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Wang S, Liu B, Su Y, Wang N, Dong P, Xu X, Huang L, Li S, Gu J, Qiu Y, Deng J, Lin Z, Zhou Y. FHL2 promotes the aggressiveness of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting autophagy via activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:630-641. [PMID: 38323374 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15234] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence indicates that four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) plays a crucial role in the progression of various cancers. However, the biological functions and molecular mechanism of FHL2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unclear. METHODS We evaluated the prognostic value of FHL2 in LUAD using public datasets and further confirmed its prognostic value with our clinical data. The biological functions of FHL2 in LUAD were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pathway analysis and rescue experiments were subsequently performed to explore the molecular mechanism by which FHL2 promoted the progression of LUAD. RESULTS FHL2 was upregulated in LUAD tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues, and FHL2 overexpression was correlated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with LUAD. FHL2 knockdown significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells, while FHL2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, FHL2 upregulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and subsequently inhibited autophagy in LUAD cells. The effects FHL2 on the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells are dependent on the inhibition of autophagy, as of induction autophagy attenuated the aggressive phenotype induced by FHL2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS FHL2 promotes the progression of LUAD by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and subsequently inhibiting autophagy, which can be exploited as a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaishuai Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baomo Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiongye Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixia Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoli Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jincui Gu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanli Qiu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiating Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziying Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanbin Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
LIM domain protein 2, also known as LIM protein FHL2, is a member of the LIM-only family. Due to its LIM domain protein characteristics, FHL2 is capable of interacting with various proteins and plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, cell growth, and signal transduction in muscle and cardiac tissue. In recent years, mounting evidence has indicated that the FHLs protein family is closely associated with the development and occurrence of human tumors. On the one hand, FHL2 acts as a tumor suppressor by down-regulating in tumor tissue and effectively inhibiting tumor development by limiting cell proliferation. On the other hand, FHL2 serves as an oncoprotein by up-regulating in tumor tissue and binding to multiple transcription factors to suppress cell apoptosis, stimulate cell proliferation and migration, and promote tumor progression. Therefore, FHL2 is considered a double-edged sword in tumors with independent and complex functions. This article reviews the role of FHL2 in tumor occurrence and development, discusses FHL2 interaction with other proteins and transcription factors, and its involvement in multiple cell signaling pathways. Finally, the clinical significance of FHL2 as a potential target in tumor therapy is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsheng West Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Qun Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsheng West Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Meihua She
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsheng West Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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Lecaudey LA, Singh P, Sturmbauer C, Duenser A, Gessl W, Ahi EP. Transcriptomics unravels molecular players shaping dorsal lip hypertrophy in the vacuum cleaner cichlid, Gnathochromis permaxillaris. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:506. [PMID: 34225643 PMCID: PMC8256507 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07775-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teleosts display a spectacular diversity of craniofacial adaptations that often mediates ecological specializations. A considerable amount of research has revealed molecular players underlying skeletal craniofacial morphologies, but less is known about soft craniofacial phenotypes. Here we focus on an example of lip hypertrophy in the benthivorous Lake Tangnayika cichlid, Gnathochromis permaxillaris, considered to be a morphological adaptation to extract invertebrates out of the uppermost layer of mud bottom. We investigate the molecular and regulatory basis of lip hypertrophy in G. permaxillaris using a comparative transcriptomic approach. RESULTS We identified a gene regulatory network involved in tissue overgrowth and cellular hypertrophy, potentially associated with the formation of a locally restricted hypertrophic lip in a teleost fish species. Of particular interest were the increased expression level of apoda and fhl2, as well as reduced expression of cyp1a, gimap8, lama5 and rasal3, in the hypertrophic lip region which have been implicated in lip formation in other vertebrates. Among the predicted upstream transcription factors, we found reduced expression of foxp1 in the hypertrophic lip region, which is known to act as repressor of cell growth and proliferation, and its function has been associated with hypertrophy of upper lip in human. CONCLUSION Our results provide a genetic foundation for future studies of molecular players shaping soft and exaggerated, but locally restricted, craniofacial morphological changes in fish and perhaps across vertebrates. In the future, we advocate integrating gene regulatory networks of various craniofacial phenotypes to understand how they collectively govern trophic and behavioural adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurène Alicia Lecaudey
