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Zhang J, Zhang X, Su J, Zhang J, Liu S, Han L, Liu M, Sun D. Identification and validation of a novel HOX-related classifier signature for predicting prognosis and immune microenvironment in pediatric gliomas. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1203650. [PMID: 37547473 PMCID: PMC10401438 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1203650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric gliomas (PGs) are highly aggressive and predominantly occur in young children. In pediatric gliomas, abnormal expression of Homeobox (HOX) family genes (HFGs) has been observed and is associated with the development and progression of the disease. Studies have found that overexpression or underexpression of certain HOX genes is linked to the occurrence and prognosis of gliomas. This aberrant expression may contribute to the dysregulation of important pathological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. This study aimed to propose a novel HOX-related signature to predict patients' prognosis and immune infiltrate characteristics in PGs. Methods: The data of PGs obtained from publicly available databases were utilized to reveal the relationship among abnormal expression of HOX family genes (HFGs), prognosis, tumor immune infiltration, clinical features, and genomic features in PGs. The HFGs were utilized to identify heterogeneous subtypes using consensus clustering. Then random forest-supervised classification algorithm and nearest shrunken centroid algorithm were performed to develop a prognostic signature in the training set. Finally, the signature was validated in an internal testing set and an external independent cohort. Results: Firstly, we identified HFGs significantly differentially expressed in PGs compared to normal tissues. The individuals with PGs were then divided into two heterogeneous subtypes (HOX-SI and HOX-SII) based on HFGs expression profiles. HOX-SII showed higher total mutation counts, lower immune infiltration, and worse prognosis than HOX-SI. Then, we constructed a HOX-related gene signature (including HOXA6, HOXC4, HOXC5, HOXC6, and HOXA-AS3) based on the cluster for subtype prediction utilizing random forest supervised classification and nearest shrunken centroid algorithm. The signature was revealed to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with PGs by multivariable Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: Our study provides a novel method for the prognosis classification of PGs. The findings also suggest that the HOX-related signature is a new biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with PGs, allowing for more accurate survival prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Capital Medical University Electric Power Teaching Hospital, State Grid Beijing Electric Power Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Capital Medical University Electric Power Teaching Hospital, State Grid Beijing Electric Power Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Su
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Siyao Liu
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Sun
- Beijing ChosenMed Clinical Laboratory Co Ltd., Beijing, China
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Chen F, Zhao RR, Li Q, Chen ZH, Luo C. Knockdown of lncRNA HOXD-AS2 Improves the Prognosis of Glioma Patients by Inhibiting the Proliferation and Migration of Glioma Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:9337647. [PMID: 36408341 PMCID: PMC9668444 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9337647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective Increasing studies reported that long noncoding RNAs are involved in regulating glioma progression. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in glioma remain unclear. Here, we sought to explore the functions of HOXD-AS2 in glioma progression. Methods Gene expressions of lncRNAs in 5 normal brain tissue specimens and 5 glioblastoma tissue specimens were detected by gene expression profile chip technology. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to see whether differential expression of lncRNAs played any significant role in glioma occurrence and progression. The relationship between HOXD-AS2 level and clinical prognosis of the patients was analyzed. HOXD-AS2 was specifically interfered with by siRNA technology to observe its effects on U251 cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Results The expression level of HOXD-AS2 gene in glioma was significantly higher than that in the normal brain tissue, which was related to the tumor grade. The level of HOXD-AS2 gene in patients with high-grade glioma was higher than that in patients with low-grade glioma. High expression of HOXD-AS2 gene was a risk factor for poor prognosis of glioma patients. Knocking down the expression of HOXD-AS2 in glioma cell line U251 arrested the cell cycle and reduced the cell proliferation. Furthermore, it could significantly reduce the migration ability of the cells but had no significant effect on the invasion. Conclusion HOXD-AS2 is an oncogenic lncRNA associated with the poor prognosis of glioma. Knockdown of HOXD-AS2 may reduce the growth of glioma, which may provide a new avenue for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Ru Zhao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chun Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Chen B, Gao C, Wang H, Sun J, Han Z. Molecular Analysis of Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Ovarian Cancer Based on Homeobox D Genes. