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Zhang C, Wei W, Tu S, Liang B, Li C, Li Y, Luo W, Wu Y, Dai X, Wang Y, Zheng L, Hao L, Zhang C, Luo Z, Chen YG, Yan X. Upregulation of CYR61 by TGF-β and YAP signaling exerts a counter-suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107208. [PMID: 38521502 PMCID: PMC11021963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Hippo signaling are two critical pathways engaged in cancer progression by regulating both oncogenes and tumor suppressors, yet how the two pathways coordinately exert their functions in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. In this study, we firstly conducted an integrated analysis of public liver cancer databases and our experimental TGF-β target genes, identifying CYR61 as a pivotal candidate gene relating to HCC development. The expression of CYR61 is downregulated in clinical HCC tissues and cell lines than that in the normal counterparts. Evidence revealed that CYR61 is a direct target gene of TGF-β in liver cancer cells. In addition, TGF-β-stimulated Smad2/3 and the Hippo pathway downstream effectors YAP and TEAD4 can form a protein complex on the promoter of CYR61, thereby activating the promoter activity and stimulating CYR61 gene transcription in a collaborative manner. Functionally, depletion of CYR61 enhanced TGF-β- or YAP-mediated growth and migration of liver cancer cells. Consistently, ectopic expression of CYR61 was capable of impeding TGF-β- or YAP-induced malignant transformation of HCC cells in vitro and attenuating HCC xenograft growth in nude mice. Finally, transcriptomic analysis indicates that CYR61 can elicit an antitumor program in liver cancer cells. Together, these results add new evidence for the crosstalk between TGF-β and Hippo signaling and unveil an important tumor suppressor function of CYR61 in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjing Wei
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuo Tu
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bo Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yining Li
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weicheng Luo
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqing Wu
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaohui Dai
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liang Hao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chunbo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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2
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Zhang C, Li Z, Hu K, Ren Y, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Wei W, Tu S, Yan X. The prognostic implications and tumor-suppressive functions of CYR61 in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1308807. [PMID: 38259466 PMCID: PMC10800661 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the therapeutic resistance of endocrine therapy and the limited efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BRCA), there is an urgent need to develop novel prognostic markers and understand the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). As a matricellular protein, CYR61 has been shown to either promote or suppress cancer progression depending on cancer types. However, how CYR61 functions in ER-positive BRCA remains elusive. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the expression of CYR61 in BRCA based on the TCGA and METABRIC databases. Our findings showed that the expression of CYR61 is downregulated in different subtypes of BRCA, which is associated with elevated promoter methylation levels and predicts bad clinical outcomes. By comparing the high or low CYR61 expression groups of ER-positive BRCA patients, we found that CYR61 is intimately linked to the expression of genes involved in tumor-suppressive pathways, such as the TGF-β and TNF signaling pathways, and genes related to cytokine-receptor interaction that may regulate cancer immunity. Moreover, reduced CYR61 expression is associated with an altered TIME that favors cancer progression. Finally, experimental analyses ascertained that CYR61 is downregulated in clinical BRCA tissues compared to matched normal breast tissues. Furthermore, CYR61 is able to impede the proliferation and colony formation of ER-positive BRCA cells. In summary, our study reveals that CYR61 could serve as a novel prognostic marker for ER-positive BRCA, and function as an inhibitor of cancer progression by both acting on cancer cells and remodeling the TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of GCP, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Breast Surgery of Third Hospital of Nanchang and Key Laboratory of Breast Diseases of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Kaiheng Hu
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yifei Ren
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuankang Zhao
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjing Wei
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shuo Tu
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- The MOE Basic Research and Innovation Center for the Targeted Therapeutics of Solid Tumors, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Breast Surgery of Third Hospital of Nanchang and Key Laboratory of Breast Diseases of Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
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3
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Weiskirchen R. CCNs and other extracellular matrix proteins: an introduction to the special issue. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00770-x. [PMID: 37256477 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00770-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, Aachen, D-52074, Germany.
