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Limaye AJ, Whittaker MK, Bendzunas GN, Cowell JK, Kennedy EJ. Targeting the WASF3 complex to suppress metastasis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106302. [PMID: 35691539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family members (WASF) regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, which plays an instrumental role in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF1/2/3 forms a hetero-pentameric complex with CYFIP1/2, NCKAP1/1 L, Abi1/2/3 and BRK1 called the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC), which cooperatively regulates actin nucleation by WASF1/2/3. Activation of the WRC enables actin networking and provides the mechanical force required for the formation of lamellipodia and invadopodia. Although the WRC drives cell motility essential for several routine physiological functions, its aberrant deployment is observed in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF3 expression is correlated with metastatic potential in several cancers and inversely correlates with overall progression-free survival. Therefore, disruption of the WRC may serve as a novel strategy for targeting metastasis. Given the complexity involved in the formation of the WRC which is largely comprised of large protein-protein interfaces, there are currently no inhibitors for WASF3. However, several constrained peptide mimics of the various protein-protein interaction interfaces within the WRC were found to successfully disrupt WASF3-mediated migration and invasion. This review explores the role of the WASF3 WRC in driving metastasis and how it may be selectively targeted for suppression of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya J Limaye
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Matthew K Whittaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - George N Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States.
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Loveless R, Teng Y. Targeting WASF3 Signaling in Metastatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020836. [PMID: 33467681 PMCID: PMC7830529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that cancer metastasis is regulated by specific genetic pathways independent of those controlling tumorigenesis and cancer growth. WASF3, a Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein family member, appears to play a major role not only in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics but also in cancer cell invasion/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted that WASF3 is a master regulator and acts as a pivotal scaffolding protein, bringing the various components of metastatic signaling complexes together both spatially and temporally. Herein, targeting WASF3 at the levels of transcription, protein stability, and phosphorylation holds great promise for metastasis suppression, regardless of the diverse genetic backgrounds associated with tumor development. This review focuses on the critical and distinct contributions of WASF3 in the regulation of signal pathways promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +17064465611; Fax: +17067219415
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Biber G, Ben-Shmuel A, Sabag B, Barda-Saad M. Actin regulators in cancer progression and metastases: From structure and function to cytoskeletal dynamics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 356:131-196. [PMID: 33066873 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a central factor contributing to various hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence demonstrating the involvement of actin regulatory proteins in malignancy, and their dysregulation was shown to predict poor clinical prognosis. Although enhanced cytoskeletal activity is often associated with cancer progression, the expression of several inducers of actin polymerization is remarkably reduced in certain malignancies, and it is not completely clear how these changes promote tumorigenesis and metastases. The complexities involved in cytoskeletal induction of cancer progression therefore pose considerable difficulties for therapeutic intervention; it is not always clear which cytoskeletal regulator should be targeted in order to impede cancer progression, and whether this targeting may inadvertently enhance alternative invasive pathways which can aggravate tumor growth. The entire constellation of cytoskeletal machineries in eukaryotic cells are numerous and complex; the system is comprised of and regulated by hundreds of proteins, which could not be covered in a single review. Therefore, we will focus here on the actin cytoskeleton, which encompasses the biological machinery behind most of the key cellular functions altered in cancer, with specific emphasis on actin nucleating factors and nucleation-promoting factors. Finally, we discuss current therapeutic strategies for cancer which aim to target the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - A Ben-Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - B Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - M Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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Kansakar U, Wang W, Markovic V, Sossey-Alaoui K. Elucidating the molecular signaling pathways of WAVE3. