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Raghuwanshi S, Zhang X, Arbieva Z, Khan I, Mohammed H, Wang Z, Domling A, Camacho CJ, Gartel AL. Novel FOXM1 inhibitor STL001 sensitizes human cancers to a broad-spectrum of cancer therapies. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:211. [PMID: 38697979 PMCID: PMC11066125 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01929-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is often overexpressed in human cancers and strongly associated with therapy resistance and less good patient survival. The chemotherapy options for patients with the most aggressive types of solid cancers remain very limited because of the acquired drug resistance, making the therapy less effective. NPM1 mutation through the inactivation of FOXM1 via FOXM1 relocalization to the cytoplasm confers more favorable treatment outcomes for AML patients, confirming FOXM1 as a crucial target to overcome drug resistance. Pharmacological inhibition of FOXM1 could be a promising approach to sensitize therapy-resistant cancers. Here, we explore a novel FOXM1 inhibitor STL001, a first-generation modification drug of our previously reported FOXM1 inhibitor STL427944. STL001 preserves the mode of action of the STL427944; however, STL001 is up to 50 times more efficient in reducing FOXM1 activity in a variety of solid cancers. The most conventional cancer therapies studied here induce FOXM1 overexpression in solid cancers. The therapy-induced FOXM1 overexpression may explain the failure or reduced efficacy of these drugs in cancer patients. Interestingly, STL001 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to conventional cancer therapies by suppressing both the high-endogenous and drug-induced FOXM1. Notably, STL001 does not provide further sensitization to FOXM1-KD cancer cells, suggesting that the sensitization effect is conveyed specifically through FOXM1 suppression. RNA-seq and gene set enrichment studies revealed prominent suppression of FOXM1-dependent pathways and gene ontologies. Also, gene regulation by STL001 showed extensive overlap with FOXM1-KD, suggesting a high selectivity of STL001 toward the FOXM1 regulatory network. A completely new activity of FOXM1, mediated through steroid/cholesterol biosynthetic process and protein secretion in cancer cells was also detected. Collectively, STL001 offers intriguing translational opportunities as combination therapies targeting FOXM1 activity in a variety of human cancers driven by FOXM1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xu Zhang
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zarema Arbieva
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irum Khan
- Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hisham Mohammed
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Z Wang
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander Domling
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) of Palacký University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Carlos Jaime Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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2
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Khalafizadeh A, Hashemizadegan SD, Shokri F, Bakhshinejad B, Jabbari K, Motavaf M, Babashah S. Competitive endogenous RNA networks: Decoding the role of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in colorectal cancer chemoresistance. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18197. [PMID: 38506091 PMCID: PMC10951891 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies across the globe. Despite significant progress in designing novel treatments for CRC, there is a pressing need for more effective therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, many patients undergoing chemotherapy develop drug resistance, posing a significant challenge for cancer treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been found to play crucial roles in CRC development and its response to chemotherapy. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of interactions among various ncRNAs, such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). These ncRNAs can act as either oncogenes or tumour suppressors, affecting numerous biological functions in different cancers including CRC. A class of ncRNA molecules known as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) has emerged as a key player in various cellular processes. These molecules form networks through lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA and circRNA/miRNA/mRNA interactions. In CRC, dysregulation of ceRNA networks has been observed across various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. These dysregulations are believed to play a significant role in the progression of CRC and, in certain instances, may contribute to the development of chemoresistance. Enriching our knowledge of these dysregulations holds promise for advancing the field of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for CRC. In this review, we discuss lncRNA- and circRNA-associated ceRNA networks implicated in the emergence and advancement of drug resistance in colorectal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khalafizadeh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | | | - Fatemeh Shokri
- Research and Development Center of BiotechnologyTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Babak Bakhshinejad
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Keyvan Jabbari
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mahsa Motavaf
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
- Research and Development Center of BiotechnologyTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
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Khademi Z, Yazdi KS, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Rezvani SA, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. FOXM1 aptamer-polyethylenimine nanoplatform coated with hyaluronic acid and AS1411 aptamer for dual-targeted delivery of doxorubicin and synergistic treatment of tumor cells. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00067-4. [PMID: 38432623 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.025] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to develop a self-assembled, dual-functionalized delivery system that could effectively transport doxorubicin (DOX) to cancer cells through the use of AS1411 aptamer and hyaluronic acid polymer (HA). The ultimate goal is an improved targeting approach for more efficient treatment. The core of this system comprised polyethylenimine (PEI) and FOXM1 aptamer, which was coated by HA. Next, nucleolin targeting aptamers (AS1411) were loaded onto the nanocomplex. Afterward, DOX was added to Aptamers (Apts)-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs to create the DOX-AS1411-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs for better treatment of cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of the nanocomplex on L929, 4T1, and A549 cells showed that cell mortality in target cancer cells (4T1 and A549) was considerably enhanced compared to nontarget cells (L929, normal cells). The findings from the flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence imaging demonstrated the cellular absorption of DOX-Apts-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs in target cells was significantly enhanced when compared to L929 cells. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor study exhibited that DOX-Apts-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs rendered specific tumor accumulation and increasing of the anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khademi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Katayoon Sarafraz Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyede Aysa Rezvani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Esteva-Socias M, Aguilo F. METTL3 as a master regulator of translation in cancer: mechanisms and implications. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae009. [PMID: 38444581 PMCID: PMC10914372 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational regulation is an important step in the control of gene expression. In cancer cells, the orchestration of both global control of protein synthesis and selective translation of specific mRNAs promote tumor cell survival, angiogenesis, transformation, invasion and metastasis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA modification in higher eukaryotes, impacts protein translation. Over the past decade, the development of m6A mapping tools has facilitated comprehensive functional investigations, revealing the involvement of this chemical mark, together with its writer METTL3, in promoting the translation of both oncogenes and tumor suppressor transcripts, with the impact being context-dependent. This review aims to consolidate our current understanding of how m6A and METTL3 shape translation regulation in the realm of cancer biology. In addition, it delves into the role of cytoplasmic METTL3 in protein synthesis, operating independently of its catalytic activity. Ultimately, our goal is to provide critical insights into the interplay between m6A, METTL3 and translational regulation in cancer, offering a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms sustaining tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margalida Esteva-Socias
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
| | - Francesca Aguilo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, SE-901 85Umeå, Sweden
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Ito T, Tanaka Y, Kaku-Ito Y, Oda Y, Nakahara T. FOXM1: a new therapeutic target of extramammary Paget disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4048. [PMID: 38374400 PMCID: PMC10876583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is a rare skin cancer that primarily affects older individuals predominantly in areas with apocrine sweat glands. Although most early EMPD lesions are indolent, patients with metastatic EMPD have a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective systemic treatment. In this study, we investigated the role of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), a potent transcription factor, in EMPD and assessed the potential of FOXM1 as a therapeutic target. Immunohistochemistry of 112 primary and 17 metastatic EMPD samples revealed that FOXM1 expression increased with tumor progression. Patients in whom FOXM1 was expressed in more than 10% of tumor cells had significantly shorter disease-specific survival than the other patients (p = 0.0397). In in vitro studies using our newly established EMPD cell line, KS-EMPD-1, we found high expression of FOXM1. Knockdown of FOXM1 impaired tumor cell viability, migration, and invasion. Inhibition of FOXM1 using thiostrepton also reduced tumor cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that FOXM1 is a promising therapeutic target for patients with EMPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamichi Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Yuka Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yumiko Kaku-Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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Bai X, Li S, Luo Y. FOXM1 promote the growth and metastasis of uveal melanoma cells by regulating CDK2 expression. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:55. [PMID: 38342795 PMCID: PMC10859341 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma (UVM) is an aggressive malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the eye. Here, we screened the possible genes involved in the development and prognosis of UVM, and identified that FOXM1 and MET were associated with the prognosis of UVM patients. Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of cell cycle-related genes that are necessary for DNA duplication. However, the regulatory mechanism of FOXM1 in UVM was still not clear. Here, we investigated the regulation of FOXM1 in the malignant phenotype of UVM cells and its effect on the prognosis of UVM patients. METHODS UVM gene expression profiles were obtained using GSE22138 data from the gene expression omnibus (GEO). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a key module gene for metastasis, which was strongly correlated with UVM prognosis. The latent biological pathways were identified through gene ontology analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and hub shared gene authentication were performed. GEPIA and UALCAN databases were used for the analysis of relationship between candidate genes (FOXM1 or MET) and the prognosis of UVM patients. The abundance of FOXM1 was examined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Colony formation and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays for cell proliferation, wound healing assay for migration, and transwell invasion analysis for invasion were performed. RESULTS GEO database showed the differentially expressed genes between UVM samples with or without metastasis, and a key module gene for metastasis was constructed by WGCNA. The PPI network revealed that seven candidate genes (VEGFA, KRAS, MET, SRC, EZR, FOXM1, and CCNB1) were closely associated with UVM metastasis. GEPIA and UALCAN analyzes suggested that FOXM1 and MET are related to the prognosis of patients with UVM. These experimental results suggested that FOXM1 was highly expressed in UVM cells. FOXM1 deficiency represses the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of UVM cells. CONCLUSIONS FOXM1 silencing may hinder UVM cell progression, providing a novel theoretical basis and new insights for UVM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Eye Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmopathy, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, 563003, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Eye Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmopathy, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, 563003, China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guizhou Eye Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmopathy, Special Key Laboratory of Ocular Diseases of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, 563003, China.
