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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Pawar A, Chen F. Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:597-619. [PMID: 37857941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10146-7] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Recurrent metastasis is associated with poor patient outcomes and poses a significant challenge in breast cancer therapies. Cancer cells adapting to a new tissue microenvironment is the key event in distant metastasis development, where the disseminating tumor cells are likely to acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations during the process of metastatic colonization. Despite several decades of research in this field, the exact mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully understood. However, emerging body of evidence indicates that in addition to genetic changes, epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells and the metastatic niche are paramount toward successful metastasis. Here, we review and discuss the latest knowledge about the salient attributes of metastasis and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and crucial research domains that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Aashna Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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2
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Tátrai E, Ranđelović I, Surguta SE, Tóvári J. Role of Hypoxia and Rac1 Inhibition in the Metastatic Cascade. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1872. [PMID: 38791951 PMCID: PMC11120288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101872] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypoxic condition has a pivotal role in solid tumors and was shown to correlate with the poor outcome of anticancer treatments. Hypoxia contributes to tumor progression and leads to therapy resistance. Two forms of a hypoxic environment might have relevance in tumor mass formation: chronic and cyclic hypoxia. The main regulators of hypoxia are hypoxia-inducible factors, which regulate the cell survival, proliferation, motility, metabolism, pH, extracellular matrix function, inflammatory cells recruitment and angiogenesis. The metastatic process consists of different steps in which hypoxia-inducible factors can play an important role. Rac1, belonging to small G-proteins, is involved in the metastasis process as one of the key molecules of migration, especially in a hypoxic environment. The effect of hypoxia on the tumor phenotype and the signaling pathways which may interfere with tumor progression are already quite well known. Although the role of Rac1, one of the small G-proteins, in hypoxia remains unclear, predominantly, in vitro studies performed so far confirm that Rac1 inhibition may represent a viable direction for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Tátrai
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
| | - Sára Eszter Surguta
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph. D. Studies, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- The National Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary; (I.R.); (S.E.S.); (J.T.)
- School of Ph. D. Studies, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Araujo-Abad S, Rizzuti B, Vidal M, Abian O, Fárez-Vidal ME, Velazquez-Campoy A, de Juan Romero C, Neira JL. Unveiling the Binding between the Armadillo-Repeat Domain of Plakophilin 1 and the Intrinsically Disordered Transcriptional Repressor RYBP. Biomolecules 2024; 14:561. [PMID: 38785968 PMCID: PMC11117474 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Plakophilin 1 (PKP1), a member of the p120ctn subfamily of the armadillo (ARM)-repeat-containing proteins, is an important structural component of cell-cell adhesion scaffolds although it can also be ubiquitously found in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. RYBP (RING 1A and YY1 binding protein) is a multifunctional intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) best described as a transcriptional regulator. Both proteins are involved in the development and metastasis of several types of tumors. We studied the binding of the armadillo domain of PKP1 (ARM-PKP1) with RYBP by using in cellulo methods, namely immunofluorescence (IF) and proximity ligation assay (PLA), and in vitro biophysical techniques, namely fluorescence, far-ultraviolet (far-UV) circular dichroism (CD), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). We also characterized the binding of the two proteins by using in silico experiments. Our results showed that there was binding in tumor and non-tumoral cell lines. Binding in vitro between the two proteins was also monitored and found to occur with a dissociation constant in the low micromolar range (~10 μM). Finally, in silico experiments provided additional information on the possible structure of the binding complex, especially on the binding ARM-PKP1 hot-spot. Our findings suggest that RYBP might be a rescuer of the high expression of PKP1 in tumors, where it could decrease the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in some cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Araujo-Abad
- Cancer Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, 170124 Quito, Ecuador;
- IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, SS Rende (CS), Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (O.A.); (A.V.-C.)
| | - Miguel Vidal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Calle Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Olga Abian
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (O.A.); (A.V.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Esther Fárez-Vidal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica IBS, Granada, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Granada, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (O.A.); (A.V.-C.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Camino de Juan Romero
- IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO), Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Camí de l’Almazara 11, 03203 Elche, Spain
| | - José L. Neira
- IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; (O.A.); (A.V.-C.)