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:900. [PMID: 32793744 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a complex, multistep process that requires tumor cells to evade from the original site and form new tumors at a distant site or a different organ, often via bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Metastasis is responsible for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. WAVE3 belongs to the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) family, which regulate actin cytoskeleton remodeling as well as several aspects of cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. In fact, WAVE3 has been established as a driver of tumor progression and metastasis in cancers from several origins, including triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs), which are classified as the most lethal subtype of breast cancer, due to their resistance to standard of care therapy and highly metastatic behavior. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the recent advances that have been made to understand how WAVE3 contributes to the molecular mechanisms that control cancer progression and metastasis. We will also review the signaling pathways that are involved in the regulation of WAVE3 expression and function to identify potential therapeutic options targeted against WAVE3 for the treatment of patients with metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vesna Markovic
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Khalid Sossey-Alaoui
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Li X, Geng J, Ren Z, Xiong C, Li Y, Liu H. WAVE3 upregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its effect on the migration of human esophageal cancer cell lines in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:465-473. [PMID: 32377706 PMCID: PMC7248532 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the role of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome verprolin-homologous protein 3 (WAVE3) in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and to explore its effect on the migration of esophageal cancer cell lines in vitro. The expression level of WAVE3 in ESCC tissues was determined via immunohistochemistry, and the relative levels of WAVE3 mRNA and micro (mi)RNA200b were assessed in the serum of patients with ESCC using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Following cell transfection, the levels of miRNA200b and WAVE3 protein were determined via RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and cell migration was examined using a Transwell assay. Subsequently, the clinical parameters were used to analyze whether the expression of WAVE3 in tissues and serum was associated with the occurrence and development of ESCC. The results demonstrated that the expression of WAVE3 was increased in ESCC tissues compared with normal tissues. The results also revealed increased expression levels of WAVE3 and decreased expression levels of miRNA200b in the serum of patients with ESCC, compared with healthy volunteers. High expression of WAVE3 was significantly associated with tumor TNM stage, invasion depth and lymphatic invasion of ESCC. In cells transfected with miRNA200b mimic, the miRNA200b was overexpressed, WAVE3 protein was downregulated and cell migration ability was decreased. The results of the present study suggest that WAVE3 may serve as an oncogene in ESCC, and its inhibition via miRNA200b decreased tumor cell migration. Therefore, WAVE3 may serve as a novel biological marker and therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Jie Geng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Ren
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Chao Xiong
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Hongchun Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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Nie Y, Liang X, Liu S, Guo F, Fang N, Zhou F. WASF3 Knockdown Sensitizes Gastric Cancer Cells to Oxaliplatin by Inhibiting ATG12-Mediated Autophagy. Am J Med Sci 2020; 359:287-295. [PMID: 32359534 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors, usually resulting in metastasis, and therapies for advanced gastric cancer remain limited. Drug resistance is the main reason for chemotherapeutic failure in gastric cancer. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3) is required for invasion and metastasis of different cancers. However, there has been little study of WASF3 expression involvement in gastric cancer. In this study, we explored the role of WASF3 in the sensitivity of gastric cancer to oxaliplatin, and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We silenced WASF3 using WASF3-siRNA in MGC803 cells. Then, CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to study the effect of WASF3 silencing on proliferation, migration, invasiveness and apoptosis of MGC803 cells. Moreover, we evaluated the potential mechanism in vitro to determine the sensitization to oxaliplatin induced by WASF3. RESULTS WASF3 silencing by small interfering RNA inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of gastric cancer cells. We also observed that WASF3 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensitization to oxaliplatin induced by WASF3 knockdown depended on the inhibition of Atg12-mediated autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis demonstrates WASF3 targeting is a new potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanhe Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Fang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuxiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, China.