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Ono K, Okusha Y, Tran MT, Umemori K, Eguchi T. Western Blot Protocols for Analysis of CCN Proteins and Fragments in Exosomes, Vesicle-Free Fractions, and Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:39-57. [PMID: 36370343 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular Communication Network (CCN) proteins are growth factors that play key roles in many pathophysiological events, including bone formation, wound healing, and cancer. CCN factors and fragments generated by metalloproteinases-dependent cleavage are often associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) or small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) such as exosomes or matrix-coated vesicles. We provide reliable methods and protocols for Western blotting to analyze CCN factors and fragments in cells, sEVs, and vesicle-free fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Hospital/Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuka Okusha
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manh Tien Tran
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Koki Umemori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Hospital/Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takanori Eguchi
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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5
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Eguchi T, Okusha Y, Lu Y, Ono K, Taha EA, Fukuoka S. Comprehensive Method for Exosome Isolation and Proteome Analysis for Detection of CCN Factors in/on Exosomes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:59-76. [PMID: 36370344 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cellular Communication Network (CCN) proteins are secretory growth factors often associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes or matrix-coated vesicles. CCN factors and fragments loaded on/in EVs may play key roles in cell communication networks in cancer biology, bone and cartilage metabolism, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. CCN proteins and EVs/exosomes are found in body fluids, such as blood, urine, milk, and supernatants of the two-dimensionally (2D) cultured cells and three-dimensionally (3D) cultured tissues, such as spheroids or organoids. More than ten methods to isolate exosomes or EVs have been developed with different properties. Here, we introduce comprehensive protocols for polymer-based precipitation, affinity purification, ultracentrifugation methods combined with the ultrafiltration method for isolating CCN-loaded exosomes/EVs from 2D and 3D cultured tissues, and proteome analysis using mass spectrometry for comprehensive analysis of CCN proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Eguchi
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Yuka Okusha
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanyin Lu
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology and Special Care Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Eman A Taha
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ain Shams University Faculty of Science, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shiro Fukuoka
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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6
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Takigawa M. CCN Proteins (Cellular Communication Network Factors): Expanding Their Repertoire Toward a New Concept. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2582:1-10. [PMID: 36370338 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2744-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
I herein report the general structures and functions of CCN proteins and possible molecular mechanisms involved in the unique biological actions of this family of intercellular signaling regulators, which are considered matricellular proteins and were once referred to as "signal conductors" but have recently been renamed "Cellular Communication Network Factors." Their repertoire of functions beyond their role as matricellular proteins is also described to aid in future studies. Advanced research concerning their relevance to pathology is briefly introduced as well. The information provided in this chapter is expected to be useful for readers of subsequent chapters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Takigawa
- Advanced Research Center for Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Okayama University Dental School/Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
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7
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Perbal B. Inception and establishment of the International CCN Society (ICCNS) and of the Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling (JCCS): A response to A. Leask's Editorial entitled "Modeling the microenvironment special issue". J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:627-629. [PMID: 36098895 PMCID: PMC9733759 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00694-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A little over a year ago, on January 25, 2021, the new Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of JCCS stated in his Editorial: "ICCNS and JCCS were the brainchildren of Bernard Perbal, and without his energy and drive, neither would exist, to the detriment of us who are driven to solve difficult problems in science, and not picking low-hanging fruit. All one has to do is examine all the editorials written in JCCS (and CCS!) to see evidence of this. It will be tough to fill those shoes."I disagree with the assertion in the Editorial published on March 29, 2022 that G. Martin contributed "to the initial growth of the International CCN Society, and, ultimately, to the establishment of this journal." My opinion is based on the evidence that the International CCN Society (ICCNS) and its official organ journal, the Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling (JCCS), were created by myself. Over a span of 21 years until the present, and in spite of his contribution to the early history of CTGF, we never heard from G. Martin being involved or interested in any aspect of the ICCNS and its biannual meetings, nor in any aspect in the growth of JCCS.In order to further clarify the confusion stemming from the Editorial in question and to give credit where it is due, I provide below detailed evidence that undoubtedly ascribes the true inception of both ICCNS and JCCS, and merit to the efforts of all those who trusted and supported us during the initial difficult creative moments.I am of the opinion that the Editorial, and the implications that it carries do not justice to the efforts of those who were really involved in the creation of both the ICCNS and JCCS.In the name of respectful scientific integrity, I will provide the evidence that correctly attributes the inception of ICCNS and JCCS.
