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Zhang Y, Deng Y, Zhou M, Wu B, Zhou J. Intraglandular dissemination: a special pathological feature. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1428274. [PMID: 39135992 PMCID: PMC11317368 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1428274] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Intraglandular dissemination is an important pathological feature of thyroid cancer, yet the biological characteristics of this phenomenon remain relatively underexplored. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of its biological behaviors, protein expressions, and identification methods. Several retrospective studies have found that thyroid cancers with intraglandular dissemination have higher rates of lymph node metastasis, capsule invasion, and vascular invasion, exhibiting more aggressive biological behavior. Immunohistochemistry results show abnormal expression of proteins such as FKBP5, CENPF, CX26, KIF11, PTK7, which are associated with poor prognosis in thyroid cancers with intraglandular dissemination, offering potential guidance for specific targeted therapy in the future. Moreover, adjunctive techniques including ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration, and genetic testing offer valuable support in accurately identifying these cases, facilitating moreproactive treatment and closer follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubi Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, People’s Hospital of Dongxihu District Wuhan City and Union Dongxihu Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Yu S, Ren H, Liu T, Han X, Guo H, Ning Q, Li Y, Zhou H, Chen M, Hu T. Metformin suppresses NFE2L1 pathway activation to inhibit gap junction beta protein expression in NSCLC. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7021. [PMID: 38562019 PMCID: PMC10985411 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7021] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a deadly form of cancer that exhibits extensive intercellular communication which contributed to chemoradiotherapy resistance. Recent evidence suggests that arrange of key proteins are involved in lung cancer progression, including gap junction proteins (GJPs). METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we examined the expression patterns of GJPs in NSCLC, uncovering that both gap junction protein, beta 2 (GJB2) and gap junction protein, beta 2 (GJB3) are increased in LUAD and LUSC. We observed a correlation between the upregulation of GJB2, GJB3 in clinical samples and a worse prognosis in patients with NSCLC. By examining the mechanics, we additionally discovered that nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1) had the capability to enhance the expression of connexin26 and connexin 31 in the NSCLC cell line A549. In addition, the use of metformin was discovered to cause significant downregulation of gap junction protein, betas (GJBs) by limiting the presence of NFE2L1 in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION This emphasizes the potential of targeting GJBs as a viable treatment approach for NSCLC patients receiving metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Department of General SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Department of General SurgeryWeifang People's HospitalWeifangShandongChina
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Qian Ning
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Mingwei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tinghua Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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3
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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4
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Zhou S, Wang H, Huang Y, Wu Y, Lin Z. The global change of gene expression pattern caused by PTEN mutation affects the prognosis of glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:952521. [PMID: 36016609 PMCID: PMC9396408 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.952521] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive primary tumor, is common in humans, accounting for 12–15% of all intracranial tumors, and has median survival of fewer than 15 months. Since a growing body of evidence suggests that conventional drugs are ineffective against GBM, our goal is to find emerging therapies that play a role in its treatment. This research constructs a risk model to predict the prognosis of GBM patients. A set of genes associated with GBM was taken from a GBM gene data bank, and clinical information on patients with GBM was retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data bank. One-way Cox and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to identify genes in relation to prognosis. Groups were classified into high and low expression level of PTEN expression. Prognosis-related genes were further identified, and multi-factor Cox regression analysis was used to build risk score equations for the prognostic model to construct a survival prognostic model. The area under the ROC curve suggested that the pattern had high accuracy. When combined with nomogram analysis, GJB2 was considered an independent predictor of GBM prognosis. This study provides a potential prognostic predictive biological marker for GBM patients and confirms that GJB2 is a key gene for GBM progression.
