1
|
Mori M, Ghirga F, Amato B, Secco L, Quaglio D, Romeo I, Gambirasi M, Bergamo A, Covaceuszach S, Sgarra R, Botta B, Manfioletti G. Selection of Natural Compounds with HMGA-Interfering Activities and Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32424-32431. [PMID: 37720761 PMCID: PMC10500574 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
HMGA proteins are intrinsically disordered (ID) chromatin architectural factors characterized by three DNA binding domains (AT-hooks) that allow them to bind into the DNA minor groove of AT-rich stretches. HMGA are functionally involved in regulating transcription, RNA processing, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling and dynamics. These proteins are highly expressed and play essential functions during embryonic development. They are almost undetectable in adult tissues but are re-expressed at high levels in all cancers where they are involved in neoplastic transformation and cancer progression. We focused on identifying new small molecules capable of binding into the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences that could compete with HMGA for DNA binding and, thus, potentially interfere with their activities. Here, a docking-based virtual screening of a unique high diversity in-house library composed of around 1000 individual natural products identified 16 natural compounds as potential minor groove binders that could inhibit the interaction between HMGA and DNA. To verify the ability of these selected compounds to compete with HMGA proteins, we screened them using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We identified Sorocein C, a Diels-Alder (D-A)-type adducts, isolated from Sorocea ilicifolia and Sorocea bonplandii with an HMGA/DNA-displacing activity and compared its activity with that of two structurally related compounds, Sorocein A and Sorocein B. All these compounds showed a cytotoxicity effect on cancer cells, suggesting that the Sorocein-structural family may provide new and yet unexplored chemotypes for the development of minor groove binders to be evaluated as anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Beatrice Amato
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Luca Secco
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Marta Gambirasi
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Alberta Bergamo
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Sonia Covaceuszach
- Institute
of Crystallography, National Research Council, Trieste Outstation, Basovizza, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department
of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34127, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department
of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza-University
of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sgubin M, Pegoraro S, Pellarin I, Ros G, Sgarra R, Piazza S, Baldassarre G, Belletti B, Manfioletti G. HMGA1 positively regulates the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin promoting motility in TNBC cells and decreasing tumour sensitivity to paclitaxel. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:429. [PMID: 35504904 PMCID: PMC9065117 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04843-4] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) is an architectural chromatin factor involved in the regulation of gene expression and a master regulator in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). In TNBC, HMGA1 is overexpressed and coordinates a gene network that controls cellular processes involved in tumour development, progression, and metastasis formation. Here, we find that the expression of HMGA1 and of the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin correlates in breast cancer (BC) patients. We demonstrate that HMGA1 depletion leads to a downregulation of stathmin expression and activity on microtubules resulting in decreased TNBC cell motility. We show that this pathway is mediated by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 (p27). Indeed, the silencing of HMGA1 expression in TNBC cells results both in an increased p27 protein stability and p27-stathmin binding. When the expression of both HMGA1 and p27 is silenced, we observe a significant rescue in cell motility. These data, obtained in cellular models, were validated in BC patients. In fact, we find that patients with high levels of both HMGA1 and stathmin and low levels of p27 have a statistically significant lower survival probability in terms of relapse-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) with respect to the patient group with low HMGA1, low stathmin, and high p27 expression levels. Finally, we show in an in vivo xenograft model that depletion of HMGA1 chemo-sensitizes tumour cells to paclitaxel, a drug that is commonly used in TNBC treatments. This study unveils a new interaction among HMGA1, p27, and stathmin that is critical in BC cell migration. Moreover, our data suggest that taxol-based treatments may be more effective in reducing the tumour burden when tumour cells express low levels of HMGA1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Sgubin
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Silvia Pegoraro
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pellarin
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,grid.5970.b0000 0004 1762 9868Present Address: International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Area of Neuroscience Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sgarra
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- grid.425196.d0000 0004 1759 4810International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Guidalberto Manfioletti
