1
|
Boyenle ID, Ogunlana AT, Kehinde Oyedele AQ, Olokodana BK, Owolabi N, Salahudeen A, Aderenle OT, Oloyede TO, Adelusi TI. Reinstating apoptosis using putative Bcl-xL natural product inhibitors: Molecular docking and ADMETox profiling investigations. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2022; 18:461-469. [PMID: 36818176 PMCID: PMC9906007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives While a fine balance in the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic family members of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein family represents a normal signaling profile, a tilt in balance towards anti-apoptotic family members has fortified different forms of cancers with survival advantage and resistance against treatment. Induction of apoptosis is a key therapeutic approach in cancer drug discovery, and the inhibition of the anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL) is a long-standing clinical target for cancer therapy. In this study, we combined computer-aided approaches to report putative binders for this target. Methods Before our virtual screening campaign, we conducted a redocking experiment strategy of the x-ray bound inhibitor of the Bcl-xL protein with some of the available docking software at our disposal to determine the software with the best efficiency for this screening. iGEMDOCK emerged to reproduce the x-ray crystallographic information and was used to dock the library of ligand, which was developed from diverse literature reporting compounds with anti-apoptotic profiles through the Bcl-2 family. Results Of the compounds in the library, alpha-mangostin and oubain scored as hits with binding energy values of -123.025 kcal/mol and -122.271 kcal/mol, respectively, which is more than -120.8 kcal/mol observed by the standard. Conclusions These compounds revealed a more binding affinity potential than ABT-737, which is a standard inhibitor of the protein. In addition, these scaffolds not only interact with relevant and hotspot residues for the inhibition of Bcl-xL but also possess good pharmacokinetic and excellent toxicity, an endpoint that should be considered for further testing and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Damilare Boyenle
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Science, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Nigeria,Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Abdeen Tunde Ogunlana
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Abdul-Quddus Kehinde Oyedele
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria,Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Nurudeen Owolabi
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria
| | - Abdulmalik Salahudeen
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Temitope Isaac Adelusi
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria,Corresponding address: Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu N, Wang S, Yao Q, Li Y, Hu H, Xiaorong T, Ran H, Price CA, Jiang Z. Activin A attenuates apoptosis of granulosa cells in atretic follicles through ERβ-induced autophagy. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:625-634. [PMID: 35244300 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that about 99% of ovarian follicles in mammals suffer from a degenerative process known as atresia, which is a huge waste of genetic resource in female animals. Studies have shown that activin A (ACT-A) is located in ovarian granulosa cells and has different effects in granulosa cell depending on species. Although granulosa cells play a critical role during follicular atresia, the mechanism of action of ACT-A in bovine ovarian granulosa cells (BGC) is poorly understood. In this study, we firstly determined the apoptosis of BGCs isolated from growth follicles and atretic follicles, respectively. Then, BGC isolated from atretic follicles were used as a model to elucidate the role of ACT-A in cattle ovary. The results showed that apoptosis occurred in both growing follicles and atretic follicles, and the percentage of apoptotic cells in atretic follicles was higher than that in growing follicles. The current results indicated that ACT-A can attenuate apoptosis of BGC through maintaining the function of BGC in atretic follicles. Increased ERβ induced by ACT-A promoted BGC autophagy but had no effect on apoptosis. In summary, this study suggests that ACT-A attenuates BGC apoptosis in atretic follicles by ERβ-mediated autophagy signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiyou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qichun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyou Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tang Xiaorong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haohan Ran
- College of Animal Science and Animal Medicine, Tianjin Agricultural University, Jintong Road, Xiqing District, 300380, Tianjin, China
| | - Christopher A Price
