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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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Noubissi FK, Odubanjo OV, Ogle BM, Tchounwou PB. Mechanisms of Cell Fusion in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:407-432. [PMID: 37996688 PMCID: PMC10893907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_19] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal physiological mechanism that requires a well-orchestrated regulation of intracellular and extracellular factors. Dysregulation of this process could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, malformation of muscles, difficulties in pregnancy, and cancer. Extensive literature demonstrates that fusion occurs between cancer cells and other cell types to potentially promote cancer progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms governing this process in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression are less well-studied. Fusogens involved in normal physiological processes such as syncytins and associated factors such as phosphatidylserine and annexins have been observed to be critical in cancer cell fusion as well. Some of the extracellular factors associated with cancer cell fusion include chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and viral infection. The interaction between these extracellular factors and cell's intrinsic factors potentially modulates actin dynamics to drive the fusion of cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the different mechanisms that have been identified or postulated to drive cancer cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicite K Noubissi
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Oluwatoyin V Odubanjo
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
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3
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Sieler M, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion and Syncytia Formation in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:433-465. [PMID: 37996689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural phenomenon of cell-cell fusion does not only take place in physiological processes, such as placentation, myogenesis, or osteoclastogenesis, but also in pathophysiological processes, such as cancer. More than a century ago postulated, today the hypothesis that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells leads to the formation of cancer hybrid cells with altered properties is in scientific consensus. Some studies that have investigated the mechanisms and conditions for the fusion of cancer cells with other cells, as well as studies that have characterized the resulting cancer hybrid cells, are presented in this review. Hypoxia and the cytokine TNFα, for example, have been found to promote cell fusion. In addition, it has been found that both the protein Syncytin-1, which normally plays a role in placentation, and phosphatidylserine signaling on the cell membrane are involved in the fusion of cancer cells with other cells. In human cancer, cancer hybrid cells were detected not only in the primary tumor, but also in the circulation of patients as so-called circulating hybrid cells, where they often correlated with a worse outcome. Although some data are available, the questions of how and especially why cancer cells fuse with other cells are still not fully answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Toudic C, Maurer M, St-Pierre G, Xiao Y, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 Modulates the Fusogenic Activity of Placental Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes. Viruses 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 38140682 PMCID: PMC10747188 DOI: 10.3390/v15122441] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2 are glycoproteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (hERV) that, through their fusogenic properties, are needed for the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previous studies suggested that these proteins, in addition to the EnvP(b) envelope protein, are also involved in other cell fusion events. Since galectin-1 is a β-galactoside-binding protein associated with cytotrophoblast fusion during placental development, we previously tested its effect on Syncytin-mediated cell fusion and showed that this protein differently modulates the fusogenic potential of Syncytin-1 and -2. Herein, we were interested in comparing the impact of galectin-1 on hERV envelope proteins in different cellular contexts. Using a syncytium assay, we first demonstrated that galectin-1 increased the fusion of Syncytin-2- and EnvP(b)-expressing cells. We then tested the infectivity of Syncytin-1 and -2 vs. VSV-G-pseudotyped viruses toward Cos-7 and various human cell lines. In the presence of galectin-1, infection of Syncytin-2-pseudotyped viruses augmented for all cell lines. In contrast, the impact of galectin-1 on the infectivity of Syncytin-1-pseudotyped viruses varied, being cell- and dose-dependent. In this study, we report the functional associations between three hERV envelope proteins and galectin-1, which should provide information on the fusogenic activity of these proteins in the placenta and other biological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Maike Maurer
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H2X 1E3, Canada
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Dittmar T, Sieler M, Hass R. Why do certain cancer cells alter functionality and fuse? Biol Chem 2023; 404:951-960. [PMID: 37246410 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell fusion represents a rare event. However, the surviving cancer hybrid cells after a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) can overgrow other cancer cells by exhibiting a proliferation advantage and/or expression of cancer stem-like properties. Addition of new tumor properties during hetero-fusion of cancer cells e.g. with mesenchymal stroma-/stem-like cells (MSC) contribute to enhanced tumor plasticity via acquisition of new/altered functionalities. This provides new avenues for tumor development and metastatic behavior. Consequently, the present review article will also address the question as to whether cancer cell fusion represents a general and possibly evolutionary-conserved program or rather a random process?
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Ralf Hass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. CancerHERVdb: Human Endogenous Retrovirus (HERV) Expression Database for Human Cancer Accelerates Studies of the Retrovirome and Predictions for HERV-Based Therapies. J Virol 2023; 97:e0005923. [PMID: 37255431 PMCID: PMC10308937 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00059-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to create a database summarizing the expression of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in various human cancers. HERVs are suitable therapeutic targets due to their abundance in the human genome, overexpression in various malignancies, and involvement in various cancer pathways. We identified articles on HERVs from PubMed and then prescreened and automatically categorized them using the portable document format (PDF) data extractor (PDE) R package. We discovered 196 primary research articles with HERV expression data from cancer tissues or cancer cell lines. HERV RNA and protein expression was reported in brain, breast, cervical, colorectal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, kidney/renal/pelvis, liver, lung, genital, oral cavity, pharynx, ovary, pancreas, prostate, skin, testicular, urinary/bladder, and uterus cancers, leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. Additionally, we discovered reports of HERV RNA-only overexpression in soft tissue cancers including heart, thyroid, bone, and joint cancers. The CancerHERVdb database is hosted in the form of interactive visualizations of the expression data and a summary data table at https://erikstricker.shinyapps.io/cancerHERVdb/. The user can filter the findings according to cancer type, HERV family, HERV gene, or a combination thereof and easily export the results with the corresponding reference list. In our report, we provide examples of potential uses of the CancerHERVdb, such as identification of cancers suitable for off-target treatment with the multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV)-Env-targeting antibody GNbAC1 (now named temelimab) currently in phase 2b clinical trials for multiple sclerosis or the discovery of cancers overexpressing HERV-H long terminal repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2), a newly emerging immune checkpoint. In summary, the CancerHERVdb allows cross-study comparisons, encourages data exploration, and informs about potential off-target effects of HERV-targeting treatments. IMPORTANCE Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which in the past have inserted themselves in various regions of the human genome, are to various degrees activated in virtually every cancer type. While a centralized naming system and resources summarizing HERV levels in cancers are lacking, the CancerHERVdb database provides a consolidated resource for cross-study comparisons, data exploration, and targeted searches of HERV activation. The user can access data extracted from hundreds of articles spanning 25 human cancer categories. Therefore, the CancerHERVdb database can aid in the identification of prognostic and risk markers, drivers of cancer, tumor-specific targets, multicancer spanning signals, and targets for immune therapies. Consequently, the CancerHERVdb database is of direct relevance for clinical as well as basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Houston, Texas, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Houston, Texas, USA
