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Ruiz-Mitjana A, Vidal-Sabanés M, Navaridas R, Perramon-Güell A, Yeramian A, Nicholson-Sabaté N, Egea J, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Metformin exhibits antineoplastic effects on Pten-deficient endometrial cancer by interfering with TGF-β and p38/ERK MAPK signalling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115817. [PMID: 37925934 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widespread antidiabetic agent that is commonly used as a treatment against type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Regarding its therapeutic potential, multiple studies have concluded that Metformin exhibits antineoplastic activity on several types of cancer, including endometrial carcinoma. Although Metformin's antineoplastic activity is well documented, its cellular and molecular anticancer mechanisms are still a matter of controversy because a plethora of anticancer mechanisms have been proposed for different cancer cell types. In this study, we addressed the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Metformin's antineoplastic activity by using both in vitro and in vivo studies of Pten-loss driven carcinoma mouse models. In vivo, Metformin reduced endometrial neoplasia initiated by Pten-deficiency. Our in vitro studies using Pten-deficient endometrial organoids focused on both cellular and molecular levels in Metformin's tumor suppressive action. At cellular level, we showed that Metformin is involved in not only the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells but also their regulation via a variety of mechanisms of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as TGF-β-induced apoptosis. At the molecular level, Metformin was shown to affect the TGF-β signalling., a widely known signal that plays a pivotal role in endometrial carcinogenesis. In this respect, Metformin restored TGF-β-induced apoptosis of Pten-deficient endometrial organoids through a p38-dependent mechanism and inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT on no-polarized endometrial epithelial cells by inhibiting ERK/MAPK signalling. These results provide new insights into the link between the cellular and molecular mechanism for Metformin's antineoplastic activity in Pten-deficient endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ruiz-Mitjana
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Vidal-Sabanés
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Raúl Navaridas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Aida Perramon-Güell
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Nathan Nicholson-Sabaté
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mario Encinas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, CIBERONC, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain.
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Asaka S, Liu Y, Yu ZC, Rahmanto YS, Ono M, Asaka R, Miyamoto T, Yen TT, Ayhan A, Wang TL, Shih IM. ARID1A Regulates Progesterone Receptor Expression in Early Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma Pathogenesis. Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100045. [PMID: 36853791 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2022.100045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Loss of progesterone receptor (PR) expression is an established risk factor for unresponsiveness to progesterone therapy in patients with endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrioid carcinoma. ARID1A is one of the most commonly mutated genes in endometrioid carcinomas, and the loss of its expression is associated with tumor progression. In this study, we investigated the roles of ARID1A deficiency in PR expression in human and murine endometrial epithelial neoplasia. An analysis of genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing in isogenic ARID1A-/- and ARID1A+/+ human endometrial epithelial cells revealed that ARID1A-/- cells showed significantly reduced chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing signals for ARID1A, BRG1, and H3K27AC in the PgR enhancer region. We then performed immunohistochemistry to correlate the protein expression levels of ARID1A, estrogen receptor, and PR in 50 human samples of endometrial atypical hyperplasia and 75 human samples of endometrial carcinomas. The expression levels of PR but not were significantly lower in ARID1A-deficient low-grade endometrial carcinomas and atypical hyperplasia (P = .0002). When Pten and Pten/Arid1a conditional knockout murine models were used, Pten-/-;Arid1a-/- mice exhibited significantly decreased epithelial PR expression in endometrial carcinomas (P = .003) and atypical hyperplasia (P < .0001) compared with that in the same tissues from Pten-/-;Arid1a+/+ mice. Our data suggest that the loss of ARID1A expression, as occurs in ARID1A-mutated endometrioid carcinomas, decreases PgR transcription by modulating the PgR enhancer region during early tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Asaka
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zheng-Cheng Yu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yohan Suryo Rahmanto
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Motoki Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Asaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ting-Tai Yen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ayse Ayhan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan; Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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3