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Li S, Liu Y, Qiu G, Luo Y, Luan L, Xu T, Wang Y, Xia S. Long Non-Coding RNA CAR10 Facilitates Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion by Modulating the miR-892a/GJB2 Pathway. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:1967-1979. [PMID: 33664589 PMCID: PMC7923957 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s287386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding (lnc)RNAs and microRNAs (miRs), play crucial roles in numerous malignant tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods The expression levels of chromatin-associated RNA Intergenic 10 (CAR10), gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) and miR-892a in NSCLC were evaluated by reanalyzing three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, and performing reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot analysis, accordingly. Functionally, Transwell and Matrigel assays were performed to measure changes in the migration and invasion abilities of the A549 and H1299 cell lines. The targeted binding effects between CAR10 and miR-892a, as well as between miR-892a and GJB2 were confirmed by conducting dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays, respectively. Results The present study demonstrated that CAR10 was upregulated in patients with NSCLC, which was also associated with a poor prognosis. Functionally, CAR10 was confirmed to be oncogenic and promoted NSCLC cell migration and invasion, using overexpression and knockdown Transwell assays. Furthermore, GJB2 expression was revealed to be upregulated and was positively correlated with CAR10 expression in NSCLC. A further mechanistic study revealed that GJB2 was a downstream target of CAR10, which induced the migration and invasive potential of the A549 and H1299 cell lines. More specifically, miR-892a was found to serve as a bridge between CAR10 and GJB2, via similar miRNA response elements. The RNA pull-down and luciferase assays indicated that miR-892a directly binds both CAR10 and GJB2. Conclusion CAR10 promoted NSCLC cell migration and invasion by upregulating GJB2 and sponging miR-892a. These findings illustrated that the CAR10/miR-892a/GJB2 axis may be a novel molecular target for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Respiratory Department, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Yize Liu
- 4th Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanzhen Qiu
- 4th Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinzhou Luo
- 4th Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Luan
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiance Xu
- 2nd Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Wang
- 4th Department of Orthopedics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China.,Central Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyue Xia
- Respiratory Department, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China.,Dean's Office, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110024, People's Republic of China
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Tang Y, Zhang YJ, Wu ZH. High GJB2 mRNA expression and its prognostic significance in lung adenocarcinoma: a study based on the TCGA database. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e19054. [PMID: 32243356 PMCID: PMC7220691 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000019054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a form of lung cancer, is reported to cause first and second-order cancer morbidity to men and women in China, respectively. We assessed the mRNA expression of GJB2 in LUAD patients in our study, based on data acquired from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and so as to increase further knowledge into the biological pathways involved in LUAD pathogenesis related to GJB2.Information on gene expression and comparing clinical data were recognized and downloaded from TCGA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) created an arranged list of all genes is indicated by their connection with GJB2 expression.Our study cohort included 265 (54.5%) female and 221 (36.0%) male patients. The scatter plot and paired plot showed the difference of GJB2 expression between normal and tumor samples (P < .01). Overall survival (OS) analysis demonstrated that LUAD with GJB2 -high had a more terrible prognosis than that with GJB2 -low (P < .01). Multivariate analysis with the cox proportional hazards model indicated that the expression of Cx26 (HR: 1.00; 95%CI: 1.00-1.01; P = .041) and stage (HR: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.23-3.09; P = .003) were independent prognostic factors for patients with LUAD. The GSEA results showed that cytosolic DNA sensing pathway, apoptosis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, small cell lung cancer and pathways in cancer are differentially enriched in GJB2 high expression phenotype.Our study confirmed the significantly high levels of Cx26 expression in LUAD patients with several observed clinical features. GJB2 may be a potentially useful prognostic molecular biomarker of bad survival in LUAD, while further experimental ought to be performed to demonstrate the biologic effect of GJB2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital
| | | | - Zeng-Hong Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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7
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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8
