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Christou C, Christodoulou MI, Zaravinos A, Gkretsi V. Ras suppressor 1 long form (RSU1L) silencing promotes apoptosis in invasive breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110522. [PMID: 36375714 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Ras Suppressor-1 (RSU1) is a cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion protein implicated in breast cancer (BC) cell metastasis. Nevertheless, its role in apoptosis is yet unknown. In the present study, we used bioinformatics tools to evaluate the association of RSU1 expression and BC patient survival, the expression of basic pro- and anti-apoptotic genes in metastatic BC samples and their correlation with the expression of RSU1. Then, we specifically depleted RSU1 long form (RSU1L) using a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) silencing approach in two BC cell lines, the non-invasive MCF-7 and the highly invasive MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells and assessed gene expression of pro-and anti-apoptotic genes, as well as cell survival and apoptosis. Our results showed that high RSU1 expression was correlated with poor survival and significant changes were found in the expression of apoptosis-related genes (PUMA, TP53, BCL-2 and BCL-XL) in metastatic BC. Moreover, silencing of the long and most common isoform of RSU1 (RSU1L) resulted in the upregulation of PUMA and TP53 and concomitant downregulation of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and BCL-XL, with the effect being more prominent in invasive MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells. Finally, RSU1L depletion leads to a dramatic increase in apoptosis of MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells, while no change was observed in the apoptotic rate of MCF-7 cells. This is the first study linking RSU1L with apoptosis and provides evidence for its differential role in cell lines of different invasive potential. This indicates that RSU1L represses apoptosis in aggressive BC cells helping them evade cell death and survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Christou
- Cancer Metastasis and Adhesion Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Maria-Ioanna Christodoulou
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus; Tumor Immunology and Biomarkers Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Biological Sciences Program, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus; Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Metastasis and Adhesion Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus; Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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2
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Almasabi S, Boyd R, Ahmed AU, Williams BRG. Integrin-Linked Kinase Expression Characterizes the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer and Regulates PD-L1 Expression and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity. Front Oncol 2022; 12:836005. [PMID: 35692780 PMCID: PMC9174997 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.836005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) has been implicated as a molecular driver and mediator in both inflammation and tumorigenesis of the colon. However, a role for ILK in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune evasion has not been investigated. Here, we show a correlation of ILK expression with the immunosuppressive TME and cancer prognosis. We also uncover a role for ILK in the regulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and immune cell cytotoxicity. Interrogation of web-based data-mining platforms, showed upregulation of ILK expression in tumors and adjacent-non tumor tissue of colorectal cancer (CRC) associated with poor survival and advanced stages. ILK expression was correlated with cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) and immunosuppressive cell infiltration including regulatory T cells (Treg) and M2 macrophages (M2) in addition to their gene markers. ILK expression was also significantly correlated with the expression of different cytokines and chemokines. ILK expression showed pronounced association with different important immune checkpoints including PD-L1. Deletion of the ILK gene in PD-L1 positive CRC cell lines using a doxycycline inducible-CRISPR/Cas9, resulted in suppression of both the basal and IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression via downregulating NF-κB p65. This subsequently sensitized the CRC cells to NK92 immune cell cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that ILK can be used as a biomarker for prognosis and immune cell infiltration in colon cancer. Moreover, ILK could provide a therapeutic target to prevent immune evasion mediated by the expression of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Almasabi
- Cancer and Innate Immunity, Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Cartherics, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard Boyd
- Cartherics, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Afsar U Ahmed
- Cancer and Innate Immunity, Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Bryan R G Williams
- Cancer and Innate Immunity, Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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3
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Zhang H, Wang J, Yu T, Wang J, Lu J, Yu Z. Silencing LncRNA CASC9 inhibits proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by MiR-542-3p/ILK. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265901. [PMID: 35427373 PMCID: PMC9012350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks the third in cancers and the second in the reasons of cancer-related death. More evidence indicates that long non-coding RNA participates in tumor initiation and progression. It’s known that cancer susceptibility candidate 9 is an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in CRC. miR-542-3p is a negative regulator of CRC, while integrin-linked kinase could contribute to tumor progression and chemoresistance. However, the correlation among long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9, miR-542-3p and integrin-linked kinase in CRC is still unclear. We demonstrated long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 in CRC specimens and cell lines overexpressed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Once long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 was knocked down, it significantly inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells in real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell counting kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine, and transwell assays, which also was validated in vivo. Long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 negatively regulates miR-542-3p in a targeted manner, and the function of up-regulated miR-542-3p was confirmed similarly. While miR-542-3p negatively regulates integrin-linked kinase. Thus, we further verified that overexpression of integrin-linked kinase on down-regulated long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 or up-regulated miR-542-3p significantly restored CRC cell proliferation via bioinformatic analysis, dual-luciferase report assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, RNA immunoprecipitation, and western blot. This study testified that silencing long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 could inhibit proliferation and invasion of CRC cells by miR-542-3p/integrin-linked kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heping Zhang
- Department of Anorectal, People’s Hospital of Jiaozuo, Jiaozuo, Henan Province, China
| | - Jingfang Wang
- Medical College of Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Taoyuan Yu
- Institute of International Education, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingmin Wang
- Infertility Clinic, People’s Hospital of Jiaozuo, Jiaozuo, Henan Province, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Basic Medical Laboratory, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zongyang Yu
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, 900th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Górska A, Mazur AJ. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK): the known vs. the unknown and perspectives. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:100. [PMID: 35089438 PMCID: PMC8799556 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multifunctional molecular actor in cell-matrix interactions, cell adhesion, and anchorage-dependent cell growth. It combines functions of a signal transductor and a scaffold protein through its interaction with integrins, then facilitating further protein recruitment within the ILK-PINCH-Parvin complex. ILK is involved in crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, which reflects on systemic changes in the kidney, heart, muscle, skin, and vascular system, also during the embryonal development. Dysfunction of ILK underlies the pathogenesis of various diseases, including the pro-oncogenic activity in tumorigenesis. ILK localizes mostly to the cell membrane and remains an important component of focal adhesion. We do know much about ILK but a lot still remains either uncovered or unclear. Although it was initially classified as a serine/threonine-protein kinase, its catalytical activity is now questioned due to structural and functional issues, leaving the exact molecular mechanism of signal transduction by ILK unsolved. While it is known that the three isoforms of ILK vary in length, the presence of crucial domains, and modification sites, most of the research tends to focus on the main isoform of this protein while the issue of functional differences of ILK2 and ILK3 still awaits clarification. The activity of ILK is regulated on the transcriptional, protein, and post-transcriptional levels. The crucial role of phosphorylation and ubiquitylation has been investigated, but the functions of the vast majority of modifications are still unknown. In the light of all those open issues, here we present an extensive literature survey covering a wide spectrum of latest findings as well as a past-to-present view on controversies regarding ILK, finishing with pointing out some open questions to be resolved by further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Górska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Antonina Joanna Mazur
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, ul. Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
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The Expression and Prognostic Value of ILK and YAP1 in Glioma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 30:e21-e29. [DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Li R, Zhu H, Yang D, Xia J, Zheng Z. Long noncoding RNA lncBRM promotes proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer by sponging miR-204-3p and upregulating TPT1. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 508:1259-1263. [PMID: 30563768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are characterized as a type of noncoding RNAs over 200 nucleotides with little or none protein-coding potential. In the past years, lncRNAs have been proved to participant in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of lncRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) still needs more attentions. In our study, we found that lncBRM was highly expressed in CRC samples and the expression level of lncBRM was correlated with metastasis and advanced stage in CRC patients. And also, we showed that high expression of lncBRM predicted poor prognosis. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of lncBRM impaired the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells while overexpressing of lncBRM promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Mechanically, we found that lncBRM served as a sponge of miR-204-3p that targeted TPT1. Highly expressed TPT1 can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. In conclusion, we found that lncBRM was highly expressed in CRC and sponged miR-204-3p to modulate the expression of TPT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizeng Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Hengliang Zhu
- Department of Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, SunYat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Daqing Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jianfu Xia
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhihai Zheng
