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Liu C, Lu C, Yixi L, Hong J, Dong F, Ruan S, Hu T, Zhao X. Exosomal Linc00969 induces trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer by increasing HER-2 protein expression and mRNA stability by binding to HUR. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:124. [PMID: 37848981 PMCID: PMC10580635 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01720-6] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant disease in female patients worldwide. In HER-2+ BC patients, trastuzumab therapy is associated with a better prognosis. However, many HER-2+ BC patients experience recurrence or metastasis because of trastuzumab resistance. The mechanisms underlying trastuzumab resistance remain unclear. Recently, substantial evidence has suggested that exosomes are associated with drug resistance, and lncRNAs have attracted increasing attention due to their potential role in the regulation of trastuzumab resistance. METHODS We collected the exosomes from the plasma of BC patients with and without trastuzumab resistance, sequenced the whole transcriptomes, identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, and identified lncRNA Linc00969, which was overexpressed in trastuzumab-resistant patients. Then, we established trastuzumab-resistant BC cell lines and explored the role of exosomal Linc00969 in trastuzumab resistance in vitro and in vivo by silencing or overexpressing Linc00969 and performing a series of functional analyses. Furthermore, to explore the mechanism by which exosomal Linc00969 contributes to trastuzumab resistance, we measured changes in HER-2, HUR and autophagy-related protein expression levels after regulating Linc00969 expression. In addition, we investigated the interaction between Linc00969 and HUR via pull-down and RIP assays and the effect of HUR on HER-2 expression and trastuzumab resistance after blocking HUR. RESULTS We first found that exosomal lncRNA Linc00969 was overexpressed in trastuzumab-resistant BC patients and that exosome-mediated Linc00969 transfer could disseminate trastuzumab resistance in BC. Then, we found that silencing Linc00969 could reduce trastuzumab resistance and that overexpressing Linc00969 could enhance trastuzumab resistance. Furthermore, our results showed that Linc00969 could upregulate HER-2 expression at the protein level and maintain the stability of HER-2 mRNA by binding to HUR. Additionally, we found that exosomal Linc00969 could regulate trastuzumab resistance by inducing autophagy. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we first identified that exosomal lncRNA Linc00969 could induce trastuzumab resistance by increasing HER-2 protein expression and mRNA stability by binding to HUR, and Linc00969 might also be involved in trastuzumab resistance by inducing autophagy. Our results elucidate a novel mechanism underlying trastuzumab resistance, and Linc00969 might be a new target for improving the treatment of HER-2+ BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiwei Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chong Lu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lamu Yixi
- Tibet Shannan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, 856000, Tibet, China
| | - Jiaxing Hong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fang Dong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shengnan Ruan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Tibet Shannan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shannan, 856000, Tibet, China.
| | - Xiangwang Zhao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Chaudhary S, Appadurai MI, Maurya SK, Nallasamy P, Marimuthu S, Shah A, Atri P, Ramakanth CV, Lele SM, Seshacharyulu P, Ponnusamy MP, Nasser MW, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Lakshmanan I. MUC16 promotes triple-negative breast cancer lung metastasis by modulating RNA-binding protein ELAVL1/HUR. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:25. [PMID: 36918912 PMCID: PMC10012760 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with an increased metastatic incidence compared to other breast cancer subtypes. However, due to the absence of clinically reliable biomarkers and targeted therapy in TNBC, outcomes are suboptimal. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand biological mechanisms that lead to identifying novel therapeutic targets for managing metastatic TNBC. METHODS The clinical significance of MUC16 and ELAVL1 or Hu antigen R (HuR) was examined using breast cancer TCGA data. Microarray was performed on MUC16 knockdown and scramble TNBC cells and MUC16-associated genes were identified using RNA immunoprecipitation and metastatic cDNA array. Metastatic properties of MUC16 were evaluated using tail vein experiment. MUC16 and HuR downstream pathways were confirmed by ectopic overexpression of MUC16-carboxyl-terminal (MUC16-Cter), HuR and cMyc as well as HuR inhibitors (MS-444 and CMLD-2) in TNBC cells. RESULTS MUC16 was highly expressed in TNBC and correlated with its target HuR. Depletion of MUC16 showed decreased invasion, migration, and colony formation abilities of human and mouse TNBC cells. Mice injected with MUC16 depleted cells were less likely to develop lung metastasis (P = 0.001). Notably, MUC16 and HuR were highly expressed in the lung tropic TNBC cells and lung metastases. Mechanistically, we identified cMyc as a HuR target in TNBC using RNA immunoprecipitation and metastatic cDNA array. Furthermore, MUC16 knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of HuR (MS-444 and CMLD-2) in TNBC cells showed a reduction in cMyc expression. MUC16-Cter or HuR overexpression models indicated MUC16/HuR/cMyc axis in TNBC cell migration. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified MUC16 as a TNBC lung metastasis promoter that acts through HuR/cMyc axis. This study will form the basis of future studies to evaluate the targeting of both MUC16 and HuR in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjib Chaudhary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Muthamil Iniyan Appadurai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Saravanakumar Marimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Ashu Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Chirravuri Venkata Ramakanth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Subodh M Lele
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Seshacharyulu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, USA
| | - Mohd W Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68105-1850, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5900, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
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Liao Y, Liao Y, Li J, Li Y, Fan Y. The Prognostic Role of HuR Varies Between Different Subtypes of Breast Cancer Patients: Data Mining and Retrospective Analysis. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:135-146. [PMID: 36816839 PMCID: PMC9930679 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s395984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective Human-antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein, which regulates the expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes through post-transcriptional mechanisms. But the role of HuR in breast cancer remains controversial. The aim of this study was to verify the association between cytoplasmic HuR level and prognosis of breast cancer patients. Methods Data mining from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and Kaplan-Meier Plotter (KMP) databases was performed. Then, 394 patients with stage I-III primary breast cancer were enrolled between January 2005 and December 2016. We investigated the association between cytoplasmic HuR level and clinicopathological characteristics or survival of these patients. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine HuR expression level. SPSS 21.0 statistical software was used for analysis. Results In the HPA and KMP datasets, HuR protein and mRNA expression level were not significantly associated with overall survival of all breast cancer patients enrolled. Results from our 394 patients indicated that higher expression level of cytoplasmic HuR was associated with larger tumor size, lymph node positive, ER negative and triple-negative subtype. For all patients enrolled, the results indicated that compared with HuR negative patients, the DFS (disease-free survival) of HuR 1+ was longer (60.5% vs 78.8, P=0.053, HR=0.616, 95% CI: 0.378-1.005), the P value was borderline. In the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subgroup, HuR positive patients had significantly longer DFS than HuR negative patients (65.5% vs 30.8%, P=0.001, HR=0.345, 95% CI: 0.180-0.658). In the HR+HER2- subgroup, HuR low (0~1+) patients had significantly longer OS than HuR high (2+~3+) patients (97.0% vs 89.5%, P=0.033, HR=2.482, 95% CI: 1.074-5.736). Conclusion In conclusion, our results revealed that higher expression level of HuR was related to aggressive biological characteristics which supported the findings from previous researches. In the HR+HER2- subgroup, lower HuR expression level patients had better survival time, while in the TNBC subgroup we got the opposite results. Our work indicated that HuR might play different roles in different breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Liao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yulu Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China,Yong Li, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yongwaizhengjie, Donghu, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15879155066, Email
| | - Ying Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Ying Fan, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer institute and hospital, Peking Union Medical college, Chinese Academy of Medical science, No. 17, Nan Li, Panjiayuan, Beijing, 100021, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13693656671, Email
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4
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Wang Y, Liang Q, Lei K, Zhu Q, Zeng D, Liu Y, Lu Y, Kang T, Tang N, Huang L, Ye L, Tang D, Zhu C. Targeting MEX3A attenuates metastasis of breast cancer via β-catenin signaling pathway inhibition. Cancer Lett 2021; 521:50-63. [PMID: 34425185 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Understanding the metastatic mechanism to guide clinical diagnoses and the treatment of breast cancer remains a challenge. We found that the expression of Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) was upregulated significantly and related to tumor grade in breast cancer. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies showed that knockdown of MEX3A inhibited the metastasis and impaired the stemness of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway was discovered as a molecular intermediate of MEX3A-mediated regulation. We also found that ectopic expression of β-catenin restored the migration ability, invasion ability, and CD44+/CD24- percentage of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells when MEX3A was depleted. In addition, we revealed that MEX3A positively regulated the expression of β-catenin by downregulating Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) expression. Therefore, a previously undiscovered role of MEX3A comprising a critical contribution to promoting metastasis and maintaining the stemness of breast cancer via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was demonstrated in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Kefeng Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Delong Zeng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingsi Lu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Tingting Kang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Nannan Tang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lifen Huang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Ye
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Di Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Al-Habeeb F, Aloufi N, Traboulsi H, Liu X, Nair P, Haston C, Azuelos I, Huang SK, White ES, Gallouzi IE, Di Marco S, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Human antigen R promotes lung fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblasts and increases extracellular matrix production. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:6836-6851. [PMID: 33855709 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of progressive scarring caused by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and activation of α-SMA-expressing myofibroblasts. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA binding protein that promotes protein translation. Upon translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, HuR functions to stabilize messenger RNA (mRNA) to increase protein levels. However, the role of HuR in promoting ECM production, myofibroblast differentiation, and lung fibrosis is unknown. Human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) showed a significant increase in translocation of HuR from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. TGF-β-treated HLFs that were transfected with HuR small interfering RNA had a significant reduction in α-SMA protein as well as the ECM proteins COL1A1, COL3A, and FN1. HuR was also bound to mRNA for ACTA2, COL1A1, COL3A1, and FN. HuR knockdown affected the mRNA stability of ACTA2 but not that of the ECM genes COL1A1, COL3A1, or FN. In mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis, there was higher cytoplasmic HuR in lung structural cells compared to control mice. In human IPF lungs, there was also more cytoplasmic HuR. This study is the first to show that HuR in lung fibroblasts controls their differentiation to myofibroblasts and consequent ECM production. Further research on HuR could assist in establishing the basis for the development of new target therapy for fibrotic diseases, such as IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatmah Al-Habeeb
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noof Aloufi
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hussein Traboulsi
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xingxing Liu
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Parameswaran Nair
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University & St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Haston
- Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ilan Azuelos
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steven K Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eric S White
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Imed E Gallouzi
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sergio Di Marco
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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7
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HuR Protein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications in Development, Prognosis and Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020119. [PMID: 33513829 PMCID: PMC7912068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hu-antigen R (HuR) is a post-transcriptional regulator that belongs to the embryonic lethal abnormal vision Drosophila-like family (ELAV). HuR regulates the stability, translation, subcellular localization, and degradation of several target mRNAs, which are implicated in carcinogenesis and could affect therapeutic options. HuR protein is consistently highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to the adjacent normal liver tissue and is involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of various genes implicated in liver malignant transformation. Additionally, HuR protein seems to be a putative prognosticator in HCC, predicting worse survival. This review summarizes the recent evidence regarding the role of HuR in primary liver tumors, as presented in clinical studies, in vitro experiments and in vivo animal models. In conclusion, our review supports the consistent role of HuR protein in the development, prognosis, and treatment of HCC. Additional studies are expected to expand current information and exploit its putative employment as a future candidate for more personalized treatment in these tumors.