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3268386. [PMID: 36213580 PMCID: PMC9537619 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3268386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Homeobox D (HOXD) genes were associated with cancer pathogenesis. However, the role of HOXD genes in ovarian cancer (OC) and the possible mechanisms involved are unclear. In this study, we analyzed the function and regulatory mechanisms and functions of HOXD genes in OC based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Methods Expression of HOXD1/3/4/8/9/10/11/12/13 mRNA was analyzed between OC tissue and normal tissue using ONCOMINE, GEO, and TCGA databases. The relationship between HOXD expression and clinical stage was studied by GEPIA. The Kaplan-Meier plotter was used to analyze prognosis. cBioPortal was used to analyze the mutation and coexpression of HOXDs. GO and KEGG analyses were performed by the DAVID software to predict the function of HOXD coexpression genes. Immune infiltration analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the expression of HOXD genes and 24 immune infiltrating cells. Results The expression of HOXD3/4/8/9/10/11 was significantly lower in OC tissues than in normal ovarian tissues, while the expression of HOXD1/12/13 was significantly higher in OC tissues. The expression of HOXD genes was associated with FIGO stage, primary therapy outcome, tumor status, anatomic neoplasm subdivision, and age. The expression levels of HOXD1/3/4/8/9/10 correlated with tumor stage. HOXD1/8/9 could be served as ideal biomarkers to distinguish OC from normal tissue. Low HOXD9 expression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58-0.98; P = 0.034) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54-0.87; P = 0.002). The HOXD coexpression genes were associated with pathways including cell cycle, TGF-beta signaling pathway, cellular senescence, and Hippo signaling pathway. HOXD genes were significantly associated with immune infiltration. Conclusion The expression of HOXD genes is associated with clinical characteristics. HOXD9 is a new biomarker of prognosis in OC, and HOXD1/4/8/9/10 may be potential therapeutic targets. The members of the HOXD genes may be the response to immunotherapy for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buze Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu, China
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu, China
| | - Cui Gao
- Department of Obstetrics, Jinhu County People's Hospital, Huai'an, 223000 Jiangsu, China
| | - Haihong Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu, China
| | - Jieyun Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengxiang Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000 Jiangsu, China
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Wang L, Qiao C, Cao L, Cai S, Ma X, Song X, Jiang Q, Huang C, Wang J. Significance of HOXD transcription factors family in progression, migration and angiogenesis of cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 179:103809. [PMID: 36108961 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors (TFs) of the HOX family play significant roles during early embryonic development and cellular processes. They also play a key role in tumorigenesis as tumor oncogenes or suppressors. Furthermore, TFs of the HOXD geFIne cluster affect proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumors. Consequently, dysregulated activity of HOXD TFs has been linked to clinicopathological characteristics of cancer. HOXD TFs are regulated by non-coding RNAs and methylation of DNA on promoter and enhancer regions. In addition, HOXD genes modulate the biological function of cancer cells via the MEK and AKT signaling pathways, thus, making HOXD TFs, a suitable molecular marker for cancer prognosis and therapy. In this review, we summarized the roles of HOXD TFs in different cancers and highlighted its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Wang
- Gastroenterology department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China; Institute of precision medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Chenyang Qiao
- Gastroenterology department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Shuang Cai
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xinqiu Song
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qiuyu Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Gastroenterology department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China; Institute of precision medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China.
