1
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Yagublu V, Bayramov B, Reissfelder C, Hajibabazade J, Abdulrahimli S, Keese M. Microarray-based detection and expression analysis of drug resistance in an animal model of peritoneal metastasis from colon cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-024-10283-5. [PMID: 38609535 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapy drugs efficiently eradicate rapidly dividing differentiated cells by inducing cell death, but poorly target slowly dividing cells, including cancer stem cells and dormant cancer cells, in the later course of treatment. Prolonged exposure to chemotherapy results in a decrease in the proportion of apoptotic cells in the tumour mass. To investigate and characterize the molecular basis of this phenomenon, microarray-based expression analysis was performed to compare tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor transfected C-26 tumour cells that were harvested after engraftment into mice treated with or without 5-FU. Peritoneal metastasis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of C-26 cells, which were subsequently reisolated from omental metastatic tumours after the mice were sacrificed by the end of the 10th day after tumour injection. The purity of reisolated tHcred2-DEVD-EGFP-caspase 3-sensor-expressing C-26 cells was confirmed using FLIM, and total RNA was extracted for gene expression profiling. The validation of relative transcript levels was carried out via real-time semiquantitative RT‒PCR assays. Our results demonstrated that chemotherapy induced the differential expression of mediators of cancer cell dormancy and cell survival-related genes and downregulation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signalling pathways. Despite the fact that some differentially expressed genes, such as BMP7 and Prss11, have not been thoroughly studied in the context of chemoresistance thus far, they might be potential candidates for future studies on overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vugar Yagublu
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Bayram Bayramov
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Genetic Resources Institute of Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Department of Natural Sciences, Western Caspian University, AZ1001, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Javahir Hajibabazade
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1009, USA
| | - Shalala Abdulrahimli
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Genetic Resources Institute of Ministry of Science and Education, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Michael Keese
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Theresienkrankenhaus and St. Hedwigsklinik, Mannheim, Germany
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2
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Jackson JT, Nutt SL, McCormack MP. The Haematopoietically-expressed homeobox transcription factor: roles in development, physiology and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197490. [PMID: 37398663 PMCID: PMC10313424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Haematopoietically expressed homeobox transcription factor (Hhex) is a transcriptional repressor that is of fundamental importance across species, as evident by its evolutionary conservation spanning fish, amphibians, birds, mice and humans. Indeed, Hhex maintains its vital functions throughout the lifespan of the organism, beginning in the oocyte, through fundamental stages of embryogenesis in the foregut endoderm. The endodermal development driven by Hhex gives rise to endocrine organs such as the pancreas in a process which is likely linked to its role as a risk factor in diabetes and pancreatic disorders. Hhex is also required for the normal development of the bile duct and liver, the latter also importantly being the initial site of haematopoiesis. These haematopoietic origins are governed by Hhex, leading to its crucial later roles in definitive haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, lymphopoiesis and haematological malignancy. Hhex is also necessary for the developing forebrain and thyroid gland, with this reliance on Hhex evident in its role in endocrine disorders later in life including a potential role in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the roles of Hhex in embryological development throughout evolution appear to be linked to its later roles in a variety of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T. Jackson
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Nutt
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew P. McCormack
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- iCamuno Biotherapeutics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Guo Y, Zhu Z, Huang Z, Cui L, Yu W, Hong W, Zhou Z, Du P, Liu CY. CK2-induced cooperation of HHEX with the YAP-TEAD4 complex promotes colorectal tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4995. [PMID: 36008411 PMCID: PMC9411202 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of Hippo pathway leads to hyperactivation of YAP-TEAD transcriptional complex in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we observed that HHEX (Hematopoietically expressed homeobox) may enhance transcription activity of the YAP-TEAD complex. HHEX associates with and stabilizes the YAP-TEAD complex on the regulatory genomic loci to coregulate the expression of a group of YAP/TEAD target genes. Also, HHEX may indirectly regulate these target genes by controlling YAP/TAZ expression. Importantly, HHEX is required for the pro-tumorigenic effects of YAP during CRC progression. In response to serum stimulation, CK2 (Casein Kinase 2) phosphorylates HHEX and enhances its interaction with TEAD4. A CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 diminishes the interaction between HHEX and TEAD4, leading to decreased expression of YAP/TEAD target genes. CX-4945 synergizes the antitumor activity of YAP-TEAD inhibitors verteporfin and Super-TDU. Elevated expression of HHEX is correlated with hyperactivation of YAP/TEAD and associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Overall, our study identifies HHEX as a positive modulator of YAP/TEAD to promote colorectal tumorigenesis, providing a new therapeutic strategy for targeting YAP/TEAD in CRC. Hippo signalling is often deregulated in cancers. Here the authors show that CK2 enhances the cooperation of HHEX with YAP-TEAD complex to promote colorectal tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuegui Guo