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Lack of extracellular matrix switches TGF-β induced apoptosis of endometrial cells to epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14821. [PMID: 36050359 PMCID: PMC9437059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix and the correct establishment of epithelial cell polarity plays a critical role in epithelial cell homeostasis and cell polarity. In addition, loss of tissue structure is a hallmark of carcinogenesis. In this study, we have addressed the role of extracellular matrix in the cellular responses to TGF-β. It is well known that TGF-β is a double-edged sword: it acts as a tumor suppressor in normal epithelial cells, but conversely has tumor-promoting effects in tumoral cells. However, the factors that determine cellular outcome in response to TGF-β remain controversial. Here, we have demonstrated that the lack of extracellular matrix and consequent loss of cell polarity inhibits TGF-β-induced apoptosis, observed when endometrial epithelial cells are polarized in presence of extracellular matrix. Rather, in absence of extracellular matrix, TGF-β-treated endometrial epithelial cells display features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We have also investigated the molecular mechanism of such a switch in cellular response. On the one hand, we found that the lack of Matrigel results in increased AKT signaling which is sufficient to inhibit TGF-β-induced apoptosis. On the other hand, we demonstrate that TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition requires ERK and SMAD2/3 activation. In summary, we demonstrate that loss of cell polarity changes the pro-apoptotic function of TGF-β to tumor-associated phenotype such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These results may be important for understanding the dual role of TGF-β in normal versus tumoral cells.
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Fang X, Ni N, Wang X, Tian Y, Ivanov I, Rijnkels M, Bayless KJ, Lydon JP, Li Q. EZH2 and Endometrial Cancer Development: Insights from a Mouse Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050909. [PMID: 35269532 PMCID: PMC8909840 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a core component of polycomb repressive complex 2, plays an important role in cancer development. As both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions of EZH2 have been documented in the literature, the objective of this study is to determine the impact of Ezh2 deletion on the development and progression of endometrial cancer induced by inactivation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor gene frequently dysregulated in endometrial cancer patients. To this end, we created mice harboring uterine deletion of both Ezh2 and Pten using Cre recombinase driven by the progesterone receptor (Pgr) promoter. Our results showed reduced tumor burden in Ptend/d; Ezh2d/d mice compared with that of Ptend/d mice during early carcinogenesis. The decreased Ki67 index in EZH2 and PTEN-depleted uteri versus that in PTEN-depleted uteri indicated an oncogenic role of EZH2 during early tumor development. However, mice harboring uterine deletion of both Ezh2 and Pten developed unfavorable disease outcome, accompanied by exacerbated epithelial stratification and heightened inflammatory response. The observed effect was non-cell autonomous and mediated by altered immune response evidenced by massive accumulation of intraluminal neutrophils, a hallmark of endometrial carcinoma in Ptend/d; Ezh2d/d mice during disease progression. Hence, these results reveal dual roles of EZH2 in endometrial cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (X.F.); (N.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (X.F.); (N.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX 75246, USA;
| | - Yanan Tian
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (Y.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (Y.T.); (I.I.)
| | - Monique Rijnkels
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (X.F.); (N.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Kayla J. Bayless
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA;
| | - John P. Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (X.F.); (N.N.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-979-862-2009; Fax: +1-979-847-8981
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Maru Y, Hippo Y. Two-Way Development of the Genetic Model for Endometrial Tumorigenesis in Mice: Current and Future Perspectives. Front Genet 2021; 12:798628. [PMID: 34956336 PMCID: PMC8696168 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.798628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract worldwide. Although comprehensive genomic analyses of EC have already uncovered many recurrent genetic alterations and deregulated signaling pathways, its disease model has been limited in quantity and quality. Here, we review the current status of genetic models for EC in mice, which have been developed in two distinct ways at the level of organisms and cells. Accordingly, we first describe the in vivo model using genetic engineering. This approach has been applied to only a subset of genes, with a primary focus on Pten inactivation, given that PTEN is the most frequently altered gene in human EC. In these models, the tissue specificity in genetic engineering determined by the Cre transgenic line has been insufficient. Consequently, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC development remain poorly understood, and preclinical models are still limited in number. Recently, refined Cre transgenic mice have been created to address this issue. With highly specific gene recombination in the endometrial cell lineage, acceptable in vivo modeling of EC development is warranted using these Cre lines. Second, we illustrate an emerging cell-based model. This hybrid approach comprises ex vivo genetic engineering of organoids and in vivo tumor development in immunocompromised mice. Although only a few successful cases have been reported as proof of concept, this approach allows quick and comprehensive analysis, ensuring a high potential for reconstituting carcinogenesis. Hence, ex vivo/in vivo hybrid modeling of EC development and its comparison with corresponding in vivo models may dramatically accelerate EC research. Finally, we provide perspectives on future directions of EC modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Maru
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hippo
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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Abstract
Although endometrial cancer management remains challenging, a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity as well as the drivers of the various pathogenic states of this disease has led to development of divergent management approaches in an effort to improve therapeutic precision in this complex malignancy. This comprehensive review provides an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and molecular classification, recent advancements in disease management, as well as important patient quality-of-life considerations and emerging developments in the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape of endometrial cancers.