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Natural History, NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pooja Singh
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Christian Sturmbauer
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Anna Duenser
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Gessl
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, A-8010 Graz, Austria
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Xu L, Zhou X, Wang P, Jin Q, Zhu T, Chen M, Xu H. The novel six LIM and one PET domain-containing protein Lmpt is involved in the immune response through activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway in the crustacean, Macrobrachium nipponense. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 116:103948. [PMID: 33253750 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The four-and-a-half LIM-only protein family of transcription co-factors participates in various cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, apoptosis, cell adhesion, migration, transcription and signal transduction. However, the knowledge of the structural characteristics and immune functions of its ancestor Lmpt, which contains six LIM domains at the C-terminus and a PET domain at the N-terminus, is limited in invertebrates, especially in crustaceans. In the present study, a novel Lmpt from oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) was identified, and its role in the immune response was investigated. Its full-length cDNA sequence was 6407 bp, which contained a 2595 bp ORF encoding 865 amino acids, exhibiting high similarity to the structure of Lmpt derived from other invertebrates. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that MnLmpt was widely expressed in all examined tissues, and high expression levels were observed in muscle, heart and intestine in M. nipponense. After experimental challenges with bacteria and virus, the transcription levels of MnLmpt significantly fluctuated in gill and hepatopancreas, indicating that it might play a role in the innate immune response in M. nipponense. Silencing of MnLmpt by dsRNA injection in vivo could promote bacterial growth, suggesting that MnLmpt exerted an antibacterial immune function in prawn. Immunocytochemistry assay results demonstrated that MnLmpt was able to translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus after being stimulated with pathogens. The expression levels of NF-κB signalling cascade members, such as dorsal, relish, TAK1, TAB1, Ikkβ, and Ikkε, and AMPs, including ALF4, Cru1, and Cru2, exhibited significant downregulation in the MnLmpt silenced group. Similarly, dual-luciferase reporter assays also demonstrated that MnLmpt could stimulate an NF-κB signalling cascade. Meanwhile, all of the LIM domains of MnLmpt could trigger NF-κB signalling; however, their cumulative effect on NF-κB promoter activation was hardly observed. These results showed that MnLmpt might play a crucial role in the innate immune response in M. nipponense, and these findings paved the way for a better understanding of the immune system in crustacean species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liaoyi Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiefei Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Peichen Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qian Jin
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tingyao Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Haisheng Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Wang C, Lv X, He C, Davis JS, Wang C, Hua G. Four and a Half LIM Domains 2 (FHL2) Contribute to the Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207751. [PMID: 33092075 PMCID: PMC7589967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies. To date, the etiology of this deadly disease remains elusive. FHL2, a member of the four and a half LIM domain family, has been shown to serve either as an oncoprotein or as a tumor suppressor in various cancers. Our previous study showed that FHL2 plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of ovarian granulosa cell tumor via regulating AKT1 transcription. However, direct and systematic evidence of FHL2 in the initiation and progression of EOC remains unclear. In the present study, immunohistochemical analysis from EOC patient tissues showed that positivity and intensity of FHL2 immunosignal were up-regulated in the EOC tissues compared with normal ovary tissues. Knockdown of FHL2 in SKOV-3 cell line reduced cell growth and cell viability, blocked cell cycle progression, and inhibited cell migration. Ectopic expression of FHL2 in IGROV-1 cells which have low endogenous FHL2, promoted cell growth, improved cell viability and enhanced cell migration. Additionally, knock down of FHL2 in the SKOV-3 cell line significantly inhibited anchorage-independent growth indicated by the soft agar assay. In comparison, overexpression of FHL2 in IGROV-1 cell improved the colonies growth in soft agar. Western blot data showed that knockdown of FHL2 downregulated AKT expression level, and upregulated apoptosis related proteins such as cleaved PARP, and cleaved-lamin A. Finally, by employing stable SKOV-3/FHL2 stable knock down cell line, our data clearly showed that knockdown of FHL2 inhibited EOC xenograft initiation in vivo. Taken together, our results showed that FHL2, via regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, and adhesion, has a critical role in regulating EOC initiation and progression. These results indicate that FHL2 could be a potential target for the therapeutic drugs against EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Xiangmin Lv
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (X.L.); (C.H.); (J.S.D.); (C.W.)
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Chunbo He
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (X.L.); (C.H.); (J.S.D.); (C.W.)
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (X.L.); (C.H.); (J.S.D.); (C.W.)
- Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-3255, USA; (X.L.); (C.H.); (J.S.D.); (C.W.)
