1
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Eletto D, Mentucci F, Vllahu M, Voli A, Petrella A, Boccellato F, Meyer TF, Porta A, Tosco A. IFNγ-dependent silencing of TFF1 during Helicobacter pylori infection. Open Biol 2022; 12:220278. [PMID: 36514982 PMCID: PMC9748780 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection is the leading cause of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma, as prolonged Helicobacter colonization triggers chronic active gastritis, which may evolve into adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type. In this environment, cytokines play a significant role in determining the evolution of the infection. In combination with other factors (genetic, environmental and nutritional), the pro-inflammatory response may trigger pro-oncogenic mechanisms that lead to the silencing of tumour-suppressor genes, such as trefoil factor 1 (TFF1). The latter is known to play a protective role by maintaining the gastric mucosa integrity and retaining H. pylori in the mucus layer, preventing the progression of infection and, consequently, the development of gastric cancer (GC). Since TFF1 expression is reduced during chronic Helicobacter infection with a loss of gastric mucosa protection, we investigated the molecular pathways involved in this reduction. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of some pro-inflammatory cytokines on TFF1 regulation in GC and primary gastric cells by RT-qPCR and luciferase reporter assay analyses and the repressor role of the transcription factor C/EBPβ, overexpressed in gastric-intestinal cancer. Our results show that, among several cytokines, IFNγ stimulates C/EBPβ expression, which acts as a negative regulator of TFF1 by binding its promoter at three different sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Eletto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - F. Mentucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy,PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - M. Vllahu
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - A. Voli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy,PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - A. Petrella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - F. Boccellato
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - T. F. Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany,Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrecht's University of Kiel—University Hospital Schleswig Holstein—Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - A. Porta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - A. Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
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2
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Hennaux L, Kohchtali A, Bâlon H, Matroule JY, Michaux C, Perpète EA. Refolding and biophysical characterization of the Caulobacter crescentus copper resistance protein, PcoB: An outer membrane protein containing an intrinsically disordered domain. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184038. [PMID: 36057369 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Copper cations play fundamental roles in biological systems, such as protein folding and stabilization, or enzymatic reactions. Although copper is essential to the cell, it can become cytotoxic if present in too high concentration. Organisms have therefore developed specific regulation mechanisms towards copper. This is the case of the Pco system present in the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, which is composed of two proteins: a soluble periplasmic protein PcoA and an outer membrane protein PcoB. PcoA oxidizes Cu+ to Cu2+, whereas PcoB is thought to be an efflux pump for Cu2+. While the PcoA protein has already been studied, very little is known about the structure and function of PcoB. In the present work, PcoB has been overexpressed in high yield in E. coli strains and successfully refolded by the SDS-cosolvent method. Binding to divalent cations has also been studied using several spectroscopic techniques. In addition, a three-dimensional structure model of PcoB, experimentally supported by circular dichroism, has been constructed, showing a β-barrel conformation with a N-terminal disordered chain. This peculiar intrinsic disorder property has also been confirmed by various bioinformatic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurelenn Hennaux
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique des Biomolécules, UCPTS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, 5000 Namur, Belgium; Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.