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Swati K, Varma SR, Parameswari RP, Panda SP, Agrawal M, Prakash A, Kumar D, Agarwal P. Computational exploration of FOXM1 inhibitors for glioblastoma: an integrated virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38305824 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308772] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a comprehensive investigation of a set of phytochemicals to identify potential inhibitors for the Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was conducted. FOXM1 is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM) cells and plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, proliferation, and invasion. FOXM1 inhibitors have shown promising results in preclinical studies, and ongoing clinical trials are assessing their efficacy in GBM patients. However, there are limited studies on the identification of novel compounds against this attractive therapeutic target. To address this, the NPACT database containing 1,574 phytochemicals was used, employing a hierarchical multistep docking approach, followed by an estimation of relative binding free energy. By fixing user-defined XP-dock and MM-GBSA cut-off scores of -6.096 and -37.881 kcal/mol, the chemical space was further narrowed. Through exhaustive analysis of molecular binding interactions and various pharmacokinetics profiles, we identified four compounds, namely NPACT00002, NPACT01454, NPACT00856, and NPACT01417, as potential FOXM1 inhibitors. To assess the stability of protein-ligand binding in dynamic conditions, 100 ns Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies were performed. Furthermore, Molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM-GBSA) based binding free energy estimations of the entire simulation trajectories revealed a strong binding affinity of all identified compounds towards FOXM1, surpassing that of the control drug Troglitazone. Based on extensively studied multistep docking approaches, we propose that these molecules hold promise as FOXM1 inhibitors for potential therapeutic applications in GBM. However, experimental validation will be necessary to confirm their efficacy as targeted therapies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumari Swati
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Sudhir Rama Varma
- Department of clinical sciences, Centre for Medical and Bioallied Health Sciences Research, Ajman university, Ajman, UAE
| | - R P Parameswari
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Siva Prasad Panda
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohit Agrawal
- School of Medical & Allied Sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Anand Prakash
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India
| | - Prasoon Agarwal
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Gartel A, Raghuwanshi S, Zhang X, Arbieva Z, Khan I, Wang Z, Domling A, Camacho C. [WITHDRAWN] Novel FOXM1 inhibitor STL001 sensitizes human cancers to a broad-spectrum of cancer therapies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3711759. [PMID: 38234752 PMCID: PMC10793495 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3711759/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
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[WITHDRAWN] Novel FOXM1 inhibitor STL001 sensitizes human cancers to a broad-spectrum of cancer therapies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3711759. [PMID: 38234752 PMCID: PMC10793495 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3711759/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
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10
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Radak M, Ghamari N, Fallahi H. Identification of common factors among fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma by network analysis. Biosystems 2024; 235:105093. [PMID: 38052344 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoma cancers are uncommon malignant tumors, and there are many subgroups, including fibrosarcoma (FS), which mainly affects middle-aged and older adults in deep soft tissues. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), on the other hand, is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and is located in the head and neck area. Osteosarcomas (OS) is the predominant form of primary bone cancer among young adults, primarily resulting from sporadically random mutations. This frequently results in the dissemination of cancer cells to the lungs, commonly known as metastasis. Mesodermal cells are the origin of sarcoma cancers. In this study, a rather radical approach has been applied. Instead of comparing homogenous cancer types, we focus on three main subtypes of sarcoma: fibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and osteosarcoma, and compare their gene expression with normal cell groups to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, by applying protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we determine the hub genes and crucial factors, such as transcription factors (TFs), affected by these types of cancer. Our findings indicate a modification in a range of pathways associated with cell cycle, extracellular matrix, and DNA repair in these three malignancies. Results showed that fibrosarcoma (FS), rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and osteosarcoma (OS) had 653, 1270, and 2823 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. Interestingly, there were 24 DEGs common to all three types. Network analysis showed that the fibrosarcoma network had two sub-networks identified in FS that contributed to the catabolic process of collagen via the G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway. The rhabdomyosarcoma network included nine sub-networks associated with cell division, extracellular matrix organization, mRNA splicing via spliceosome, and others. The osteosarcoma network has 13 sub-networks, including mRNA splicing, sister chromatid cohesion, DNA repair, etc. In conclusion, the common DEGs identified in this study have been shown to play significant and multiple roles in various other cancers based on the literature review, indicating their significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Radak
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
| | - Nakisa Ghamari
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
| | - Hossein Fallahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Baq-e-Abrisham, Kermanshah, 6714967346, Iran.
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Dai X, Quan D, Wang L, Cui D, Wan X, Ren Q. FOXO is involved in antimicrobial peptides expression during WSSV infection in Exopalaemon carinicauda. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 144:109286. [PMID: 38097095 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box transcription factor O family protein (FOXO) acts as a transcription factor that regulates biological processes regarding DNA repair, immunity, cell cycle regulation, and other biological processes. In this study, EcFOXO was identified from the ridgetail white prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda. EcFOXO protein contains multiple low-complexity regions and a forkhead (FH) domain. Phylogenetic tree showed that EcFOXO is clustered with crustacean FOXOs. The amino acid sequences of its FH domain are highly similar to the FH domain of FOXOs from other crustaceans. The expression of EcFOXO is altered after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) stimulation in hepatopancreas and gills. The relationship between EcFOXO and EcRelish was explored by RNA interference (RNAi). Results showed that EcFOXO and EcRelish could positively regulate each other's expression. The expression levels of various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) significantly reduced after interfering with EcFOXO or EcRelish. These results suggest a positive regulatory loop between EcFOXO and EcRelish, which participates in the innate immunity of ridgetail white prawn by regulating the expression of AMPs during WSSV infection. This study enriches the knowledge about the regulatory mechanism of FOXO in the innate immunity of crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Dai
- School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210044, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Derun Quan
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Institute of Oceanology & Marine Fisheries, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226007, China
| | - Di Cui
- College of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Heze University, Heze, Shandong Province, 274015, China.
| | - Xihe Wan
- Institute of Oceanology & Marine Fisheries, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226007, China.
| | - Qian Ren
- School of Marine Sciences, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210044, China.
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12
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Li Z, Li D, Yang T, Yao C. NAT10 promotes the tumorigenesis and progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma through ac4C modification of FOXM1 mRNA. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2274143. [PMID: 37948132 PMCID: PMC10898813 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2274143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), is a prevalent malignant tumor, belongs to the category of head and neck tumors. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) can alter mRNA stability through N4- acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification. This study aimed to make an investigation into the role of NAT10-mediated ac4C modification in the malignant processes of LSCC cells. The NAT10 expression in LSCC tissues and cells was detected RT-qPCR and western blot. The ac4C dot blot was performed to detect ac4C level. Besides, the cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities were detected by CCK-8 and transwell assays. AcRIP-qPCR was performed to measure the abundance of ac4C on FOXM1 mRNA. RIP and Luciferase reporter assays were performed to demonstrate the interaction between NAT10 and FOXM1. Finally, the xenograft model was established to explore the role of NAT10 in vivo. NAT1 levels were significantly increased in the LSCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of NAT10 could significantly suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells. Additionally, NAT10 recognized the ac4C-modified sites in the 3'-untranslated regions (3' UTR) of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) to enhance the ability of FOXM1 mRNA. Furthermore, FOXM1 overexpression reversed the suppressing effects of NAT10 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells, according to the results of rescue assays. Finally, results of animal experiments showed that NAT10 promoted in vivo tumorigenesis of LSCC cells through upregulating FOXM1. Our current study demonstrated that NAT10-mediated ac4C modification of FOXM1 mRNA promoted the malignant processes of LSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengpei Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanyang First People’s Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Dajun Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanyang First People’s Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Tianbin Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanyang First People’s Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nanyang First People’s Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
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Li P, Ma G, Cui Z, Zhang S, Su Q, Cai Z. FOXM1 and CENPF are associated with a poor prognosis through promoting proliferation and migration in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:518. [PMID: 37920441 PMCID: PMC10618931 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14105] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a clinically challenging disease due to its poor prognosis and limited therapeutic methods. The aim of the present study was to identify prognosis-related genes and therapeutic targets for LUAD. Raw data from the GSE32863, GSE41271 and GSE42127 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Following normalization, the data were merged into a matrix, which was first used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and survival analysis were performed to screen potential prognosis-related genes. Gene overlaps among DEGs, survival-related genes and WGCNA genes were finally constructed to obtain candidate genes. An analysis with the STRING database was performed to construct a protein-protein interaction network and hub genes were selected using Cytoscape. The candidate genes were finally identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro experiments, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony-formation and migration assays, were performed to validate the potential mechanism of these genes in LUAD. Two genes, namely forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and centromere protein F (CENPF), were identified as unfavorable indicators of prognosis in patients with LUAD. High expression of FOXM1 and CENPF were associated with poor survival. Furthermore, LUAD cells with FOXM1 and CENPF knockdown showed a significant reduction in proliferation and migration (P<0.05). FOXM1 and CENPF may have an essential role in the prognosis of patients with LUAD by influencing cell proliferation and migration, and they provide potential molecular targets for LUAD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Li
- The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, P.R. China
| | - Geng Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobo Cui
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei 053000, P.R. China
| | - Shusen Zhang
- The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Xing Tai People Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, Hebei 054001, P.R. China
| | - Qiao Su
- The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Cai
- The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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14
