1
|
Wen P, Li J, Wen Z, Guo X, Ma G, Hu S, Xu J, Zhao H, Li R, Liu Y, Wang Y, Gao J. MICAL-L2, as an estrogen-responsive gene, is involved in ER-positive breast cancer cell progression and tamoxifen sensitivity via the AKT/mTOR pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116256. [PMID: 38729448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116256] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine treatment, particularly tamoxifen, has shown significant improvement in the prognosis of patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer. However, the clinical utility of this treatment is often hindered by the development of endocrine resistance. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving ER-positive breast cancer carcinogenesis and endocrine resistance is crucial to overcome this clinical challenge. In this study, we investigated the expression of MICAL-L2 in ER-positive breast cancer and its impact on patient prognosis. We observed a significant upregulation of MICAL-L2 expression in ER-positive breast cancer, which correlated with a poorer prognosis in these patients. Furthermore, we found that estrogen-ERβ signaling promoted the expression of MICAL-L2. Functionally, our study demonstrated that MICAL-L2 not only played an oncogenic role in ER-positive breast cancer tumorigenesis but also influenced the sensitivity of ER-positive breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. Mechanistically, as an estrogen-responsive gene, MICAL-L2 facilitated the activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that MICAL-L2 could serve as a potential prognostic marker for ER-positive breast cancer and represent a promising molecular target for improving endocrine treatment and developing therapeutic approaches for this subtype of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushuai Wen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China; Biological Anthropology Institute, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Liaoning Technology and Engineering Center for Tumor Immunology and Molecular Theranotics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Age-related Disease, Life Science Institute of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Zihao Wen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guo
- Liaoning Technology and Engineering Center for Tumor Immunology and Molecular Theranotics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Age-related Disease, Life Science Institute of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Guoqun Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Shuzhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Hongli Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Ruixin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Liaoning Technology and Engineering Center for Tumor Immunology and Molecular Theranotics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Age-related Disease, Life Science Institute of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Liaoning Technology and Engineering Center for Tumor Immunology and Molecular Theranotics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Age-related Disease, Life Science Institute of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China.
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Ultrasonography, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Garg B, Khan S, Babu DS, Mose E, Gulay K, Sharma S, Sood D, Wenzel AT, Martsinkovskiy A, Patel J, Jaquish D, Lambies G, D'Ippolito A, Austgen K, Johnston B, Orlando D, Jang GH, Gallinger S, Goodfellow E, Brodt P, Commisso C, Tamayo P, Mesirov JP, Tiriac H, Lowy AM. MICAL2 Is a Super Enhancer Associated Gene that Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.26.600548. [PMID: 38979336 PMCID: PMC11230455 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.26.600548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest solid cancers and thus identifying more effective therapies is a major unmet need. In this study we characterized the super enhancer (SE) landscape of human PDAC to identify novel, potentially targetable, drivers of the disease. Our analysis revealed that MICAL2 is a super enhancer-associated gene in human PDAC. MICAL2 is a flavin monooxygenase that induces actin depolymerization and indirectly promotes SRF transcription by modulating the availability of serum response factor coactivators myocardin related transcription factors (MRTF-A and MRTF-B). We found that MICAL2 is overexpressed in PDAC and correlates with poor patient prognosis. Transcriptional analysis revealed that MICAL2 upregulates KRAS and EMT signaling pathways, contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. In loss and gain of function experiments in human and mouse PDAC cells, we observed that MICAL2 promotes both ERK1/2 and AKT activation. Consistent with its role in actin depolymerization and KRAS signaling, loss of MICAL2 expression also inhibited macropinocytosis. Through in vitro phenotypic analyses, we show that MICAL2, MRTF-A and MRTF-B influence PDAC cell proliferation, migration and promote cell cycle progression. Importantly, we demonstrate that MICAL2 is essential for in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Interestingly, we find that MRTF-B, but not MRTF-A, phenocopies MICAL2-driven phenotypes in vivo . This study highlights the multiple ways in which MICAL2 impacts PDAC biology and suggests that its inhibition may impede PDAC progression. Our results provide a foundation for future investigations into the role of MICAL2 in PDAC and its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
3
|
Ye F, Xia T, Zhao M, Zhao W, Min P, Wang Y, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Du J. PlexinA1 promotes gastric cancer migration through preventing MICAL1 protein ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation in a Rac1-dependent manner. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167124. [PMID: 38508474 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167124] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis promotes the development of tumors and is a significant cause of gastric cancer death. For metastasis to proceed, tumor cells must become mobile by modulating their cytoskeleton. MICAL1 (Molecule Interacting with CasL1) is known as an actin cytoskeleton regulator, but the mechanisms by which it drives gastric cancer cell migration are still unclear. Analysis of gastric cancer tissues revealed that MICAL1 expression is dramatically upregulated in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) samples as compared to noncancerous stomach tissues. Patients with high MICAL1 expression had shorter overall survival (OS), post-progression survival (PPS) and first-progression survival (FPS) compared with patients with low MICAL1 expression. RNAi-mediated silencing of MICAL1 inhibited the expression of Vimentin, a protein involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This effect correlates with a significant reduction in gastric cancer cell migration. MICAL1 overexpression reversed these preventive effects. Immunoprecipitation experiments and immunofluorescence assays revealed that PlexinA1 forms a complex with MICAL1. Importantly, specific inhibition of PlexinA1 blocked the Rac1 activation and ROS production, which, in turn, impaired MICAL1 protein stability by accelerating MICAL1 ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent degradation. Overexpression of PlexinA1 enhanced Rac1 activation, ROS production, MICAL1 and Vimentin expressions, and favored cell migration. In conclusion, this study identified MICAL1 as an important facilitator of gastric cancer cell migration, at least in part, by affecting Vimentin expression and PlexinA1 promotes gastric cancer cell migration by binding to and suppressing MICAL1 degradation in a Rac1/ROS-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Ye
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - MingYu Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Weizhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Pengxiang Min
