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Qu S, Jia W, Nie Y, Shi W, Chen C, Zhao Z, Song W. AGR2: The Covert Driver and New Dawn of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Biomolecules 2024; 14:743. [PMID: 39062458 PMCID: PMC11275012 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The anterior gradient protein 2 (AGR2) plays a crucial role in facilitating the formation of protein disulfide bonds within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Research suggests that AGR2 can function as an oncogene, with its heightened expression linked to the advancement of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers through invasion and metastasis. Notably, AGR2 not only serves as a pro-oncogenic agent but also as a downstream targeting protein, indirectly fostering cancer progression. This comprehensive review delves into the established functions and expression patterns of AGR2, emphasizing its pivotal role in cancer progression, particularly in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. Furthermore, AGR2 emerges as a potential cancer prognostic marker and a promising target for immunotherapy, offering novel avenues for the treatment of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers and enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Qu
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710021, China; (S.Q.); (W.J.); (W.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710021, China; (S.Q.); (W.J.); (W.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Ye Nie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710021, China; (S.Q.); (W.J.); (W.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Chao Chen
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710021, China; (S.Q.); (W.J.); (W.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zihao Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.N.); (Z.Z.)
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Zhang K, Li Y, Kong X, Lei C, Yang H, Wang N, Wang Z, Chang H, Xuan L. AGR2: a secreted protein worthy of attention in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1195885. [PMID: 37197416 PMCID: PMC10183570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1195885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AGR2 is a secreted protein widely existing in breast. In precancerous lesions, primary tumors and metastatic tumors, the expression of AGR2 is increased, which has aroused our interest. This review introduces the gene and protein structure of AGR2. Its endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence, protein disulfide isomerase active site and multiple protein binding sequences endow AGR2 with diverse functions inside and outside breast cancer cells. This review also enumerates the role of AGR2 in the progress and prognosis of breast cancer, and emphasizes that AGR2 can be a promising biomarker and a target for immunotherapy of breast cancer, providing new ideas for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chuqi Lei
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nianchang Wang
- Department of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhao Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
| | - Hu Chang
- Administration Office, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
| | - Lixue Xuan
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhao Wang, ; Hu Chang, ; Lixue Xuan,
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Taank Y, Agnihotri N. Understanding the regulation of β-catenin expression and activity in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis: beyond destruction complex. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 23:2448-2459. [PMID: 34426910 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02686-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is central to colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. The well-known potential of targeting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway for the treatment of CRC is largely attributed to the ability of this pathway to regulate various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immune response, apoptosis, and cellular metabolism. However, with the current approach of targeting this pathway, none of the Wnt-targeted agents have been successfully implicated in clinical practice. Instead of using classical approaches to target this pathway, there is a growing need to find new and modified approaches to achieve the same. For this, a better understanding of the regulation of β-catenin, a major effector of the canonical Wnt pathway is a must. The present review addresses the importance of understanding the regulation of β-catenin beyond the destruction complex. Few recently discovered β-catenin regulators such as ZNF281, TTPAL, AGR2, ARHGAP25, TREM2, and TIPE1 showed significant potential in regulating the development of CRC through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although the expression and activity of β-catenin is influenced by many protein regulators, the abovementioned proteins not only influence its expression and activation but are also directly involved in the development of CRC and various other solid tumors. Therefore, we hypothesise that focusing the current research on finding the detailed mechanism of action of these regulators may assist in providing with a better treatment approach or improve the current therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Taank
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - N Agnihotri
- Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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Lu H, Shi C, Liu X, Liang C, Yang C, Wan X, Li L, Liu Y. Identification of ZG16B as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 16:1-13. [PMID: 33336077 PMCID: PMC7718615 DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zymogen granule protein 16B (ZG16B) has been identified in various cancers, while so far the association between ZG16B and breast cancer hasn’t been explored. Our aim is to confirm whether it can serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer. In this study, Oncomine, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Ualcan, and STRING database analyses were conducted to detect the expression level of ZG16B in breast cancer with different types. Kaplan–Meier plotter was used to analyze the prognosis of patients with high or low expression of ZG16B. We found that ZG16B was significantly upregulated in breast cancer. Moreover, ZG16B was closely associated with foregone biomarkers and crucial factors in breast cancer. In the survival analysis, high expression of ZG16B represents a favorable prognosis in patients. Our work demonstrates the latent capacity of ZG16B to be a biomarker for prognosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Lu
