Involvement of LPA receptor-5 in the enhancement of cell motile activity by phorbol ester and anticancer drug treatments in melanoma A375 cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor-mediated signaling and cellular responses to anticancer drugs and radiation of cancer cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a simple physiological lipid and structurally consists of a fatty, a phosphate and a glycerol. LPA binds to G protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA1 to LPA6). LPA receptor-mediated signaling mediates a variety of biological responses, such as cell growth, migration, morphogenesis, differentiation and protection from apoptosis. It is considered that LPA receptor-mediated signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. So far, genetic and epigenetic alterations of LPA receptors have been found in several cancer cells as well as abnormal LPA production. In addition, LPA receptor-mediated signaling regulates the promotion of malignant behaviors, including chemo- and/or radiation-resistance. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the common approaches to the treatments of cancers. However, resistance to anticancer drugs and irradiation is the most critical limitation for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we provide the roles of LPA receptor-mediated signaling in the regulation of cellular responses induced by chemotherapeutic agents and irradiation and its biological utility as a possible molecular target for improving cancer cell responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Isoquinolone derivatives as lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPA5) antagonists: Investigation of structure-activity relationships, ADME properties and analgesic effects

Blockade of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPA5) by a recently reported antagonist AS2717638 (2) attenuated inflammatory and neuropathic pains, although it showed moderate in vivo efficacy and its structure-activity relationships and the ADME properties are little studied. We therefore designed and synthesized a series of isoquinolone derivatives and evaluated their potency in LPA5 calcium mobilization and cAMP assays. Our results show that substituted phenyl groups or bicyclic aromatic rings such as benzothiophenes or benzofurans are tolerated at the 2-position, 4-substituted piperidines are favored at the 4-position, and methoxy groups at the 6- and 7-positions are essential for activity. Compounds 65 and 66 showed comparable in vitro potency, excellent selectivity against LPA1-LPA4 and >50 other GPCRs, moderate metabolic stability, and high aqueous solubility and brain permeability. Both 65 and 66 significantly attenuated nociceptive hypersensitivity at lower doses than 2 and had longer-lasting effects in an inflammatory pain model, and 66 also dose-dependently reduced mechanical allodynia in the chronic constriction injury model and opioid-induced hyperalgesia at doses that had no effect on the locomotion in rats. These results suggest that these isoquinolone derivatives as LPA5 antagonists are of promise as potential analgesics.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Cancer Cells: What Makes LPA So Special?

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) refers to a family of simple phospholipids that act as ligands for G protein-coupled receptors. While LPA exerts effects throughout the body in normal physiological circumstances, its pathological role in cancer is of great interest from a therapeutic viewpoint. The numerous LPA receptors (LPARs) are coupled to a variety of G proteins, and more than one LPAR is typically expressed on any given cell. While the individual receptors signal through conventional GPCR pathways, LPA is particularly efficacious in stimulating cancer cell proliferation and migration. This review addresses the mechanistic aspects underlying these pro-tumorigenic effects. We provide examples of LPA signaling responses in various types of cancers, with an emphasis on those where roles have been identified for specific LPARs. While providing an overview of LPAR signaling, these examples also reveal gaps in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of LPA action at the receptor level. The current understanding of the LPAR structure and the roles of LPAR interactions with other receptors are discussed. Overall, LPARs provide insight into the potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the ability of individual GPCRs (or combinations of GPCRs) to elicit a unique spectrum of responses from their agonist ligands. Further knowledge of these mechanisms will inform drug discovery, since GPCRs are promising therapeutic targets for cancer.

Integrated bioinformatics analysis and screening of hub genes in papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

With the increasing incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), PTC continues to garner attention worldwide; however its pathogenesis remains to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to explore key biomarkers and potential new therapeutic targets for, PTC.

