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Ding Y, Gong Y, Zeng H, Song G, Yu Z, Fu B, Liu Y, Huang D, Zhong Y. ZNF765 is a prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with cell cycle, immune infiltration, m 6A modification, and drug susceptibility. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6179-6211. [PMID: 37400985 PMCID: PMC10373972 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204827] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an ongoing challenge worldwide. Zinc finger protein 765 (ZNF765) is an important zinc finger protein that is related to the permeability of the blood-tumor barrier. However, the role of ZNF765 in HCC is unclear. This study evaluated the expression of ZNF765 in hepatocellular carcinoma and the impact of its expression on patient prognosis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immunohistochemical assays (IHC) were used to examine protein expression. Besides, a colony formation assay was used to examine cell viability. We also explored the relationship between ZNF765 and chemokines in the HCCLM3 cells by qRT-PCR. Moreover, we examined the effect of ZNF765 on cell resistance by measurement of the maximum half-inhibitory concentration. Our research revealed that ZNF765 expression in HCC samples was higher than that in normal samples, whose upregulation was not conducive to the prognosis. The results of GO, KEGG, and GSEA showed that ZNF765 was associated with the cell cycle and immune infiltration. Furthermore, we confirmed that the expression of ZNF765 had a strong connection with the infiltration level of various immune cells, such as B cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In addition, we found that ZNF765 was associated with m6A modification, which may affect the progression of HCC. Finally, drug sensitivity testing found that patients with HCC were sensitive to 20 drugs when they expressed high levels of ZNF765. In conclusion, ZNF765 may be a prognostic biomarker related to cell cycle, immune infiltration, m6A modification, and drug sensitivity for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Ding
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiyang Gong
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Gelin Song
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zichuan Yu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bidong Fu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Second College of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Da Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanying Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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2
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Zhu W, Dong X, Luo S, Guo S, Zhou W, Song W. Transcriptional activation of CSTB gene expression by transcription factor Sp3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 649:71-78. [PMID: 36745972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.087] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
CSTB has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of many malignant tumors, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, how the expression of this gene is regulated is largely unknown. We initially cloned and analyzed the promoter region of the CSTB gene by luciferase assay and the Sp3 binding site (CCCCGCCCCGCG) was found in it. The results of electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments verified that the transcription factor, Sp3 could bind to the " CCCCGCCCCGCG ″ site of the CSTB gene promoter. We showed that the overexpression of Sp3 significantly increased the endogenous mRNA and protein expression levels of CSTB, whereas knockdown of Sp3 decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels according to quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) and western blotting. In conclusion, CSTB gene expression is closely regulated by transcription factor Sp3, which may be a potential mechanism for the dysregulation of CSTB expression in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangjun Dong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuyue Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shipeng Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weihui Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Weihong Song
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and Kangning Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China; Oujiang Laboratory Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China.
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Lin F, Zhang G, Yang X, Wang M, Wang R, Wan M, Wang J, Wu B, Yan T, Jia Y. A network pharmacology approach and experimental validation to investigate the anticancer mechanism and potential active targets of ethanol extract of Wei-Tong-Xin against colorectal cancer through induction of apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115933. [PMID: 36403742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wei-Tong-Xin (WTX), derives from the Chinese herbal decoction (CHD) of Wan-Ying-Yuan in ancient China, has been shown to be effective therapeutic herbal decoction for treating gastrointestinal diseases. Present studies have demonstrated that WTX had potential to alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal inflammation, gastric ulcer and improve gastric motility. AIM OF THE STUDY The study primarily focused on exploring the therapeutic effect and possible pharmacological mechanism of WTX on colorectal cancer (CRC) based on network pharmacology, in vitro and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, colorectal cancer and WTX associated with targets were searched from GeneCards database and TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) respectively. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network also was constructed to screening key targets. In addition, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were applied to predict the underlying biological function and mechanism involving in the anti-colorectal cancer effect of WTX. Next, CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays were performed to verify the influence of proliferation and metastasizing ability of HCT116 cells after treated with WTX. Cell cycle, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analysis by flow cytometry. Hoechst 33258 staining was conducted to observe nuclear morphology changes. Protein expression of apoptosis and PI3K/AKT signaling as well as mRNA expression of ferroptosis and apoptosis were determined by Western Blotting and RT-qPCR. The effects of WTX and LY294002 combination on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were measured by Western Blotting. Finally, the xenograft tumor mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of CT26 cells to measure tumors volume and weight. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical analysis were used to observe the pathological changes and the protein expression in tumor tissues. RESULTS There were 286 potential treatment targets from 130 bioactive compounds in WTX, 1349 CRC-related targets were identified. Eleven core targets (TP53, AKT1, STAT3, JUN, TNF, HSP90AA1, IL-6, MAPK3, CASP3, EGFR, MYC) were found by PPI network analysis constructed of 142 common targets. The results of KEGG enrichment displayed PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as core pathway. After the treatment of WTX, the inhibitory of viability, metastases and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase were observed in HCT116 cells. Moreover, WTX induced an increase in the expression of apoptosis proteins (Bak, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3) and the levels of ROS and MDA, a decrease in the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling related proteins (PI3K, p-PI3K, p-AKT/AKT and p-mTOR/mTOR) and the level of SOD. WTX treatment significantly reduced the tumor weight, increased cleaved caspase-3 positive area and decreased that of ki67 in xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSION Through a network pharmacology approach and in vitro experiments, we predicted and verified the effect of WTX on colorectal cancer cells mainly depended on the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and further animal experiments proved that WTX has a good anti-colon cancer effect in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lin
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Guanglin Zhang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Xihan Yang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Mengshi Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Meiqi Wan
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Jinyu Wang
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Tingxu Yan
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
| | - Ying Jia
- School of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Wenhua Road 103, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110016, China.
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Wang N, Li MY, Liu Y, Yu J, Ren J, Zheng Z, Wang S, Yang S, Yang SL, Liu LP, Hu BG, Chong CC, Merchant JL, Lai PB, Chen GG. ZBP-89 negatively regulates self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells via suppression of Notch1 signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2019; 472:70-80. [PMID: 31874246 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) initiate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and contribute to its recurrence and treatment resistance. Studies have suggested ZBP-89 as a candidate tumor suppressor in HCC. We explored the role of ZBP-89 in the regulation of LCSCs. This study was performed in liver tissue samples from 104 HCC patients, 2 cell lines and mouse tumor models. We demonstrated that ZBP-89 was weakly expressed in LCSCs. Patients with high expression of LCSC markers displayed reduced survivals and higher recurrence rates after curative surgical operation. The expression of ZBP-89 was predictive for decreased recurrence. LCSC markers were negatively correlated with ZBP-89 in HCC tissues and in enriched liver tumor spheres. The exogenous expression of ZBP-89 attenuated the tumor-sphere formation and secondary colony formation capabilities of LCSCs in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, the negative effect of ZBP-89 on cancer stemness was Notch1-dependent. Localized with Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) in the nucleus, ZBP-89 repressed the Notch1 signaling pathway by competitive binding to NICD1 with MAML1. Collectively, ZBP-89 negatively regulates HCC stemness via inhibiting the Notch1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuozhou Wang
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianqing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zheng
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shucai Yang
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Pingshan District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng-Li Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bao-Guang Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Charing Cn Chong
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juanita L Merchant
- Division of Gastroenterology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, PO Box 245028, 1501 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5028, USA
| | - Paul Bs Lai