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lohan-Codeço M, Barambo-Wagner ML, Nasciutti LE, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Meireles Da Costa N, Palumbo A. Molecular mechanisms associated with chemoresistance in esophageal cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:116. [PMID: 35113247 PMCID: PMC11073146 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most incident and lethal tumors worldwide. Although surgical resection is an important approach in EC treatment, late diagnosis, metastasis and recurrence after surgery have led to the management of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies over the past few decades. In this scenario, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CISP), and more recently paclitaxel (PTX) and carboplatin (CBP), have been traditionally used in EC treatment. However, chemoresistance to these agents along EC therapeutic management represents the main obstacle to successfully treat this malignancy. In this sense, despite the fact that most of chemotherapy drugs were discovered several decades ago, in many cases, including EC, they still represent the most affordable and widely employed treatment approach for these tumors. Therefore, this review summarizes the main mechanisms through which the response to the most widely chemotherapeutic agents used in EC treatment is impaired, such as drug metabolism, apoptosis resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs), cell cycle, autophagy, energetic metabolism deregulation, tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Lohan-Codeço
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria Luísa Barambo-Wagner
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Meireles Da Costa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37-6ºandar-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Palumbo
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Programa de Pesquisa em Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Prédio do Centro de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rua César Pernetta, 1766 (LS.3.01), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
HMGA1 Has Predictive Value in Response to Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer. Curr Oncol 2021; 29:56-67. [PMID: 35049679 PMCID: PMC8774981 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a serious health problem worldwide. Although its incidence is decreasing, the five-year survival rate remains low. Thus, it is essential to identify new biomarkers that could promote better diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastric cancer. High-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) is a non-histone, chromatin-binding protein that has been found overexpressed in several tumor types. It has been correlated with invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance, leading to worse patient survival. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical value of HMGA1 in gastric cancer. HMGA1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a single hospital series (n = 323) of gastric adenocarcinoma cases (stages I to IV) with clinicopathological and treatment data. In this series, HMGA1 expression showed no significant relevance as a prognostic biomarker. Nevertheless, a significantly better overall survival was observed in cases with high levels of HMGA1 when they were treated with chemotherapy, compared to the nontreated ones, implying that they can benefit more from treatment than patients with low expression of HMGA1. We thereby show for the first time that HMGA1 expression has a substantial value as a biomarker of response to chemotherapy in gastric cancer.
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu HH, Lee CH, Hsieh YC, Hsu DW, Cho EC. Multiple myeloma driving factor WHSC1 is a transcription target of oncogene HMGA2 that facilitates colon cancer proliferation and metastasis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 567:183-189. [PMID: 34166916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Colon cancer is a common human cancer worldwide. The survival rate of late staged or metastatic colon cancer patients remains low even though the effectiveness of treatment in colon cancer has greatly improved. Research on tumorigenesis mechanisms and discovery of novel molecular target for treating colon cancer is critical. The promotion roles of WHSC1 in multiple myeloma have been demonstrated previously, yet, the regulation of WHSC1 in other cancers is largely unknown, especially in colon cancer. Here, in this study, we analyzed and identified WHSC1 while studying the genetic regulations of HMGA2 in colon cancer cells by microarray analysis, and investigated the HMGA2-WHSC1 interaction. We then applied CRISPR technology to establish stable WHSC1 knockout cells, to address the functional regulation of WHSC1 in colon cancer. In summary, our results for the first time identified the HMGA2-WHSC1 interaction in colon cancer. Moreover, we discovered that WHSC1 promotes cancer proliferation, facilitates resistance of chemotherapy agent, and promotes metastatic capacity of colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Hsien Liu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hwa Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Hsieh
- PhD Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; PhD Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; Master Program in Applied Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Duen-Wei Hsu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, 62 Shenjhong Road, Yanchao District, Kaohsiung 82444, Taiwan
| | - Er-Chieh Cho