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Li Y, Ma K, Xie Q, Zhang X, Zhang X, Chen K, Kong L, Qian R. Identification of HOXD10 as a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:5183-5195. [PMID: 34737577 PMCID: PMC8558040 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s336225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose HOXD10 is a tumor modulator that can either be a tumor-suppressor or a tumor-promoting gene. However, the role of HOXD10 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains unclear. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to detect protein expression of HOXD10 in GBM and normal brain tissue patients. Clinicopathological characteristics with GBM were recorded, and a Kaplan–Meier curve was plotted. Additionally, the mRNA expression of HOXD10 and its effect on prognosis were analyzed using the online tool GEPIA and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Based on the mRNA expression of HOXD10, GBM patients from TCGA database were divided into low- and high-HOXD10 expression groups to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Results The mRNA expression of HOXD10 was up-regulated in GBM according to GEPIA, while the protein expression of HOXD10 in GBM was down-regulated according to IHC analysis of samples from patients collected from our hospital. Correlation analysis showed that HOXD10 expression was significantly related to IDH1 status. Univariate analysis revealed that low HOXD10 expression, complete surgical resection, postoperative radiotherapy, postoperative temozolomide chemotherapy and IDH1 mutation were all beneficial prognostic factors. Further multivariate analysis revealed that only complete surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that HOXD10 expression is mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. In the ceRNA network, 89 nodes, containing 45 mRNAs, 39 miRNAs and five lncRNAs associated with prognosis were involved. The PPI network revealed a tight interaction between HOXD10 and HOXD8, HOXD9, HOXD11, HOXD13 and HOXB3. Conclusion Based on our experimental data, although HOXD10 expression is low in GBM compared with normal brain tissue, GBM patients with high HOXD10 expression have a worse prognosis. HOXD10 may play different or even opposite roles in different stages of GBM occurrence and development. For patients with GBM, HOXD10 may be a valid predictor of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Xie
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiulei Zhang
- Department of Microbiome Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfei Kong
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
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Bivalent Genes Targeting of Glioma Heterogeneity and Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020540. [PMID: 33430434 PMCID: PMC7826605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas account for most primary Central Nervous System (CNS) neoplasms, characterized by high aggressiveness and low survival rates. Despite the immense research efforts, there is a small improvement in glioma survival rates, mostly attributed to their heterogeneity and complex pathophysiology. Recent data indicate the delicate interplay of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation, pointing towards the pivotal role of bivalent genes. Bivalency refers to a property of chromatin to acquire more than one histone marks during the cell cycle and rapidly transition gene expression from an active to a suppressed transcriptional state. Although first identified in embryonal stem cells, bivalent genes have now been associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Emerging evidence indicates the implication of bivalent gene regulation in glioma heterogeneity and plasticity, mainly involving Homeobox genes, Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family Members, Hedgehog protein, and Solute Carrier Family members. These genes control a wide variety of cellular functions, including cellular differentiation during early organism development, regulation of cell growth, invasion, migration, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the implication of bivalent genes in glioma pathogenesis and their potential therapeutic targeting options.
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Xiao J, Jin X, Zhang C, Zou H, Chang Z, Han N, Li X, Zhang Y, Li Y. Systematic analysis of enhancer regulatory circuit perturbation driven by copy number variations in malignant glioma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3060-3073. [PMID: 33537074 PMCID: PMC7847679 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Enhancers are emerging regulatory regions controlling gene expression in diverse cancer types. However, the functions of enhancer regulatory circuit perturbations driven by copy number variations (CNVs) in malignant glioma are unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the comprehensive enhancer regulatory perturbation and identify potential biomarkers in glioma. Results: We performed a meta-analysis of the enhancer centered regulatory circuit perturbations in 683 gliomas by integrating CNVs, gene expression, and transcription factors (TFs) binding. We found widespread CNVs of enhancers during glioma progression, and CNVs were associated with the perturbations of enhancer activities. In particular, the degree of perturbations for amplified enhancers was much greater accompanied by the glioma malignant progression. In addition, CNVs and enhancers cooperatively regulated the expressions of cancer-related genes. Genome-wide TF binding profiles revealed that enhancers were pervasively regulated by TFs. A network-based analysis of TF-enhancer-gene regulatory circuits revealed a core TF-gene module (58 interactions including seven genes and 14 TFs) that was associated survival of patients with glioma (p < 0.001). Finally, we validated this prognosis-associated TF-gene regulatory module in an independent cohort. In summary, our analyses provided new molecular insights for enhancer-centered transcriptional perturbation in glioma therapy. Conclusion: Integrative analysis revealed enhancer regulatory perturbations in glioma and also identified a network module that was associated with patient survival, thereby providing novel insights into enhancer-centered cancer therapy.