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - George Gong Chen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Salmon M, Schaheen B, Spinosa M, Montgomery W, Pope NH, Davis JP, Johnston WF, Sharma AK, Owens GK, Merchant JL, Zehner ZE, Upchurch GR, Ailawadi G. ZFP148 (Zinc-Finger Protein 148) Binds Cooperatively With NF-1 (Neurofibromin 1) to Inhibit Smooth Muscle Marker Gene Expression During Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:73-88. [PMID: 30580567 PMCID: PMC6422047 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective- The goal of this study was to determine the role of ZFP148 (zinc-finger protein 148) in aneurysm formation. Approach and Results- ZFP148 mRNA expression increased at day 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after during abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in C57BL/6 mice. Loss of ZFP148 conferred abdominal aortic aneurysm protection using ERTCre+ ZFP148 flx/flx mice. In a third set of experiments, smooth muscle-specific loss of ZFP148 alleles resulted in progressively greater protection using novel transgenic mice (MYH [myosin heavy chain 11] Cre+ flx/flx, flx/wt, and wt/wt). Elastin degradation, LGAL3, and neutrophil staining were significantly attenuated, while α-actin staining was increased in ZFP148 knockout mice. Results were verified in total cell ZFP148 and smooth muscle-specific knockout mice using an angiotensin II model. ZFP148 smooth muscle-specific conditional mice demonstrated increased proliferation and ZFP148 was shown to bind to the p21 promoter during abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. ZFP148 smooth muscle-specific conditional knockout mice also demonstrated decreased apoptosis as measured by decreased cleaved caspase-3 staining. ZFP148 bound smooth muscle marker genes via chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis mediated by NF-1 (neurofibromin 1) promote histone H3K4 deacetylation via histone deacetylase 5. Transient transfections and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that NF-1 was required for ZFP148 protein binding to smooth muscle marker genes promoters during aneurysm formation. Elimination of NF-1 using shRNA approaches demonstrated that NF-1 is required for binding and elimination of NF-1 increased BRG1 recruitment, the ATPase subunit of the SWI/SWF complex, and increased histone acetylation. Conclusions- ZFP148 plays a critical role in multiple murine models of aneurysm formation. These results suggest that ZFP148 is important in the regulation of proliferation, smooth muscle gene downregulation, and apoptosis in aneurysm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Salmon
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Basil Schaheen
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Spinosa
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William Montgomery
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicolas H. Pope
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - John P. Davis
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - William F. Johnston
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ashish K. Sharma
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine of the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gary K. Owens
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Zendra E. Zehner
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Gilbert R. Upchurch
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine of the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gorav Ailawadi
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- The Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Elhinnawi MA, Mohareb RM, Rady HM, Khalil WKB, Abd Elhalim MM, Elmegeed GA. Novel pregnenolone derivatives modulate apoptosis via Bcl-2 family genes in hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 183:125-136. [PMID: 29898413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A series of pregnenolone derivatives were synthesized and assessed for anti-cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The synthesized hetero-steroids (compounds 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a and 8b) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Apoptotic activity was assessed using dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining method and DNA fragmentation assay. Pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Bak) and anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) were analyzed using quantitative real time PCR. The results revealed that compounds 4 and 6 displayed cytotoxic activity (IC50s, 36.97 ± 2.18 and 18.46 ± 0.64 μM, respectively), while compounds 5 and 7 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity (IC50s, 93.87 ± 8.30 μM and 93.48 ± 4.14 μM, respectively). All synthesized heterocyclic pregnenolone derivatives induced apoptosis through DNA fragmentation. Compounds 4 and 6 increased early and late apoptotic cell percentages while compounds 3, 5, 7 and 8b increased either early or late apoptotic cell percentage. Moreover, compounds 3, 6 and 8b up-regulated the expression level of Bak gene. On the other hand, compounds 4, 5, 7 and 8a down-regulated the Bcl-2 expression level, besides, compounds 5, 7 and 8a down-regulated the Bcl-xL expression level. Compounds 5, 7, 8a and 8b increased the Bak/Bcl-xL ratio, besides, compound 8a raised the Bax/Bcl-xL ratio whereas compound 5 elevated Bax/Bcl-2 and Bak/Bcl-2 ratios. The present work introduced novel pro-apoptotic pregnenolone derivatives that acted against HepG2 cells through DNA fragmentation, apoptotic morphological changes and were able to increase the pro-apoptotic/anti-apoptotic ratios of Bcl-2 family genes. This study particularly revealed that the cytotoxic compound 4 is the most promising pro-apoptotic compound among other synthesized derivatives where it induced apoptosis (late and early) through the down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafat M Mohareb
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanaa M Rady
- Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Wagdy K B Khalil
- Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Gamal A Elmegeed
- Hormones Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
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ZBP-89 and Sp1 contribute to Bak expression in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:419. [PMID: 29653560 PMCID: PMC5899329 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kruppel family member zinc binding protein 89 (ZBP-89), also known as ZNF148, regulates Bak expression via binding to GC-rich promoter domain. It is not clear if other GC-rich binding factors, such as Sp family members, can interact with ZBPp-89 on Bak expression. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of Bak expression regulation by ZBP-89 and Sp proteins, based on in vitro experiment and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) data cohort. Methods We downloaded TCGA hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cohort data to analysis the association of Bak transcription level with ZBP-89 and Sp proteins transcription level. HCC cell lines and liver immortal non-tumour cell lines were used for mechanism study, including western blotting analysis, expression vector mediated gene expression and siRNA interference. Results Results showed that cancer tissues have higher Bak transcription level compared with adjacent non-cancer tissues. Bak transcription level was correlated with Sp1 and Sp3 expression level, while no correlation was found in ZBP-89 and Bak, neither Sp2 nor Sp4. Mithramycin A (MMA) induced Bak expression in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting results showed Sp1 overexpression increased Bak expression both in liver immortal non-tumour cells and HCC cells. Interference Sp1 expression could inhibit Bak expression alone. ZBP-89 siRNA suppressed Bak expression even in the presence of MMA treatment and S1 overexpression. Additionally, Bak and Sp1 level were associated with HCC patient survival. Conclusions Bak expression required ZBP-89 and Sp1 cooperative regulation simultaneously. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4349-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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8
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Yang SL, Liu LP, Niu L, Sun YF, Yang XR, Fan J, Ren JW, Chen GG, Lai PBS. Downregulation and pro-apoptotic effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:34571-81. [PMID: 27119229 PMCID: PMC5085177 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of HIF-2α in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern and role of HIF-2α in HCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting analyses were applied to detect the protein level of HIF-2α in 206 paired HCC and peritumoral tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in these patients. The function of HIF-2α was studied in HCC cells and in vivo models. We found that the protein levels of HIF-2α in HCC tissues were lower than in peritumoral tissues, and were negatively correlated with tumor size (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate analysis revealed that HCC patients with high HIF-2α protein levels had longer overall survival (P < 0.05). Over-expression of HIF-2α induced apoptosis in HCC cells and increased the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak, ZBP-89 and PDCD4, whereas the inhibition of HIF-2α expression achieved opposite results. The findings were confirmed in a mouse HCC xenograft model. In conclusion, our study revealed that HIF-2α was decreased and played an anti-tumorigenic role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Li Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Ping Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Leilei Niu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yun-Fan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital & Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Wei Ren
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Nguyen L, Masouminia M, Mendoza A, Samadzadeh S, Tillman B, Morgan T, French B, French S. Alcoholic hepatitis versus non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Levels of expression of some proteins involved in tumorigenesis. Exp Mol Pathol 2018; 104:45-49. [PMID: 29307797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and/or hypertriglyceridemia, while alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is associated with alcohol abuse. Both NASH and ASH patients can develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) if left untreated. However, the rate of tumorigenesis in NASH and ASH appears to be different. Individuals with NASH progress to HCC at a rate of 0.5% annually (Lindenmeyer and McCullough, 2018), when individuals with ASH progress to HCC at a rate of 3-10% annually (Schwartz and Reinus, 2012). Thus, the objective of our study is to determine if there are differences in NASH versus ASH in the levels of different proteins expressed involved in cancer development. The method used was measuring the proteins expressed in liver biopsied sections from NASH and ASH patients using immunohistochemical staining with fluorescent antibodies and then quantitating the fluorescence intensity morphometrically. The 20 proteins tested are parts of the Ingenuity Canonical Pathway of Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer and include: RAP2B, NAIP, FYN, PAK6, SUV39H1, GNAI1, BAX, E2F3, CKDN2B, BAK1, BCL2, DIABLO, RASGRF2, GNA15, PIK3CB, BRCA1, MAP2K1, BIRC3, CDK2, and ATM. In ASH, the proteins that showed upregulated levels of expression were SUV39H1, E2F3, BCL2, BAK1, BIRC3, and GNAI1. In NASH, the proteins that showed upregulated levels of expression were BAK1 and GNAI1 and the protein that showed downregulated level of expression was BCL2. Additionally, levels of expression for SUV39H1, E2F3, BCL2, BAK1, BIRC3, and GNAI1 were significant upregulated in ASH compared to NASH. These results showed significant differences in ASH compared to normal liver, and significant differences in ASH compared to NASH. Thus, we conclude that there are more proteins involved in tumorigenesis in ASH compared to NASH and in ASH compared to normal liver, which is consistent with the known tumor development rate in ASH and NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Nguyen