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li G, Luo W, Wang B, Qian C, Ye Y, Li Y, Zhang S. HMGA1 Induction of miR-103/107 Forms a Negative Feedback Loop to Regulate Autophagy in MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:620020. [PMID: 33536877 PMCID: PMC7847849 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.620020] [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: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy dysfunction has been directly linked with the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1), well-known chromatin remodeling proteins, play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes and diseases. Their function in neural cell death in PD, however, have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we report that HMGA1 is highly induced during dopaminergic cell death in vitro and mice models of PD in vivo. Functional studies using genetic knockdown of endogenous HMGA1 show that HMGA1 signaling inhibition accelerates neural cell death, at least partially through aggravating MPP+-induced autophagic flux reduction resulting from partial block in autophagic flux at the terminal stages, indicating a novel potential neuroprotective role for HMGA1 in dopaminergic neurons death. MicroRNA-103/107 (miR-103/107) family, which is highly expressed in neuron, coordinately ensures proper end-stage autophagy. We further illustrate that MPP+/1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced HMGA1 elevation counterparts the effect of miR-103/107 downregulation by directly binding to their promoters, respectively, sustaining their expression in MPP+-damaged MN9D cells and modulates autophagy through CDK5R1/CDK5 signaling pathway. We also find that HMGA1 is a direct target of miR-103/107 family. Thus, our results suggest that HMGA1 forms a negative feedback loop with miR-103/107-CDK5R1/CDK5 signaling to regulate the MPP+/MPTP-induced autophagy impairment and neural cell death. Collectively, we identify a paradigm for compensatory neuroprotective HMGA1 signaling in dopaminergic neurons that could have important therapeutic implications for PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gehui Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanxian Luo
- Department of Medicine Ultrasonics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoyan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Qian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongyi Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuantao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shizhong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Department of Neurosurgery, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mansoori B, Mohammadi A, Abedi-Gaballu F, Abbaspour S, Ghasabi M, Yekta R, Shirjang S, Dehghan G, Hamblin MR, Baradaran B. Hyaluronic acid-decorated liposomal nanoparticles for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil into HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:6817-6830. [PMID: 31989649 PMCID: PMC7384933 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of liposomes as drug carriers improves the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs, while at the same time reducing side effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is recognized by the CD44 receptor, which is overexpressed in many cancer cells. In this study, we developed HA-modified liposomes encapsulating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and tested them against a CD44 expressing colorectal cell line (HT29) and a non-CD44 expressing hepatoma cell line. The average size of 5-FU-lipo and 5-FU-lipo-HA nanoparticles were 112 ± 28 and 144 ± 77 nm, respectively. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay showed selective cancer cell death depending on the CD44 expression in a time-dependent manner. Apoptosis assays and cell-cycle analysis indicated that G0/G1 arrest occurred. The colony formation study revealed that cells treated with 5-FU-lipo and 5-FU-lipo-HA had reduced colony formation. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction study showed that the oncogenic messenger RNA and microRNA levels were significantly reduced in the 5-FU-lipo-HA-treated group, while tumor suppressors were increased in that group. We suggest that optimal targeted delivery and release of 5-FU into colorectal cancer cells, renders them susceptible to apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, and decreased colony formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Fereydoon Abedi-Gaballu
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheil Abbaspour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehri Ghasabi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Yekta
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Solmaz Shirjang
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Dehghan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pegoraro S, Ros G, Sgubin M, Petrosino S, Zambelli A, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Targeting the intrinsically disordered architectural High Mobility Group A (HMGA) oncoproteins in breast cancer: learning from the past to design future strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:953-969. [PMID: 32970506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1814738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because of its heterogeneity and lack of specific therapeutic targets. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are chromatin architectural factors that have multiple oncogenic functions in breast cancer, and they represent promising molecular therapeutic targets for this disease. AREAS COVERED We offer an overview of the strategies that have been exploited to counteract HMGA oncoprotein activities at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We also present the possibility of targeting cancer-associated factors that lie downstream of HMGA proteins and discuss the contribution of HMGA proteins to chemoresistance. EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been exploited to counteract HMGA protein activities; these involve interfering with their nucleic acid binding properties and the blocking of HMGA expression. Some approaches have provided promising results. However, some unique characteristics of the HMGA proteins have not been exploited; these include their extensive protein-protein interaction network and their intrinsically disordered status that present the possibility that HMGA proteins could be involved in the formation of proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLO) by liquid-liquid phase separation. These unexplored characteristics could open new pharmacological avenues to counteract the oncogenic contributions of HMGA proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pegoraro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Sgubin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Petrosino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Panagopoulos I, Gorunova L, Andersen HK, Pedersen TD, Lømo J, Lund-Iversen M, Micci F, Heim S. Genetic Characterization of Myoid Hamartoma of the Breast. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2020; 16:563-568. [PMID: 31659109 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Myoid hamartoma of the breast is a very rare benign lesion of which only a few cases have been reported. The pathogenesis is unknown and nothing is known about its genetic constitution. We report here the genetic characterization of a myoid hamartoma of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cytogenetic, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA sequencing, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Sanger sequencing analyses were performed on a myoid hamartoma of the breast. RESULTS G-Banding analysis of short-term cultured tumor cells yielded the karyotype 46,XX,t(5;12)(p13;q14)[6]/46,XX[4]. FISH showed rearrangement of the high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) gene. RNA sequencing detected fusion of HMGA2 (12q14) with a sequence from 5p13. RT-PCR together with Sanger sequencing verified the HMGA2-fusion transcript. CONCLUSION Myoid hamartoma of the breast may be pathogenetically related to benign connective tissue tumors with HMGA2 rearrangements, such as pulmonary hamartomas, lipomas, myolipomas, and leiomyomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Panagopoulos
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludmila Gorunova
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hege Kilen Andersen
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jon Lømo
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Francesca Micci
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sverre Heim
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Parisi S, Piscitelli S, Passaro F, Russo T. HMGA Proteins in Stemness and Differentiation of Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21010362. [PMID: 31935816 PMCID: PMC6981681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HMGA1 and HMGA2 are chromatin architectural proteins that do not have transcriptional activity per se, but are able to modify chromatin structure by interacting with the transcriptional machinery and thus negatively or positively regulate the transcription of several genes. They have been extensively studied in cancer where they are often found to be overexpressed but their functions under physiologic conditions have still not been completely addressed. Hmga1 and Hmga2 are expressed during the early stages of mouse development, whereas they are not detectable in most adult tissues. Hmga overexpression or knockout studies in mouse have pointed to a key function in the development of the embryo and of various tissues. HMGA proteins are expressed in embryonic stem cells and in some adult stem cells and numerous experimental data have indicated that they play a fundamental role in the maintenance of stemness and in the regulation of differentiation. In this review, we discuss available experimental data on HMGA1 and HMGA2 functions in governing embryonic and adult stem cell fate. Moreover, based on the available evidence, we will aim to outline how HMGA expression is regulated in different contexts and how these two proteins contribute to the regulation of gene expression and chromatin architecture in stem cells.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Pancreatic masses consisting of lipomatous components clinically include lipoma, liposarcoma, lipomatous pseudohypertrophy of the pancreas, fat-containing neoplasms such as perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, and malignant neoplasm with lipoid degeneration. We present pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma, which has not been reported hitherto. A solid pancreatic mass was detected from a computed tomographic scan check-up in each of 3 cases of Japanese men. Macroscopically, well-demarcated solid lipomatous masses were detected at the uncus, body, and tail of the pancreas, respectively. Microscopically, the masses predominantly consisted of mature adipocytes with no atypia, but contained characteristics components of pancreatic hamartoma, such as small ducts, a well-preserved acinar structure, and/or fibrous stroma. On the basis of the unique features, lack of islets and absence of periductal elastic fibers, these tumors are a distinct variant of pancreatic hamartoma. Furthermore, high-mobility group AT-hook 2 expression in the fibro-adipocytes of this tumor indicated that these cells are an integral component of the pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma. Consequently, the unique tumors described herein are pancreatic lipomatous hamartoma, which must be discriminated from other lipomatous lesions of the pancreas.