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Qin H, Lu S, Thangaraju M, Cowell JK. Wasf3 Deficiency Reveals Involvement in Metastasis in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:2450-2458. [PMID: 31542393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The WASF3 gene has been implicated in cancer cell movement, invasion, and metastasis by regulating genetic pathways important in these processes. Invasion and metastasis assays, however, are largely centered on xenograft models in immune-compromised mice. To facilitate analysis of the role of WASF3 in the spontaneous development of cancer cell metastasis, we generated a Wasf3 null strain by deleting exons 4 and 5, which encode essential motifs for Wasf3 function. On exposure to cre-recombinase a stop codon is generated immediately downstream in exon 6. Using a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-cre strain, Wasf3 constitutively was inactivated, which led to viable mice with no visible morphologic or behavioral abnormalities. There was no abnormal development or function of the mouse mammary gland in the Wasf3 null mice and brain development was normal. In the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-driven polyoma middle-T oncogene strain, which shows early onset breast cancer development and metastasis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (Wasf3) is up-regulated in metastatic lesions. When this oncogene was introduced onto the Wasf3-null background, although metastasis was observed in these mice, there was a reduction in the number and size of metastatic lesions in the lungs. These data provide evidence for a role in WASF3 in the development of metastasis in a spontaneous model of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Sumin Lu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Huang S, Huang C, Chen W, Liu Y, Yin X, Lai J, Liang L, Wang Q, Wang A, Zheng C. WAVE3 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion via the AKT pathway in pancreatic cancer. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:672-684. [PMID: 29845225 PMCID: PMC6017243 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolinhomologous protein 3 (WAVE3) expression play various roles in certain types of cancer. However, the roles of WAVE3 expression in pancreatic cancer remain unknown. The present retrospective study demonstrated that WAVE3 expression was higher in cancerous pancreatic tissues than in non-neoplastic tissues. Moreover, WAVE3 overexpression was related to lymphatic metastasis, a poor differentiation and high pre-operative CA19-9 levels and was an adverse prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer. In vitro, the knockdown of WAVE3 inhibited the proliferative, migratory and invasive potential of pancreatic cancer cells and promoted cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that WAVE3 influenced the protein kinase B (PBK/AKT) pathway by suppressing the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoform 2 (PDK2) and then negatively inhibiting the phosphorylation of Ser473 on AKT. Furthermore, the expression of AKT pathway downstream proteins [certain epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins, p53, Bcl-2 and cyclin D1] was accordingly altered. Taken together, our findings suggest that WAVE3 influences cell proliferation, migration and invasion via the AKT pathway, and targeting WAVE3 and/or the AKT pathway may potentially serve as a treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobin Huang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Chensong Huang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yifeng Liu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Lijian Liang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Anxun Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Chaoxu Zheng
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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Lu J, Wang SL, Wang YC, Wu YN, Yu X, Zhao WZ, Wang JH. High WAVE3 expression correlates with proliferation, migration and invasion in human ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:41189-41201. [PMID: 28476025 PMCID: PMC5522302 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome verprolin-homologous (WAVE) 3, a member of the WASP/WAVE family of proteins, plays a critical role in cell motility and acts as an oncogene in some human cancers, but no sufficient information available to illustrate its involvement in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis and progression. METHODS The expression of WAVE3 in human ovarian cancer and normal tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. WAVE3 gene and protein expression in different human ovarian cancer cell lines was tested by RT-PCR and western blotting. Stable cells of WAVE3-knockdown in SKOV3 cells or transfected high expression in A2780 cells were constructed. The WAVE3 expression and its correlation with MMPs, p38 MAPK and other factors were studied. The relationship between WAVE3 and oncogenicity in vivo was also evaluated by nude mice xenograft model. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry staining showed the highest WAVE3 expression in ovarian cancer metastases, high in ovarian cancer and weak in normal. In different cell lines, SKOV3 cells showed the highest WAVE3 expression, A2780 cells expressed the lowest. Elevated WAVE3 expression in A2780 cells promoted proliferation and decreased apoptosis, increased the cell number in G2/M phase and promoted migration significantly. Correspondingly, knockdown of WAVE3 in SKOV3 cells showed opposite effects. The WAVE3 expression showed positive correlation with MMPs, NF-κB, COX-2, VEGF and phospho-p38 MAPK, but not p38. The high expression of WAVE3 promoted tumorigenesis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that WAVE3 may be pivotal in ovarian cancer cell motility, invasion and oncogenesis, which might be related with MMPs production and p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Su-Li Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Ying-Chun Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Yi-Nan Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Xi Yu
