1
|
Zhang W, Zhuang X, Wu C, Jin Y, Xing J, Hou M, Yang W, Feng Q, Wang H. Apigenin inhibits tumor angiogenesis by hindering microvesicle biogenesis via ARHGEF1. Cancer Lett 2024; 596:216961. [PMID: 38823764 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216961] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles are essential for intercellular communication and are involved in tumor progression. Inhibiting the direct release of extracellular vesicles seems to be an effective strategy in inhibiting tumor progression, but lacks of investigation. Here, we report a natural flavonoid compound, apigenin, could significantly inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by preventing microvesicle secretion. Mechanistically, apigenin primarily targets the guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF1, inhibiting the activity of small G protein Cdc42, which is essential in regulating the release of microvesicles from tumor cells. In turn, this inhibits tumor angiogenesis related to VEGF90K transported on microvesicles, ultimately impeding tumor progression. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of apigenin and shed light on its anticancer mechanisms through inhibiting microvesicle biogenesis, providing a solid foundation for the refinement and practical application of apigenin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - XiangJin Zhuang
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Chenlong Wu
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yong Jin
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jiayu Xing
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Mei Hou
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China; National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China; Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang Q, Zhuo Z, Qiu X, Luo R, Guo K, Wu H, Jiang R, Li J, Lian Q, Chen P, Sha W, Chen H. Adverse clinical outcomes and immunosuppressive microenvironment of RHO-GTPase activation pattern in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:122. [PMID: 38297333 PMCID: PMC10832138 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04926-0] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that Rho GTPases play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, but their involvement in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. METHODS We aim to develop a tumor prognosis prediction system called the Rho GTPases-related gene score (RGPRG score) using Rho GTPase signaling genes and further bioinformatic analyses. RESULTS Our work found that HCC patients with a high RGPRG score had significantly worse survival and increased immunosuppressive cell fractions compared to those with a low RGPRG score. Single-cell cohort analysis revealed an immune-active TME in patients with a low RGPRG score, with strengthened communication from T/NK cells to other cells through MIF signaling networks. Targeting these alterations in TME, the patients with high RGPRG score have worse immunotherapeutic outcomes and decreased survival time in the immunotherapy cohort. Moreover, the RGPRG score was found to be correlated with survival in 27 other cancers. In vitro experiments confirmed that knockdown of the key Rho GTPase-signaling biomarker SFN significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insight into the TME features and clinical use of Rho GTPase gene pattern at the bulk-seq and single-cell level, which may contribute to guiding personalized treatment and improving clinical outcome in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zewei Zhuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinqi Qiu
- Cancer Prevention Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruibang Luo
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China
| | - Kehang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Huihuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China.
- Cord Blood Bank, Guangzhou Institute of Eugenics and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, Guangdong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, SAR, China.
| | - Pengfei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weihong Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Li G, Zhao Y. Advances in the development of Rho GTPase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117337. [PMID: 37253305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117337] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases), as members of the Ras superfamily, are GDP/GTP binding proteins that behave as molecular switches for the transduction of signals from external stimuli. Rho GTPases play essential roles in a number of cellular processes including cell cycle, cell polarity as well as cell migration. The dysregulations of Rho GTPases are related with various diseases, especially with cancers. Accumulating evidence supports that Rho GTPases play important roles in cancer development and progression. Rho GTPases become potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. And a number of inhibitors targeting Rho GTPases have been developed. In this review, we discuss their structural features, summarize their roles in cancer, and focus on the recent progress of their inhibitors, which are beneficial for the drug discovery targeting Rho GTPases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guanyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaxue Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhan F, Deng Q, Chen Z, Xie C, Xiang S, Qiu S, Tian L, Wu C, Ou Y, Chen J, Xu L. SAR1A regulates the RhoA/YAP and autophagy signaling pathways to influence osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:4104-4119. [PMID: 36047971 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent form of primary bone malignancy affecting adolescents. Secretion-associated Ras-related GTPase 1A (SAR1A) is a key regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, but its role as a regulator of osteosarcoma metastasis has yet to be clarified. Bioinformatics analyses revealed SAR1A and RHOA to be upregulated in osteosarcoma patients, with the upregulation of these genes being associated with poor 5-year metastasis-free survival rates. In addition, the upregulation of SAR1A and RHOA in osteosarcoma was highly positively correlated. Immunohistochemical analyses additionally revealed that SAR1A levels were increased in osteosarcoma pulmonary metastases. In vitro wound healing and Transwell assays indicated that knocking down SAR1A or RHOA impaired the invasive and migratory activity of osteosarcoma cells, whereas RHOA overexpression had the opposite effect. Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining revealed the inhibition of osteosarcoma cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition following SAR1A or RHOA knockdown; RHOA overexpression had the opposite effect. Following SAR1A knockdown, phalloidin staining indicated that osteosarcoma cells showed reduced lamellipodia formation. Endoplasmic reticulum stress levels and reactive oxygen species production were enhanced following the knockdown of SAR1A, as was autophagic activity, with lung metastases being reduced in vivo after such knockdown. Knocking down SAR1A suppresses osteosarcoma cell metastasis through the RhoA/YAP, ER stress, and autophagic pathways, offering new insights into the regulation of autophagic activity in the context of osteosarcoma cell metastasis and suggesting that these pathways could be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangbiao Zhan
- Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chongqing, China.,Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianrong Deng
- Health Management Center, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiyu Chen
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaozheng Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunrong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunsheng Ou
- Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing Municipality Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kholmanskikh S, Singh S, Ross ME. Activation of RhoC by regulatory ubiquitination is mediated by LNX1 and suppressed by LIS1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16493. [PMID: 36192543 PMCID: PMC9529947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19740-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of Rho GTPases remains a topic of active investigation as they are essential participants in cell biology and the pathophysiology of many human diseases. Non-degrading ubiquitination (NDU) is a critical regulator of the Ras superfamily, but its relevance to Rho proteins remains unknown. We show that RhoC, but not RhoA, is a target of NDU by E3 ubiquitin ligase, LNX1. Furthermore, LNX1 ubiquitination of RhoC is negatively regulated by LIS1 (aka, PAFAH1B1). Despite multiple reports of functional interaction between LIS1 and activity of Rho proteins, a robust mechanism linking the two has been lacking. Here, LIS1 inhibition of LNX1 effects on RhoGDI-RhoC interaction provides a molecular mechanism underpinning the enhanced activity of Rho proteins observed upon reduction in LIS1 protein levels. Since LNX1 and RhoC are only found in vertebrates, the LIS1-LNX1-RhoC module represents an evolutionarily acquired function of the highly conserved LIS1. While these nearly identical proteins have several distinct RhoA and RhoC downstream effectors, our data provide a rare example of Rho-isoform specific, upstream regulation that opens new therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Kholmanskikh
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th St, Box 240, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - Shawn Singh
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th St, Box 240, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - M Elizabeth Ross
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 East 69th St, Box 240, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bailly C, Beignet J, Loirand G, Sauzeau V. Rac1 as a therapeutic anticancer target: Promises and limitations. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115180. [PMID: 35853497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115180] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of GTPases are increasingly considered for the treatment of multiple human pathologies. The GTPase Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) plays major roles in vital cellular processes, notably in the control cell motility and dynamic, the regulation of oxidative stress, and in inflammatory and immune surveillance. As such, Rac1 is viewed as a potential target to combat cancers but also diverse inflammatory, metabolic, neurodegenerative, respiratory, cardiovascular, viral, and parasitic diseases. Potent and selective Rac1 inhibitors have been identified and designed, such as compounds GYS32661 and MBQ-167 both in preclinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. The pleiotropic roles and ubiquitous expression of the protein can be viewed as limitations for anticancer approaches. However, the frequent overexpression and/or hyperactivation of the Rac1 in difficult-to-treat chemoresistant cancers, make Rac1 an attractive target in oncology. The key roles of Rac1 in multiple cellular pathways, together with its major implications in carcinogenesis, tumor proliferation and metastasis, support the development of small molecule inhibitors. The challenge is high and the difficulty shall not be underestimated, but the target is innovative and promising in combination with chemo- and/or immuno-therapy. Opportunities and challenges associated with the targeting of Rac1 are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille (Wasquehal), 59290, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes cedex, France