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Raghuwanshi S, Gartel AL. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1: Current challenges and future perspectives in cancer treatments. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189015. [PMID: 37913940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) protein M1 (FOXM1) is a critical proliferation-associated transcription factor (TF) that is aberrantly overexpressed in the majority of human cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in, cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The FOXM1 as a TF directly or indirectly regulates the expression of several target genes whose dysregulation is associated with almost all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, FOXM1 expression is associated with chemoresistance to different anti-cancer drugs. Several studies have confirmed that suppression of FOXM1 enhanced the drug sensitivity of various types of cancer cells. Current data suggest that small molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 in combination with anticancer drugs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for chemo-resistant cancers. In this review, we discuss the clinical utility of FOXM1, further, we summarize and discuss small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 and categorize them according to their mechanisms of targeting FOXM1. Despite great progress, small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 face many challenges, and we present here all small-molecule FOXM1 inhibitors in different stages of development. We discuss the current challenges and provide insights on the future application of FOXM1 inhibition to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Raghuwanshi
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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15
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Santos BF, Grenho I, Martel PJ, Ferreira BI, Link W. FOXO family isoforms. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:702. [PMID: 37891184 PMCID: PMC10611805 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06177-1] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Santos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA). Rua Leão Penedo, 8000-386, Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês Grenho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Martel
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS)@RISE, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Bibiana I Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM). Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Aptamers against cancer drug resistance: Small fighters switching tactics in the face of defeat. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166720. [PMID: 37062453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166720] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Discovering novel cancer therapies has attracted extreme interest in the last decade. In this regard, multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapies is the primary challenge in cancer treatment. Cancerous cells are growingly become resistant to existing chemotherapeutics by employing diverse mechanisms, highlighting the significance of discovering approaches to overcome MDR. One promising strategy is utilizing aptamers as unique tools to target elements or signalings incorporated in resistance mechanisms or develop active targeted drug delivery systems or chimeras enabling the precise delivery of novel agents to inhibit the conventionally undruggable resistance elements. Further, due to their advantages over their proteinaceous counterparts, particularly antibodies, including improved targeting action, enhanced thermal stability, easier production, and superior tumor penetration, aptamers are emerging and have frequently been considered for developing cancer therapeutics. Here, we highlighted significant chemoresistance pathways and thoroughly discussed using aptamers as prospective tools to surmount cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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17
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Zhang Z, Freeman M, Zhang Y, El-Nachef D, Davenport G, Williams A, MacLellan WR. Hippo signaling and histone methylation control cardiomyocyte cell cycle re-entry through distinct transcriptional pathways. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281610. [PMID: 36780463 PMCID: PMC9925018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Accumulating data demonstrates that new adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) are generated throughout life from pre-existing CMs, although the absolute magnitude of CM self-renewal is very low. Modifying epigenetic histone modifications or activating the Hippo-Yap pathway have been shown to promote adult CM cycling and proliferation. Whether these interventions work through common pathways or act independently is unknown. For the first time we have determined whether lysine demethylase 4D (KDM4D)-mediated CM-specific H3K9 demethylation and Hippo pathways inhibition have additive or redundant roles in promoting CM cell cycle re-entry. METHODS AND RESULTS We found that activating Yap1 in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) through overexpressing Hippo pathway inhibitor, miR-199, preferentially increased S-phase CMs, while H3K9me3 demethylase KDM4D preferentially increased G2/M markers in CMs. Together KDM4D and miR-199 further increased total cell number of NRVMs in culture. Inhibition of Hippo signaling via knock-down of Salvador Family WW Domain Containing Protein 1 (Sav1) also led to S-phase reactivation and additional cell cycle re-entry was seen when combined with KDM4D overexpression. Inducible activating KDM4D (iKDM4D) in adult transgenic mice together with shRNA mediated knock-down of Sav1 (iKDM4D+Sav1-sh) resulted in a significant increase in cycling CMs compared to either intervention alone. KDM4D preferentially induced expression of genes regulating late (G2/M) phases of the cell cycle, while miR-199 and si-Sav1 preferentially up-regulated genes involved in G1/S phase. KDM4D upregulated E2F1 and FoxM1 expression, whereas miR-199 and si-Sav1 induced Myc. Using transgenic mice over-expressing KDM4D together with Myc, we demonstrated that KDM4D/Myc significantly increased CM cell cycling but did not affect cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS KDM4D effects on CM cell cycle activity are additive with the Hippo-Yap1 pathway and appear to preferentially regulate different cell cycle regulators. This may have important implications for strategies that target cardiac regeneration in treating heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhe Zhang
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Miles Freeman
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yiqiang Zhang
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, John A. Burn School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Danny El-Nachef
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - George Davenport
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Allison Williams
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - W. Robb MacLellan
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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18
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Prognostic value and immunological role of FOXM1 in human solid tumors. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:9128-9148. [PMID: 36435510 PMCID: PMC9740373 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204394] [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: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
FOXM1 acts as an oncogenic transcription factor and is involved in multiple hallmarks of human malignancies. Recent studies have demonstrated that FOXM1 is upregulated and correlated with poor prognosis in a majority of cancers. However, there are few pan-cancer analyses of FOXM1. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles and clinical significance of FOXM1 in 31 types of solid tumors. We explored the expression profiles and the prognostic value of FOXM1 in pan-cancer across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We further used lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues combined with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for experimental validation of FOXM1 expression. Besides, we verified the function of FOXM1 in a lung cancer cell line. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to explore signaling pathways related to FOXM1 expression. We observed that up-regulated FOXM1 was significantly related to poor survival in most tumors. Furthermore, there are significant correlations between FOXM1 expression and the infiltrating levels of different types of immune cells, TMB, MSI and immune checkpoint genes in a variety of cancers. Additional analysis based on IMvigor 210 cohort confirmed that patients with high level of FOXM1 exhibited a superior response to anti-PD-L1 therapy, and had a prolonged OS. In conclusion, this study indicated that FOXM1 could serve as a prognostic biomarker for most types of cancers and played a crucial role in the tumor immune microenvironment.
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Liu SX, Zhou Y, Zhao L, Zhou LS, Sun J, Liu GJ, Du YS, Zhou YN. Thiostrepton confers protection against reactive oxygen species-related apoptosis by restraining FOXM1-triggerred development of gastric cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 193:385-404. [PMID: 36152915 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of tumor-associated death worldwide. Metastasis and chemoresistance are crucial barriers for gastric cancer treatment. The Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) transcription factor has been reported as a promising treatment target for various types of tumors, but its effects on gastric cancer progression are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that FOXM1 expression levels were significantly up-regulated in human gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, and its expression was much higher in patients with metastasis. We then found that suppressing FOXM1 with its inhibitor thiostrepton (THIO) significantly reduced the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, while induced G0/G1 and apoptosis. Moreover, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial impair and autophagy were remarkably provoked in gastric cancer cells treated with THIO, which were required for the regulation of apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, THIO exposure considerably suppressed the migration, invasion and angiogenesis in gastric cancer cells. The inhibitory effects of THIO on tumor growth and metastasis were confirmed in an established gastric cancer xenograft mouse model without detectable toxicity. Intriguingly, our in vitro studies showed that the anti-cancer effects of THIO on gastric cancer were almost abolished upon FOXM1 over-expression, indicating the necessity of FOXM1 suppression in THIO-inhibited tumor growth. In addition, higher FOXM1 expression was detected in gastric cancer cells with chemoresistance. Both in vitro and in vivo studies illustrated that THIO strongly promoted the drug-resistant gastric cancer cells to chemotherapies, proved by the considerably decreased cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Together, these findings revealed that FOXM1 was a promising therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment, and THIO exerted potential as an therapeutic agent for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Xiong Liu
- Department of Geriatrics (II), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics (II), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730020, China
| | - Ling-Shan Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics (II), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Geriatrics (I), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzho, 730000, China
| | - Ge-Jing Liu
- Department of Geriatrics (I), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzho, 730000, China
| | - Ying-Shi Du
- Department of Geriatrics (I), The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzho, 730000, China
| | - Yong-Ning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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20
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Rajabian A, Farzanehfar M, Hosseini H, Arab FL, Nikkhah A. Boswellic acids as promising agents for the management of brain diseases. Life Sci 2022; 312:121196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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21
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Ma H, Qu S, Zhai Y, Yang X. circ_0025033 promotes ovarian cancer development via regulating the hsa_miR-370-3p/SLC1A5 axis. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:94. [PMID: 36273140 PMCID: PMC9588225 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) appear to be important modulators in ovarian cancer. We aimed to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0025033 in ovarian cancer. METHODS qRT-PCR was conducted to determine circ_0025033, hsa_miR-370-3p, and SLC1A5 mRNA expression. Functional experiments were conducted, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, transwell, tube formation, xenograft tumor model assay, western blot analysis of protein levels, and analysis of glutamine metabolism using commercial kits. Their predicted interaction was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down. RESULTS circ_0025033 was upregulated in ovarian cancer; its knockdown induced proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, glutamine metabolism, and apoptosis in vitro, and blocked tumor growth in vivo. circ_0025033 regulated ovarian cancer cellular behaviors via sponging hsa_miR-370-3p. In parallel, SLC1A5 might abolish the anti-ovarian cancer role of hsa_miR-370-3p. Furthermore, circ_0025033 affected SLC1A5 via regulating hsa_miR-370-3p. CONCLUSION circ_0025033 might promote ovarian cancer progression via hsa_miR-370-3p/SLC1A5, providing an interesting insight into ovarian cancer tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Ma
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuyun Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Gynaecology Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yao Zhai
- Department of Gynecology, Gynaecology Hospital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710000, Shaanxi, China.