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhehui Zhu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Chen-Ying Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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4
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Larson EL, Joo DJ, Nelson ED, Amiot BP, Aravalli RN, Nyberg SL. Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase gene as a knockout target for hepatic chimerism and donor liver production. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2577-2588. [PMID: 34678209 PMCID: PMC8581169 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A reliable source of human hepatocytes and transplantable livers is needed. Interspecies embryo complementation, which involves implanting donor human stem cells into early morula/blastocyst stage animal embryos, is an emerging solution to the shortage of transplantable livers. We review proposed mutations in the recipient embryo to disable hepatogenesis, and discuss the advantages of using fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase knockouts and other genetic modifications to disable hepatogenesis. Interspecies blastocyst complementation using porcine recipients for primate donors has been achieved, although percentages of chimerism remain persistently low. Recent investigation into the dynamic transcriptomes of pigs and primates have created new opportunities to intimately match the stage of developing animal embryos with one of the many varieties of human induced pluripotent stem cell. We discuss techniques for decreasing donor cell apoptosis, targeting donor tissue to endodermal structures to avoid neural or germline chimerism, and decreasing the immunogenicity of chimeric organs by generating donor endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Larson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Erek D Nelson
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bruce P Amiot
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rajagopal N Aravalli
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Scott L Nyberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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5
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Zhang H, Shen YW, Zhang LJ, Chen JJ, Bian HT, Gu WJ, Zhang H, Chen HZ, Zhang WD, Luan X. Targeting Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule 1 Protein in Cancer: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687120. [PMID: 34109132 PMCID: PMC8181400 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the dramatic advances in cancer research in the past few years, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1), a soluble dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, also known as endocan, serves as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator due to its aberrant expression under pathological conditions, including cancer, sepsis, kidney diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Significantly, ESM-1 can promote cancer progression and metastasis through the regulation of tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistant. In addition, ESM-1 is involved in the tumor microenvironment, containing inflammation, angiogenesis, and lymph angiogenesis. This article reviews the molecular and biological characteristics of ESM-1 in cancer, the underlying mechanisms, the currently clinical and pre-clinical applications, and potential therapeutic strategies. Herein, we propose that ESM-1 is a new therapeutic target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Wen Shen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Jiao Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ting Bian
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jie Gu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Zhuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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6
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Yaglova NV, Tsomartova DA, Obernikhin SS, Nazimova SV, Ivanova MY, Chereshneva EV, Yaglov VV, Lomanovskaya TA. Transcription factors β-catenin and Hex in postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex: implication in proliferation control. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05932. [PMID: 33490685 PMCID: PMC7809185 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of growth, maturation, and cell turnover in adrenal cortex during postnatal development has been significantly less studied than in embryonic period, while elucidation of factors mediating its normal postnatal morphogenesis could clarify mechanisms of tumorigenesis in adrenal cortex. Expression of transcription factors Hex, β-catenin, and Wnt signaling in the adrenal cortex of male pubertal and postpubertal Wistar rats were examined. Adrenal cortex morphology and hormone production during postnatal development were also studied. Adrenocortical zones demonstrated similar reduction of Ki-67-expressing cells, but different patterns of morphological and functional changes. Age-dependent decrease in percentage of cells with membrane localization of β-catenin and stable rate of cells with nuclear β-catenin, indicative of Wnt signaling activation, were revealed in each cortical zone. Nuclear β-catenin was not observed in immature areas of zona fasciculata. No association between Wnt signaling activation and rates of proliferation as well as changes in secretion of adrenocortical hormones was observed in postnatal development of rat adrenal cortex. Hex, known as antiproliferative factor, showed up-regulation of expression after puberty. Strong inverse correlations between ratio of Hex-positive cells and proliferating cells were found in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata. Zona reticularis demonstrated moderate correlation. Thus, these findings suggest a role for Hex in proliferation control during postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex and possible implication of Hex down-regulation in adrenocortical dysplasia and neoplasia, which requires further study. Evaluation of Hex expression may also be considered a potent tool in assessment of cell proliferation in rat adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya V Yaglova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dibakhan A Tsomartova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey S Obernikhin
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Nazimova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Y Ivanova
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V Chereshneva
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentin V Yaglov
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Lomanovskaya
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Gao C, Huang W, Gao Y, Lo LJ, Luo L, Huang H, Chen J, Peng J. Zebrafish hhex-null mutant develops an intrahepatic intestinal tube due to de-repression of cdx1b and pdx1. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:448-462. [PMID: 30428031 PMCID: PMC6604603 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatopancreatic duct (HPD) system links the liver and pancreas to the intestinal tube and is composed of the extrahepatic biliary duct, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. Haematopoietically expressed-homeobox (Hhex) protein plays an essential role in the establishment of HPD; however, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we show that zebrafish hhex-null mutants fail to develop the HPD system characterized by lacking the biliary marker Annexin A4 and the HPD marker sox9b. The hepatobiliary duct part of the mutant HPD system is replaced by an intrahepatic intestinal tube characterized by expressing the intestinal marker fatty acid-binding protein 2a (fabp2a). Cell lineage analysis showed that this intrahepatic intestinal tube is not originated from hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. Further analysis revealed that cdx1b and pdx1 are expressed ectopically in the intrahepatic intestinal tube and knockdown of cdx1b and pdx1 could restore the expression of sox9b in the mutant. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that Hhex binds to the promoters of pdx1 and cdx1b genes to repress their expression. We therefore propose that Hhex, Cdx1b, Pdx1, and Sox9b form a genetic network governing the patterning and morphogenesis of the HPD and digestive tract systems in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Jan Lo
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Honghui Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
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8
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Regulation of Proliferative Processes in Rat Adrenal Cortex by Transcriptional Factor PRH under Conditions of Developmental Exposure to Endocrine Disruptor DDT. Bull Exp Biol Med 2019; 167:404-407. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-019-04537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Zheng X, Soroush F, Long J, Hall ET, Adishesha PK, Bhattacharya S, Kiani MF, Bhalla V. Murine glomerular transcriptome links endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 deficiency with susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185250. [PMID: 28934365 PMCID: PMC5608371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of kidney disease; however, there are no early biomarkers and no cure. Thus, there is a large unmet need to predict which individuals will develop nephropathy and to understand the molecular mechanisms that govern this susceptibility. We compared the glomerular transcriptome from mice with distinct susceptibilities to DN at four weeks after induction of diabetes, but before histologic injury, and identified differential regulation of genes that modulate inflammation. From these genes, we identified endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (Esm-1), as a glomerular-enriched determinant of resistance to DN. Glomerular Esm-1 mRNA and protein were lower in DN-susceptible, DBA/2, compared to DN-resistant, C57BL/6, mice. We demonstrated higher Esm-1 secretion from primary glomerular cultures of diabetic mice, and high glucose was sufficient to increase Esm-1 mRNA and protein secretion in both strains of mice. However, induction was significantly attenuated in DN-susceptible mice. Urine Esm-1 was also significantly higher only in DN-resistant mice. Moreover, using intravital microscopy and a biomimetic microfluidic assay, we showed that Esm-1 inhibited rolling and transmigration in a dose-dependent manner. For the first time we have uncovered glomerular-derived Esm-1 as a potential non-invasive biomarker of DN. Esm-1 inversely correlates with disease susceptibility and inhibits leukocyte infiltration, a critical factor in protecting the kidney from DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Fariborz Soroush
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jin Long