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Gkretsi V, Stylianopoulos T. Cell Adhesion and Matrix Stiffness: Coordinating Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2018; 8:145. [PMID: 29780748 PMCID: PMC5945811 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process in which tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) and cancer cell cytoskeleton interactions are pivotal. ECM is connected, through integrins, to the cell’s adhesome at cell–ECM adhesion sites and through them to the actin cytoskeleton and various downstream signaling pathways that enable the cell to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner. Cues from cell-adhesion proteins are fundamental for defining the invasive potential of cancer cells, and many of these proteins have been proposed as potent targets for inhibiting cancer cell invasion and thus, metastasis. In addition, ECM accumulation is quite frequent within the tumor microenvironment leading in many cases to an intense fibrotic response, known as desmoplasia, and tumor stiffening. Stiffening is not only required for the tumor to be able to displace the host tissue and grow in size but also contributes to cell–ECM interactions and can promote cancer cell invasion to surrounding tissues. Here, we review the role of cell adhesion and matrix stiffness in cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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8
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Clinical significance of integrin-linked kinase in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Auris Nasus Larynx 2017; 44:458-463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Liang F, Wang B, Bao L, Zhao YS, Zhang SM, Zhang SQ. Overexpression of ILK promotes temozolomide resistance in glioma cells. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:1297-1304. [PMID: 28138714 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate whether overexpression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) affects drug resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) in glioma cells. To do this, a plasmid containing the ILK gene was transfected into the SHG‑44 human glioma cell line, and cells were subsequently cultured in the absence or presence of TMZ. The expression levels of ILK, multidrug resistance‑associated protein (MRP) and multi‑drug resistance protein (MDR) were assessed in these cells. Cell growth and apoptosis were measured by MTT and Hoechst staining, and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, the expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2) and Bcl‑2‑associated x protein (Bax), and caspase‑3 activity, were evaluated. The ILK‑overexpressing SHG‑44 cell was successfully constructed, and demonstrated increased expression levels of ILK, MDR and MRP compared with untransfected cells. Cell growth in the ILK+TMZ group was significantly greater, and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the ILK+TMZ group was significantly reduced, compared with the p enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‑C1+ TMZ empty vector control group. Expression levels of the anti‑apoptotic protein Bcl‑2 were significantly increased and those of the pro‑apoptotic protein Bax were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the ILK+TMZ group compared with the pEGFP‑C1+TMZ group. In addition, the activity of caspase‑3 in ILK+TMZ group was significantly decreased compared with the pEGFP‑C1+TMZ group (P<0.01). Overexpression of ILK therefore promoted the proliferation of SHG‑44 human glioma cells, reduced apoptosis and reduced sensitivity to TMZ via decreasing the activity of caspase‑3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Long Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Yin-Sheng Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Min Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Qin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, P.R. China
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Xing Y, Cui L, Kang Q. Silencing of ILK attenuates the abnormal proliferation and migration of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts induced by TGF-β2. Int J Mol Med 2016; 38:407-16. [PMID: 27315599 PMCID: PMC4935455 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytokine, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), plays a key role in wound healing and tissue repair. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a downstream factor of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Research on ILK has mainly focused on its role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. However, little has been reported on the effects of ILK in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs). In this study, we investigated the role of ILK in the proliferation and migration of HTFs exposed to TGF-β2. A lentiviral vector targeting ILK was screened from three candidates and the experimental result indicated that RNA interference can be used to inhibit ILK expression at both the mRNA and protein level. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess ILK mRNA expression. Cell proliferation was quantified by MTT assay and cell cycle progression was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Migration was measured by wound healing assay. It was observed that the silencing of ILK suppressed the TGF-β2-induced proliferation of HTFs and led to G1 phase cell cycle arrest and the significant downregulation of cyclin D1 expression. The migration ability of the HTFs decreased following the silencing of ILK, while the downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin expression and the upregulation of E-cadherin expression were observed. The findings of our study indicate that the silencing of ILK attenuates the abnormal proliferation and migration of HTFs induced by TGF-β2, which reveals the therapeutic potential of ILK inhibition in the prevention of scarring following glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xing
- Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Lijun Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qianyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Shen H, Ma JL, Zhang Y, Deng GL, Qu YL, Wu XL, He JX, Zhang S, Zeng S. Integrin-linked kinase overexpression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition via nuclear factor-κB signaling in colorectal cancer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3969-3977. [PMID: 27099440 PMCID: PMC4823247 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i15.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) on proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of the colorectal cancer cell line SW480.