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Eritja N, Navaridas R, Ruiz-Mitjana A, Vidal-Sabanés M, Egea J, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Endometrial PTEN Deficiency Leads to SMAD2/3 Nuclear Translocation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194990. [PMID: 34638474 PMCID: PMC8507901 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary PTEN is a protein highly altered in endometrial cancer. PTEN mutation or deficiency leads to the activation of other downstream proteins that are important to the development of cancers. In this study, we have identified the SMAD2/3 proteins as targets of PTEN deficiency. We have found that loss of PTEN in endometrial cells leads to SMAD2/3 activation. To investigate the role of SMAD2/3 activation downstream of PTEN deficiency, we have used endometrial cells lacking both PTEN and SMAD2/3 proteins. These cells display even more tumorigenic potential than cells lacking only PTEN. These results suggest that SMAD2/3 acts as an obstacle for cancer development triggered by PTEN loss. Abstract TGF-β has a dichotomous function, acting as tumor suppressor in premalignant cells but as a tumor promoter for cancerous cells. These contradictory functions of TGF-β are caused by different cellular contexts, including both intracellular and environmental determinants. The TGF-β/SMAD and the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signal transduction pathways have an important role in the regulation of epithelial cell homeostasis and perturbations in either of these two pathways’ contributions to endometrial carcinogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that both PTEN and SMAD2/3 display tumor-suppressive functions in the endometrium, and genetic ablation of either gene results in sustained activation of PI3K/AKT signaling that suppresses TGF-β-induced apoptosis and enhances cell proliferation of mouse endometrial cells. However, the molecular and cellular effects of PTEN deficiency on TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling remain controversial. Here, using an in vitro and in vivo model of endometrial carcinogenesis, we have demonstrated that loss of PTEN leads to a constitutive SMAD2/3 nuclear translocation. To ascertain the function of nuclear SMAD2/3 downstream of PTEN deficiency, we analyzed the effects of double deletion PTEN and SMAD2/3 in mouse endometrial organoids. Double PTEN/SMAD2/3 ablation results in a further increase of cell proliferation and enlarged endometrial organoids compared to those harboring single PTEN, suggesting that nuclear translocation of SMAD2/3 constrains tumorigenesis induced by PTEN deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Eritja
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Raúl Navaridas
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Anna Ruiz-Mitjana
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Maria Vidal-Sabanés
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Mario Encinas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Zakrzewski PK. Canonical TGFβ Signaling and Its Contribution to Endometrial Cancer Development and Progression-Underestimated Target of Anticancer Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3900. [PMID: 34501347 PMCID: PMC8432036 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the leading gynecological cancers diagnosed among women in their menopausal and postmenopausal age. Despite the progress in molecular biology and medicine, no efficient and powerful diagnostic and prognostic marker is dedicated to endometrial carcinogenesis. The canonical TGFβ pathway is a pleiotropic signaling cascade orchestrating a variety of cellular and molecular processes, whose alterations are responsible for carcinogenesis that originates from different tissue types. This review covers the current knowledge concerning the canonical TGFβ pathway (Smad-dependent) induced by prototypical TGFβ isoforms and the involvement of pathway alterations in the development and progression of endometrial neoplastic lesions. Since Smad-dependent signalization governs opposed cellular processes, such as growth arrest, apoptosis, tumor cells growth and differentiation, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, TGFβ cascade may act both as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter. However, the final effect of TGFβ signaling on endometrial cancer cells depends on the cancer disease stage. The multifunctional role of the TGFβ pathway indicates the possible utilization of alterations in the TGFβ cascade as a potential target of novel anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr K Zakrzewski