METHODS

GEO2R and Venn online software were used for screening of differentially expressed genes. Hub genes were screened via STRING and Cytoscape, followed by Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analysis. Finally, survival analysis and expression validation were performed using the UALCAN online software and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We identified 334 consistently differentially expressed genes (DEGs) comprising 136 upregulated and 198 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis results suggested that the DEGs were mainly enriched in cancer-related pathways and functions. PPI network visualization was performed and 17 upregulated and 13 downregulated DEGs were selected. Finally, the expression verification and overall survival analysis conducted using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis Tool (GEPIA) and UALCAN showed that LPAR5, TFPI, and ENTPD1 were associated with the development of PTC and the prognosis of PTC patients, and the expression of LPAR5, TFPI and ENTPD1 was verified using a tissue chip.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the hub genes and pathways identified in the present study not only provide information for the development of new biomarkers for PTC but will also be useful for elucidation of the pathogenesis of PTC.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor modulators: Structural features and recent development

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activates six LPA receptors (LPAR_1-6) and regulates various cellular activities such as cell proliferation, cytoprotection, and wound healing. Many studies elucidated the pathological outcomes of LPA are due to the alteration in signaling pathways, which include migration and invasion of cancer cells, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Current pathophysiological research on LPA and its receptors provides a means that LPA receptors are new therapeutic targets for disorders associated with LPA. Various chemical modulators are developed and are under investigation to treat a wide range of pathological complications. This review summarizes the physiological and pathological roles of LPA signaling, development of various LPA modulators, their structural features, patents, and their clinical outcomes.

Different effects of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-2 (LPA2) and LPA5 on the regulation of chemoresistance in colon cancer cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a simple physiological lipid and exhibits several biological functions by binding to G-protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA receptor-1 (LPA₁) to LPA₆). The present study aimed to evaluate whether LPA signaling via LPA₂ and LPA₅ is involved in the chemoresistance to anticancer drugs in colon cancer DLD1 cells. In cell survival assay, cells were treated with fluorouracil (5-FU) every 24 h for 2 days. The cell survival rate to 5-FU of DLD1 cells was significantly decreased by LPA treatment. In the presence of LPA, the cell survival rate to 5-FU was significantly elevated by LPA₅ knockdown. Before initiation of the cell survival assay, cells were pretreated with an LPA₂ agonist, GRI-977143. The cell survival rate to 5-FU was markedly increased in DLD1 cells treated with GRI-977143. In the presence of GRI-977143, the elevated cell survival rate of DLD1 cells was reduced by LPA₂ knockdown. To assess the effects of LPA₂ and LPA₅ on the enhancement of chemoresistance, long-term 5-FU treated (DLD-5FU) cells were generated from DLD1 cells. The cell survival rate to 5-FU of DLD-5FU cells were significantly elevated by LPA₅ knockdown. GRI-977143 treatment increased the cell survival rate to 5-FU of DLD-5FU cells. These results suggest that LPA₂ promotes and LPA₅ suppresses the acquisition of chemoresistance in colon cancer cells treated with anticancer drugs.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 5 Plays a Pathogenic Role in Brain Damage after Focal Cerebral Ischemia by Modulating Neuroinflammatory Responses

Receptor-mediated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling has come to be considered an important event for various diseases. In cerebral ischemia, LPA₁ has recently been identified as a receptor subtype that mediates brain injury, but the roles of other LPA receptor subtypes remain unknown. Here, we investigated the potential role of LPA₅ as a novel pathogenic factor for cerebral ischemia using a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). LPA₅ was upregulated in the ischemic core region after tMCAO challenge, particularly in activated microglia. When TCLPA5, a selective LPA₅ antagonist, was given to tMCAO-challenged mice immediately after reperfusion, brain damage, including brain infarction, functional neurological deficit, and neuronal and non-neuronal apoptosis, was reduced in mice. Similarly, delayed TCLPA5 administration (at three hours after reperfusion) reduced brain infarction and neurological deficit. The histological results demonstrated that TCLPA5 administration attenuated microglial activation, as evidenced by the decreased Iba1 immunoreactivities, the number of amoeboid cells, and proliferation in an injured brain. TCLPA5 administration also attenuated the upregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines at mRNA levels in post-ischemic brain, which was also observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia upon LPA₅ knockdown. Overall, this study identifies LPA₅ as a novel pathogenic factor for cerebral ischemia, further implicating it as a promising target for drug development to treat this disease.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor-2 (LPA2)-mediated signaling enhances chemoresistance in melanoma cells treated with anticancer drugs

