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Bhartiya P, Jaiswal A, Negi M, Kaushik N, Ha Choi E, Kumar Kaushik N. Unlocking melanoma Suppression: Insights from Plasma-Induced potent miRNAs through PI3K-AKT-ZEB1 axis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00084-5. [PMID: 38447612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.022] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Melanoma is a rare but highly malignant form of skin cancer. Although recent targeted and immune-based therapies have improved survival rates by 10-15%, effective melanoma treatment remains challenging. Therefore, novel, combinatorial therapy options such as non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) are being investigated to inhibit and prevent chemoresistance. Although several studies have reported the apoptotic and inhibitory effects of reactive oxygen species produced by NTP in the context of melanoma, the intricate molecular network that determines the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating NTP-mediated cell death remains unexplored. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms and miRNA networks regulated by NTP-induced oxidative stress in melanoma cells. METHODS Melanoma cells were exposed to NTP and then subjected to high-throughput miRNA sequencing to identify NTP-regulated miRNAs. Various biological processes and underlying molecular mechanisms were assessed using Alamar Blue, propidium iodide (PI) uptake, cell migration, and clonogenic assays followed by qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS NTP exposure for 3 min was sufficient to modulate the expression of several miRNAs, inhibiting cell growth. Persistent NTP exposure for 5 min increased differential miRNA regulation, PI uptake, and the expression of genes involved in cell cycle arrest and death. qPCR confirmed that miR-200b-3p and miR-215-5p upregulation contributed to decreased cell viability and migration. Mechanistically, inhibiting miR-200b-3p and miR-215-5p in SK-2 cells enhancedZEB1, PI3K, and AKT expression, increasing cell proliferation and viability. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that NTP exposure for 5 min results in the differential regulation of miRNAs related to the PI3K-AKT-ZEB1 axis and cell cycle dysregulation to facilitate melanoma suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Bhartiya
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea; Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea
| | - Apurva Jaiswal
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Manorma Negi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Neha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Ha Choi
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nagendra Kumar Kaushik
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea.
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Islam M, Jones S, Ellis I. Role of Akt/Protein Kinase B in Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3001. [PMID: 38002001 PMCID: PMC10669635 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113001] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a critical step in the process of carcinogenesis and a vast majority of cancer-related mortalities result from metastatic disease that is resistant to current therapies. Cell migration and invasion are the first steps of the metastasis process, which mainly occurs by two important biological mechanisms, i.e., cytoskeletal remodelling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is a central signalling molecule of the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been identified in a wide range of cancers. Several studies have revealed that Akt actively engages with the migratory process in motile cells, including metastatic cancer cells. The downstream signalling mechanism of Akt in cell migration depends upon the tumour type, sites, and intracellular localisation of activated Akt. In this review, we focus on the role of Akt in the regulation of two events that control cell migration and invasion in various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the status of PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors in clinical trials in metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Islam
- Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HR, UK; (S.J.); (I.E.)
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Rithvik A, Samarpita S, Rasool M. Unleashing the pathological imprinting of cancer in autoimmunity: Is ZEB1 the answer? Life Sci 2023; 332:122115. [PMID: 37739160 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122115] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The intriguing scientific relationship between autoimmunity and cancer immunology have been traditionally indulged to throw spotlight on novel pathological targets. Understandably, these "slowly killing" diseases are on the opposite ends of the immune spectrum. However, the immune regulatory mechanisms between autoimmunity and cancer are not always contradictory and sometimes mirror each other based on disease stage, location, and timepoint. Moreover, the blockade of immune checkpoint molecules or signalling pathways that unleashes the immune response against cancer is being leveraged to preserve self-tolerance and treat many autoimmune disorders. Therefore, understanding the common crucial factors involved in cancer is of paramount importance to paint the autoimmune disease spectrum and validate novel drug candidates. In the current review, we will broadly describe how ZEB1, or Zinc-finger E-box Binding Homeobox 1, reinforces immune exhaustion in cancer or contributes to loss of self-tolerance in auto-immune conditions. We made an effort to exchange information about the molecular pathways and pathological responses (immune regulation, cell proliferation, senescence, autophagy, hypoxia, and circadian rhythm) that can be regulated by ZEB1 in the context of autoimmunity. This will help untwine the intricate and closely postured pathogenesis of ZEB1, that is less explored from the perspective of autoimmunity than its counterpart, cancer. This review will further consider several approaches for targeting ZEB1 in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arulkumaran Rithvik
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - Snigdha Samarpita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mahaboobkhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Lab, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632 014, Tamil Nādu, India.
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Rezaei S, Nikpanjeh N, Rezaee A, Gholami S, Hashemipour R, Biavarz N, Yousefi F, Tashakori A, Salmani F, Rajabi R, Khorrami R, Nabavi N, Ren J, Salimimoghadam S, Rashidi M, Zandieh MA, Hushmandi K, Wang Y. PI3K/Akt signaling in urological cancers: Tumorigenesis function, therapeutic potential, and therapy response regulation. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175909. [PMID: 37490949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175909] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
In addition to environmental conditions, lifestyle factors, and chemical exposure, aberrant gene expression and mutations involve in the beginning and development of urological tumors. Even in Western nations, urological malignancies are among the top causes of patient death, and their prevalence appears to be gender dependent. The prognosis for individuals with urological malignancies remains dismal and unfavorable due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatment methods. PI3K/Akt is a popular biochemical mechanism that is activated in tumor cells as a result of PTEN loss. PI3K/Akt escalates growth and metastasis. Moreover, due to the increase in tumor cell viability caused by PI3K/Akt activation, cancer cells may acquire resistance to treatment. This review article examines the function of PI3K/Akt in major urological tumors including bladder, prostate, and renal tumors. In prostate, bladder, and kidney tumors, the level of PI3K and Akt are notably elevated. In addition, the activation of PI3K/Akt enhances the levels of Bcl-2 and XIAP, hence increasing the tumor cell survival rate. PI3K/Akt ] upregulates EMT pathways and matrix metalloproteinase expression to increase urological cancer metastasis. Furthermore, stimulation of PI3K/Akt results in drug- and radio-resistant cancers, but its suppression by anti-tumor drugs impedes the tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Rezaei
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Nikpanjeh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aryan Rezaee
- Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sarah Gholami
- Young Researcher and Elite Club, Islamic Azad University, Babol Branch, Babol, Iran
| | - Reza Hashemipour
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran
| | - Negin Biavarz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Tashakori
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Salmani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Romina Rajabi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Khorrami
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jun Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Arad Zandieh
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Doshi B, Athans SR, Woloszynska A. Biological differences underlying sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer: current synopsis and future directions. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:44. [PMID: 37666817 PMCID: PMC10477245 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00489-9] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer have long been a subject of interest to the cancer research community, wherein men have a 4 times higher incidence rate than women, and female patients often present with higher-grade disease and experience worse outcomes. Despite the known differences in disease incidence and clinical outcomes between male and female bladder cancer patients, clinical management remains the same. In this review, we critically analyze studies that report on the biological differences between men and women and evaluate how these differences contribute to sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer. Distinct characteristics of the male and female immune systems, differences in circulating hormone levels and hormone receptor expression, and different genetic and epigenetic alterations are major biological factors that all likely contribute to disparate incidence rates and outcomes for male and female bladder cancer patients. Future preclinical and clinical studies in this area should employ experimental approaches that account for and consider sex and gender disparities in bladder cancer, thereby facilitating the development of precision medicine for the effective treatment of bladder cancer in all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavisha Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Sarah R Athans
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Anna Woloszynska
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Chin FW, Chan SC, Veerakumarasivam A. Homeobox Gene Expression Dysregulation as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Bladder Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2641. [PMID: 37627900 PMCID: PMC10453580 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162641] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes serve as master regulatory transcription factors that regulate gene expression during embryogenesis. A homeobox gene may have either tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive properties depending on the specific organ or cell lineage where it is expressed. The dysregulation of homeobox genes has been reported in various human cancers, including bladder cancer. The dysregulated expression of homeobox genes has been associated with bladder cancer clinical outcomes. Although bladder cancer has high risk of tumor recurrence and progression, it is highly challenging for clinicians to accurately predict the risk of tumor recurrence and progression at the initial point of diagnosis. Cystoscopy is the routine surveillance method used to detect tumor recurrence. However, the procedure causes significant discomfort and pain that results in poor surveillance follow-up amongst patients. Therefore, the development of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of bladder cancer is crucial. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and prognostic potential of homeobox gene expression dysregulation in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fee-Wai Chin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Soon-Choy Chan
- School of Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia
| | - Abhi Veerakumarasivam