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Qianwen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rasouli M, Safari F, Sobhani N, Alavi M, Roudi R. Regulation of Cellular-Signaling Pathways by Mammalian Proteins Containing Bacterial EPIYA or EPIYA-Like Motifs Predicted to be Phosphorylated. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:74-84. [PMID: 38153368 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0350] [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: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The effector proteins of several pathogenic bacteria contain the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala (EPIYA) motif or other similar motifs. The EPIYA motif is delivered into the host cells by type III and IV secretion systems, through which its tyrosine residue undergoes phosphorylation by host kinases. These motifs atypically interact with a wide range of Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing mammalian proteins through tyrosine phosphorylation, which leads to the perturbation of multiple signaling cascades, the spread of infection, and improved bacterial colonization. Interestingly, it has been reported that EPIYA (or EPIYA-like) motifs exist in mammalian proteomes and regulate mammalian cellular-signaling pathways, leading to homeostasis and disease pathophysiology. It is possible that pathogenic bacteria have exploited EPIYA (or EPIYA-like) motifs from mammalian proteins and that the mammalian EPIYA (or EPIYA-like) motifs have evolved to have highly specific interactions with SH2 domain-containing proteins. In this review, we focus on the regulation of mammalian cellular-signaling pathways by mammalian proteins containing these motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rasouli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mana Alavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Raheleh Roudi
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xia T, Ye F, Zhao W, Min P, Qi C, Wang Q, Zhao M, Zhang Y, Du J. Comprehensive Analysis of MICALL2 Reveals Its Potential Roles in EGFR Stabilization and Ovarian Cancer Cell Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:518. [PMID: 38203692 PMCID: PMC10778810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010518] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecules interacting with CasL (MICALs) are critical mediators of cell motility that act by cytoskeleton rearrangement. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of cancer cell invasion remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of one member of MICALs, i.e., MICALL2, in the invasion and function of ovarian cancer cells. We showed by bioinformatics analysis that MICALL2 expression was significantly higher in tissues of advanced-stage ovarian cancer and associated with poor overall survival of patients. MICALL2 was strongly correlated with the infiltration of multiple types of immune cells and T-cell exhaustion markers. Moreover, enrichment analyses showed that MICALL2 was involved in the tumor-related matrix degradation pathway. Mechanistically, MMP9 was identified as the target gene of MICALL2 for the regulation of invadopodium formation and SKOV3, HO-8910PM cell invasion. In addition, EGFR-AKT-mTOR signaling was identified as the downstream pathway of MICALL2 in the regulation of MMP9 expression. Furthermore, MICALL2 silencing promoted EGFR degradation; however, this effect was abrogated by treatment with the autophagy inhibitors acadesine and chloroquine diphosphate. Silencing of MICALL2 resulted in a suppressive activity of Rac1 while suppressing Rac1 activation attenuated the pro-EGFR, pro-MMP9, and proinvasive effects induced by the overexpression of MICALL2. Collectively, our results indicated that MICALL2 participated in the process of immune infiltration and invasion by ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, MICALL2 prevented EGFR degradation in a Rac1-dependent manner, consequently leading to EGFR-AKT-mTOR-MMP9 signaling activation and invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; (T.X.); (F.Y.); (W.Z.); (P.M.); (C.Q.); (Q.W.); (M.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Y, Song W, Zhang H, Ji X. MICALL2 participates in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cells - Potential roles in pulmonary fibrosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 747:109730. [PMID: 37690696 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells is a vital process in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which results in the accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Based on RNA sequencing analysis and GEO dataset reanalysis, we screened out MICALL2, a gene upregulated in the lungs of IPF mice and alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells from IPF patients, and aimed to explore its role in IPF. We validated the expression of MICALL2 in bleomycin (BLM)-induced IPF mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells (primary murine ATII cells and A549 cells), and explored the role of MICALL2 in IPF by knockdown of MICALL2 in BLM-induced mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells. We found that MICALL2 was upregulated in the lungs of BLM-induced mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells. MICALL2-deficient mice had reduced fibrogenesis and restrained EMT upon BLM challenge. Knockdown of MICALL2 restrained the EMT process, in vitro, through impeding β-catenin nuclear translocation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that NPAS2 is directly bound to the promoter of MICALL2. Altogether, our data revealed transactivation of MICALL2 induced by NPAS2, contributing to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ATII cells, thus leading to the EMT process and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. Interfering with MICALL2 may represent an innovative therapeutic target to mitigate the extent of IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Xinping Ji
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang Y, Zhao W, Wang Y, Du J. Prognostic impact of MICALL1 and associates with immune infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Cancer Biomark 2023:CBM220370. [PMID: 37248888 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-220370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most malignancy over the world. Previous studies have proven that Molecules Interacting with CasL-Like 1 (MICALL1) participated in cellular trafficking cascades, while there has no study to explore the function and carcinogenic mechanism MICALL1 in LIHC. METHODS We aimed to investigate the relationship between MICALL1 mRNA expression and LIHC using TCGA database. The expression of MICALL1 protein in clinic samples were examined by UALCAN database. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Logistic regression and Cox regression were performed to evaluate the prognostic significance of MICALL1. The MICALL1-binding protein were built by the STRING tool. Enrichment analysis by GO, KEGG and GSEA was used to explore possible function of MICALL1. The ssGSEA method was used to investigate the association between MICALL1 expression and the immune infiltration level in LIHC. RESULTS The expression and prognostic value of different MICAL family members in LIHC were evaluated. The expression of MICALL1 was significantly increased at both the transcript and protein levels in LIHC tissues. Further, the LIHC patients with high MICALL1 levels showed a worse OS, DSS and PFI. Some clinicopathologic features were identified to be related to MICALL1 expression in LIHC included clinical T stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade and AFP concentration. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis showed that MICALL1 was an independent prognostic marker for OS and DSS. Further enrichment analysis revealed that the K-RAS, TNFα/NF-κB and inflammatory response were significantly enriched in the high MICALL1 expression group. Immune infiltration analysis showed that high MICALL1 expression was correlated with infiltration level of macrophage cells, Th2 cells and some other immune cell types, including TFH. CONCLUSIONS MICALL1 expression was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration and may regarded as a promising prognostic biomarker for LIHC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weizhen Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- The Laboratory Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wen P, Wang H, Li Y, Sui X, Hou Z, Guo X, Xue W, Liu D, Wang Y, Gao J. MICALL2 as a substrate of ubiquitinase TRIM21 regulates tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:170. [DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Molecule interacting with CasL-like protein 2 (MICALL2) is believed to regulate cytoskeleton dynamics, tight junction formation, and neurite outgrowth. However, its biological role and the underlying mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely elusive.