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling through LPA receptors (LPA₁ to LPA₆) regulates a variety of malignant properties in cancer cells. Recently, we show that LPA₂ expression is elevated by long-term cisplatin (CDDP) treatment in melanoma A375 cells. In the present study, we investigated whether LPA₂-mediated signaling is involved in the modulation of chemoresistance in A375 cells. In cell survival assay, cells were treated with CDDP and dacarbazine (DTIC) every 24 h for 2 days. The cell survival rates to CDDP and DTIC were markedly increased by an LPA₂ agonist, GRI-977143. To validate the effects of LPA₂ on cell survival, LPA₂ knockdown cells were generated from A375 cells. The cell survival rates elevated by GRI-977143 were suppressed by LPA₂ knockdown. To evaluate the roles of LPA₂-mediated signaling in cell survival, cells were pretreated with a Gi protein inhibitor, pertussis toxin (PTX). In the presence of GRI-977143, the cell survival rates to CDDP and DTIC were significantly lower in PTX-treated cells than in untreated cells. In addition, pretreatment of an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536, increased the cell survival of A375 cells treated with CDDP and DTIC. These results suggest that LPA₂-mediated signaling plays an important role in the enhancement of chemoresistance of A375 cells treated with anticancer drugs.

Effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor-2 (LPA2) and LPA3 on the regulation of chemoresistance to anticancer drug in lung cancer cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mediates a variety of biological functions via the binding of G protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA receptor-1 (LPA₁) to LPA₆). This study aimed to investigate the roles of LPA₂ and LPA₃ in the modulation of chemoresistance to anticancer drug in lung cancer A549 cells. In cell survival assay, cells were treated with cisplatin (CDDP) every 24 h for 2 days. The cell survival rate to CDDP of A549 cells was significantly elevated by an LPA₂ agonist, GRI-977143. To evaluate the roles of LPA₂-mediated signaling in cell survival during tumor progression, highly migratory (A549-R10) cells were generated from A549 cells. In the presence of GRI-977143, the cell survival rate to CDDP of A549-R10 cells were markedly higher than that of A549 cells, correlating with LPAR2 expression level. Moreover, to assess the effects of long-term anticancer drug treatment on cell survival, the long-term CDDP treated (A549-CDDP) cells were established from A549 cells. The cell survival rate to CDDP of A549-CDDP cells was elevated by GRI-977143. Since LPAR3 expression level was significantly higher in A549-CDDP cells than in A549 cells, we investigated the roles of LPA₃ in the cell survival to CDDP of A549 cells, using an LPA₃ agonist, 1-oleoyl-2-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphothionate ((2S)-OMPT). The cell survival rate to CDDP of A549 cells was significantly reduced by (2S)-OMPT treatment. In the presence of (2S)-OMPT, the cell survival rate to CDDP of A549 cells was elevated by LPA₃ knockdown. These results suggest that LPA signaling via LPA₂ and LPA₃ is involved in the regulation of chemoresistance in A549 cells treated with CDDP.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 5 (LPAR5) Plays a Significance Role in Papillary Thyroid Cancer via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway

Background

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine system malignancy. Scientists have done considerable research into the molecular mechanisms involved, but many mechanisms remain undiscovered.

Material/Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis of the whole-transcriptome resequencing derived from thyroid tissues and paired papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and showed that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPAR5) is strongly overexpressed in thyroid carcinoma. Then, we used TPC-1 and KTC-1 to explore the effect of LPAR5 knockdown on colony formation, migration, proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of PTC cell line cells. AKT activator was used for the recovery test. Finally, we designed proteomic experiments to explore the role of LPAR5 in the AKT pathway and the EMT process.

Results

Cell function experiments showed that LPAR5 knockdown can significantly induce apoptosis of KTC-1 and TPC-1 cells. Furthermore, LPAR5 can promote PTC metastasis and tumorigenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and decreasing its cancer-promoting effect when using AKT agonist. We also found that LPAR5 can regulate the expression of EMT-related proteins, which affect invasion and migration.

Conclusions

In summary, downregulation of LPAR5 expression can inhibit the physiological process of PTC, and this phenomenon is related to the PI3K/AKT pathway and EMT.

LPA receptor1 antagonists as anticancer agents suppress human lung tumours

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), as a bioactive lipid, plays a variety of physiological and pathological roles via activating six types of G-protein-coupled LPA receptors (LPA1-6). Our preliminary study found that LPA1 is highly expressed in lung cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues, but the role of LPA1 in lung carcinoma is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between LPA1 and lung tumour behaviour at the cellular and animal model levels. We found that LPA promoted the migration, proliferation and colony formation of a lung cancer cell line (A549). LPA1 and LPA3 are preferentially expressed in A549 cells, and both Ki16425 (LPA1 and LPA3 antagonist) and ono7300243 (LPA1 antagonist) completely blocked the LPA-induced actions. These results were further verified by experiments of the LPA1/3 overexpression and LPA1 knockdown A549 cells. Furthermore, LPA1 overexpression and knockdown A549 cells were used to assess the in vivo tumour-bearing animal model and the mechanism underlying LPA-induced actions. In the animal model, A549 cell-derived tumour volume was significantly increased by LPA1 overexpression and significantly decreased by LPA1 knockdown respectively, suggesting that LPA1 is a regulator of in vivo tumour formation. Our results also indicated that the LPA1/Gi/MAP kinase/NF-κB pathway is involved in LPA-induced oncogenic actions in A549 cells. Thus, targeting LPA1 may be a novel strategy for treating lung carcinoma.