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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Wudtiwai B, Kodchakorn K, Shwe TH, Pothacharoen P, Phitak T, Suninthaboonrana R, Kongtawelert P. Brazilein inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in breast cancer cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:109988. [PMID: 36933493 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109988] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits high levels of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, which promotes immune escape and metastasis. Brazilein is a natural compound extracted from Caesalpinia sappan L., and has been demonstrated to be an anti-inflammatory anti- proliferative and apoptosis-inducer in various cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of brazilein on EMT and PD-L1 expression in breast cancer cells and its related molecular mechanisms using MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells as a model. Since the AKT, NF-κB, and GSK3β/β-catenin signaling were reported to be important mechanisms in immune escape and metastasis, the effect of brazilein on these signaling pathways were also found out in our study. Firstly, brazilein was treated on breast cancer cells at various concentrations to study cell viability, apoptosis, and apoptosis proteins. Then, breast cancer cells were treated with non-toxic concentrations of brazilein to study its influence on EMT and expression of PD-L1 protein using MTT, flow cytometry, western blot, and wound healing analysis, respectively. We found that brazilein exerts an anti-cancer effect by reducing cell viability via induction of apoptosis, while it also downregulated EMT and PD-L1 through suppression of phosphorylation of AKT, NF-κB, and GSK3β/β-catenin. Moreover, the migration ability was diminished by inhibiting the activation of MMP-9 and MMP-2. Taken together, brazilein might delay cancer progression through inhibition of EMT, PD-L1, and metastasis suggesting it might be a potential therapeutic option in breast cancer patients having a high level of EMT and PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjawan Wudtiwai
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kanchanok Kodchakorn
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Thuzar Hla Shwe
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Peraphan Pothacharoen
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Thanyaluck Phitak
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | | | - Prachya Kongtawelert
- Thailand Excellence Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Thatikonda S, Pooladanda V, Tokala R, Nagula S, Godugu C. Niclosamide inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition with apoptosis induction in BRAF/ NRAS mutated metastatic melanoma cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 89:105579. [PMID: 36870549 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105579] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is considered a deadly aggressive form of skin cancer that frequently metastasizes to various distal organs, which harbors mutations of the BRAF or NRAS which occur in 30 to 50% of melanoma patients. The growth factors secreted by melanoma cells contribute to tumor angiogenesis with the acquisition of metastatic potential by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drive melanoma growth toward a more aggressive form. Niclosamide (NCL) is an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug and is reported to have strong anti-cancer properties against various solid and liquid tumors. Its role in BRAF or NRAS mutated cells is unknown. In this context, we uncovered the role of NCL in impeding malignant metastatic melanoma in vitro in SK-MEL-2 and SK-MEL-28 cell lines. We found that NCL induces significant ROS generation and apoptosis through a series of molecular mechanisms, such as depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, arresting the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase with a significant increase in the DNA cleavage via topoisomerase II in both cell lines. We also found that NCL potently inhibited metastasis, which was examined by scratch wound assay, Additionally, we found that NCL inhibits the most important markers involved in the EMT signaling cascade that are stimulated by TGF-β such as N-cadherin, Snail, Slug, Vimentin, α-SMA and p-Smad 2/3. This work provides useful insights into the mechanism of NCL in BRAF/NRAF mutant melanoma cells via inhibition of molecular signaling events involved in EMT signaling, and apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowjanya Thatikonda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Venkatesh Pooladanda
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India; Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ramya Tokala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Shankaraiah Nagula
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500037, India.
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Zhu Y, Yin WF, Yu P, Zhang C, Sun MH, Kong LY, Yang L. Meso-Hannokinol inhibits breast cancer bone metastasis via the ROS/JNK/ZEB1 axis. Phytother Res 2023. [PMID: 36726293 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7732] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Distal metastases from breast cancer, especially bone metastases, are extremely common in the late stages of the disease and are associated with a poor prognosis. EMT is a biomarker of the early process of bone metastasis, and MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important osteoclastic activators. Previously, we found that meso-Hannokinol (HA) could significantly inhibit EMT and MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions in breast cancer cells. On this basis, we further explored the role of HA in breast cancer bone metastasis. In vivo, we established a breast cancer bone metastasis model by intracardially injecting breast cancer cells. Intraperitoneal injections of HA significantly reduced breast cancer cell metastasis to the leg bone in mice and osteolytic lesions caused by breast cancer. In vitro, HA inhibited the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and suppressed the expressions of EMT, MMP-9, MMP-13, and other osteoclastic activators. HA inhibited EMT and MMP-9 by activating the ROS/JNK pathway as demonstrated by siJNK and SP600125 inhibition of JNK phosphorylation and NAC scavenging of ROS accumulation. Moreover, HA promoted bone formation and inhibited bone resorption in vitro. In conclusion, our findings suggest that HA may be an excellent candidate for treating breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Feng Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hui Sun
- Division of Sports Medicine and Adult Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Yi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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10
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Bone Metastasis in Bladder Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010054. [PMID: 36675715 PMCID: PMC9864951 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010054] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is the 10th most common and 13th most deadly malignancy worldwide. About 5% of BCa patients present initially with metastatic disease, with bone being the most diagnosed site for distant metastasis. The overall one-year survival of patients with BCa is 84%, whereas it is only 21% in patients with bone metastasis (BM). Metastasis of BCa cells to bone occurs by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, intravasation, extravasation, and interactions with the bone microenvironment. However, the mechanism of BCa metastasis to the bone is not completely understood; it needs a further preclinical model to completely explain the process. As different imaging mechanisms, PET-CT cannot replace a radionuclide bone scan or an MRI for diagnosing BM. The management of BCa patients with BM includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, bisphosphonates, denosumab, radioisotopes, and surgery. The objective of these treatments is to inhibit disease progression, improve overall survival, reduce skeletal-related events, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life of patients.
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Perossi IFS, Saito MM, Varallo GR, de Godoy BLV, Colombo J, Zuccari DAPC. Protein Expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Targets Validated by Gene Expression and its Correlation with Prognosis in Canine Mammary Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2022; 27:241-252. [PMID: 36323932 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-022-09527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer is the main type of neoplasia in female dogs and is considered an adequate model for the biological and therapeutic study of cancer in women. The PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a central role in cellular homeostasis and is often dysregulated in cancer. The increased expression of PI3K protein in the literature is associated with a poor prognosis, and alterations in the PIK3CA gene can lead to changes in downstream pathways. Thus, the objective of this study was to validate the protein expression to confirm the gene expression of proteins belonging to the main pathway PI3K and PTEN, and their downstream pathways through ZEB1, ZEB2, HIF1A, VHL, CASP3 and PARP1 relating to prognosis in canine mammary cancer. For protein studies, the samples came from 58 female dogs with mammary neoplasia, immunohistochemistry was performed and its analysis by the histoscore method. For the genetic evaluation, the samples came from 13 patients, the DNA was extracted and the analysis for quantitative expression. Through immunohistochemistry, PI3K positivity was significantly associated with affected regional lymph node, distant metastasis, patients with HER2+, Triple Negative and Luminal B phenotypes, and the lowest survival rates. Through gene expression, we observed higher gene expression of ZEB2 and PARP1 both among patients who were alive and who died, which was not true for the expressions of PIK3CA and HIF1A. In conclusion, the data observed in this work are promising in the study of new molecular prognostic markers such as PI3K, ZEB2 and PARP1 for canine mammary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela F S Perossi
- Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.
| | - Mylena M Saito
- Centro Universitário de Rio Preto (UNIRP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jucimara Colombo
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Debora A P C Zuccari
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Poonaki E, Kahlert UD, Meuth SG, Gorji A. The role of the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis in CNS disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:275. [PMCID: PMC9675144 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02636-2] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a master modulator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process whereby epithelial cells undergo a series of molecular changes and express certain characteristics of mesenchymal cells. ZEB1, in association with other EMT transcription factors, promotes neuroinflammation through changes in the production of inflammatory mediators, the morphology and function of immune cells, and multiple signaling pathways that mediate the inflammatory response. The ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different CNS disorders, such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and neuropathic pain, by promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, formation of the hostile inflammatory micromilieu surrounding neuronal tissues, dysfunction of microglia and astrocytes, impairment of angiogenesis, and dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis could serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic target for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Poonaki
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Transplantation Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany ,grid.512981.60000 0004 0612 1380Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Biochemical Targets and Molecular Mechanism of Ginsenoside Compound K in Treating Osteoporosis Based on Network Pharmacology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213921. [PMID: 36430397 PMCID: PMC9692918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213921] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the potential of ginsenosides in treating osteoporosis, ginsenoside compound K (GCK) was selected to explore the potential targets and mechanism based on network pharmacology (NP). Based on text mining from public databases, 206 and 6590 targets were obtained for GCK and osteoporosis, respectively, in which 138 targets were identified as co-targets of GCK and osteoporosis using intersection analysis. Five central gene clusters and key genes (STAT3, PIK3R1, VEGFA, JAK2 and MAP2K1) were identified based on Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) analysis through constructing a protein-protein interaction network using the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis implied that phosphatidylinositol-related biological process, molecular modification and function may play an important role for GCK in the treatment of osteoporosis. Function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis suggested that the c-Fms-mediated osteoclast differentiation pathway was one of the most important mechanisms for GCK in treating osteoporosis. Meanwhile, except for being identified as key targets based on cytoHubba analysis using Cytoscape software, MAPK and PI3K-related proteins were enriched in the downstream of the c-Fms-mediated osteoclast differentiation pathway. Molecular docking further confirmed that GCK could interact with the cavity on the surface of a c-Fms protein with the lowest binding energy (-8.27 Kcal/moL), and their complex was stabilized by hydrogen bonds (Thr578 (1.97 Å), Leu588 (2.02 Å, 2.18 Å), Ala590 (2.16 Å, 2.84 Å) and Cys 666 (1.93 Å)), van der Waals and alkyl hydrophobic interactions. Summarily, GCK could interfere with the occurrence and progress of osteoporosis through the c-Fms-mediated MAPK and PI3K signaling axis regulating osteoclast differentiation.