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Zhongliang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic, Breeding and Reproduction in Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Refaat B, Zekri J, Aslam A, Ahmad J, Baghdadi MA, Meliti A, Idris S, Sultan S, Alardati H, Saimeh HA, Alsaegh A, Alhadrami M, Hamid T, Naeem ME, Elsamany SA. Profiling Activins and Follistatin in Colorectal Cancer According to Clinical Stage, Tumour Sidedness and Smad4 Status. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1610032. [PMID: 34867090 PMCID: PMC8634429 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1610032] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the roles of activins and follistatin in colorectal cancers. Paired malignant and normal colonic tissues were collected from archived paraffin-embedded (n = 90 patients) alongside fresh (n = 40 patients) specimen cohorts. Activin β-subunits, follistatin and Smad4 mRNAs and proteins were measured by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mature activin-A, -B, -AB and follistatin proteins were measured by ELISA. Cancer tissues having ≤ the 20th percentile of the Smad4 IHC score were considered as low (L-S4) group. The Smad4-intact SW480 and Smad4-null HT29 colon cancer cell lines were treated with activins and follistatin, and cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The cell cycle inducing (CCND1/CCND3) and inhibitory (p21/p27) proteins alongside the survival (survivin/BCL2) and pro-apoptosis (Casp-8/Casp-3) markers were measured by immunofluorescence. Thirty-nine patients had right-sided cancers (30%) and showed higher rates of L-S4 tumours (n = 17; 13.1%) alongside worse clinicopathological characteristics relative to left-sided cancers. The βA-subunit and activin-A increased, whilst βB-subunit and activin-AB decreased, in malignant sites and the late-stage cancers revealed the greatest abnormalities. Interestingly, follistatin declined markedly in early-stage malignant tissues, whilst increased significantly in the advanced stages. All activin molecules were comparable between the early stage right- and left-sided tumours, whereas the late-stage right-sided cancers and L-S4 tumours showed more profound deregulations. In vitro, activin-A increased the numbers of the SW480 cells in sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases, whereas reduced the HT29 cell numbers in the sub-G1 phase with simultaneous increases in the G0/G1 and S phases. The p21/p27/Casp-8/Casp-3 proteins escalated, whilst CCND1/CCND3/BCL2/survivin declined in the SW480 cells following activin-A, whereas activin-A only promoted p21 and p27 alongside reduced CCND3 in the HT29 cells. By contrast, activin-AB increased the numbers of SW480 and HT29 cells in Sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases and promoted the anti-cancer and reduced the oncogenic proteins in both cell lines. In conclusion, activins and follistatin displayed stage-dependent dysregulations and were markedly altered during the advanced stages of right-sided and L-S4 cancers. Moreover, the activin-A actions in CRC could be Smad4-dependent, whereas activin-AB may act as a Smad4-independent tumour suppressor protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal Zekri
- Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akhmed Aslam
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Baghdadi
- Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelrazak Meliti
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sufian Sultan
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hosam Alardati
- Pathology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haitham Akram Saimeh
- Department of Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman Alsaegh
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Alhadrami
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahira Hamid
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed E Naeem
- Histopathology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shereef Ahmed Elsamany
- Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Oncology Department, Oncology Centre, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
El-Deek SEM, Abd-Elghaffar SKH, Hna RS, Mohamed HG, El-Deek HEM. Effect of Hesperidin against Induced Colon Cancer in Rats: Impact of Smad4 and Activin A Signaling Pathway. Nutr Cancer 2021; 74:697-714. [PMID: 33818196 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1907424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE To evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of hesperidin (Hsd) in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colorectal cancer (CRC) and demonstrate its role in mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(Smad4) and activin A signaling pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS A CRC rat model was established by DMH exposure, and the animals were randomly divided into five groups: Control group, Hsd, DMH, DMH + Hsd, and DMH followed by Hsd. The resected colon was subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examination. Activin A, Smad4, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in tissues were also measured. The DMH group exhibited a significant increase in the gene and protein expression of activin A as well as MDA and NO levels in tissues. There was a significant reduction in the gene and protein expression of Smad4 as well as GSH and SOD levels in tissues. Administration of Hsd significantly upregulated Smad4 and activin A gene expressions in both the DMH + Hsd and DMH followed by Hsd groups. Moreover, Hsd improved the antioxidant status of the former two groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the chemopreventive effect of Hsd against CRC by modulating Smad4 and activin A signaling in vivo. Further studies are needed to demonstrate its clinical value and explore its possible role in advanced malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar E M El-Deek
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sary K H Abd-Elghaffar
- Pathology and Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Randa S Hna