| | - Amira Kohchtali
- Research Unit in Microorganisms Biology (URBM), Department of Biology, Namur, Belgium; Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Hugo Bâlon
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique des Biomolécules, UCPTS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Jean-Yves Matroule
- Research Unit in Microorganisms Biology (URBM), Department of Biology, Namur, Belgium; Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Catherine Michaux
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique des Biomolécules, UCPTS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, 5000 Namur, Belgium; Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Eric A Perpète
- Laboratoire de Chimie Physique des Biomolécules, UCPTS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, 5000 Namur, Belgium; Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium; Institute of Life-Earth-Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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3
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Reznik N, Gallo AD, Rush KW, Javitt G, Fridmann-Sirkis Y, Ilani T, Nairner NA, Fishilevich S, Gokhman D, Chacón KN, Franz KJ, Fass D. Intestinal mucin is a chaperone of multivalent copper. Cell 2022; 185:4206-4215.e11. [PMID: 36206754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mucus protects the epithelial cells of the digestive and respiratory tracts from pathogens and other hazards. Progress in determining the molecular mechanisms of mucus barrier function has been limited by the lack of high-resolution structural information on mucins, the giant, secreted, gel-forming glycoproteins that are the major constituents of mucus. Here, we report how mucin structures we determined enabled the discovery of an unanticipated protective role of mucus: managing the toxic transition metal copper. Using two juxtaposed copper binding sites, one for Cu2+ and the other for Cu1+, the intestinal mucin, MUC2, prevents copper toxicity by blocking futile redox cycling and the squandering of dietary antioxidants, while nevertheless permitting uptake of this important trace metal into cells. These findings emphasize the value of molecular structure in advancing mucosal biology, while introducing mucins, produced in massive quantities to guard extensive mucosal surfaces, as extracellular copper chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Reznik
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Annastassia D Gallo
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Katherine W Rush
- Department of Chemistry, Reed College, Portland, Oregon 97202, United States; Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Gabriel Javitt
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Yael Fridmann-Sirkis
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tal Ilani
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Noa A Nairner
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Simon Fishilevich
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - David Gokhman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Kelly N Chacón
- Department of Chemistry, Reed College, Portland, Oregon 97202, United States
| | - Katherine J Franz
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Deborah Fass
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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4
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Eletto D, Vllahu M, Mentucci F, Del Gaudio P, Petrella A, Porta A, Tosco A. TFF1 Induces Aggregation and Reduces Motility of Helicobacter pylori. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041851. [PMID: 33673347 PMCID: PMC7918695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041851] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is considered one of the most common malignancies in humans and Helicobacter pylori infection is the major environmental risk factor of gastric cancer development. Given the high spread of this bacterium whose infection is mostly asymptomatic, H. pylori colonization persists for a long time, becoming chronic and predisposing to malignant transformation. The first defensive barrier from bacterial infection is constituted by the gastric mucosa that secretes several protective factors, among which is the trefoil factor 1 (TFF1), that, as mucin 5AC, binds the bacterium. Even if the protective role of TFF1 is well-documented, the molecular mechanisms that confer a beneficial function to the interaction among TFF1 and H. pylori remain still unclear. Here we analyze the effects of this interaction on H. pylori at morphological and molecular levels by means of microscopic observation, chemiotaxis and motility assays and real-time PCR analysis. Our results show that TFF1 favors aggregation of H. pylori and significantly slows down the motility of the bacterium across the mucus. Such aggregates significantly reduce both flgE and flaB gene transcription compared with bacteria not incubated with TFF1. Finally, our results suggest that the interaction between TFF1 and the bacterium may explain the frequent persistence of H. pylori in the human host without inducing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Eletto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Megi Vllahu
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Fatima Mentucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Pasquale Del Gaudio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonello Petrella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
| | - Amalia Porta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.T.); Tel.: +39-089-969455 (A.P.); +39-089-969797 (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy; (D.E.); (M.V.); (F.M.); (P.D.G.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (A.T.); Tel.: +39-089-969455 (A.P.); +39-089-969797 (A.T.)
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5
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Comment on: 'Development of PancRISK, a urine biomarker-based risk score for stratified screening of pancreatic cancer patients'. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1467. [PMID: 32741973 PMCID: PMC7591487 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-1013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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6