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14
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Yu QC, Geng A, Preusch CB, Chen Y, Peng G, Xu Y, Jia Y, Miao Y, Xue H, Gao D, Bao L, Pan W, Chen J, Garcia KC, Cheung TH, Zeng YA. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Zeb1 in endothelial progenitors induces vascular quiescence entry. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111694. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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15
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Huang X, Wang HF, Huang S. Integrated risk scores from N6-methyladenosine-related lncRNAs are potential biomarkers for predicting the overall survival of bladder cancer patients. Front Genet 2022; 13:906880. [PMID: 36061188 PMCID: PMC9428265 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.906880] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of mRNA- and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-specific internal modification encountered in eukaryotes, with important effects on mRNA stability, translation, and splicing. The role of m6A-modified lncRNAs (m6A-lncRNAs) in bladder cancer (BLCA) is rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate an efficient prognostic model of BLCA in patients, based on m6A-lncRNAs, and to discover potential biological targets. Methods: Differentially expressed lncRNAs were investigated in 433 BLCA samples derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Kaplan–Meier and univariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen for m6A-lncRNAs with prognostic roles in BLCA. We implemented Pearson correlation analysis to analyze 18 potentially prognostic lncRNAs and 20 known m6A-associated genes. Next, the data were imputed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression to establish an m6A-lncRNA prognostic signature. Results: We established an integrated risk score (RS) containing five m6A-lncRNAs and constructed a nomogram that had the ability to forecast the overall survival (OS) of patients with BLCA. We showed that the predictive accuracy of the RS for BLCA prognosis was high, which was confirmed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We analyzed the correlation between tumor immune infiltrating cells and RS in high- and low-risk patients with BLCA and used tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion to predict the effect of immunotherapy. We screened out the most relevant modules of RS through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis network and explored their potential biological functions using GO and KEGG analyses. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that, compared with nomograms constructed using a single prognostic factor, the integrated RS represents a superior model for predicting survival in patients with BLCA, which may improve the clinical management of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Fei Wang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hao-Fei Wang, ; Shuang Huang,
| | - Shuang Huang
- Department of Urology, The General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hao-Fei Wang, ; Shuang Huang,
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16
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Perez-Oquendo M, Gibbons DL. Regulation of ZEB1 Function and Molecular Associations in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081864. [PMID: 35454770 PMCID: PMC9031734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 is regulated through pathways that influence its transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Diverse signaling pathways converge to induce ZEB1 activity; however, only a few studies have focused on the molecular associations or functional changes of ZEB1 by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Due to the robust effect of ZEB1 as a transcription repressor of epithelial genes during EMT, the contribution of PTMs in the regulation of ZEB1-targeted gene expression is an active area of investigation. Herein, we review the pivotal roles that phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and other modifications have in regulating the molecular associations and behavior of ZEB1. We also outline several questions regarding the PTM-mediated regulation of ZEB1 that remain unanswered. The areas of research covered in this review are contributing to new treatment strategies for cancer by improving our mechanistic understanding of ZEB1-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Perez-Oquendo
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-6363
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17
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Kaplan Z, Zielske SP, Ibrahim KG, Cackowski FC. Wnt and β-Catenin Signaling in the Bone Metastasis of Prostate Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1099. [PMID: 34685470 PMCID: PMC8537160 DOI: 10.3390/life11101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt family proteins and β-catenin are critical for the regulation of many developmental and oncogenic processes. Wnts are secreted protein ligands which signal using a canonical pathway, and involve the transcriptional co-activator β-catenin or non-canonical pathways that are independent of β-catenin. Bone metastasis is unfortunately a common occurrence in prostate cancer and can be conceptualized as a series of related steps or processes, most of which are regulated by Wnt ligands and/or β-catenin. At the primary tumor site, cancer cells often take on mesenchymal properties, termed epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), which are regulated in part by the Wnt receptor FZD4. Then, Wnt signaling, especially Wnt5A, is of importance as the cells circulate in the blood stream. Upon arriving in the bones, cancer cells migrate and take on stem-like or tumorigenic properties, as aided through Wnt or β-catenin signaling involving CHD11, CD24, and Wnt5A. Additionally, cancer cells can become dormant and evade therapy, in part due to regulation by Wnt5A. In the bones, E-selectin can aid in the reversal of EMT, a process termed mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET), as a part of metastatic tumorigenesis. Once bone tumors are established, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the suppression of osteoblast function largely through DKK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Kaplan
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Steven P. Zielske
- Department of Oncology and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.P.Z.); (K.G.I.)
| | - Kristina G. Ibrahim
- Department of Oncology and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.P.Z.); (K.G.I.)
| | - Frank C. Cackowski
- Department of Oncology and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (S.P.Z.); (K.G.I.)
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18
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Linxweiler J, Kolbinger A, Himbert D, Zeuschner P, Saar M, Stöckle M, Junker K. Organ-Specific Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted by Urological Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194937. [PMID: 34638418 PMCID: PMC8508228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in the communication of cancer cells with their local microenvironment and distant organ systems, in order to promote a supportive tumor microenvironment, as well as to prepare premetastatic niches. In this study, we aimed to analyze if the EVs secreted by urological cancer cells are taken up by specific organ systems, depending on their origin. After the intravenous injection of fluorescence-labeled EVs from benign and malignant prostate, kidney, and bladder cells in immunodeficient mice, their organs were harvested and analyzed for the presence of fluorescent EVs. We could show that (i) EVs are taken up not entirely organ-specifically but in different amounts, depending on their origin; (ii) EVs from malignant cells are taken up more efficiently than EVs from benign cells; and (iii) EVs are taken up very fast. These observations hint to an organotropism in EV uptake, which needs to be further investigated. Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by cancer cells have been shown to take a pivotal part in the process of local and systemic tumor progression by promoting the formation of a supportive local tumor microenvironment and preparing premetastatic niches in distant organ systems. In this study, we analyzed the organ-specific uptake of EVs secreted by urological cancer cells using an innovative in-vivo approach. EVs from benign and malignant prostate, kidney, and bladder cells were isolated using ultracentrifugation, fluorescence-labeled and injected intravenously in immunodeficient mice. After 12 or 24 h, the animals were sacrificed, their organs were harvested and analyzed for the presence of EVs by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Across all entities, EVs were taken up fast (12 h > 24 h), and EVs from malignant cells were taken up more efficiently than EVs from benign cells. Though not entirely organ-specific, EVs were incorporated in different amounts, depending on the entity (prostate: lung > liver > brain; kidney: brain > lung > liver; bladder: lung > liver > brain). EV uptake in other organs than lung, liver, brain, and spleen was not observed. Our results suggest a role of EVs in the formation of premetastatic niches and an organotropism in EV uptake, which have to be examined in more detail in further studies.