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Samuel French
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
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10
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Ragusa MA, Costa S, Cuttitta A, Gianguzza F, Nicosia A. Coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium impairs development and attenuates transcriptional response in sea urchin embryo. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 180:275-284. [PMID: 28411544 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Among sulfonamides, sulfamethoxazole represents one of the most widely employed. A considerable amount of sulfamethoxazole is introduced into the marine environment after utilization in aquaculture. The cytotoxicity of sulfamethoxazole relies mainly on arylhydroxylamine metabolites and it is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species. Cadmium represents a metal largely employed in several anthropic activities and it is toxic for all living organisms even at low concentrations. Since it is not degraded, cadmium irreversibly accumulates into cells. In order to understand the mechanisms of response to changes in the chemical environment, we investigated by light microscopy observations and RT-qPCR assays the impact of sulfamethoxazole and cadmium in P. lividus sea urchin embryos. During development, embryos were exposed to sulfamethoxazole amount comparable to that usually used in aquaculture procedures and/or sublethal levels of cadmium chloride. Impairment of development and biomarkers for inflammation, detoxification, metal scavenging and cell death were inspected. Even though treatment with sulfamethoxazole apparently did not affect development, it stimulated a remarkable molecular response to oxidative stress. Moreover, combined exposure seriously compromised development and the defense mechanisms to cadmium were blocked. This study leads to the conclusion that coexposure to sulfamethoxazole and cadmium induces neutralizing effects on sea urchin embryos. Thus, in marine areas nearby aquaculture farms, where sulfamethoxazole discharge represents an important environmental contaminant, cadmium occurrence may alter population dynamics of P. lividus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Ragusa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Costa
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Angela Cuttitta
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Gianguzza
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Ed. 16, 90128, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
| | - Aldo Nicosia
- National Research Council-Institute for Marine and Coastal Environment (IAMC-CNR), Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Biotechnology, Detached Unit of Capo Granitola, Torretta Granitola, Trapani, Sicily, Italy.
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11
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Xu HF, Gao XT, Lin JY, Xu XH, Hu J, Ding YJ, Zhu SH. MicroRNA-20b suppresses the expression of ZFP-148 in viral myocarditis. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 429:199-210. [PMID: 28247213 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-2947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Viral myocarditis is a common cardiovascular disease, which seriously endangers the health of people and even leads to sudden unexpected death. MicroRNAs play very important roles in various physical and pathological processes including cardiogenesis and heart diseases. In recent years, miR-20b has been implicated in various diseases such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular diseases. However, the function of miR-20b in the pathological progress of viral myocarditis has not been reported. In this study, we found that miR-20b was up-regulated in mouse heart tissues post Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection. Bioinformatics analysis identified ZFP-148, a transcription factor that plays essential roles in the regulation of virus replication, is one of the predicted targets of miR-20b. MiR-20b expression was found to be up-regulated and ZFP-148 protein level was markedly repressed during viral myocarditis. Further studies demonstrated that miR-20b directly binds to the 3'-UTR of ZFP-148 and suppresses its translation. Moreover, aberrant expression of miR-20b promoted the expression of anti-apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, suggesting that altered gene expression might promote cardiomyocytes survival in viral myocarditis. Our findings indicated that miR-20b might be a potential therapeutic target for CVB3-induced viral myocarditis and a useful marker for the diagnosis of viral myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Fei Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou Dushuhu High Educational Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiang-Ting Gao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou Dushuhu High Educational Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Yi Lin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Hua Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou Dushuhu High Educational Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou Dushuhu High Educational Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jie Ding
