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Wu DD, Lau ATY, Xu YM, Reinders-Luinge M, Koncz M, Kiss A, Timens W, Rots MG, Hylkema MN. Targeted epigenetic silencing of UCHL1 expression suppresses collagen-1 production in human lung epithelial cells. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2175522. [PMID: 38016026 PMCID: PMC9980648 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2175522] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is highly expressed in smokers, but little is known about the molecular mechanism of UCHL1 in airway epithelium and its possible role in affecting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in the underlying submucosa. Since cigarette smoking is a major cause of lung diseases, we studied its effect on UCHL1 expression and DNA methylation patterns in human bronchial epithelial cells, obtained after laser capture micro-dissection (LCM) or isolated from residual tracheal/main stem bronchial tissue. Targeted regulation of UCHL1 expression via CRISPR/dCas9 based-epigenetic editing was used to explore the function of UCHL1 in lung epithelium. Our results show that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) stimulated the expression of UCHL1 in vitro. The methylation status of the UCHL1 gene was negatively associated with UCHL1 transcription in LCM-obtained airway epithelium at specific sites. Treatment with a UCHL1 inhibitor showed that the TGF-β1-induced upregulation of the ECM gene COL1A1 can be prevented by the inhibition of UCHL1 activity in cell lines. Furthermore, upon downregulation of UCHL1 by epigenetic editing using CRISPR/dCas-EZH2, mRNA expression of COL1A1 and fibronectin was reduced. In conclusion, we confirmed higher UCHL1 expression in current smokers compared to non- and ex-smokers, and induced downregulation of UCHL1 by epigenetic editing. The subsequent repression of genes encoding ECM proteins suggest a role for UCHL1 as a therapeutic target in fibrosis-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Wu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, P. R. China
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, P. R. China
| | - Marjan Reinders-Luinge
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mihaly Koncz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Antal Kiss
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marianne G. Rots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld N. Hylkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Wang WJ, Peng K, Lu X, Zhu YY, Li Z, Qian QH, Yao YX, Fu L, Wang Y, Huang YC, Zhao H, Wang H, Xu DX, Tan ZX. Long-term cadmium exposure induces chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like lung lesions in a mouse model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163073. [PMID: 36965727 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidences demonstrate that long-term exposure to atmospheric fine particles and air pollutants elevates the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cadmium (Cd) is one of the important toxic substances in atmospheric fine particles and air pollutants. In this study, we aimed to establish a mouse model to evaluate whether respiratory Cd exposure induces COPD-like lung injury. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CdCl2 (10 mg/L, 4 h per day) by inhaling aerosol for either 10 weeks (short-term) or 6 months (long-term). The mean serum Cd concentration was 6.26 μg/L in Cd-exposed mice. Lung weight and coefficient were elevated in long-term Cd-exposed mice. Pathological scores and alveolar destructive indices were increased in long-term Cd-exposed mouse lungs. Mean linear intercept and airway wall thickness were accordingly elevated in Cd-exposed mice. Inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TGF-β, were up-regulated in Cd-exposed mouse lungs. α-SMA, N-cadherin and vimentin, epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers, and extracellular matrix collagen deposition around small airway, determined by Masson's trichrome staining, were shown in Cd-exposed mouse lungs. COPD-characteristic lung function decline was observed in long-term Cd-exposed mice. These outcomes show that long-term respiratory exposure to Cd induces COPD-like lung lesions for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kun Peng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xue Lu
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qing-Hua Qian
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ya-Xin Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yi-Chao Huang
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhu-Xia Tan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Yu FY, Xu Q, Wei QY, Mo HY, Zhong QH, Zhao XY, Lau ATY, Xu YM. ACC2 is under-expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and predicts poor clinical outcomes. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:3145-3162. [PMID: 35066671 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acetyl-CoA Carboxylases (ACCs) are key fatty acid metabolic enzymes responsible for catalyzing the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. The role of ACC1 has been associated with tumor biology, but the role of ACC2 in cancer remains largely uncharacterized. METHODS We conducted a transcriptomic analysis using GEPIA and Oncomine to study the expression of ACC2 in different cancers. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of ACC2 in lung cancer tissue microarray, and the correlation between ACC2 expression and clinical parameters was analyzed. Following ACC2 knockdown by RNA interference in A549 and HCC827 cells, Cell Counting Kit‑8 and transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation and migration. Real-time PCR was used to detect cell cycle-related genes in A549 cells. GEO dataset and KM-plotter database were used to analyze the relationship between ACC2 expression and the prognosis in lung cancer patients. RESULTS We found that ACC2 is under-expressed in cancerous tissue and the expression of ACC2 is negatively correlated with tumor size, regional lymph-node metastases, and clinical stage of lung adenocarcinoma patients. In addition, knocking down ACC2 in A549 cells and HCC827 cells can promote cell proliferation and migration, and cell cycle-related genes MAD2L1 and CCNB2 were up-regulated after ACC2 was knockdown in A549 cells. Finally, we found that lung adenocarcinoma patients with under-expressed ACC2 have a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that ACC2 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker that negatively correlated with clinical outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yuan Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Yao Wei