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Beckmann A, Hainz N, Tschernig T, Meier C. Facets of Communication: Gap Junction Ultrastructure and Function in Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030288. [PMID: 30823688 PMCID: PMC6468480 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction proteins are expressed in cancer stem cells and non-stem cancer cells of many tumors. As the morphology and assembly of gap junction channels are crucial for their function in intercellular communication, one focus of our review is to outline the data on gap junction plaque morphology available for cancer cells. Electron microscopic studies and freeze-fracture analyses on gap junction ultrastructure in cancer are summarized. As the presence of gap junctions is relevant in solid tumors, we exemplarily outline their role in glioblastomas and in breast cancer. These were also shown to contain cancer stem cells, which are an essential cause of tumor onset and of tumor transmission into metastases. For these processes, gap junctional communication was shown to be important and thus we summarize, how the expression of gap junction proteins and the resulting communication between cancer stem cells and their surrounding cells contributes to the dissemination of cancer stem cells via blood or lymphatic vessels. Based on their importance for tumors and metastases, future cancer-specific therapies are expected to address gap junction proteins. In turn, gap junctions also seem to contribute to the unattainability of cancer stem cells by certain treatments and might thus contribute to therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Nadine Hainz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Tschernig
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
| | - Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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Wu JI, Wang LH. Emerging roles of gap junction proteins connexins in cancer metastasis, chemoresistance and clinical application. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:8. [PMID: 30642339 PMCID: PMC6332853 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin, a four-pass transmembrane protein, contributes to assembly of gap junctions among neighboring cells and thus facilitates gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Traditionally, the roles of connexins were thought to mediate formation of hemichannels and GJIC assembly for transportation of ions and small molecules. Many studies have observed loss of GJIC, due to reduced expression or altered cytoplasmic localization of connexins, in primary tumor cells. Connexins are generally considered tumor-suppressive. However, recent studies of clinical samples suggested a different role of connexins in that expression levels and membrane localization of connexins, including Connexin 43 (Cx43, GJA1) and Connexin 26 (Cx26, GJB2), were found to be enhanced in metastatic lesions of cancer patients. Cx43- and Cx26-mediated GJIC was found to promote cancer cell migration and adhesion to the pulmonary endothelium. Regulatory circuits involved in the induction of connexins and their functional effects have also been reported in various types of cancer. Connexins expressed in stromal cells were correlated with metastasis and were implicated in regulating metastatic behaviors of cancer cells. Recent studies have revealed that connexins can contribute to cellular phenotypes via multiple ways, namely 1) GJIC, 2) C-terminal tail-mediated signaling, and 3) cell-cell adhesion during gap junction formation. Both expression levels and the subcellular localization could participate determining the functional roles of connexins in cancer. Compounds targeting connexins were thus tested as potential therapeutics intervening metastasis or chemoresistance. This review focuses on the recent findings in the correlation between the expression of connexins and patients’ prognosis, their roles in metastasis and chemoresistance, as well as the implications and concerns of using connexin-targeting drugs as anti-metastatic therapeutics. Overall, connexins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and as therapeutic targets for intervening metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-I Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Hai Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Chinese Medical Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Iikawa N, Yamamoto Y, Kawasaki Y, Nishijima-Matsunobu A, Suzuki M, Yamada T, Omori Y. Intrinsic Oncogenic Function of Intracellular Connexin26 Protein in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072134. [PMID: 30041406 PMCID: PMC6073371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has long been known that the gap junction is down-regulated in many tumours. One of the downregulation mechanisms is the translocation of connexin, a gap junction protein, from cell membrane into cytoplasm, nucleus, or Golgi apparatus. Interestingly, as tumours progress and reinforce their malignant phenotype, the amount of aberrantly-localised connexin increases in different malignant tumours including oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, thus suggesting that such an aberrantly-localised connexin should be oncogenic, although gap junctional connexins are often tumour-suppressive. To define the dual roles of connexin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we introduced the wild-type connexin26 (wtCx26) or the mutant Cx26 (icCx26) gene, the product of which carries the amino acid sequence AKKFF, an endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi retention signal, at the C-terminus and is not sorted to cell membrane, into the human FaDu hypopharyngeal cancer cell line that had severely impaired the expression of connexin during carcinogenesis. wtCx26 protein was trafficked to the cell membrane and formed gap junction, which successfully exerted cell-cell communication. On the other hand, the icCx26 protein was co-localised with a Golgi marker, as revealed by immunofluorescence, and thus was retained on the way to the cell membrane. While the forced expression of wtCx26 suppressed both cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in mice in vivo, icCx26 significantly enhanced both cell proliferation and tumorigenicity compared with the mock control clones, indicating that an excessive accumulation of connexin protein in intracellular domains should be involved in cancer progression and that restoration of proper subcellular sorting of connexin might be a therapeutic strategy to control HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Iikawa
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Yohei Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Yohei Kawasaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Aki Nishijima-Matsunobu
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Maya Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Takechiyo Yamada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-and-Neck Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Yasufumi Omori
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan.