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Gonçalves CS, Le Boiteux E, Arnaud P, Costa BM. HOX gene cluster (de)regulation in brain: from neurodevelopment to malignant glial tumours. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3797-3821. [PMID: 32239260 PMCID: PMC11105007 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
HOX genes encode a family of evolutionarily conserved homeodomain transcription factors that are crucial both during development and adult life. In humans, 39 HOX genes are arranged in four clusters (HOXA, B, C, and D) in chromosomes 7, 17, 12, and 2, respectively. During embryonic development, particular epigenetic states accompany their expression along the anterior-posterior body axis. This tightly regulated temporal-spatial expression pattern reflects their relative chromosomal localization, and is critical for normal embryonic brain development when HOX genes are mainly expressed in the hindbrain and mostly absent in the forebrain region. Epigenetic marks, mostly polycomb-associated, are dynamically regulated at HOX loci and regulatory regions to ensure the finely tuned HOX activation and repression, highlighting a crucial epigenetic plasticity necessary for homeostatic development. HOX genes are essentially absent in healthy adult brain, whereas they are detected in malignant brain tumours, namely gliomas, where HOX genes display critical roles by regulating several hallmarks of cancer. Here, we review the major mechanisms involved in HOX genes (de)regulation in the brain, from embryonic to adult stages, in physiological and oncologic conditions. We focus particularly on the emerging causes of HOX gene deregulation in glioma, as well as on their functional and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline S Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Elisa Le Boiteux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM-iGReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Philippe Arnaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM-iGReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno M Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Wang Q, Wang Z, Li G, Zhang C, Bao Z, Wang Z, You G, Jiang T. Identification of IDH-mutant gliomas by a prognostic signature according to gene expression profiling. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:1977-1988. [PMID: 30115812 PMCID: PMC6128431 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are the most common genetic aberrations in gliomagenesis. We aimed to build a high-efficiency prediction gene signature in patients with IDH-mutant glioma. METHODS In total, 167 gliomas from Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset were included for discovery. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used for validation. R language was the main software environment for our statistical operation and graphics. RESULTS We applied the Time-Dependent ROC Curve (timeROC) method to estimate the gene prediction accuracy of 3 years and 5 years in two datasets. Seven genes were selected for further analysis (AUC ≥ 0.7 in two datasets). A seven-gene enrichment score was established to predict the overall survival of 3 years and 5 years for IDH- mutant glioma patients. Moreover, the seven-gene signature was an independent prognostic indicator for patients with IDH-mutant glioma. Gene Ontology (GO) Analysis of associated genes revealed signature-related biological process of cell cycle and division. CONCLUSION We have identified a seven-gene signature that can provide a more accurate predictor of 3 years and 5 years for patients with IDH-mutant glioma. Moreover, the signature may potentially help neurosurgeons with the clinical personalized management of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangwei Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoshi Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gan You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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Zhao XW, Zhan YB, Bao JJ, Zhou JQ, Zhang FJ, Bin Y, Bai YH, Wang YM, Zhang ZY, Liu XZ. Clinicopathological analysis of HOXD4 expression in diffuse gliomas and its correlation with IDH mutations and 1p/19q co-deletion. Oncotarget 2017; 8:115657-115666. [PMID: 29383189 PMCID: PMC5777801 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds HOX (homologous box) is known as the dominant gene of vertebrate growth and cell differentiation. Abnormal expression of HOX gene in various tumors has attracted the attention of scholars. As a component of HOX clusters, HOXD4 plays a controversial role in the tumorigenesis of central nervous system. Results The data demonstrated that and the results demonstrated that HOXD4 was overexpressed in glioma tissues compared to that of normal brain tissues. patients with high HOXD4 expression had a significant shorter survival than those with low HOXD4 expression in total glioma cohort (p<0.001), WHO Grade II cohort (p=0.003) and Grade III cohort (p<0.001), but not in Grade IV cohort when OS (overall survival) was analyzed (p=0.216). The findings were confirmed by the large-scale omics data analysis including lower-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in