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba G Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Heba E M El-Deek
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ottley EC, Reader KL, Lee K, Marino FE, Nicholson HD, Risbridger GP, Gold E. Over-Expression of Activin-β C Is Associated with Murine and Human Prostate Disease. Discov Oncol 2017; 8:100-107. [PMID: 28116672 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-017-0283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily and have been linked to prostate cancer. There are four mammalian activin subunits (βA, βB, βC, and βE) that dimerize to form functional proteins. The role of activin-A (βA-βA) has been relatively well characterized and has been shown to generally inhibit growth in the prostate. In contrast, little is known about the biological function of the βC and βE subunits. Previous work indicated activin-C (βC-βC) to be an antagonist of activin-A. This is important because resistance to activin-A growth inhibition occurs during prostate cancer progression. This paradox is not currently well understood. Hence, we hypothesize that local expression of the activin-βC subunit antagonizes activin-A-dependent growth inhibition and represents a key factor contributing to acquired insensitivity to activin-A observed in prostate cancer progression. To test our hypothesis, we characterized the ventral prostate lobes of 9-month-old transgenic mice over-expressing activin-βC and examined the expression of activin-βA, activin-βC, and the activin intracellular signaling factor, Smad-2, in human prostate diseases. Prostate epithelial cell hyperplasia, low-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, alterations in cell proliferation, and reduced Smad-2 nuclear localization were evident in mice over-expressing activin-βC. Increased activin-βA and -βC subunit immunoreactive scores and decreased Smad-2 nuclear localization were also evident in human prostate cancer. This study suggests that over-expression of activin-βC is associated with murine and human prostate pathologies. We conclude that the activin-βC subunit may have therapeutic and/or diagnostic implications in human prostate disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Ottley
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Karen L Reader
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Kailun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Francesco E Marino
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Helen D Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elspeth Gold
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Refaat B, El-Shemi AG, Mohamed AM, Kensara OA, Ahmad J, Idris S. Activins and their related proteins in colon carcinogenesis: insights from early and advanced azoxymethane rat models of colon cancer. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:879. [PMID: 27835986 PMCID: PMC5106801 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2914-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activin-A may exert pro- or anti-tumorigenic activities depending on cellular context. However, little is known about its role, or the other mature activin proteins, in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This study measured the expression of activin βA- & βB-subunits, activin type IIA & IIB receptors, smads 2/3/4/6/7 and follistatin in CRC induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. The results were compared with controls and disseminated according to the characteristics of histopathological lesions. Methods Eighty male Wistar rats were allocated into 20 controls and the remaining were equally divided between short ‘S-AOM’ (15 weeks) and long ‘L-AOM’ (35 weeks) groups following injecting AOM for 2 weeks. Subsequent to gross and histopathological examinations and digital image analysis, the expression of all molecules was measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. Activin-A, activin-B, activin-AB and follistatin were measured by ELISA in serum and colon tissue homogenates. Results Colonic pre-neoplastic and cancerous lesions were identified in both AOM groups and their numbers and sizes were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the L-AOM group. All the molecules were expressed in normal colonic epithelial cells. There was a significantly (P < 0.05) greater expression of βA-subunit, IIB receptor and follistatin in both pre-neoplastic and cancerous tissues. Oppositely, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the remaining molecules was detected in both AOM groups. Metastatic lesions were only observed within the L-AOM group and were associated with the most significant alterations of all molecules. Significantly higher concentrations of activin-A and follistatin and lower activin-AB were also detected in both groups of AOM. Tissue and serum concentrations of activin-A and follistatin correlated positively, while tissue activin-AB inversely, and significantly with the numbers and sizes of colonic lesions. Conclusions Normal rat colon epithelial cells are capable of synthesising, controlling as well as responding to activins in a paracrine/autocrine manner. Colonic activin systems are pathologically altered during tumorigenesis and appear to be time and lesion-dependent. Activins could also be potential sensitive markers and/or molecular targets for the diagnosis and/or treatment of CRC. Further studies are required to illustrate the clinical value of activins and their related proteins in colon cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2914-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Amr Mohamed Mohamed
