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Hjazi A, Jasim SA, Al-Dhalimy AMB, Bansal P, Kaur H, Qasim MT, Mohammed IH, Deorari M, Jawad MA, Zwamel AH. HOXA9 versus HOXB9; particular focus on their controversial role in tumor pathogenesis. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:473-492. [PMID: 38753266 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00868-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
The Homeobox (HOX) gene family is essential to regulating cellular processes because it maintains the exact coordination required for tissue homeostasis, cellular differentiation, and embryonic development. The most distinctive feature of this class of genes is the presence of the highly conserved DNA region known as the homeobox, which is essential for controlling their regulatory activities. Important players in the intricate process of genetic regulation are the HOX genes. Many diseases, especially in the area of cancer, are linked to their aberrant functioning. Due to their distinctive functions in biomedical research-particularly in the complex process of tumor advancement-HOXA9 and HOXB9 have drawn particular attention. HOXA9 and HOXB9 are more significant than what is usually connected with HOX genes since they have roles in the intricate field of cancer and beyond embryonic processes. The framework for a focused study of the different effects of HOXA9 and HOXB9 in the context of tumor biology is established in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, 11942, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Pooja Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-Be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560069, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303012, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Shobhit University, Gangoh, Uttar Pradesh, 247341, India
- Department of Health & Allied Sciences, Arka Jain University, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 831001, India
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Nasiriyah, 64001, Iraq
| | - Israa Hussein Mohammed
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Nasiriyah, Iraq
| | - Mahamedha Deorari
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Hussein Zwamel
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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2
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Li J, Ran H, Zeng X, Yang D, Zeng X, Zhang P. Identification of HOXB9 based on comprehensive bioinformatics analysis for predicting prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35035. [PMID: 37657018 PMCID: PMC10476753 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the correlation between HOXB9 expression, and the prognosis and immune infiltration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Pan-cancer HOXB9 expression was analyzed through TIMER2.0. The HOXB9 expression data of HNSCC and normal tissues were compared using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) databases. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UALCAN) database was used to analyze the relative expression of HOXB9 in HNSCC subgroups based on clinicopathological features, including cancer stage, tumor grade and lymph node stage. Survival analysis was performed using GEPIA, TCGA-Portal, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and UALCAN databases. The genes co-expressed with HOXB9 were identified using TCGA data, and functionally annotated by GO and KEGG analyses. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.1. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was performed to assess the correlation between HOXB9 and immune infiltration based on TCGA data. TIMER 2.0 database was used to explore the correlation between HOXB9 expression and immune infiltration multiple cancers. HOXB9 mRNA is elevated in multiple cancers, and was upregulated in HNSCC tissues compared to non-paired (P < .05 in GEPIA; P < .0001 in TCGA) as well as paired (P < .0001 in TCGA) normal tissues. In addition, HOXB9 expression was positively correlated with tumor malignancy in the GEPIA and UALCAN databases (P < .05), and negatively with patient prognosis in both databases (P < .05). High HOXB9 expression was associated with increased infiltration of aDCs, NK CD56bright cells, NK cells, and Th2 cells (P < .05), while low HOXB9 expression was associated with an increase in the proportion of DCs, iDCs, mast cells, neutrophils, and Th17 cells (P < .05). HOXB9 likely functions as an oncogene in HNSCC by disrupting the immune landscape, and is a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Ran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Graduate and Scientific Research, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zeng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dunhui Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Graduate and Scientific Research, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianhai Zeng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Longgang Otorhinolaryngology Hospital & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Ma M, He W, Zhao K, Xue L, Xia S, Zhang B. Targeting aldehyde dehydrogenase for prostate cancer therapies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1006340. [PMID: 36300093 PMCID: PMC9589344 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1006340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men in the United States. About 10 – 20% of PCa progress to castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), which is accompanied by metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is famous as a marker of cancer stem-like cells in different cancer types, including PCa. Generally, ALDHs catalyze aldehyde oxidation into less toxic carboxylic acids and give cancers a survival advantage by reducing oxidative stress