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8
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Wu M, Tong CWS, Yan W, To KKW, Cho WCS. The RNA Binding Protein HuR: A Promising Drug Target for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:382-399. [PMID: 30381077 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181031145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The stability of mRNA is one of the key factors governing the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and function. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. While HuR is normally localized within the nucleus, it has been shown that HuR binds mRNAs in the nucleus and then escorts the mRNAs to the cytoplasm where HuR protects them from degradation. It contains several RNA recognition motifs, which specifically bind to adenylate and uridylate-rich regions within the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA to mediate its effect. Many of the HuR target mRNAs encode proteins important for cell growth, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, invasion and metastasis. HuR overexpression is known to correlate well with high-grade malignancy and poor prognosis in many tumor types. Thus, HuR has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer therapy. Novel small molecule HuR inhibitors have been identified by high throughput screening and new formulations for targeted delivery of HuR siRNA to tumor cells have been developed with promising anticancer activity. This review summarizes the significant role of HuR in cancer development, progression, and poor treatment response. We will discuss the potential and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
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9
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Yao Y, Chu H, Wang J, Wang B. Decreased human antigen R expression confers resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant lung cancer by inhibiting Bim expression. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:2930-2942. [PMID: 30226552 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor‑tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‑TKIs) is an obstacle for the treatment of non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the associated mechanisms are not well understood. Studies have reported that Bim expression levels may be associated with the efficacy of EGFR‑TKI treatment in NSCLC patients harboring EGFR mutations. Human antigen R (HuR) regulates the mRNA and protein expression of target genes, including certain B‑cell lymphoma 2 family members. The present study investigated whether HuR mediates resistance to EGFR‑TKIs via the regulation of Bim. The results demonstrated that decreased levels of HuR and Bim protein expression are associated with primary resistance to EGFR‑TKIs and reduced median progression‑free survival in NSCLC patients. In vitro assays also revealed that knockdown of HuR resulted in primary EGFR‑TKI resistance and reduced gefitinib‑induced apoptosis in HCC827 cells by decreasing Bim expression. Furthermore, elevated HuR expression restored gefitinib sensitivity and enhanced gefitinib‑induced apoptosis in H1650 cells by increasing Bim expression. In vivo, it was further demonstrated that overexpression of HuR was able to restore the gefitinib sensitivity of H1650 cells. Therefore, altered HuR/Bim expression is proposed to be a novel mechanism of EGFR‑TKI resistance in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Yao
- Institute of Post‑Graduate, The Second Military Medical University, People's Liberation Army, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Huili Chu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital, Jinan Command of The People's Liberation Army, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital, Jinan Command of The People's Liberation Army, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Baocheng Wang
- Institute of Post‑Graduate, The Second Military Medical University, People's Liberation Army, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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Murakami A. Non-specific protein modifications may be novel mechanism underlying bioactive phytochemicals. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2018; 62:115-123. [PMID: 29610550 PMCID: PMC5874230 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.17-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In a variety of experimental models, dietary phytochemicals have been demonstrated to exhibit pronounced and versatile bioactivities. Importantly, the possibility of such phytochemicals for human application has been supported in part by epidemiological surveys, which have demonstrated that frequent ingestion of vegetables and fruits containing abundant phytochemicals lowers the risk of onset of various diseases. However, the action mechanisms underlying those dietary phytochemical activities remain to be fully elucidated. For example, even though the anti-oxidant effects of natural polyphenols have long received widespread attention from food scientists, their roles in and contribution to those bioactivities remain controversial because of their poor bioavailability, resulting in extremely low concentrations in the bloodstream. Meanwhile, another important question is why phytochemicals have beneficial effects for animals, including humans, since they are biosynthesized by plants as compounds necessary for adaptation to environmental stress. In regard to that fundamental question, we recently reported novel and unique mechanisms of action of zerumbone, a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties. This agent was found to partially exhibit bioactivity through its non-specific interactions with cellular proteins. More strikingly, a non-specific protein binding action of zerumbone was revealed to partially contribute to its anti-inflammatory functions via activation of heat shock factor 1. The present review article highlights and introduces our recent findings regarding the proteo-stress-mediated mechanisms of this phytochemical, along with the concept of hormesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Murakami
- Food Hormesis Laboratory, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, School of Human Science & Environment, Research Institute for Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Hyogo, 1-1-12 Shinzaike-Honcho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0092, Japan
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