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Hoffmann W. Trefoil Factor Family (TFF) Peptides and Their Diverse Molecular Functions in Mucus Barrier Protection and More: Changing the Paradigm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124535. [PMID: 32630599 PMCID: PMC7350206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trefoil factor family peptides (TFF1, TFF2, TFF3) are typically co-secreted together with mucins. Tff1 represents a gastric tumor suppressor gene in mice. TFFs are also synthesized in minute amounts in the immune and central nervous systems. In mucous epithelia, they support rapid repair by enhancing cell migration ("restitution") via their weak chemotactic and anti-apoptotic effects. For a long time, as a paradigm, this was considered as their major biological function. Within recent years, the formation of disulfide-linked heterodimers was documented for TFF1 and TFF3, e.g., with gastrokine-2 and IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP). Furthermore, lectin activities were recognized as enabling binding to a lipopolysaccharide of Helicobacter pylori (TFF1, TFF3) or to a carbohydrate moiety of the mucin MUC6 (TFF2). Only recently, gastric TFF1 was demonstrated to occur predominantly in monomeric forms with an unusual free thiol group. Thus, a new picture emerged, pointing to diverse molecular functions for TFFs. Monomeric TFF1 might protect the gastric mucosa as a scavenger for extracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Whereas, the TFF2/MUC6 complex stabilizes the inner layer of the gastric mucus. In contrast, the TFF3-FCGBP heterodimer (and also TFF1-FCGBP) are likely part of the innate immune defense of mucous epithelia, preventing the infiltration of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Hoffmann
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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7
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Heuer J, Heuer F, Stürmer R, Harder S, Schlüter H, Braga Emidio N, Muttenthaler M, Jechorek D, Meyer F, Hoffmann W. The Tumor Suppressor TFF1 Occurs in Different Forms and Interacts with Multiple Partners in the Human Gastric Mucus Barrier: Indications for Diverse Protective Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072508. [PMID: 32260357 PMCID: PMC7177788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TFF1 is a protective peptide of the Trefoil Factor Family (TFF), which is co-secreted with the mucin MUC5AC, gastrokine 2 (GKN2), and IgG Fc binding protein (FCGBP) from gastric surface mucous cells. Tff1-deficient mice obligatorily develop antropyloric adenoma and about 30% progress to carcinomas, indicating that Tff1 is a tumor suppressor. As a hallmark, TFF1 contains seven cysteine residues with three disulfide bonds stabilizing the conserved TFF domain. Here, we systematically investigated the molecular forms of TFF1 in the human gastric mucosa. TFF1 mainly occurs in an unusual monomeric form, but also as a homodimer. Furthermore, minor amounts of TFF1 form heterodimers with GKN2, FCGBP, and an unknown partner protein, respectively. TFF1 also binds to the mucin MUC6 in vitro, as shown by overlay assays with synthetic 125I-labeled TFF1 homodimer. The dominant presence of a monomeric form with a free thiol group at Cys-58 is in agreement with previous studies in Xenopus laevis and mouse. Cys-58 is likely highly reactive due to flanking acid residues (PPEEEC58EF) and might act as a scavenger for extracellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species protecting the gastric mucosa from damage by oxidative stress, e.g., H2O2 generated by dual oxidase (DUOX).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn Heuer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Heuer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - René Stürmer
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Harder
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nayara Braga Emidio
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dörthe Jechorek
- Institute of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Frank Meyer
- Department of Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Werner Hoffmann
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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8
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Znalesniak EB, Salm F, Hoffmann W. Molecular Alterations in the Stomach of Tff1-Deficient Mice: Early Steps in Antral Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020644. [PMID: 31963721 PMCID: PMC7014203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TFF1 is a peptide of the gastric mucosa co-secreted with the mucin MUC5AC. It plays a key role in gastric mucosal protection and repair. Tff1-deficient (Tff1KO) mice obligatorily develop antropyloric adenoma and about 30% progress to carcinomas. Thus, these mice represent a model for gastric tumorigenesis. Here, we compared the expression of selected genes in Tff1KO mice and the corresponding wild-type animals (RT-PCR analyses). Furthermore, we systematically investigated the different molecular forms of Tff1 and its heterodimer partner gastrokine-2 (Gkn2) in the stomach (Western blot analyses). As a hallmark, a large portion of murine Tff1 occurs in a monomeric form. This is unexpected because of its odd number of seven cysteine residues. Probably the three conserved acid amino acid residues (EEE) flanking the 7th cysteine residue allow monomeric secretion. As a consequence, the free thiol of monomeric Tff1 could have a protective scavenger function, e.g., for reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. Furthermore, a minor subset of Tff1 forms a disulfide-linked heterodimer with IgG Fc binding protein (Fcgbp). Of special note, in Tff1KO animals a homodimeric form of Gkn2 was observed. In addition, Tff1KO animals showed strongly reduced Tff2 transcript and protein levels, which might explain their increased sensitivity to Helicobacter pylori infection.
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9
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TFF1 Promotes EMT-Like Changes through an Auto-Induction Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072018. [PMID: 29997345 PMCID: PMC6073196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) is a small secreted protein expressed in the gastrointestinal tract where, together with the other two members of its family, it plays an essential role in mucosal protection and repair against injury. The molecular mechanisms involved in the protective function of all three TFF proteins are not fully elucidated. In this paper, we investigated the role of TFF1 in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) events. The effects of TFF1 on cellular models in normoxia and/or hypoxia were evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and trans-well invasion assays. Luciferase reporter assays were used to assess the existence of an auto-regulatory mechanism of TFF1. The methylation status of TFF1 promoter was measured by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. We demonstrate a TFF1 auto-induction mechanism with the identification of a specific responsive element located between −583 and −212 bp of its promoter. Our results suggest that TFF1 can regulate its own expression in normoxic, as well as in hypoxic, conditions acting synergistically with the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) pathway. Functionally, this auto-induction mechanism seems to promote cell invasion and EMT-like modifications in vitro. Additionally, exogenously added human recombinant TFF1 protein was sufficient to observe similar effects. Together, these findings suggest that the hypoxic conditions, which can be induced by gastric injury, promote TFF1 up-regulation, strengthened by an auto-induction mechanism, and that the trefoil peptide takes part in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition events eventually triggered to repair the damage.