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Guohua Hua
- Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-027-87515280
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Lo B, Marty-Gasset N, Pichereaux C, Bravo C, Manse H, Domitile R, Rémignon H. Proteomic Analysis of Two Weight Classes of Mule Duck " foie gras" at the End of an Overfeeding Period. Front Physiol 2020; 11:569329. [PMID: 33041868 PMCID: PMC7528769 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.569329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The weight of the liver is one of the important selection criteria in the quality of “foie gras”. This factor is highly variable despite the fact that individuals are reared, overfed and slaughtered in the same way. In this study, we performed an analysis of the proteome profile of two weight classes of light (between 550 and 599 g) and heavy (more than 700 g) livers. For the analysis of the proteic extracts, a liquid chromatographic analysis coupled with mass spectrometry was carried out. In low-weight livers, aerobic energy metabolism, protein metabolism and lipid metabolism oriented toward export and beta-oxidation were overexpressed. On the contrary, high weight livers were characterized by anaerobic energy metabolism and a more active protein catabolism associated with cell apoptosis and reorganization of the cell structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bara Lo
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, GENétique PHYsiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Nathalie Marty-Gasset
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, GENétique PHYsiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Carole Pichereaux
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Fédération de Recherche (FR3450), Agrobiosciences, Interactions et Biodiversité, Toulouse, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Toulouse - UPS, Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Bravo
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, GENétique PHYsiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Hélène Manse
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, GENétique PHYsiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Hervé Rémignon
- Institut National de Recherche Pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Université de Toulouse, GENétique PHYsiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France
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Zhu CC, Kang HF, Qiu JW, Qian JB, Liu HB, Zhang DM. Role of FHL2 in digestive system malignancies. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2019; 27:1083-1087. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v27.i17.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FHL2 is a scaffold protein that regulates signal transduction and gene transcription, and it has typical structural features of FHL proteins. Each FHL protein contains four half-LIM domains, and different LIM domains can bind to different proteins, which can activate or inhibit the activities of transcription factors such as P53 and serum response factors, and then influences the development of tumors. Previous studies have found that FHL2 has a complex biological role in tumorigenesis, and may promote or suppress tumor development in different types of tumors. In this article, we review the role of FHL2 in digestive system malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Cui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai-Feng Kang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Wei Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun-Bo Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong-Bin Liu
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226000, Jiangsu Province, China
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PARP12 (ARTD12) suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through interacting with FHL2 and regulating its stability. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:856. [PMID: 30154409 PMCID: PMC6113207 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0906-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PARP12 is a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, but its function remains largely unknown. Here, we identified four-and-a-half LIM-only protein 2 (FHL2) as a functional partner of PARP12 through protein affinity purification. Although PARP12 did not mono-ADP-ribosylate FHL2 in vitro and in vivo, PARP12 deficiency decreased the protein level of FHL2 by promoting its ubiquitination and increased the expression level of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), which is independent of PARP12 enzymatic activity. We also provided evidence that PARP12 deficiency increased the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and promoted HCC metastasis in vivo by regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. These results indicated that PARP12 is a tumor suppressor that plays an important role in HCC metastasis through the regulation of FHL2 stability and TGF-β1 expression.
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Jin X, Jiao X, Jiao J, Zhang T, Cui B. Increased expression of FHL2 promotes tumorigenesis in cervical cancer and is correlated with poor prognosis. Gene 2018; 669:99-106. [PMID: 29800735 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing evidence demonstrates that the four and a half LIM domain (FHL) gene and its protein products have different functions in the progression of various malignancies. However, the role of FHL protein 2 (FHL2) in cervical cancer (CC) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of FHL2 expression in human CC tissues and the potential molecular mechanisms through which FHL2 modulates CC cell proliferation and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured FHL2 expression in CC cell lines and tissues by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. The effects of FHL2 knockdown on cell proliferation and apoptosis in two CC cell lines were examined using RNA interference, cell counting kit-8, Western blot and flow cytometry assays. Furthermore, we assessed phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) expression in two CC cell lines to determine whether the AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in the effects of FHL2 silencing on cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nude mice tumorigenicity experiments were also performed to evaluate the effects of FHL2 on HeLa cell growth in vivo. RESULTS We found that FHL2 was significantly upregulated in CC cell lines and tissues. According to survival curves, high FHL2 expression levels in patients were correlated with poor prognosis. Moreover, by decreasing p-AKT and p-mTOR protein levels, silencing FHL2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. FHL2 knockdown also induced apoptosis by increasing the Bax-to-Bcl2 ratio. By contrast, FHL2 overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation. Finally, decreased tumour growth in an in vivo animal model also demonstrated the tumour-suppressing effects of FHL2 knockdown. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that FHL2 is an important prognostic factor in CC and that it plays a crucial oncoprotein role by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in CC, possibly by targeting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital & Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xinlin Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Baoxia Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
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Ng PKS, Lau CPY, Lam EKY, Li SSK, Lui VWY, Yeo W, Ng YK, Lai PBS, Tsui SKW. Hypermethylation of NF-κB-Activating Protein-Like (NKAPL) Promoter in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suppresses Its Expression and Predicts a Poor Prognosis. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:676-686. [PMID: 29353445 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-4929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complicated disease with low survival rate partially due to frequent recurrence and no efficient therapy. Promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes has been demonstrated as one of the molecular mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis and progression in HCC. This study aims to investigate regulation of NKAPL expression by promoter methylation and its clinical relevance as a biomarker for HCC. METHODS We measured mRNA expression of NKAPL in 5 HCC cell lines and a cohort of 62 pairs of primary HCC tumor and their adjacent non-cancer liver tissues. NKAPL protein expression on HCC cell lines and clinical samples was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Association analyses between NKAPL expression and clinicopathologic characteristics in the cohort were conducted. Methylation statuses of NKAPL promoter in 18 pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor HCC samples were studied using methylation-specific PCR. Biological functions of NKAPL in HCC were investigated by ectopic expression of NKAPL in HCC cells, and cell viability and cell cycle analyses were performed. RESULTS Our present study showed suppressed expression and promoter hypermethylation are common events in HCC. Demethylation experiment in HCC cells demonstrated that the NKAPL expression was regulated by promoter methylation. In addition, high methylation level of NKAPL and its low expression predict poor outcome. Furthermore, ectopic expression of NKAPL in the HCC cells inhibited cell growth. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that methylation of NKAPL is a frequent event and is a potential prognosis biomarker in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Kwok Shing Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carol Po Ying Lau
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emily Kai Yee Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheila Sai Kam Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vivian Wai Yan Lui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China
| | - Winnie Yeo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuen Keng Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Bo San Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 524, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong, China.