Methods
qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect the expression levels of different genes. Next, mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the interactions of proteins. Furthermore, MTT assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing assays and xenograft tumor models were performed to demonstrate the functions of MICALL2 in CRC. In addition, transcriptome sequencing and Western blotting were conducted to verify the mechanism of MICALL2 in CRC.
Results
We found that both mRNA and protein levels of MICALL2 are up-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with non-tumor tissues and that its overexpression is closely correlated with poor prognosis. Ubiquitin E3 ligase Tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21) mediated MICALL2 ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation, negatively correlated with MICALL2 levels, and reversely regulated the tumorigenic activity of MICALL2 in CRC. Functional studies confirmed that MICALL2 promoted colorectal cancer cell growth and migration via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Conclusions
As a substrate of ubiquitinase TRIM21, MICALL2 enhances the growth and migration of colorectal cancer cells and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
9
|
Meng Z, Li Z, Xie M, Yu H, Jiang L, Yao X. TM9SF4 is an F-actin disassembly factor that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5728. [PMID: 36175399 PMCID: PMC9522921 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33276-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
F-actin dynamics is crucial for many fundamental properties of cancer cells, from cell-substrate adhesion to migration, invasion and metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanisms of actin dynamics are still incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate the function of a protein named TM9SF4 in regulating actin dynamics and controlling cancer cell motility and metastasis. We show that an N-terminal fragment (NTF) cleaved from TM9SF4 can directly bind to F-actin to induce actin oxidation at Cys374, consequently enhancing cofilin-mediated F-actin disassembly. Knockdown of TM9SF4 reduces cell migration and invasion in ovarian cancer cells A2780, SKOV3 and several high grade serous ovarian cancer lines (HGSOCs). In vivo, knockdown of TM9SF4 completely abolishes the tumor growth and metastasis in athymic nude mice. These data provide mechanistic insights into TM9SF4-mediated regulation of actin dynamics in ovarian cancer cells. F-actin dynamics influence cancer cell motility. Here the authors show that TM9SF4 facilitates the cofilin-induced disassembly of F-actin to promote cancer cell migration and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyue Meng
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhichao Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Reprogramming Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingxu Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongyan Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwen Jiang
- Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Yao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Centre for Cell & Developmental Biology and State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang Q, Qi C, Min P, Wang Y, Ye F, Xia T, Zhang Y, Du J. MICAL2 contributes to gastric cancer cell migration via Cdc42-dependent activation of E-cadherin/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:136. [PMID: 36064550 PMCID: PMC9442994 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00952-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer is a common and lethal human malignancy worldwide and cancer cell metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. MICAL2, a flavoprotein monooxygenase, is an important regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of MICAL2 on gastric cancer cell migration and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Cell migration was examined by wound healing and transwell assays. Changes in E-cadherin/β-catenin signaling were determined by qPCR and analysis of cytoplasmic and nuclear protein fractions. E-cadherin/β-catenin binding was determined by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Cdc42 activity was examined by pulldown assay. Results MICAL2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. The knockdown of MICAL2 significantly attenuated migratory ability and β-catenin nuclear translocation in gastric cancer cells while LiCl treatment, an inhibitor of GSK3β, reversed these MICAL2 knockdown-induced effects. Meanwhile, E-cadherin expression was markedly enhanced in MICAL2-depleted cells. MICAL2 knockdown led to a significant attenuation of E-cadherin ubiquitination and degradation in a Cdc42-dependent manner, then enhanced E-cadherin/β-catenin binding, and reduced β-catenin nuclear translocation. Conclusions Together, our results indicated that MICAL2 promotes E-cadherin ubiquitination and degradation, leading to enhanced β-catenin signaling via the disruption of the E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and, consequently, the promotion of gastric cell migration. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00952-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxiang Qi
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengxiang Min
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengwen Ye
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
HIF-1 α Regulated WTAP Overexpression Promoting the Warburg Effect of Ovarian Cancer by m6A-Dependent Manner. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:6130806. [PMID: 35733918 PMCID: PMC9207020 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6130806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has been determined to execute crucial functions in tumorigenesis and cancer development. WT1-associated protein (WTAP) has an important “writer” role in m6A modification, and it is also a nuclear protein that colocalizes with splicing factors and plays a critical role in cell function and cancer progression. However, little is known about the role of WTAP in ovarian cancer (OC) and its mechanisms. In this study, we found for the first time that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α could positively regulate increased expression of WTAP under hypoxia. And further results revealed that WTAP expression was closely associated with the clinicopathological features of OC, and high expression of WTAP predicted low survival rate in patients with OC. In addition, cell proliferation and invasive capacity were significantly reduced after knockdown of WTAP expression in OC cells. However, cell proliferation and invasive ability were significantly enhanced after overexpression of WTAP. Additionally, we find that WTAP interacts with DGCR8 (a crucial chip protein) to regulate the expression of microRNA-200 (miR-200) in an m6A-dependent way. Further experiments showed that the key glycolysis enzyme HK2 could be positively regulated by miR-200, which significantly affected the intracellular Warburg effect. In conclusion, this is considered uncovered that upregulation of WTAP expression by HIF-1α intercedes with miRNA processing, accelerates the Warburg impact, and advances the event and advancement of tumor, thus giving a novel viewpoint on m6A adjustment in OC movement.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang Y, Ye F, Xia T, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Du J. High MICAL-L2 expression and its role in the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:487. [PMID: 35501725 PMCID: PMC9063352 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MICAL-like protein 2 (MICAL-L2), a member of the molecules interacting with CasL (MICAL) family of proteins, is strongly associated with the malignancy of multiple types of cancer. However, the role of MICAL-L2 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) has not been well characterized. METHODS In this study, we analyzed the role of MICAL-L2 in COAD using datasets available from public databases. The mRNA and protein expression of MICAL-L2 was investigated using TCGA, UALCAN, and independent immunohistochemical assays. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of COAD patients were assessed based on the MICAL-L2 expression level using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis was employed to determine whether MICAL-L2 could serve as an independent prognostic indicator of OS. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were further utilized to explore the possible cellular mechanism underlying the role of MICAL-L2 in COAD. In addition, the correlation between MICAL-L2 expression and immune cell infiltration levels was investigated via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). RESULTS Data from TCGA, HPA, and UALCAN datasets indicated that MICAL-L2 expression was significantly higher in COAD tissue than in adjacent normal tissues, and this was confirmed by immunohistochemical assays. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with MICAL-L2 had shorter OS and DSS. Furthermore, multivariate Cox analysis indicated that MICAL-L2 was an independent risk factor for OS in COAD patients. ROC analysis confirmed the diagnostic value of MICAL-L2, and a prognostic nomogram involving age, M stage, and MICAL-L2 expression was constructed for OS. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that transport-related activity was closely associated with the role of MICAL-L2 in COAD. Regarding immune infiltration levels, MICAL-L2 was found to be positively associated with CD56bright NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that MICAL-L2 is a promising biomarker for determining prognosis and correlated with immune infiltration levels in COAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengwen Ye