- Department of dermatological, The second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shao-Hua Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou Dushuhu High Educational Town, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Gao XH, Li J, Liu Y, Liu QZ, Hao LQ, Liu LJ, Zhang W. ZNF148 modulates TOP2A expression and cell proliferation via ceRNA regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e5845. [PMID: 28072746 PMCID: PMC5228706 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation is a novel hypothesized mechanism that states RNA molecules share common target microRNAs (miRNAs) and may competitively combine into the same miRNA pool. METHODS Zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148) and TOP2A expression were analyzed in 742 colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues using immunohistochemistry (IHC). ZNF148 mRNA, TOP2A mRNA, miR101, miR144, miR335, and miR365 expression were estimated in 53 fresh frozen CRC tissues by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Mechanisms underpinning ceRNA were examined using bioinformatics, correlation analysis, RNA interference, gene over-expression, and luciferase assays. RESULTS Protein levels of ZNF148 and TOP2A detected by IHC positively correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.431, P < 0.001); mRNA levels of ZNF148 and TOP2A also positively correlated (r = 0.591, P < 0.001). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that ZNF148 and TOP2A mRNA had 13 common target miRNAs, including miR101, miR144, miR335, and miR365. Correlation analysis demonstrated that levels of ZNF148 mRNA were negatively associated with levels of miR144, miR335, and miR365. Knockdown and overexpression tests showed that ZNF148 mRNA and TOP2A mRNA regulated each other in HCT116 cells, respectively, but not in Dicer-deficient HCT116 cells. Luciferase assays demonstrated that ZNF148 and TOP2A regulated each other through 3'UTR. Overexpression of ZNF148 mRNA and TOP2A mRNA caused significant downregulation of miR101, miR144, miR335, and miR365 in the HCT116 cells. We also found that knockdown of ZNF148 and TOP2A significantly promoted cell growth, and overexpression of ZNF148 and TOP2A inhibited cell proliferation, which was abrogated in Dicer-deficient HCT116 cells. CONCLUSION ZNF148 and TOP2A regulate each other through ceRNA regulatory mechanism in CRC, which has biological effects on cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Hua Gao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhi Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Li Qiang Hao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Lian Jie Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University
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13
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Ye CG, Liu L, Chen GG, Tang XL, He Z, He ML, Lai PBS. ZBP-89 reduces histone deacetylase 3 by degrading IkappaB in the presence of Pin1. J Transl Med 2015; 13:23. [PMID: 25623232 PMCID: PMC4311446 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0382-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is overexpressed in cancers and its inhibition enhances anti-tumor chemotherapy. ZBP-89, a transcription factor, can induce pro-apoptotic Bak and reduce HDAC3 but the mechanism is unknown. Pin1, a molecular switch that determines the fate of phosphoproteins, is known to interact with HDAC3. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism how ZBP-89 downregulated HDAC3. METHODS In this study, liver cells, Pin1-knockout Pin1(-/-) and Pin1 wild-typed Pin(+/+) cells were used to explore how ZBP-89 reduced HDAC3. The overexpression of ZBP-89 was achieved by infecting cells with Ad-ZBP-89, an adenoviral construct containing ZBP-89 gene. The role of NF-κB was determined using CAY10576, MG132 and SN50, the former two being inhibitors of IκB degradation and SN50 being an inhibitor of p65/p50 translocation. A xenograft tumor model was used to confirm the in vitro data. RESULTS ZBP-89 reduced HDAC3, and it could form a complex with IκB and induce IκB phosphorylation to inhibit IκB. Furthermore, ZBP-89-mediated HDAC3 reduction was suppressed by IκB degradation inhibitors CAY10576 and MG132 but not by p65/p50 translocation inhibitor SN50, indicating that IκB decrease rather than the elevated activity of NF-κB contributed to HDAC3 reduction. ZBP-89-mediated HDAC3 or IκB reduction was significantly less obvious in Pin1(-/-) cells compared with Pin1(+/+) cells. In Ad-ZBP-89-infected Pin1(+/+) cancer cells, Pin1 siRNA increased HDAC3 but decreased Bak, compared with cells without ZBP-89 infection. These findings indicate that Pin1 participates in ZBP-89-mediated HDAC3 downregulation and Bak upregulation. The cell culture result was confirmed by in vivo mouse tumor model experiments. CONCLUSIONS ZBP-89 attenuates HDAC3 by increasing IκB degradation. Such attenuation is independent of NF-κB activity but partially depends on Pin1. The novel pathway identified may help generate new anti-cancer strategy by targeting HDAC3 and its related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Guo Ye
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China. .,Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China. .,Sino-America Cancer Research Institute, The Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan, Guangdong province, P R China.
| | - Liping Liu
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China. .,Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China.
| | - Xiao Lin Tang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China.
| | - Zhiwei He
- Sino-America Cancer Research Institute, The Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan, Guangdong province, P R China.
| | - Ming-Liang He
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China.
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, NT, P. R. China.