| | - Gervaise Loirand
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sauzeau V, Beignet J, Vergoten G, Bailly C. Overexpressed or hyperactivated Rac1 as a target to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106220. [PMID: 35405309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite novel targeted and immunotherapies, the prognosis remains bleak for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for advanced and/or metastatic forms. The rapid emergence of drug resistance is a major obstacle in the success of chemo-, targeted-, immuno-therapies of HCC. Novel targets are needed. The prominent roles of the small GTPase Rac1 in the development and progression of HCC are discussed here, together with its multiple protein partners, and the targeting of Rac1 with RNA-based regulators and small molecules. We discuss the oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC, including the contribution of Rac1 mutants and isoform Rac1b. Rac1 is a ubiquitous target, but the protein is frequently overexpressed and hyperactivated in HCC. It contributes to the aggressivity of the disease, with key roles in cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis and resistance to treatment. Small molecule targeting Rac1, indirectly or directly, have shown anticancer effects in HCC experimental models. Rac1-binding agents such as EHT 1864 and analogues offer novel opportunities to combat HCC. We discuss the different modalities to repress Rac1 overactivation in HCC with small molecules and the combination with reference drugs to promote cancer cell death and to repress cell invasion. We highlight the necessity to combine Rac1-targeted approach with appropriate biomarkers to select Rac1 activated tumors. Our analysis underlines the prominent oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC and discuss the modalities to target this small GTPase. Rac1 shall be considered as a valid target to limit the acquired and intrinsic resistance of HCC tumors and their metastatic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE - U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, 59006, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal 59290, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
RhoA enhances osteosarcoma resistance to MPPa-PDT via the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:179. [PMID: 34627383 PMCID: PMC8501741 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00690-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone malignancy affecting adolescents, yet the emergence of chemoradiotherapeutic resistance has limited efforts to cure affected patients to date. Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy (MPPa-PDT) is a recently developed, minimally invasive treatment for OS that is similarly constrained by such therapeutic resistance. This study sought to explore the mechanistic basis for RhoA-activated YAP1 (YAP)-mediated resistance in OS. Methods The relationship between YAP expression levels and patient prognosis was analyzed, and YAP levels in OS cell lines were quantified. Immunofluorescent staining was used to assess YAP nuclear translocation. OS cell lines (HOS and MG63) in which RhoA and YAP were knocked down or overexpressed were generated using lentiviral vectors. CCK-8 assays were used to examine OS cell viability, while the apoptotic death of these cells was monitored via Hoechst staining, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Tumor-bearing nude mice were additionally used to assess the relationship between lentivirus-mediated alterations in RhoA expression and MPPa-PDT treatment outcomes. TUNEL and immunohistochemical staining approaches were leveraged to assess apoptotic cell death in tissue samples. Results OS patients exhibited higher levels of YAP expression, and these were correlated with a poor prognosis. MPPa-PDT induced apoptosis in OS cells, and such MPPa-PDT-induced apoptosis was enhanced following YAP knockdown whereas it was suppressed by YAP overexpression. RhoA and YAP expression levels were positively correlated in OS patients, and both active and total RhoA protein levels rose in OS cells following MPPa-PDT treatment. When RhoA was knocked down, levels of unphosphorylated YAP and downstream target genes were significantly reduced, while RhoA/ROCK2/LIMK2 pathway phosphorylation was suppressed, whereas RhoA overexpression resulted in the opposite phenotype. MPPa-PDT treatment was linked to an increase in HMGCR protein levels, and the inhibition of RhoA or HMGCR was sufficient to suppress RhoA activity and to decrease the protein levels of YAP and its downstream targets. Mevalonate administration partially reversed these reductions in the expression of YAP and YAP target genes. RhoA knockdown significantly enhanced the apoptotic death of OS cells in vitro and in vivo following MPPa-PDT treatment, whereas RhoA overexpression had the opposite effect. Conclusions These results suggest that the mevalonate pathway activates RhoA, which in turn activates YAP and promotes OS cell resistance to MPPa-PDT therapy. Targeting the RhoA/ROCK2/LIMK2/YAP pathway can significantly improve the efficacy of MPPa-PDT treatment for OS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-021-00690-6.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Garstka MA, Błażewska KM. Targeting Small GTPases and Their Prenylation in Diabetes Mellitus. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9677-9710. [PMID: 34236862 PMCID: PMC8389838 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
A fundamental role
of pancreatic β-cells to maintain proper
blood glucose level is controlled by the Ras superfamily of small
GTPases that undergo post-translational modifications, including prenylation.