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19
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Qian C, Liu Q. FOXO3a inhibits nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induces apoptosis through downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:796. [PMID: 34515328 PMCID: PMC8446726 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead transcription factor O subfamily 3A (FOXO3a) is an important tumor suppressor gene that is expressed in renal tissue and has been reported to be downregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Notably, the overexpression of FOXO3a was previously discovered to inhibit the progression of CCRCC. However, the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines and to determine the mechanism of action of the biological functions of FOXO3a. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used to analyze the expression levels of FOXO3a in nephroblastoma cell lines. Subsequently, the effects of the overexpression of FOXO3a and the genetic knockdown of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling protein Axin‑2 on the biological functions were determined through Cell Counting Kit‑8, cell colony formation assays, scratch and Transwell assay and flow cytometric analysis experiments. The expression levels of FOXO3a were discovered to be downregulated in nephroblastoma cell lines. The overexpression of FOXO3a inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of nephroblastoma cells, while inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, the overexpression of FOXO3a downregulated the expression levels of β‑catenin and Cyclin‑D1 proteins involved in the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Cell proliferation and the migration and invasion ability of 17‑94 cells in shRNA‑Axin2‑2 group were promoted. Cell apoptosis was predominantly increased by overexpressed FOXO3a, which was reversed by shRNA‑Axin2‑1. The biological effects of overexpressing FOXO3a on nephroblastoma were reversed after activation of Wnt/β‑catenin. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that FOXO3a may inhibit nephroblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while inducing apoptosis, by downregulating the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. These results may provide a novel method for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of nephroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, Shandong 277102, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, Jiangsu 226002, P.R. China
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20
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Wang J, Ding J, Zhang S, Chen X, Yan S, Zhang Y, Yin T. Decreased USP2a Expression Inhibits Trophoblast Invasion and Associates With Recurrent Miscarriage. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717370. [PMID: 34489969 PMCID: PMC8416978 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717370] [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: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
An appropriate development of the placenta consisting of trophoblast cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis, is essential to establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 2a (USP2a) regulates the processes of metastasis in multiple tumor cells. Yet, no known research has focused on exploring the effect of USP2a on trophoblasts and its possible mechanism in the pathogenies of recurrent miscarriage (RM). In this study, we first detected the decreased mRNA levels and the protein levels of USP2a in placental villous tissue samples from the RM patients. In vitro assays verified that overexpression of USP2a promoted human trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, whereas knockdown of USP2a inhibited these processes. Mechanistically, USP2a activated PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway to promote nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and further activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the trophoblasts. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) up-regulated USP2a expression in trophoblasts. Interestingly, M2 macrophage secreted TGF-β induced trophoblast migration and invasion, and an anti-TGF-β antibody alleviated this effect. Collectively, this study indicated that USP2a regulated trophoblast invasion and that abnormal USP2a expression might lead to aberrant trophoblast invasion, thus contributing to RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinli Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sainan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sisi Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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21
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Hinz N, Jücker M. AKT in Bone Metastasis of Solid Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102287. [PMID: 34064589 PMCID: PMC8151478 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102287] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bone metastasis is a frequent complication of solid tumors and leads to a reduced overall survival. Although much progress has been made in the field of tumor therapy in the last years, bone metastasis depicts a stage of the disease with a lack of appropriate therapeutical options. Hence, this review aims to present the role of AKT in bone metastasis of solid tumors to place the spotlight on AKT as a possible therapeutical approach for patients with bone metastases. Furthermore, we intended to discuss postulated underlying molecular mechanisms of the bone metastasis-promoting effect of AKT, especially in highly bone-metastatic breast, prostate, and lung cancer. To conclude, this review identified the AKT kinase as a potential therapeutical target in bone metastasis and revealed remaining questions, which need to be addressed in further research projects. Abstract Solid tumors, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, often form bone metastases in the course of the disease. Patients with bone metastases frequently develop complications, such as pathological fractures or hypercalcemia and exhibit a reduced life expectancy. Thus, it is of vital importance to improve the treatment of bone metastases. A possible approach is to target signaling pathways, such as the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors. Therefore, we sought to review the role of the serine/threonine kinase AKT in bone metastasis. In general, activation of AKT signaling was shown to be associated with the formation of bone metastases from solid tumors. More precisely, AKT gets activated in tumor cells by a plethora of bone-derived growth factors and cytokines. Subsequently, AKT promotes the bone-metastatic capacities of tumor cells through distinct signaling pathways and secretion of bone cell-stimulating factors. Within the crosstalk between tumor and bone cells, also known as the vicious cycle, the stimulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts also causes activation of AKT in these cells. As a consequence, bone metastasis is reduced after experimental inhibition of AKT. In summary, AKT signaling could be a promising therapeutical approach for patients with bone metastases of solid tumors.
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22
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Li L, Feng Y, Hu S, Du Y, Xu X, Zhang M, Peng X, Chen F. ZEB1 serves as an oncogene in acute myeloid leukaemia via regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by combining with P53. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:5295-5304. [PMID: 33960640 PMCID: PMC8178252 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia is a complex, highly aggressive hematopoietic disorder. Currently, in spite of great advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for AML patients with initial treatment failure is still poor. Therefore, the need for novel and efficient therapies to improve AML treatment outcome has become desperately urgent. In this study, we identified the expression of ZEB1 (a transcription factor) and focused on its possible role and mechanisms in the progression of AML. According to the data provided by the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), high expression of ZEB1 closely correlates with poor prognosis in AML patients. Additionally, the overexpression of ZEB1 was observed in both AML patients and cell lines. Further functional experiments showed that ZEB1 depletion can induce AML differentiation and inhibit AML proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ZEB1 expression was negatively correlated with tumour suppressor P53 expression and ZEB1 can directly bind to P53. Our results also revealed that ZEB1 can regulate PTEN/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. The inhibitory effect of ZEB1 silencing on PTEN/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway could be significantly reversed by P53 small interfering RNA treatment. Overall, the present data indicated that ZEB1 may be a promising therapeutic target for AML treatment or a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Yubin Feng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Shuang Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Du
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Meiju Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Feihu Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
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Neutrophil Adhesion and the Release of the Free Amino Acid Hydroxylysine. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030563. [PMID: 33807594 PMCID: PMC7999338 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030563] [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: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During infection or certain metabolic disorders, neutrophils can escape from blood vessels, invade and attach to other tissues. The invasion and adhesion of neutrophils is accompanied and maintained by their own secretion. We have previously found that adhesion of neutrophils to fibronectin dramatically and selectively stimulates the release of the free amino acid hydroxylysine. The role of hydroxylysine and lysyl hydroxylase in neutrophil adhesion has not been studied, nor have the processes that control them. Using amino acid analysis, mass spectrometry and electron microscopy, we found that the lysyl hydroxylase inhibitor minoxidil, the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor doxycycline, the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors wortmannin and the Akt1/2 inhibitor and drugs that affect the actin cytoskeleton significantly and selectively block the release of hydroxylysine and partially or completely suppress spreading of neutrophils. The actin cytoskeleton effectors and the Akt 1/2 inhibitor also increase the phenylalanine release. We hypothesize that hydroxylysine release upon adhesion is the result of the activation of lysyl hydroxylase in interaction with matrix metalloproteinase, the PI3K/Akt pathway and intact actin cytoskeleton, which play important roles in the recruitment of neutrophils into tissue through extracellular matrix remodeling.
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Fukuda K, Takeuchi S, Arai S, Kita K, Tanimoto A, Nishiyama A, Yano S. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibition overcomes epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated resistance to osimertinib in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2374-2384. [PMID: 32391602 PMCID: PMC7385349 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib, has marked efficacy in patients with EGFR‐mutant lung cancer. While epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a role in the resistance to various targeted drugs, its involvement in EGFR‐inhibitor resistance remains largely unknown. Preclinical experiments with osimertinib‐resistant lung cancer cells showed that EMT was associated with decreased microRNA‐200c and increased ZEB1 expression. In several resistant clone cells, pretreatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor quisinostat helped overcome the resistance by reverting EMT. Furthermore, drug screening from a library of 100 kinase inhibitors indicated that Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) inhibitors, such as LY2090314, markedly inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of resistant cells, specifically those with a mesenchymal phenotype. These results suggest that GSK‐3 inhibition could be useful to circumvent EMT‐associated resistance to osimertinib in EGFR‐mutant lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Fukuda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Takeuchi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sachiko Arai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kenji Kita
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Azusa Tanimoto
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nishiyama
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Seiji Yano
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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25
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Using Phosphatidylinositol Phosphorylation as Markers for Hyperglycemic Related Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072320. [PMID: 32230859 PMCID: PMC7177416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have suggested that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer and related mortality rates. T2D postmenopausal women have an ~20% increased chance of developing breast cancer, and women with T2D and breast cancer have a 50% increase in mortality compared to breast cancer patients without diabetes. This correlation has been attributed to the general activation of insulin receptor signaling, glucose metabolism, phosphatidylinositol (PI) kinases, and growth pathways. Furthermore, the presence of breast cancer specific PI kinase and/or phosphatase mutations enhance metastatic breast cancer phenotypes. We hypothesized that each of the breast cancer subtypes may have characteristic PI phosphorylation profiles that are changed in T2D conditions. Therefore, we sought to characterize the PI phosphorylation when equilibrated in normal glycemic versus hyperglycemic serum conditions. Our results suggest that hyperglycemia leads to: 1) A reduction in PI3P and PIP3, with increased PI4P that is later converted to PI(3,4)P2 at the cell surface in hormone receptor positive breast cancer; 2) a reduction in PI3P and PI4P with increased PIP3 surface expression in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer; and 3) an increase in di- and tri-phosphorylated PIs due to turnover of PI3P in triple negative breast cancer. This study begins to describe some of the crucial changes in PIs that play a role in T2D related breast cancer incidence and metastasis.