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Kurnit KC, Draisey A, Kazen RC, Chung C, Phan LH, Harvey JB, Feng J, Xie S, Broaddus RR, Bowser JL. Loss of CD73 shifts transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) from tumor suppressor to promoter in endometrial cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 505:75-86. [PMID: 33609609 PMCID: PMC9812391 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In many tumors, CD73 (NT5E), a rate-limiting enzyme in adenosine biosynthesis, is upregulated by TGF-β and drives tumor progression. Conversely, CD73 is downregulated in endometrial carcinomas (EC) despite a TGF-β-rich environment. Through gene expression analyses of normal endometrium samples of the uterine cancer TCGA data set and genetic and pharmacological studies, we discovered CD73 loss shifts TGF-β1 from tumor suppressor to promoter in EC. TGF-β1 upregulated CD73 and epithelial integrity in vivo in the normal endometrium and in vitro in early stage EC cells. With loss of CD73, TGF-β1-mediated epithelial integrity was abrogated. EC cells developed TGF-β1-mediated stress fibers and macromolecule permeability, migration, and invasion increased. In human tumors, CD73 is downregulated in deeply invasive stage I EC. Consistent with shifting TGF-β1 activity, CD73 loss increased TGF-β1-mediated canonical signaling and upregulated cyclin D1 (CCND1) and downregulated p21 expression. This shift was clinically relevant, as CD73Low/CCND1High expression associated with poor tumor differentiation, increased myometrial and lymphatic/vascular space invasion, and patient death. Further loss of CD73 in CD73Low expressing advanced stage EC cells increased TGF-β-mediated stress fibers, signaling, and invasiveness, whereby adenosine A1 receptor agonist, CPA, dampened TGF-β-mediated invasion. These data identify CD73 loss as essential for shifting TGF-β activity in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Kurnit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Draisey
- University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca C Kazen
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Chung
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luan H Phan
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jiping Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - SuSu Xie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Russell R Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica L Bowser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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10
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Shimamura M, Kurashige T, Kuatov R, Nakashima M, Nagayama Y. Acceleration of BRAF V600E-induced thyroid carcinogenesis by TGFβ signal deficiency in mice. Endocrine 2020; 69:571-577. [PMID: 32281047 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) has pleiotropic actions, including both anti- and pro-tumorigenic abilities. We have previously shown no tumor development in the thyroid-specific TGFβ receptor type II knockout (Tgfβr2 KO) mice, indicating the insufficiency of defective TGFβ signal itself for thyroid cancer initiation. In the current study, we evaluated whether defective TGFβ signal accelerates BRAFV600E-mediated thyroid carcinogenesis in our mouse model, in which intrathyroidal injection of adenovirus expressing Cre under thyroglobulin (TG) promoter (Ad-TgP-Cre) into thyroid lobes of conditional BrafV600E knock-in mice (BrafCA) induces thyroid cancers 12 months later. METHODS BrafCA/wt;Tgfbr2floxE2/floxE2 mice were generated by crossing Tgfbr2floxE2/floxE2 and BrafCA mice, and Ad-TgP-Cre was injected into the left lobes of 4-6-week-old mice. Mice were sacrificed at 6 and 12 months, and the thyroid tissues were subjected to H&E and immune-histochemistry and -fluorecence. RESULTS Thyroid tumors were observed in 8 of 10 mice at 6 months and 4 of 7 mice at 12 months. These tumors were judged to be malignant by H&E staining, because of the presence of papillary growth of atypical follicular cells, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions and so on. Immunohistochemical analyses using thyroid cancer tissues obtained at 6 months demonstrated variable levels of TG but steady levels of Paired Box-8 expression and higher Ki67 positivity. The degree of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition could not be evaluated because normal thyroid tissues and thyroid cancers developed in BrafCA and BrafCA/wt;Tgfbr2floxE2/floxE2 mice were all E-cadherin+/vimentin-, that is, epithelial type. CONCLUSION In a mouse model, defective TGFβ signaling pathway accelerates BRAFV600E-induced thyroid cancer development, which is occasionally accompanied by reduced TG expression implying dedifferentiation. The former finding is consistent with anti-tumorigenic ability of TGFβ in early tumorigenic process, but the latter is contradictory to generally accepted concept for TGFβ-induction of dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Shimamura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomomi Kurashige
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Rassul Kuatov
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nakashima
- Department of Tumor and Diagnostic Pathology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuji Nagayama
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
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11
