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Dasgupta A, Prensner JR. Upstream open reading frames: new players in the landscape of cancer gene regulation. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae023. [PMID: 38774471 PMCID: PMC11106035 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The translation of RNA by ribosomes represents a central biological process and one of the most dysregulated processes in cancer. While translation is traditionally thought to occur exclusively in the protein-coding regions of messenger RNAs (mRNAs), recent transcriptome-wide approaches have shown abundant ribosome activity across diverse stretches of RNA transcripts. The most common type of this kind of ribosome activity occurs in gene leader sequences, also known as 5' untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mRNA, that precede the main coding sequence. Translation of these upstream open reading frames (uORFs) is now known to occur in upwards of 25% of all protein-coding genes. With diverse functions from RNA regulation to microprotein generation, uORFs are rapidly igniting a new arena of cancer biology, where they are linked to cancer genetics, cancer signaling, and tumor-immune interactions. This review focuses on the contributions of uORFs and their associated 5'UTR sequences to cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Dasgupta
- Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - John R Prensner
- Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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2
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Henis M, Rücker T, Scharrenberg R, Richter M, Baltussen L, Hong S, Meka DP, Schwanke B, Neelagandan N, Daaboul D, Murtaza N, Krisp C, Harder S, Schlüter H, Kneussel M, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, de Wit J, Singh KK, Duncan KE, de Anda FC. The autism susceptibility kinase, TAOK2, phosphorylates eEF2 and modulates translation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadf7001. [PMID: 38608030 PMCID: PMC11014455 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf7001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Genes implicated in translation control have been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, some important genetic causes of autism, including the 16p11.2 microdeletion, bear no obvious connection to translation. Here, we use proteomics, genetics, and translation assays in cultured cells and mouse brain to reveal altered translation mediated by loss of the kinase TAOK2 in 16p11.2 deletion models. We show that TAOK2 associates with the translational machinery and functions as a translational brake by phosphorylating eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). Previously, all signal-mediated regulation of translation elongation via eEF2 phosphorylation was believed to be mediated by a single kinase, eEF2K. However, we show that TAOK2 can directly phosphorylate eEF2 on the same regulatory site, but functions independently of eEF2K signaling. Collectively, our results reveal an eEF2K-independent signaling pathway for control of translation elongation and suggest altered translation as a molecular component in the etiology of some forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melad Henis
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, 72511 El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - Tabitha Rücker
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Scharrenberg
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Richter
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucas Baltussen
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shuai Hong
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Durga Praveen Meka
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Schwanke
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nagammal Neelagandan
- Neuronal Translational Control Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Danie Daaboul
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nadeem Murtaza
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4A9, Canada
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Harder
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kneussel
- Institute of Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Transgenic Service Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joris de Wit
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karun K. Singh
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1 A8, Canada
| | - Kent E. Duncan
- Neuronal Translational Control Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Evotec SE, Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Froylan Calderón de Anda
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Bartish M, Abraham MJ, Gonçalves C, Larsson O, Rolny C, Del Rincón SV. The role of eIF4F-driven mRNA translation in regulating the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:408-425. [PMID: 37142795 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells can rapidly adjust their proteomes in dynamic environments by regulating mRNA translation. There is mounting evidence that dysregulation of mRNA translation supports the survival and adaptation of cancer cells, which has stimulated clinical interest in targeting elements of the translation machinery and, in particular, components of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex such as eIF4E. However, the effect of targeting mRNA translation on infiltrating immune cells and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment (TME) has, until recently, remained unexplored. In this Perspective article, we discuss how eIF4F-sensitive mRNA translation controls the phenotypes of key non-transformed cells in the TME, with an emphasis on the underlying therapeutic implications of targeting eIF4F in cancer. As eIF4F-targeting agents are in clinical trials, we propose that a broader understanding of their effect on gene expression in the TME will reveal unappreciated therapeutic vulnerabilities that could be used to improve the efficacy of existing cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Bartish
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute and Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Madelyn J Abraham
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute and Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christophe Gonçalves
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute and Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ola Larsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Rolny
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sonia V Del Rincón
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Segal Cancer Center, Lady Davis Institute and Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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4
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Therapeutic targeting of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:113-124. [PMID: 36661272 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental studies unraveled the role of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E in mRNA translation and its control. Under physiological conditions, regulation of translation by eIF4E is essential to cellular homeostasis. Under stress, gene flow information is parsed by eIF4E to support adaptive mechanisms that favor cell survival. Dysregulated eIF4E activity fuels tumor formation and progression and modulates response to therapy. Thus, there has been heightened interest in understanding eIF4E function in controlling gene expression as well as developing strategies to block its activity to treat disease.