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22
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Chen X, Chen J, Yu X, Lin G, Chen T. FOXM1 Promotes Malignant Proliferation of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Transcriptional Activating CDC6. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:671-682. [PMID: 35639418 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a proliferative transcription factor and plays a vital role in many cancers. However, the function and molecular mechanism of FOXM1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain poorly understood. Hence, we aim to clarify the molecular basis of FOXM1-mediated ESCC progression. In this study, bioinformatics analysis showed that FOXM1 was mainly involved in key signal pathways, including cell proliferation, cell cycle, and homologous recombination in ESCC, and predicted that CDC6 might be a potential regulatory target gene of FOXM1. The results revealed that FOXM1 and CDC6 were significantly overexpressed in ESCC tissue and cell line, and their expression was positively correlated. Further studies showed that FOXM1 directly transcriptionally activated CDC6 by binding to its promoter region in ESCC cells. Moreover, FOXM1 mediated ESCC cell proliferation by regulating CDC6 expression, which may be related to promoting G1-S phase transition of cell cycle. Taken together, FOXM1-CDC6 axis mediates ESCC malignant proliferation and may serve as a potential biological target for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfeng Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingbo Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xunbin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guishan Lin
- Department of Oncology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Computer Science and Technology, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Recombinantly expressed MeICT, a new toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion, inhibits glioma cell proliferation and downregulates Annexin A2 and FOXM1 genes. Biotechnol Lett 2022; 44:703-712. [PMID: 35524923 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-022-03254-x] [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: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are highly invasive and lethal malignancy that do not respond to current therapeutic approaches. Novel therapeutic agents are required to target molecular mechanisms involved in glioma progression. MeICT is a new short-chain toxin isolated from Mesobuthus eupeus scorpion venom. This toxin contained 34 amino acid residues and belongs to chloride channels toxins. In this study, the coding sequence of MeICT was cloned into the pET32Rh vector and a high yield of soluble recombinant MeICT was expressed and purified. Recombinant MeICT-His significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of glioma cells at low concentration. In vivo studies showed that MeICT was not toxic when administrated to mice at high doses. We also determined the effect of MeICT on the mRNA expression of MMP-2, Annexin A2 and FOXM-2 that are key molecules in the progression and invasion of glioma. Expression of Annexin A2 and FOXM1 mRNA was significantly down-regulated following treatment with MeICT. However, no significant decrease in the expression of MMP-2 gene was identified. In this study a short toxin with four disulfide bonds was successfully produced and its anti-cancer effects was detected. Our findings suggest that recombinant MeICT can be considered as a new potent agent for glioma targeting.
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Wei J, Chen X, Li Y, Li R, Bao K, Liao L, Xie Y, Yang T, Zhu J, Mao F, Ni S, Jia R, Xu X, Li J. Cucurbitacin B-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest of conjunctival melanoma cells mediated by GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3861-3876. [PMID: 36213538 PMCID: PMC9532536 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare and fatal malignant eye tumor. In this study, we deciphered a novel anti-CM mechanism of a natural tetracyclic compound named as cucurbitacin B (CuB). We found that CuB remarkably inhibited the proliferation of CM cells including CM-AS16, CRMM1, CRMM2 and CM2005.1, without toxicity to normal cells. CuB can also induce CM cells G2/M cell cycle arrest. RNA-seq screening identified KIF20A, a key downstream effector of FOXM1 pathway, was abolished by CuB treatment. Further target identification by activity-based protein profiling chemoproteomic approach revealed that GRP78 is a potential target of CuB. Several lines of evidence demonstrated that CuB interacted with GRP78 and bound with a Kd value of 0.11 μmol/L. Furthermore, ATPase activity evaluation showed that CuB suppressed GRP78 both in human recombinant GRP78 protein and cellular lysates. Knockdown of the GRP78 gene significantly induced the downregulation of FOXM1 and related pathway proteins including KIF20A, underlying an interesting therapeutic perspective. Finally, CuB significantly inhibited tumor progression in NCG mice without causing obvious side effects in vivo. Taken together, our current work proved that GRP78–FOXM1–KIF20A as a promising pathway for CM therapy, and the traditional medicine CuB as a candidate drug to hinder this pathway.
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Sun W, Li Y, Ma D, Liu Y, Xu Q, Cheng D, Li G, Ni C. ALKBH5 promotes lung fibroblast activation and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through miR-320a-3p and FOXM1. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:26. [PMID: 35279083 PMCID: PMC8917683 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant internal modification of RNA. Its critical functions in multiple physiological and pathological processes have been reported. However, the role of m6A in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis has not been fully elucidated. AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), a well-known m6A demethylase, is upregulated in the silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. Here, we sought to investigate the function of ALKBH5 in pulmonary fibrosis triggered by silica inhalation. Methods We performed studies with fibroblast cell lines and silica-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis models. The expression of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assays (MeRIP), western bolt, immunofluorescence assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) fluorescence staining were performed to explore the roles of ALKBH5, miR-320a-3p, and FOXM1 in fibroblast activation. Results ALKBH5 expression was increased in silica-inhaled mouse lung tissues and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated fibroblasts. Moreover, ALKBH5 knockdown exerted antifibrotic effects in vitro. Simultaneously, downregulation of ALKBH5 elevated miR-320a-3p but decreased pri-miR-320a-3p. Mechanically, ALKBH5 demethylated pri-miR-320a-3p, thus blocking the microprocessor protein DGCR8 from interacting with pri-miR-320a-3p and leading to mature process blockage of pri-miR-320a-3p. We further demonstrated that miR-320a-3p could regulate fibrosis by targeting FOXM1 messenger RNA (mRNA) 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Notably, our study also verified that ALKBH5 could also directly regulate FOXM1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Conclusions Our findings suggest that ALKBH5 promotes silica-induced lung fibrosis via the miR-320a-3p/FOXM1 axis or targeting FOXM1 directly. Approaches aimed at ALKBH5 may be efficacious in treating lung fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11658-022-00329-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Sun
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Dongyu Ma
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Demin Cheng
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Guanru Li
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medical and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Huerta-García CS, Pérez DJ, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Romo-Mancillas A, Castillo R, Hernández-Campos A. Structure–Activity Relationship of N-Phenylthieno[2,3-b]pyridine-2-carboxamide Derivatives Designed as Forkhead Box M1 Inhibitors: The Effect of Electron-Withdrawing and Donating Substituents on the Phenyl Ring. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030283. [PMID: 35337081 PMCID: PMC8949145 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We report synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular-docking studies of 18 thieno[2,3-b]pyridines with a phenylacetamide moiety at position 2, which is disubstituted with F, Cl, Br, or I at position 4, and with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups (-CN, -NO2, -CF3, and -CH3) at position 2, to study how the electronic properties of the substituents affected the FOXM1-inhibitory activity. Among compounds 1–18, only those bearing a -CN (regardless of the halogen) decreased FOXM1 expression in a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), as shown by Western blotting. However, only compounds 6 and 16 decreased the relative expression of FOXM1 to a level lower than 50%, and hence, we determined their anti-proliferative activity (IC50) in MDA-MB-231 cells using the MTT assay, which was comparable to that observed with FDI-6, in contrast to compound 1, which was inactive according to both Western blot and MTT assays. We employed molecular docking to calculate the binding interactions of compounds 1–18 in the FOXM1 DNA-binding site. The results suggest a key role for residues Val296 and Leu289 in this binding. Furthermore, we used molecular electrostatic potential maps showing the effects of different substituents on the overall electron density.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Sebastian Huerta-García
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
| | - David J. Pérez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2E1, Canada; (D.J.P.); (C.A.V.-M.); (S.A.T.D.)