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Evan T. Hall
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Puneeth K. Adishesha
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sanchita Bhattacharya
- Institute of Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mohammad F. Kiani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Vivek Bhalla
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Gaston K, Tsitsilianos MA, Wadey K, Jayaraman PS. Misregulation of the proline rich homeodomain (PRH/HHEX) protein in cancer cells and its consequences for tumour growth and invasion. Cell Biosci 2016; 6:12. [PMID: 26877867 PMCID: PMC4752775 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-016-0077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proline rich homeodomain protein (PRH), also known as haematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), is an essential transcription factor in embryonic development and in the adult. The PRH protein forms oligomeric complexes that bind to tandemly repeated PRH recognition sequences within or at a distance from PRH-target genes and recruit a variety of PRH-interacting proteins. PRH can also bind to other transcription factors and co-regulate specific target genes either directly through DNA binding, or indirectly through effects on the activity of its partner proteins. In addition, like some other homeodomain proteins, PRH can regulate the translation of specific mRNAs. Altered PRH expression and altered PRH intracellular localisation, are associated with breast cancer, liver cancer and thyroid cancer and some subtypes of leukaemia. This is consistent with the involvement of multiple PRH-interacting proteins, including the oncoprotein c-Myc, translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), and the promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML), in the control of cell proliferation and cell survival. Similarly, multiple PRH target genes, including the genes encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors, Endoglin, and Goosecoid, are known to be important in the control of cell proliferation and cell survival and/or the regulation of cell migration and invasion. In this review, we summarise the evidence that implicates PRH in tumourigenesis and we review the data that suggests PRH levels could be useful in cancer prognosis and in the choice of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Gaston
- School of Biochemistry, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK
| | | | - Kerry Wadey
- School of Biochemistry, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK
| | - Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- Division of Immunity and Infection, School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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11
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Simpson MT, Venkatesh I, Callif BL, Thiel LK, Coley DM, Winsor KN, Wang Z, Kramer AA, Lerch JK, Blackmore MG. The tumor suppressor HHEX inhibits axon growth when prematurely expressed in developing central nervous system neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 68:272-83. [PMID: 26306672 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the embryonic and peripheral nervous system respond to injury by activating transcriptional programs supportive of axon growth, ultimately resulting in functional recovery. In contrast, neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) possess a limited capacity to regenerate axons after injury, fundamentally constraining repair. Activating pro-regenerative gene expression in CNS neurons is a promising therapeutic approach, but progress is hampered by incomplete knowledge of the relevant transcription factors. An emerging hypothesis is that factors implicated in cellular growth and motility outside the nervous system may also control axon growth in neurons. We therefore tested sixty-nine transcription factors, previously identified as possessing tumor suppressive or oncogenic properties in non-neuronal cells, in assays of neurite outgrowth. This screen identified YAP1 and E2F1 as enhancers of neurite outgrowth, and PITX1, RBM14, ZBTB16, and HHEX as inhibitors. Follow-up experiments are focused on the tumor suppressor HHEX, one of the strongest growth inhibitors. HHEX is widely expressed in adult CNS neurons, including corticospinal tract neurons after spinal injury, but is present only in trace amounts in immature cortical neurons and adult peripheral neurons. HHEX overexpression in early postnatal cortical neurons reduced both initial axonogenesis and the rate of axon elongation, and domain deletion analysis strongly implicated transcriptional repression as the underlying mechanism. These findings suggest a role for HHEX in restricting axon growth in the developing CNS, and substantiate the hypothesis that previously identified oncogenes and tumor suppressors can play conserved roles in axon extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Simpson
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Ishwariya Venkatesh
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Ben L Callif
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Laura K Thiel
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Denise M Coley
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Kristen N Winsor
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Zimei Wang
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Audra A Kramer
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States
| | - Jessica K Lerch
- The Ohio State University, The Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Department of Neuroscience, 43210, United States
| | - Murray G Blackmore
- Marquette University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 53201, United States.