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37016404 PMCID: PMC10071245 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fusion e.g. between cancer cells and normal cells represents a stepwise process that is tightly regulated. During a pre-hybrid preparation program somatic cells and/or cancer cells are promoted to a pro-fusogenic state as a prerequisite to prepare a fusion process. A pro-fusogenic state requires significant changes including restructure of the cytoskeleton, e.g., by the formation of F-actin. Moreover, distinct plasma membrane lipids such as phosphatidylserine play an important role during cell fusion. In addition, the expression of distinct fusogenic factors such as syncytins and corresponding receptors are of fundamental importance to enable cellular mergers. Subsequent hybrid formation and fusion are followed by a post-hybrid selection process. Fusion among normal cells is important and often required during organismal development. Cancer cells fusion appears more rarely and is associated with the generation of new cancer hybrid cell populations. These cancer hybrid cells contribute to an elevated tumour plasticity by altered metastatic behaviour, changes in therapeutic and apoptotic responses, and even in the formation of cancer stem/ initiating cells. While many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood, this review article predominantly focusses on the intracellular necessities for fusion among cancer cells or with other cell populations of the tumour microenvironment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Stricker E, Peckham-Gregory EC, Scheurer ME. HERVs and Cancer-A Comprehensive Review of the Relationship of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Human Cancers. Biomedicines 2023; 11:936. [PMID: 36979914 PMCID: PMC10046157 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and genetic mutations can lead to exhibition of several cancer hallmarks in affected cells such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppression, activated invasion, deregulation of cellular energetics, and avoidance of immune destruction. Similar biological changes have been observed to be a result of pathogenic viruses and, in some cases, have been linked to virus-induced cancers. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), once external pathogens, now occupy more than 8% of the human genome, representing the merge of genomic and external factors. In this review, we outline all reported effects of HERVs on cancer development and discuss the HERV targets most suitable for cancer treatments as well as ongoing clinical trials for HERV-targeting drugs. We reviewed all currently available reports of the effects of HERVs on human cancers including solid tumors, lymphomas, and leukemias. Our review highlights the central roles of HERV genes, such as gag, env, pol, np9, and rec in immune regulation, checkpoint blockade, cell differentiation, cell fusion, proliferation, metastasis, and cell transformation. In addition, we summarize the involvement of HERV long terminal repeat (LTR) regions in transcriptional regulation, creation of fusion proteins, expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and promotion of genome instability through recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Stricker
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
| | | | - Michael E. Scheurer
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77047, USA
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Faggioli F, Velarde MC, Wiley CD. Cellular Senescence, a Novel Area of Investigation for Metastatic Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060860. [PMID: 36980201 PMCID: PMC10047218 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a systemic condition and the major challenge among cancer types, as it can lead to multiorgan vulnerability. Recently, attention has been drawn to cellular senescence, a complex stress response condition, as a factor implicated in metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Here, we examine the current knowledge of the features required for cells to invade and colonize secondary organs and how senescent cells can contribute to this process. First, we describe the role of senescence in placentation, itself an invasive process which has been linked to higher rates of invasive cancers. Second, we describe how senescent cells can contribute to metastatic dissemination and colonization. Third, we discuss several metabolic adaptations by which senescent cells could promote cancer survival along the metastatic journey. In conclusion, we posit that targeting cellular senescence may have a potential therapeutic efficacy to limit metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Faggioli
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB-CNR) uos Milan, Via Fantoli 15/16, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-82245211
| | - Michael C. Velarde
- Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City PH 1101, Philippines
| | - Christopher D. Wiley
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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A comprehensive investigation of human endogenous retroviral syncytin proteins and their receptors in men with normozoospermia and impaired semen quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:97-111. [PMID: 36469256 PMCID: PMC9734899 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to investigate first the presence of Syncytin 2 and its receptor, MFSD2, in human sperm, and second whether the expressions of Syncytin 1, Syncytin 2, and their receptors, SLC1A5 and MFSD2, differ between normozoospermic, asthenozoospermic, oligozoospermic, and oligoasthenozoospermic human sperm samples. METHODS The localization patterns and expression levels of syncytins and their receptors were evaluated in normozoospermic (concentration = 88.9 ± 5.5 × 106, motility = 79.2 ± 3.15%, n = 30), asthenozoospermic (concentration = 51.7 ± 7.18 × 106, motility = 24.0 ± 3.12%, n = 15), mild oligozoospermic (concentration = 13.5 ± 2.17 × 106, motility = 72.1 ± 6.5%, n = 15), moderate oligozoospermic (concentration = 8.4 ± 3.21 × 106, motility = 65.1 ± 8.9%, n = 15), severe oligozoospermic (concentration = 2.1 ± 1.01 × 106, motility = 67.5 ± 3.2%, n = 15), and oligoasthenozoospermic (concentration = 5.5 ± 3.21 × 106, motility = 18.5 ± 1.2%, n = 15) samples by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. RESULTS Syncytins and their receptors visualized by immunofluorescence showed similar staining patterns with slight staining of the tail in all spermatozoa regardless of normozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, or oligoasthenozoospermia. The localization patterns were categorized as equatorial segment, midpiece region, acrosome, and post-acrosomal areas. The combined staining patterns were also detected as acrosomal cap plus post acrosomal region, the midpiece plus equatorial segment, and midpiece plus acrosomal region. However, some sperm cells were categorized as non-stained. Both syncytin proteins were most intensely localized in the midpiece region, while their receptors were predominantly present in the midpiece plus acrosomal region. Conspicuously, syncytins and their receptors showed decreased expression in asthenozospermic, oligozoospermic, and oligoasthenozoospermic samples compared to normozoospermic samples. CONCLUSION The expression patterns of HERV-derived syncytins and their receptors were identical regardless of the spermatozoa in men with normozoospermia versus impaired semen quality. Further, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and oligoasthenozoospermia as male fertility issues are associated with decreased expression of both syncytins and their receptors.