- Unidad Radiofarmacia-Ciclotrón, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Carlos A. Velázquez-Martínez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6E 2E1, Canada; (D.J.P.); (C.A.V.-M.); (S.A.T.D.)
| | | | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Laboratorio de Diseño Asistido por Computadora y Síntesis de Fármacos, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Querétaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Rafael Castillo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
| | - Alicia Hernández-Campos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (C.S.H.-G.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-56225287
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Wang SP, Wu SQ, Huang SH, Tang YX, Meng LQ, Liu F, Zhu QH, Xu YG. FDI-6 inhibits the expression and function of FOXM1 to sensitize BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancer cells to Olaparib by regulating cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1138. [PMID: 34880209 PMCID: PMC8654856 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inducing homologous-recombination (HR) deficiency is an effective strategy to broaden the indications of PARP inhibitors in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein, we find that repression of the oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 using FOXM1 shRNA or FOXM1 inhibitor FDI-6 can sensitize BRCA-proficient TNBC to PARP inhibitor Olaparib in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies show that Olaparib causes adaptive resistance by arresting the cell cycle at S and G2/M phases for HR repair, increasing the expression of CDK6, CCND1, CDK1, CCNA1, CCNB1, and CDC25B to promote cell cycle progression, and inducing the overexpression of FOXM1, PARP1/2, BRCA1/2, and Rad51 to activate precise repair of damaged DNA. FDI-6 inhibits the expression of FOXM1, PARP1/2, and genes involved in cell cycle control and DNA damage repair to sensitize TNBC cells to Olaparib by blocking cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair. Simultaneously targeting FOXM1 and PARP1/2 is an innovative therapy for more patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shi-Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Shi-Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Xuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu-Qiong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi-Hua Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yun-Gen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, 211198, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Molecular targets and therapeutics in chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer. Med Oncol 2021; 39:14. [PMID: 34812991 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a specific subtype of breast cancer (BC), which shows immunohistochemically negative expression of hormone receptor i.e., Estrogen receptor and Progesterone receptor along with the absence of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2/neu). In Indian scenario the prevalence of BC is 26.3%, whereas, in West Bengal the cases are of 18.4%. But the rate of TNBC has increased up to 31% and shows 27% of total BC. Conventional chemotherapy is effective only in the initial stages but with progression of the disease the effectivity gets reduced and shown almost no effect in later or advanced stages of TNBC. Thus, TNBC patients frequently develop resistance and metastasis, due to its peculiar triple-negative nature most of the hormonal therapies also fails. Development of chemoresistance may involve various factors, such as, TNBC heterogeneity, cancer stem cells (CSCs), signaling pathway deregulation, DNA repair mechanism, hypoxia, and other molecular factors. To overcome the challenges to treat TNBC various targets and molecules have been exploited including CSCs modulator, drug efflux transporters, hypoxic factors, apoptotic proteins, and regulatory signaling pathways. Moreover, to improve the targets and efficacy of treatments researchers are emphasizing on targeted therapy for TNBC. In this review, an effort has been made to focus on phenotypic and molecular variations in TNBC along with the role of conventional as well as newly identified pathways and strategies to overcome challenge of chemoresistance.
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29
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Xu X, Zhang L, Hua F, Zhang C, Zhang C, Mi X, Qin N, Wang J, Zhu A, Qin Z, Zhou F. FOXM1-activated SIRT4 inhibits NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate kidney injury and podocyte pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy. Exp Cell Res 2021; 408:112863. [PMID: 34626587 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) has been reported to play a protective role against acute kidney injury by driving tubular regeneration. This study aims to probe the function of FOXM1 in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the molecules involved. FOXM1 was poorly expressed in DN-diseased kidney tissues. A murine model of DN was established, and podocytes cells (MPC5) were treated with high-glucose (HG) for in vitro studies. FOXM1 overexpression improved kidney function and reduced pathological changes in mice, and it increased the expression of the podocyte marker Nephrin in kidney tissues. In vitro, FOXM1 increased viability and reduced pyroptosis of the HG-treated MPC5 cells, and it elevated the expression of the podocyte marker Nephrin whereas reduced the expression of pyroptosis-related NLRP3 inflammasome and cleaved caspase 1. FOXM1 bound to the promoter of sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) to induce transcriptional activation. Downregulation of SIRT4 blocked the protective roles of FOXM1 both in vivo and in vitro. Phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in HG-treated cells was suppressed by FOXM1 but restored after SIRT4 inhibition. In conclusion, this study suggested that FOXM1 transcriptionally activates SIRT4 and inhibits NF-κB signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate kidney injury and podocyte pyroptosis in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy (Xuzhou Medical University), Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Liexiang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Fei Hua
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Ce Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xia Mi
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Nan Qin
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Junsheng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Aimin Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zihan Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Feihong Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Suqian Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Suqian, 223800, Jiangsu, PR China
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Chen L, Xu Z, Li Q, Feng Q, Zheng C, Du Y, Yuan R, Peng X. USP28 facilitates pancreatic cancer progression through activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway via stabilising FOXM1. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:887. [PMID: 34584067 PMCID: PMC8478945 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification that can be reversed by a family of enzymes called deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Ubiquitin-specific protease 28 (USP28), a member of the DUBs family, functions as a potential tumour promoter in various cancers. However, the biological function and clinical significance of USP28 in pancreatic cancer (PC) are still unclear. Here, we showed that PC tumours had higher USP28 expression compared with that of normal pancreatic tissues, and high USP28 level was significantly correlated with malignant phenotype and shorter survival in patients with PC. Overexpression of USP28 accelerated PC cell growth, whereas USP28 knockdown impaired PC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Further, we found that USP28 promoted PC cell growth by facilitating cell cycle progression and inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanistically, USP28 deubiquitinated and stabilised FOXM1, a critical mediator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. USP28-mediated stabilisation of FOXM1 significantly promoted nucleus β-catenin trans-activation, which in turn led to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Finally, restoration of FOXM1 expression abolished the anti-tumour effects of USP28-silencing. Thus, USP28 contributes to PC pathogenesis through enhancing the FOXM1-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signalling, and could be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for PC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leifeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Cihua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yunyan Du
- Department of Medical, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Rongfa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Xiaogang Peng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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A FOXM1-Targeted Peptide Overcomes 5-Fluorouracil Resistance via Modulating ABC Transporters in Liver Cancer HepG2 Cells. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Porazzi P, De Dominici M, Salvino J, Calabretta B. Targeting the CDK6 Dependence of Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091355. [PMID: 34573335 PMCID: PMC8467343 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ph+ ALL is a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype driven by the BCR-ABL1 oncogene, either the p190- or the p210-BCR/ABL isoform in a 70:30 ratio. Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the drugs of choice in the therapy of Ph+ ALL. In combination with standard chemotherapy, TKIs have markedly improved the outcome of Ph+ ALL, in particular if this treatment is followed by bone marrow transplantation. However, resistance to TKIs develops with high frequency, causing leukemia relapse that results in <5-year overall survival. Thus, new therapies are needed to address relapsed/TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. We have shown that expression of cell cycle regulatory kinase CDK6, but not of the highly related CDK4 kinase, is required for the proliferation and survival of Ph+ ALL cells. Comparison of leukemia suppression induced by treatment with the clinically-approved dual CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib versus CDK6 silencing revealed that the latter treatment was markedly more effective, probably reflecting inhibition of CDK6 kinase-independent effects. Thus, we developed CDK4/6-targeted proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that preferentially degrade CDK6 over CDK4. One compound termed PROTAC YX-2-107, which degrades CDK6 by recruiting the Cereblon ubiquitin ligase, markedly suppressed leukemia burden in mice injected with de novo or TKI-resistant Ph+ ALL. The effect of PROTAC YX-2-107 was comparable or superior to that of palbociclib. The development of CDK6-selective PROTACs represents an effective strategy to exploit the “CDK6 dependence” of Ph+ ALL cells while sparing a high proportion of normal hematopoietic progenitors that depend on both CDK6 and CDK6 for their survival. In combination with other agents, CDK6-selective PROTACs may be valuable components of chemotherapy-free protocols for the therapy of Ph+ ALL and other CDK6-dependent hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Porazzi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Marco De Dominici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | | | - Bruno Calabretta
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
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Radaeva M, Ton AT, Hsing M, Ban F, Cherkasov A. Drugging the 'undruggable'. Therapeutic targeting of protein-DNA interactions with the use of computer-aided drug discovery methods. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2660-2679. [PMID: 34332092 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) act as major oncodrivers in many cancers and are frequently regarded as high-value therapeutic targets. The functionality of TFs relies on direct protein-DNA interactions, which are notoriously difficult to target with small molecules. However, this prior view of the 'undruggability' of protein-DNA interfaces has shifted substantially in recent years, in part because of significant advances in computer-aided drug discovery (CADD). In this review, we highlight recent examples of successful CADD campaigns resulting in drug candidates that directly interfere with protein-DNA interactions of several key cancer TFs, including androgen receptor (AR), ETS-related gene (ERG), MYC, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), topoisomerase II (TOP2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Importantly, these findings open novel and compelling avenues for therapeutic targeting of over 1600 human TFs implicated in many conditions including and beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Radaeva
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Anh-Tien Ton
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Hsing
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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Lee HA, Chu KB, Moon EK, Quan FS. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor-Induced CDKN2B and CDKN2D Contribute to G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest Incurred by Oxidative Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Forkhead Box M1 Suppression. J Cancer 2021; 12:5086-5098. [PMID: 34335925 PMCID: PMC8317537 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is a pivotal regulator of G2/M cell cycle progression in many types of cancer. Previously, our study demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibition (HDACi) sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC) to oxidative stress through FOXM1 suppression. However, the mechanism underlying its suppression by HDACi still requires elucidation. We hypothesized that HDACi induce genes responsible for destabilizing and inactivating FOXM1. The transcriptome in the HepG2 was revealed by massive analysis of cDNA end (MACE). Expression of mRNA and proteins were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot, respectively. Cell cycle was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Oxidative stress and HDACi suppressed CDK4/6 levels while enhancing CDK inhibitor 2B and 2D (CDKN2B and CDKN2D) expressions in HCC. Palbociclib, a specific inhibitor of CDK4/6, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HCC by down-regulating phosphorylation level of FOXM1, and its downstream target genes such as aurora kinase A (AURKA) and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). HDACi treatment increased the ubiquitination level of FOXM1 by suppressing ubiquitin-specific peptidase 21 (USP21), which deubiquitinates FOXM1. Inhibiting FOXM1 degradation with MG132 treatment affected neither palbociclib-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest nor expression of its target genes. Double knockdown of CDKN2B and CDKN2D reduced the oxidative stress and HDACi-induced G/2M cell cycle arrest. In conclusion, oxidative stress and HDACi synergistically cause G2/M cell cycle arrest via CDKN2 induction, which sequentially inhibits CDK4/6, FOXM1, and its downstream target genes AURKA, PLK1, and CCNB1 phosphorylation in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ahm Lee
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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The Anticancer Effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 Inhibitor, on Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136685. [PMID: 34206484 PMCID: PMC8269391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents an important clinical challenge, as it does not respond to endocrine therapies or other available targeting agents. FOXM1, an oncogenic transcriptional factor, has reported to be upregulated and associated with poor clinical outcomes in TNBC patients. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of FDI-6, a FOXM1 inhibitor, as well as its molecular mechanisms, in TNBC cells. Two TNBC cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and HS578T, were used in this study. The anti-cancer activities of FDI-6 were evaluated using various 2D cell culture assays, including Sulforhodamine B (SRB), wound healing, and transwell invasion assays together with 3D spheroid assays, mimicking real tumour structural properties. After treatment with FDI-6, the TNBC cells displayed a significant inhibition in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Increased apoptosis was also observed in the treated cells. In addition, we found that FDI-6 lead to the downregulation of FOXM1 and its key oncogenic targets, including CyclinB1, Snail, and Slug. Interestingly, we also found that the FDI-6/Doxorubicin combination significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity and apoptotic properties, suggesting that FDI-6 might improve chemotherapy treatment efficacy and reduce unwanted side effects. Altogether, FDI-6 exhibited promising anti-tumour activities and could be developed as a newly effective treatment for TNBC.