caused by aldehyde accumulation. In PCa, the expression of ALDHs is associated with a higher tumor stage and more lymph node metastasis. Functionally, increased ALDH activity makes PCa cells gain more capabilities in self-renewal and metastasis and reduces the sensitivity to castration and radiotherapy. Therefore, it is promising to target ALDH or ALDHhigh cells to eradicate PCa. However, challenges remain in moving the ALDH inhibitors to PCa therapy, potentially due to the toxicity of pan-ALDH inhibitors, the redundancy of ALDH isoforms, and the lack of explicit understanding of the metabolic signaling transduction details. For targeting PCa stem-like cells (PCSCs), different regulators have been revealed in ALDHhigh cells to control cell proliferation and tumorigenicity. ALDH rewires essential signaling transduction in PCa cells. It has been shown that ALDHs produce retinoic acid (RA), bind with androgen, and modulate diverse signaling. This review summarizes and discusses the pathways directly modulated by ALDHs, the crucial regulators that control the activities of ALDHhigh PCSCs, and the recent progress of ALDH targeted therapies in PCa. These efforts will provide insight into improving ALDH-targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Siyuan Xia
- *Correspondence: Siyuan Xia, ; Baotong Zhang,
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Wang T, Guo H, Li Q, Wu W, Yu M, Zhang L, Li C, Song J, Wang Z, Zhang J, Tang Y, Kang L, Zhang H, Zhan J. The AMPK-HOXB9-KRAS axis regulates lung adenocarcinoma growth in response to cellular energy alterations. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111210. [PMID: 36001969 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111210] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXB9 is an important transcription factor associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, its degradation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that HOXB9 is a substrate of AMP kinase alpha (AMPKα). AMPK mediates HOXB9 T133 phosphorylation and downregulates the level of HOXB9 in mice and LUAD cells. Mechanistically, phosphorylated HOXB9 promoted E3 ligase Praja2-mediated HOXB9 degradation. Blocking HOXB9 phosphorylation by depleting AMPKα1/2 or employing the HOXB9 T133A mutant promoted tumor cell growth in cell culture and mouse xenografts via upregulation of HOXB9 and KRAS that is herein identified as a target of HOXB9. Clinically, AMPK activation levels in LUAD samples were positively correlated with pHOXB9 levels; higher pHOXB9 levels were associated with better survival of patients with LUAD. We thus present a HOXB9 degradation mechanism and demonstrate an AMPK-HOXB9-KRAS axis linking glucose-level-regulated AMPK activation to HOXB9 stability and KRAS gene expression, ultimately controlling LUAD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhuo Wang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Huiying Guo
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qianchen Li
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weijie Wu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cuicui Li
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jiagui Song
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenbin Wang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Kang
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Jun Zhan
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China.
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Yao Y, Liu C, Wang B, Guan X, Fang L, Zhan F, Sun H, Li H, Lou C, Yan F, Lu X, Cui L, Liao Y, Han S, Yao Y, Zhang Y. HOXB9 blocks cell cycle progression to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through the DNMT1/RBL2/c-Myc axis. Cancer Lett 2022; 533:215595. [PMID: 35182659 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) is involved in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. However, the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of HOXB9 in pancreatic cancer have yet to be identified. In this study, we find that both HOXB9 mRNA and protein levels are down-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines. Kaplan-Meier survival plots of 150 pancreatic cancer cases show that higher expression of HOXB9 in pancreatic cancer patients is associated with higher survival rates. We also find that over-expression of HOXB9 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation both in cell lines and the nude mouse xenograft as well as PDX models. Applying cell cycle PCR array analysis, Flow CytoMetry, ChIP-qPCR, and luciferase experiments, we observe that HOXB9 blocks cell cycle progression in the G0/G1 phase via up-regulating RBL2 and inhibiting c-Myc, and we further find that DNMT1 inhibits the expression of HOXB9 in pancreatic cancer by promoting the methylation of its promoter. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism of the DNMT1/HOXB9/RBL2/c-Myc pathway in regulating the cell cycle and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and provide a research basis for the prognosis and therapeutic application of HOXB9 in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, China
| | - Bojun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Fei Zhan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Haoxiu Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Hengzhen Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Changjie Lou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Feihu Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaolin Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Luying Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanyu Liao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Shuling Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanfei Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, China.
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, China.