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qianwen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shi F, Deng T, Mo J, Wang H, Lu J. An Immune-Related Gene-Based Signature as Prognostic Tool in Ovarian Serous Cystadenocarcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4095-4104. [PMID: 34354370 PMCID: PMC8331220 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s313791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSCC) is a life-threatening malignancy with poor prognosis. Therefore, the identification of immune-related genes associated with OSCC prognosis may reveal new targets of immunotherapy for OSCC. Patients and Methods The gene expression profiles of overlapped genes were extracted by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify immune-related modules. Significant genes were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis of model genes. Model characteristic genes were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and used to calculate a “signature index”. The model’s ability to predict prognosis in OSCC patients was assessed using time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curves. Differences in the biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways between groups with high or low signature index were assessed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The types of immune cells and their abundance in the two index groups were explored by single-sample GSEA. Results The expression profiles of 3517 overlapped genes were extracted by WGCNA, and nine modules related to the immune system of OSCC were obtained. The expression profiles of 114 hub genes were then subjected to LASSO analysis. Among them, 10 immune-related genes were significant, of which six were identified as model characteristic genes and were used to calculate the signature index. Moreover, 24 types of immune cells were identified in the tumor microenvironment, and their abundance was explored in high- and low-signature index groups of two datasets. Conclusion ARHGEF18, PLEKHA7, MTOR, VPS45, BRCA1, and HINT2 were identified as characteristic genes and used to develop a new immune-related gene-based signature as a promising prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Shi
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongning Deng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Meiao Gynaecology and Obstetrics Hospital of Guangxi, Nanning, Guangxi, 530000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Mo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiru Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Nanning, Nanning, Guangxi, 530022, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhu Y, Ferri-Borgogno S, Sheng J, Yeung TL, Burks JK, Cappello P, Jazaeri AA, Kim JH, Han GH, Birrer MJ, Mok SC, Wong STC. SIO: A Spatioimageomics Pipeline to Identify Prognostic Biomarkers Associated with the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1777. [PMID: 33917869 PMCID: PMC8068305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been shown to directly affect high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) malignant phenotypes, however, how these cells interact to influence HGSC patients' survival remains largely unknown. To investigate the cell-cell communication in such a complex TME, we developed a SpatioImageOmics (SIO) pipeline that combines imaging mass cytometry (IMC), location-specific transcriptomics, and deep learning to identify the distribution of various stromal, tumor and immune cells as well as their spatial relationship in TME. The SIO pipeline automatically and accurately segments cells and extracts salient cellular features to identify biomarkers, and multiple nearest-neighbor interactions among tumor, immune, and stromal cells that coordinate to influence overall survival rates in HGSC patients. In addition, SIO integrates IMC data with microdissected tumor and stromal transcriptomes from the same patients to identify novel signaling networks, which would lead to the discovery of novel survival rate-modulating mechanisms in HGSC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.S.)
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Radiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sammy Ferri-Borgogno
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (T.-L.Y.); (A.A.J.)
| | - Jianting Sheng
- Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.S.)
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Radiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tsz-Lun Yeung
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (T.-L.Y.); (A.A.J.)
| | - Jared K. Burks
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Amir A. Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (T.-L.Y.); (A.A.J.)
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (G.H.H.)
| | - Gwan Hee Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.-H.K.); (G.H.H.)
| | - Michael J. Birrer
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Samuel C. Mok
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.F.-B.); (T.-L.Y.); (A.A.J.)
| | - Stephen T. C. Wong
- Center for Modeling Cancer Development, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (J.S.)
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Radiology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Min P, Zhang L, Wang Y, Qi C, Song Y, Bibi M, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhao X, Yu M, Du J. MICAL-L2 Is Essential for c-Myc Deubiquitination and Stability in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:575903. [PMID: 33520979 PMCID: PMC7841116 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.575903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: MICAL-L2, a member of the molecules interacting with the CasL (MICAL) family, was reported to be highly expressed in several types of cancers, however, the roles of MICAL-L2 in NSCLC pathogenesis remain to be explored. This study is designed to clarify the mechanisms by which MICAL-L2 participates in NSCLC cell proliferation. Materials and Methods: The expression levels of MICAL-L2 in human lung cancer samples were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Cells were transfected with siRNA or plasmids to regulate MICAL-L2 expression. Cell proliferation was measured by EdU staining and CCK-8 assays. MICAL-L2 and phosphorylated/total c-Myc expression were examined by Western blotting analysis. Interaction between MICAL-L2 and c-Myc was assessed by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Western blotting, polyubiquitylation detection and protein stability assays were used to assess whether MICAL-L2 exerts its oncogenic effect via c-Myc. Results: We found that MICAL-L2 was highly expressed in human NSCLC. While overexpressing MICAL-L2 increased NSCLC cell proliferation, MICAL-L2 depletion decreased the proliferation of NSCLC cells, an effect that was linked to cell cycle arrest. MICAL-L2 physically interacted with the c-Myc protein and functioned to maintain nuclear c-Myc levels and prolonged its half-life. Knockdown of MICAL-L2 expression led to decreased c-Myc protein stability through accelerating polyubiquitylation of c-Myc and gave rise to c-Myc degradation. We further found that MICAL-L2 deubiquitinated c-Myc and blocked its degradation, presumably by inhibiting c-Myc phosphorylation at threonine residue 58. Conclusions: These results indicate that MICAL-L2 is a key regulator of c-Myc deubiquitination and stability in the nucleus, and this activity may be involved in promoting NSCLC cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Min
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenxiang Qi
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixuan Song
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maria Bibi
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yadong Ma