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36
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Self-targeted polymersomal co-formulation of doxorubicin, camptothecin and FOXM1 aptamer for efficient treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. J Control Release 2021; 335:369-388. [PMID: 34058270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In spite of huge developments in cancer treatment, versatile combinational formulations of different chemotherapeutic agents to enhance anticancer activity while reducing systemic toxicity still remains a challenge. In this regard, in the current study, an amphiphilic hyaluronic acid-b-polycaprolactone diblock copolymer was synthesized using "click chemistry". The synthesized copolymer was self-assembled to form polymersomal structures for co-encapsulation of hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) and hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) in their interior aqueous compartment and their bilayer, respectively with 1:10 and 1:1 ratios. The prepared polymersomal combinational formulation surrounded by hyaluronic acid brush as hydrophilic segment, could provide active targeting of the system against CD44 marker expressed on the surface of cancerous cells. The hyaluronic acid shell could also provide flexible chemistry for the conjugation of therapeutic FOXM1-specific DNA aptamer (Forkhead Box M1; against transcription factor FOXM1) on the surface of polymersomes in order to further suppress cancerous cell proliferation. The obtained results demonstrated that the prepared co-formulation provided sustained, controlled release of the entrapped drugs during 200 h. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments on non-small cell lung cancer, A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines, demonstrated that the co-formulation of DOX and CPT provided synergistic effect and significantly higher cytotoxicity in comparison with free drugs. The cytotoxicity experiment also indicated that the aptamer conjugation on the co-formulations surface could significantly increase the cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in combination therapy on both A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines while aptamer-conjugated blank NPs did not show any cytotoxicity which emphasizes on the sensitization capability of the FOXM1 DNA aptamer against non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, it was shown that the co-formulation with or without aptamer renders the formulation specific tumor accumulation in vivo 24 h post-administration, assisting the combination synergy observed in vitro to be translated to in vivo antitumor efficacy. This combinatorial delivery platform strongly offers a novel approach for the synergistic controlled transportation of several chemotherapeutics for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
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37
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Gu H, Peng Y, Chen Y. An Emerging Therapeutic Approach by Targeting Myoferlin (MYOF) for Malignant Tumors. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1509-1515. [PMID: 32552653 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200618123436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Myoferlin (MYOF), as a member of the ferlin family, is a type II transmembrane protein with a single transmembrane domain at the carbon terminus. Studies have shown that MYOF is involved in pivotal physiological functions related to numerous cell membranes, such as extracellular secretion, endocytosis cycle, vesicle trafficking, membrane repair, membrane receptor recycling, and secreted protein efflux. Recently, the studies have also revealed that MYOF is overexpressed in a variety of cancers such as colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, gastric cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. High expression of MYOF is associated with the high invasion of tumors and poor clinical prognosis. MYOF medicates the expression, secretion, and distribution of proteins, which were closely related to cancers, as well as the energy utilization of cancer cells, lipid metabolism and other physiological activities by regulating the physiological processes of membrane transport. In this short article, we briefly summarize the latest progress related to MYOF, indicating that small molecule inhibitors targeting the MYOF-C2D domain can selectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of cancer cells, and MYOF may be a promising target for the treatment of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yangrui Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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38
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Huang S, Chen J, Ding P, Wang Q, Li L, Lv X, Li L, Zhang P, Zhou D, Wen W, Wang Y, Lei Q, Wu J, Hu W. FOXM1D potentiates PKM2-mediated tumor glycolysis and angiogenesis. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1466-1485. [PMID: 33314660 PMCID: PMC8096781 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth, especially in the late stage, requires adequate nutrients and rich vasculature, in which PKM2 plays a convergent role. It has been reported that PKM2, together with FOXM1D, is upregulated in late-stage colorectal cancer and associated with metastasis; however, their underlying mechanism for promoting tumor progression remains elusive. Herein, we revealed that FOXM1D potentiates PKM2-mediated glycolysis and angiogenesis through multiple protein-protein interactions. In the presence of FBP, FOXM1D binds to tetrameric PKM2 and assembles a heterooctamer, restraining PKM2 metabolic activity by about a half and thereby promoting aerobic glycolysis. Furthermore, FOXM1D interacts with PKM2 and NF-κB and induces their nuclear translocation with the assistance of the nuclear transporter importin 4. Once in the nucleus, PKM2 and NF-κB complexes subsequently augment VEGFA transcription. The increased VEGFA is secreted extracellularly via exosomes, an event potentiated by the interaction of FOXM1 with VPS11, eventually promoting tumor angiogenesis. Based on these findings, our study provides another insight into the role of PKM2 in the regulation of glycolysis and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Sheng Huang
- Department of Breast SurgeryBreast Cancer InstituteFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Peipei Ding
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qi Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Luying Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xinyue Lv
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ling Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Pingzhao Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Danlei Zhou
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenyu Wen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiping Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qun‐Ying Lei
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiong Wu
- Department of Breast SurgeryBreast Cancer InstituteFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Weiguo Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in ShanghaiFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Barger CJ, Chee L, Albahrani M, Munoz-Trujillo C, Boghean L, Branick C, Odunsi K, Drapkin R, Zou L, Karpf AR. Co-regulation and function of FOXM1/ RHNO1 bidirectional genes in cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e55070. [PMID: 33890574 PMCID: PMC8104967 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The FOXM1 transcription factor is an oncoprotein and a top biomarker of poor prognosis in human cancer. Overexpression and activation of FOXM1 is frequent in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the most common and lethal form of human ovarian cancer, and is linked to copy number gains at chromosome 12p13.33. We show that FOXM1 is co-amplified and co-expressed with RHNO1, a gene involved in the ATR-Chk1 signaling pathway that functions in the DNA replication stress response. We demonstrate that FOXM1 and RHNO1 are head-to-head (i.e., bidirectional) genes (BDG) regulated by a bidirectional promoter (BDP) (named F/R-BDP). FOXM1 and RHNO1 each promote oncogenic phenotypes in HGSC cells, including clonogenic growth, DNA homologous recombination repair, and poly-ADP ribosylase inhibitor resistance. FOXM1 and RHNO1 are one of the first examples of oncogenic BDG, and therapeutic targeting of FOXM1/RHNO1 BDG is a potential therapeutic approach for ovarian and other cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/genetics
- Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/metabolism
- Carboplatin/pharmacology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Checkpoint Kinase 1/genetics
- Checkpoint Kinase 1/metabolism
- Databases, Genetic
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/genetics
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Recombinational DNA Repair
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter J Barger
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Linda Chee
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Mustafa Albahrani
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Catalina Munoz-Trujillo
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Lidia Boghean
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Connor Branick
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, Immunology, and Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloUnited States
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Lee Zou
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Adam R Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
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40
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Roßwag S, Cotarelo CL, Pantel K, Riethdorf S, Sleeman JP, Schmidt M, Thaler S. Functional Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Metastatic ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer Reveals Dependence on HER2 and FOXM1 for Endocrine Therapy Resistance and Tumor Cell Survival: Implications for Treatment of ER+/HER2- Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081810. [PMID: 33920089 PMCID: PMC8070196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acquired endocrine resistance and late recurrence in patients with ER+/HER2− breast cancer are complex and not fully understood. Here, we evaluated mechanisms of acquired resistance in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from an ER+/HER2− breast cancer patient who initially responded but later progressed under endocrine treatment. We found a switch from ERα-dependent to HER2-dependent and ERα-independent expression of FOXM1, which may enable disseminated ER+/HER2− cells to re-initiate tumor cell growth and metastasis formation in the presence of endocrine treatment. We found that NFkB signaling sustains HER2 and FOXM1 expression in CTCs in the presence of ERα inhibitors suggesting that NFkB and FOXM1 might be an efficient therapeutic approach to prevent late recurrence and to treat endocrine resistance. Collectively our data show that CTCs from patients with endocrine resistance allow mechanisms of acquired endocrine resistance to be delineated, and can be used to test potential drug regimens for combatting resistance. Abstract Mechanisms of acquired endocrine resistance and late recurrence in patients with ER+/HER2− breast cancer are complex and not fully understood. Here, we evaluated mechanisms of acquired resistance in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from an ER+/HER2− breast cancer patient who initially responded but later progressed under endocrine treatment. We found a switch from ERα-dependent to HER2-dependent and ERα-independent expression of FOXM1, which may enable disseminated ER+/HER2− cells to re-initiate tumor cell growth and metastasis formation in the presence of endocrine treatment. Our results also suggest a role for HER2 in resistance, even in ER+ breast cancer cells that have neither HER2 amplification nor activating HER2 mutations. We found that NFkB signaling sustains HER2 and FOXM1 expression in CTCs in the presence of ERα inhibitors. Inhibition of NFkB signaling blocked expression of HER2 and FOXM1 in the CTCs, and induced apoptosis. Thus, targeting of NFkB and FOXM1 might be an efficient therapeutic approach to prevent late recurrence and to treat endocrine resistance. Collectively our data show that CTCs from patients with endocrine resistance allow mechanisms of acquired endocrine resistance to be delineated, and can be used to test potential drug regimens for combatting resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Roßwag
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany or (S.R.); (J.P.S.)
