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Liu F, Gu W, Shao Y. Cross-talk between circRNAs and m6A modifications in solid tumors. J Transl Med 2024; 22:694. [PMID: 39075555 PMCID: PMC11288061 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05500-4] [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: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) possess unique biological properties and distribution characteristics that enable a variety of biological functions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a prevalent epigenetic modification in organisms, is regulated by factors including methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and m6A-binding proteins (readers). These factors play critical roles in various pathophysiological processes. There is growing evidence that m6A modifications are common within circRNAs, affecting their synthesis, translation, translocation, degradation, and stability. Additionally, circRNAs regulate biological processes that influence m6A modifications. This review explores the metabolism and functions of m6A modifications and circRNAs, their interactions, and their specific regulatory mechanisms in different tumors, offering insights into m6A-circRNA interaction in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Wendong Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Yingjie Shao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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Ding P, Wu H, Wu J, Li T, He J, Ju Y, Liu Y, Li F, Deng H, Gu R, Zhang L, Guo H, Tian Y, Yang P, Meng N, Li X, Guo Z, Meng L, Zhao Q. N6-methyladenosine modified circPAK2 promotes lymph node metastasis via targeting IGF2BPs/VEGFA signaling in gastric cancer. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03099-w. [PMID: 39014193 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03099-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of cancer occurrence and progression, as well as promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, the potential mechanisms of circRNAs implicated in lymph node (LN) metastasis of gastric cancer remain unclear. Herein, we identify a novel N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified circRNA, circPAK2, which is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and metastatic LN tissues. Functionally, circPAK2 enhances the migration, invasion, lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPAK2 is exported by YTH domain-containing protein 1 (YTHDC1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in an m6A methylation-dependent manner. Moreover, increased cytoplasmic circPAK2 interacts with Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Proteins (IGF2BPs) and forms a circPAK2/IGF2BPs/VEGFA complex to stabilize VEGFA mRNA, which contributes to gastric cancer vasculature formation and aggressiveness. Clinically, high circPAK2 expression is positively associated with LN metastasis and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. This study highlights m6A-modified circPAK2 as a key regulator of LN metastasis of gastric cancer, thus supporting circPAK2 as a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping'an Ding
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Haotian Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiaxiang Wu
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Tongkun Li
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jinchen He
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yingchao Ju
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Animal Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yueping Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Fang Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Huiyan Deng
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Renjun Gu
- School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lilong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Honghai Guo
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Peigang Yang
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ning Meng
- Department of General Surgery, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Baoding Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenjiang Guo
- General Surgery Department, Hengshui People's Hospital, Hengshui, Hebei, China
| | - Lingjiao Meng
- Research Center and Tumor Research Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
- Big data analysis and mining application for precise diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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Guo S, Chen F, Li L, Dou S, Li Q, Huang Y, Li Z, Liu W, Zhang G. Intracellular Fusobacterium nucleatum infection increases METTL3-mediated m6A methylation to promote the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Adv Res 2024; 61:165-178. [PMID: 37619934 PMCID: PMC11258656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The tumor-associated microbiota plays a vital role in cancer development. Accumulating evidence shows that Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) participates in the progression of multiple tumor types. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVES This study examined the expression of methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3) during Fn infection and elucidated the function and pathway of Fn-induced m6A methylation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS The abundance of Fn in patient tissues was determined by qPCR. Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure METTL3 expression in cells and tissues. METTL3 function was evaluated in vitro by colony formation and cell migration assays. MeRIP-qPCR was performed to determine the relationship between METTL3 and c-Myc. In addition, the half-lives of genes that are downstream of METTL3 were determined with RNA stability assays. RESULTS Fn was enriched in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), breast cancer (BRCA), ESCC, and colorectal cancer (CRC) tumor tissues. METTL3 expression was positively associated with Fn abundance in ESCC tissues. Fn could survive and proliferation as well as increase METTL3 expression in ESCC, HCC, CRC, and BRCA cells. Moreover, METTL3 overexpression promoted ESCC cells proliferation, migration in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, Intracellular Fn infection increases METTL3 transcription. METTL3 promoted c-Myc mRNA methylation in the 3'-untranslated Region (3'-UTR) and enhanced its mRNA stability in a YTH N6-Methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1(YTHDF1)-dependent manner, which contributes to Fn induced ESCC proliferation and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that intracellular Fn infection promotes ESCC development and metastasis, and eradicating Fn infection may be a promising strategy for treating ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhe Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linfang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuheng Dou