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PPARs and Mitochondrial Metabolism: From NAFLD to HCC. PPAR Res 2016; 2016:7403230. [PMID: 28115925 PMCID: PMC5223052 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7403230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are widespread threats which bring about a significant burden of deaths worldwide, mainly due to cardiovascular events and cancer. The pathogenesis of these diseases is extremely complex, multifactorial, and only partially understood. As the main metabolic organ, the liver is central to maintain whole body energetic homeostasis. At the cellular level, mitochondria are the metabolic hub connecting and integrating all the main biochemical, hormonal, and inflammatory signaling pathways to fulfill the energetic and biosynthetic demand of the cell. In the liver, mitochondria metabolism needs to cope with the energetic regulation of the whole body. The nuclear receptors PPARs orchestrate lipid and glucose metabolism and are involved in a variety of diseases, from metabolic disorders to cancer. In this review, focus is placed on the roles of PPARs in the regulation of liver mitochondrial metabolism in physiology and pathology, from NAFLD to HCC.
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12
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Scaffold protein FHL2 facilitates MDM2-mediated degradation of IER3 to regulate proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Oncogene 2016; 35:5106-18. [PMID: 26973248 PMCID: PMC5399145 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The expression of immediate early response 3 (IER3), a protein with a short half-life, is rapidly induced by various cellular stimuli. We recently reported that IER3 induces the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and that its expression is downregulated in patients with cervical cancer. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the rapid degradation of IER3 remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that MDM2 is an E3 ligase that interacts with IER3 and promotes its ubiquitination, followed by proteasomal degradation. Polyubiquitination of the conserved lysine 60 of IER3 is essential for its degradation. In addition, four and a half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) binds to both IER3 and MDM2, allowing for efficient MDM2-mediated IER3 degradation by facilitating an association between MDM2 and IER3. Moreover, IER3 induces cell cycle arrest in cervical cancer cells and its activity is further enhanced in cells in which FHL2 or MDM2 was silenced, thereby preventing IER3 degradation. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of human papilloma virus 18 regulated IER3 expression. FHL2 expression was significantly higher in the squamous epithelium of cervical carcinoma tissues than in non-cancerous cervical tissues, whereas cervical carcinoma expression of IER3 was downregulated in this region. Thus, we determined the molecular mechanism responsible for IER3 degradation, involving a ternary complex of IER3, MDM2 and FHL2, which may contribute to cervical tumor growth. Furthermore, we demonstrated that FHL2 serves as a scaffold for E3 ligase and its substrate during the ubiquitination reaction, a function that has not been previously reported for this protein.
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13
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Four and a half LIM domains 2 contributes to the development of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma. J Mol Histol 2016; 47:105-16. [PMID: 26759260 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-016-9654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) is a protein of 279 amino acids in length containing four full LIM-domains and a half LIM-domain at the amino terminus. FHL2 is one transcriptional cofactor that can interact with many different proteins, such as AP-1, BRCA1, IGFBP, and integrin, and involved in organ differentiation, development, cell apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Recent studies showed that FHL2 could play different roles acting as co-activator or corepressor in different cancer types, depending on the cell types involved. However, no report about FHL2 function in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is available to date. This study aims to determine the FHL2 expression and its biological functions in TSCC via in vitro and in vivo studies. Results show that FHL2 expression was associated with the pathological differentiation of TSCC samples through immunohistochemistry. FHL2 overexpression could stimulate cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastases investigated by MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell and cell scratch methods. FHL2 could also elevate tumor-related molecule nuclear transcription factor-B (NF-кB) and β-catenin expression levels both at transcriptional and translational levels through real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. The in vivo nude mice experiment showed that the tumorigenicity of FHL2 overexpression group was significantly increased compared with control groups. These results suggest that FHL2 overexpression could contribute to the growth, proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma; furthermore, its function in TSCC might be related with the upregulation of NF-кB and β-catenin expressions.