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Kuzuoglu-Ozturk D, Aksoy O, Schmidt C, Lea R, Larson JD, Phelps RRL, Nasholm N, Holt M, Contreras A, Huang M, Wong-Michalak S, Shao H, Wechsler-Reya R, Phillips JJ, Gestwicki JE, Ruggero D, Weiss WA. N-myc-Mediated Translation Control Is a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2023; 83:130-140. [PMID: 36264168 PMCID: PMC9812901 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of neuroblastoma-derived myc (N-myc) is a leading cause of malignant brain tumors in children. To target N-myc-driven medulloblastoma, most research has focused on identifying genomic alterations or on the analysis of the medulloblastoma transcriptome. Here, we have broadly characterized the translatome of medulloblastoma and shown that N-myc unexpectedly drives selective translation of transcripts that promote protein homeostasis. Cancer cells are constantly exposed to proteotoxic stress associated with alterations in protein production or folding. It remains poorly understood how cancers cope with proteotoxic stress to promote their growth. Here, our data revealed that N-myc regulates the expression of specific components (∼5%) of the protein folding machinery at the translational level through the major cap binding protein, eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E. Reducing eIF4E levels in mouse models of medulloblastoma blocked tumorigenesis. Importantly, targeting Hsp70, a protein folding chaperone translationally regulated by N-myc, suppressed tumor growth in mouse and human medulloblastoma xenograft models. These findings reveal a previously hidden molecular program that promotes medulloblastoma formation and identify new therapies that may have impact in the clinic. SIGNIFICANCE Translatome analysis in medulloblastoma shows that N-myc drives selective translation of transcripts that promote protein homeostasis and that represent new therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Kuzuoglu-Ozturk
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Ozlem Aksoy
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Christin Schmidt
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Robin Lea
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jon D Larson
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Ryan R L Phelps
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Nicole Nasholm
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Megan Holt
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Adrian Contreras
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Miller Huang
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, and The Saban Research Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shannon Wong-Michalak
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Hao Shao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California
- Department of Neurology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Joanna J Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisca, San Francisco, California
| | - Jason E Gestwicki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Davide Ruggero
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - William A Weiss
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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6
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Forester CM, Oses-Prieto JA, Phillips NJ, Miglani S, Pang X, Byeon GW, DeMarco R, Burlingame A, Barna M, Ruggero D. Regulation of eIF4E guides a unique translational program to control erythroid maturation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd3942. [PMID: 36563140 PMCID: PMC9788769 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add3942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Translation control is essential in balancing hematopoietic precursors and differentiation; however, the mechanisms underlying this program are poorly understood. We found that the activity of the major cap-binding protein eIF4E is unexpectedly regulated in a dynamic manner throughout erythropoiesis that is uncoupled from global protein synthesis rates. Moreover, eIF4E activity directs erythroid maturation, and increased eIF4E expression maintains cells in an early erythroid state associated with a translation program driving the expression of PTPN6 and Igf2bp1. A cytosine-enriched motif in the 5' untranslated region is important for eIF4E-mediated translation specificity. Therefore, selective translation of key target genes necessary for the maintenance of early erythroid states by eIF4E highlights a unique mechanism used by hematopoietic precursors to rapidly elicit erythropoietic maturation upon need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M. Forester
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Juan A. Oses-Prieto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nancy J. Phillips
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sohit Miglani
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaming Pang
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Gun Woo Byeon
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94309, USA
| | - Rachel DeMarco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO 80045, USA
| | - Al Burlingame
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Maria Barna
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94309, USA
| | - Davide Ruggero
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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7
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Rubio A, Garland GD, Sfakianos A, Harvey RF, Willis AE. Aberrant protein synthesis and cancer development: The role of canonical eukaryotic initiation, elongation and termination factors in tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:151-165. [PMID: 35487398 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In tumourigenesis, oncogenes or dysregulated tumour suppressor genes alter the canonical translation machinery leading to a reprogramming of the translatome that, in turn, promotes the translation of selected mRNAs encoding proteins involved in proliferation and metastasis. It is therefore unsurprising that abnormal expression levels and activities of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), elongation factors (eEFs) or termination factors (eRFs) are associated with poor outcome for patients with a wide range of cancers. In this review we discuss how RNA binding proteins (RBPs) within the canonical translation factor machinery are dysregulated in cancers and how targeting such proteins is leading to new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rubio
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Gavin D Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Aristeidis Sfakianos
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Robert F Harvey