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Overexpression of denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog (DTL) is related to poor outcome in gastric carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 6:36615-24. [PMID: 26472028 PMCID: PMC4742199 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog (DTL) has been identified in amplified region (1q32) of several cancers and has an oncogenic function. In this study, we tested whether DTL acts as a cancer-promoting gene through its activation/overexpression in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS We analyzed 7 GC cell lines and 100 primary tumors that were curatively resected in our hospital between 2001 and 2003. RESULTS Overexpression of the DTL protein was detected in GC cell lines (4/7 cell lines; 57%) and primary GC tumor samples (42/100 cases; 42%). Knockdown of DTL using several specific siRNAs inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion in a TP53 mutation-independent manner. Overexpression of the DTL was significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion, deeper tumor depth and higher recurrence rate. Patients with DTL-overexpressing tumors had a worse survival rate than those with non-expressing tumors in overall survival (P = 0.0498, log-rank test) and disease-free survival (P = 0.0324, log-rank test). In a multivariate analysis, DTL positivity was independently associated with a worse overall survival (P = 0.0104, hazard ratio 3.7 [1.36-10.1]) and disease-free survival (P = 0.0070 (hazard ratio, 3.9 (1.45-10.46)) following radical gastrectomy. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that DTL overexpression plays a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation and highlights its usefulness as a prognosticator and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
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Abstract
Fifty years ago, tumour cells were found to lack electrical coupling, leading to the hypothesis that loss of direct intercellular communication is commonly associated with cancer onset and progression. Subsequent studies linked this phenomenon to gap junctions composed of connexin proteins. Although many studies support the notion that connexins are tumour suppressors, recent evidence suggests that, in some tumour types, they may facilitate specific stages of tumour progression through both junctional and non-junctional signalling pathways. This Timeline article highlights the milestones connecting gap junctions to cancer, and underscores important unanswered questions, controversies and therapeutic opportunities in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- (Co-corresponding authors) Correspondence to
T.A. () and D.W.L.
()
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory ERL 7368 CNRS - Faculté des Sciences
Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers,
France
| | - Christian C. Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The Life
Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Dale W. Laird
- (Co-corresponding authors) Correspondence to
T.A. () and D.W.L.
()
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Liu Z, Wang Q, Fan L, Wu DP, Zhang Y, Liu L, Tao L. Gap junction enhances phototoxicity of photodynamic therapy agent 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinylpyropheophorbide-a (HPPH). Lasers Surg Med 2014; 47:68-76. [DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Department of Pharmacology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road Guangzhou 510080 China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road Guangzhou 510080 China
| | - Lixia Fan
- Department of Pharmacology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road Guangzhou 510080 China
| | - Deng Pan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology; Pharmacy School of Xuzhou Medical College; China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road Guangzhou 510080 China
| | - Lucy Liu
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology; University of Toronto; Ontario M5S 3G5 Canada
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology; Zhongshan School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen University; 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road Guangzhou 510080 China
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Komatsu S, Ichikawa D, Hirajima S, Nagata H, Nishimura Y, Kawaguchi T, Miyamae M, Okajima W, Ohashi T, Konishi H, Shiozaki A, Fujiwara H, Okamoto K, Tsuda H, Imoto I, Inazawa J, Otsuji E. Overexpression of SMYD2 contributes to malignant outcome in gastric cancer. Br J Cancer 2014; 112:357-64. [PMID: 25321194 PMCID: PMC4453442 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2) is a lysine methyltransferase for histone H3, p53 and Rb and inhibits their transactivation activities. In this study, we tested whether SMYD2 (1q42) acts as a cancer-promoting factor by being overexpressed in gastric cancer. METHODS We analysed 7 gastric cancer cell lines and 147 primary tumor samples of gastric cancer, which were curatively resected in our hospital. RESULTS SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 was detected in these cell lines (five out of seven cell lines; 71.4%) and primary tumor samples (fifty-six out of one hundred and forty-seven cases; 38.1%). Knockdown of SMYD2 using specific small interfering RNA inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of SMYD2-overexpressing cells in a TP53 mutation-independent manner. Overexpression of SMYD2 protein correlated with larger tumor size, more aggressive lymphatic invasion, deeper tumor invasion and higher rates of lymph node metastasis and recurrence. Patients with SMYD2-overexpressing tumours had a worse overall rate of survival than those with non-expressing tumours (P=0.0073, log-rank test) in an intensity and proportion score-dependent manner. Moreover, multivariate analysis demonstrated that SMYD2 was independently associated with worse outcome (P=0.0021, hazard ratio 4.25 (1.69-10.7)). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that SMYD2 has a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation by its overexpression and highlight its usefulness as a prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Komatsu
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - D Ichikawa
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - S Hirajima
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - H Nagata
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Y Nishimura
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - T Kawaguchi
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - M Miyamae
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - W Okajima
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - T Ohashi
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - H Konishi
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - A Shiozaki
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - H Fujiwara
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - K Okamoto
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - H Tsuda
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - I Imoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8505, Japan
| | - J Inazawa
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute and School of Biomedical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-5810, Japan
| | - E Otsuji
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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15
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16
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Nishimura Y, Komatsu S, Ichikawa D, Nagata H, Hirajima S, Takeshita H, Kawaguchi T, Arita T, Konishi H, Kashimoto K, Shiozaki A, Fujiwara H, Okamoto K, Tsuda H, Otsuji E. Overexpression of YWHAZ relates to tumor cell proliferation and malignant outcome of gastric carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:1324-31. [PMID: 23422756 PMCID: PMC3619260 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have demonstrated that YWHAZ (14-3-3ζ), included in the 14-3-3 family of proteins, has been implicated in the initiation and progression of cancers. We tested whether YWHAZ acted as a cancer-promoting gene through its activation/overexpression in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS We analysed 7 GC cell lines and 141 primary tumours, which were curatively resected in our hospital between 2001 and 2003. RESULTS Overexpression of the YWHAZ protein was frequently detected in GC cell lines (six out of seven lines, 85.7%) and primary tumour samples of GC (72 out of 141 cases, 51%), and significantly correlated with larger tumour size, venous and lymphatic invasion, deeper tumour depth, and higher pathological stage and recurrence rate. Patients with YWHAZ-overexpressing tumours had worse overall survival rates than those with non-expressing tumours in both intensity and proportion expression-dependent manner. YWHAZ positivity was independently associated with a worse outcome in multivariate analysis (P=0.0491, hazard ratio 2.3 (1.003-5.304)). Knockdown of YWHAZ expression using several specific siRNAs inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of YWHAZ-overexpressing GC cells. Higher expression of the YWHAZ protein was significantly associated with the lower expression of miR-375 in primary GC tissues (P=0.0047). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that YWHAZ has a pivotal role in tumour cell proliferation through its overexpression, and highlight its usefulness as a prognostic factor and potential therapeutic target in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nishimura
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachihirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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17
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Kashimoto K, Komatsu S, Ichikawa D, Arita T, Konishi H, Nagata H, Takeshita H, Nishimura Y, Hirajima S, Kawaguchi T, Shiozaki A, Fujiwara H, Okamoto K, Tsuda H, Otsuji E. Overexpression of TRIM44 contributes to malignant outcome in gastric carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2012; 103:2021-6. [PMID: 22862969 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02407.