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qifan Li
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Huang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijun Li
- Department of General Practice, Concord Medical Center, Institute of Geriatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wanli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Microbial and Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhao R, Chen J, Wang Y, Xiao H, Mei P, Lin W, Diao M, He S, Liao Y, Meng W. Prognostic roles of dysregulated METTL3 protein expression in cancers and potential anticancer value by inhibiting METTL3 function. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38849971 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between METTL3 protein expression and clinical outcomes in various cancers and elucidated the mechanism by which METTL3 disrupts the behavior of cancer cells. Here, we attempted to define the prognostic value of METTL3 protein in patients with cancer via systematic analysis and explored the potential effect of inhibiting METTL3 using its specific inhibitor. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases for studies that elucidated the prognostic value of METTL3 protein expression in all cancer types and then calculated the pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the overall survival (OS) of all cancer types and subgroups. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were used to study METTL3 mRNA expression in cancers. Further, the effects of a METTL3-specific inhibitor were studied in cancer cells via the colony formation assay, the cell proliferation assay, and apoptosis detection. RESULTS Meta-analysis of the 33 cohorts in 32 studies (3666 patients in total) revealed that higher METTL3 protein expression indicated poor OS in the majority of cancers. Bioinformatics analysis of METTL3 mRNA expression and cancer prognosis did not show the extremely prominent prognostic value of METTL3 mRNA. Nevertheless, the METTL3-specific inhibitor attenuated cell proliferation and cell cloning formation and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS METTL3 protein expression is associated with poor prognosis in most cancer types and could be a biomarker for OS. Further, METTL3 inhibition might be a potential treatment strategy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaping Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital), Kunming, China
| | - Yangwei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peiyuan Mei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxin Diao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiwen He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongde Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wangyang Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang X, Li Z, Peng Q, Liu C, Wu Y, Wen Y, Zheng R, Xu C, Tian J, Zheng X, Yan Q, Wang J, Ma J. Epstein-Barr virus suppresses N 6-methyladenosine modification of TLR9 to promote immune evasion. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107226. [PMID: 38537697 PMCID: PMC11061751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107226] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human tumor virus associated with a variety of malignancies, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric cancers, and B-cell lymphomas. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications modulate a wide range of cellular processes and participate in the regulation of virus-host cell interactions. Here, we discovered that EBV infection downregulates toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) m6A modification levels and thus inhibits TLR9 expression. TLR9 has multiple m6A modification sites. Knockdown of METTL3, an m6A "writer", decreases TLR9 protein expression by inhibiting its mRNA stability. Mechanistically, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 increases METTL3 protein degradation via K48-linked ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, YTHDF1 was identified as an m6A "reader" of TLR9, enhancing TLR9 expression by promoting mRNA translation in an m6A -dependent manner, which suggests that EBV inhibits TLR9 translation by "hijacking" host m6A modification mechanism. Using the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 inhibits TLR9-induced B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion, and opposes TLR9-induced immune responses to assist tumor cell immune escape. In clinical lymphoma samples, the expression of METTL3, YTHDF1, and TLR9 was highly correlated with immune cells infiltration. This study reveals a novel mechanism that EBV represses the important innate immunity molecule TLR9 through modulating the host m6A modification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengshuo Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiu Peng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangge Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuqing Wen
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Run Zheng
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chenxiao Xu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junrui Tian
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Qun Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Immunology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, China.