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Extracellular Events Involved in Cancer Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416071. [PMID: 36555709 PMCID: PMC9784959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion among different cell populations represents a rare process that is mediated by both intrinsic and extracellular events. Cellular hybrid formation is relayed by orchestrating tightly regulated signaling pathways that can involve both normal and neoplastic cells. Certain important cell merger processes are often required during distinct organismal and tissue development, including placenta and skeletal muscle. In a neoplastic environment, however, cancer cell fusion can generate new cancer hybrid cells. Following survival during a subsequent post-hybrid selection process (PHSP), the new cancer hybrid cells express different tumorigenic properties. These can include elevated proliferative capacity, increased metastatic potential, resistance to certain therapeutic compounds, and formation of cancer stem-like cells, all of which characterize significantly enhanced tumor plasticity. However, many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood. Aside from intrinsic factors, cell fusion is particularly affected by extracellular conditions, including an inflammatory microenvironment, viruses, pH and ionic stress, hypoxia, and exosome signaling. Accordingly, the present review article will primarily highlight the influence of extracellular events that contribute to cell fusion in normal and tumorigenic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
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12
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Zhuang X, Qian J, Xia X, Wang Y, Wang H, Jing L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Serum circulating free DNA of syncytin-1 as a novel molecular marker for early diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer. Biomark Med 2022; 16:1259-1268. [PMID: 36861469 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2022-0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liquid biopsy has been receiving attention as an emerging detection technology in the clinical application of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We quantified serum circulating free DNA (cfDNA) of syncytin-1 in 126 patients and 106 controls, analyzed the correlation of level with pathological parameters and explored diagnostic utility. Results: The cfDNA of syncytin-1 levels in NSCLC patients were higher than healthy controls (p < 0.0001). These levels were associated with smoking history (p = 0.0393). The area under the curve of cfDNA of syncytin-1 was 0.802, and combination of cfDNA of syncytin-1/cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1/carcinoembryonic antigen markers improved diagnostic efficiency. Conclusion: The cfDNA of syncytin-1 was detected in NSCLC patients and can be used as a novel molecular marker for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
| | - Jingrong Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
| | - Xiyan Xia
- Department of Microbial Immune, Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, Jinan, Shandong, 250102, China
| | - Yuanling Wang
- Department of Nursing, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
| | - Hongchun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Liping Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250031, China
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Bhat A, Ghatage T, Bhan S, Lahane GP, Dhar A, Kumar R, Pandita RK, Bhat KM, Ramos KS, Pandita TK. Role of Transposable Elements in Genome Stability: Implications for Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147802. [PMID: 35887150 PMCID: PMC9319628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Most living organisms have in their genome a sizable proportion of DNA sequences capable of mobilization; these sequences are commonly referred to as transposons, transposable elements (TEs), or jumping genes. Although long thought to have no biological significance, advances in DNA sequencing and analytical technologies have enabled precise characterization of TEs and confirmed their ubiquitous presence across all forms of life. These findings have ignited intense debates over their biological significance. The available evidence now supports the notion that TEs exert major influence over many biological aspects of organismal life. Transposable elements contribute significantly to the evolution of the genome by giving rise to genetic variations in both active and passive modes. Due to their intrinsic nature of mobility within the genome, TEs primarily cause gene disruption and large-scale genomic alterations including inversions, deletions, and duplications. Besides genomic instability, growing evidence also points to many physiologically important functions of TEs, such as gene regulation through cis-acting control elements and modulation of the transcriptome through epigenetic control. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence demonstrating the impact of TEs on genome stability and the underling mechanisms, including those developed to mitigate the deleterious impact of TEs on genomic stability and human health. We have also highlighted the potential therapeutic application of TEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audesh Bhat
- Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu 181143, India;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (T.K.P.)
| | - Trupti Ghatage
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Sonali Bhan
- Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu, Jammu 181143, India;
| | - Ganesh P. Lahane
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Arti Dhar
- Department of Pharmacy, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad 500078, India; (T.G.); (G.P.L.); (A.D.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishnav Devi University, Katra 182320, India;
| | - Raj K. Pandita
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Krishna M. Bhat
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Kenneth S. Ramos
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tej K. Pandita
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Center for Genomics and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (T.K.P.)
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Müller MD, Holst PJ, Nielsen KN. A Systematic Review of Expression and Immunogenicity of Human Endogenous Retroviral Proteins in Cancer and Discussion of Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031330. [PMID: 35163254 PMCID: PMC8836156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that have become fixed in the human genome. While HERV genes are typically silenced in healthy somatic cells, there are numerous reports of HERV transcription and translation across a wide spectrum of cancers, while T and B cell responses against HERV proteins have been detected in cancer patients. This review systematically categorizes the published evidence on the expression of and adaptive immune response against specific HERVs in distinct cancer types. A systematic literature search was performed using Medical Search Headings (MeSH) in the PubMed/Medline database. Papers were included if they described the translational activity of HERVs. We present multiple tables that pair the protein expression of specific HERVs and cancer types with information on the quality of the evidence. We find that HERV-K is the most investigated HERV. HERV-W (syncytin-1) is the second-most investigated, while other HERVs have received less attention. From a therapeutic perspective, HERV-K and HERV-E are the only HERVs with experimental demonstration of effective targeted therapies, but unspecific approaches using antiviral and demethylating agents in combination with chemo- and immunotherapies have also been investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Dons Müller
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
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15
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Frey TR, Akinyemi IA, Burton EM, Bhaduri-McIntosh S, McIntosh MT. An Ancestral Retrovirus Envelope Protein Regulates Persistent Gammaherpesvirus Lifecycles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:708404. [PMID: 34434177 PMCID: PMC8381357 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.708404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) persist as life-long infections alternating between latency and lytic replication. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), via integration into the host genome, represent genetic remnants of ancient retroviral infections. Both show similar epigenetic silencing while dormant, but can reactivate in response to cell signaling cues or triggers that, for gammaherpesviruses, result in productive lytic replication. Given their co-existence with humans and shared epigenetic silencing, we asked if HERV expression might be linked to lytic activation of human gammaherpesviruses. We found ERVW-1 mRNA, encoding the functional HERV-W envelope protein Syncytin-1, along with other repeat class elements, to be elevated upon lytic activation of EBV. Knockdown/knockout of ERVW-1 reduced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to various lytic cycle triggers. In this regard, reduced expression of immediate early proteins ZEBRA and RTA for EBV and KSHV, respectively, places Syncytin-1's influence on lytic activation mechanistically upstream of the latent-to-lytic switch. Conversely, overexpression of Syncytin-1 enhanced lytic activation of EBV and KSHV in response to lytic triggers, though this was not sufficient to induce lytic activation in the absence of such triggers. Syncytin-1 is expressed in replicating B cell blasts and lymphoma-derived B cell lines where it appears to contribute to cell cycle progression. Together, human gammaherpesviruses and B cells appear to have adapted a dependency on Syncytin-1 that facilitates the ability of EBV and KSHV to activate lytic replication from latency, while promoting viral persistence during latency by contributing to B cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R. Frey
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Ibukun A. Akinyemi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Eric M. Burton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Michael T. McIntosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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16
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Fu Y, Zhuang X, Xia X, Li X, Xiao K, Liu X. Correlation Between Promoter Hypomethylation and Increased Expression of Syncytin-1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:957-965. [PMID: 33776474 PMCID: PMC7989540 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s294392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Syncytin-1 is a human endogenous retroviral (HERVW) envelope protein, which has been implicated in trophoblast and cancer cell fusions as well as in immunomodulatory functions. We investigated syncytin-1 expression and promoter methylation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the adjacent, para-carcinoma tissues. In addition, the correlation to patient survival differentiation of between 5-year survival and death group was analyzed. Methods Survival ratio was calculated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Death risk assessment was executed by Cox risk regression model. The 5ʹ-LTR methylation level of HERVW promoter was detected by EpiTYPER method. Results Syncytin-1 expression in NSCLC tissue was found to be significantly higher than in para-carcinoma tissues. Moreover, the 5-year survival group has a lower syncytin-1 expression than the death group. Clinical stage and the percentage of syncytin-1 positive cells were top risk factors according to Cox ratio risk regression model analysis. While the methylation level of the 5ʹ-LTR in HERVW gene promoter was relatively lower in NSCLC than para-carcinoma tissues, the methylation status of a CpG-2 site overlapping the Oct-1 binding site was found to be an important element potentially involved in the epigenetic regulation of HERVW gene expression. Conclusion These findings suggest that syncytin-1 could be a biomarker for the diagnosis/prognosis of NSCLC, and further studies are required to elucidate the exact role of syncytin-1 in the development of NSCLC as well as the underlying molecular mechanism for syncytin-1 function and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jinan, 250001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Zhuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250031, People's Republic of China.,Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyan Xia
- Department of Microbial Immune, Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Xiao
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
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17
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Grundy EE, Diab N, Chiappinelli KB. Transposable element regulation and expression in cancer. FEBS J 2021; 289:1160-1179. [PMID: 33471418 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 45% of the human genome is composed of transposable elements (TEs). Expression of these elements is tightly regulated during normal development. TEs may be expressed at high levels in embryonic stem cells but are epigenetically silenced in terminally differentiated cells. As part of the global 'epigenetic dysregulation' that cells undergo during transformation from normal to cancer, TEs can lose epigenetic silencing and become transcribed, and, in some cases, active. Here, we summarize recent advances detailing the consequences of TE activation in cancer and describe how these understudied residents of our genome can both aid tumorigenesis and potentially be harnessed for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The Institute for Biomedical Sciences at The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Noor Diab
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,The GW Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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18
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Etchegaray E, Naville M, Volff JN, Haftek-Terreau Z. Transposable element-derived sequences in vertebrate development. Mob DNA 2021; 12:1. [PMID: 33407840 PMCID: PMC7786948 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-020-00229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are major components of all vertebrate genomes that can cause deleterious insertions and genomic instability. However, depending on the specific genomic context of their insertion site, TE sequences can sometimes get positively selected, leading to what are called "exaptation" events. TE sequence exaptation constitutes an important source of novelties for gene, genome and organism evolution, giving rise to new regulatory sequences, protein-coding exons/genes and non-coding RNAs, which can play various roles beneficial to the host. In this review, we focus on the development of vertebrates, which present many derived traits such as bones, adaptive immunity and a complex brain. We illustrate how TE-derived sequences have given rise to developmental innovations in vertebrates and how they thereby contributed to the evolutionary success of this lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Etchegaray
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Univ Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364, Lyon, France.