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26
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Kluiver TA, Alieva M, van Vuurden DG, Wehrens EJ, Rios AC. Invaders Exposed: Understanding and Targeting Tumor Cell Invasion in Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:92. [PMID: 32117746 PMCID: PMC7020612 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) is a rare, highly aggressive pediatric brain tumor that originates in the pons. DIPG is untreatable and universally fatal, with a median life expectancy of less than a year. Resection is not an option, due to the anatomical location of the tumor, radiotherapy has limited effect and no chemotherapeutic or targeted treatment approach has proven to be successful. This poor prognosis is partly attributed to the tumor's highly infiltrative diffuse and invasive spread. Thus, targeting the invasive behavior of DIPG has the potential to be of therapeutic value. In order to target DIPG invasion successfully, detailed mechanistic knowledge on the underlying drivers is required. Here, we review both DIPG tumor cell's intrinsic molecular processes and extrinsic environmental factors contributing to DIPG invasion. Importantly, DIPG represents a heterogenous disease and through advances in whole-genome sequencing, different subtypes of disease based on underlying driver mutations are now being recognized. Recent evidence also demonstrates intra-tumor heterogeneity in terms of invasiveness and implies that highly infiltrative tumor subclones can enhance the migratory behavior of neighboring cells. This might partially be mediated by “tumor microtubes,” long membranous extensions through which tumor cells connect and communicate, as well as through the secretion of extracellular vesicles. Some of the described processes involved in invasion are already being targeted in clinical trials. However, more research into the mechanisms of DIPG invasion is urgently needed and might result in the development of an effective therapy for children suffering from this devastating disease. We discuss the implications of newly discovered invasive mechanisms for therapeutic targeting and the challenges therapy development face in light of disease in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kluiver
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Research, Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, KNAW Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M Alieva
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Research, Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, KNAW Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - D G van Vuurden
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen J Wehrens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Research, Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, KNAW Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anne C Rios
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cancer Research, Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, KNAW Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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27
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Jinesh GG, Brohl AS. The genetic script of metastasis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:244-266. [PMID: 31663259 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a pivotal event that changes the course of cancers from benign and treatable to malignant and difficult to treat, resulting in the demise of patients. Understanding the genetic control of metastasis is thus crucial to develop efficient and sustainable targeted therapies. Here we discuss the alterations in epigenetic mechanisms, transcription, chromosomal instability, chromosome imprinting, non-coding RNAs, coding RNAs, mutant RNAs, enhancers, G-quadruplexes, and copy number variation to dissect the genetic control of metastasis. We conclude that the genetic control of metastasis is predominantly executed through epithelial to mesenchymal transition and evasion of cell death. We discuss how genetic regulatory mechanisms can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to achieve sustainable control over cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goodwin G Jinesh
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A.,Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Sarcoma Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A.,Chemical Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, U.S.A
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28
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Nguyen TMX, Vegrichtova M, Tlapakova T, Krulova M, Krylov V. The interconnection between cytokeratin and cell membrane-bound β-catenin in Sertoli cells derived from juvenile Xenopus tropicalis testes. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.043950. [PMID: 31822471 PMCID: PMC6955214 DOI: 10.1242/bio.043950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) play a central role in the determination of male sex during embryogenesis and spermatogenesis in adulthood. Failure in SC development is responsible for male sterility and testicular cancer. Before the onset of puberty, SCs are immature and differ considerably from mature cells in post-pubertal individuals regarding their morphology and biochemical activity. The major intermediate filament (IF) in mature SCs is vimentin, anchoring germ cells to the seminiferous epithelium. The collapse of vimentin has resulted in the disintegration of seminiferous epithelium and subsequent germ cell apoptosis. However, another IF, cytokeratin (CK) is observed only transiently in immature SCs in many species. Nevertheless, its function in SC differentiation is poorly understood. We examined the interconnection between CK and cell junctions using membrane β-catenin as a marker during testicular development in the Xenopus tropicalis model. Immunohistochemistry on juvenile (5 months old) testes revealed co-expression of CK, membrane β-catenin and E-cadherin. Adult (3-year-old males) samples confirmed only E-cadherin expression; CK and β-catenin were lost. To study the interconnection between CK and β-catenin-based cell junctions, the culture of immature SCs (here called XtiSCs) was employed. Suppression of CK by acrylamide in XtiSCs led to breakdown of membrane-bound β-catenin but not F-actin and β-tubulin or cell-adhesion proteins (focal adhesion kinase and integrin β1). In contrast to the obvious dependence of membrane β-catenin on CK stability, the detachment of β-catenin from the plasma membrane via uncoupling of cadherins by Ca2+ chelator EGTA had no effect on CK integrity. Interestingly, CHIR99021, a GSK3 inhibitor, also suppressed the CK network, resulting in the inhibition of XtiSCs cell-to-cell contacts and testicular development in juvenile frogs. This study suggests a novel role of CK in the retention of β-catenin-based junctions in immature SCs, and thus provides structural support for seminiferous tubule formation and germ cell development. Summary: Cytokeratin (CK) and β-catenin are expressed in juvenile testicles and cultivated Xenopus tropicalis immature Sertoli cells (SC). Acrylamide and CHIR99021 disrupted the CK network, immature SC connections and testes development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Minh Xuan Nguyen
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,Department of Biotechnology, The University of Da-Nang, University of Science and Technology, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang, Da-Nang, 550000, Vietnam
| | - Marketa Vegrichtova
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Tlapakova
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Krulova
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Krylov
- Charles University, Faculty of Science, Vinicna 7, 128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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29
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The Effects of TGF-β Signaling on Cancer Cells and Cancer Stem Cells in the Bone Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205117. [PMID: 31619018 PMCID: PMC6829436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a key role in bone metastasis formation; we hypothesized the possible involvement of TGF-β in the induction of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the bone microenvironment (micro-E), which may be responsible for chemo-resistance. METHODS Mouse mammary tumor cells were implanted under the dorsal skin flap over the calvaria and into a subcutaneous (subQ) lesions in female mice, generating tumors in the bone and subQ micro-Es. After implantation of the tumor cells, mice were treated with a TGF-β R1 kinase inhibitor (R1-Ki). RESULTS Treatment with R1-Ki decreased tumor volume and cell proliferation in the bone micro-E, but not in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment did not affect the induction of necrosis or apoptosis in either bone or subQ micro-E. The number of cells positive for the CSC markers, SOX2, and CD166 in the bone micro-E, were significantly higher than those in the subQ micro-E. R1-Ki treatment significantly decreased the number of CSC marker positive cells in the bone micro-E but not in the subQ micro-E. TGF-β activation of the MAPK/ERK and AKT pathways was the underlying mechanism of cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. BMP signaling did not play a role in cell proliferation in either micro-E. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that the bone micro-E is a key niche for CSC generation, and TGF-β signaling has important roles in generating CSCs and tumor cell proliferation in the bone micro-E. Therefore, it is critically important to evaluate responses to chemotherapeutic agents on both cancer stem cells and proliferating tumor cells in different tumor microenvironments in vivo.