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minjie Yu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu Q, Borcherding N, Shao P, Cao H, Zhang W, Qi HH. Identification of novel TGF-β regulated genes with pro-migratory roles. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:165537. [PMID: 31449970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays fundamental roles in the development and homeostasis of somatic cells. Dysregulated TGF-β signaling contributes to cancer progression and relapse to therapies by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enriching cancer stem cells, and promoting immunosuppression. Although many TGF-β-regulated genes have been identified, only a few datasets were obtained by next-generation sequencing. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of MCF10A cells and identified 1166 genes that were upregulated and 861 genes that were downregulated by TGF-β. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that focal adhesion and metabolic pathways were the top enriched pathways of the up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Genes in these pathways also possess significant predictive value for renal cancers. Moreover, we confirmed that TGF-β induced expression of MICAL1 and 2, and the histone demethylase, KDM7A, and revealed their regulatory roles on TGF-β-induced cell migration. We also show a critical effect of KDM7A in regulating the acetylation of H3K27 on TGF-β-induced genes. In sum, this study identified novel effectors that mediate the pro-migratory role of TGF-β signaling, paving the way for future studies that investigate the function of MICAL family members in cancer and the novel epigenetic mechanisms downstream TGF-β signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peng Shao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Huojun Cao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; School of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Hank Heng Qi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Intergrated analysis of ELMO1, serves as a link between tumour mutation burden and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2019; 46:105-118. [PMID: 31324602 PMCID: PMC6710851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for cancer cell metastasis. Recently, EMT was reported to be associated with the inflammatory tumour microenvironment and, therefore, might be a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade agents. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. METHODS Patient survival data for our HCC cohort, TCGA and GEO datasets were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The functional roles of ELMO1 in HCC were demonstrated by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gene microarray analysis was used to demonstrate potential mechanisms of ELMO1. Data retrieved from the TCGA datasets were used to determine the relationships of ELMO1, EMT and TMB. FINDINGS Here, we report an indispensable role for ELMO1 in linking EMT with tumour mutation burden (TMB), which is a promising biomarker for the immune checkpoint blockade agent response. Upregulated ELMO1 expression is associated with a poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as increased cell growth, invasion, migration, angiogenesis and EMT in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that ELMO1 regulates SOX10 expression and induces EMT through PI3K/Akt signalling. Moreover, ELMO1 is negatively associated with TMB, indicating a negative relationship between EMT and TMB. INTERPRETATION ELMO1 serves as a link between EMT and TMB, providing a mechanistic basis for the further development of ELMO1 as a therapeutic target against HCC and potentially a promising biomarker of the immune checkpoint blockade agent response. FUND: National Natural Science Foundation of China; Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province; Young Teacher Training Program of Sun Yat-sen University; Science and Technology Plan of Guangdong Province; Special Support Program of Guangdong Province, Science and Technology Innovation Youth Talent Support Program; the Pearl River Science and Technology New Talent of Guangzhou City; Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province.
Collapse
|
18
|
Min P, Zhao S, Liu L, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhao X, Wang Y, Song Y, Zhu C, Jiang H, Gu L, Du J. MICAL-L2 potentiates Cdc42-dependent EGFR stability and promotes gastric cancer cell migration. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4475-4488. [PMID: 31034158 PMCID: PMC6533512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhanced migration potential is a common characteristic of cancer cells induced by mechanisms that are incompletely defined. The present study was designed to investigate relationship of a new discovered cytoskeleton regulator MICAL‐L2 and the endogenous epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathways in gastric cancer cell migration. Increased expression of MICAL‐L2 in gastric cancer cells up‐regulated EGFR protein level, accompanied by the increase of cell migration, whereas silencing MICAL‐L2 down‐regulated EGFR and inhibited cell migration. Expression of MICAL‐L2 was also shown positively correlated with the activation of HSP27/cytoskeleton and HSP27/β‐catenin signalling pathways that provide key mechanisms controlling cell migration. The up‐regulating effect of MICAL‐L2 on EGFR is mediated through a transcription‐independent mechanism that involves inhibiting EGFR protein degradation in lysosome. Further analysis indicated that Cdc42 activation contributed in maintaining the effect of MICAL‐L2 on EGFR stability. Furthermore analysis of clinic specimens revealed increased expression of MICAL‐L2 in carcinoma tissues and a positive correlation between MICAL‐L2 and EGFR expression levels. The above results indicate that MICAL‐L2 potentiates gastric cell migration via inhibiting EGFR degradation in lysosome via a Cdc42‐dependent manner that leads to the activation of EGFR/HSP27 signalling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengxiang Min
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yadong Ma
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixuan Song
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenchen Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haonan Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luo Gu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gamage TKJB, Schierding W, Hurley D, Tsai P, Ludgate JL, Bhoothpur C, Chamley LW, Weeks RJ, Macaulay EC, James JL. The role of DNA methylation in human trophoblast differentiation. Epigenetics 2018; 13:1154-1173. [PMID: 30475094 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1549462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a vital fetal exchange organ connecting mother and baby. Specialised placental epithelial cells, called trophoblasts, are essential for adequate placental function. Trophoblasts transform the maternal vasculature to allow efficient blood flow to the placenta and facilitate adequate nutrient uptake. Placental development is in part regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. However, our understanding of how DNA methylation contributes to human trophoblast differentiation is limited. To better understand how genome-wide methylation differences affect trophoblast differentiation, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) was conducted on four matched sets of trophoblasts; side-population trophoblasts (a candidate human trophoblast stem cell population), cytotrophoblasts (an intermediate progenitor population), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVT, a terminally differentiated population) each isolated from the same first trimester placenta. Each trophoblast population had a distinct methylome. In line with their close differentiation relationship, the methylation profile of side-population trophoblasts was most similar to cytotrophoblasts, whilst EVT had the most distinct methylome. In comparison to mature trophoblast populations, side-population trophoblasts exhibited differential methylation of genes and miRNAs involved in cell cycle regulation, differentiation, and regulation of pluripotency. A combined methylomic and transcriptomic approach was taken to better understand cytotrophoblast differentiation to EVT. This revealed methylation of 41 genes involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastatic cancer pathways, which likely contributes to the acquisition of an invasive EVT phenotype. However, the methylation status of a gene did not always predict gene expression. Therefore, while CpG methylation plays a role in trophoblast differentiation, it is likely not the only regulatory mechanism involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teena K J B Gamage
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - William Schierding
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Daniel Hurley
- b Systems Biology Laboratory, Melbourne School of Engineering , University of Melbourne , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Peter Tsai
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Jackie L Ludgate
- c Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand
| | | | - Lawrence W Chamley
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Robert J Weeks
- c Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand
| | - Erin C Macaulay
- c Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine , University of Otago , Dunedin , New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , The University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kim Y, Park Y, Hwang J, Kwack K. Comparative genomic analysis of the human and nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uncovers potential reproductive genes and disease associations in humans. Physiol Genomics 2018; 50:1002-1014. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00063.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is an important biological process. However, studies of human reproduction at the molecular level are limited due to the difficulty of performing in vivo studies. Hence, a mechanistic understanding of human reproduction remains still poor. Thus, it is important to use an alternative model organism for mechanistic studies of human reproduction. In this study, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for studying human reproduction and identified 61 human and 535 worm reproductive genes through a combination of comparative genomic and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. Interestingly, in terms of sex specificity, the number of male-specific genes was greater than the number of female-specific genes. Gene enrichment analysis identified biologically significant processes such as protein localization to cajal bodies/telomeres/nuclear bodies/chromosomes, helicase activity, pyrimidine biosynthesis, and determination of adult lifespan. Regarding the analysis of human reproductive diseases among the identified genes, 10 and 12 genes were identified in the human- and C. elegans-based analyses, respectively. In addition, RNA interference knockdown of a newly identified F52H2.6/DHCR24 gene increased brood size and ovulation/egg-laying rate in C. elegans. Therefore, gene identification, disease associations, and a proof-of-concept experiment using C. elegans will not only provide insights into mechanistic study of human reproduction, but also demonstrate the utility in studying human reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsoon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - YoungJoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - JoonYeon Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - KyuBum Kwack
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deng W, Wang Y, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Zhao X, Liu L, Sun S, Zhang L, Ye B, Du J. MICAL1 facilitates breast cancer cell proliferation via ROS-sensitive ERK/cyclin D pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2018. [PMID: 29524295 PMCID: PMC5980113 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecule interacting with CasL 1 (MICAL1) is a multidomain flavoprotein mono-oxygenase that strongly involves in cytoskeleton dynamics and cell oxidoreduction metabolism. Recently, results from our laboratory have shown that MICAL1 modulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the latter then activates phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway which regulates breast cancer cell invasion. Herein, we performed this study to assess the involvement of MICAL1 in breast cancer cell proliferation and to explore the potential molecular mechanism. We noticed that depletion of MICAL1 markedly reduced cell proliferation in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and T47D. This effect of MICAL1 on proliferation was independent of wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways. Interestingly, depletion of MICAL1 significantly inhibited ROS production, decreased p-ERK expression and unfavourable for proliferative phenotype of breast cancer cells. Likewise, MICAL1 overexpression increased p-ERK level as well as p-ERK nucleus translocation. Moreover, we investigated the effect of MICAL1 on cell cycle-related proteins. MICAL1 positively regulated CDK4 and cyclin D expression, but not CDK2, CDK6, cyclin A and cyclin E. In addition, more expression of CDK4 and cyclin D by MICAL1 overexpression was blocked by PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. LY294002 treatment also attenuated the increase in the p-ERK level in MICAL1-overexpressed breast cancer cells. Together, our results suggest that MICAL1 exhibits its effect on proliferation via maintaining cyclin D expression through ROS-sensitive PI3K/Akt/ERK signalling in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Deng
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueyuan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shixiu Sun
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bixing Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center For Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wen J, Zhao Z, Huang L, Li L, Li J, Zeng Y, Wu J, Miao Y. Switch of the ovarian cancer cell to a calcifying phenotype in the calcification of ovarian cancer. J Cancer 2018; 9:1006-1016. [PMID: 29581780 PMCID: PMC5868168 DOI: 10.7150/jca.22932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study was to study swith of the ovarian cancer cell to a calcifying phenotype in the formation of calcification in ovarian cancer, and to offer some help for ovarian cancer's diagnosis and differentiation therapy. METHODS The mineralization of ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 was induced via calcification medium for 21 d in vitro. Alizarin red staining, von kossa staining, calcein fluorescence staining and ALP activity detection were used to identify mineralization in calcification model of ovarian cancer. Also, the changes of ultrastructure and the mineralization biomarkers after the induction of calcification medium were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and western blot, respectively. The SKOV3 cells migration behavior after the induction of calcification medium was evaluated by using transwell assay and scratch wound. Finally, mineralization biomarkers were verified in 40 cases of calcified ovarian cancer specimens and matched 40 non-calcified ovarian cancer tissues. RESULTS Classical calcium salt detection methods confirmed that the culture of SKOV3 cells in calcification medium was an appropriate ovarian cancer calcification model in vitro. Transmission electron microscopy and western blot revealed respectively the presence of cells with morphological characteristics of osteoblasts and the upregulation of mineralization biomarkers expression in treatment group. Transwell assay and scratch wound showed the decreased SKOV3 cell migration in treatment group. In specimens, the calcification occurred predominantly in well-differentiated carcinomas and the expression of the BMP2 and OPN elevated in calcified group. CONCLUSION Our study showed that the switch of the ovarian cancer cell to a calcifying phenotype in the formation of calcification in ovarian cancer. The calcified phenotypic transformation may inform the new prospective in ovarian cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jirui Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.,West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Huang
- West China School of Stomatology Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiman Li
- Pathology Department, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zeng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yali Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang Y, Deng W, Zhang Y, Sun S, Zhao S, Chen Y, Zhao X, Liu L, Du J. MICAL2 promotes breast cancer cell migration by maintaining epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) stability and EGFR/P38 signalling activation. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 28719045 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM MICAL2, a cytoskeleton dynamics regulator, is identified associated with survival and metastasis of several types of cancers recently. This study was designed to investigate the role of MICAL2 in breast cancer cell migration as well as its underlying mechanisms. METHODS The relationship between MICAL2 and EGF/EGFR signalling was analysed by gene overexpression and knock-down techniques. Cell migration was measured by wound-healing assays. Activation of EGF/EGFR signalling pathways were evaluated by immunofluorescence, qPCR, Western blotting and zymography techniques. Rac1 activity was assessed by pull-down assay. Correlation of MICAL2 and EGFR in breast cancer specimens was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS Ectopic expression of MICAL2 in MCF-7 cells augmented EGFR protein level, accompanied by the promotion of cell migration. Silencing MICAL2 in MDA-MB-231 cells destabilized EGFR and inhibited cell migration. In mechanism, the maintaining effect of MICAL2 on EGFR protein content was due to a delay in EGFR degradation. Expression of MICAL2 was also shown positively correlated with the activation of P38/HSP27 and P38/MMP9 signallings, which are the main downstream signalling cascades of EGF/EGFR involved in cell migration. Further analysis indicated that Rac1 activation contributed to the maintaining effect of MICAL2 on EGFR stability. In addition, analysis of breast cancer specimens revealed a positive correlation between MICAL2 and EGFR levels and an association between MICAL2 expression and worse prognosis. CONCLUSION MICAL2 is a major regulator of breast cancer cell migration, maintaining EGFR stability and subsequent EGFR/P38 signalling activation through inhibiting EGFR degradation in a Rac1-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Wang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - W Deng