| | - Jian Ma
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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da Silva AM, Yevdokimova V, Benoit YD. Sam68 is a druggable vulnerability point in cancer stem cells. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:441-456. [PMID: 37792222 PMCID: PMC11016129 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Sam68 (Src associated in mitosis of 68 kDa) is an RNA-binding and multifunctional protein extensively characterized in numerous cellular functions, such as RNA processing, cell cycle regulation, kinase- and growth factor signaling. Recent investigations highlighted Sam68 as a primary target of a class of reverse-turn peptidomimetic drugs, initially developed as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin mediated transcription. Further investigations on such compounds revealed their capacity to selectively eliminate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity upon engaging Sam68. This work highlighted previously unappreciated roles for Sam68 in the maintenance of neoplastic self-renewal and tumor-initiating functions. Here, we discuss the implication of Sam68 in tumorigenesis, where central findings support its contribution to chromatin regulation processes essential to CSCs. We also review advances in CSC-targeting drug discovery aiming to modulate Sam68 cellular distribution and protein-protein interactions. Ultimately, Sam68 constitutes a vulnerability point of CSCs and an attractive therapeutic target to impede neoplastic stemness in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Mendes da Silva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Veronika Yevdokimova
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Yannick D Benoit
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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7
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Wang M, Liu Z, Fang X, Cong X, Hu Y. The emerging role of m 6A modification of non-coding RNA in gastrointestinal cancers: a comprehensive review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1264552. [PMID: 37965577 PMCID: PMC10642577 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1264552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a series of malignant tumors with a high incidence globally. Although approaches for tumor diagnosis and therapy have advanced substantially, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of GI cancer are still unclear. Increasing evidence supports an important role for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in many biological processes, including cancer-related processes via splicing, export, degradation, and translation of mRNAs. Under distinct cancer contexts, m6A regulators have different expression patterns and can regulate or be regulated by mRNAs and non-coding RNAs, especially long non-coding RNAs. The roles of m6A in cancer development have attracted increasing attention in epigenetics research. In this review, we synthesize progress in our understanding of m6A and its roles in GI cancer, especially esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. Furthermore, we clarify the mechanism by which m6A contributes to GI cancer, providing a basis for the development of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Department of Biobank, the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Dermatology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Biobank, the China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Liu Y, Long H, Zhong X, Yan L, Yang L, Zhang Y, Lou F, Luo S, Jin X. Comprehensive analysis of m6A modifications in oral squamous cell carcinoma by MeRIP sequencing. Genes Genet Syst 2023; 98:191-200. [PMID: 37813646 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.22-00162] [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: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are the most abundant internal modifications of mRNA and have a significant role in various cancers; however, the m6A methylome profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the mRNA-wide remains unknown. In this study, we examined the relationship between m6A and OSCC. Four pairs of OSCC and adjacent normal tissues were compared by Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) analyses were used to further analyze the MeRIP-seq data. A total of 2,348 different m6A peaks were identified in the OSCC group, including 85 m6A upregulated peaks and 2,263 m6A downregulated peaks. Differentially methylated m6A binding sites were enriched in the coding sequence in proximity to the stop codon of both groups. KEGG analysis revealed genes with upregulated m6A-modified sites in the OSCC group, which were prominently associated with the forkhead box O (FOXO) signaling pathway. Genes containing downregulated m6A-modified sites were significantly correlated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, spliceosome, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and endocytosis. IPA analysis indicated that several genes with differential methylation peaks form networks with m6A regulators. Overall, this study established the mRNA-wide m6A map for human OSCC and indicated the potential links between OSCC and N6-methyladenosine modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Huiqing Long
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Xiaogang Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment on Brain Functional Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
| | - Li Yan
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University
| | - Lu Yang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Fangzhi Lou
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Shihong Luo
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
| | - Xin Jin
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences
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9
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Liu Z, Yan W, Liu S, Liu Z, Xu P, Fang W. Regulatory network and targeted interventions for CCDC family in tumor pathogenesis. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216225. [PMID: 37182638 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
CCDC (coiled-coil domain-containing) is a coiled helix domain that exists in natural proteins. There are about 180 CCDC family genes, encoding proteins that are involved in intercellular transmembrane signal transduction and genetic signal transcription, among other functions. Alterations in expression, mutation, and DNA promoter methylation of CCDC family genes have been shown to be associated with the pathogenesis of many diseases, including primary ciliary dyskinesia, infertility, and tumors. In recent studies, CCDC family genes have been found to be involved in regulation of growth, invasion, metastasis, chemosensitivity, and other biological behaviors of malignant tumor cells in various cancer types, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and thyroid cancer. In this review, we summarize the involvement of CCDC family genes in tumor pathogenesis and the relevant upstream and downstream molecular mechanisms. In addition, we summarize the potential of CCDC family genes as tumor therapy targets. The findings discussed here help us to further understand the role and the therapeutic applications of CCDC family genes in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weiwei Yan
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, Jiangxi, 337000, China
| | - Zhan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, The First Affiliated Hospital (People's Hospital of Hunan Province), Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410002, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China; Respiratory Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518034, China.