TCGA (the cancer genome atlas) and CGGA (Chinese glioma genome atlas). Moreover, it was revealed that the expression of HOXD4 have a significant impact on the OS of Grade IV glioma with IDH wild-type and 1p/19q intact according to TCGA data. Methods Clinicopathological analysis of HOXD4 expression in 453 glioma patients was performed in the current study. Expression of HOXD4 was evaluated by qPCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to investigate the prognostic role of HOXD4 in glioma patients. Conclusions Expression of HOXD4 was closely related to the clinical outcomes of patients with gliomas, and HOXD4 may be a potential prognostic biomarker of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Wei Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yun-Bo Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jian-Ji Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jin-Qiao Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Feng-Jiang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yu Bin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ya-Hui Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yan-Min Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xian-Zhi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
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Se YB, Kim SH, Kim JY, Kim JE, Dho YS, Kim JW, Kim YH, Woo HG, Kim SH, Kang SH, Kim HJ, Kim TM, Lee ST, Choi SH, Park SH, Kim IH, Kim DG, Park CK. Underexpression of HOXA11 Is Associated with Treatment Resistance and Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma. Cancer Res Treat 2016; 49:387-398. [PMID: 27456940 PMCID: PMC5398402 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2016.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Homeobox (HOX) genes are essential developmental regulators that should normally be in the silenced state in an adult brain. The aberrant expression of HOX genes has been associated with the prognosis of many cancer types, including glioblastoma (GBM). This study examined the identity and role of HOX genes affecting GBM prognosis and treatment resistance. Materials and Methods The full series of HOX genes of five pairs of initial and recurrent human GBM samples were screened by microarray analysis to determine the most plausible candidate responsible for GBM prognosis. Another 20 newly diagnosed GBM samples were used for prognostic validation. In vitro experiments were performed to confirm the role of HOX in treatment resistance. Mediators involved in HOX gene regulation were searched using differentially expressed gene analysis, gene set enrichment tests, and network analysis. Results The underexpression of HOXA11 was identified as a consistent signature for a poor prognosis among the HOX genes. The overall survival of the GBM patients indicated a significantly favorable prognosis in patients with high HOXA11 expression (31±15.3 months) compared to the prognoses in thosewith low HOXA11 expression (18±7.3 months, p=0.03). When HOXA11 was suppressed in the GBM cell lines, the anticancer effect of radiotherapy and/or temozolomide declined. In addition, five candidate mediators (TGFBR2, CRIM1, TXNIP, DPYSL2, and CRMP1) that may confer an oncologic effect after HOXA11 suppression were identified. Conclusion The treatment resistance induced by the underexpression of HOXA11 can contribute to a poor prognosis in GBM. Further investigation will be needed to confirm the value of HOXA11 as a potential target for overcoming the treatment resistance by developing chemo- or radiosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Bem Se
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja Eun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Sik Dho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Wook Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Hwy Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Se-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Shin-Hyuk Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hak Jae Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hong Choi
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Il Han Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Gyu Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Kee Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Guo YB, Shao YM, Chen J, Xu SB, Zhang XD, Wang MR, Liu HY. Effect of overexpression of HOX genes on its invasive tendency in cerebral glioma. Oncol Lett 2015; 11:75-80. [PMID: 26870170 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors encoded by HOX genes are vital in the determination of cell fate and identity during embryonic development. In certain malignancies, HOX genes also behave as oncogenes. The present study demonstrated suppression of the invasive tendency of glioblastoma multiforme U-118 and U-138 cells by the introduction of the antisense fragments of HOXA6 and B13 genes using electroporation. The invasion index indicated 79 and 72% reductions in the invasive ability of antisense HOXA6 and B13, respectively. No significant differences in the invasive index of the parental and mock cells of each HOX gene were observed (invasive index, 0.75-0.91; P=0.05). A reduction in invasion tendency