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14
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Ye CG, Chen GG, Ho RLK, Merchant JL, He ML, Lai PBS. Epigenetic upregulation of Bak by ZBP-89 inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:2970-2979. [PMID: 23954442 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Zinc-binding protein-89 regulates Bak to facilitate apoptosis in cancer cells. This study examined if zinc-binding protein-89 regulates Bak through an epigenetic mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma. We first demonstrated that the expression of Bak was reduced but the levels of deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase 1 and histone deacetylase 3 were increased in hepatocellular carcinoma cancer tissues compared to the corresponding non-cancer tissues. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between Bak expression and deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase 1 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma. Administration of zinc-binding protein-89 downregulated histone deacetylase 3 expression and suppressed the activities of histone deacetylase and deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase, which led to maintenance of histone acetylation status, inhibited the binding of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 to genomic deoxyribonucleic acid and demethylated CpG islands in the Bak promoter in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Using the xenograft mouse tumor model, we demonstrated that zinc-binding protein-89 or inhibitors of either epigenetic enzymes could stimulate Bak expression, induce apoptosis, and arrest tumor growth and that the maximal effort was achieved when zinc-binding protein-89 and the enzyme inhibitors were used in combination. Conclusively, zinc-binding protein-89 upregulates the expression of Bak by targeting multiple components of the epigenetic pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Guo Ye
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; China-America Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical College, Dongguan 523808, PR China
| | - George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Rocky L K Ho
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Juanita L Merchant
- Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ming-Liang He
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong; School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Paul B S Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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15
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Sayin VI, Nilton A, Ibrahim MX, Ågren P, Larsson E, Petit MM, Hultén LM, Ståhlman M, Johansson BR, Bergo MO, Lindahl P. Zfp148 deficiency causes lung maturation defects and lethality in newborn mice that are rescued by deletion of p53 or antioxidant treatment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55720. [PMID: 23405202 PMCID: PMC3566028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Zfp148 (Zbp-89, BFCOL, BERF1, htβ) interacts physically with the tumor suppressor p53 and is implicated in cell cycle control, but the physiological role of Zfp148 remains unknown. Here we show that Zfp148 deficiency leads to respiratory distress and lethality in newborn mice. Zfp148 deficiency prevented structural maturation of the prenatal lung without affecting type II cell differentiation or surfactant production. BrdU analyses revealed that Zfp148 deficiency caused proliferation arrest of pulmonary cells at E18.5–19.5. Similarly, Zfp148-deficient fibroblasts exhibited proliferative arrest that was dependent on p53, raising the possibility that cell stress is part of the underlying mechanism. Indeed, Zfp148 deficiency lowered the threshold for activation of p53 under oxidative conditions. Moreover, both in vivo and cellular phenotypes were rescued on Trp53+/− or Trp53−/− backgrounds and by antioxidant treatment. Thus, Zfp148 prevents respiratory distress and lethality in newborn mice by attenuating oxidative stress–dependent p53-activity during the saccular stage of lung development. Our results establish Zfp148 as a novel player in mammalian lung maturation and demonstrate that Zfp148 is critical for cell cycle progression in vivo.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Antioxidants/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Blotting, Southern
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Cycle
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/drug effects
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Female
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Gene Deletion
- Genes, Lethal
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/embryology
- Lung/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Respiratory Tract Diseases/genetics
- Respiratory Tract Diseases/pathology
- Respiratory Tract Diseases/prevention & control
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Transcription Factors/physiology
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/deficiency
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan I. Sayin
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Nilton
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohamed X. Ibrahim
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pia Ågren
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Larsson
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marleen M. Petit
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lillemor Mattsson Hultén
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bengt R. Johansson
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin O. Bergo
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Lindahl
- Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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16