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - S Sun
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - S Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - L Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - J Du
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cai Y, Lu J, Tang F. Overexpression of MICAL2, a novel tumor-promoting factor, accelerates tumor progression through regulating cell proliferation and EMT. J Cancer 2018; 9:521-527. [PMID: 29483957 PMCID: PMC5820919 DOI: 10.7150/jca.22355] [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] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecule interacting with CasL 2 (MICAL2), a microtubule associated monooxygenase, is involved in cell growth, axon guidance, vesicle trafficking and apoptosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that MICAL2 is highly expressed in tumor and accelerates tumor progression and it is deemed to be a novel tumor-promoting factor. MICAL2 overexpression increases cell proliferation to accelerate tumor growth, and MICAL2 also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins to increase cancer cell metastasis. On mechanism, MICAL2 induces EMT by regulating SRF (serum response factor)/MRTF-A (myocardin related transcription factor A) signaling, Semaphorin/Plexin pathway and inducing ROS (Reactive oxygen species) production. In the present review, we introduced MICAL family, expatiated the structure and functions of MICALs, and summarized the mechanisms of MICAL2 involving tumor progression. The challenges and perspectives for MICAL2 in tumor are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Cai
- Clinical Laboratory and Medical Research Center, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinping Lu
- Clinical Laboratory and Medical Research Center, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Faqing Tang
- Clinical Laboratory and Medical Research Center, Zhuhai Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sun Q, Dong M, Wang Z, Wang C, Sheng D, Li Z, Huang D, Yuan C. Selenium-enriched polysaccharides from Pyracantha fortuneana (Se-PFPs) inhibit the growth and invasive potential of ovarian cancer cells through inhibiting β-catenin signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 7:28369-83. [PMID: 27058760 PMCID: PMC5053732 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Polysaccharides from medicinal plants exert antitumor activity in many cancers. Our previous study demonstrated that polysaccharides extracted from the selenium-enriched Pyracantha fortuneana (Se-PFPs) showed antiproliferative effect in breast cancer cell line. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of Se-PFPs in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Se-PFPs could decrease cell viability, induce apoptosis, and inhibit migratory and invasive potentials in HEY and SKOV3 cells. These findings are supported by reduced expression of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and MMP-9, enhanced cleavage of PARP and caspase-3, elevated activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition) inhibition (elevated expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19, and reduced expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1 and ZEB2). Moreover, Se-PFPs inhibited xenografted tumor growth through inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. More importantly, Se-PFPs significantly reduced cytoplasmic β-catenin particularly nuclear β-catenin expression but increased β-catenin phosphorylation in a GSK-3β-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown exerted similar effects on cell proliferation and invasion as seen in Se-PFPs-treated cells, while β-catenin overexpression neutralized the inhibitory effects of Se-PFPs on cell proliferation and invasion. Take together,Se-PFPs exert antitumor activity through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT, and inducing cell apoptosis. These effects are achieved by the inhibition of β-catenin signaling. Thus Se-PFPs can be used as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianling Sun
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| | - Mengmeng Dong
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Renhe Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| | - Changdong Wang
- Molecular Medicine & Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Deqiao Sheng
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| | - Debin Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hubei Institute for Nationalities, Enshi, HuBei 445000, China
| | - Chengfu Yuan
- College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, HuBei 443002, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Protein function can be regulated via post-translational modifications by numerous enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms, including oxidation of cysteine and methionine residues. Redox-dependent regulatory mechanisms have been identified for nearly every cellular process, but the major paradigm has been that cellular components are oxidized (damaged) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a relatively unspecific way, and then reduced (repaired) by designated reductases. While this scheme may work with cysteine, it cannot be ascribed to other residues, such as methionine, whose reaction with ROS is too slow to be biologically relevant. However, methionine is clearly oxidized in vivo and enzymes for its stereoselective reduction are present in all three domains of life. Here, we revisit the chemistry and biology of methionine oxidation, with emphasis on its generation by enzymes from the monooxygenase family. Particular attention is placed on MICALs, a recently discovered family of proteins that harbor an unusual flavin-monooxygenase domain with an NADPH-dependent methionine sulfoxidase activity. Based on structural and kinetic information we provide a rational framework to explain MICAL mechanism, inhibition, and regulation. Methionine residues that are targeted by MICALs are reduced back by methionine sulfoxide reductases, suggesting that reversible methionine oxidation may be a general mechanism analogous to the regulation by phosphorylation by kinases/phosphatases. The identification of new enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of methionine will open a new area of research at the forefront of redox signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Manta
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
El Bairi K, Amrani M, Kandhro AH, Afqir S. Prediction of therapy response in ovarian cancer: Where are we now? Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2017; 54:233-266. [PMID: 28443762 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2017.1313190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a major challenge in the management of ovarian cancer (OC). Advances in detection and new technology validation have led to the emergence of biomarkers that can predict responses to available therapies. It is important to identify predictive biomarkers to select resistant and sensitive patients in order to reduce important toxicities, to reduce costs and to increase survival. The discovery of predictive and prognostic biomarkers for monitoring therapy is a developing field and provides promising perspectives in the era of personalized medicine. This review article will discuss the biology of OC with a focus on targetable pathways; current therapies; mechanisms of resistance; predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy, antiangiogenic and DNA-targeted therapies, and optimal cytoreductive surgery; and the emergence of liquid biopsy using recent studies from the Medline database and ClinicalTrials.gov.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid El Bairi
- a Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy , Mohamed Ist University , Oujda , Morocco
| | - Mariam Amrani
- b Equipe de Recherche ONCOGYMA, Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Department , National Institute of Oncology, Université Mohamed V , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Abdul Hafeez Kandhro
- c Department of Biochemistry , Healthcare Molecular and Diagnostic Laboratory , Hyderabad , Pakistan
| | - Said Afqir