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Inactivation of Arid1a in the endometrium is associated with endometrioid tumorigenesis through transcriptional reprogramming. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2717. [PMID: 32483112 PMCID: PMC7264300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16416-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic inactivating mutations of ARID1A, a SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling gene, are prevalent in human endometrium-related malignancies. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying how ARID1A deleterious mutation contributes to tumorigenesis, we establish genetically engineered murine models with Arid1a and/or Pten conditional deletion in the endometrium. Transcriptomic analyses on endometrial cancers and precursors derived from these mouse models show a close resemblance to human uterine endometrioid carcinomas. We identify transcriptional networks that are controlled by Arid1a and have an impact on endometrial tumor development. To verify findings from the murine models, we analyze ARID1AWT and ARID1AKO human endometrial epithelial cells. Using a system biology approach and functional studies, we demonstrate that ARID1A-deficiency lead to loss of TGF-β tumor suppressive function and that inactivation of ARID1A/TGF-β axis promotes migration and invasion of PTEN-deleted endometrial tumor cells. These findings provide molecular insights into how ARID1A inactivation accelerates endometrial tumor progression and dissemination, the major causes of cancer mortality. ARID1A, which is often mutated in human endometrial cancer, is a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex. Here, the authors show that Arid1a mutations in the mouse endometrium and primary human endometrial epithelial cells cause widespread reprogramming of gene transcription and result in a loss of response to TGFβ.
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12
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Fedorko AM, Kim TH, Broaddus R, Schmandt R, Chandramouli GVR, Kim HI, Jeong JW, Risinger JI. An immune competent orthotopic model of endometrial cancer with metastasis. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04075. [PMID: 32490257 PMCID: PMC7260377 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the U.S. with metastatic disease remaining the major cause of patient death. Therapeutic strategies have remained essentially unchanged for decades. A significant barrier to progression in treatment modalities stems from a lack of clinically applicable in vivo models to accurately mimic endometrial cancer; specifically, ones that form distant metastases and maintain an intact immune system. To address this problem, we have established the first immune competent murine orthotopic tumor model for metastatic endometrial cancer by creating a green fluorescent protein labeled cell line from an endometrial cancer that developed in a Pgr cre/+ Pten f/f Kras G12D genetically engineered mouse. These cancer cells were grafted into the abraded uterine lumen of ovariectomized recipient mice treated with estrogen and subsequently developed local and metastatic endometrial tumors. We noted primary tumor formation in 59% mixed background and 86% of C57BL/6 animals at 4 weeks and distant lung metastases in 78% of mice after 2 months. This immunocompetent orthotopic tumor model closely resembles some human metastatic endometrial cancer, modeling both local metastasis and hematogenous spread to lung and has significant potential to advance the study of endometrial cancer and its metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Fedorko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids MI, USA.,Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids MI, USA
| | - Russell Broaddus
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, USA
| | - Rosemarie Schmandt
- Department of Gynecological Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, USA
| | | | - Hong Im Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids MI, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids MI, USA.,Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids MI, USA
| | - John I Risinger
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids MI, USA.,Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids MI, USA
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13
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Fang X, Ni N, Lydon JP, Ivanov I, Bayless KJ, Rijnkels M, Li Q. Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit Is Required for Uterine Epithelial Integrity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1212-1225. [PMID: 30954472 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Normal proliferation and differentiation of uterine epithelial cells are critical for uterine development and function. Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 2, possesses histone methyltransferase activity that catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3. EZH2 has been involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key event in development and carcinogenesis. However, its role in uterine epithelial cell function remains unknown. To determine the role of uterine EZH2, Ezh2 was conditionally deleted using progesterone receptor Cre recombinase, which is expressed in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the uterus. Loss of EZH2 promoted stratification of uterine epithelium, an uncommon and detrimental event in the uterus. The abnormal epithelium expressed basal cell markers, including tumor protein 63, cytokeratin 5 (KRT5), KRT6A, and KRT14. These results suggest that EZH2 serves as a guardian of uterine epithelial integrity, partially via inhibiting the differentiation of basal-like cells and preventing epithelial stratification. The observed epithelial abnormality was accompanied by fertility defects, altered uterine growth and function, and the development of endometrial hyperplasia. Thus, the Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse model may be useful to explore mechanisms that regulate endometrial homeostasis and uterine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kayla J Bayless