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Mindaye ST, Surdo JL, Bauer SR, Alterman MA. System-wide survey of proteomic responses of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) to in vitro cultivation. Stem Cell Res 2015; 15:655-664. [PMID: 26523674 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs, also loosely called bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells) are the subject of increasing numbers of clinical trials and laboratory research. Our group recently reported on the optimization of a workflow for a sensitive proteomic study of hBMSCs. Here, we couple this workflow with a label-free protein quantitation method to investigate the molecular responses of hBMSCs to long-term in vitro passaging. We explored the proteomic responses of hBMSCs by assessing the expression levels of proteins at early passage (passage 3, P3) and late passage (P7). We used multiple biological as well as technical replicates to ensure that the detected proteomic changes are repeatable between cultures and thus likely to be biologically relevant. Over 1700 proteins were quantified at three passages and a list of differentially expressed proteins was compiled. Bioinformatics-based network analysis and term enrichment revealed that metabolic pathways are largely altered, where many proteins in the glycolytic, pentose phosphate, and TCA pathways were shown to be largely upregulated in late passages. We also observed significant proteomic alterations in functional categories including apoptosis, and ER-based protein processing and sorting following in vitro cell aging. We posit that the comprehensive map outlined in this report of affected phenotypes as well as the underpinning molecular factors tremendously benefit the effort to uncovering targets that are not just used only to monitor cell fitness but can be employed to slowdown the in vitro aging process in hBMSCs and hence ensure manufacturing of cells with known quality, efficacy and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel T Mindaye
- Tumor Vaccines and Biotechnology Branch, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Lo Surdo
- Cellular and Tissue Therapies Branch, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Steven R Bauer
- Cellular and Tissue Therapies Branch, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Michail A Alterman
- Tumor Vaccines and Biotechnology Branch, Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States.
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15
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Abstract
The Four-and-a-half LIM (FHL)-only protein is a subfamily of protein members under the LIM-only protein family. These proteins are identified by their characteristic four and a half cysteinerich LIM homeodomain. Five members have been categorized into the FHL subfamily, which are FHL1, FHL2, FHL3, FHL4 and activator of CREM in testis (ACT) in human. FHL2 is amongst the most examined members within the family. Fhl2, the gene that code for the protein, is transcriptionally regulated by diverse types of transcription factors, for example, p53, serum response factor (SRF), and specificity protein 1 (Sp1). The expression of FHL2 is found in different tissues and organs and has been reported as a critical participant influencing the wide types of cancer such as breast cancer, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, liver cancer and prostate cancer. The expression profile of FHL2 appeared to have a significant functional role in the carcinogenesis of these cancers which are mediated by different types of transcription factor including both tumor suppressors and inducers. In this review, we will first describe the molecular network governing FHL2 expression, which focus on the transcription factors conveying FHL2-initiated responses. In the second part, FHL2-linked cancers and the underlying molecular machinery will be discussed. Factors other than transcriptional regulation which may involve the cancer progression such as mutations of fhl2 and posttranslational modifications of the protein will also be mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyanne Ye Cao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Wing-Fai Mok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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16
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Westphal P, Mauch C, Florin A, Czerwitzki J, Olligschläger N, Wodtke C, Schüle R, Büttner R, Friedrichs N. Enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 Expression Is Associated With Invasive Growth and Poor Survival in Malignant Melanomas. Am J Clin Pathol 2015; 143:248-56; quiz 307. [PMID: 25596251 DOI: 10.1309/ajcpxec6cit2txaf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examines the expression and the role of four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in human malignant melanoma. It is determined whether both proteins influence melanoma survival time. METHODS We analyzed the immunohistochemical staining intensities of FHL2 and TGF-β1 in normal skin and in 50 malignant melanomas with different mutation status (BRAF-V600E, NRAS codon 61 mutation, and wild type). Survival data were available for 45 cases. RESULTS In melanocytes of nonneoplastic human skin, FHL2 expression was absent. In contrast, 38 (76%) of 50 melanomas showed strong cytoplasmic and partly nuclear FHL2 expression. At the invasion front, cytoplasmic TGF-β1 staining was observed in 32 (64%) of 50 melanomas, and a correlation of FHL2 and TGF-β1 staining intensities was detectable. In follow-up analyses, enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 staining intensities in the tumor invasion front were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced FHL2 and TGF-β1 expression is correlated with poor survival in human malignant melanoma. Protumorigenic effects of autocrine TGF-β1 secretion might be exerted by induction of FHL2 expression in melanoma cells. Since melanomas treated with targeted therapies often do not show sufficient response rates, inhibition of FHL2 and/or TGF-β1 might be a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Westphal
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Mauch
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Florin
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nina Olligschläger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Wodtke