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30
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The role of SOX18 in bladder cancer and its underlying mechanism in mediating cellular functions. Life Sci 2019; 232:116614. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lv WL, Liu Q, An JH, Song XY. Scutellarin inhibits hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:23169-23175. [PMID: 31127618 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Scutellarin, an active component of flavonoid, displays a variety of physiological actions and has been applied for the treatment of diverse diseases including hypertension and cerebral infarction as well as cerebral thrombosis. In recent time, Scutellarin has been demonstrated to possess the anticancer activity. But the biological significance of Scutellarin in bladder cancer (BC) remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we explored the specific effect of Scutellarin on BC progression. We found that Scutellarin inhibited hypoxia-induced BC cell migration and invasion in vitro as well as suppressed hypoxia-induced BC metastasis in vivo. Moreover, Scutellarin significantly reversed hypoxia-promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BC cells and the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways were implicated in the suppressive effect. Taken together, we suggested the potential value of Scutellarin as a novel anticancer agent for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ling Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ji-Hong An
- Department of Pharmacy, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Zhou K, Chen J, Wu J, Xu Y, Wu Q, Yue J, Song Y, Li S, Zhou P, Tu W, Yang G, Jiang S. Profilin 2 Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Head and Neck Cancer Cells by Regulating PI3K/AKT/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Oncol Res 2019; 27:1079-1088. [PMID: 31122311 PMCID: PMC7848265 DOI: 10.3727/096504019x15579146061957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Profilin 2 (PFN2) was found to be mainly expressed in neurons and involved in the development of the brain. In recent years, emerging evidence indicated that PFN2 is also significantly upregulated in various cancers including head and neck cancer (HNSC) and influences cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of PFN2 in HNSC development and progression remains unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of PFN2 in the development of HNSC and its possible molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics showed that increased expression of PFN2 in tumors correlated highly with poor prognosis of HNSC patients. Our results indicated that PFN2 was highly expressed in HNSC tissues and in HNSC cell lines. Knockdown of PFN2 inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of HNSC cells, while PFN2 overexpression produced the opposite effects. Using a nude mouse xenograft model, we substantiated the tumor-promoting effect of PFN2 on HNSC in vivo. Furthermore, we found that PFN2 downregulation reduced the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β and reduced the expression of β-catenin in HNSC cells. The opposite was observed when PFN2 was overexpressed. Collectively, these results suggest that PFN2 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of HNSC by activating the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Although further validation is needed, we speculate that PFN2 plays a crucial role in HNSC and may be a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Zhou
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiayu Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yangxinzi Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Qiaoyun Wu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yu Song
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Shengcun Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhan Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Songhe Jiang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Gao Y, Bado I, Wang H, Zhang W, Rosen JM, Zhang XHF. Metastasis Organotropism: Redefining the Congenial Soil. Dev Cell 2019; 49:375-391. [PMID: 31063756 PMCID: PMC6506189 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the most devastating stage of cancer progression and causes the majority of cancer-related deaths. Clinical observations suggest that most cancers metastasize to specific organs, a process known as "organotropism." Elucidating the underlying mechanisms may help identify targets and treatment strategies to benefit patients. This review summarizes recent findings on tumor-intrinsic properties and their interaction with unique features of host organs, which together determine organ-specific metastatic behaviors. Emerging insights related to the roles of metabolic changes, the immune landscapes of target organs, and variation in epithelial-mesenchymal transitions open avenues for future studies of metastasis organotropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Igor Bado
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hai Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiang H-F Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Liu G, An L, Zhang H, Du P, Sheng Y. Activation of CXCL6/CXCR1/2 Axis Promotes the Growth and Metastasis of Osteosarcoma Cells in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:307. [PMID: 30984000 PMCID: PMC6447780 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant primary bone tumor with high metastatic rate. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6) and its receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 1/2 (CXCR1/2) have been found to participate in the process of carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the role of CXCL6/CXCR1/2 axis in proliferation and metastasis of OS cells. According to our results, the mRNA and protein expressions of CXCL6, CXCR1, and CXCR2 in multiple OS cell lines were determined. Treatment with exogenous CXCL6 for more than 72 h significantly promoted the proliferation of OS cells. Blocking the effect of endogenous CXCL6 restrained the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by increased E-cadherin level, decreased N-cadherin and Snail levels in OS cells. On the contrary, exogenous CXCL6 administration enhanced the migration and invasive abilities of OS cells. Moreover, silencing of CXCR1/2 suppressed migration, invasion and EMT of OS cells with or without treatment with exogenous CXCL6. In addition, exogenous CXCL6 promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT and β-catenin signaling pathways, which could be repressed by CXCR2 knockdown. Inactivation of PI3K/AKT or β-catenin pathway by specific inhibitors effectively suppressed CXCL6-induced migration, invasion and EMT of OS cells. Finally, overexpression of CXCL6 significantly contributed to tumor growth, pulmonary metastasis and activation of PI3K/AKT and β-catenin pathways in nude mice in vivo, which were repressed by treatment with CXCR2 antagonist. Our results suggest that CXCL6/CXCR1/2 axis promotes the proliferation and metastasis of OS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangchen Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liping An
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peige Du
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, Jilin, China
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Zhang Y, Xu L, Li A, Han X. The roles of ZEB1 in tumorigenic progression and epigenetic modifications. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 110:400-408. [PMID: 30530042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly expressed Zinc-finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) is significantly associated with the malignancy of various cancers. Signal transduction and activation of ZEB1 play important roles in cancer transformation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Emerging evidence suggests that ZEB1 drives the induction of EMT with activation of stem cell traits, immune evasion and epigenetic reprogramming. As an ideal target for EMT research, ZEB1 has been extensively studied for decades. However, the link between ZEB1 and epigenetic regulation of EMT has only recently been discovered. ZEB1 facilitates the epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin by recruiting multiple chromatin enzymes of E-cadherin promoter, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and ubiquitin ligase. Destruction of the connection between ZEB1 and these chromatin-modifying enzymes may represent an efficient for treating cancer. In this review, we outlined the biological function of ZEB1 in tumorigenic progression and epigenetic modifications and elucidate its transcriptional network, which is a suitable potential target for the design of novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Section, Hospital of Laiwu Steel Group, 68 Xinxing Road, Laigang 271126, Shandong Province, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiuzhen Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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36
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AKR1C3, a crucial androgenic enzyme in prostate cancer, promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis through activating ERK signaling. Urol Oncol 2018; 36:472.e11-472.e20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Zhou X, Wang J, Chen J, Qi Y, Di Nan, Jin L, Qian X, Wang X, Chen Q, Liu X, Xu Y. Optogenetic control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14098. [PMID: 30237527 PMCID: PMC6147862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the most important mechanisms in the initiation and promotion of cancer cell metastasis. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be involved in TGF-β induced EMT, but the complicated TGF-β signaling network makes it challenging to dissect the important role of PI3K on regulation of EMT process. Here, we applied optogenetic controlled PI3K module (named ‘Opto-PI3K’), which based on CRY2 and the N-terminal of CIB1 (CIBN), to rapidly and reversibly control the endogenous PI3K activity in cancer cells with light. By precisely modulating the kinetics of PI3K activation, we found that E-cadherin is an important downstream target of PI3K signaling. Compared with TGF-β treatment, Opto-PI3K had more potent effect in down-regulation of E-cadherin expression, which was demonstrated to be regulated in a light dose-dependent manner. Surprisingly, sustained PI3K activation induced partial EMT state in A549 cells that is highly reversible. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Opto-PI3K only partially mimicked TGF-β effects on promotion of cell migration in vitro. These results reveal the importance of PI3K signaling in TGF-β induced EMT, suggesting other TGF-β regulated signaling pathways are necessary for the full and irreversible promotion of EMT in cancer cells. In addition, our study implicates the great promise of optogenetics in cancer research for mapping input-output relationships in oncogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, The 117th Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Junye Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Yuankai Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Di Nan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Luhong Jin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xiaohan Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Qingyong Chen
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, The 117th Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, 310013, China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Optical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yingke Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China. .,Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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38
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Liu J, Huang B, Xiu Z, Zhou Z, Liu J, Li X, Tang X. PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway mediates HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced expression of EMT-related transcription factors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. J Cancer 2018; 9:3456-3466. [PMID: 30310502 PMCID: PMC6171031 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Our previous studies have demonstrated that human papillomaviruse (HPV)-16 oncoproteins promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms still remain unclear. PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway has been reported to mediate hypoxia-induced EMT. In this study, we further explored the role of PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway in HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced EMT in NSCLC cells. Methods: A549 and NCI-H460 NSCLC cells were transiently transfected with pEGFP-HPV-16 E6 or E7 constructs. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were respectively performed to determine the protein and mRNA expression of EMT-related transcription factors. HPV-16 E6 or E7-transfected NSCLC cells were co-transfected with specific HIF-1α-siRNA or pretreated with different concentrations of LY294002, a specific PI3K inhibitor, followed by the analysis of expression of EMT-related transcription factors. The correlation between HIF-1α and EMT-related transcription factors in NSCLC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Results: HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins upregulated the expression of Slug and Twist1, the EMT-related transcription factors, at both protein and mRNA levels in A549 and NCI-H460 cells. The co-transfection with specific HIF-1α-siRNA, but not the non-specific (NS)-siRNA, significantly abrogated HPV-16 oncoprotein-induced upregulation of ZEB1, Snail1, Slug, and Twist1 at both protein and mRNA levels. Additionally, pretreatment with LY294002 obviously blocked HPV-16 E6- and E7-induced Snail1, Slug, and Twist1 protein expression in A549 and NCI-H460 cells. Further analysis of clinical specimens showed that HIF-1α protein was strongly expressed in NSCLC tissues, which was positively correlated with ZEB1, Snail1, Slug, and Twist1 protein expression. Conclusions: PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α may contribute to the progression of HPV-associated NSCLC via mediating the expression of EMT-related transcription factors in NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China