| | - Magali Naville
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Univ Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Volff
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Univ Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364, Lyon, France
| | - Zofia Haftek-Terreau
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Univ Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364, Lyon, France
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19
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Nakagawa S, Kawashima M, Miyatake Y, Kudo K, Kotaki R, Ando K, Kotani A. Expression of ERV3-1 in leukocytes of acute myelogenous leukemia patients. Gene 2020; 773:145363. [PMID: 33338509 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is one of the major hematological malignancies. In the human genome, several have been found to originate from retroviruses, and some of which are involved in the progression of various cancers. Hence, to investigate whether retroviral-like genes are associated with AML development, we conducted a transcriptome sequencing analysis of 12 retroviral-like genes of 150 AML patients and 32 healthy donor samples, of which RNA sequencing data were obtained from public databases. We found high expression of ERV3-1, an envelope gene of endogenous retrovirus group 3 member 1, in all AML patients examined in this study. In particular, blood and bone marrow cells of the myeloid lineage in AML patients, exhibited higher expression of ERV3-1 than those of the monocytic AML lineage. We also examined the protein expression of ERV3-1 by immunohistochemical analysis and found expression of the ERV3-1 protein in all 12 myeloid-phenotype patients and 7 out of 12 monocytic-phenotype patients, with a particular concentration observed at the membrane of some leukemic cells. Transcriptome analysis further suggested that upregulated ERV3-1 expression may be associated with chromosome 8 trisomy as anomaly was found to be more common among the high expression group than the low expression group. However, this finding was not corroborated by the immunohistochemical data. This discrepancy may have been caused, in part, by the small number of samples analyzed in this study. Although the precise associated molecular mechanisms remain unclear, our results suggest that ERV3-1 may be involved in AML development.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Division of Genome Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
| | - Masaharu Kawashima
- Division of Clinical Oncology and Hematology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8471, Japan; Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyatake
- Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Kai Kudo
- Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Kotaki
- Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Ai Kotani
- Department of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan; Department of Advanced Medical Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan.
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20
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Moufarrij S, Srivastava A, Gomez S, Hadley M, Palmer E, Austin PT, Chisholm S, Diab N, Roche K, Yu A, Li J, Zhu W, Lopez-Acevedo M, Villagra A, Chiappinelli KB. Combining DNMT and HDAC6 inhibitors increases anti-tumor immune signaling and decreases tumor burden in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3470. [PMID: 32103105 PMCID: PMC7044433 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60409-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel therapies are urgently needed for ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. Ovarian cancer has thus far been refractory to immunotherapies that stimulate the host immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells. This may be because of a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and lack of recruitment and activation of immune cells that kill cancer cells. Our previous work showed that epigenetic drugs including DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors (DNMTis and HDAC6is) individually increase immune signaling in cancer cells. We find that combining DNMTi and HDAC6i results in an amplified type I interferon response, leading to increased cytokine and chemokine expression and higher expression of the MHC I antigen presentation complex in human and mouse ovarian cancer cell lines. Treating mice bearing ID8 Trp53-/- ovarian cancer with HDAC6i/DNMTi led to an increase in tumor-killing cells such as IFNg+ CD8, NK, and NKT cells and a reversal of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with a decrease in MDSCs and PD-1hi CD4 T cells, corresponding with an increase in survival. Thus combining the epigenetic modulators DNMTi and HDAC6i increases anti-tumor immune signaling from cancer cells and has beneficial effects on the ovarian tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moufarrij
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aneil Srivastava
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephanie Gomez
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Melissa Hadley
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erica Palmer
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Paul Tran Austin
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah Chisholm
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Noor Diab
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kyle Roche
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Angela Yu
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jing Li
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Wenge Zhu
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Micael Lopez-Acevedo
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alejandro Villagra
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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21
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Chignola R, Sega M, Molesini B, Baruzzi A, Stella S, Milotti E. Collective radioresistance of T47D breast carcinoma cells is mediated by a Syncytin-1 homologous protein. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0206713. [PMID: 30699112 PMCID: PMC6353071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that radiotherapy must target clonogenic cells, i.e., those cells in a tumour that have self-renewing potential. Focussing on isolated clonogenic cells, however, may lead to an underestimate or even to an outright neglect of the importance of biological mechanisms that regulate tumour cell sensitivity to radiation. We develop a new statistical and experimental approach to quantify the effects of radiation on cell populations as a whole. In our experiments, we change the proximity relationships of the cells by culturing them in wells with different shapes, and we find that the radiosensitivity of T47D human breast carcinoma cells in tight clusters is different from that of isolated cells. Molecular analyses show that T47D cells express a Syncytin-1 homologous protein (SyHP). We observe that SyHP translocates to the external surface of the plasma membrane of cells killed by radiation treatment. The data support the fundamental role of SyHP in the formation of intercellular cytoplasmic bridges and in the enhanced radioresistance of surviving cells. We conclude that complex and unexpected biological mechanisms of tumour radioresistance take place at the cell population level. These mechanisms may significantly bias our estimates of the radiosensitivity of breast carcinomas in vivo and thereby affect treatment plans, and they call for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Chignola
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Sega
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 15, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Baruzzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Piazzale L. Scuro 10, Verona, Italy
| | - Sabrina Stella
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, Trieste, Italy
| | - Edoardo Milotti
- Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 2, Trieste, Italy
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22