This covalent attachment with either a farnesyl or a geranylgeranyl
group controls their localization, activity, and protein–protein
interactions. Small GTPases are critical in maintaining glucose homeostasis
acting in the pancreas and metabolically active tissues such as skeletal
muscles, liver, or adipocytes. Hyperglycemia-induced upregulation
of small GTPases suggests that inhibition of these pathways deserves
to be considered as a potential therapeutic approach in treating T2D.
This Perspective presents how inhibition of various points in the
mevalonate pathway might affect protein prenylation and functioning
of diabetes-affected tissues and contribute to chronic inflammation
involved in diabetes mellitus (T2D) development. We also demonstrate
the currently available molecular tools to decipher the mechanisms
linking the mevalonate pathway’s enzymes and GTPases with diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego Street 4/10, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| | - Malgorzata A Garstka
- Core Research Laboratory, Department of Endocrinology, Department of Tumor and Immunology, Precision Medical Institute, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Port, School of Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, DaMingGong, Jian Qiang Road, Wei Yang district, Xi'an 710016, China
| | - Katarzyna M Błażewska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Żeromskiego Street 116, 90-924 Łódź, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu RJ, Li SY, Liu LQ, Xu B, Chen M. Identification of biomarkers, pathways and potential therapeutic target for docetaxel resistant prostate cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:2377-2388. [PMID: 34077304 PMCID: PMC8806863 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1936831] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel has been proved to provide survival benefit for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Resistance to docetaxel further reduces the survival of these patients. Herein, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between docetaxel sensitive and resistant PCa (DRPC) cell based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were applied for functional and pathway analysis of DEGs. The STRING database, cytoscape software and plug-in 'cytoHubba' were used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and identify hub genes. Survival analysis were performed via GEPIA database. Finally, we conducted immune infiltration analysis by TIMER. A total of 460 DEGs were identified. GO functional analysis showed that these DEGs are mainly enriched in chemotaxis, negative regulation of intracellular signal transduction, and regulation of cell adhesion, positive regulation of inflammatory response, regulation of response to cytokine stimulus. According to the results of KEGG pathway analysis, these DEGs are mainly involved in signaling by Rho GTPases, Miro GTPases and RHOBTB3; interferon Signaling; arginine biosynthesis; PI3K-Akt signaling pathway; cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction; MAPK signaling pathway. Finally, CCNB1 and EZH2 were identified as prognostic hub genes and the expression of these two genes were associated with immune infiltration. The present study may helps to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of DRPC and facilitate the selection of therapeutic and prognostic biomarkers for DRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ji Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Ying- Li
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to School of Medicine, UESTC, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Quan Liu
- Department of Urology, Meishan City People's Hospital, Meishan, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.,Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Lishui District People's Hospital, Zhongda Hospital Lishui Branch, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zeng RJ, Zheng CW, Chen WX, Xu LY, Li EM. Rho GTPases in cancer radiotherapy and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:1245-1262. [PMID: 32772212 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite treatment advances, radioresistance and metastasis markedly impair the benefits of radiotherapy to patients with malignancies. Functioning as molecular switches, Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) have well-recognized roles in regulating various downstream signaling pathways in a wide range of cancers. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of Rho GTPases in cancer radiotherapeutic efficacy and metastasis, as well as radiation-induced metastasis. The functions of Rho GTPases in radiotherapeutic efficacy are divergent and context-dependent; thereby, a comprehensive integration of their roles and correlated mechanisms is urgently needed. This review integrates current evidence supporting the roles of Rho GTPases in mediating radiotherapeutic efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. In addition, their correlations with metastasis and radiation-induced metastasis are discussed. Under the prudent application of Rho GTPase inhibitors based on critical evaluations of biological contexts, targeting Rho GTPases can be a promising strategy in overcoming radioresistance and simultaneously reducing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| |
Collapse
|