| | - Bingyu Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China
| | - Zihan Xiu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyong Li
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China.,Collaborative innovation center for antitumor active substance research and development, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China.,Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Tang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China.,Collaborative innovation center for antitumor active substance research and development, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, P.R. China.,Dongguan Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Developmental and Translational Research, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, P.R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, P.R. China
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39
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Xu QG, Yu J, Guo XG, Hou GJ, Yuan SX, Yang Y, Yang Y, Liu H, Pan ZY, Yang F, Gu FM, Zhou WP. IL-17A promotes the invasion-metastasis cascade via the AKT pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:936-952. [PMID: 29689643 PMCID: PMC5983223 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its role in the invasion–metastasis cascade of HCC and the efficacy of IL‐17A‐targeting therapeutics in HCC remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that IL‐17A promoted intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasesis of HCC cells in an orthotopic implant model. Moreover, our results showed that IL‐17A induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promoted HCC cell colonization in vitro and in vivo, and the role of IL‐17A in invasion–metastasis was dependent on activation of the AKT pathway. Remarkably, combined therapy using both secukinumab and sorafenib has better inhibition on tumour growth and metastasis compared to sorafenib monotherapy. Additionally, the combination of intratumoral IL‐17A+ cells and E‐cadherin predicted the outcome of patients with HCC at an early stage after hepatectomy based on tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, our studies reveal that IL‐17A induces early EMT and promotes late colonization of HCC metastasis by activating AKT signalling. Secukinumab is a promising candidate for clinical development in combination with sorafenib for the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Guo Xu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Gang Guo
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Jun Hou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Xian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), China
| | - Yun Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Ya Pan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Yang
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Ming Gu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), China
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40
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Song Y, Zheng S, Wang J, Long H, Fang L, Wang G, Li Z, Que T, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Fang W, Qi S. Hypoxia-induced PLOD2 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion via PI3K/Akt signaling in glioma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:41947-41962. [PMID: 28410212 PMCID: PMC5522040 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common form of malignant primary brain tumors with poor 5-year survival rate. Dysregulation of procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) was observed in gliomas, but the specific role and molecular mechanism of PLOD2 in glioma have not been reported yet. In this study, PLOD2 was found to be frequently up-regulated in glioma and could serve as an independent prognostic marker to identify patients with poor clinical outcome. Knockdown of PLOD2 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, inhibition of PLOD2 inactivated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and thus regulated the expression of its downstream epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated regulators, including E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, snail and slug in glioma cells. Moreover, PLOD2 could be induced by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) via hypoxia, thereby promoting hypoxia-induced EMT in glioma cells. Our data suggests that PLOD2 may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Shihao Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Jizhou Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Hao Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Luxiong Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Tianshi Que
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Yilei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Xi'an Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Cancer Center, TCM-Integrated Hospital, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Songtao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
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41
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Koch K, Hartmann R, Schröter F, Suwala AK, Maciaczyk D, Krüger AC, Willbold D, Kahlert UD, Maciaczyk J. Reciprocal regulation of the cholinic phenotype and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:73414-73431. [PMID: 27705917 PMCID: PMC5341988 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor with very limited therapeutic options. Standard multimodal treatments, including surgical resection and combined radio-chemotherapy do not target the most aggressive subtype of glioma cells, brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs). BTSCs are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, progression, and relapse. Furthermore, they have been associated with the expression of mesenchymal features as a result of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) thereby inducing tumor dissemination and chemo resistance. Using high resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) on GBM cell cultures we provide evidence that the expression of well-known EMT activators of the ZEB, TWIST and SNAI families and EMT target genes N-cadherin and VIMENTIN is associated with aberrant choline metabolism. The cholinic phenotype is characterized by high intracellular levels of phosphocholine and total choline derivatives and was associated with malignancy in various cancers. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the cardinal choline metabolism regulator choline kinase alpha (CHKα) significantly reduces the cell viability, invasiveness, clonogenicity, and expression of EMT associated genes in GBM cells. Moreover, in some cell lines synergetic cytotoxic effects were observed when combining the standard of care chemotherapeutic temozolomide with the CHKα inhibitor V-11-0711. Taken together, specific inhibition of the enzymatic activity of CHKα is a powerful strategy to suppress EMT which opens the possibility to target chemo-resistant BTSCs through impairing their mesenchymal transdifferentiation. Moreover, the newly identified EMT-oncometabolic network may be helpful to monitor the invasive properties of glioblastomas and the success of anti-EMT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Koch
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Rudolf Hartmann
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Friederike Schröter
- Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Abigail Kora Suwala
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Donata Maciaczyk
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-6) Structural Biochemistry, Forschungszentrum Juelich, Juelich, Germany.,Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany.,Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Medical University Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Maciaczyk
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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42
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Meel MH, Schaper SA, Kaspers GJL, Hulleman E. Signaling pathways and mesenchymal transition in pediatric high-grade glioma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:871-887. [PMID: 29164272 PMCID: PMC5809527 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG), are the most lethal types of cancer in children. In recent years, it has become evident that these tumors are driven by epigenetic events, mainly mutations involving genes encoding Histone 3, setting them apart from their adult counterparts. These tumors are exceptionally resistant to chemotherapy and respond only temporarily to radiotherapy. Moreover, their delicate location and diffuse growth pattern make complete surgical resection impossible. In many other forms of cancer, chemo- and radioresistance, in combination with a diffuse, invasive phenotype, are associated with a transcriptional program termed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Activation of this program allows cancer cells to survive individually, invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. It also enables them to survive exposure to cytotoxic therapy, including chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation. We here suggest that EMT plays an important, yet poorly understood role in the biology and therapy resistance of pHGG and DIPG. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the major signal transduction pathways and transcription factors involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer in general and in pediatric HGG and DIPG in particular. Despite the fact that the mesenchymal transition has not yet been specifically studied in pHGG and DIPG, activation of pathways and high levels of transcription factors involved in EMT have been described. We conclude that the mesenchymal transition is likely to be an important element of the biology of pHGG and DIPG and warrants further investigation for the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël H Meel
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie A Schaper
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Neuro-oncology Research Group, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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43
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Chen W, Zhou J, Wu K, Huang J, Ding Y, Yun EJ, Wang B, Ding C, Hernandez E, Santoyo J, Chen H, Lin H, Sagalowsky A, He D, Zhou J, Hsieh JT. Targeting XBP1-mediated β-catenin expression associated with bladder cancer with newly synthetic Oridonin analogues. Oncotarget 2018; 7:56842-56854. [PMID: 27472396 PMCID: PMC5302956 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced stages of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) with modest success and high morbidity; however, TCC eventually develops resistance. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is recognized as a lethal disease due to its poor response to traditional chemotherapy. Numerous studies have implicated β-catenin, a critical effector in Wnt–mediated pathway associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell, is involved in TCC progression, and furthermore closely associated with chemo-resistance. In this study, we discovered a novel natural product analogue CYD 6-17 that has a potent inhibitory effect on TCC cells exhibiting drug resistance to various chemotherapeutics, with an IC50 at nM range. Delivery of CYD 6-17 significantly inhibited the tumor growth using xenograft model but without detectable side effects. Mechanistically, it targeted β-catenin gene transcription by decreasing the binding of XBP1 to the promoter region, which appeared to be a new regulatory mechanism for β-catenin gene expression. Clinically, XBP1 expression correlated with the poor overall survival of patients. Overall, this study unveils unique mechanism of β-catenin gene regulation in advanced TCC and also offers a potential rational therapeutic regimen to MIBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.,Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jiancheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jun Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Eun-Jin Yun
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.,Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hernandez
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John Santoyo
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ho Lin
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - Arthur Sagalowsky
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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Li B, Mao X, Wang H, Su G, Mo C, Cao K, Qiu S. Vasculogenic mimicry in bladder cancer and its association with the aberrant expression of ZEB1. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:5193-5200. [PMID: 29552157 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in bladder cancer. VM structure and ZEB1 expression were analyzed by cluster of differentiation 34/periodic acid Schiff (PAS) double staining and immunohistochemical staining in 135 specimens from patients with bladder cancer, and a further 12 specimens from normal bladder tissues. Three-dimensional (3-D) culture was used to detect VM formation in the bladder transitional cancer cell lines UM-UC-3 and J82, and the immortalized human bladder epithelium cell line SV-HUC-1 in vitro. ZEB1 expression in these cell lines was compared by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays. In addition, small interfering RNA was used to inhibit ZEB1 in UM-UC-3 and J82 cells, followed by 3-D culturing of treated cell lines. As a result, VM was observed in 31.1% of specimens from bladder cancer tissues, and cases with high ZEB1 expression accounted for 60.0% of patients with bladder cancer. In addition, ZEB1 expression was closely associated with VM (r=0.189; P<0.05), and also increased as the grade and stage of the tumor developed. In an in vitro assay, UM-UC-3 and J82 cells exhibited VM formation, however, SV-HUC-1 did not. Furthermore, VM-forming cancer cell lines UM-UC-3 and J82 exhibited higher ZEB1 expression. Notably, VM formation was inhibited following knockdown of ZEB1. In conclusion, ZEB1 may be associated with VM in bladder cancer and serve an important role in the process of VM formation. However, its detailed mechanism requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baimou Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Mao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Guanyu Su