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that some members of the tripartite motif-containing protein (TRIM) family, which is characterized by a conserved RING finger, B-box, and coiled-coil domains, function as important regulators for carcinogenesis. In this study, we tested whether TRIM44 (11p13) acts as a cancer-promoting gene through overexpression in gastric cancer. We analyzed seven gastric cancer cell lines and 112 primary tumors, which were curatively resected in our hospital between 2001 and 2003. Expression of the TRIM44 protein was detected in gastric cancer cell lines (2/7 cell lines; 29%) and primary tumor samples of gastric cancer (29/112 cases; 25%). Knockdown of TRIM44 expression using several specific siRNAs inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TRIM44-overexpressing cells. Overexpression of the TRIM44 protein was significantly correlated with an advanced type of macroscopic appearance, lymphatic invasion, and higher recurrence rate. TRIM44-overexpressing tumors had a worse overall rate of survival than those with non-expressing tumors (P = 0.0038, log-rank test) in both intensity and proportion expression-dependent manner. TRIM44 positivity was independently associated with worse outcome in multivariate analysis (P = 0.0233, hazard ratio 3.37 [1.18-9.64]). These findings suggest that TRIM44 plays a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation through its overexpression, and highlight its usefulness as a predictor and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingo Kashimoto
- Division of Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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18
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Dominguez C, Karayan-Tapon L, Desurmont T, Gibelin H, Crespin S, Fromont G, Levillain P, Bouche G, Cantereau A, Mesnil M, Kraimps JL. Altered expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 is associated with papillary thyroid carcinomas when compared with other noncancer pathologies of the thyroid. Thyroid 2011; 21:1057-66. [PMID: 21875346 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2011.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junctions are membrane structures composed of connexins (Cx) that allow diffusion of small molecules between cells. They are involved in tissue homeostasis, and various organ dysfunctions have been associated with gap junction defects. To verify their possible involvement in thyroid pathologies, the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), the major Cx in the human thyroid, was evaluated in a variety of diseases including cancer. METHODS There were 122 samples from various thyroid pathologies that were collected to analyze the presence of Cx43 by immunofluorescence. Through confocal microscopy, different patterns of Cx43 localization were identified as normal (membrane) or abnormal (cytoplasmic or lack of detection). The analysis of Cx43 expression was further performed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry in a subset of 25 papillary carcinomas and compared with nontumoral thyroid tissues. RESULTS The presence of Cx43 was commonly altered in thyroid cancer, as abnormal Cx43 staining was detected in 94.1% of cancer, 47.4% of adenomas, 45.7% of multinodular goiter, 16.7% of Graves' disease, and 25% of thyroiditis. In papillary carcinoma samples, the deregulation of Cx43 expression was mostly the consequence of a decrease of Cx43 mRNA (68% of cases) when compared with normal tissue. When Cx43 mRNA was not downregulated (32% of cases), both loss of membrane staining and aberrant cytoplasmic distribution of the protein were observed. CONCLUSIONS These results show that aberrations of Cx43 expression are associated with thyroid papillary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Dominguez
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Jean Bernard Hospital, University Hospital Center (CHU) of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Potolicchio I, Cigliola V, Velazquez-Garcia S, Klee P, Valjevac A, Kapic D, Cosovic E, Lepara O, Hadzovic-Dzuvo A, Mornjacovic Z, Meda P. Connexin-dependent signaling in neuro-hormonal systems. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1818:1919-36. [PMID: 22001400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The advent of multicellular organisms was accompanied by the development of short- and long-range chemical signalling systems, including those provided by the nervous and endocrine systems. In turn, the cells of these two systems have developed mechanisms for interacting with both adjacent and distant cells. With evolution, such mechanisms have diversified to become integrated in a complex regulatory network, whereby individual endocrine and neuro-endocrine cells sense the state of activity of their neighbors and, accordingly, regulate their own level of functioning. A consistent feature of this network is the expression of connexin-made channels between the (neuro)hormone-producing cells of all endocrine glands and secretory regions of the central nervous system so far investigated in vertebrates. This review summarizes the distribution of connexins in the mammalian (neuro)endocrine systems, and what we know about the participation of these proteins on hormone secretion, the life of the producing cells, and the action of (neuro)hormones on specific targets. The data gathered since the last reviews on the topic are summarized, with particular emphasis on the roles of Cx36 in the function of the insulin-producing beta cells of the endocrine pancreas, and of Cx40 in that of the renin-producing juxta-glomerular epithelioid cells of the kidney cortex. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Potolicchio