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Osama Adnan Kensara
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawwad Ahmad
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Idris
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abdeyah, PO Box 7607, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ottley EC, Nicholson HD, Gold EJ. Activin A regulates microRNAs and gene expression in LNCaP cells. Prostate 2016; 76:951-63. [PMID: 27018851 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is an increasing health issue worldwide. For patients with advanced castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) treatment options are limited and overall survival is relatively short. Paired with this, non-invasive diagnostic options are yet to be established. Activins are members of the TGF-β superfamily and have been linked to prostate physiology. For instance, activin A is an inhibitor of growth in the prostate. A novel class of non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been intrinsically linked to a range of cellular processes and carcinogenesis. No studies have investigated the impact of activin A on miRNA expression in PCa cell lines. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of activin A on miRNA expression and downstream target genes in PCa. METHODS Activin-sensitive (LNCaP) and insensitive (PC3) prostate cells were treated with 50 ng/ml of activin A for 72 hr. To examine miRNA expression following treatment, SYBR RT-qPCR miRNA arrays were used in conjunction with TaqMan RT-qPCR. MiRPath-TarBase analysis was conducted using the miRNAs that were significantly altered following activin A treatment of LNCaP cells to highlight enriched target genes within biological pathways. Highlighted target genes were assessed using pathway-focused TGF-β and cell cycle SYBR RT-qPCR arrays. RESULTS Activin A treatment altered nine miRNAs in LNCaP cells: miR-222-3p, miR-15b-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-18a-5p, and let-7i-5p were significantly decreased, while miR-30a/30d-5p, let-7c, and miR-196b-5p were significantly increased versus media control. In PC3 cells five miRNAs were altered: miR-130a-3p, miR-7-5p, and miR-140-3p were significantly decreased while miR-191-5p and miR-26a-5p were significantly increased versus media control. MiRPath-TarBase analysis highlighted that the miRNAs significantly altered in LNCaP cells targeted genes contained in activin A-related KEGG pathways. Furthermore, when LNCaP cells were treated with activin A the expression of the targeted genes was the inverse of the expression of activin A-mediated miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the ability of activin A to modulate miRNA expression in PCa cell lines and suggests a correlative relationship between miRNA expression and downstream target genes in LNCaP cells. This study provides impetus for further studies into activin A and miRNAs in PCa. Prostate 76:951-963, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
|
8
|
Reader KL, Gold E. Activins and activin antagonists in the human ovary and ovarian cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 415:126-32. [PMID: 26277402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activins are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily that play an important role in controlling cell proliferation and differentiation in many organs including the ovary. It is essential that activin signalling be tightly regulated as imbalances can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer. This review describes the expression and function of the activins and their known antagonists in both normal and cancerous human ovaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Reader
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
| | - Elspeth Gold
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bufalino A, Cervigne NK, de Oliveira CE, Fonseca FP, Rodrigues PC, Macedo CCS, Sobral LM, Miguel MC, Lopes MA, Leme AFP, Lambert DW, Salo TA, Kowalski LP, Graner E, Coletta RD. Low miR-143/miR-145 Cluster Levels Induce Activin A Overexpression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Which Contributes to Poor Prognosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136599. [PMID: 26317418 PMCID: PMC4552554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated expression of activin A is reported in several tumors, but its biological functions in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are unknown. Here, we investigate whether activin A can play a causal role in OSCCs. Activin A expression was assessed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry in OSCC tissues. Low activin A-expressing cells were treated with recombinant activin A and assessed for apoptosis, proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Those phenotypes were also evaluated in high activin A-expressing cells treated with follistatin (an activin A antagonist) or stably expressing shRNA targeting activin A. Transfections of microRNA mimics were performed to determine whether the overexpression of activin A is regulated by miR-143/miR-145 cluster. Activin A was overexpressed in OSCCs in comparison with normal oral mucosa, and high activin A levels were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and poor survival. High activin A levels promoted multiple properties associated with malignant transformation, including decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. Both miR-143 and miR-145 were markedly downregulated in OSCC cell lines and in clinical specimens, and inversely correlated to activin A levels. Forced expression of miR-143 and miR-145 in OSCC cells significantly decreased the expression of activin A. Overexpression of activin A in OSCCs, which is controlled by downregulation of miR-143/miR-145 cluster, regulates apoptosis, proliferation and invasiveness, and it is clinically correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Bufalino