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ying Mo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Hua Zhong
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yun Zhao
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Andy T Y Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Chen XL, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Toxic metals in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: demons or angels? Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:237. [PMID: 35897065 PMCID: PMC9327425 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells can trans-differentiate into motile mesenchymal cells through a dynamic process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is crucial in embryonic development and wound healing but also contributes to human diseases such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. Heavy metals are environmental pollutants that can affect human health in various ways, including causing cancers. The cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of heavy metals are complex, and studies have demonstrated that some of these metals can affect the progress of EMT. Here, we focus on reviewing the roles of six environmentally common toxic metals concerning EMT: arsenic (AS), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Noteworthily, the effects of these elements on EMT may vary according to the form, dose, and exposure time; the dual role of heavy metals (e.g., AS, Cd, and Cu) on EMT is also observed, in which, sometimes they can promote while sometimes inhibit the EMT process. Given the vast number of toxicologically relevant metals that exist in nature, we believe a comprehensive understanding of their effects on EMT is required to dictate in what circumstances these metals act more likely as demons or angels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Li Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041 People’s Republic of China
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Zheng L, Jiang YL, Fei J, Cao P, Zhang C, Xie GF, Wang LX, Cao W, Fu L, Zhao H. Circulatory cadmium positively correlates with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 215:112164. [PMID: 33756289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Environmental cadmium (Cd) exposure can cause several pulmonary diseases. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involved in the process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the association between environmental Cd exposure and EMT was unclear in COPD patients. This study aimed to analyze the associations among circulatory Cd, EMT and COPD based on case-control study. Four hundred COPD patients and 400 control subjects were recruited. Circulatory Cd was detected using atomic adsorption spectrometer. MicroRNA-30 (miR-30) was measured by RT-PCR and the markers of pulmonary EMT were evaluated through western blotting. Circulatory Cd concentration was increased and serum miR-30 was decreased in COPD patients. Circulatory Cd was inversely associated with pulmonary function in COPD patients. Moreover, serum miR-30 was gradually decreased in parallel with FEV1 in COPD patients. Meanwhile, there was a negative association between serum miR-30 and circulatory Cd in COPD patients. Further analysis found that E-cadherin, one of epithelial biomarkers, was reduced in lung tissues of COPD patients with higher circulatory Cd. On the contrary, pulmonary N-cadherin, Vimentin and α-SMA, three of mesenchymal biomarkers, were increased in COPD patients with higher circulatory Cd. In vitro experiments revealed that Cd exposure repressed miR-30 levels and promoted EMT in BEAS-2B cells. Our results provide evidence that miR-30 reduction contributing to pulmonary EMT may involve in the process of Cd-induced COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ya-Lin Jiang
- The Bozhou People's Hospital, Bozhou 236800, China
| | - Jun Fei
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Peng Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guo-Fang Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li-Xiang Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Cao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Hui Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Tang Z, Jiang W, Mao M, Zhao J, Chen J, Cheng N. Deubiquitinase USP35 modulates ferroptosis in lung cancer via targeting ferroportin. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e390. [PMID: 33931967 PMCID: PMC8087931 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis is essential to regulate tumor growth and serves as a promising therapeutic target to lung cancer. Ubiquitin-specific protease 35 (USP35) belongs to the deubiquitinases family that is associated with cell proliferation and mitosis. In this research, we aim to elucidate the potential role and molecular basis of USP35 in lung cancer. METHODS Lung cancer cells were infected with lentiviral vectors to silence or overexpress USP35. Cell viability, colony formation, lipid reactive oxygen species production, intracellular iron metabolism, and other ferroptotic markers were detected. The role of USP35 on ferroptosis and tumor progression were also tested in mouse tumor xenograft models in vivo. RESULTS USP35 was abundant in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines. USP35 knockdown promoted ferroptosis, and inhibited cell growth, colony formation, and tumor progression in lung cancer cells. USP35 overexpression did not affect tumorigenesis and ferroptosis under basal conditions, but reduced erastin/RSL3-triggered iron disturbance and ferroptosis, thereby facilitating lung cancer cell growth and tumor progression. Further studies determined that USP35 directly interacted with ferroportin (FPN) and functioned as a deubiquitinase to maintain its protein stability. More importantly, we observed that USP35 knockdown sensitized lung cancer cells to cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. CONCLUSION USP35 modulates ferroptosis in lung cancer via targeting FPN, and it is a promising therapeutic target to lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Tang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Wanli Jiang
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ming Mao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jinping Zhao
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiakuan Chen
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Nitao Cheng
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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