- d Department of Medical Oncology , Mohamed VI University Hospital , Oujda , Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Frémont S, Romet-Lemonne G, Houdusse A, Echard A. Emerging roles of MICAL family proteins - from actin oxidation to membrane trafficking during cytokinesis. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:1509-1517. [PMID: 28373242 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.202028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokinetic abscission is the terminal step of cell division, leading to the physical separation of the two daughter cells. The exact mechanism mediating the final scission of the intercellular bridge connecting the dividing cells is not fully understood, but requires the local constriction of endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III-dependent helices, as well as remodelling of lipids and the cytoskeleton at the site of abscission. In particular, microtubules and actin filaments must be locally disassembled for successful abscission. However, the mechanism that actively removes actin during abscission is poorly understood. In this Commentary, we will focus on the latest findings regarding the emerging role of the MICAL family of oxidoreductases in F-actin disassembly and describe how Rab GTPases regulate their enzymatic activity. We will also discuss the recently reported role of MICAL1 in controlling F-actin clearance in the ESCRT-III-mediated step of cytokinetic abscission. In addition, we will highlight how two other members of the MICAL family (MICAL3 and MICAL-L1) contribute to cytokinesis by regulating membrane trafficking. Taken together, these findings establish the MICAL family as a key regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and membrane trafficking during cell division.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Frémont
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Lab, Cell Biology and Infection department, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris CEDEX 15 75724, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3691, Paris 75015, France
| | - Guillaume Romet-Lemonne
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris 75013, France
| | - Anne Houdusse
- Structural Motility, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Arnaud Echard
- Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Lab, Cell Biology and Infection department, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris CEDEX 15 75724, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR3691, Paris 75015, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bernaudo S, Salem M, Qi X, Zhou W, Zhang C, Yang W, Rosman D, Deng Z, Ye G, Yang B, Vanderhyden B, Wu Z, Peng C. Cyclin G2 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Oncogene 2016; 35:4816-27. [PMID: 26876206 PMCID: PMC5024152 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies owing to poor screening methods, non-specific symptoms and limited knowledge of the cellular targets that contribute to the disease. Cyclin G2 is an unconventional cyclin that acts to oppose cell cycle progression. Dysregulation of the cyclin G2 gene (CCNG2) in a variety of human cancers has been reported; however, the role of cyclin G2 in tumorigenesis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the function of cyclin G2 in EOC. In vitro and in vivo studies using several EOC-derived tumor cell lines revealed that cyclin G2 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and spheroid formation, as well as tumor formation and invasion. By interrogating cDNA microarray data sets, we found that CCGN2 mRNA is reduced in several large cohorts of human ovarian carcinoma when compared with normal ovarian surface epithelium or borderline tumors of the ovary. Mechanistically, cyclin G2 was found to suppress epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as demonstrated by the differential regulation of various EMT genes, such as Snail, Slug, vimentin and E-cadherin. Moreover, cyclin G2 potently suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by downregulating key Wnt components, namely LRP6, DVL2 and β-catenin, which could be linked to inhibition of EMT. Taken together, our novel findings demonstrate that cyclin G2 has potent tumor-suppressive effects in EOCs by inhibiting EMT through attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Bernaudo
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Salem
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - X Qi
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Zhou
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Zhang
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Yang
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Rosman
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Z Deng
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - G Ye
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Z Wu
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ioannou MS, McPherson PS. Regulation of Cancer Cell Behavior by the Small GTPase Rab13. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:9929-37. [PMID: 27044746 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r116.715193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The members of the Rab family of GTPases are master regulators of cellular membrane trafficking. With ∼70 members in humans, Rabs have been implicated in all steps of membrane trafficking ranging from vesicle formation and transport to vesicle docking/tethering and fusion. Vesicle trafficking controls the localization and levels of a myriad of proteins, thus regulating cellular functions including proliferation, metabolism, cell-cell adhesion, and cell migration. It is therefore not surprising that impairment of Rab pathways is associated with diseases including cancer. In this review, we highlight evidence supporting the role of Rab13 as a potent driver of cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Ioannou
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Peter S McPherson
- From the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mariotti S, Barravecchia I, Vindigni C, Pucci A, Balsamo M, Libro R, Senchenko V, Dmitriev A, Jacchetti E, Cecchini M, Roviello F, Lai M, Broccoli V, Andreazzoli M, Mazzanti CM, Angeloni D. MICAL2 is a novel human cancer gene controlling mesenchymal to epithelial transition involved in cancer growth and invasion. Oncotarget 2016; 7:1808-25. [PMID: 26689989 PMCID: PMC4811499 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The MICAL (Molecules Interacting with CasL) proteins catalyze actin oxidation-reduction reactions destabilizing F-actin in cytoskeletal dynamics. Here we show for the first time that MICAL2 mRNA is significantly over-expressed in aggressive, poorly differentiated/undifferentiated, primary human epithelial cancers (gastric and renal). Immunohistochemistry showed MICAL2-positive cells on the cancer invasive front and in metastasizing cancer cells inside emboli, but not at sites of metastasis, suggesting MICAL2 expression was 'on' in a subpopulation of primary cancer cells seemingly detaching from the tissue of origin, enter emboli and travel to distant sites, and was turned 'off' upon homing at metastatic sites. In vitro, MICAL2 knock-down resulted in mesenchymal to epithelial transition, reduction of viability, and loss of motility and invasion properties of human cancer cells. Moreover, expression of MICAL2 cDNA in MICAL2-depleted cells induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Altogether our data indicate that MICAL2 over-expression is associated with cancer progression and metastatic disease. MICAL2 might be an important regulator of epithelial to mesenchymal transition and therefore a promising target for anti-metastatic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mariotti
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivana Barravecchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carla Vindigni
- U.O.C. Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Policlinico Le Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Angela Pucci
- U.O.C. Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Balsamo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosaliana Libro
- BIOS Doctoral School in Life Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vera Senchenko
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Dmitriev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Emanuela Jacchetti
- NEST, National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology, CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Cecchini
- NEST, National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology, CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Franco Roviello
- Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Lai
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Pisa Science Foundation, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Debora Angeloni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|