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nicolaus Friedrichs
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne Medical School, Cologne, Germany
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Ng CF, Xu JY, Li MS, Tsui SKW. Identification of FHL2-regulated genes in liver by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. J Cell Biochem 2014; 115:744-53. [PMID: 24453047 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
FHL2 is a LIM domain protein that is able to form various protein complexes and regulate gene transcription. Recent findings showed that FHL2 is a potential tumor suppressor gene that was down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, microarray profiling of gene expression was performed to identify the genes regulated by FHL2 in mouse livers. The differentially expressed genes were further analyzed by bioinformatics tools including DAVID, KEGG, and STRING. Our data illustrate that FHL2 affects genes involved in various functions including signal transduction, responses to external stimulus, cancer-related pathways, cardiovascular function and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, a network of differentially expressed genes identified in this study and known FHL2-interacting proteins was constructed. Then, genes identified by bioinformatics tools and most functional relevant to FHL2 were selected for further validation. Finally, the differential expression of Ar, Id3, Inhbe, Alas1, Bcl6, Pparδ, Angptl4, and Erbb4 were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. In summary, we have established a database of genes that are potentially regulated by FHL2 and these genes should be future targets for the elucidation of functional roles of FHL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chor-Fung Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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18
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Lu Y, Cai G, Cui S, Geng W, Chen D, Wen J, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Xie Y, Fu B, Chen X. FHL2-driven molecular network mediated Septin2 knockdown inducing apoptosis in mesangial cell. Proteomics 2014; 14:2485-97. [PMID: 25103794 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lu
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Guangyan Cai
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Shaoyuan Cui
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Wenjia Geng
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Fujian Zhang
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Yuansheng Xie
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Bo Fu
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Nephrology; Chinese PLA General Hospital; Chinese PLA Institute of Nephrology; State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases; National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases; Beijing P. R. China
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19
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Xu J, Zhou J, Li MS, Ng CF, Ng YK, Lai PBS, Tsui SKW. Transcriptional regulation of the tumor suppressor FHL2 by p53 in human kidney and liver cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99359. [PMID: 25121502 PMCID: PMC4133229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Four and a Half LIM protein 2 (FHL2) is a LIM domain only protein that is able to form various protein complexes and regulate gene transcription. Recent findings showed that FHL2 is a potential tumor suppressor gene that was down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, FHL2 can bind to and activate the TP53 promoter in hepatic cells. In this study, the activity of the two promoters of FHL2, 1a and 1b, were determined in the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 and the activation of these two promoters by p53 was investigated. Our results showed that the 1b promoter has a higher activity than the 1a promoter in HEK 293 cells but the 1a promoter is more responsive to the activation by p53 when compared with the 1b promoter. The regulation of FHL2 by p53 was further confirmed in liver cells by the overexpression of p53 in Hep3B cells and the knockdown of p53 in HepG2 cells. Combining promoter activity results of truncated mutants and predictions by bioinformatics tools, a putative p53 binding site was found in the exon 1a of FHL2 from +213 to +232. The binding between the p53 protein and the putative p53 binding site was then validated by the ChIP assay. Furthermore, the expression of FHL2 and TP53 were down-regulated in majority of HCC tumour samples (n = 41) and significantly correlated (P = 0.026). Finally, we found that the somatic mutation 747 (G→T), a hot spot mutation of the TP53 gene, is potentially associated with a higher expression of FHL2 in HCC tumour samples. Taken together, this is the first in-depth study about the transcriptional regulation of FHL2 by p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Junwei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Shan Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Chor-Fung Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Yuen-Keng Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Paul Bo-San Lai
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Stephen Kwok-Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
- * E-mail:
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20
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Kurakula K, Vos M, Otermin Rubio I, Marinković G, Buettner R, Heukamp LC, Stap J, de Waard V, van Tiel CM, de Vries CJ. The LIM-only protein FHL2 reduces vascular lesion formation involving inhibition of proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94931. [PMID: 24736599 PMCID: PMC3988136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The LIM-only protein FHL2, also known as DRAL or SLIM3, has a function in fine-tuning multiple physiological processes. FHL2 is expressed in the vessel wall in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells and conflicting data have been reported on the regulatory function of FHL2 in SMC phenotype transition. At present the function of FHL2 in SMCs in vascular injury is unknown. Therefore, we studied the role of FHL2 in SMC-rich lesion formation. In response to carotid artery ligation FHL2-deficient (FHL2-KO) mice showed accelerated lesion formation with enhanced Ki67 expression compared with wild-type (WT)-mice. Consistent with these findings, cultured SMCs from FHL2-KO mice showed increased proliferation through enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) and induction of CyclinD1 expression. Overexpression of FHL2 in SMCs inhibited CyclinD1 expression and CyclinD1-knockdown blocked the enhanced proliferation of FHL2-KO SMCs. We also observed increased CyclinD1 promoter activity in FHL2-KO SMCs, which was reduced upon ERK1/2 inhibition. Furthermore, FHL2-KO SMCs showed enhanced migration compared with WT SMCs. In conclusion, FHL2 deficiency in mice results in exacerbated SMC-rich lesion formation involving increased proliferation and migration of SMCs via enhanced activation of the ERK1/2-CyclinD1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kondababu Kurakula