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland
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Abstract
Glioblastoma is a very aggressive astrocytic tumor and most patients have 1-year survival time after diagnosis. A promising therapeutic strategy is the local delivery of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene in the tumor bed followed by ganciclovir treatment. The presence of functional gap junctions is highly relevant for the success of suicide gene therapy. Connexins are expressed in practically all tissues and form gap junctions that allow intercellular communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major connexin member being expressed in astrocytes but its status in glioblastoma is not well defined. We have investigated by immunofluorescence the presence of Cx43 in 74 human glioblastoma samples; its expression was detected in 77% of the samples analyzed. We report here that glioblastoma is a heterogenous disease as regards Cx43 expression with presentations, in which Cx43 expression is unaltered, reduced or totally lost. A predominant Cx43 cytoplasmic localization was observed in four out of eight primary glioblastoma cultures that we have established. This aberrant localization reduced gap junctionnal intercellular communication by 50 to 75% as compared with primary cell cultures displaying gap junctional plaques. However, the bystander effect evaluated after lentiviral delivery of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene and ganciclovir treatment was detected in all Cx43-positive primary cell cultures, and it was independant of the Cx43 localization. These findings may have important clinical implications for the design of anticancer cytotoxic therapies that rely on the gap junction-mediated bystander effect for their success.
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Muramatsu T, Imoto I, Matsui T, Kozaki KI, Haruki S, Sudol M, Shimada Y, Tsuda H, Kawano T, Inazawa J. YAP is a candidate oncogene for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2010; 32:389-98. [PMID: 21112960 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgq254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP), the nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway, is a key regulator of organ size and a candidate human oncogene located at chromosome 11q22. Since we previously reported amplification of 11q22 region in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), in this study we focused on the clinical significance and biological functions of YAP in this tumor. Frequent overexpression of YAP protein was observed in ESCC cells including those with a robust amplicon at position 11q22. Overexpression of the YAP protein was frequently detected in primary tumors of ESCC as well. Patients with YAP-overexpressing tumors had a worse overall rate of survival than those with non-expressing tumors, and YAP positivity was independently associated with a worse outcome in the multivariate analysis. Further analyses in cells in which YAP was either overexpressed or depleted confirmed that cell proliferation was promoted in a YAP isoform-independent but YAP expression level-dependent manner. YAP depletion inhibited cell proliferation mainly in the G(0)-G(1) phase and induced an increase in CDKN1A/p21 transcription but a decrease in BIRC5/survivin transcription. Our results indicate that YAP is a putative oncogene in ESCC and it represents a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Muramatsu
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University,Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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Cottin S, Ghani K, de Campos-Lima PO, Caruso M. Gemcitabine intercellular diffusion mediated by gap junctions: new implications for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:141. [PMID: 20537146 PMCID: PMC2898703 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Solid tumors are often poorly vascularized, with cells that can be 100 μm away from blood vessels. These distant cells get less oxygen and nutrients and are exposed to lower doses of chemotherapeutic agents. As gap junctions allow the passage of small molecules between cells, we tested the possibility that the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine can diffuse through gap junctions in solid tumors. Results We first showed with a dye transfer assay that the glioblastoma and the osteosarcoma cells used in this study have functional gap junctions. These cells were genetically engineered to express the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK), and induced a "bystander effect" as demonstrated by the killing of TK-negative cells in presence of the nucleoside analogue ganciclovir (GCV). The ability of gemcitabine to induce a similar bystander effect was then tested by mixing cells treated with 3 μM gemcitabine for 24 hours with untreated cells at different ratios. In all cell lines tested, bystander cells were killed with ratios containing as low as 5% treated cells, and this toxic effect was reduced in presence of α-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA), a specific gap junction inhibitor. We also showed that a 2- or a 24-hour gemcitabine treatment was more efficient to inhibit the growth of spheroids with functional gap junctions as compared to the same treatment made in presence of AGA. Finally, after a 24-hour gemcitabine treatment, the cell viability in spheroids was reduced by 92% as opposed to 51% in presence of AGA. Conclusion These results indicate that gemcitabine-mediated toxicity can diffuse through gap junctions, and they suggest that gemcitabine treatment could be more efficient for treating solid tumors that display gap junctions. The presence of these cellular channels could be used to predict the responsiveness to this nucleoside analogue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvine Cottin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de l'Université Laval, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Qc G1R 2J6, Canada
