting Smad1/5 intracellular signaling. Functionally, short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of BMP4 rescued TAZ-induced cell migration. Our findings have identified a novel TAZ/TEAD/BMP4 signaling axis responsible for cell migration, with future implications in the development of targeted therapeutics for metastatic breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulcie Lai
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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Liu B, Chen Q, Tian D, Wu L, Dong H, Wang J, Ji B, Zhu X, Cai Q, Wang L, Zhang S. BMP4 reverses multidrug resistance through modulation of BCL-2 and GDNF in glioblastoma. Brain Res 2013; 1507:115-24. [PMID: 23466456 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients with glioblastoma are commonly treated with chemotherapy. But a significant proportion of patients develop disease progression after an initial response to chemotherapy. Presently, there is no standard of care for such patients. The bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) has been reported to play a tumor-suppressing role in glioblastoma, but its role in glioblastoma multidrug resistance (MDR) is not clear. We reported that BMP4 can reverse MDR of glioblastoma through the inhibition of B-cell lymphoma 2(BCL-2) and glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). We showed that the expression level of BMP4 was lower in glioblastoma compared to normal brain tissue, and also showed that BMP4 expression decreased in multidrug resistance cell line U251/TMZ compared to U251 cells. Our research demonstrated that over-expression of BMP4 can reverse the multidrug resistance. BCL-2 and GDNF were inhibited when BMP4 was over-expressed, and this data were consistent with the negative relationship in human samples; analysis of 40 patient's glioblastoma and brain samples revealed a significant negative correlation between BMP4 and BCL-2, GDNF. When BCL-2 and GDNF were knocked down, the effect of BMP4 in regulating MDR was partially lost. This novel result showed, for the first time, that BMP4 can reverse MDR in glioblastoma, which involved negative inhibition of BCL-2 and GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohui Liu
- Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Street, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China
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Song MA, Tiirikainen M, Kwee S, Okimoto G, Yu H, Wong LL. Elucidating the landscape of aberrant DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55761. [PMID: 23437062 PMCID: PMC3577824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and frequently presents with an advanced disease at diagnosis. There is only limited knowledge of genome-scale methylation changes in HCC. Methods and Findings We performed genome-wide methylation profiling in a total of 47 samples including 27 HCC and 20 adjacent normal liver tissues using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We focused on differential methylation patterns in the promoter CpG islands as well as in various less studied genomic regions such as those surrounding the CpG islands, i.e. shores and shelves. Of the 485,577 loci studied, significant differential methylation (DM) was observed between HCC and adjacent normal tissues at 62,692 loci or 13% (p<1.03e-07). Of them, 61,058 loci (97%) were hypomethylated and most of these loci were located in the intergenic regions (43%) or gene bodies (33%). Our analysis also identified 10,775 differentially methylated (DM) loci (17% out of 62,692 loci) located in or surrounding the gene promoters, 4% of which reside in known Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs) including reprogramming specific DMRs and cancer specific DMRs, while the rest (10,315) involving 4,106 genes could be potential new HCC DMR loci. Interestingly, the promoter-related DM loci occurred twice as frequently in the shores than in the actual CpG islands. We further characterized 982 DM loci in the promoter CpG islands to evaluate their potential biological function and found that the methylation changes could have effect on the signaling networks of Cellular development, Gene expression and Cell death (p = 1.0e-38), with BMP4, CDKN2A, GSTP1, and NFATC1 on the top of the gene list. Conclusion Substantial changes of DNA methylation at a genome-wide level were observed in HCC. Understanding epigenetic changes in HCC will help to elucidate the pathogenesis and may eventually lead to identification of molecular markers for liver cancer diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ae Song
- Genomics Shared Resource, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Maarit Tiirikainen
- Genomics Shared Resource, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- The Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Sandi Kwee
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hamamatsu/Queen's PET Imaging Center, Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Gordon Okimoto
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Herbert Yu
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Linda L. Wong
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Li Q, Gu X, Weng H, Ghafoory S, Liu Y, Feng T, Dzieran J, Li L, Ilkavets I, Kruithof-de Julio M, Munker S, Marx A, Piiper A, Augusto Alonso E, Gretz N, Gao C, Wölfl S, Dooley S, Breitkopf-Heinlein K. Bone morphogenetic protein-9 induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:398-408. [PMID: 23281849 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important mechanism to initiate cancer invasion and metastasis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily. It has been suggested to play a role in cancer development in some non-hepatic tumors. In the present study, two hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lines, HLE and HepG2, were treated with BMP-9 in vitro, and phenotypic changes and cell motility were analyzed. In situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical analyses were performed with human HCC tissue samples in order to assess expression levels of BMP-9. In vivo, BMP-9 protein and mRNA were expressed in all the tested patients to diverse degrees. At the protein level, mildly positive (1 + ) BMP-9 staining could be observed in 25/41 (61%), and moderately to strongly positive (2 + ) in 16/41 (39%) of the patients. In 27/41 (65%) patients, the BMP-9 protein expression level was consistent with the mRNA expression level as measured by ISH. In those patients with 2 + protein level, nuclear pSmad1 expression in cancer cells was also significantly increased. Expression of BMP-9 was positively related to nuclear Snail expression and reversely correlated to cell surface E-cadherin expression, although this did not reach statistical significance. Expression levels of BMP-9 were significantly associated with the T stages of the investigated tumors and high levels of BMP-9 were detected by immunofluorescence especially at the tumor borders in samples from an HCC mouse model. In vitro, BMP-9 treatment caused a reduction of E-cadherin and ZO-1 and an induction of Vimentin and Snail expression. Furthermore, cell migration was enhanced by BMP-9 in both HCC cell lines. These results imply that EMT induced by BMP-9 is related to invasiveness of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Medicine II, Section Molecular Hepatology - Alcohol Associated Diseases, Medical Faculty Mannheim at Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Bone morphogenetic protein 4 expression in multiple normal and tumor tissues reveals its importance beyond development. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:10-21. [PMID: 22899288 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are extracellular signaling molecules that belong to the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily and are known to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and motility, especially during development. BMP4 has an indispensable role in vertebrate development while limited information on BMP4 expression and function exists in adult tissues. Nevertheless, its contribution to cancer development and progression has gained increasing interest in recent years. Functional studies, especially in breast cancer, have implicated BMP4 both in inhibition of cell proliferation and in promotion of cell migration and invasion. To gain an insight into the function of BMP4 in normal and cancer tissues, BMP4 protein expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 34 different normal organs/tissues, 34 different tumor types and finally in 486 breast cancer samples where possible associations between BMP4 and clinicopathological parameters were statistically evaluated. In over 20% of normal and malignant tissues, BMP4 was expressed at high level. Strong expression was observed particularly in some normal epithelial cells, such as bladder and stomach, and in squamous cell carcinomas. In breast cancer, strong BMP4 expression was detected in 25% of patients, and was associated with low proliferation index and increased frequency of tumor recurrence. Taken together, BMP4 is expressed in a subset of normal adult tissues and is likely to contribute to tissue homeostasis. However, in tumors, BMP4 expression levels vary considerably, implying diverse roles in different tumor types. This role is biphasic in breast cancer as BMP4 expression is linked to reduced proliferation and increased recurrence, thus corroborating our previous in-vitro functional data.