Modulation of chemoresistance by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling through LPA5 in melanoma cells treated with anticancer drugs

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling via LPA receptors (LPA₁ to LPA₆) contributes to the promotion of malignant potency in cancer cells. The cell motile activity are stimulated through the induction of LPA₅ in melanoma cells treated with anticancer drugs. The present study aimed to investigate whether LPA signaling via LPA₅ regulates chemoresistance in melanoma A375 cells. Cells were treated with cisplatin (CDDP) or dacarbazine (DTIC) every 24 h for 2 days. CDDP and DTIC treatment increased LPAR5 expressions. The cell survival rates of A375 cells treated with CDDP and DTIC were significantly decreased by LPA. In addition, LPAR5 expression was markedly elevated in long-term CDDP treated (A375-CDDP) cells. LPA decreased the cell survival rate of A375-CDDP cells treated with CDDP. To evaluate the roles of LPA₅ in chemoresistance during tumor progression, highly migratory (A375-R11) cells were established from A375 cells. LPAR5 expression level was significantly lower in A375-R11 cells than in A375 cells. The cell survival rates of A375-R11 cells treated with CDDP and DTIC were increased, compared with A375 cells. Moreover, we generated LPA₅ knockdown cells from A375 cells. The cell survival rates of A375 cells treated with CDDP and DTIC were significantly elevated by LPA₅ knockdown. These results suggest that LPA signaling via LPA₅ is involved in the modulation of chemoresistance in melanoma A375 cells.

Identification of key genes and pathways of thyroid cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis

Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Although its mortality is steady or declining because of earlier diagnoses, its survival rate varies because of different tumour types. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify key biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets in thyroid cancer. The expression profiles of GSE3467, GSE5364, GSE29265 and GSE53157 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which included a total of 97 thyroid cancer and 48 normal samples. After screening significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each data set, we used the robust rank aggregation method to identify 358 robust DEGs, including 135 upregulated and 224 downregulated genes, in four datasets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed by DAVID and the KOBAS online database, respectively. The results showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in various cancer-related functions and pathways. Then, the STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network, and modules analysis was performed. Finally, we filtered out five hub genes, including LPAR5, NMU, FN1, NPY1R, and CXCL12, from the whole network. Expression validation and survival analysis of these hub genes based on the The Cancer Genome Atlas database suggested the robustness of the above results. In conclusion, these results provided novel and reliable biomarkers for thyroid cancer, which will be useful for further clinical applications in thyroid cancer diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor-2 (LPA2) and LPA5 regulate cellular functions during tumor progression in fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptors (LPA₁ to LPA₆) regulate a variety of malignant properties in cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the roles of LPA receptors in the promotion of cellular functions during tumor progression in fibrosarcoma cells. To obtain long-term anticancer drug treated cells, human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells were treated with methotrexate (MTX) and cisplatin (CDDP) for 6 months. LPAR2 and LPAR5 expressions were significantly higher in MTX-treated (HT-MTX) cells than in HT1080 cells. The cell motile and invasive activities of HT-MTX cells were significantly elevated compared with HT1080 cells. Although LPAR5 expression was increased in MTX and CDDP treated (HT-M-C) cells, no change of LPAR2 expression was observed. The cell motile and invasive activities of HT-M-C cells were lower than those of HT1080 cells. Moreover, to evaluate whether LPA receptors promote cell invasive activity, highly invasion (HT1080-M6) cells were established from HT1080 cells. The cell invasive activity of HT1080-M6 cells was approximately 4.5 times higher than HT1080 cell invasion. LPAR2 expression was markedly elevated in HT1080-M6 cells compared with HT1080 cells. The high cell invasion activity of HT1080-M6 cells was significantly suppressed by an antagonist of LPA₂, H2L5186303. These results suggest that LPA₂ acts as a key regulator of malignant properties in HT1080 cells.