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Colomer C, Desarménien MG, Guérineau NC. Revisiting the stimulus-secretion coupling in the adrenal medulla: role of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 40:87-100. [PMID: 19444654 PMCID: PMC2879034 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The current view of stimulation-secretion coupling in adrenal neuroendocrine chromaffin cells holds that catecholamines are released upon transsynaptic sympathetic stimulation mediated by acetylcholine released from the splanchnic nerve terminals. However, this traditional vertical scheme would merit to be revisited in the light of recent data. Although electrical discharges invading the splanchnic nerve endings are the major physiological stimulus to trigger catecholamine release in vivo, growing evidence indicates that intercellular chromaffin cell communication mediated by gap junctions represents an additional route by which biological signals (electrical activity, changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration,...) propagate between adjacent cells and trigger subsequent catecholamine exocytosis. Accordingly, it has been proposed that gap junctional communication efficiently helps synapses to lead chromaffin cell function and, in particular, hormone secretion. The experimental clues supporting this hypothesis are presented and discussed with regards to both interaction with the excitatory cholinergic synaptic transmission and physiopathology of the adrenal medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Colomer
- IGF, Institut de génomique fonctionnelle
CNRS : UMR5203INSERM : U661Université Montpellier IUniversité Montpellier II - Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc141, Rue de la Cardonille 34094 MONTPELLIER CEDEX 5,FR
| | - Michel G. Desarménien
- IGF, Institut de génomique fonctionnelle
CNRS : UMR5203INSERM : U661Université Montpellier IUniversité Montpellier II - Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc141, Rue de la Cardonille 34094 MONTPELLIER CEDEX 5,FR
| | - Nathalie C. Guérineau
- IGF, Institut de génomique fonctionnelle
CNRS : UMR5203INSERM : U661Université Montpellier IUniversité Montpellier II - Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc141, Rue de la Cardonille 34094 MONTPELLIER CEDEX 5,FR
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Komatsu S, Imoto I, Tsuda H, Kozaki KI, Muramatsu T, Shimada Y, Aiko S, Yoshizumi Y, Ichikawa D, Otsuji E, Inazawa J. Overexpression of SMYD2 relates to tumor cell proliferation and malignant outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2009; 30:1139-46. [PMID: 19423649 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgp116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although we have identified two putative targets, ATF3 and CENPF, for a frequently gained/amplified region around 1q32-q41 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), it is possible that other amplification targets remain to be identified. In this study, we tested whether SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2 (SMYD2), located between those two genes and encoding a lysine methyltransferase for histone H3K36 and p53K370 that regulates transcription and inhibits transactivation activity, respectively, acts as a cancer-promoting gene through activation/overexpression in ESCC. Frequent overexpression of SMYD2 messenger RNA and protein was observed in KYSE150 cells with remarkable amplification at 1q32-41.1 and other ESCC cell lines (11/43 lines, 25.6%). Overexpression of SMYD2 protein was frequently detected in primary tumor samples of ESCC (117/153 cases, 76.5%) as well and significantly correlated with gender, venous invasion, the pT category in the tumor-lymph node-metastases classification and status of recurrence. Patients with SMYD2-overexpressing tumors had a worse overall rate of survival than those with non-expressing tumors, and SMYD2 positivity was independently associated with a worse outcome in the multivariate analysis. Knockdown of SMYD2 expression inhibited and ectopic overexpression of SMYD2 promoted the proliferation of ESCC cells in a TP53 mutation-independent but SMYD2 expression-dependent manner. These findings suggest that SMYD2 plays an important role in tumor cell proliferation through its activation/overexpression and highlight its usefulness as a prognosticator and potential therapeutic target in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhei Komatsu
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute and School of Biomedical Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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