METHODS: In this study, the colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was stably transfected with ILK plasmids, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB/p65. Methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to measure proliferation, and the wound healing migration assay and matrigel invasion assay were used to test the metastasis and invasion ability of SW480 cells. To explore the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, embryonic development, and the invasion and metastasis of tumors, the protein level of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail, and slug was detected by western blot. Immunofluorescence was also used to detect E-cadherin expression. Western blot was used to determine the level of phosphorylated-inhibitor of kappa B (IκB)a, inhibitor of gamma B (IγB)a, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expressions and to explore the ILK signaling pathway.
RESULTS: Western blot results revealed that ILK expression significantly increased when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells (P < 0.05). Proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability were improved in the vector-ILK group compared to the vector group (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results revealed that E-cadherin fluorescence intensity decreased after ILK was overexpressed (P < 0.05). Western blot results revealed that the protein expression of E-cadherin was reduced, while vimentin, snail, and slug were upregulated when ILK was overexpressed in SW480 cells (P < 0.05). In order to determine the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in ILK overexpression promoted EMT occurrence, we overexpressed ILK in SW480 cells and found that levels of NF-κB/p65 and cytoplasmic phosphorylated-IκBa were increased and that cytoplasmic IкBa levels were decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, NF-κB/p65 knockout revealed that E-cadherin was increased in the overexpressed ILK group.
CONCLUSION: ILK overexpression improved the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion ability of SW480 cells, and this effect may be mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Zhang K, Yao H, Yang Z, Li D, Yang L, Zou Q, Yuan Y, Miao X. Comparison of ILK and ERP29 expressions in benign and malignant pancreatic lesions and their clinicopathological significances in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Clin Transl Oncol 2016; 18:352-9. [PMID: 26887611 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-015-1331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor of the pancreas with poor prognosis. The lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PDAC and biomarkers for early diagnosis might be two of the reasons for the poor prognosis of PDAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS ILK and ERP29 protein expressions in PDAC, peritumoral tissues, benign pancreatic lesions, and normal pancreatic tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and the clinical and pathological significances of ILK and ERP29 in PDAC were analyzed. RESULTS The percentages of positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions were significantly higher in PDAC tumors than in peritumoral tissues, benign pancreatic tissues, and normal pancreatic tissues (P < 0.01). Benign pancreatic lesions with positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions exhibited dysplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia. The percentage of cases with positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions was significantly lower in PDAC patients without lymph node metastasis and invasion, and having TNM stage I/II disease than in patients with lymph node metastasis, invasion, and TNM stage III/IV disease (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions were significantly associated with survival in PDAC patients (P < 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions were independent poor prognosis factors in PDAC patients. CONCLUSIONS Positive ILK and negative ERP29 expressions are associated with the progression of PDAC and poor prognosis in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth People's Hospital of Changde, Changde, 415000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - H Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Z Yang
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - D Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - L Yang
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Q Zou
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Y Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - X Miao
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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13
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Que L, Zhao D, Tang XF, Liu JY, Zhang XY, Zhan YH, Zhang L. Effects of lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting integrin-linked kinase on oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Oncol Rep 2015; 35:89-98. [PMID: 26531674 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a highly conserved intracellular protein of serine/threonine protein kinase activities, which is associated with the integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathway, is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Findings of a previous study showed that ILK overexpression was strongly correlated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype, recurrence and poor survival for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, as well as some EMT markers. In order to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved, a lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was employed to downregulate ILK. The results showed that the knockdown of ILK inhibited cell growth, adhesion and invasion ability in vitro, and OSCC cells deficient of ILK were blocked in the S phase and underwent apoptosis. Additionally, ILK shRNA inhibited EMT by impairing the expression of Snail, Slug and Twist2 and enhacning E-cadherin expression. ILK shRNA suppressed the phosphorylation of downstream signaling targets Akt and GSk-3β. In addition, the knockdown of ILK inhibited tumor growth, invasion and metastasis of xenograft tumors in vivo. These results suggested that ILK is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Que
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Fa Tang
- Department of Head and Neck Carcinoma, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Yuan Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Carcinoma, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Hua Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