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Nambotin SB, Tomimaru Y, Merle P, Wands JR, Kim M. Functional consequences of WNT3/Frizzled7-mediated signaling in non-transformed hepatic cells. Oncogenesis 2012; 1:e31. [PMID: 23552403 PMCID: PMC3503290 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2012.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that WNT3 and Frizzled7 (FZD7) expression levelswere upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and that they directly interact to activate the canonical Wnt/β–catenin pathway in HCC cell lines. In this study, we investigated the functional consequences of WNT3 and FZD7 expression levels in non-transformed hepatic cells to address the question of whether WNT3/FZD7-mediated signal transduction could be involved in cellular transformation. After stable transfection of WNT3 and FZD7, the activation of the Wnt/β–catenin pathway was confirmed by western blot, immunostaining and quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase–PCR (qRT–PCR) analysis in two non-transformed hepatocyte-derived cell lines. In vitro characteristics of the malignant phenotype were measured, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Stable expression of WNT3 and FZD7 in the two cell lines led to cellular accumulation of β-catenin and expression of downstream target genes activated by this pathway. In the stable WNT3/FZD7-expressing clones, hepatic cell proliferation, migration, invasion as well as soft agar colony formation were enhanced compared with the non-transformed control cells. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors, Twist, Snail and Vimentin, were increased in cells expressing WNT3 and FZD7. However, the WNT3/FZD7-expressing cells did not form tumors in vivo. We conclude that activation of the WNT3/FZD7 canonical pathway has a role in the early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting the acquisition of a malignant phenotype with features of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Nambotin
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma: an update. Arch Toxicol 2012; 87:227-47. [PMID: 23007558 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant tumor that accounts for ~80 % of all liver cancer cases worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease caused by a variety of risk factors and often develops in the background of underlying cirrhosis. A number of cellular phenomena, such as tumor microenvironment, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hypoxia act in concert with various molecular events to facilitate tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The emergence of microRNAs and molecular-targeted therapies adds a new dimension in our efforts to combat this deadly disease. Intense research in this multitude of areas has led to significant progress in our understanding of cellular processes and molecular mechanisms that occur during multistage events that lead to hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of HCC, focusing mainly on advances that have occurred during the past 5 years and on the development of novel therapeutics for liver cancer.
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Miljkovic-Licina M, Hammel P, Garrido-Urbani S, Lee BPL, Meguenani M, Chaabane C, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Imhof BA. Targeting Olfactomedin-like 3 Inhibits Tumor Growth by Impairing Angiogenesis and Pericyte Coverage. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:2588-99. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Bone morphogenetic protein 4-a fascinating regulator of cancer cell behavior. Cancer Genet 2012; 205:267-77. [PMID: 22749032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are extracellular signaling molecules that belong to the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily and are well-known for their indispensable roles in vertebrate development. In recent years, important new information has been generated on the contribution of BMP family members, such as BMP4, in cancer pathogenesis. First of all, BMP4 gene variants have been shown to predispose to colorectal cancer. In sporadic cancer, BMP4 expression levels are commonly altered in many tumor types and have been linked to patient prognosis in hepatocellular and ovarian cancer. In terms of BMP4 function in cancer cells, the majority of studies demonstrate that BMP4 suppresses cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, and at the same time is able to induce migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These latter phenotypes are typically associated with cancer metastasis and progression, and thus BMP4 seems to elicit effects that are both detrimental and beneficial for the cancer cells. The functional effects of BMP4 are not restricted to the control of cell proliferation and mobility, since it also contributes to the regulation of differentiation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. The latter is especially intriguing since the formation of new blood vessels is a prerequisite for sustained tumor growth and cancer progression. Mainly due to its growth suppressive abilities, BMP4 has been suggested as a possible therapeutic target in cancer cells. However, the other functional characteristics of BMP4, especially the promotion of cell mobility, make such strategies less appealing. Improved knowledge of the downstream mediators of BMP4 effects in cancer cells may allow dissection of the different BMP4-induced phenotypes and thereby generation of specific targeted therapies.
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