- The Nanjing Han & Zaenker Cancer Institute, OG Pharmaceuticals, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Wan-Zhou Zhao
- The Nanjing Han & Zaenker Cancer Institute, OG Pharmaceuticals, Nanjing 210036, China
| | - Jin-Hua Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing 210036, China.,Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210036, China
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Molinie N, Gautreau A. The Arp2/3 Regulatory System and Its Deregulation in Cancer. Physiol Rev 2017; 98:215-238. [PMID: 29212790 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00006.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Arp2/3 complex is an evolutionary conserved molecular machine that generates branched actin networks. When activated, the Arp2/3 complex contributes the actin branched junction and thus cross-links the polymerizing actin filaments in a network that exerts a pushing force. The different activators initiate branched actin networks at the cytosolic surface of different cellular membranes to promote their protrusion, movement, or scission in cell migration and membrane traffic. Here we review the structure, function, and regulation of all the direct regulators of the Arp2/3 complex that induce or inhibit the initiation of a branched actin network and that controls the stability of its branched junctions. Our goal is to present recent findings concerning novel inhibitory proteins or the regulation of the actin branched junction and place these in the context of what was previously known to provide a global overview of how the Arp2/3 complex is regulated in human cells. We focus on the human set of Arp2/3 regulators to compare normal Arp2/3 regulation in untransformed cells to the deregulation of the Arp2/3 system observed in patients affected by various cancers. In many cases, these deregulations promote cancer progression and have a direct impact on patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Molinie
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 7654, Palaiseau, France; and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Life Sciences Center, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Alexis Gautreau
- Ecole Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 7654, Palaiseau, France; and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Life Sciences Center, Dolgoprudny, Russia
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11
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Park GB, Kim D. TLR5/7-mediated PI3K activation triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells through WAVE3-dependent mesothelin or OCT4/SOX2 expression. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:3167-3176. [PMID: 28901470 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signaling induces cell migration or invasion in several tumors and various stages of cancer. Interactions of mesothelin, a 40-kDa cell surface glycoprotein, with cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is associated with drug resistance, metastasis, and poor clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients. In this study, we examined the role of TLR5 and TLR7 in the metastasis of ovarian cancer through the induction of mesothelin/CA125 expression and investigated its underlying mechanism. TLR5 agonist (flagellin) and TLR7 agonist (imiquimod) upregulated mesenchymal phenotypes and produced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cytokines in the SKOV3 cells; however, TLR7 expressing CaOV3 cells had no response to the specific ligand, imiquimod, for enhancing its EMT processes. Stimulation of the SKOV3 cells with flagellin or imiquimod activated Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein verprolin-homologous 3 (WAVE3) and mesothelin/CA125, whereas it suppressed the expression of TAp63. Moreover, knockdown of TLR5 or TLR7 in SKOV3 cells profoundly impaired the TLR5- or TLR7-intiated downstream signaling pathway. Loss of WAVE3 in SKOV3 cells led to the inhibition of invasion, suppression of mesenchymal characteristics, prevention of OCT4/SOX2 secretion, and attenuation of mesothelin/CA125 expression after stimulation with flagellin or imiquimod. Although the disruption of mesothelin decreased the migratory activity of the TLR5/7-activated SKOV3 cells, knockdown of mesothelin failed to reduce the expression of mesenchymal markers, OCT4, and SOX2. In addition, targeting OCT4 or SOX2 with siRNA had no effect on the expression of mesothelin and the suppression of transcriptionally active p63 (TAp63) in the TLR5/7-stimulated SKOV3 cells. Our results suggest that TLR5/7-mediated WAVE3 activation not only controls the mesothelin-related EMT processes but also modulates OCT4/SOX2-mediated mesenchymal marker expression. Taken together, both TLR5 and TLR7 expression are critical for the TLR5/7-induced metastasis of ovarian cancer and the inhibition of WAVE3 might be a new therapeutic target to control ovarian cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ga Bin Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