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Gatta V, Granzotto A, Fincati K, Drago D, Bolognin S, Zatta P, Sensi SL. Microarray analysis of gene expression profiles in human neuroblastoma cells exposed to Aβ–Zn and Aβ–Cu complexes. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.12.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Abnormal metal accumulation is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and plays a relevant role in affecting amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide aggregation and neurotoxicity. Material & Methods: In the present study, employing a microarray analysis of 35,129 genes, we analyzed gene expression profile changes due to exposure to Aβ1-42 –Zn or Aβ1-42 –Cu complexes in neuronal-like cells (SH-SY5Y). Results: Microarray data indicated that Aβ–Zn or Aβ–Cu complexes selectively alter expression of genes mainly related to cell death, inflammatory responses, cytoprotective mechanisms and apoptosis. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that Aβ1–42 –Zn or Aβ1–42 –Cu show some commonalities in affecting Alzheimer’s disease-related target functions. The overall modulatory activity on these genes supports the idea of a possible net effect resulting in the activation of pathways that counteract toxic effects of Aβ–Zn or Aβ–Cu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gatta
- Department of Oral Health & Biotechnological Sciences, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Functional Genetics Unit – Center of Excellence in Aging (Ce.S.I.), Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Denise Drago
- CNS Repair Unit – INSPE, Biological Mass Spectrometry Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bolognin
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological & Motor Sciences – Physiology & Psychology Unit, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Zatta
- National Research Council, Biomedical Technology Institute (CNR-ITB), Metalloproteins Unit, Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience & Imaging, “G. D’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
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17
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Promoter cloning and characterization of the human programmed cell death protein 4 (pdcd4) gene: evidence for ZBP-89 and Sp-binding motifs as essential Pdcd4 regulators. Biosci Rep 2012; 32:281-97. [DOI: 10.1042/bsr20110045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pdcd4 (programmed cell death protein 4) is an important novel tumour suppressor inhibiting transformation, translation, invasion and intravasation, and its expression is down-regulated in several cancers. However, little is known about the transcriptional regulation and the promoter of this important tumour suppressor. So far the following is the first comprehensive study to describe the regulation of Pdcd4 transcription by ZBP-89 (zinc-finger-binding protein 89), besides characterizing the gene promoter. We identified the transcriptional start sites of the human pdcd4 promoter, a functional CCAAT-box, and the basal promoter region. Within this basal region, computer-based analysis revealed several potential binding sites for ZBPs, especially for Sp (specificity protein) family members and ZBP-89. We identified four Sp1/Sp3/Sp4-binding elements to be indispensable for basal promoter activity. However, overexpression of Sp1 and Sp3 was not sufficient to enhance Pdcd4 protein expression. Analysis in different solid cancer cell lines showed a significant correlation between pdcd4 and zbp-89 mRNA amounts. In contrast with Sp transcription factors, overexpression of ZBP-89 led to an enhanced expression of Pdcd4 mRNA and protein. Additionally, specific knockdown of ZBP-89 resulted in a decreased pdcd4 gene expression. Reporter gene analysis showed a significant up-regulation of basal promoter activity by co-transfection with ZBP-89, which could be abolished by mithramycin treatment. Predicted binding of ZBP-89 to the basal promoter was confirmed by EMSA (electrophoretic mobility-shift assay) data and supershift analysis for ZBP-89. Taken together, data for the first time implicate ZBP-89 as a regulator of Pdcd4 by binding to the basal promoter either alone or by interacting with Sp family members.
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18
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Chen GG, Leung J, Liang NC, Li L, Wu K, Chan UPF, Leung BCS, Li M, Du J, Deng YF, Gong X, Lv Y, Chak ECW, Lai PBS. Ent-11α-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo via stabilizing IkBα. Invest New Drugs 2012; 30:2210-8. [PMID: 22227815 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-011-9791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ent-11-hydroxy-15-oxo-kaur-16-en-19-oic-acid (5F) isolated from Pteris Semipinnata L is known to inhibit certain tumor cells in vitro. The information on the in vivo effect of 5F is limited and its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. In this study, the anti-tumor effect of 5F was investigated in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced mouse HCC model. In addition to therapeutic effect, the potential side effect was monitored. A panel of cultured HCC cells was used to confirm the in vivo data and explore the responsible molecular pathway. The result showed that 5F significantly inhibited the DEN-induced HCC tumors by reducing the number of tumor foci and the volume of tumors. Furthermore, 5F induced the death of cultured HCC cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. The cell death was confirmed to be apoptotic by in vivo and in vitro TUNEL assays. 5F inhibited NF-kB by stabilizing its inhibitor IkBα, reducing the nuclear p65 and inhibiting NF-kB activity. Subsequently it affected the NF-kB downstream molecules with a decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and increase in pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak. During the whole period of the experiment, mice receiving 5F appeared to be healthy, though they suffered from a mild degree of hair loss. 5F did not damage liver and renal functions. In conclusion, 5F is effective against HCC with minimal side effects. It induces apoptosis in HCC cells via inhibiting NF-kB, leading to the decrease of Bcl-2 but the increase of Bax and Bak.
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Affiliation(s)
- George G Chen
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
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