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Ma S, Pu C. miR-129-2-3p binds SEMA4C to regulate HCC development and inhibit the EMT. Mutat Res 2024; 829:111872. [PMID: 39018715 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2024.111872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among primary liver cancers, HCC is the most prevalent. Small noncoding RNAs called miRNAs control the expression of downstream target genes to take part in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including those related to cancer. METHODS miR-129-2-3p and SEMA4C expression levels were assessed using RT-qPCR. The CCK-8, invasion, and wound healing assays were used to confirm the capacity of HCC cells for proliferation, invasion and migration respectively. Serum SEMA4C levels were detected via ELISA. The RIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the existence of intergenic binding sites. Cell apoptosis assay and cell cycle assay were performed to detect the apoptosis rate and cycle distribution of cells, and WB was performed to detect the protein expression of SEMA4C, RhoA, ROCK1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin. Furthermore, cancer-inhibiting role of miR-129-2-3p were further confirmed by animal tests. RESULTS miR-129-2-3p expression was reduced in HCC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-129-2-3p decreased the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT in HCC cells, whereas inhibition of miR-129-2-3p had the opposite effects. Our research also showed that SEMA4C was increased in HCC tissues, serum and cells, and that SEMA4C knockdown prevented HCC cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and EMT. Overexpression of SEMA4C reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-129-2-3p on HCC. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we discovered that through binding to SEMA4C, miR-129-2-3p regulates HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Ma
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wannan Medical College, China.
| | - Chun Pu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Wannan Medical College, China.
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Xiong J, Xiao R, Zhao J, Zhao Q, Luo M, Li F, Zhang W, Wu M. Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:85. [PMID: 38246995 PMCID: PMC10800063 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04810-3] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Manwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430032, China.
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Li YR, Zhang RN, Sun RR, Li YY, Zhang B, Jin XM, Zhang HF, Xiao BG, Ma CG, Fan HJ, Chai Z. Efficacy and mechanism of Wuzi Yanzong pill on the prevention and treatment of EAE. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20621. [PMID: 37842634 PMCID: PMC10568116 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Studies have shown that Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP) can be used to treat neurological diseases, but its mechanisms for multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unclear. This study aims to determine the effect of WYP on MS in an animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and explore its mechanism. To provide theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of MS with WYP. Methods C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into Blank control, EAE control, low dose WYP, medium dose WYP, and high dose WYP groups. One week before model generation, the mice were gavaged with saline (50 mL/kg/d) in Blank control and EAE control groups. The treatment groups was gavaged with different doses of WYP solution (4, 8, or 16 g/kg/d respectively) Clinical scores were recorded daily. Sample collection was conducted on the 14th and 28th days, respectively The expressions of IL-10, IL-17, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ in spleen were detected by ELISA. The expressions of ROCKII, P-MYPT1, TLR4, NF-κB/p65, MCP-1, CCR2 in spleen, brain and spinal cord were detected by Western Blot. The types of macrophages and the contents of intracellular IL-10 and IL-12 were detected by Flow Cytometry. The contents of TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA in the spleen were detected by RT-PCR. Results WYP treatment improved the clinical score of EAE mice in a significant dose-dependent manner, with the WYP high-dose group showed the most significant improvement in clinical score. Compared with the EAE control group, WYP high dose group had significantly lower levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, ROCKII, P-MYPT1, TLR4, NF-κB/p65, MCP-1, and CCR2 as well as TNF-α and TLR4 mRNA, but increased the number of M2 macrophages and IL-10. Conclusion WYP treatment relieves clinical symptoms in EAE mice, which may be related to regulate inflammatory pathway and inhibiting expressions of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Rong Li
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Rui-Rui Sun
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Yan-Yan Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Health Commission of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Jin
- Logical Surgery, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Hai-Fei Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science Dept, Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
- Institute of Brain Science Dept, Neurology of First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Hui-Jie Fan
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
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Shakhpazyan N, Mikhaleva L, Bedzhanyan A, Gioeva Z, Sadykhov N, Mikhalev A, Atiakshin D, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M, Orekhov A. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of the Tumor Stroma in Colorectal Cancer: Insights into Disease Progression and Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2361. [PMID: 37760801 PMCID: PMC10525158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092361] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health burden worldwide and is the third most common type of cancer. The early detection and diagnosis of CRC is critical to improve patient outcomes. This review explores the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment, stromal interactions, and the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The review begins by assessing the gut microbiome's influence on CRC development, emphasizing its association with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The role of the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC tumor stroma is scrutinized, elucidating its impact on disease progression. Tumor budding, its effect on tumor stroma, and the implications for patient prognosis are investigated. The review also identifies conserved oncogenic signatures (COS) within CRC stroma and explores their potential as therapeutic targets. Lastly, the seed and soil hypothesis is employed to contextualize metastasis, accentuating the significance of both tumor cells and the surrounding stroma in metastatic propensity. This review highlights the intricate interdependence between CRC cells and their microenvironment, providing valuable insights into prospective therapeutic approaches targeting tumor-stroma interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Shakhpazyan