| | - Daejin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea
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12
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Chen ZH, Hong YF, Lin J, Li X, Wu DH, Wen JY, Chen J, Ruan DY, Lin Q, Dong M, Wei L, Wang TT, Lin ZX, Ma XK, Wu XY, Xu R. Validation and ranking of seven staging systems of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:705-714. [PMID: 28693224 PMCID: PMC5494763 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of seven staging systems to predict 3- and 6-month and cumulative survival rates of patients with advanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data were collected from 220 patients with HBV-associated HCC who did not receive any standard anticancer treatment. Participants were patients at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2008 to June 2010. The participants were classified according to the Chinese University Prognostic Index (CUPI), the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), Japan Integrated Staging (JIS), China Integrated Score (CIS) systems, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC), Okuda and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging systems at the time of diagnosis and during patient follow-up. The sensitivity and specificity of the predictive value of each staging system for 3- and 6-month mortality were analyzed by relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with a non-parametric test being used to compare the area under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves. In addition, log-rank tests and Kaplan-Meier estimator survival curves were applied to compare the overall survival rates of the patients with HCC defined as advanced using the various staging systems, and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) were used to evaluate the predictive value for overall survival in patients with advanced HCC. Using univariate and multivariate Cox's model analyses, the factors predictive of survival were also identified. A total of 220 patients with HBV-associated HCC were analyzed. Independent prognostic factors identified by multivariate analyses included tumor size, α-fetoprotein levels, blood urea nitrogen levels, the presence or absence of portal vein thrombus, Child-Pugh score and neutrophil count. When predicting 3-month survival, the AUCs of CLIP, CIS, CUPI, Okuda, TNM, JIS and BCLC were 0.806, 0.772, 0.751, 0.731, 0.643, 0.754 and 0.622, respectively. When predicting 6-month survival, the AUCs of CLIP, CIS, CUPI, Okuda, TNM, JIS and BCLC were 0.828, 0.729, 0.717, 0.692, 0.664, 0.746 and 0.575, respectively. For 3-month mortality, the prognostic value of CLIP ranked highest, followed by CIS; for 6-month mortality, the prognostic value of CLIP also ranked highest, followed by JIS. No significant difference between the AUCs of CLIP and CIS (P>0.05) in their predictive value for 3-month mortality was observed. The AUC of CLIP was significantly higher compared with that of the other staging systems (P<0.05) for predicting 6-month mortality. The χ2 values from the LRTs of CLIP, CIS, CUPI, Okuda, TNM, JIS and BCLC were 75.6, 48.4, 46.7, 36.0, 21.0, 46.8 and 7.24, respectively. The AIC values of CLIP, CIS, CUPI, Okuda, TNM, JIS and BCLC were 1601.5, 1632.3, 1629.9, 1641.1, 1654.8, 1627.4 and 1671.1, respectively. CLIP exhibited the highest χ2 value and lowest AIC value, indicating that CLIP has the highest predictive value of cumulative survival rate. In the selected patients of the present study, CLIP was the staging system best able to predict 3- and 6-month and overall survival rates. CIS ranked second in predicting 3-month mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Hong Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Fen Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jinxiang Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Hao Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Yun Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Yun Ruan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Qu Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Xiao Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Kun Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Yuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Ruihua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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13
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Wang G, Fu Y, Liu G, Ye Y, Zhang X. miR-218 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and EMT of Gastric Cancer Cells by Targeting WASF3. Oncol Res 2016; 25:355-364. [PMID: 27642088 PMCID: PMC7841020 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14738114257367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis. miR-218 is one of the most known miRNAs and has been demonstrated to inhibit progression in gastric cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not established. In this study, qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that miR-218 was downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and BGC823 compared to that in normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1. MTT and wound scratch assays suggested that overexpression of miR-218 markedly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and EMT of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we proved that WASF3 was a direct target of miR-218 by luciferase reporter assay, and restoration of WASF3 expression impairs miR-218-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, and EMT in gastric cancer cells SGC7901. In summary, our results demonstrated that miR-218 functions as one of the tumor-suppressive miRNAs and inhibits gastric cancer tumorigenesis by targeting WASF3. miR-218 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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14