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, 510315, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Zhuang G, Zhao X, Jin J, Zhu X, Wang R, Zhai Y, Lu W, Liao Y, Teng M, Yao Y, Nair V, Yao W, Sun A, Luo J, Zhang G. Infection phase-dependent dynamics of the viral and host N6-methyladenosine epitranscriptome in the lifecycle of an oncogenic virus in vivo. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28324. [PMID: 36401345 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28324] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic alteration of the epitranscriptome exerts regulatory effects on the lifecycle of oncogenic viruses in vitro. However, little is known about these effects in vivo because of the general lack of suitable animal infection models of these viruses. Using a model of rapid-onset Marek's disease lymphoma in chickens, we investigated changes in viral and host messenger RNA (mRNA) N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modification during Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection in vivo. We found that the expression of major epitranscriptomic proteins varies among viral infection phases, reprogramming both the viral and the host epitranscriptomes. Specifically, the methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)/14 complex was suppressed during the lytic and reactivation phases of the MDV lifecycle, whereas its expression was increased during the latent phase and in MDV-induced tumors. METTL3/14 overexpression inhibits, whereas METTL3/14 knockdown enhances, MDV gene expression and replication. These findings reveal the dynamic features of the mRNA m6 A modification program during viral replication in vivo, especially in relation to key pathways involved in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhuang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuyang Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jiaxin Jin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yunyun Zhai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenlong Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yifei Liao
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Man Teng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China & Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yongxiu Yao
- Viral Oncogenesis Group & UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, The Pirbright Institute, Surrey, UK
| | - Venugopal Nair
- Viral Oncogenesis Group & UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, The Pirbright Institute, Surrey, UK
| | - Wen Yao
- National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science, College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China & Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China & Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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11
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Wang W, Sun L, Huang MT, Quan Y, Jiang T, Miao Z, Zhang Q. Regulatory circular RNAs in viral diseases: applications in diagnosis and therapy. RNA Biol 2023; 20:847-858. [PMID: 37882652 PMCID: PMC10730172 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2272118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) forms closed loops via back-splicing in precursor mRNA, resisting exonuclease degradation. In higher eukaryotes, protein-coding genes create circRNAs through exon back-splicing. Unlike mRNAs, circRNAs possess unique production and structural traits, bestowing distinct cellular functions and biomedical potential. In this review, we explore the pivotal roles of viral circRNAs and associated RNA in various biological processes. Analysing the interactions between viral circRNA and host cellular machinery yields fresh insights into antiviral immunity, catalysing the development of potential therapeutics. Furthermore, circRNAs serve as enduring biomarkers in viral diseases due to their stable translation within specific tissues. Additionally, a deeper understanding of translational circRNA could expedite the establishment of circRNA-based expression platforms, meeting the rising demand for broad-spectrum viral vaccines. We also highlight the applications of circular RNA in biomarker studies as well as circRNA-based therapeutics. Prospectively, we expect a technological revolution in combating viral infections using circRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Ting Huang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Quan
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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12
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Xu CY, Zeng XX, Xu LF, Liu M, Zhang F. Circular RNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for gastric cancer: A comprehensive update from emerging functions to clinical significances. Front Genet 2022; 13:1037120. [PMID: 36386850 PMCID: PMC9650219 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1037120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of gastric cancer ranks as a fouth leading cause of cancer death worldwide, especially in East Asia. Due to the lack of specific early-stage symptoms, the majority of patients in most developing nations are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, it is urgent to find more sensitive and reliable biomarkers for gastric cancer screening and diagnosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel type of RNAs with covalently closed loops, are becoming a latest hot spot in the field of. In recent years, a great deal of research has demonstrated that abnormal expression of circRNAs was associated with the development of gastric cancer, and suggested that circRNA might serve as a potential biomarker for gastric cancer diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics, formation mechanism and biological function of circRNAs, and elucidate research progress and existing problems in early screening of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yi Xu
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Core Facility, Quzhou People’s Hospital, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | - Xi-Xi Zeng
- Core Facility, Quzhou People’s Hospital, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, China
| | - Li-Feng Xu
- Core Facility, Quzhou People’s Hospital, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, China
- The Joint Innovation Center for Engineering in Medicine, Quzhou, China
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Core Facility, Quzhou People’s Hospital, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, China
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