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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8
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Muñoz-Ayala A, Chimal-Vega B, García-González V. Translation initiation and its relationship with metabolic mechanisms in cancer development, progression and chemoresistance. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 132:111-141. [PMID: 36088073 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Pathways that regulate protein homeostasis (proteostasis) in cells range from mRNA processing to protein degradation; perturbations in regulatory mechanisms of these pathways can lead to oncogenic cellular processes. Protein synthesis modulation failures are common phenomena in cancer cells, wherein specific conditions that promote the translation of protein factors promoting carcinogenesis are present. These specific conditions may be favored by metabolic lipid alterations like those found in metabolic syndrome and obesity. Protein translation modifications have been described in obesity, favoring the translation of protein targets that benefit lipid accumulation; a determining factor is the activity of the cap-binding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), a crosstalk in protein translation and lipogenesis. Besides, alterations of protein translation initiation steps are critical participants for the development of both pathogenic conditions, cancer, and obesity. This chapter is focused on the regulation of recognition and processing of carcinogenic-mRNA and the connections among lipid metabolism and cell signaling pathways that promote oncogenesis, tumoral microenvironment generation and potentially the development of chemoresistance. We performed an in-depth analysis of events, such as those occurring in obesity and dyslipidemias, that may influence protein translation, driving the recognition of certain mRNAs and favoring cancer development and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Muñoz-Ayala
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México; Laboratorio Multidisciplinario de Estudios Metabólicos y Cáncer, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México
| | - Brenda Chimal-Vega
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México; Laboratorio Multidisciplinario de Estudios Metabólicos y Cáncer, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México
| | - Victor García-González
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina Mexicali, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México; Laboratorio Multidisciplinario de Estudios Metabólicos y Cáncer, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexicali, México.
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9
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Kovalski JR, Kuzuoglu‐Ozturk D, Ruggero D. Protein synthesis control in cancer: selectivity and therapeutic targeting. EMBO J 2022; 41:e109823. [PMID: 35315941 PMCID: PMC9016353 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational control of mRNAs is a point of convergence for many oncogenic signals through which cancer cells tune protein expression in tumorigenesis. Cancer cells rely on translational control to appropriately adapt to limited resources while maintaining cell growth and survival, which creates a selective therapeutic window compared to non-transformed cells. In this review, we first discuss how cancer cells modulate the translational machinery to rapidly and selectively synthesize proteins in response to internal oncogenic demands and external factors in the tumor microenvironment. We highlight the clinical potential of compounds that target different translation factors as anti-cancer therapies. Next, we detail how RNA sequence and structural elements interface with the translational machinery and RNA-binding proteins to coordinate the translation of specific pro-survival and pro-growth programs. Finally, we provide an overview of the current and emerging technologies that can be used to illuminate the mechanisms of selective translational control in cancer cells as well as within the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna R Kovalski
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of UrologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Duygu Kuzuoglu‐Ozturk
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of UrologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Davide Ruggero
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of UrologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular PharmacologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
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10
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Mars JC, Ghram M, Culjkovic-Kraljacic B, Borden KLB. The Cap-Binding Complex CBC and the Eukaryotic Translation Factor eIF4E: Co-Conspirators in Cap-Dependent RNA Maturation and Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6185. [PMID: 34944805 PMCID: PMC8699206 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation of RNA into protein is a dynamic process which is heavily regulated during normal cell physiology and can be dysregulated in human malignancies. Its dysregulation can impact selected groups of RNAs, modifying protein levels independently of transcription. Integral to their suitability for translation, RNAs undergo a series of maturation steps including the addition of the m7G cap on the 5' end of RNAs, splicing, as well as cleavage and polyadenylation (CPA). Importantly, each of these steps can be coopted to modify the transcript signal. Factors that bind the m7G cap escort these RNAs through different steps of maturation and thus govern the physical nature of the final transcript product presented to the translation machinery. Here, we describe these steps and how the major m7G cap-binding factors in mammalian cells, the cap binding complex (CBC) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF4E, are positioned to chaperone transcripts through RNA maturation, nuclear export, and translation in a transcript-specific manner. To conceptualize a framework for the flow and integration of this genetic information, we discuss RNA maturation models and how these integrate with translation. Finally, we discuss how these processes can be coopted by cancer cells and means to target these in malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Clement Mars
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mehdi Ghram
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Biljana Culjkovic-Kraljacic
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Katherine L B Borden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), Université de Montréal, Pavillion Marcelle-Coutu, Chemin Polytechnique, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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