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Liu C, Xu J, Wen F, Yang F, Li X, Geng D, Li L, Chen J, Zheng J. Upregulation of syncytin-1 promotes invasion and metastasis by activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related pathway in endometrial carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 12:31-40. [PMID: 30588028 PMCID: PMC6301305 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s191041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common and lethal malignancy worldwide. Syncytin-1 is expressed in multiple types of cancer. However, the expression pattern and potential mechanism of syncytin-1 and its clinical significance in EC remain unclear. Materials and methods We analyzed 130 primary EC specimens from Binzhou Medical University to investigate the clinical role of syncytin-1 in EC by using different advanced pathological stages of EC tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to measure the overall survival of EC patients. Syncytin-1 expression was analyzed by Western blot assays in HECCL-1 and RL-95-2 cells. Cell proliferation, cycle, migration, and invasion abilities were detected by cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays. AKT and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes were assessed by Western blot assays in HECCL-1 and RL-95-2 cells. Results Syncytin-1 was upregulated in EC tissues and cells and was related to clinical stages, expression of ER, Ki-67, and overall survival of EC. Functional research revealed that overexpression of syncytin-1 can promote cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and the migration and invasion of EC cells. Suppression of syncytin-1 expression also inhibited cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro. The expression of syncytin-1 substantially improved the expression levels of EMT-related genes (vimentin, E-cadherin, slug, and ZEB1) but significantly decreased those of epithelial markers (N-cadherin and snail). In addition, we found that syncytin-1 was not correlated with AKT-related genes (total-AKT, p-AKT, and vinculin). Conclusion Our results suggested that syncytin-1 may promote aggressive behavior and can serve as a novel prognostic biomarker for EC. Our study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanism of EMT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Jiqin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuyang People's Hospital, Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifei Wen
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Fangfang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dianzhong Geng
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Jiming Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Changzhou No 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, Jiangsu, China,
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, Shandong, China,
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23
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Grandi N, Tramontano E. HERV Envelope Proteins: Physiological Role and Pathogenic Potential in Cancer and Autoimmunity. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:462. [PMID: 29593697 PMCID: PMC5861771 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are relics of ancient infections accounting for about the 8% of our genome. Despite their persistence in human DNA led to the accumulation of mutations, HERVs are still contributing to the human transcriptome, and a growing number of findings suggests that their expression products may have a role in various diseases. Among HERV products, the envelope proteins (Env) are currently highly investigated for their pathogenic properties, which could likely be participating to several disorders with complex etiology, particularly in the contexts of autoimmunity and cancer. In fact, HERV Env proteins have been shown, on the one side, to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, prompting inflammatory, cytotoxic and apoptotic reactions; and, on the other side, to prevent the immune response activation, presenting immunosuppressive properties and acting as immune downregulators. In addition, HERV Env proteins have been shown to induce abnormal cell-cell fusion, possibly contributing to tumor development and metastasizing processes. Remarkably, even highly defective HERV env genes and alternative env splicing variants can provide further mechanisms of pathogenesis. A well-known example is the HERV-K(HML2) env gene that, depending on the presence or the absence of a 292-bp deletion, can originate two proteins of different length (Np9 and Rec) proposed to have oncogenic properties. The understanding of their involvement in complex pathological disorders made HERV Env proteins potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Of note, a monoclonal antibody directed against a HERV-W Env is currently under clinical trial as therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis, representing the first HERV-based treatment. The present review will focus on the current knowledge of the HERV Env expression, summarizing its role in human physiology and its possible pathogenic effects in various cancer and autoimmune disorders. It moreover analyzes HERV Env possible exploitation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Grandi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enzo Tramontano
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cagliari, Italy
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24
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Alqahtani S, Promtong P, Oliver AW, He XT, Walker TD, Povey A, Hampson L, Hampson IN. Silver nanoparticles exhibit size-dependent differential toxicity and induce expression of syncytin-1 in FA-AML1 and MOLT-4 leukaemia cell lines. Mutagenesis 2016; 31:695-702. [PMID: 27576335 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gew043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) sequences make up ~8% of the human genome and increased expression of some HERV proteins has been observed in various pathologies including leukaemia and multiple sclerosis. However, little is known about the function of these HERV proteins or environmental factors which regulate their expression. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used very extensively as antimicrobials and antivirals in numerous consumer products although their effect on the expression of HERV gene products is unknown. Cell proliferation and cell toxicity assays were carried out on human acute T lymphoblastic leukaemia (MOLT-4) and Fanconi anaemia associated acute myeloid leukaemia (FA-AML1) cells treated with two different sizes of AgNPs (7nm and 50nm diameter). Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were then used to the assess expression of HERV-W syncytin-1 mRNA and protein in these cells. FA-AML1 cells were more sensitive overall than MOLT-4 to treatment with the smaller 7nm sized AgNp's being the most toxic in these cells. MOLT-4 cell were more resistant and showed no evidence of differential toxicity to the different sized particles. Syncytin-1 mRNA and protein were induced by both 7 and 50nm AgNPs in both cell types yet with different kinetics. In summary, the observation that AgNPs induce expression of syncytin-1 in FA-AML1 and MOLT-4 cells at doses as little as 5 µg/ml is grounds for concern since this protein is up-regulated in both malignant and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the widespread use of AgNPs in the environment it is clear that their ability to induce syncytin-1 should be investigated further in other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pawika Promtong
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Povey
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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25
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Bastida-Ruiz D, Van Hoesen K, Cohen M. The Dark Side of Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E638. [PMID: 27136533 PMCID: PMC4881464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a physiological cellular process essential for fertilization, viral entry, muscle differentiation and placental development, among others. In this review, we will highlight the different cancer cell-cell fusions and the advantages obtained by these fusions. We will specially focus on the acquisition of metastatic features by cancer cells after fusion with bone marrow-derived cells. The mechanism by which cancer cells fuse with other cells has been poorly studied thus far, but the presence in several cancer cells of syncytin, a trophoblastic fusogen, leads us to a cancer cell fusion mechanism similar to the one used by the trophoblasts. The mechanism by which cancer cells perform the cell fusion could be an interesting target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bastida-Ruiz
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
| | - Kylie Van Hoesen
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
| | - Marie Cohen
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva 1211, Switzerland.