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Liudmila Mikhaleva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Arkady Bedzhanyan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Oncology II (Coloproctology and Uro-Gynecology), Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Zarina Gioeva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Nikolay Sadykhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Alexander Mikhalev
- Department of Hospital Surgery No. 2, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitri Atiakshin
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute for Hematopathology, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
| | | | - Alexander Orekhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, 121096 Moscow, Russia
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Weeden CE, Hill W, Lim EL, Grönroos E, Swanton C. Impact of risk factors on early cancer evolution. Cell 2023; 186:1541-1563. [PMID: 37059064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Recent identification of oncogenic cells within healthy tissues and the prevalence of indolent cancers found incidentally at autopsies reveal a greater complexity in tumor initiation than previously appreciated. The human body contains roughly 40 trillion cells of 200 different types that are organized within a complex three-dimensional matrix, necessitating exquisite mechanisms to restrain aberrant outgrowth of malignant cells that have the capacity to kill the host. Understanding how this defense is overcome to trigger tumorigenesis and why cancer is so extraordinarily rare at the cellular level is vital to future prevention therapies. In this review, we discuss how early initiated cells are protected from further tumorigenesis and the non-mutagenic pathways by which cancer risk factors promote tumor growth. By nature, the absence of permanent genomic alterations potentially renders these tumor-promoting mechanisms clinically targetable. Finally, we consider existing strategies for early cancer interception with perspectives on the next steps for molecular cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Weeden
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - William Hill
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Emilia L Lim
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Center of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Eva Grönroos
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Center of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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Discovery of unglycosylated indolocarbazoles as ROCK2 isoform-selective inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115181. [PMID: 36764122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115181] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is a major challenge in clinical therapy because of the absence of effective treatments. Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), which is essential for cell invasion and migration, has recently been suggested as a potential target for the treatment of cancer metastasis. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of indolocarbazoles against ROCK2 and reveal the crucial role of the C-3 hydroxyl for ROCK2 inhibition. The most potent unglycosylated aglycone THK01 was demonstrated to bind to and stabilize ROCK2 with potent anti-metastatic effects in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo with no obvious toxicities. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the anti-metastatic effect of THK01 was closely related to the suppression of STAT3Y705 activation. Moreover, THK01 exhibited excellent selectivity over the isoform protein ROCK1 (>100-fold). Taken together, with low toxicity, the ROCK2 inhibitor THK01 potently inhibited breast cancer metastasis through the ROCK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, which offers a new opportunity for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
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Kopecny LR, Lee BWH, Coroneo MT. A systematic review on the effects of ROCK inhibitors on proliferation and/or differentiation in human somatic stem cells: A hypothesis that ROCK inhibitors support corneal endothelial healing via acting on the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2023; 27:16-29. [PMID: 36586668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) have attracted growing multidisciplinary interest, particularly in Ophthalmology where the question as to how they promote corneal endothelial healing remains unresolved. Concurrently, stem cell biology has rapidly progressed in unravelling drivers of stem cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation, where mechanical niche factors and the actin cytoskeleton are increasingly recognized as key players. There is mounting evidence from the study of the peripheral corneal endothelium that supports the likelihood of an internal limbal stem cell niche. The possibility that ROCKi stimulate the endothelial SC niche has not been addressed. Furthermore, there is currently a paucity of data that directly evaluates whether ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial healing by acting on this limbal SC niche located near the transition zone. Therefore, we performed a systematic review examining the effects ROCKi on the proliferation and differentiation of human somatic SC, to provide insight into its effects on various human SC populations. An appraisal of electronic searches of four databases identified 1 in vivo and 58 in vitro studies (36 evaluated proliferation while 53 examined differentiation). Types of SC studied included mesenchymal (n = 32), epithelial (n = 11), epidermal (n = 8), hematopoietic and other (n = 8). The ROCK 1/2 selective inhibitor Y-27632 was used in almost all studies (n = 58), while several studies evaluated ≥2 ROCKi (n = 4) including fasudil, H-1152, and KD025. ROCKi significantly influenced human somatic SC proliferation in 81% of studies (29/36) and SC differentiation in 94% of studies (50/53). The present systemic review highlights that ROCKi are influential in regulating human SC proliferation and differentiation, and provides evidence to support the hypothesis that ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial division and maintenance via acting on the inner limbal SC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd R Kopecny