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Novel WASP mutation in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: Case report and review of the literature. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2016; 44:450-4. [PMID: 26993433 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is a rare X-linked recessive immunodeficiency disorder, caused by mutations in the WAS protein (WASP) gene and characterised by thrombocytopenia, small platelets, eczema, and recurrent infections associated with increased risk of autoimmunity and malignancy disorders. The gene for WAS has been mapped to the short arm of the X chromosome at Xp 11.22-23 and early detection of patients and diagnosis of new mutation might reduce related complications and increase their life expectancy. METHOD AND RESULT We found a novel mutation by sequence analysis of genomic DNA coding of a 9-month old boy suffering from WAS. The mutation was insertion G in exon 10 of WASP gene. The consequence of the G insertion is a premature stop immediately at amino acid 335 (N335X or p.G334GfsX1) and truncated protein. CONCLUSION The mutation analysis is helpful for the diagnosis of WAS patients and also expanding the spectrum of WASP mutations for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis.
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15
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Teng Y, Qin H, Bahassan A, Bendzunas NG, Kennedy EJ, Cowell JK. The WASF3-NCKAP1-CYFIP1 Complex Is Essential for Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5133-42. [PMID: 27432794 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of the WASF3 gene suppresses invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. WASF3 function is regulated through a protein complex that includes the NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 proteins. Here, we report that silencing NCKAP1 destabilizes the WASF3 complex, resulting in a suppression of the invasive capacity of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells. In an in vivo model of spontaneous metastasis in immunocompromized mice, loss of NCKAP1 also suppresses metastasis. Activation of the WASF protein complex occurs through interaction with RAC1, and inactivation of NCKAP1 prevents the association of RAC1 with the WASF3 complex. Thus, WASF3 depends on NCKAP1 to promote invasion and metastasis. Here, we show that stapled peptides targeting the interface between NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 destabilize the WASF3 complex and suppress RAC1 binding, thereby suppressing invasion. Using a complex-disrupting compound identified in this study termed WANT3, our results offer a mechanistic proof of concept to target this interaction as a novel approach to inhibit breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 76(17); 5133-42. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia. Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | | | - N George Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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16
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Zhu Z, Chen W, Yin X, Lai J, Wang Q, Liang L, Wang W, Wang A, Zheng C. WAVE3 Induces EMT and Promotes Migration and Invasion in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2016; 61:1950-60. [PMID: 26971088 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein 3 (WAVE3) plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the specific role of WAVE3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has not been studied. AIMS This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of WAVE3 in the progression and metastasis of ICC. METHODS The expression of WAVE3 in ICC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was utilized to detect the expression of WAVE3 in ICC cells. A transwell assay was used to assess the potential for migration and invasion. The expression of WAVE3 in CC-LP-1 cells was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference. RESULTS The expression of WAVE3 in ICC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The overall survival was lower in the subgroup of ICC patients with higher WAVE3 expression compared to the subgroup with a lower level of WAVE3 expression. WAVE3 expression was an adverse prognostic factor for ICC patients. CC-LP-1 cells expressed higher levels of WAVE3 protein compared to RBE cells and human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells, which correlated with greater migration and invasion capabilities compared with the RBE cells. After the transfection of CC-LP-1 cells with WAVE3 siRNA, the level of WAVE3 protein was significantly decreased, accompanied by a marked reduction in migration, invasion and proliferation. Moreover, after the knockdown of WAVE3 expression in CC-LP-1 cells, the protein levels of Slug and Vimentin were significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS WAVE3 may represent a new adverse prognostic factor for patients with ICC. This protein enhances migration and invasion capabilities in ICC, most likely through the induction of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Zhu
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lijian Liang
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anxun Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoxu Zheng
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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