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Phage display screening identifies a prostate specific antigen (PSA) -/lo prostate cancer cell specific peptide to retard castration resistance of prostate cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101020. [PMID: 33508757 PMCID: PMC7844130 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify a peptide (named as “TAP1”) that specifically binds with PSA−/lo prostate cancer cells. TAP1 inhibited PCa growth both in vitro and in vivo. TAP1 also improved the anti-tumor effect of the anti-androgens and chemotherapeutic agents in vitro. The effects of TAP1 might at least in part by shortening the lengths of telomeres and decreasing the expression of HOXB9 and TGF-β2. Our results indicated that therapeutic peptides that specifically target prostate cancer stem cell might be a very valuable and promising approach to overcome chemoresistance and prevent recurrence in patients with PCa.
Patients with prostate cancer (PCa) will eventually progress to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) treatment. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)−/lo cells which harbor self-renewing long-term tumor-propagating cells that can be enriched using ALDH+CD44+α2β1+ and can initiate tumor development may represent a critical source of CRPC cells. Our purpose was to find a peptide that specifically targets PSA−/lo PCa cells to retard the development of CRPC. PSA+ and PSA−/lo cells were successfully separated from LNCaP xenograft tumors after prostate- PSAP-GFP vector infection and FACS. A variety of PSA−/lo cells specifically targeting peptide (named as “TAP1” targeted affinity peptide 1) was identified by using phage display library screening. The highest binding rate in TAP1 binding cell subpopulations are identified to be among ALDH+CD44+CXCR4+CD24+ cells. TAP1 significantly inhibited PCa growth both in vitro and in vivo. TAP1 significantly improved the anti-proliferation effect of the anti-androgens (Charcoal dextran-stripped serum (CDSS)+Bicalutamide, Enzalutamide) and chemotherapeutic agents (Abiraterone, Docetaxel, Etoposide) in vitro. TAP1 treatment shortens the length of telomeres in ALDH+CD44+CXCR4+CD24+ cells and significantly reduces the expression of Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) and TGF-β2. In conclusion, PSA−/lo PCa cell-specific targeting peptide (TAP1) that suppressed PCa cell growth both in vitro and in vivo and improved the drug sensitivities of anti-androgens and chemotherapeutic agents at least through shortening the length of telomere and reducing the expression of HOXB9 and TGF-β2. Therapeutic peptides that specifically target prostate cancer stem cell might be a very valuable and promising approach to overcome chemoresistance and prevent recurrence in patients with PCa.
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HOX Genes Family and Cancer: A Novel Role for Homeobox B9 in the Resistance to Anti-Angiogenic Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113299. [PMID: 33171691 PMCID: PMC7695342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The inhibition of angiogenesis, relying on the use of drugs targeting the VEGF signaling pathway, has become one of the main strategies for cancer treatment. However, the intrinsic and acquired resistance to this type of therapy limit its efficacy. Thus, the identification of novel therapeutic targets is urgently needed. The resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment often occurs through the activation of alternative VEGF independent signaling pathways and recruitment of bone marrow-derived pro-angiogenic cells in the tumor microenvironment. HOX genes are key regulators of embryonic development, also involved in angiogenesis and in cancer progression. HOXB9 upregulation occurs in many types of cancer and it has been identified as a critical transcription factor involved in tumour resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. Indeed, HOXB9 modulates the expression of alternative pro-angiogenic secreted factors in the tumour microenvironment leading tumor escape from the anti-angiogenic treatments. Hence, HOXB9 could serves as a novel therapeutic target to overcome the resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies. Abstract Angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer, and the inhibition of pro-angiogenic factors and or their receptors has become a primary strategy for cancer therapy. However, despite promising results in preclinical studies, the majority of patients either do not respond to these treatments or, after an initial period of response, they develop resistance to anti-angiogenic agents. Thus, the identification of a novel therapeutic target is urgently needed. Multiple mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy have been identified, including the upregulation of alternative angiogenic pathways and the recruitment of pro-angiogenic myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Homeobox containing (HOX) genes are master regulators of embryonic development playing a pivotal role during both embryonic vasculogenesis and pathological angiogenesis in adults. The importance of HOX genes during cancer progression has been reported in many studies. In this review we will give a brief description of the HOX genes and their involvement in angiogenesis and cancer, with particular emphasis on HOXB9 as a possible novel target for anti-angiogenic therapy. HOXB9 upregulation has been reported in many types of cancers and it has been identified as a critical transcription factor involved in resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs.
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Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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