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | - Nilva K. Cervigne
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Paiva Fonseca
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lays Martin Sobral
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia Costa Miguel
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal-RN, Brazil
| | - Marcio Ajudarte Lopes
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel W. Lambert
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry and Sheffield Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tuula A. Salo
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
- Department of Diagnostics and Oral Medicine, Institute of Dentistry and Oulu University Hospital and Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu and Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Edgard Graner
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D. Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba-SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bashir M, Damineni S, Mukherjee G, Kondaiah P. Activin-A signaling promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and metastatic growth of breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2015; 1:15007. [PMID: 28721365 PMCID: PMC5515205 DOI: 10.1038/npjbcancer.2015.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Activins belong to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines. Although the role of TGF-β in cancer progression has been highly advocated, the role of activin signaling in cancer is not well known. However, overexpression of activin-A has been observed in several cancers. Aims: The gene expression profile indicated higher expression of Activin-A in breast tumors. Hence the aim of this study was to evaluate the status and role of Activin signaling pathway in these tumors. Methods: Microarray analysis was performed to reveal gene expression changes in breast tumors. The results were validated by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in two independent sets of normal and tumor samples. Further, correlation of activin expression with survival and distant metastasis was performed to evaluate its possible role in tumor progression. We used recombinant activin-A, inhibitors, overexpression, and knockdown strategies both in vitro and in vivo, to understand the mechanism underlying the protumorigenic role of this signaling pathway. Results: We report that activin-A signaling is hyperactivated in breast cancers as indicated by higher activin-A, phosphoSMAD2, and phosphoSMAD3 levels in advanced breast cancers. Bone morphogenetic proteins and molecules involved in this signaling pathway were downregulated, suggesting its suppression in breast cancers. Activin-A expression correlates inversely with survival and metastasis in advanced breast cancers. Further, activin-A promotes anchorage-independent growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion, angiogenesis, and stemness of breast cancer cells. We show that activin-A-induced phenotype is mediated by SMAD signaling pathway. In addition, activin-A expression affects the tumor-forming ability and metastatic colonization of cancer cells in nude mice. Conclusions: These results suggest that activin-A has a critical role in breast cancer progression and, hence, targeting this pathway can be a valuable strategy in treating breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Bashir
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Surekha Damineni
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Geetashree Mukherjee
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India
| | - Paturu Kondaiah
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu J, Liu F, Wu Q, Liu X. Activin A regulates proliferation, invasion and migration in osteosarcoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:4501-7. [PMID: 25634369 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A is a member of the TGF‑β superfamily. Previous studies have demonstrated that activin A exhibited pluripotent effects in several tumours. However, the roles of activin A signaling in osteosarcoma pathogenesis have not been previously investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of activin A on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Firstly, the expression of activin A in osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, SaOS‑2 and U2OS) and a human osteoblastic cell line (hFOB1.19) was detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Activin A was upregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines compared with hFOB1.19 cells. To investigate the effects of activin A on osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration, MG63 cells were generated in which activin A was either overexpressed or depleted. MTT staining, propidium iodide staining and a Transwell assay were used to analyze the cell cycle, proliferation, invasion and migration of MG63 cells, respectively. The results of the present study revealed that the abilities of proliferation, invasion and migration were suppressed in MG63 cells in which activin A was depleted, while they were enhanced in activin A-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that activin A may facilitate proliferation, invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells, and it may therefore be a potential target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Quanming Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xiancheng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