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Vos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iker Otermin Rubio
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Goran Marinković
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jan Stap
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian de Waard
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia M. van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlie J.M. de Vries
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Zhou L, Guo X, Chen M, Fu S, Zhou J, Ren G, Yang Z, Fan W. Inhibition of δ-opioid receptors induces brain glioma cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial and protein kinase C pathways. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:1351-1357. [PMID: 24179523 PMCID: PMC3813693 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain glioma is a malignant tumor with a high incidence rate and poor prognosis that has become a focus of studies of central nervous system diseases. Previous studies have suggested that δ-opioid receptors may affect the proliferation and apoptosis of numerous types of tumor cells. However, to date, their precise mechanism(s) of action have not been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of inhibiting δ-opioid receptors in brain glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis and their relevant molecular mechanisms. Various doses of naltrindole were supplied to treat brain glioma cells using the MTT method to assess the proliferation index. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the changes in cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. The expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3 and protein kinase C (PKC) were measured using western blotting. Naltrindole was observed to inhibit brain glioma cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the addition of naltrindole lead to changes in the brain glioma cell membrane potential and regulated Bax translocation to the mitochondrial membrane, consequently promoting the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, followed by the activation of caspase-9 and -3, which caused cell apoptosis. In addition, naltrindole was able to regulate the expression levels of the cellular internal phosphorylated PKC proteins, which are closely associated with the inhibition of cell proliferation. In conclusion, the inhibition of δ-opioid receptors may inhibit brain glioma cell proliferation and lead to apoptosis, which is closely associated with the mitochondrial and PKC pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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22
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Nascimento e Pontes MG, da Silveira SM, de Souza Trindade Filho JC, Rogatto SR, Viana de Camargo JL. Chromosomal imbalances in successive moments of human bladder urothelial carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2013; 31:827-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2011.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Brun J, Dieudonné FX, Marty C, Müller J, Schüle R, Patiño-García A, Lecanda F, Fromigué O, Marie PJ. FHL2 silencing reduces Wnt signaling and osteosarcoma tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55034. [PMID: 23383046 PMCID: PMC3557236 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms that are involved in the growth and invasiveness of osteosarcoma, an aggressive and invasive primary bone tumor, are not fully understood. The transcriptional co-factor FHL2 (four and a half LIM domains protein 2) acts as an oncoprotein or as a tumor suppressor depending on the tissue context. In this study, we investigated the role of FHL2 in tumorigenesis in osteosarcoma model. Methodology/Principal Findings Western blot analyses showed that FHL2 is expressed above normal in most human and murine osteosarcoma cells. Tissue microarray analysis revealed that FHL2 protein expression is high in human osteosarcoma and correlates with osteosarcoma aggressiveness. In murine osteosarcoma cells, FHL2 silencing using shRNA decreased canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and reduced the expression of Wnt responsive genes as well as of the key Wnt molecules Wnt5a and Wnt10b. This effect resulted in inhibition of osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Using xenograft experiments, we showed that FHL2 silencing markedly reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis occurence in mice. The anti-oncogenic effect of FHL2 silencing in vivo was associated with reduced cell proliferation and decreased Wnt signaling in the tumors. Conclusion/Significance Our findings demonstrate that FHL2 acts as an oncogene in osteosarcoma cells and contributes to tumorigenesis through Wnt signaling. More importantly, FHL2 depletion greatly reduces tumor cell growth and metastasis, which raises the potential therapeutic interest of targeting FHL2 to efficiently impact primary bone tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brun
- INSERM UMR 606, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Caroline Marty
- INSERM UMR 606, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Judith Müller
- Urologische Klink/Frauenklinik, Klinikum der Universität Freiburg and BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Urologische Klink/Frauenklinik, Klinikum der Universität Freiburg and BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Patiño-García
- Oncology Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- Oncology Division, Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olivia Fromigué
- INSERM UMR 606, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre J. Marie