| | - Cristina L. Cotarelo
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany;
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (K.P.); (S.R.)
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (K.P.); (S.R.)
| | - Jonathan P. Sleeman
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany or (S.R.); (J.P.S.)
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Campus Nord, Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems—Biological Information Processing, 76344 Eggenstein-Leupoldshafen, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Sonja Thaler
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany or (S.R.); (J.P.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-3837-1599
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41
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Aghajanzadeh T, Tebbi K, Talkhabi M. Identification of potential key genes and miRNAs involved in Hepatoblastoma pathogenesis and prognosis. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:131-142. [PMID: 33051830 PMCID: PMC7904995 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-020-00584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is one of the most common liver malignancies in children, while the molecular basis of the disease is largely unknown. Therefore, this study aims to explore the key genes and molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of HB using a bioinformatics approach. The gene expression dataset GSE131329 was used to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional and enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed by the EnrichR. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the up-regulated genes was constructed and visualized using STRING database and Cytoscape software, respectively. MCODE was used to detect the significant modules of the PPI network, and cytoHubba was utilized to rank the important nodes (genes) of the PPI modules. Overall, six ranking methods were employed and the results were validated by the Oncopression database. Moreover, the upstream regulatory network and the miRNA-target interactions of the up-regulated DEGs were analyzed by the X2K web and the miRTarBase respectively. A total of 594 DEGs, including 221 up- and 373 down-regulated genes, were obtained, which were enriched in different cellular and metabolic processes, human diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, 15 hub genes were screened, out of which, 11 were validated. Top 10 transcription factors, kinases, and miRNAs were also determined. To the best of our knowledge, the association of RACGAP1, MKI67, FOXM1, SIN3A, miR-193b, and miR-760 with HB was reported for the first time. Our findings may be used to shed light on the underlying mechanisms of HB and provide new insights for better prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Tebbi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
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42
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Akita K, Yasaka K, Shirai T, Ishii T, Harigae H, Fujii H. Interferon α Enhances B Cell Activation Associated With FOXM1 Induction: Potential Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Targeting the Plasmablasts of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 11:498703. [PMID: 33633721 PMCID: PMC7902015 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.498703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by the production of various pathogenic autoantibodies and is suggested to be triggered by increased type I interferon (IFN) signature. Previous studies have identified increased plasmablasts in the peripheral blood of SLE patients. The biological characteristics of SLE plasmablasts remain unknown, and few treatments that target SLE plasmablasts have been applied despite the unique cellular properties of plasmablasts compared with other B cell subsets and plasma cells. We conducted microarray analysis of naïve and memory B cells and plasmablasts (CD38+CD43+ B cells) that were freshly isolated from healthy controls and active SLE (n = 4, each) to clarify the unique biological properties of SLE plasmablasts. The results revealed that all B cell subsets of SLE expressed more type I IFN-stimulated genes. In addition, SLE plasmablasts upregulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes associated with higher FOXM1 and FOXM1-regulated gene expression levels than that in healthy controls. This suggests that a causative relationship exists between type I IFN priming and enhanced proliferative capacity through FOXM1. The effects of pretreatment of IFNα on B cell activation and FOXM1 inhibitor FDI-6 on B cell proliferation and survival were investigated. Pretreatment with IFNα promoted B cell activation after stimulation with anti-IgG/IgM antibody. Flow cytometry revealed that pretreatment with IFNα preferentially enhanced the Atk and p38 pathways after triggering B cell receptors. FDI-6 inhibited cell division and induced apoptosis in activated B cells. These effects were pronounced in activated B cells pretreated with interferon α. This study can provide better understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of interferon-stimulated genes on SLE B cells and an insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Akita
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ken Yasaka
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shirai
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ishii
- Department of Clinical Research, Innovation and Education Center, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideo Harigae
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujii
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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43
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Takeuchi S, Kagabu M, Shoji T, Nitta Y, Sugiyama T, Sato J, Nakamura Y. Anti-cancer immunotherapy using cancer-derived multiple epitope-peptides cocktail vaccination clinical studies in patients with refractory/persistent disease of uterine cervical cancer and ovarian cancer [phase 2]. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1838189. [PMID: 33235818 PMCID: PMC7671072 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1838189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We had conducted phase 1/2 studies of cancer vaccination therapy using neo-tumor antigens in patients with refractory/persistent cervical cancer (CC) and ovarian cancer (OC) to assess the feasibility and efficacy. Enrollees must be refractory/persistent disease for usual treatments with Human Leukocyte Antigen-A*0201 or A*2402. The targets were epitope peptides obtained from driver genes in surviving pathways as follows: for CC A*0201, peptides from Up Regulating Lung Cancer 10 gene (URLC10) and Hypoxia-inducible gene 2 (HIG-2) and for OC A*0201, HIG2, VEGFR (vascular epithelial growth factor receptor) 1 and 2 were used. For CC A*2402, Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1), Maternal Embryonic Leucine zipper Kinase (MELK), and Holliday Junction Recognition Protein (HJURP) were used. For OC A*2402, cocktails of peptides from FOXM1, MELK, HJURP, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2 were used. Subcutaneous administration was performed with adjuvant weekly. The toxicity profiles and tumor-response were analyzed in eight-week interval. Sixty-six patients were accrued, and 64 were evaluable for adverse events (AEs), and 35 for response. AEs of G2/3 dermatologic reaction (DR) of injection site had been identified in 15.6% and no other severe AEs were detected. Response rate in OC and CC were 22.9% and 20%, respectively. Median overall survival showed longer in performance status (PS) 0 (versus PS1/2), in CRP negative (versus positive) and in DR positive (versus negative) such as 8.7 m versus 1.2 m (p < .001), 8.8 m versus 3.0 m (p < .05) and 10.2 m versus 1.2 m (p < .001), respectively. In conclusion, our vaccination therapy was feasible and effective in this cohort of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology, Women Health Care, Kobe Tokushukai Hospital Women’s Cancer Center, Gynecologic Oncology, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kagabu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Shoji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
| | - Yukari Nitta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
| | - Toru Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
- Gynecology, St. Mary’s Hospital, Kurume, Japan
| | - Junya Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba town, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Cancer, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Cancer precision Medicine, Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR (Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research), Tokyo, Japan
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44
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Tabatabaei Dakhili SA, Pérez DJ, Gopal K, Haque M, Ussher JR, Kashfi K, Velázquez-Martínez CA. SP1-independent inhibition of FOXM1 by modified thiazolidinediones. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112902. [PMID: 33069434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This research article describes an approach to modify the thiazolidinedione scaffold to produce test drugs capable of binding to, and inhibit, the in vitro transcriptional activity of the oncogenic protein FOXM1. This approach allowed us to obtain FOXM1 inhibitors that bind directly to the FOXM1-DNA binding domain without targeting the expression levels of Sp1, an upstream transcription factor protein known to activate the expression of FOXM1. Briefly, we modified the chemical structure of the thiazolidinedione scaffold present in anti-diabetic medications such as pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and the former anti-diabetic drug troglitazone, because these drugs have been reported to exert inhibition of FOXM1 but hit other targets as well. After the chemical synthesis of 11 derivatives possessing a modified thiazolidinedione moiety, we screened all test compounds using in vitro protocols to measure their ability to (a) dissociate a FOXM1-DNA complex (EMSA assay); (b) decrease the expression of FOXM1 in triple negative-breast cancer cells (WB assay); (c) downregulate the expression of FOXM1 downstream targets (luciferase reporter assays and qPCR); and inhibit the formation of colonies of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells (colony formation assay). We also identified a potential binding mode associated with these compounds in which compound TFI-10, one of the most active molecules, exerts binding interactions with Arg289, Trp308, and His287. Unlike the parent drug, troglitazone, compound TFI-10 does not target the in vitro expression of Sp1, suggesting that it is possible to design FOXM1 inhibitors with a better selectivity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David J Pérez
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Unidad Radiofarmacia-Ciclotrón, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico
| | - Keshav Gopal
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John R Ussher
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA
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45