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Monique Rijnkels
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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15
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Kriseman M, Monsivais D, Agno J, Masand RP, Creighton CJ, Matzuk MM. Uterine double-conditional inactivation of Smad2 and Smad3 in mice causes endometrial dysregulation, infertility, and uterine cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3873-3882. [PMID: 30651315 PMCID: PMC6397514 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806862116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SMAD2 and SMAD3 are downstream proteins in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF β) signaling pathway that translocate signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus, bind DNA, and control the expression of target genes. While SMAD2/3 have important roles in the ovary, we do not fully understand the roles of SMAD2/3 in the uterus and their implications in the reproductive system. To avoid deleterious effects of global deletion, and given previous data showing redundant function of Smad2 and Smad3, a double-conditional knockout was generated using progesterone receptor-cre (Smad2/3 cKO) mice. Smad2/3 cKO mice were infertile due to endometrial hyperproliferation observed as early as 6 weeks of postnatal life. Endometrial hyperplasia worsened with age, and all Smad2/3 cKO mice ultimately developed bulky endometrioid-type uterine cancers with 100% mortality by 8 months of age. The phenotype was hormone-dependent and could be prevented with removal of the ovaries at 6 weeks of age but not at 12 weeks. Uterine tumor epithelium was associated with decreased expression of steroid biosynthesis genes, increased expression of inflammatory response genes, and abnormal expression of cell cycle checkpoint genes. Our results indicate the crucial role of SMAD2/3 in maintaining normal endometrial function and confirm the hormone-dependent nature of SMAD2/3 in the uterus. The hyperproliferation of the endometrium affected both implantation and maintenance of pregnancy. Our findings generate a mouse model to study the roles of SMAD2/3 in the uterus and serve to provide insight into the mechanism by which the endometrium can escape the plethora of growth regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital Women's Pavilion, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Julio Agno
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030;
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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16
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Activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inactivation in the mouse uterus results in metastatic endometrial carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:3883-3892. [PMID: 30655341 PMCID: PMC6397539 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806838116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence of endometrial cancer in the United States and worldwide can be partially attributed to elevated rates of obesity in the population. Although hysterectomy is an effective treatment for early endometrial cancer, medical interventions are required in advanced cases with metastatic disease or for women wishing to preserve fertility. Here, we present a mouse model with conditional inactivation of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor, activin-like kinase 5 (Alk5), that develops estrogen-dependent endometrial adenocarcinoma with distant lung metastases. We anticipate that this mouse will be a useful preclinical model for testing novel therapies for endometrial cancer and for understanding the mechanisms that control endometrial regeneration in the postpartum uterus. The endometrial lining of the uterine cavity is a highly dynamic tissue that is under the continuous control of the ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Endometrial adenocarcinoma arises from the uncontrolled growth of the endometrial glands, which is typically associated with unopposed estrogen action and frequently occurs in older postmenopausal women. The incidence of endometrial cancer among younger women has been rising due to increasing rates of obesity, a major risk factor for the disease. The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family is a highly conserved group of proteins with roles in cellular differentiation, proliferation, and cancer. Inactivating mutations in the genes encoding the TGFβ cell surface receptors (TGFBR1/ALK5 and TGFBR2) have been detected in various human cancers, indicating that a functional TGFβ signaling pathway is required for evading tumorigenesis. In this study, we present a mouse model with conditional inactivation of activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) in the mouse uterus using progesterone receptor cre (“Alk5 cKO”) that develops endometrial adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the lungs. The cancer and metastatic lung nodules are estrogen dependent and retain estrogen receptor α (ERα) reactivity, but have decreased levels of progesterone receptor (PR) protein. The endometrial tumors develop only in Alk5 cKO mice that are mated to fertile males, indicating that TGFβ-mediated postpartum endometrial repair is critical for endometrial function. Overall, these studies indicate that TGFβ signaling through TGFBR1/ALK5 in the endometrium is required for endometrial homeostasis, tumor suppression, and postpartum endometrial regeneration.