- INSERM UMR 606, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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24
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Nouët Y, Dahan J, Labalette C, Levillayer F, Julien B, Jouvion G, Cairo S, Vives FL, Ribeiro A, Huerre M, Colnot S, Perret C, Nhieu JTV, Tordjmann T, Buendia MA, Wei Y. The four and a half LIM-only protein 2 regulates liver homeostasis and contributes to carcinogenesis. J Hepatol 2012; 57:1029-36. [PMID: 22796152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The four and a half LIM-only protein 2 (FHL2) is upregulated in diverse pathological conditions. Here, we analyzed the effects of FHL2 overexpression in the liver of FHL2 transgenic mice (Apo-FHL2). METHODS We first examined cell proliferation and apoptosis in Apo-FHL2 livers and performed partial hepatectomy to investigate high FHL2 expression in liver regeneration. Expression of FHL2 was then analyzed by real time PCR in human hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent non-tumorous livers. Finally, the role of FHL2 in hepatocarcinogenesis was assessed using Apo-FHL2;Apc(lox/lox) mice. RESULTS Six-fold increase in cell proliferation in transgenic livers was associated with concomitant apoptosis, resulting in normal liver mass. In Apo-FHL2 livers, both cyclin D1 and p53 were markedly increased. Evidence supporting a p53-dependent cell death mechanism was provided by the findings that FHL2 bound to and activated the p53 promoter, and that a dominant negative p53 mutant compromised FHL2-induced apoptosis in hepatic cells. Following partial hepatectomy in Apo-FHL2 mice, hepatocytes displayed advanced G1 phase entry and DNA synthesis leading to accelerated liver weight restoration. Interestingly, FHL2 upregulation in human liver specimens showed significant association with increasing inflammation score and cirrhosis. Finally, while Apo-FHL2 mice developed no tumors, the FHL2 transgene enhanced hepatocarcinogenesis induced by liver-specific deletion of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene and aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Apc(lox/lox) animals. CONCLUSIONS Our results implicate FHL2 in the regulation of signaling pathways that couple proliferation and cell death machineries, and underscore the important role of FHL2 in liver homeostasis and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Nouët
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Oncogenèse et Virologie Moléculaire, France
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Wong CH, Mak GWY, Li MS, Tsui SKW. The LIM-only protein FHL2 regulates interleukin-6 expression through p38 MAPK mediated NF-κB pathway in muscle cells. Cytokine 2012; 59:286-93. [PMID: 22633286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is pleiotropic cytokine playing an important role in inflammatory response. Other than classical immune tissues, IL-6 is also produced in muscle cells under specific conditions. Four-and-a-half LIM-only protein 2 (FHL2) is preferentially expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells compared to other tissues indicating it has an important role in skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system. In this report, the regulation of IL-6 by FHL2 in muscle cells was investigated. We demonstrated that FHL2 overexpression increased IL-6 mRNA level and its protein secretion in skeletal myoblasts. In contrast, the IL-6 secretion was significantly decreased after FHL2-knockdown by siRNA in response to TNFα stimulation. We further showed that FHL2-mediated induction of IL-6 was regulated by the activation of IL-6 promoter through stimulating NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Our results further illustrated the molecular mechanisms of IL-6 production, which provides new insights in the roles of FHL2 in post-injury inflammation or cytoprotection of muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hang Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Lu Y, Liu X, Shi S, Su H, Bai X, Cai G, Yang F, Xie Z, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Li X, Wang S, Wu D, Zhang L, Wu J, Xie Y, Chen X. Bioinformatics analysis of proteomic profiles during the process of anti-Thy1 nephritis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 11:M111.008755. [PMID: 22159597 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.008755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-Thy1 nephritis is a well-established experimental mesangial proliferative nephritis model. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of pathophysiology in anti-Thy1 nephritis may elucidate the pathogeneses of mesangial proliferation. We examined the roles and acting mechanisms of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) by bioinformatics analysis of glomeruli proteomic profiles during the course of anti-Thy1 nephritis. In total, 108 DEPs were found by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), and 40 DEPs were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight and liquid chromatography-MS. DEPs were classified into five clusters (Clusters 1-5), according to their expression trends using Cluster 3.0 software, involved in regulating biological processes such as the stress response, cell proliferation, apoptosis, energy metabolism, transport, and the actin cytoskeleton. The expression patterns of ten DEPs, distributed across five clusters, including AKR1A1, AGAT, ATP6V1B2, HIBADH, MDH1, MPST, NIT2, PRDX6, PSMB7, and TPI1, were validated by Western blotting. Based on Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, we also found that the DEP FHL2, which was primarily expressed in the mesangial region, was down-regulated on days 3 and 5, and up-regulated on day 10. In vitro, we found that FHL2 overexpression induced mesangial cell proliferation by increasing the number of S-phase cells and decreasing G2/M-phase cells, whereas inhibiting FHL2 had the opposite effect. This study explored novel DEPs and their expression patterns during anti-Thy1 nephritis, and elucidated FHL2's effect on mesangial cell proliferation. These results will contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis of mesangial proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lu
- Department of Nephrology, State Key Lab of Kidney Diseases, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
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