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Chengqiang Mo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Kaiyuan Cao
- Research Center for Clinical Laboratory Standard, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shaopeng Qiu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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Zhu J, Huang Z, Zhang M, Wang W, Liang H, Zeng J, Wu K, Wang X, Hsieh JT, Guo P, Fan J. HIF-1α promotes ZEB1 expression and EMT in a human bladder cancer lung metastasis animal model. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:3482-3489. [PMID: 29467870 PMCID: PMC5796363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung is one of the most common sites for bladder cancer to metastasize. Although the involvement of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in bladder cancer progression has been established, the mechanism of EMT induction remains unclear. In order to investigate this, T24-parental (P) and T24-lung (L) bladder cancer cells were obtained from primary tumors and lung metastatic sites of an animal model with orthotopic spontaneous metastatic bladder cancer, according to a protocol previously described. Compared with T24-P cells, mesenchymal-like T24-L cells exhibited an increased ability in tumor invasion and metastasis, as well as an increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), vimentin and N-cadherin and lower level of cytokeratin 18 were observed. Mechanistically, it was identified that HIF-1α increases ZEB1 expression and subsequently regulates the expression of EMT-related genes in both HIF-1α knocking down by siRNA and gain-in HIF-1α by hypoxia culture cell models. In addition, the expression of HIF-1α and ZEB1 in bladder cancer tissues were increased compared with normal bladder epithelial tissues, as well as significantly increased in the high-grade, invasive and metastatic bladder cancer tissues compared with low-grade, superficial and non-metastatic bladder cancer tissues by using immune-histochemical staining assay. Notably, the protein level of HIF-1α was positively associated with that of ZEB1 in bladder cancer tissues. Results from the present study indicate that HIF-1α promotes ZEB1 expression and EMT in the T24-L human bladder cancer lung metastasis animal model, suggesting that HIF-1α serves an important function in the metastasis of bladder cancer, and HIF-1α and ZEB1 may be potential targets for inhibiting bladder metastasis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianning Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China.,Department of Urology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China.,Department of Urology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Zhixin Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Mengzhao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jer-Tsong Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jinhai Fan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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46
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McCubrey JA, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Montalto G, Cervello M, Neri LM, Cocco L, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Nicoletti F, Falzone L, Candido S, Libra M. Roles of GSK-3 and microRNAs on epithelial mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:14221-14250. [PMID: 27999207 PMCID: PMC5355173 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Various signaling pathways exert critical roles in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The Wnt/beta-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, hedgehog (Hh), Notch and TP53 pathways elicit essential regulatory influences on cancer initiation, EMT and progression. A common kinase involved in all these pathways is moon-lighting kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). These pathways are also regulated by micro-RNAs (miRs). TP53 and components of these pathways can regulate the expression of miRs. Targeting members of these pathways may improve cancer therapy in those malignancies that display their abnormal regulation. This review will discuss the interactions of the multi-functional GSK-3 enzyme in the Wnt/beta-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Hh, Notch and TP53 pathways. The regulation of these pathways by miRs and their effects on CSC generation, EMT, invasion and metastasis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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47
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Zhuang YW, Wu CE, Zhou JY, Chen X, Wu J, Jiang S, Peng HY, Zou X, Liu JY, Wu DP, Gong T, Qi MH, Xue T, Liu SL, Cai H. Solasodine inhibits human colorectal cancer cells through suppression of the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin pathway. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:2248-2264. [PMID: 28803443 PMCID: PMC5666038 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Solasodine is a main active component isolated from Solanum incanum L. that performs a wide range of functions containing anti‐oxidant, anti‐infection, and neurogenesis promotion. In this study, we explored the influence of solasodine on three types of human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The results show that solasodine prohibited CRC cell proliferation dose‐ and time‐dependently and impeded CRC cell motility by downregulating MMPs. Solasodine was also found to fuel caspase‐cascade reaction and increase the ratio between Bax and Bcl‐2 so as to induce CRC cell apoptosis. When cells were pretreated with AKT activator (insulin‐like growth factor‐1) followed by solasodine, the solasodine‐induced apoptosis was partially abrogated by insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Moreover, solasodine hindered tumor development and stimulated similar mechanisms in vivo. In general, our study provides the first evidence that solasodine has a suppressive effect on CRC cells and that this agent may be a novel therapeutic drug for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Zhuang
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Cun-En Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Xu Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Jian Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Shan Jiang
- Division of Membrane Dynamics, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hai-Yan Peng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Jia-Yun Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Da-Peng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Tao Gong
- Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-Hao Qi
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Tian Xue
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Shen-Lin Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, china
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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48
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Mahdavinezhad A, Yadegarazari R, Mousavi-Bahar SH, Poorolajal J, Jafari M, Amirzargar MA, Effatpanah H, Saidijam M. Evaluation of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 and transforming growth factor-beta2 expression in bladder cancer tissue in comparison with healthy adjacent tissue. Investig Clin Urol 2017; 58:140-145. [PMID: 28261684 PMCID: PMC5330373 DOI: 10.4111/icu.2017.58.2.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The fifth most common cancer is allocated to bladder cancer (BC) worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of BC invasion and metastasis to identify target therapeutic strategies will improve disease survival. So the aim of this study was to measure expression rate of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) mRNA in tissue samples of patients with BC and its healthy adjacent tissue samples and their association with muscle invasion, size and grade of the tumor. Materials and Methods Tissue samples were collected from 35 newly diagnosed untreated patients with BC from 2013 to 2014. Total RNA was extracted from about 50-mg tissue samples using TRIzol reagent. TAKARA SYBR Premix EX Tag II was applied to determine the rate of mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To obtain final validation, PCR product of ZEB1 and TGF-β2 were sequenced. STATA 11 software was used to analyze the data. Results The expression level of ZEB1 in tumor samples was significantly more than of in healthy adjacent tissue samples. Up-regulation of TGF-β2 showed a strong association with muscle invasion (p=0.017). There was also demonstrated a relationship between over expression of ZEB1 with the tumor size (p=0.050). Conclusions It looks ZEB1 and TGF-β2 had a role in BC patients. In this study ZEB1 expression was higher in BC tissues than that of in healthy control tissues. There was demonstrated a markedly association between overexpression of TGF-β2 and muscle invasion. Therefore, they are supposed to be candidate as potential biomarkers for early detection and progression of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahdavinezhad
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Reza Yadegarazari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyed Habibollah Mousavi-Bahar
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Jalal Poorolajal
- Modeling of Non communicable Diseases Research Center, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Amirzargar
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Hosein Effatpanah
- Department of Public Health, Asadabad Faculty of Medical Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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49
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Gil D, Ciołczyk-Wierzbicka D, Dulińska-Litewka J, Laidler P. Integrin-linked kinase regulates cadherin switch in bladder cancer. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:15185-15191. [PMID: 27683053 PMCID: PMC5126188 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5354-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadherin switch is specific of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is closely related to tumor cell invasion. However, the molecular mechanism that promotes the phenotypic changes remains unclear and elusive. We found that integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a key factor involved in cadherin switch. The expression and activity of ILK are elevated in a variety of cancers but its mechanisms are not exactly understood. In this report, we studied the role and mechanism of ILK in EMT of human bladder cancer. We showed that silencing of ILK expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly abolished the nuclear translocation or the presence of markers associated with EMT like Snail, Twist, Zeb, and beta-catenin. ILK knockdown by siRNA suppressed N-cadherin expression and increased re-expression of E-cadherin in bladder cancer cells. We suggest that ILK is a major signaling factor involved in EMT. It is essential to understand the molecular mechanism of EMT in aim to possibly use it in search for new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Gil
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul.Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Dorota Ciołczyk-Wierzbicka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul.Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul.Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul.Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
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50
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ZEB1 expression is increased in IDH1-mutant lower-grade gliomas. J Neurooncol 2016; 130:111-122. [PMID: 27568035 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-016-2240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors that induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promote invasion, chemoresistance and a stem-cell phenotype in epithelial tumors, but their roles in central nervous system tumors are not well-understood. We hypothesized these transcription factors have a functional impact in grades II-III gliomas. Using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (REMBRANDT) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Lower-Grade Glioma (LGG) data, we determined the impact of EMT-promoting transcription factors (EMT-TFs) on overall survival in grades II-III gliomas, compared their expression across common genetic subtypes and subsequently validated these findings in a set of 31 tumors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Increased expression of the gene coding for the transcriptional repressor Zinc Finger E box-binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was associated with a significant increase in overall survival (OS) on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Genetic subtype analysis revealed that ZEB1 expression was relatively increased in IDH1/2-mutant gliomas, and IDH1/2-mutant gliomas expressed significantly lower levels of many ZEB1 transcriptional targets. Similarly, IDH1/2-mutant tumors expressed significantly higher levels of targets of microRNA 200C (MIR200C), a key regulator of ZEB1. In a validation study, ZEB1 mRNA was significantly increased in IDH1-mutant grades II-III gliomas, and ZEB1 protein expression was more pronounced in these tumors. Our findings demonstrate a novel relationship between IDH1/2 mutations and expression of ZEB1 and its transcriptional targets. Therapy targeting ZEB1-associated pathways may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for this class of tumors.
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