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12
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HHEX promotes hepatic-lineage specification through the negative regulation of eomesodermin. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90791. [PMID: 24651531 PMCID: PMC3961246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could provide a major window into human developmental biology, because the differentiation methods from hESCs mimic human embryogenesis. We previously reported that the overexpression of hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) in the hESC-derived definitive endoderm (DE) cells markedly promotes hepatic specification. However, it remains unclear how HHEX functions in this process. To reveal the molecular mechanisms of hepatic specification by HHEX, we tried to identify the genes directly targeted by HHEX. We found that HHEX knockdown considerably enhanced the expression level of eomesodermin (EOMES). In addition, HHEX bound to the HHEX response element located in the first intron of EOMES. Loss-of-function assays of EOMES showed that the gene expression levels of hepatoblast markers were significantly upregulated, suggesting that EOMES has a negative role in hepatic specification from the DE cells. Furthermore, EOMES exerts its effects downstream of HHEX in hepatic specification from the DE cells. In conclusion, the present results suggest that HHEX promotes hepatic specification by repressing EOMES expression.
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13
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Endocan in cancers: a lesson from a circulating dermatan sulfate proteoglycan. Int J Cell Biol 2013; 2013:705027. [PMID: 23606845 PMCID: PMC3625564 DOI: 10.1155/2013/705027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As most proteoglycans exert their biological activities in the pericellular region, circulating Endocan has appeared since its discovery as an atypical dermatan sulfate proteoglycan, with distinctive structural and functional properties. Endocan is naturally expressed by endothelial cells, highly regulated in presence of proinflammatory and proangiogenic molecules, binds to matrix proteins, growth factors, integrin, and cells, and may be then considered as an accurate marker of endothelial activation. Consequently, Endocan expression has been associated with a growing number of pathological conditions where endothelium gets challenged and notably in highly vascularized cancers. In this context, Endocan has indeed been rapidly emerging as a promising tissue- and blood-based marker of the vascular growth and neoangiogenesis during cancer progression. Furthermore, very recent studies have reported an expression of Endocan by the tumor cells themselves. This highlights Endocan as a multifaceted molecule with a great interest for researchers and clinicians to better understand tumor development, from the bench to the clinics. With promising perspectives of clinical applications, Endocan thus appears as an exciting model for on going and future developments of proteoglycan-based approaches in cancer diagnostics and/or therapy.
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14
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A potential role for the homeoprotein Hhex in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Med Oncol 2011; 29:1059-67. [PMID: 21656028 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-011-9989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary malignant tumor of the liver, often associated with the dysregulation of transcriptional pathways involved in cell growth and differentiation. The hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein (Hhex) is an important transcription factor throughout liver development and is essential to liver bud formation and hepatoblast differentiation. Here, we report a relationship between Hhex expression and HCC. First, adenovirus-mediated Hhex delivery into the hepatoma cell line, Hepa1-6, resulted in decreased expression of several proto-oncogenes (c-Jun and Bcl2), increased expression of some tumor suppressor genes (P53 and Rb), and enhanced expression of a cluster of hepatocytic and bile ductular markers. Second, Hhex expression significantly attenuated Hepa1-6 tumorigenicity in nude mice. Third, we report a correlation between Hhex expression and the differentiation state of human HCC. In 24 cases of clinical specimens, there was a significant difference in Hhex expression between poorly differentiated HCC and well-differentiated HCC (P < 0.001). Taken together, these results indicate that Hhex is a potential candidate molecular marker for HCC pathological evaluation, suggesting a need to evaluate Hhex as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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15
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Morimoto R, Yamamoto A, Akimoto Y, Obinata A. Homeoprotein Hex is expressed in mouse developing chondrocytes. J Biochem 2011; 150:61-71. [PMID: 21454303 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvr039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endochondral ossification is a complex process involving the formation of cartilage and the subsequent replacement by mineralized bone. Although the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes are strictly regulated, the molecular mechanisms involved are not completely understood. Here, we show that a divergent-type homeobox gene, hematopoietically expressed homeobox gene (HEX), is expressed in mouse chondrogenic cell line ATDC5. The expression of Hex protein drastically increased during differentiation. The chondrogenic differentiation-enhanced expression of Hex protein was also observed in chondrocytes in the tibia of embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) mouse embryos. The localization of Hex protein in the chondrocytes of the tibia changed in association with maturation; namely, there was Hex protein in the cytoplasm near the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in resting chondrocytes, which moved to the nucleus in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, and thereafter entered the ER in hypertrophic chondrocytes. These results suggest Hex expression and subcellular localization are associated with chondrocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riyo Morimoto
- Department of Physiological Chemistry II, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Teikyo University, Kanagawa, Japan.