Collapse
|
12
|
LncRNA ANRIL affects the sensitivity of ovarian cancer to cisplatin via regulation of let-7a/HMGA2 axis. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20182101. [PMID: 31189742 PMCID: PMC6609561 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20182101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper tried to explore ANRIL expression in ovarian cancer and how it affects cisplatin-sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells via regulation of let-7a/high-mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) axis. qRT-PCR was used to detect ANRIL and let-7a levels in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines (SKOV3 and SKOV3/DDP). Then cells were randomly assigned into Blank, negative control siRNA, ANRIL siRNA, let-7a inhibitor, and ANRIL siRNA+let-7a-inhibitor groups. CCK-8 assay was applied for assessing cell viability of cells treated with different concentrations of cisplatin. Flow cytometry was employed to test cell apoptosis rate. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed for related molecules detection. Nude mice transplanted with SKOV3/DDP cells were used to confirm the effects of ANRIL siRNA on the cisplatin-sensitivity. Ovarian cancer tissues and cisplatin-resistant cells had increased ANRIL expression and decreased let-7a expression, and those patients with higher clinical stage and pathological grade showed higher ANRIL and lower let-7a. Dual-luciferase reporter-gene assay confirmed the targeting relationship between ANRIL and let-7a, and between let-7a and HMGA2. The cell viability and cisplatin IC50 were decreased in ANRIL siRNA group exposed to different concentrations of cisplatin, with enhanced apoptosis, as well as elevated let-7a and declined HMGA2, which would be reversed by let-7a inhibitor. Meanwhile, ANRIL down-regulation enhanced the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on tumor growth of nude mice and reduced tumor weight. Silencing ANRIL expression reduced HMGA2 expression to promote the apoptosis and improve cisplatin-sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells via up-regulating let-7a expression.
Collapse
|
13
|
Gao G, Liu C, Jain S, Li D, Wang H, Zhao Y, Liu J. Potential use of aptamers for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Drug Target 2019; 27:853-865. [PMID: 30596288 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1564924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly malignant with a low 5-year survival rate. PC currently does not have good early diagnostic markers and responses poorly to chemotherapeutic drugs. The search for better biomarkers and developing more effective chemotherapy are important ways to improve the healthcare of PC patients. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids with high binding affinity and specificity to target molecules. Many aptamers against different forms of cancer including PC have been selected for both diagnostic and therapeutic use. Aptamers can work as ligands to distinguish tumour cells from normal cells. Using cells as selection targets, the obtained aptamers have been used to discover new cancer biomarkers after identification of the binding target. Aptamers have been shown to have antagonists effect on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In addition, aptamers have been used as carriers to deliver therapeutic agents to selectively kill PC cells. This review summarises the potential use of aptamers in the diagnosis and treatment of PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Can Liu
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Sona Jain
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Dai Li
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada.,d Department of Pharmacology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Hai Wang
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Juewen Liu
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang S, Zhang H, Yu L. HMGA2 promotes glioma invasion and poor prognosis via a long-range chromatin interaction. Cancer Med 2018; 7:3226-3239. [PMID: 29733521 PMCID: PMC6051173 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the function and underlying mechanisms of HMGA2 on the prognosis and invasion of gliomas, HMGA2 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The Kaplan‐Meier and Cox's regression analysis results showed that higher HMGA2 level predicted the poorer outcomes of glioma patients. ChIP‐qPCR, DNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromosome conformation capture, and co‐immunoprecipitation were applied to identify HMGA2‐activated target sites, which were further verified by mRNA and protein expression detection. Transwell and orthotopic implantation were used to investigate the roles of HMGA2 in glioma cells. HMGA2 shRNA transfection inhibited glioblastoma invasion. Mechanistically, we first discovered that HMGA2, together