L. Hopper J, Begum N, Smith L, A. Hughes T. The role of PSMD9 in human disease: future clinical and therapeutic implications. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2015.4.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
|
13
|
Loomans HA, Andl CD. Intertwining of Activin A and TGFβ Signaling: Dual Roles in Cancer Progression and Cancer Cell Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 7:70-91. [PMID: 25560921 PMCID: PMC4381251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a significant amount of research has examined the controversial role of activin A in cancer. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, is best characterized for its function during embryogenesis in mesoderm cell fate differentiation and reproduction. During embryogenesis, TGFβ superfamily ligands, TGFβ, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) and activins, act as potent morphogens. Similar to TGFβs and BMPs, activin A is a protein that is highly systemically expressed during early embryogenesis; however, post-natal expression is overall reduced and remains under strict spatiotemporal regulation. Of importance, normal post-natal expression of activin A has been implicated in the migration and invasive properties of various immune cell types, as well as endometrial cells. Aberrant activin A signaling during development results in significant morphological defects and premature mortality. Interestingly, activin A has been found to have both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles in cancer. Investigations into the role of activin A in prostate and breast cancer has demonstrated tumor suppressive effects, while in lung and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, it has been consistently shown that activin A expression is correlated with increased proliferation, invasion and poor patient prognosis. Activin A signaling is highly context-dependent, which is demonstrated in studies of epithelial cell tumors and the microenvironment. This review discusses normal activin A signaling in comparison to TGFβ and highlights how its dysregulation contributes to cancer progression and cell invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Claudia D Andl
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ottley E, Gold E. microRNA and non-canonical TGF-β signalling: implications for prostate cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 92:49-60. [PMID: 24985060 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing worldwide and marks a significant health issue. Paired with this, current therapeutic options for advanced prostate cancer, notably androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), fail to provide a consistent level of efficacy throughout the treatment period, highlighting the need for new robust therapies. Growth factors, such as Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), possess the ability to impede cancer development in the early stages, via alterations in either apoptosis, cell proliferation, or the promotion of cellular senescence. However, later in the pathogenesis, advanced prostate cancer cells become insensitive to the previously beneficial effects of TGF-β. The molecular mechanisms behind this acquired insensitivity are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this review is to examine the effects of a class of small non-coding RNA, microRNA (miRNA), on TGF-β signalling. The impact of miRNA on the canonical TGF-β Smad signalling pathway has been well investigated, hence, in this review, we will examine whether miRNA targeting members of non-canonical TGF-β signalling members, such as, Erk, RhoA, PI3K/Akt and JNK/p38 could provide alternate therapeutic options for advanced prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Ottley
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Elspeth Gold
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Activin and TGFβ regulate expression of the microRNA-181 family to promote cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1556-66. [PMID: 23524334 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-181 (miR-181) is a multifaceted miRNA that has been implicated in many cellular processes such as cell fate determination and cellular invasion. While miR-181 is often overexpressed in human tumors, a direct role for this miRNA in breast cancer progression has not yet been characterized. In this study, we found this miRNA to be regulated by both activin and TGFβ. While we found no effect of miR-181 modulation on activin/TGFβ-mediated tumor suppression, our data clearly indicate that miR-181 plays a critical and prominent role downstream of two growth factors, in mediating their pro-migratory and pro-invasive effects in breast cancer cells miR-181 acts as a metastamir in breast cancer. Thus, our findings define a novel role for miR-181 downstream of activin/TGFβ in regulating their tumor promoting functions. Having defined miR-181 as a critical regulator of tumor progression in vitro, our results thus, highlight miR-181 as an important potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Collapse
|