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16
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An ENU-induced point mutation in the mouse Btaf1 gene causes post-gastrulation embryonic lethality and protein instability. Mech Dev 2011; 128:279-88. [PMID: 21419221 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The mouse Btaf1 gene, an ortholog of yeast MOT1, encodes a highly conserved general transcription factor. The function of this SNF2-like ATPase has been studied mainly in yeast and human cells, which has revealed that it binds directly to TBP, forming the B-TFIID complex. This complex binds to core promoters of RNA polymerase II-transcribed genes and, of crucial importance, BTAF1-TBP interactions have been shown to affect the kinetics of TBP-promoter interactions. Here we report the isolation of a mouse line carrying a Btaf1 allele containing an ENU-induced point mutation that causes a substitution mutation in the BTAF1 ATPase domain. Embryos homozygous for this loss-of-function mutation appear to be morphologically normal until early somite stages, but die between embryonic days 9 and 10.5 displaying growth arrest and edema. Analyses in vitro suggest that the altered protein is less stable and, independent from this, functionally impaired in releasing of TBP from chromatin, but not in binding to TBP.
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17
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Marfil V, Moya M, Pierreux CE, Castell JV, Lemaigre FP, Real FX, Bort R. Interaction between Hhex and SOX13 modulates Wnt/TCF activity. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:5726-37. [PMID: 20028982 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.046649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuning of the Wnt/TCF pathway is crucial for multiple embryological processes, including liver development. Here we describe how the interaction between Hhex (hematopoietically expressed homeobox) and SOX13 (SRY-related high mobility group box transcription factor 13), modulates Wnt/TCF pathway activity. Hhex is a homeodomain factor expressed in multiple endoderm-derived tissues, like the liver, where it is essential for proper development. The pleiotropic expression of Hhex during embryonic development and its dual role as a transcriptional repressor and activator suggest the presence of different tissue-specific partners capable of modulating its activity and function. While searching for developmentally regulated Hhex partners, we set up a yeast two-hybrid screening using an E9.5-10.5 mouse embryo library and the N-terminal domain of Hhex as bait. Among the putative protein interactors, we selected SOX13 for further characterization. We found that SOX13 interacts directly with full-length Hhex, and we delineated the interaction domains within the two proteins. SOX13 is known to repress Wnt/TCF signaling by interacting with TCF1. We show that Hhex is able to block the SOX13-dependent repression of Wnt/TCF activity by displacing SOX13 from the SOX13 x TCF1 complex. Moreover, Hhex de-repressed the Wnt/TCF pathway in the ventral foregut endoderm of cultured mouse embryos electroporated with a SOX13-expressing plasmid. We conclude that the interaction between Hhex and SOX13 may contribute to control Wnt/TCF signaling in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Marfil
- Unitat de Biologia Cellular i Molecular, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
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18
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Cantile M, Schiavo G, Terracciano L, Cillo C. Homeobox genes in normal and abnormal vasculogenesis. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2008; 18:651-658. [PMID: 19013779 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox containing genes are a family of transcription factors regulating normal development and controlling primary cellular processes (cell identity, cell division and differentiation) recently enriched by the discovery of their interaction with miRNAs and ncRNAs. Class I human homeobox genes (HOX genes) are characterized by a unique genomic network organization: four compact chromosomal loci where 39 sequence corresponding genes can be aligned with each other in 13 antero-posterior paralogous groups. The cardiovascular system is the first mesoderm organ-system to be generated during embryonic development; subsequently it generates the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Cardiovascular remodelling is involved through homeobox gene regulation and deregulation in adult physiology (menstrual cycle and wound healing) and pathology (atherosclerosis, arterial restenosis, tumour angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis). Understanding the role played by homeobox genes in endothelial and smooth muscle cell phenotype determination will be crucial in identifying the molecular processes involved in vascular cell differentiation, as well as to support future therapeutic strategies. We report here on the current knowledge of the role played by homeobox genes in normal and abnormal vasculogenesis and postulate a common molecular mechanism accounting for the involvement of homeobox genes in the regulation of the nuclear export of specific transcripts potentially capable of generating endothelial phenotype modification involved in new vessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cantile