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8
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Istiaq A, Ohta K. A review on Tsukushi: mammalian development, disorders, and therapy. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:505-513. [PMID: 35233735 PMCID: PMC9733752 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tsukushi (TSK), a leucine-rich peptidoglycan in the extracellular compartment, mediates multiple signaling pathways that are critical for development and metabolism. TSK regulates signaling pathways that eventually control cellular communication, proliferation, and cell fate determination. Research on TSK has become more sophisticated in recent years, illustrating its involvement in the physiology and pathophysiology of neural, genetic, and metabolic diseases. In a recent study, we showed that TSK therapy reversed the pathophysiological abnormalities of the hydrocephalic (a neurological disorder) brain in mice. This review summarizes the roles of TSK in key signaling processes in the mammalian development, disorders, and evaluating its possible therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Istiaq
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 819-0395 Fukuoka, Japan ,Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 860-8555 Kumamoto, Japan ,HIGO Program, Kumamoto University, 860-8555 Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 819-0395 Fukuoka, Japan
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Todosenko N, Yurova K, Khaziakhmatova O, Malashchenko V, Khlusov I, Litvinova L. Heparin and Heparin-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Pleiotropic Molecular Effects at Multiple Drug Resistance of Osteosarcoma and Immune Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102181. [PMID: 36297616 PMCID: PMC9612132 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the main problems of modern health care is the growing number of oncological diseases both in the elderly and young population. Inadequately effective chemotherapy, which remains the main method of cancer control, is largely associated with the emergence of multidrug resistance in tumor cells. The search for new solutions to overcome the resistance of malignant cells to pharmacological agents is being actively pursued. Another serious problem is immunosuppression caused both by the tumor cells themselves and by antitumor drugs. Of great interest in this context is heparin, a biomolecule belonging to the class of glycosaminoglycans and possessing a broad spectrum of biological activity, including immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. In the context of the rapid development of the new field of “osteoimmunology,” which focuses on the collaboration of bone and immune cells, heparin and delivery systems based on it may be of intriguing importance for the oncotherapy of malignant bone tumors. Osteosarcoma is a rare but highly aggressive, chemoresistant malignant tumor that affects young adults and is characterized by constant recurrence and metastasis. This review describes the direct and immune-mediated regulatory effects of heparin and drug delivery systems based on it on the molecular mechanisms of (multiple) drug resistance in (onco) pathological conditions of bone tissue, especially osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Todosenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Kristina Yurova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Olga Khaziakhmatova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Vladimir Malashchenko
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Igor Khlusov
- Department of Morphology and General Pathology, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Larisa Litvinova
- Center for Immunology and Cellular Biotechnology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236001 Kaliningrad, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Kubota S, Kawata K, Hattori T, Nishida T. Molecular and Genetic Interactions between CCN2 and CCN3 behind Their Yin-Yang Collaboration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115887. [PMID: 35682564 PMCID: PMC9180607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 2 and 3 are the members of the CCN family that conduct the harmonized development of a variety of tissues and organs under interaction with multiple biomolecules in the microenvironment. Despite their striking structural similarities, these two members show contrastive molecular functions as well as temporospatial emergence in living tissues. Typically, CCN2 promotes cell growth, whereas CCN3 restrains it. Where CCN2 is produced, CCN3 disappears. Nevertheless, these two proteins collaborate together to execute their mission in a yin–yang fashion. The apparent functional counteractions of CCN2 and CCN3 can be ascribed to their direct molecular interaction and interference over the cofactors that are shared by the two. Recent studies have revealed the mutual negative regulation systems between CCN2 and CCN3. Moreover, the simultaneous and bidirectional regulatory system of CCN2 and CCN3 is also being clarified. It is of particular note that these regulations were found to be closely associated with glycolysis, a fundamental procedure of energy metabolism. Here, the molecular interplay and metabolic gene regulation that enable the yin–yang collaboration of CCN2 and CCN3 typically found in cartilage development/regeneration and fibrosis are described.