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26
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Bolze PA, Patrier S, Cheynet V, Oriol G, Massardier J, Hajri T, Guillotte M, Bossus M, Sanlaville D, Golfier F, Mallet F. Expression patterns of ERVWE1/Syncytin-1 and other placentally expressed human endogenous retroviruses along the malignant transformation process of hydatidiform moles. Placenta 2016; 39:116-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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27
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Chiappinelli KB, Strissel PL, Desrichard A, Li H, Henke C, Akman B, Hein A, Rote NS, Cope LM, Snyder A, Makarov V, Budhu S, Buhu S, Slamon DJ, Wolchok JD, Pardoll DM, Beckmann MW, Zahnow CA, Merghoub T, Mergoub T, Chan TA, Baylin SB, Strick R. Inhibiting DNA Methylation Causes an Interferon Response in Cancer via dsRNA Including Endogenous Retroviruses. Cell 2015; 162:974-86. [PMID: 26317466 PMCID: PMC4556003 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1150] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We show that DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) upregulate immune signaling in cancer through the viral defense pathway. In ovarian cancer (OC), DNMTis trigger cytosolic sensing of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) causing a type I interferon response and apoptosis. Knocking down dsRNA sensors TLR3 and MAVS reduces this response 2-fold and blocking interferon beta or its receptor abrogates it. Upregulation of hypermethylated endogenous retrovirus (ERV) genes accompanies the response and ERV overexpression activates the response. Basal levels of ERV and viral defense gene expression significantly correlate in primary OC and the latter signature separates primary samples for multiple tumor types from The Cancer Genome Atlas into low versus high expression groups. In melanoma patients treated with an immune checkpoint therapy, high viral defense signature expression in tumors significantly associates with durable clinical response and DNMTi treatment sensitizes to anti-CTLA4 therapy in a pre-clinical melanoma model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Pamela L Strissel
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University-Clinic Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexis Desrichard
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Huili Li
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Christine Henke
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University-Clinic Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Akman
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University-Clinic Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Neal S Rote
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Leslie M Cope
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alexandra Snyder
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vladimir Makarov
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Sadna Buhu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dennis J Slamon
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jedd D Wolchok
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University-Clinic Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cynthia A Zahnow
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Taha Mergoub
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephen B Baylin
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Reiner Strick
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, University-Clinic Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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28
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Jankova L, Dent OF, Molloy MP, Chan C, Chapuis PH, Howell VM, Clarke SJ. Reporting in studies of protein biomarkers of prognosis in colorectal cancer in relation to the REMARK guidelines. Proteomics Clin Appl 2015; 9:1078-86. [PMID: 25755195 DOI: 10.1002/prca.201400177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The REMARK guidelines give authors comprehensive and specific advice on the complete and transparent reporting of studies of prognostic tumor markers. The aim of this study was to use the REMARK guidelines to evaluate the quality of reporting in a sample of studies assessing tissue-based protein markers for survival after resection of colorectal cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Eighty pertinent articles were scored according to their conformity to 26 items derived from the REMARK criteria. RESULTS Overall, on a scale of adequacy of reporting that potentially ranged from 26 to 78, the median for these studies was 60 (interquartile range 54-64) and several criteria were adequately covered in a large proportion of studies. However, others were either not dealt with or inadequately covered, including description of the study design (35%), definition of survival endpoints (48%), adjuvant therapy (54%), follow-up procedures and time (59%), neoadjuvant therapy (63%), inclusion/exclusion criteria (73%), multivariable modeling methods and results (74%), and discussion of study limitations (85%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Inadequacies in presentation militate against comparability among protein marker studies and undermine the generalizability of their findings. The quality of reporting could be improved if journal editors were to require authors to ensure that their work satisfied the REMARK criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Jankova
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Owen F Dent
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Concord Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark P Molloy
- Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charles Chan
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Concord Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Pierre H Chapuis
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Concord Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Viive M Howell
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen J Clarke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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29
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Lu Q, Li J, Senkowski C, Tang Z, Wang J, Huang T, Wang X, Terry K, Brower S, Glasgow W, Chen H, Jiang SW. Promoter Hypermethylation and Decreased Expression of Syncytin-1 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134412. [PMID: 26230721 PMCID: PMC4521816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 is a member of human endogenous retroviral W gene family (HERVW1). Known to be expressed in human placental trophoblast, syncytin-1 protein mediates the fusion of cytotrophoblasts for the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts, the terminally differentiated form of trophoblast lineage. In addition, in vitro studies indicate that syncytin-1 possessed nonfusogenic functions such as those for immune suppression, cell cycle regulation and anti-apoptotic activities. Overexpression of syncytin-1 has been observed in various malignant tissues including breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. It was reported that syncytin-1 gene expression is associated with dynamic changes of DNA hypomethylation in the 5' LTR. In this study, applying the real-time PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry methods, we demonstrate a constitutive expression of syncytin-1 in normal pancreas tissues as well as normal tissues adjacent to cancer lesions. Moreover, a reduced expression is found in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues. The expression levels of syncytin-1 are not correlated with the stage, historical grade and gender, but inversely correlated with patients' age. Furthermore, COBRA and bisulfite sequencing results indicated that the lower expression of syncytin-1 is correlated with the hypermethylation of two CpG dinucleotides in the 5' LTR of syncytin-1 gene. The nonfusogenic function of syncytin-1 in normal pancreas as well as its role(s) in the pathogenesis and progression of pancreatic cancers remains to be investigated. Identification of the two CpG dinucleotides around transcription start site as key epigenetic elements has provided valuable information for further studies on the epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinsheng Lu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Jinping Li
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Christopher Senkowski
- Department of Surgery, Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Zuoqing Tang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Science, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tianhe Huang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Karen Terry
- Department of Surgery, Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Steven Brower
- Department of Surgery & Surgical Oncology, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Wayne Glasgow
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (SWJ); (HC)
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SWJ); (HC)
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Podbilewicz
- Department of Biology, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel;
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31
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Human endogenous retrovirus W activity in cartilage of osteoarthritis patients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:698609. [PMID: 25136615 PMCID: PMC4130134 DOI: 10.1155/2014/698609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of viruses in osteoarthritis remains controversial because the prevalence of viral nucleic acid sequences in peripheral blood or synovial fluid from osteoarthritis patients and that in healthy control subjects are similar. Until now the presence of virus has not been analyzed in cartilage. We screened cartilage and chondrocytes from advanced and non-/early osteoarthritis patients for parvovirus B19, herpes simplex virus-1, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpes virus-6, hepatitis C virus, and human endogenous retroviruses transcripts. Endogenous retroviruses transcripts, but none of the other viruses, were detected in 15 out the 17 patients. Sequencing identified the virus as HERV-WE1 and E2. HERV-W activity was confirmed by high expression levels of syncytin, dsRNA, virus budding, and the presence of virus-like particles in all advanced osteoarthritis cartilages examined. Low levels of HERV-WE1, but not E2 envelope RNA, were observed in 3 out of 8 non-/early osteoarthritis patients, while only 3 out of 7 chondrocytes cultures displayed low levels of syncytin, and just one was positive for virus-like particles. This study demonstrates for the first time activation of HERV-W in cartilage of osteoarthritis patients; however, a causative role for HERV-W in development or deterioration of the disease remains to be proven.