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Federico II University Medical School, Naples, Italy
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19
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Williams H, Jayaraman PS, Gaston K. DNA wrapping and distortion by an oligomeric homeodomain protein. J Mol Biol 2008; 383:10-23. [PMID: 18755198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2008] [Revised: 07/04/2008] [Accepted: 08/01/2008] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Many transcription factors alter DNA or chromatin structure. Changes in chromatin structure are often brought about by the recruitment of chromatin-binding proteins, chromatin-modifying proteins, or other transcription co-activator or co-repressor proteins. However, some transcription factors form oligomeric assemblies that may themselves induce changes in DNA conformation and chromatin structure. The proline-rich homeodomain (PRH/Hex) protein is a transcription factor that regulates cell differentiation and cell proliferation, and has multiple roles in embryonic development. Earlier, we showed that PRH can repress transcription by multiple mechanisms, including the recruitment of co-repressor proteins belonging to the TLE family of chromatin-binding proteins. Our in vivo crosslinking studies have shown that PRH forms oligomeric complexes in cells and a variety of biophysical techniques suggest that the protein forms octamers. However, as yet we have little knowledge of the role played by PRH oligomerisation in the regulation of promoter activity or of the architecture of promoters that are regulated directly by PRH in cells. Here, we compare the binding of PRH and the isolated PRH homeodomain to DNA fragments with single and multiple PRH sites, using gel retardation assays and DNase I and chemical footprinting. We show that the PRH oligomer binds to multiple sites within the human Goosecoid promoter with high affinity and that the binding of PRH brings about DNA distortion. We suggest that PRH octamers wrap DNA in order to bring about transcriptional repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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20
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Abstract
The PRH (proline-rich homeodomain) [also known as Hex (haematopoietically expressed homeobox)] protein is a critical regulator of vertebrate development. PRH is able to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and is required for the formation of the vertebrate body axis, the haematopoietic and vascular systems and the formation of many vital organs. PRH is a DNA-binding protein that can repress and activate the transcription of its target genes using multiple mechanisms. In addition, PRH can regulate the nuclear transport of specific mRNAs making PRH a member of a select group of proteins that control gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Recent biophysical analysis of the PRH protein has shown that it forms homo-oligomeric complexes in vivo and in vitro and that the proline-rich region of PRH forms a novel dimerization interface. Here we will review the current literature on PRH and discuss the complex web of interactions centred on this multifunctional protein.
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21
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Rennel E, Mellberg S, Dimberg A, Petersson L, Botling J, Ameur A, Westholm JO, Komorowski J, Lassalle P, Cross MJ, Gerwins P. Endocan is a VEGF-A and PI3K regulated gene with increased expression in human renal cancer. Exp Cell Res 2007; 313:1285-94. [PMID: 17362927 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2006] [Revised: 01/06/2007] [Accepted: 01/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An in vitro model of VEGF-A-induced angiogenesis was used to generate transcription profiles of human microvascular endothelial cells. Microarray analysis showed increased transcription of genes known to regulate angiogenesis, but also genes that previously have not been firmly associated with angiogenesis such as endocan, pinin, plakophilin, phosphodiesterase 4B and gelsolin. Increased endocan mRNA levels in response to VEGF-A in endothelial cells and in human renal cancer have previously been reported. We now show increased endocan protein levels in VEGF-A treated endothelial cells and in human renal clear cell carcinoma. Increased protein expression was observed both in tumor cells and in a subset of tumor vessels, while expression in normal kidney tissue was low. VEGF-A seemed to be a specific inducer of endocan transcription since FGF-2, PDGF-BB, HGF/SF and EGF did not alter expression levels. Inhibition of PI3K with LY294002 caused a 12-fold increase in endocan transcription suggesting a repressive function of PI3K. In contrast inhibition of Src or MEK, which are signaling pathways activated by VEGF-A, did not influence basal or VEGF-A-induced endocan levels. In conclusion our study shows that, among angiogenic growth factors, VEGF-A is a specific inducer of endocan transcription which is translated into increased protein levels in VEGF-A treated endothelial cells. Increased endocan protein expression in human renal cancer suggests a role in tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rennel
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, the Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, S-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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