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NOV/CCN3 Promotes Cell Migration and Invasion in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma via miR-92a-3p. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111659. [PMID: 34828265 PMCID: PMC8621878 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a common type of human cancer with a poor prognosis, and investigating the potential molecular mechanisms that can contribute to gene diagnosis and therapy. Herein, based on the recently concerned vertebrate-specific Cyr61/CTGF/NOV (CCN) gene family because of its important roles in diverse diseases, we obtained NOV/CCN3 to query for its potential roles in tumorigenesis via bioinformatics analysis. Experimental validations confirmed that both NOV mRNA and protein are up-regulated in two ICC cell lines, suggesting that it may promote cell migration and invasion by promoting EMT. To elucidate the detailed regulatory mechanism, miR-92a-3p is screened and identified as a negative regulatory small RNA targeting NOV, and further experimental validation demonstrates that miR-92a-3p contributes to NOV-mediated migration and invasion of ICC via the Notch signaling pathway. Our study reveals that NOV may be a potential target for diagnosing and treating ICC, which will provide experimental data and molecular theoretical foundation for cancer treatment, particularly for future precision medicine.
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12
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Li H, Li T, Wang H, He X, Li Y, Wen S, Peng R, Nie Y, Lu Y, Yang H, Ye Y, Shi G, Chen Y. Diabetes Promotes Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Inducing CCN1 Expression. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:689318. [PMID: 34458333 PMCID: PMC8385274 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.689318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common diabetic microvascular complications. However, the pathogenesis of DR has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to discover novel and key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of DR, which could potentially be targets for therapeutic DR intervention. Methods: To identify potential genes involved in the pathogenesis of DR, we analyzed the public database of neovascular membranes (NVMs) from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and healthy controls (HCs) (GSE102485, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE102485). Further, we compared these findings by performing RNA-sequencing analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with DR, control patients with non-complicated diabetes mellitus (DMC), and HCs. To determine the critical role of candidate genes in DR, knockdown or knockout was performed in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs). The oxidative stress pathway, as well as tight junction integrity, was analyzed. Results: Transcriptional profiles showed distinct patterns between the NVMs of patients with DR and those of the HCs. Those genes enriched in either extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction or focal adhesion pathways were considerably upregulated. Both pathways were important for maintaining the integrity of retinal vascular structure and function. Importantly, the gene encoding the matricellular protein CCN1, a key gene in cell physiology, was differentially expressed in both pathways. Knockdown of CCN1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or knockout of CCN1 by the CRISPR-Cas9 technique in HRVECs significantly increased the levels of VE-cadherin, reduced the level of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conclusion: The present study identifies CCN1 as an important regulator in the pathogenesis of DR. Increased expression of CCN1 stimulates oxidative stress and disrupts tight junction integrity in endothelial cells by inducing NOX4. Thus, targeting the CCN1/NOX4 axis provides a therapeutic strategy for treating DR by alleviating endothelial cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haicheng Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heting Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemin He
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siying Wen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongdong Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanpeng Nie
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - He Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yinong Ye
- Foshan Fourth People's Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Guojun Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanming Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system: current understanding and challenges in physiology and pathology. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:545-566. [PMID: 34228239 PMCID: PMC8642527 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The acronym for the CCN family was recently revised to represent “cellular communication network”. These six, small, cysteine-enriched and evolutionarily conserved proteins are secreted matricellular proteins, that convey and modulate intercellular communication by interacting with structural proteins, signalling factors and cell surface receptors. Their role in the development and physiology of musculoskeletal system, constituted by connective tissues where cells are interspersed in the cellular matrix, has been broadly studied. Previous research has highlighted a crucial balance of CCN proteins in mesenchymal stem cell commitment and a pivotal role for CCN1, CCN2 and their alter ego CCN3 in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis; CCN4 plays a minor role and the role of CCN5 and CCN6 is still unclear. CCN proteins also participate in osteoclastogenesis and myogenesis. In adult life, CCN proteins serve as mechanosensory proteins in the musculoskeletal system providing a steady response to environmental stimuli and participating in fracture healing. Substantial evidence also supports the involvement of CCN proteins in inflammatory pathologies, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as in cancers affecting the musculoskeletal system and bone metastasis. These matricellular proteins indeed show involvement in inflammation and cancer, thus representing intriguing therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of CCN proteins in the musculoskeletal system as well as the controversies and challenges associated with their multiple and complex roles, and it aims to link the dispersed knowledge in an effort to stimulate and guide readers to an area that the writers consider to have significant impact and relevant potentialities.
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