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Huang Q, Chen H, Li J, Oliver M, Ma X, Byck D, Gao Y, Jiang SW. Epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 expression in human placenta and cancer tissues. Cell Signal 2014; 26:648-56. [PMID: 24216608 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Syncytin-1 is a human endogenous retroviral envelope gene (HERVW1) product specifically expressed in placental trophoblasts. By mediating the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts through cell-cell fusion, syncytin-1 plays a critical role for the placental barrier, endocrine and exchange functions. During pregnancy, syncytin-1 expression is dynamically regulated by various pathophysiological factors and pathways. This review summarizes and examines published data on epigenetic and non-epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 gene expression, with a focus on the changes of syncytin-1 DNA methylation and expression in placental trophoblasts under preeclamptic and hypoxic conditions. The functions of syncytiotrophoblasts, the fusogenic and non-fusogenic activities of syncytin-1, and aberrant activation of syncytin-1 expression in cancer cells are also discussed. New findings on the epigenetic regulation of syncytin-1 in placentas from monozygotic/dichorionic discordant twins are analyzed. The close correlation among changes of DNMTs expression, syncytin-1 gene methylation, and syncytin-1 mRNA levels, in placentas associated with discordant fetal growth indicated a dynamic nature of syncytin-1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China; Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of Department of Histology and Embryology, Shantou University Medical College, Guandong, China
| | - Jinping Li
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Medical College, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, 55902, USA
| | - Matthew Oliver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - David Byck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA
| | - Ya Gao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
| | - Shi-Wen Jiang
- Department of Biological Science, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Medical College, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, 55902, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404, USA.
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Chuprin A, Gal H, Biron-Shental T, Biran A, Amiel A, Rozenblatt S, Krizhanovsky V. Cell fusion induced by ERVWE1 or measles virus causes cellular senescence. Genes Dev 2013; 27:2356-66. [PMID: 24186980 PMCID: PMC3828521 DOI: 10.1101/gad.227512.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence limits proliferation of potentially detrimental cells, preventing tumorigenesis and restricting tissue damage. However, the function of senescence in nonpathological conditions is unknown. Here, Krizhanovsky and colleagues discover a new pathway to activate senescence cell fusion. The authors find that fusion-induced senescence occurs during embryonic development in the placenta. A counterpart of this process is also observed after infection by the measles virus. The results suggest that fusion-induced senescence is essential during development, and reuse of this program later in life protects agains viral infections. Cellular senescence limits proliferation of potentially detrimental cells, preventing tumorigenesis and restricting tissue damage. However, the function of senescence in nonpathological conditions is unknown. We found that the human placental syncytiotrophoblast exhibited the phenotype and expressed molecular markers of cellular senescence. During embryonic development, ERVWE1-mediated cell fusion results in formation of the syncytiotrophoblast, which serves as the maternal/fetal interface at the placenta. Expression of ERVWE1 caused cell fusion in normal and cancer cells, leading to formation of hyperploid syncytia exhibiting features of cellular senescence. Infection by the measles virus, which leads to cell fusion, also induced cellular senescence in normal and cancer cells. The fused cells activated the main molecular pathways of senescence, the p53- and p16–pRb-dependent pathways; the senescence-associated secretory phenotype; and immune surveillance-related proteins. Thus, fusion-induced senescence might be needed for proper syncytiotrophoblast function during embryonic development, and reuse of this senescence program later in life protects against pathological expression of endogenous fusogens and fusogenic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chuprin
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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34
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Mo H, Ouyang D, Xu L, Gao Q, He X. Human endogenous retroviral syncytin exerts inhibitory effect on invasive phenotype of B16F10 melanoma cells. Chin J Cancer Res 2013; 25:556-64. [PMID: 24255580 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.1000-9604.2013.10.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fusogenic endogenous retroviral syncytin plays an important role in the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts in human placenta. Apart from its expression in placenta, brain and testis, syncytin has also been found in many cancers. Although syncytin has been proposed to serve as a positive prognostic marker in some cancers, the underlying mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of syncytin expression on the invasive phenotype of melanoma cells. METHODS The eukaryotic expression plasmid for syncytin-EGFP was constructed and transfected into B16F10 melanoma cells. The effect of syncytin on the invasion potential of tumor cells was evaluated in B16F10 subline cells that stably expressed syncytin-EGFP fusion protein or EGFP alone. RESULTS The B16F10 sublines that stably expressed syncytin-EGFP or EGFP alone were established respectively and confirmed by immunofluorescent and immunoblotting assay. Syncytin expression in B16F10 cells was associated with decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Multinucleated giant cells that contained as many as five nuclei were induced in syncytin-expressing cells. In addition, syncytin expression did not alter the sensitivity of B16F10 cells to trichosanthin, a toxin that damages syncytiotrophoblasts more efficiently than other tissues. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that syncytin expression in some cancers may confine their invasion potential and thus serve as a positive prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Mo
- Institute of Tissue Transplantation and Immunology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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35
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Strissel PL, Ruebner M, Thiel F, Wachter D, Ekici AB, Wolf F, Thieme F, Ruprecht K, Beckmann MW, Strick R. Reactivation of codogenic endogenous retroviral (ERV) envelope genes in human endometrial carcinoma and prestages: Emergence of new molecular targets. Oncotarget 2013; 3:1204-19. [PMID: 23085571 PMCID: PMC3717959 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EnCa) is the most common invasive gynaecologic carcinoma. Over 85% of EnCa are classified as endometrioid, expressing steroid hormone receptors and mostly involving pathological prestages. Human endogenous retroviruses (ERV) are chromosomally integrated genes, account for about 8% of the human genome and are implicated in the etiology of carcinomas. The majority of ERV envelope (env) coding genes are either not present or not consistently represented between common gene expression microarrays. The aim of this study was to analyse the absolute gene expression of all known 21 ERV env genes including 19 codogenic and two env genes with premature stop codons in EnCa, endometrium as well as in hyperplasia and polyps. For EnCa seven env genes had high expression with >200 mol/ng cDNA (e.g. envH1-3, Syncytin-1, envT), two middle >50 mol/ng cDNA (envFc2, erv-3) and 12 low <50 mol/ng cDNA (e.g. Syncytin-2, envV2). Regarding tumor parameters, Syncytin-1 and Syncytin-2 were significantly over-expressed in advanced stage pT2 compared to pT1b. In less differentiated EnCa Syncytin-1, erv-3, envT and envFc2 were significantly over-expressed. Syncytin-1, Syncytin-2 and erv-3 were specific to glandular epithelial cells of polyps, hyperplasia and EnCa using immunohistochemistry. An analysis of 10 patient-matched EnCa with endometrium revealed that the ERV-W 5' long terminal repeat regulating Syncytin-1 was hypomethylated, including the ERE and CRE overlapping MeCP2 sites. Functional analyses showed that 10 env genes were regulated by methylation in EnCa using the RL95-2 cell line. In conclusion, over-expressed env genes could serve as indicators for pathological pre-stages and EnCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela L Strissel
- University-Clinic Erlangen, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
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Reduced syncytin-1 expression levels in placental syndromes correlates with epigenetic hypermethylation of the ERVW-1 promoter region. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56145. [PMID: 23457515 PMCID: PMC3573012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal differentiation of villous cytotrophoblasts (CT) ends in formation of the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast representing the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrations during this cell-fusion process are associated with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Preeclampsia (PE) and High Elevated Liver and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome. Syncytin-1, the envelope gene of the human Endogenous Retrovirus ERVW-1, is one of the most important genes involved in cell-fusion and showed decreased gene expression during these pathological pregnancies. The aim of this study was to determine the methylation pattern of the entire promoter of ERVW-1 and to correlate these findings with the expression profile of Syncytin-1 in the placental syndromes. 14 isolated villous cytotrophoblasts from control (n = 3), IUGR (n = 3), PE (n = 3), PE/IUGR (n = 3) and HELLP/IUGR (n = 2) placentae were used to determine the mean methylation level (ML) for the ERVW-1 promoter region. ML rose significantly from 29% in control CTs to 49% in IUGR, 53% in PE, 47% in PE/IUGR and 64% in HELLP/IUGR indicating an epigenetic down-regulation of Syncytin-1 by promoter hypermethylation. DNA demethylation of the trophoblast like cell lines BeWo, JEG-3 and JAR with 5-AZA-2′desoxycytidine (AZA) showed an increased Syncytin-1 expression and fusion ability in all cell lines. Promoter activity of the 5′LTR could be inhibited by hypermethylation 42-fold using a luciferase based reporter-gene assay. Finally overexpression of the methyltransferases DNMT3a and LSH could be responsible for a decreased Syncytin-1 expression by promoter hypermethylation of ERVW-1. Our study linked decreased Syncytin-1 expression to an epigenetic hypermethylation of the entire promoter of ERVW-1. Based on our findings we are predicting a broad aberrant epigenetic DNA-methylation pattern in pathological placentae affecting placentogenesis, but also the development of the fetus and the mother during pregnancy.