was also observed following betulinic acid (BA) treatment: The results from the matrigel assay analysis clearly demonstrated a significant inhibition in the invasive behaviour of U-118 and U-138 cell lines from day 15 following BA treatment, with a maximum effect on day 30. The invasion index demonstrated 62 and 65% reductions in invasion ability in the U-118 and U-138 cell lines, respectively. The suppression of HOXC6 and B13 expression by the introduction of the corresponding antisense fragments in addition to BA reduced invasion tendency in U-118 and U-138 cell lines. The mechanism underlying the association between the HOX gene and invasive behavior in glioma cells is yet to be understood. However, the anti-invasive behavior of BA may aid understanding of the mechanism in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Bao Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Meng Shao
- Department of Surgery, Central Hospital of Changchun, Changchun, Jilin 130011, P.R. China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Song-Bai Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Dong Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Mao-Ren Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Yan Liu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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13
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Kim JW, Kim JY, Kim JE, Kim SK, Chung HT, Park CK. HOXA10 is associated with temozolomide resistance through regulation of the homologous recombinant DNA repair pathway in glioblastoma cell lines. Genes Cancer 2014; 5:165-174. [PMID: 25061500 PMCID: PMC4104759 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Temozolomide resistance is associated with multiple DNA repair pathways. We investigated homeobox (HOX) genes for their role in temozolomide resistance, focusing on the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, and we tested their therapeutic implications in conjunction with O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) status. Two glioblastoma cell lines with different MGMT statuses were used to test the augmented anticancer effect of temozolomide with HOXA10 inhibition. In vitro experiments, including gene expression studies with RNA interference, were performed to verify the related pathway dynamics. HOXA10 inhibition reinforced temozolomide sensitivity independent of MGMT status and was related to the impaired double-strand DNA breakage repair process resulting from the downregulation of Rad51 paralogs. Early growth response 1 (EGR1) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were the regulatory mediators between HOXA10 and the HR pathway. Moreover, HOXA10 inhibition selectively affected the nuclear function of PTEN without interfering with its cytoplasmic function of suppressing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. The mechanism of HR pathway regulation by HOXA10 harbors another target mechanism for overcoming temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wook Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja Eun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Ki Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Tai Chung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Kee Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Potential roles for Gfi1 in the pathogenesis and proliferation of glioma. Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:629-32. [PMID: 23466061 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2012] [Revised: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major form of adult brain tumour with relatively poor prognosis and high mortality. Temozolomide (TMZ)-based chemotherapy following neurosurgery and radiotherapy has been suggested as the first line of treatment and is proven to effectively prolong overall survival and enhance patient quality of life. However, not all patients benefit from this treatment because of drug resistance. Even patients with TMZ-sensitive GBM may become resistant, which is partly due to the restoration of activity of the DNA repair enzyme O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT); thus, patients cannot evade eventual tumour recurrence. The cellular activity of MGMT is the most important determinant of TMZ-resistance. However, some patients with a low level of activated MGMT are also TMZ-resistant. The aberrant expression of HOXA9, one of the 39 class I homeobox genes, is a marker of poor prognosis, and its level gradually increases with histologic malignant progression, shorter time to overall survival (OS) and free progression survival (FPS) in glioma patients, which further supports an oncogenic role for HOXA9 in gliomas. The HOXA9-PI3K signalling pathway is an important mechanism in GBM that is independent of MGMT promoter methylation status. The DNA binding sites of growth factor independent-1 (Gfi1) can overlap with the HOXA9 promoter through the "AATC" versus "GATT" core sequence. The competition for this binding site inhibits the expression of HOXA9 and induces different transcriptional outcomes, which suggests a new direction for investigation of the mechanism underlying targeted therapy of malignant gliomas.