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17
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Li X, Liu M, Ji JY. Understanding Obesity as a Risk Factor for Uterine Tumors Using Drosophila. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:129-155. [PMID: 31520353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple large-scale epidemiological studies have identified obesity as an important risk factor for a variety of human cancers, particularly cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, kidney, liver, colon, and ovary, but there is much uncertainty regarding how obesity increases the cancer risks. Given that obesity has been consistently identified as a major risk factor for uterine tumors, the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, we use uterine tumors as a pathological context to survey the relevant literature and propose a novel hypothesis: chronic downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) module, composed of CDK8 (or its paralog CDK19), Cyclin C, MED12 (or MED12L), and MED13 (or MED13L), by elevated insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling in obese women may increase the chances to dysregulate the activities of transcription factors regulated by the CDK8 module, thereby increasing the risk of uterine tumors. Although we focus on endometrial cancer and uterine leiomyomas (or fibroids), two major forms of uterine tumors, our model may offer additional insights into how obesity increases the risk of other types of cancers and diseases. To illustrate the power of model organisms for studying human diseases, here we place more emphasis on the findings obtained from Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
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18
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Lee CJ, Sung PL, Kuo MH, Tsai MH, Wang CK, Pan ST, Chen YJ, Wang PH, Wen KC, Chou YT. Crosstalk between SOX2 and cytokine signaling in endometrial carcinoma. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17550. [PMID: 30510261 PMCID: PMC6277382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is a cancer derived from oncogenesis of the regenerating uterine cavity, in which cytokine stimulation shapes cell differentiation and tissue remodeling. Expression of the stem cell factors SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, and MYC has been linked to tumor malignancy in several cancers. However, how these stem cell factors crosstalk with cytokine signaling to promote malignancy in endometrial carcinoma is still elusive. Here we report that the expression of SOX2 and MYC, but not that of OCT4 and NANOG, correlate with poor histological differentiation and prognosis, while SOX2 expression is negatively associated with MYC level. We found that SOX2-high endometrial carcinoma cells possessed a higher colony-forming ability than their SOX2-low counterparts, and knockdown of SOX2 attenuated the colony-forming ability. We observed that SOX2 regulated EGFR expression in a SOX2–EGFR positive feedback loop. EGF stimulation induced SOX2 expression and promoted migration of endometrial carcinoma cells, whereas TGF-β stimulation inhibited SOX2 expression and attenuated the colony-forming ability. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that SOX2 expression correlated with lymph node infiltration of endometrial carcinoma. Our findings support that cytokine-induced stem cell factor SOX2 possesses oncogenic properties, with the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker in endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Jung Lee
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Pi-Lin Sung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Ming-Han Kuo
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Min-Hwa Tsai
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Cheng-Kuang Wang
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, 356, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Shien-Tung Pan
- Department of Pathology, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, 433, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
| | - Kuo-Chang Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.). .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, HsinChu, 300, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
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19