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10
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Esposito R, Morello S, Vllahu M, Eletto D, Porta A, Tosco A. Gastric TFF1 Expression from Acute to Chronic Helicobacter Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:434. [PMID: 29085807 PMCID: PMC5649190 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TFF1, a mucin-associated secreted peptide of gastric mucous cells, is known as a protective agent for stomach epithelium under different stimuli, but its role upon Helicobacter infection is still not clear. In this paper we characterized TFFs expression, with particular attention to TFF1, under Helicobacter infection in gastric cell lines. A mouse model was used to distinguish TFF1 mRNA expression between acute and chronic stages of Helicobacter infection. Our results show that TFF1 expression is induced in infected cells; in addition, the inflammatory response upon Helicobacter infection is inversely associated to pre-existing TFF1 protein levels. In infected mice, TFF1 is initially upregulated in gastric antrum in the acute phase of infection, along with IL-1β and IL-6. Then, expression of TFF1 is gradually silenced when the infection becomes chronic and IFN-γ, CXCL5, and CXCL15 reach higher levels. Our data suggest that TFF1 might help cells to counteract bacteria colonization and the development of a chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Morello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Megi Vllahu
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.,PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Daniela Eletto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Amalia Porta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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11
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Mukherjee K, Kavalukas SL, Barbul A. Nutritional Aspects of Gastrointestinal Wound Healing. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2016; 5:507-515. [PMID: 27867755 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2015.0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: Although the wound healing cascade is similar in many tissues, in the gastrointestinal tract mucosal healing is critical for processes such as inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers and healing of the mucosa, submucosa, and serosal layers is needed for surgical anastomoses and for enterocutaneous fistula. Failure of wound healing can result in complications including infection, prolonged hospitalization, critical illness, organ failure, readmission, new or worsening enterocutaneous fistula, and even death. Recent Advances: Recent advances are relevant for the role of specific micronutrients, such as vitamin D, trace elements, and the interplay between molecules with pro- and antioxidant properties. Our understanding of the role of other small molecules, genes, proteins, and macronutrients is also rapidly changing. Recent work has elucidated relationships between oxidative stress, nutritional supplementation, and glucose metabolism. Thresholds have also been established to define adequate preoperative nutritional status. Critical Issues: Further work is needed to establish standards and definitions for measuring the extent of wound healing, particularly for inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers. In addition, a mounting body of evidence has determined the need for adequate preoperative nutritional supplementation for elective surgical procedures. Future Directions: A large portion of current work is restricted to model systems in rodents. Therefore, additional clinical and translational research is needed in this area to promote gastrointestinal wound healing in humans, particularly those suffering from critical illness, patients with enterocutaneous fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, and ulcers, and those undergoing surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Mukherjee
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sandra L. Kavalukas
- Department of General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adrian Barbul
- Department of General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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12
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Trefoil Factor 1 is involved in gastric cell copper homeostasis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 59:30-40. [PMID: 25486181 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Trefoil Factor 1 belongs to a group of small secreted proteins (the Trefoil Factor Family proteins), that are localized within the mucous granules and are expressed and secreted by epithelial cells that line mucous membranes. Trefoil factors are mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, where they normally contribute to maintain the integrity of the mucosa. We recently demonstrated a selective binding ability of Trefoil Factor 1 for copper ions, through its carboxy-terminal tail, and we also observed that copper levels influence the equilibrium between the monomeric and homodimeric forms of Trefoil Factor 1, thus modulating its biological activity. Here we report that transcriptional regulation of Trefoil Factor 1 is also affected by copper levels, through the modulated binding of the copper-sensing transcription factor Sp1 onto the responsive elements present in the regulatory region of the gene. In addition we demonstrate that copper overload causes an accumulation of the trefoil protein in the Trans-Golgi Network and that Trefoil Factor 1 levels can influence copper excretion and copper related toxicity. These findings suggest that the protein might play a role in the overall complex mechanisms of copper homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tissues.