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Abd El-Rehim DM, Abd-Elghany MI, Nazmy MH. Integrin-Linked Kinase, Snail and Multidrug Resistance Protein 1: Three concordant players in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2015; 27:129-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnci.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Novel approaches for targeting kinases: allosteric inhibition, allosteric activation and pseudokinases. Future Med Chem 2014; 6:541-61. [PMID: 24649957 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are involved in many essential cellular processes and their deregulation can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer. The pharmaceutical industry has invested heavily in the identification of kinase inhibitors to modulate these disease-promoting pathways, resulting in several successful drugs. However, the field is challenging as it is difficult to identify novel selective inhibitors with good pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties. In addition, resistance to kinase inhibitor treatment frequently arises. The identification of non-ATP site targeting ('allosteric') inhibitors, the identification of kinase activators and the expansion of kinase target space to include the less studied members of the family, including atypical- and pseudo-kinases, are potential avenues to overcome these challenges. In this perspective, the opportunities and challenges of following these approaches and others will be discussed.
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High expression of integrin-linked kinase predicts aggressiveness and poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:758-62. [PMID: 24502999 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), an intracellular serine/threonine protein kinase, has been reported to be highly expressed in many human malignancies, including gastric cancer. However, the prognostic significance of ILK expression in gastric cancer remains to be elucidated. In the present study, ILK expression in 95 gastric tumor tissues and 30 adjacent non-cancerous gastric mucosa was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and patients' outcome. The results showed that high ILK expression was observed in 47.4% (45/95) of gastric cancer tissues, but only in 20.0% (6/30) of adjacent gastric mucosa. Clinicopathological analysis indicated that high ILK expression was significantly associated with poor tumor differentiation (P=0.024), advanced TNM stage (P=0.006), tumor invasion (P=0.001), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.014). Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that patients with high ILK expression had substantially shorter overall survival that those with low ILK expression (P=0.043, log-rank test). Furthermore, Cox multivariate regression analysis identified ILK expression as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of gastric cancer patients (hazard ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.13; P=0.026). In conclusion, our data suggest that ILK may contribute to the malignant progression of gastric cancer and serve as a novel prognostic indicator for gastric cancer patients.
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17
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Yan Z, Yin H, Wang R, Wu D, Sun W, Liu B, Su Q. Overexpression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) promotes migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via NF-κB signaling. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:527-33. [PMID: 24360977 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionally conserved serine/threonine kinase, has been shown to be aberrantly overexpressed and activated in diversified types of human malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the potential role of ILK in cancer cell migration and invasion remains to be elucidated. In this study, we introduced the human ILK gene into a low ILK-expressing human CRC cell line SW480. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were detected by Western blot analysis or immunofluorescence. We found that enforced overexpression of ILK in SW480 cells dramatically promoted their migratory and invasive ability in vitro. Furthermore, SW480 cells stably overexpressing ILK underwent EMT, as indicated by mesenchymal morphology, decreased expression of E-cadherin, and increased expression of vimentin, Snail, and Slug. Finally, the nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7028 or NF-κB p65 small interfering RNA significantly restored the reduced E-cadherin level in ILK-overexpressing cells, suggesting that ILK-mediated down-regulation of E-cadherin is dependent on NF-κB activation. Overall, our study demonstrates a pivotal role of ILK in EMT and metastasis, and suggests novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhuan Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Baolin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Overexpression of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) promotes glioma cell invasion and migration and down-regulates E-cadherin via the NF-κB pathway. J Mol Histol 2013; 45:141-51. [PMID: 24045896 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-013-9540-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine protein kinase that has been implicated in cancer development, progression and metastasis. The aim of the present study was to characterize the role of ILK in glioma cell invasion and migration. We generated a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector containing the human ILK gene and transfected it into human glioma SHG-44 cells. Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to identify the stable transformants. The wound healing and Transwell invasion assays showed that ectopic overexpression of ILK in SHG-44 cells significantly promoted their migration and invasion capabilities in culture. This was accompanied by a decrease in expression of E-cadherin and an increase in expression of Snail and Slug. Moreover, the decrease in E-cadherin expression induced by ILK overexpression was greatly restored by the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor BAY 11-7028 or small interfering RNA targeting NF-κB p65, indicating an involvement of NF-κB in ILK-induced down-regulation of E-cadherin. In conclusion, our data underscore a novel role for ILK in glioma invasion and metastasis processes, implicating potential for therapeutic interference.