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Brendon W H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 2 South Wing, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Minas T Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Importance of Fibrosis in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyoma and the Promising Anti-fibrotic Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 and Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors in the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1383-1398. [PMID: 35969363 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroid or leiomyoma is the most common benign uterus tumor. The tumor is primarily composed of smooth muscle (fibroid) cells, myofibroblast, and a significant amount of extracellular matrix components. It mainly affects women of reproductive age. They are uncommon before menarche and usually disappear after menopause. The fibroids have excessive extracellular matrix components secreted by activated fibroblast cells (myofibroblast). Myofibroblast has the characteristics of fibroblast and smooth muscle cells. These cells possess contractile capability due to the expression of contractile proteins which are normally found only in muscle tissues. The rigid nature of the tumor is responsible for many side effects associated with uterine fibroids. The current drug treatment strategies are primarily hormone-driven and not anti-fibrotic. This paper emphasizes the fibrotic background of uterine fibroids and the mechanisms behind the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix components. The transforming growth factor-β, hippo, and focal adhesion kinase-mediated signaling pathways activate the fibroblast cells and deposit excessive extracellular matrix materials. We also exemplify how dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors could be beneficial in reducing the fibrotic process in leiomyoma. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors prevent the fibrotic process in organs such as the kidneys, lungs, liver, and heart. These inhibitors are proven to inhibit the signaling pathways mentioned above at various stages of their activation. Based on literature evidence, we constructed a narrative review on the mechanisms that support the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and fibroblast activation protein inhibitors for treating uterine fibroids.
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Wang W, Li C, Zhuang C, Zhang H, Wang Q, Fan X, Qi M, Sun R, Yu J. Research on the Mechanism and Prevention of Hypertension Caused by Apatinib Through the RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway in a Mouse Model of Gastric Cancer. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:873829. [PMID: 35811723 PMCID: PMC9262125 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.873829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the main adverse effects of antiangiogenic tumor drugs and thus limits their application. The mechanism of hypertension caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting vascular endothelial growth factors is mainly related to inhibition of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and activation of the endothelin pathway, as well as vascular rarefaction and increased salt sensitivity; consequently, prevention and treatment differ for this type of hypertension compared with primary hypertension. Apatinib is a highly selective TKI approved in China for the treatment of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. The RhoA/ROCK pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and mediates smooth muscle contraction, eNOS inhibition, endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. In this study, in vivo experiments were performed to explore whether the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is part of a possible mechanism of apatinib in the treatment of gastric cancer-induced hypertension and the impairment of vascular remodeling and left ventricular function. Y27632, a selective small inhibitor of both ROCK1 and ROCK2, was combined with apatinib, and its efficacy was evaluated, wherein it can reduce hypertension induced by apatinib treatment in gastric cancer mice and weaken the activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway by apatinib and a high-salt diet (HSD). Furthermore, Y-27632 improved aortic remodeling, fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, superior mesenteric artery endothelial injury, left ventricular dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis in mice by weakening the activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway. The expression of RhoA/ROCK pathway-related proteins and relative mRNA levels in mice after apatinib intervention were analyzed by various methods, and blood pressure and cardiac function indexes were compared. Endothelial and cardiac function and collagen levels in the aorta were also measured to assess vascular and cardiac fibrosis and to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of this type of hypertension.
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Smoking-associated upregulation of CBX3 suppresses ARHGAP24 expression to activate Rac1 signaling and promote tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 41:538-549. [PMID: 34785774 PMCID: PMC8782721 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although tobacco smoking is a risk factor for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the mechanisms by which tobacco smoking induces LUAD development remain elusive. Histone methylation levels in human bronchial epithelial cells have been reported to increase after exposure to cigarettes. In this study, we explored the mechanisms regulating histone methylation in LUAD in response to smoking. We found that the histone H3K9 methylation reader CBX3 was upregulated in current smokers with LUAD, and that CBX3 overexpression promoted LUAD progression. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that CBX3 regulated the activation of Rho GTPases in LUAD. We also found that by forming a complex with TRIM28, TRIM24, and RBBP4, CBX3 repressed the expression of ARHGAP24 and increased the amount of active Rac1 in LUAD cells. Collectively, these results suggest that smoking associated upregulation of CBX3 promotes LUAD progression by activating the ARHGAP24/Rac1 pathway. Hence, the CBX3/ARHGAP24/Rac1 axis may represent a promising therapeutic target in smoking-induced LUAD.