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13
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Copper promotes TFF1-mediated Helicobacter pylori colonization. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79455. [PMID: 24236136 PMCID: PMC3827375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The trefoil peptides (TFF1, TFF2 and TFF3) are a family of small highly conserved proteins that play an essential role in epithelial regeneration within the gastrointestinal tract, where they are mainly expressed. TFF1 expression is strongly induced after mucosal injury and it has been proposed that tff1 functions as a gastric tumor suppressor gene. Several studies confirm that tff1 expression is frequently lost in gastric cancer because of deletions, mutations or methylation of the tff1 promoter. Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) results in chronic gastritis and it can lead to the development of gastric or duodenal ulcers. Moreover, it is known that there is a strong link to the development of gastric cancer. It has been shown that H. pylori interacts with the dimeric form of TFF1 and that the rough form of lipopolysaccharide mediates this interaction. We have previously reported that the carboxy-terminus of TFF1 is able to specifically bind copper ions (Cu) and that Cu binding favours the homodimerization of the peptide, thus enhancing its motogenic activity. Here, we report that the Cu-TFF1 cuprocomplex promotes adherence of H. pylori to epithelial cells. Adherence of H. pylori to gastric adenocarcinoma cells, AGS AC1 cells, induced to hyper-express TFF1 was enhanced compared to noninduced cells. Copper further promoted this interaction. A H. pylori mutant unable to bind TFF1 did not show enhanced infection of induced cells. Cu treatment induced a thickening of the mucus layer produced by the colorectal adenocarcinoma mucus secreting, goblet cells, HT29-E12 and promoted H. pylori colonisation. Finally, SPR analysis shows that the C-terminus of TFF1, involved in the binding of copper, is also able to selectively bind H. pylori RF-LPS.
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Samson MH. Quantitative measurements of trefoil factor family peptides: possibilities and pitfalls. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation 2013; 73:193-202. [PMID: 23391285 DOI: 10.3109/00365513.2013.765962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 are produced and secreted by mucous membranes throughout the body. Their importance for the protection and repair of epithelial surfaces is well established, and the three peptides are present in various amounts in mucosal secretions as well as in the circulation. They have been linked to both inflammatory diseases and to various types of cancer, and serum concentrations of TFF3 show a more than 47-fold increase during pregnancy. Several both commercial and in-house immunoassays exist, but a number of methodological issues remain unresolved. This review describes methodological challenges in the measurement of the peptides in humans, and summarizes current knowledge concerning the occurrence and possible significance of the peptides in human health and disease.
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Deficiency in trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) increases tumorigenicity of human breast cancer cells and mammary tumor development in TFF1-knockout mice. Oncogene 2011; 30:3261-73. [PMID: 21358676 PMCID: PMC3141110 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although trefoil factor 1 (TFF1; previously named pS2) is abnormally expressed in about 50% of human breast tumors, its physiopathological role in this disease has been poorly studied. Moreover, controversial data have been reported. TFF1 function in the mammary gland therefore needs to be clarified. In this study, using retroviral vectors, we performed TFF1 gain- or loss-of-function experiments in four human mammary epithelial cell lines: normal immortalized TFF1-negative MCF10A, malignant TFF1-negative MDA-MB-231 and malignant TFF1-positive MCF7 and ZR75.1. The expression of TFF1 stimulated the migration and invasion in the four cell lines. Forced TFF1 expression in MCF10A, MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells did not modify anchorage-dependent or -independent cell proliferation. By contrast, TFF1 knockdown in MCF7 enhanced soft-agar colony formation. This increased oncogenic potential of MCF7 cells in the absence of TFF1 was confirmed in vivo in nude mice. Moreover, chemically induced tumorigenesis in TFF1-deficient (TFF1-KO) mice led to higher tumor incidence in the mammary gland and larger tumor size compared with wild-type mice. Similarly, tumor development was increased in the TFF1-KO ovary and lung. Collectively, our results clearly show that TFF1 does not exhibit oncogenic properties, but rather reduces tumor development. This beneficial function of TFF1 is in agreement with many clinical studies reporting a better outcome for patients with TFF1-positive breast primary tumors.
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