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Overexpression of PTP1B in human colorectal cancer and its association with tumor progression and prognosis. J Mol Histol 2013; 45:153-9. [PMID: 23990346 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-013-9536-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a non-transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase that has been implicated in cancer pathogenesis. However, the expression level and the role of PTP1B in the development and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. In this study, the expression of PTP1B in CRC tissues and matched noncancerous tissues were detected by using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blotting. The correlations between PTP1B expression level and clinicopathologic characteristics and patient survival were analyzed. We found that PTP1B expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues compared with matched non-tumour tissues. Statistical analysis showed that the PTP1B expression was correlated with tumor differentiation, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage. Patients with higher expressions of PTP1B had the lower survival (P = 0.012). Taken together, our results suggest that PTP1B expression might play a critical role in the progression of CRC and may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for CRC.
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Posch F, Setinek U, Flores RM, Bernhard D, Hannigan GE, Mueller MR, Watzka SB. Serum integrin-linked kinase (sILK) concentration and survival in non-small cell lung cancer: a pilot study. Clin Transl Oncol 2013; 16:455-62. [PMID: 23979911 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-013-1101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an intracellular signaling protein critically involved in cellular growth and motility. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increased ILK expression has been associated with decreased recurrence-free and overall survival. Recently, ILK has also been detected in the serum of NSCLC patients. OBJECTIVE To assess the prognostic impact of preoperative serum ILK (sILK) concentration on overall survival in surgically amenable NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Preoperative sILK was quantified by ELISA in 50 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. After surgery, patients were followed-up for a median interval of 2.5 years. RESULTS Serum ILK concentrations ranged from 0 to 2.44 ng/ml. Mean sILK was around 2.3 times higher in the 16 patients who died as compared to the 34 patients who survived (1.04 vs. 0.45 ng/ml, p = 0.001). In univariate time-to-event analysis, increased sILK was associated with adverse survival [Hazard ratio (HR): 4.03, 95 % CI: 2.00-8.13, p < 0.001]. This association prevailed after multivariable adjustment for several clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters (HR: 3.85, 95 % CI: 1.53-9.72, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Serum ILK shows potential as a novel strong and independent prognostic marker for postoperative survival in surgically amenable NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Posch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Karl Landsteiner Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Otto Wagner Hospital, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria
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Zhao M, Gao Y, Wang L, Liu S, Han B, Ma L, Ling Y, Mao S, Wang X. Overexpression of integrin-linked kinase promotes lung cancer cell migration and invasion via NF-κB-mediated upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Int J Med Sci 2013; 10:995-1002. [PMID: 23801886 PMCID: PMC3691798 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.5963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a highly conserved serine-threonine protein kinase which has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes. Previously, we have demonstrated that overexpression of ILK correlates with malignant phenotype in non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, forced overexpression of ILK promotes lung cancer cell invasion and migration. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ILK enhances the invasive phenotype of lung cancer cells are still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that overexpression of ILK stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and activity in lung cancer cells. ILK-induced cell migration and invasion were significantly inhibited by MMP inhibitor doxycycline as well as by anti-MMP-9 neutralizing antibody. In addition, overexpression of ILK induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit p65. Finally, upregulation of MMP-9 was severely abolished by either BAY 11-7028, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, or small interfering RNA targeted to NF-κB p65 in ILK overexpression cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that ILK promotes lung cancer cell migration and invasion via NF-κB-mediated upregulation of MMP-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjing Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, People’s Republic of China
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