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Golla U, Ehudin MA, Annageldiyev C, Zeng Z, Bastihalli Tukaramrao D, Tarren A, Date AA, Elcheva I, Berg A, Amin S, Loughran TP, Kester M, Desai D, Dovat S, Claxton D, Sharma A. DJ4 Targets the Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Pathway and Attenuates Disease Progression in Preclinical Murine Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4889. [PMID: 34638385 PMCID: PMC8508452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the highly heterogenous nature of the disease motivates targeted gene therapeutic investigations. Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) are crucial for various actin cytoskeletal changes, which have established malignant consequences in various cancers, yet are still not being successfully utilized clinically towards cancer treatment. This work establishes the therapeutic activity of ROCK inhibitor (5Z)-2-5-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine-3-ylmethylene)-1,3-thiazol-4(5H)-one (DJ4) in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models of AML to highlight the potential of this class of inhibitors. Herein, DJ4 induced cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects in a dose-dependent manner in human AML cell lines (IC50: 0.05-1.68 μM) and primary patient cells (IC50: 0.264-13.43 μM); however, normal hematopoietic cells were largely spared. ROCK inhibition by DJ4 disrupts the phosphorylation of downstream targets, myosin light chain (MLC2) and myosin-binding subunit of MLC phosphatase (MYPT), yielding a potent yet selective treatment response at micromolar concentrations, from 0.02 to 1 μM. Murine models injected with luciferase-expressing leukemia cell lines subcutaneously or intravenously and treated with DJ4 exhibited an increase in overall survival and reduction in disease progression relative to the vehicle-treated control mice. Overall, DJ4 is a promising candidate to utilize in future investigations to advance the current AML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upendarrao Golla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Melanie A. Ehudin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Diwakar Bastihalli Tukaramrao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Anna Tarren
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Abhijit A. Date
- The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii, Hilo, HI 96720, USA;
| | - Irina Elcheva
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - Arthur Berg
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Shantu Amin
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
| | - Sinisa Dovat
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (M.A.E.); (D.B.T.); (I.E.)
| | - David Claxton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
| | - Arati Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (U.G.); (C.A.); (A.T.); (D.C.)
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (A.B.); (S.A.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (Z.Z.); (M.K.)
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12
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Osuchowska PN, Wachulak P, Kasprzycka W, Nowak-Stępniowska A, Wakuła M, Bartnik A, Fiedorowicz H, Trafny EA. Adhesion of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells under Fluorescent and Soft X-ray Contact Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147279. [PMID: 34298899 PMCID: PMC8306697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer cell adhesion could help to diminish tumor progression and metastasis. Adhesion mechanisms are currently the main therapeutic target of TNBC-resistant cells. This work shows the distribution and size of adhesive complexes determined with a common fluorescence microscopy technique and soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM). The results presented here demonstrate the potential of applying SXCM for imaging cell protrusions with high resolution when the cells are still alive in a physiological buffer. The possibility to observe the internal components of cells at a pristine and hydrated state with nanometer resolution distinguishes SXCM from the other more commonly used techniques for cell imaging. Thus, SXCM can be a promising technique for investigating the adhesion and organization of the actin cytoskeleton in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Natalia Osuchowska
- Biomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.N.O.); (W.K.); (A.N.-S.)
| | - Przemysław Wachulak
- Laser Technology Division, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Wiktoria Kasprzycka
- Biomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.N.O.); (W.K.); (A.N.-S.)
| | - Agata Nowak-Stępniowska
- Biomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.N.O.); (W.K.); (A.N.-S.)
| | - Maciej Wakuła
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (H.F.)
| | - Andrzej Bartnik
- Laser Technology Division, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.W.); (A.B.)
| | - Henryk Fiedorowicz
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (M.W.); (H.F.)