with GCN5, facilitated the invasion of glioma cells via inducing chromatin conformational remodeling of the MMP2 gene promoter and epigenetically activating MMP2 gene transcription. Our results indicated that HMGA2, as a novel GCN5 recognition partner and histone acetylation modulator, may be novel prognostic indicator and promising glioma treatment target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huibian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun L, Zhai R, Zhang L, Zhao S. MicroRNA-149 suppresses the proliferation and increases the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by targeting X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7328-7334. [PMID: 29731888 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, ovarian cancer is identified as one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality in females. Despite numerous efforts that were made on developing novel treatments for ovarian cancer, the survival rate remains unsatisfactory. Considering the important regulatory role of miRNAs in different types of cancer, the present study aims to identify a novel therapeutic target for treatment of ovarian cancer. The expression of miR-149 was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cancerous and normal cells. Furthermore, the effects of miR-149 on ovarian cancer cell activities were investigated using MTT assay, colony formation, flow cytometry and western blotting analysis. In the present study, it was revealed that microRNA (miR)-149 was significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines, and that the miR-149 expression was correlated with the patient prognosis. In addition, it was observed that forced expression of miR-149 increased the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cell to cisplatin. Based on bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) was identified as a direct target gene of miR-149 in ovarian cancer cells. It was also demonstrated that XIAP expression was upregulated in the ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines, while it was negatively correlated with miR-149 in these tissues and cells. Furthermore, results revealed that ectopic expression of XIAP was able to abolish the miR-149-enhanced cell sensitivity to cisplatin. In conclusion, the present study revealed that miR-149 functioned as a tumor suppressor in the progression of ovarian cancer, increasing the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China.,Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Ruixia Zhai
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Shuping Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266034, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hassan F, Ni S, Arnett TC, McKell MC, Kennedy MA. Adenovirus-Mediated Delivery of Decoy Hyper Binding Sites Targeting Oncogenic HMGA1 Reduces Pancreatic and Liver Cancer Cell Viability. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2018; 8:52-61. [PMID: 29511732 PMCID: PMC5832671 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) protein is an oncogenic architectural transcription factor that plays an essential role in early development, but it is also implicated in many human cancers. Elevated levels of HMGA1 in cancer cells cause misregulation of gene expression and are associated with increased cancer cell proliferation and increased chemotherapy resistance. We have devised a strategy of using engineered viruses to deliver decoy hyper binding sites for HMGA1 to the nucleus of cancer cells with the goal of sequestering excess HMGA1 at the decoy hyper binding sites due to binding competition. Sequestration of excess HMGA1 at the decoy binding sites is intended to reduce HMGA1 binding at the naturally occurring genomic HMGA1 binding sites, which should result in normalized gene expression and restored sensitivity to chemotherapy. As proof of principle, we engineered the replication defective adenovirus serotype 5 genome to contain hyper binding sites for HMGA1 composed of six copies of an individual HMGA1 binding site, referred to as HMGA-6. A 70%–80% reduction in cell viability and increased sensitivity to gemcitabine was observed in five different pancreatic and liver cancer cell lines 72 hr after infection with replication defective engineered adenovirus serotype 5 virus containing the HMGA-6 decoy hyper binding sites. The decoy hyper binding site strategy should be general for targeting overexpression of any double-stranded DNA-binding oncogenic transcription factor responsible for cancer cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faizule Hassan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Shuisong Ni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Tyler C Arnett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Melanie C McKell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Michael A Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| |
Collapse
|