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Aagaard L, Bjerregaard B, Kjeldbjerg AL, Pedersen FS, Larsson LI, Rossi JJ. Silencing of endogenous envelope genes in human choriocarcinoma cells shows that envPb1 is involved in heterotypic cell fusions. J Gen Virol 2012; 93:1696-1699. [PMID: 22573740 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.041764-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and envPb1 are two conserved envelope genes in the human genome encoded by single loci from the HERV-W and -Pb families, respectively. To characterize the role of these envelope proteins in cell-cell fusion, we have developed lentiviral vectors that express short hairpin RNAs for stable knockdown of syncytin-1 and envPb1. Analysis of heterotypic fusion activity between trophoblast-derived choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, in which syncytin-1 and envPb1 are specifically silenced, and endothelial cells demonstrated that both syncytin-1 and envPb1 are important to fusion. The ability to fuse cells makes syncytin-1 and envPb1 attractive candidate molecules in therapy against cancer. Our available vectors may help eventually to decipher roles for these genes in human health and/or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Aagaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark.,Division of Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Bolette Bjerregaard
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg DK-1870, Denmark.,Division of Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Anders L Kjeldbjerg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Finn Skou Pedersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Lars-Inge Larsson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Copenhagen University, Frederiksberg DK-1870, Denmark
| | - John J Rossi
- Division of Molecular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Trejbalová K, Blazková J, Matousková M, Kucerová D, Pecnová L, Vernerová Z, Herácek J, Hirsch I, Hejnar J. Epigenetic regulation of transcription and splicing of syncytins, fusogenic glycoproteins of retroviral origin. Nucleic Acids Res 2011; 39:8728-39. [PMID: 21771862 PMCID: PMC3203578 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkr562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2, human fusogenic glycoproteins encoded by the env genes of the endogenous retroviral loci ERVWE1 and ERVFRDE1, respectively, contribute to the differentiation of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast in chorionic villi. In non-trophoblastic cells, however, the expression of syncytins has to be suppressed to avoid potential pathogenic effects. We studied the epigenetic suppression of ERVWE1 and ERVFRDE1 5′-long terminal repeats by DNA methylation and chromatin modifications. Immunoprecipitation of the provirus-associated chromatin revealed the H3K9 trimethylation at transcriptionally inactivated syncytins in HeLa cells. qRT-PCR analysis of non-spliced ERVWE1 and ERVFRDE1 mRNAs and respective env mRNAs detected efficient splicing of endogenously expressed RNAs in trophoblastic but not in non-placental cells. Pointing to the pathogenic potential of aberrantly expressed syncytin-1, we have found deregulation of transcription and splicing of the ERVWE1 in biopsies of testicular seminomas. Finally, ectopic expression experiments suggest the importance of proper chromatin context for the ERVWE1 splicing. Our results thus demonstrate that cell-specific retroviral splicing represents an additional epigenetic level controling the expression of endogenous retroviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Trejbalová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Sun Y, Ouyang DY, Pang W, Tu YQ, Li YY, Shen XM, Tam SC, Yang HY, Zheng YT. Expression of syncytin in leukemia and lymphoma cells. Leuk Res 2010; 34:1195-202. [PMID: 20362331 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 03/07/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Syncytin is a placenta-specific protein and generally believed to play a pivotal role in syncytiotrophoblast morphogenesis. In this study, transcripts of this gene were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and the translated products were measured by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results showed that syncytin was found to be expressed in all nine leukemia and lymphoma cell lines studied albeit at different levels and in 43 peripheral blood samples of 57 leukemia or lymphoma patients. Neither the transcripts nor the translated syncytin was detected in blood samples of normal individuals. In conclusion, peripheral blood syncytin may serve as a marker for leukemia and lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 32 Jiaochang Donglu, Kunming 650223, China
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Gimenez J, Montgiraud C, Pichon JP, Bonnaud B, Arsac M, Ruel K, Bouton O, Mallet F. Custom human endogenous retroviruses dedicated microarray identifies self-induced HERV-W family elements reactivated in testicular cancer upon methylation control. Nucleic Acids Res 2010; 38:2229-46. [PMID: 20053729 PMCID: PMC2853125 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are an inherited part of the eukaryotic genomes, and represent ∼400 000 loci in the human genome. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can be divided into distinct families, composed of phylogenetically related but structurally heterogeneous elements. The majority of HERVs are silent in most physiological contexts, whereas a significant expression is observed in pathological contexts, such as cancers. Owing to their repetitive nature, few of the active HERV elements have been accurately identified. In addition, there are no criteria defining the active promoters among HERV long-terminal repeats (LTRs). Hence, it is difficult to understand the HERV (de)regulation mechanisms and their implication on the physiopathology of the host. We developed a microarray to specifically detect the LTR-containing transcripts from the HERV-H, HERV-E, HERV-W and HERV-K(HML-2) families. HERV transcriptome was analyzed in the placenta and seven normal/tumoral match-pair samples. We identified six HERV-W loci overexpressed in testicular cancer, including a usually placenta-restricted transcript of ERVWE1. For each locus, specific overexpression was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR, and comparison of the activity of U3 versus U5 regions suggested a U3-promoted transcription coupled with 5′R initiation. The analysis of DNA from tumoral versus normal tissue revealed that hypomethylation of U3 promoters in tumors is a prerequisite for their activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Gimenez
- Laboratoire Commun de Recherche Hospices Civils de Lyon-bioMérieux, Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, bâtiment 3F, 69495 Pierre Bénite Cedex, France
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