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Mittermair E, Schueffl H, Heffeter P, Krenn L, Marian B. Destabilization of FoxM1 and Inhibition of Topoisomerase I Contribute to Cytotoxicity of Prenylated Xanthones Isolated from Metaxya rostrata. PLANTA MEDICA 2020; 86:1073-1079. [PMID: 32023632 DOI: 10.1055/a-1097-8722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We recently isolated the prenylated xanthones 2-deprenyl-rheediaxanthone B (XB) and 2-deprenyl-7-hydroxy-rheediaxanthone B (OH-XB) from the South American tree fern Metaxya rostrata. This study explores the mechanisms underlying the FoxM1 downregulation induced by both xanthones. Analysis of cell viability and cell-death induction in SW480, HCT116, Caco-2, DLD1 and HT29 exposed to xanthones found cell-loss and activation of caspase in all cell lines except HT29 that do not have high FoxM1 protein levels. To determine the cellular mechanism of xanthone-induced FoxM1 loss, protein stability was analyzed by cycloheximide-chase experiments and showed reduction of FoxM1 stability by XB but not OH-XB. Destabilization was prevented by inhibiting proteasome activity using MG-132 and moderately by the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (baf A1). OH-XB had a stronger impact than XB on FoxM1 mRNA expression by qRT-PCR, and MG-132 positively affected FoxM1 protein level in OH-XB exposed cells even though no decrease in protein abundance had been induced by the xanthone. Additionally, the compound inhibited topoisomerase I causing DNA DSB and early cell cycle arrest. This may reduce FoxM1 gene expression, which may in turn compromise DNA repair and enhance xanthone-induced cell death. With regard to xanthone-induced cell death, MG-132 protected cultures from cell loss induced by both compounds, and baf A1 was active against these XB-induced effects. In summary, both destabilization of FoxM1 protein and topoisomerase I inhibition contribute to both XB and OH-XB cytotoxic activity albeit at different ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Mittermair
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hemma Schueffl
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Liselotte Krenn
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Marian
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Limzerwala JF, Jeganathan KB, Kloeber JA, Davies BA, Zhang C, Sturmlechner I, Zhong J, Fierro Velasco R, Fields AP, Yuan Y, Baker DJ, Zhou D, Li H, Katzmann DJ, van Deursen JM. FoxM1 insufficiency hyperactivates Ect2-RhoA-mDia1 signaling to drive cancer. NATURE CANCER 2020; 1:1010-1024. [PMID: 34841254 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-020-00116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
FoxM1 activates genes that regulate S-G2-M cell-cycle progression and, when overexpressed, is associated with poor clinical outcome in multiple cancers. Here we identify FoxM1 as a tumor suppressor in mice that, through its N-terminal domain, binds to and inhibits Ect2 to limit the activity of RhoA GTPase and its effector mDia1, a catalyst of cortical actin nucleation. FoxM1 insufficiency impedes centrosome movement through excessive cortical actin polymerization, thereby causing the formation of non-perpendicular mitotic spindles that missegregate chromosomes and drive tumorigenesis in mice. Importantly, low FOXM1 expression correlates with RhoA GTPase hyperactivity in multiple human cancer types, indicating that suppression of the newly discovered Ect2-RhoAmDia1 oncogenic axis by FoxM1 is clinically relevant. Furthermore, by dissecting the domain requirements through which FoxM1 inhibits Ect2 GEF activity, we provide mechanistic insight for the development of pharmacological approaches that target protumorigenic RhoA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazeel F Limzerwala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Karthik B Jeganathan
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jake A Kloeber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brian A Davies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ines Sturmlechner
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jian Zhong
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Raul Fierro Velasco
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alan P Fields
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Darren J Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David J Katzmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jan M van Deursen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. .,Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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47
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He J, Yang T, He W, Jiang S, Zhong D, Xu Z, Wei Q, Zhang Y, Shi C. Liver X receptor inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating HULC/miR-134-5p/FOXM1 axis. Cell Signal 2020; 74:109720. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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48
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Methylated Xanthones from the Rootlets of Metaxya rostrata Display Cytotoxic Activity in Colorectal Cancer Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194449. [PMID: 32998226 PMCID: PMC7582535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194449] [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: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tree fern Metaxya rostrata (Kunth) C. Presl is common in the rainforests of Central and South America, where suspensions of the dried rhizome are traditionally used to treat intestinal diseases. Two compounds from this plant, 2-deprenyl-rheediaxanthone B (XB) and 2-deprenyl-7-hydroxy-rheediaxanthone B (OH-XB), have been shown to be biologically highly active against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in previous studies. The current investigation resulted in the isolation of the previously undescribed methylated xanthones 2-deprenyl-6-O-methyl-7-hydroxy-rheediaxanthone B, 2-deprenyl-5-O-methyl-7-methoxy-rheediaxanthone B, 2-deprenyl-5-O-methyl- 7-hydroxy-rheediaxanthone B and 2-deprenyl-7-methoxy-rheediaxanthone B. All compounds were isolated by column chromatography, structures were elucidated by one- and two-dimensional NMR-experiments and the identities of the compounds were confirmed by LC-HRMS. In logarithmically growing SW480 CRC cell cultures, cytotoxicity by neutral red uptake and MTT assays as well as caspase activation was analyzed. Cellular targets were examined by Western blot, and topoisomerase I (topo I) inhibition potential was tested. Comparing the structure-activity relationship with XB and OH-XB, the monomethylated derivatives showed qualitatively similar effects/mechanisms to their nonmethylated analogues, while dimethylation almost abolished the activity. Inhibition of topo I was dependent on the presence of an unmethylated 7-OH group.
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49
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Sinha S, Dwivedi N, Woodgett J, Tao S, Howard C, Fields TA, Jamadar A, Rao R. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibits tubular regeneration in acute kidney injury by a FoxM1-dependent mechanism. FASEB J 2020; 34:13597-13608. [PMID: 32813289 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000526rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by injury to the tubular epithelium that leads to the sudden loss of renal function. Proper tubular regeneration is essential to prevent progression to chronic kidney disease. In this study, we examined the role of FoxM1, a forkhead box family member transcription factor in tubular repair after AKI. Renal FoxM1 expression increased after renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced AKI in mouse kidneys. Treatment with thiostrepton, a FoxM1 inhibitor, reduced FoxM1 regulated pro-proliferative factors and cell proliferation in vitro, and tubular regeneration in mouse kidneys after AKI. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) was found to be an upstream regulator of FoxM1 because GSK3 inhibition or renal tubular GSK3β gene deletion significantly increased FoxM1 expression, and improved tubular repair and renal function. GSK3 inactivation increased β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc, and reduced cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27. Importantly, thiostrepton treatment abolished the improved tubular repair in GSK3β knockout mice following AKI. These results demonstrate that FoxM1 is important for renal tubular regeneration following AKI and that GSK3β suppresses tubular repair by inhibiting FoxM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Sinha
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Nidhi Dwivedi
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - James Woodgett
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shixin Tao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Christianna Howard
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Timothy A Fields
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Abeda Jamadar
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Reena Rao
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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50
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Chen H, Pei L, Xie P, Guo G. Circ-PRKDC Contributes to 5-Fluorouracil Resistance of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-375/FOXM1 Axis and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5939-5953. [PMID: 32606803 PMCID: PMC7320885 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s253468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diverse circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the regulation of drug resistance in human cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) is dismal. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of circ-PRKDC on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance in CRC. Materials and Methods The levels of circ-PRKDC, microRNA-375 (miR-375) and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) mRNA were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). IC50 of 5-FU, cell colony formation ability and invasion were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay, respectively. The protein levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), FOXM1, β-catenin and c-Myc were measured via Western blot assay. The targeting relationship between miR-375 and circ-PRKDC or FOXM1 was investigated by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. The effect of circ-PRKDC in vivo was explored by murine xenograft model assay. Results Circ-PRKDC was upregulated in 5-FU-resistant CRC tissues and cells. Circ-PRKDC silencing repressed 5-FU resistance, cell colony formation and invasion in 5-FU-resistant CRC cells in vitro and inhibited 5-FU resistance in vivo. MiR-375 was a target of circ-PRKDC and miR-375 inhibition reversed the effects of circ-PRKDC silencing on 5-FU resistance, cell colony formation and invasion. FOXM1 was a direct target gene of miR-375. MiR-375 suppressed 5-FU resistance by targeting FOXM1. Moreover, circ-PRKDC knockdown decreased FOXM1 expression by targeting miR-375. Additionally, circ-PRKDC knockdown impeded wnt/β-catenin pathway by regulating miR-375 and FOXM1. Conclusion Circ-PRKDC enhanced 5-FU resistance in CRC by regulating FOXM1/miR-375 axis and wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyu Pei
- Department of Digestive System, Yongcheng People's Hospital, Shangqiu, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Guancheng Guo
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
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