| | - Elżbieta Anna Trafny
- Biomedical Engineering Centre, Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland; (P.N.O.); (W.K.); (A.N.-S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-261-839-544
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13
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Xuan B, Ghosh D, Dawson MR. Contributions of the distinct biophysical phenotype of polyploidal giant cancer cells to cancer progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:64-72. [PMID: 33992783 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are a commonly observed histological feature of human tumors and are particularly prominent in late stage and drug resistant cancers. The chromosomal duplication conferred by their aneuploidy gives rise to DNA damage resistance and complex tumor cell karyotypes, a driving factor in chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse. Furthermore, PGCCs also exhibit key cytoskeletal features that give rise to a distinct biophysical phenotype, including increased density of polymerized actin and vimentin intermediate filaments, nuclear and cytoskeletal stiffening, increased traction force, and migratory persistence. Despite recent research highlighting the role PGCCs play in cancer progression, this population of tumor cells remains poorly characterized in terms of their biophysical properties. In this review, we will discuss the various aspects of their biomolecular phenotype, such as increased stemness as well as a mixed EMT signature. These features have been extensively associated with tumorigenesis and recurrence, and aggressive cancers. Additionally, we will also examine the distinct PGCC cytoskeletal features of actin and filamentous vimentin. Specifically, how the differential organization of these networks serve to support their increased size and drive migratory persistence. These findings could shed light on potential therapeutic strategies that allow for specific elimination or mitigation of the invasive potential of these polyploid cancer cells. Lastly, we will examine how the biophysical and molecular phenotype of PGCCs combine to tip the scale in favor of promoting cancer progression, presenting an important target in the clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botai Xuan
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Deepraj Ghosh
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Michelle R Dawson
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, & Biotechnology, Providence, 02912, USA; Brown University, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Providence, 02912, USA; Brown University, School of Engineering, Providence, 02912, USA.
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14
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Xie L, Zeng Y. Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:590972. [PMID: 33343360 PMCID: PMC7746877 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.590972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is closely associated with the recruitment of fibroblasts from capillary vessels with damaged endothelial cells, the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of type II alveolar epithelial cells, and the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Recent studies suggest that EMT is a key factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, as the disruption of EMT-related effector molecules can inhibit the occurrence and development of PF. With the numerous advancements made in molecular biology in recent years, researchers have discovered that exosomes and their cargos, such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins, can promote or inhibit the EMT, modulate the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, contribute to the proliferation of fibroblasts and promote immunoregulatory and mitochondrial damage during pulmonary fibrosis. Exosomes are key factors regulating the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into myofibroblasts. Interestingly, exosomes derived from BMSCs under pathological and physiological conditions may promote or inhibit the EMT of type II alveolar epithelial cells and the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts to regulate pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, exosomes may become a new direction in the study of drugs for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshen Xie
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Rho GTPases in Gynecologic Cancers: In-Depth Analysis toward the Paradigm Change from Reactive to Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medical Approach Benefiting the Patient and Healthcare. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051292. [PMID: 32443784 PMCID: PMC7281750 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphospatases (GTPases) resemble a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and several signaling pathways central for the cell. Rho GTPases create a so-called Ras-superfamily of GTPases subdivided into subgroups comprising at least 20 members. Rho GTPases play a key regulatory role in gene expression, cell cycle control and proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, cell migration, survival, and apoptosis, among others. They also have tissue-related functions including angiogenesis being involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Contextually, any abnormality in the Rho GTPase function may result in severe consequences at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Rho GTPases also play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastatic disease. Corresponding mechanisms include a number of targets such as kinases and scaffold/adaptor-like proteins initiating GTPases-related signaling cascades. The accumulated evidence demonstrates the oncogenic relevance of Rho GTPases for several solid malignancies including breast, liver, bladder, melanoma, testicular, lung, central nervous system (CNS), head and neck, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, Rho GTPases play a crucial role in the development of radio- and chemoresistance e.g. under cisplatin-based cancer treatment. This article provides an in-depth overview on the role of Rho GTPases in gynecological cancers, highlights relevant signaling pathways and pathomechanisms, and sheds light on their involvement in tumor progression, metastatic spread, and radio/chemo resistance. In addition, insights into a spectrum of novel biomarkers and innovative approaches based on the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine are provided.
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16
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Maldonado MDM, Medina JI, Velazquez L, Dharmawardhane S. Targeting Rac and Cdc42 GEFs in Metastatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:201. [PMID: 32322580 PMCID: PMC7156542 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 have emerged as key players in cancer metastasis, due to their essential roles in regulating cell division and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements; and thus, cell growth, migration/invasion, polarity, and adhesion. This review will focus on the close homologs Rac and Cdc42, which have been established as drivers of metastasis and therapy resistance in multiple cancer types. Rac and Cdc42 are often dysregulated in cancer due to hyperactivation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), belonging to both the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) and dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) families. Rac/Cdc42 GEFs are activated by a myriad of oncogenic cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins; consequently, a number of Rac/Cdc42 GEFs have been implicated in metastatic cancer. Hence, inhibiting GEF-mediated Rac/Cdc42 activation represents a promising strategy for targeted metastatic cancer therapy. Herein, we focus on the role of oncogenic Rac/Cdc42 GEFs and discuss the recent advancements in the development of Rac and Cdc42 GEF-interacting inhibitors as targeted therapy for metastatic cancer, as well as their potential for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Julia Isabel Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis Velazquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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