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Liang X, Daikoku T, Terakawa J, Ogawa Y, Joshi AR, Ellenson LH, Sun X, Dey SK. The uterine epithelial loss of Pten is inefficient to induce endometrial cancer with intact stromal Pten. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007630. [PMID: 30142194 PMCID: PMC6126871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation of the tumor suppressor Pten often leads to tumorigenesis in various organs including the uterus. We previously showed that Pten deletion in the mouse uterus using a Pgr-Cre driver (Ptenf/fPgrCre/+) results in rapid development of endometrial carcinoma (EMC) with full penetration. We also reported that Pten deletion in the stroma and myometrium using Amhr2-Cre failed to initiate EMC. Since the Ptenf/fPgrCre/+ uterine epithelium was primarily affected by tumorigenesis despite its loss in both the epithelium and stroma, we wanted to know if Pten deletion in epithelia alone will induce tumorigenesis. We found that mice with uterine epithelial loss of Pten under a Ltf-iCre driver (Ptenf/f/LtfCre/+) develop uterine complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH), but rarely EMC even at 6 months of age. We observed that Ptenf/fPgrCre/+ uteri exhibit a unique population of cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and transformation related protein 63 (p63)-positive epithelial cells; these cells mark stratified epithelia and squamous differentiation. In contrast, Ptenf/fLtfCre/+ hyperplastic epithelia do not undergo stratification, but extensive epithelial cell apoptosis. This increased apoptosis is associated with elevation of TGFβ levels and activation of downstream effectors, SMAD2/3 in the uterine stroma. Our results suggest that stromal PTEN via TGFβ signaling restrains epithelial cell transformation from hyperplasia to carcinoma. In conclusion, this study, using tissue-specific deletion of Pten, highlights the epithelial-mesenchymal cross-talk in the genesis of endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Liang
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanazawa University Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Institute for Experimental Animals, Kanazawa University Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuya Ogawa
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ayesha R. Joshi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lora H. Ellenson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XS); (SKD)
| | - Sudhansu K. Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XS); (SKD)
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20
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Liu L, Chen F, Xiu A, Du B, Ai H, Xie W. Identification of Key Candidate Genes and Pathways in Endometrial Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatical Analysis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:969-975. [PMID: 29693365 PMCID: PMC6031768 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2018.19.4.969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial Cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy, its pathogenesis is complex, not yet fully described. To identify key genes of Endometrial Cancer we downloaded the gene chip GSE17025 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through the GEO2R analysis tool. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis were performed for DEGs using DAVID database. The network of protein–protein-interaction (PPI) was established by STRING website and visualized by Cytoscape. Then, functional and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGS were performed by DAVID database. A total of 1000 significant differences genes were obtained, contain 362 up-regulated genes and 638 down-regulated genes. PCDH10, SLC6A2, OGN, SFRP4, TRH, ANGPTL, FOSB are down-regulated genes. The gene of IGH, CCL20, ELF5, LTF, ASPM expression level in tumor patients are up-regulated. Biological function of enrichment include metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, MAPK signaling pathway, Serotonergic synapse, Protein digestion and absorption, IL-17 signaling pathway, Chemokine signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway. All in all, the current study to determine endometrial differentially expressed genes and biological function, comprehensive analysis of intrauterine membrane carcinoma pathogenesis mechanism, and might be used as molecular targets and diagnostic biomarkers for the treatment of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Liu
- Department of Gynecological Ward, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Follicle Development and Reproductive Health (Office of Science and Technology), Jinzhou, China
| | - Fangxu Chen
- Department of Gynecological Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Aihui Xiu
- Department of Gynecological Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Bo Du
- Department of Gynecological Ward, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Follicle Development and Reproductive Health (Office of Science and Technology), Jinzhou, China
| | - Hao Ai
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Follicle Development and Reproductive Health (Office of Science and Technology), Jinzhou, China
- Department of Gynecological Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Gynecological Ward, Dongzhimen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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