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15
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Tabuse M, Ohta S, Ohashi Y, Fukaya R, Misawa A, Yoshida K, Kawase T, Saya H, Thirant C, Chneiweiss H, Matsuzaki Y, Okano H, Kawakami Y, Toda M. Functional analysis of HOXD9 in human gliomas and glioma cancer stem cells. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:60. [PMID: 21600039 PMCID: PMC3118386 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HOX genes encode a family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors involved in the determination of cell fate and identity during embryonic development. They also behave as oncogenes in some malignancies. Results In this study, we found high expression of the HOXD9 gene transcript in glioma cell lines and human glioma tissues by quantitative real-time PCR. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed HOXD9 protein expression in human brain tumor tissues, including astrocytomas and glioblastomas. To investigate the role of HOXD9 in gliomas, we silenced its expression in the glioma cell line U87 using HOXD9-specific siRNA, and observed decreased cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. It was suggested that HOXD9 contributes to both cell proliferation and/or cell survival. The HOXD9 gene was highly expressed in a side population (SP) of SK-MG-1 cells that was previously identified as an enriched-cell fraction of glioma cancer stem-like cells. HOXD9 siRNA treatment of SK-MG-1 SP cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation. Finally, we cultured human glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs) from patient specimens found with high expression of HOXD9 in GCSCs compared with normal astrocyte cells and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Conclusions Our results suggest that HOXD9 may be a novel marker of GCSCs and cell proliferation and/or survival factor in gliomas and glioma cancer stem-like cells, and a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanao Tabuse
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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16
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Axlund SD, Lambert JR, Nordeen SK. HOXC8 inhibits androgen receptor signaling in human prostate cancer cells by inhibiting SRC-3 recruitment to direct androgen target genes. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 8:1643-55. [PMID: 21047772 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HOX (homeobox) genes encode homeodomain-containing transcription factors critical to development, differentiation, and homeostasis. Their dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of cancers. Previously, we showed that a subset of genes of the HOXC cluster is upregulated in primary prostate tumors, lymph node metastases, and malignant prostate cell lines. In the present study, we show that HOXC8 inhibits androgen receptor (AR)-mediated gene induction in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and HPr-1 AR, a nontumorigenic prostate epithelial cell line. Mechanistically, HOXC8 blocks the AR-dependent recruitment of the steroid receptor coactivators steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3), and CREB binding protein to the androgen-regulated prostate-specific antigen gene enhancer and inhibits histone acetylation of androgen-regulated genes. Inhibition of androgen induction by HOXC8 is reversed upon expression of SRC-3, a member of the SRC/p160 steroid receptor cofactor family. Coimmunoprecipitation studies show that HOXC8 expression inhibits the hormone-dependent interaction of AR and SRC-3. Finally, HOXC8 expression increases invasion in HPr-1 AR nontumorigenic cells. These data suggest a complex role for HOXC8 in prostate cancer, promoting invasiveness while inhibiting AR-mediated gene induction at androgen response element-regulated genes associated with differentiated function of the prostate. A greater understanding of HOXC8 actions in the prostate and its interactions with androgen signaling pathways may elucidate mechanisms driving the onset and progression of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunshine Daddario Axlund
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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17
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Barber BA, Rastegar M. Epigenetic control of Hox genes during neurogenesis, development, and disease. Ann Anat 2010; 192:261-74. [PMID: 20739155 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The process of mammalian development is established through multiple complex molecular pathways acting in harmony at the genomic, proteomic, and epigenomic levels. The outcome is profoundly influenced by the role of epigenetics through transcriptional regulation of key developmental genes. Epigenetics refer to changes in gene expression that are inherited through mechanisms other than the underlying DNA sequence, which control cellular morphology and identity. It is currently well accepted that epigenetics play central roles in regulating mammalian development and cellular differentiation by dictating cell fate decisions via regulation of specific genes. Among these genes are the Hox family members, which are master regulators of embryonic development and stem cell differentiation and their mis-regulation leads to human disease and cancer. The Hox gene discovery led to the establishment of a fundamental role for basic genetics in development. Hox genes encode for highly conserved transcription factors from flies to humans that organize the anterior-posterior body axis during embryogenesis. Hox gene expression during development is tightly regulated in a spatiotemporal manner, partly by chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications. Here, we review the impact of different epigenetic mechanisms in development and stem cell differentiation with a clear focus on the regulation of Hox genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Barber
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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