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chunying Shi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chen Liang
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Chaochao Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xueqi Wan
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
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Sommerova L, Ondrouskova E, Martisova A, Zoumpourlis V, Galtsidis S, Hrstka R. ZEB1/miR-200c/AGR2: A New Regulatory Loop Modulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Lung Adenocarcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061614. [PMID: 32570918 PMCID: PMC7352583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process involved not only in morphogenesis and embryonic development, but also in cancer progression, whereby tumor cells obtain a more aggressive metastatic phenotype. Anterior gradient protein 2 (AGR2) maintains the epithelial phenotype and blocks the induction of EMT, thus playing an undeniable role in tumor progression. However, the mechanism through which AGR2 expression is regulated, not only during EMT, but also in the early stages of cancer development, remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we show an inverse correlation of AGR2 with ZEB1 (zinc finger enhancer binding protein, δEF1) that was verified by analysis of several independent clinical data sets of lung adenocarcinomas. We also identified the ZEB1 binding site within the AGR2 promoter region and confirmed AGR2 as a novel molecular target of ZEB1. The overexpression of ZEB1 decreased the promoter activity of the AGR2 gene, which resulted in reduced AGR2 protein level and the acquisition of a more invasive phenotype of these lung cancer cells. Conversely, silencing of ZEB1 led not only to increased levels of AGR2 protein, but also attenuated the invasiveness of tumor cells. The AGR2 knockout, vice versa, increased ZEB1 expression, indicating that the ZEB1/AGR2 regulatory axis may function in a double negative feedback loop. In conclusion, we revealed for the first time that ZEB1 regulates AGR2 at the transcriptional level, while AGR2 presence contributes to ZEB1 mRNA degradation. Thus, our data identify a new regulatory mechanism between AGR2 and ZEB1, two rivals in the EMT process, tightly associated with the development of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Sommerova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.S.); (E.O.); (A.M.)
| | - Eva Ondrouskova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.S.); (E.O.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Martisova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.S.); (E.O.); (A.M.)
| | - Vassilis Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & Biotechnology, NHRF 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sotirios Galtsidis
- Life Sciences Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Campus Belval, Biotech 1, Avenue des Hauts Fourneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg;
| | - Roman Hrstka
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; (L.S.); (E.O.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-543-133-306
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AGR2-induced glucose metabolism facilitated the progression of endometrial carcinoma via enhancing the MUC1/HIF-1α pathway. Hum Cell 2020; 33:790-800. [PMID: 32304027 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00356-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) was proved to modulate cancer progression. However, the role of AGR2 on endometrial cancer was not established. Here, we investigated the effects of AGR2 expression on endometrial cancer and explored the regulation mechanism. In the study, we found that AGR2 was overexpressed in tumor tissues of 30 endometrial cancer patients. A high level of AGR2 promoted endometrial cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion. AGR2 induced the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), kallikrein 2 (HK2), and enolase 1-α (ENO1), glucose uptake and lactate production. AGR2 could bind to MUC1 and induce MUC1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). The inhibition effects of AGR2 knockdown on cells proliferation, migration and invasion ability were abolished by the overexpression of MUC1. Besides, the overexpression of MUC1 also reversed the inhibition effects of AGR2 knockdown on the expression of LDHA, HK2, PGK1 and ENO1, glucose uptake and lactate production. AGR2 knockdown inhibited tumor growth, the levels of Ki-67, MUC1, HIF-1α and glycolysis. In conclusion, AGR2 was overexpressed in endometrial cancer and AGR2-induced glucose metabolism facilitated the progression of endometrial carcinoma via the MUC1/HIF-1α pathway. AGR2 may be an effective therapeutic target for endometrial carcinoma.
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Molecular Chaperones in Cancer Stem Cells: Determinants of Stemness and Potential Targets for Antitumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040892. [PMID: 32268506 PMCID: PMC7226806 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a great challenge in the fight against cancer because these self-renewing tumorigenic cell fractions are thought to be responsible for metastasis dissemination and cases of tumor recurrence. In comparison with non-stem cancer cells, CSCs are known to be more resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Elucidation of mechanisms and factors that promote the emergence and existence of CSCs and their high resistance to cytotoxic treatments would help to develop effective CSC-targeting therapeutics. The present review is dedicated to the implication of molecular chaperones (protein regulators of polypeptide chain folding) in both the formation/maintenance of the CSC phenotype and cytoprotective machinery allowing CSCs to survive after drug or radiation exposure and evade immune attack. The major cellular chaperones, namely heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP40, HSP27), glucose-regulated proteins (GRP94, GRP78, GRP75), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1), peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, protein disulfide isomerases, calreticulin, and also a transcription heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) initiating HSP gene expression are here considered as determinants of the cancer cell stemness and potential targets for a therapeutic attack on CSCs. Various approaches and agents are discussed that may be used for inhibiting the chaperone-dependent development/manifestations of cancer cell stemness.
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