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Zhang X, Zhu R, Yu D, Wang J, Yan Y, Xu K. Single-cell RNA sequencing to explore cancer-associated fibroblasts heterogeneity: "Single" vision for "heterogeneous" environment. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13592. [PMID: 38158643 PMCID: PMC11056715 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous stromal cell, are one of the most important components of the tumour microenvironment. Previous studies have consolidated it as a promising target against cancer. However, variable therapeutic efficacy-both protumor and antitumor effects have been observed not least owing to the strong heterogeneity of CAFs. Over the past 10 years, advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies had a dramatic effect on biomedical research, enabling the analysis of single cell transcriptomes with unprecedented resolution and throughput. Specifically, scRNA-seq facilitates our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of diverse CAF subtypes. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date knowledge about CAF heterogeneity with a focus on scRNA-seq perspective to investigate the emerging strategies for integrating multimodal single-cell platforms. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical application of scRNA-seq on CAF research. We believe that the comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs form different visions will generate innovative solutions to cancer therapy and achieve clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Zhang
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ruiqiu Zhu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Die Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Juan Wang
- School of MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuxiang Yan
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouChina
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Adisasmita M, Lee HK, An Y, Kim M, Mamo MG, Hur JK, Choi D, Shin JH, Jung YK. Epigenetic modulation inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition-driven fibrogenesis and enhances characteristics of chemically-derived hepatic progenitors. Ann Surg Treat Res 2024; 106:274-283. [PMID: 38725803 PMCID: PMC11076951 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2024.106.5.274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose One of the novel cell sources of cell-based liver regenerative medicine is human chemically-derived hepatic progenitors (hCdHs). We previously established this cell by direct hepatocyte reprogramming with a combination of small molecules (hepatocyte growth factor, A83-01, CHIR99021). However, there have been several issues concerning the cell's stability and maintenance, namely the occurrences of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that develop fibrotic phenotypes, resulting in the loss of hepatic progenitor characteristics. These hepatic progenitor attributes are thought to be regulated by SOX9, a transcription factor essential for hepatic progenitor cells and cholangiocytes. Methods To suppress the fibrotic phenotype and improve our long-term hCdHs culture technology, we utilized the epigenetic modulating drugs DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-azacytidine) and histone deacetylase inhibitor (sodium butyrate) that have been reported to suppress and revert hepatic fibrosis. To confirm the essential role of SOX9 to our cell, we used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-interference (CRISPRi) to repress the SOX9 expression. Results The treatment of only 5-azacytidine significantly reduces the fibrosis/mesenchymal marker and EMT-related transcription factor expression level in the early passages. Interestingly, this treatment also increased the hepatic progenitor markers expression, even during the reprogramming phase. Then, we confirmed the essential role of SOX9 by repressing the SOX9 expression with CRISPRi which resulted in the downregulation of several essential hepatic progenitor cell markers. Conclusion These results highlight the capacity of 5-azacytidine to inhibit EMT-driven hepatic fibrosis and the significance of SOX9 on hepatic progenitor cell stemness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Adisasmita
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyomin K Lee
- Major in Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Genetics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yohan An
- Department of Genetics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myounghoi Kim
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Michael Girma Mamo
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junho K. Hur
- Department of Genetics, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dongho Choi
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Shin
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Jung
- Department of Surgery, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Liang J, Yao N, Deng B, Li J, Jiang Y, Liu T, Hu Y, Cao M, Hong J. GINS1 promotes ZEB1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis via β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31237. [PMID: 38468464 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
GINS1 regulates DNA replication in the initiation and elongation phases and plays an important role in the progression of various malignant tumors. However, the role of GINS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and underlying mechanisms of GINS1 in contributing to HCC metastasis. We found that GINS1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, especially in HCC tissues with vascular invasion and HCC cell lines with highly metastatic properties. Additionally, high expression of GINS1 was positively correlated with the progressive clinical features of HCC patients, including tumor number (multiple), tumor size (>5 cm), advanced tumor stage, vascular invasion and early recurrence, suggesting that GINS1 upregulation was greatly involved in HCC metastasis. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high GINS1 expression predicted a poor prognosis. Both in vitro and in vivo, silencing of GINS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis, while overexpression of GINS1 induced opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that ZEB1 was a crucial regulator of GINS1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and GINS1 promoted EMT and tumor metastasis through β-catenin signaling. Overall, the present study demonstrated that GINS1 promoted ZEB1-mediated EMT and tumor metastasis via β-catenin signaling in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Yao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Shunde Hospital, Jinan University, Foshan, China
| | - Jinying Li
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchuan Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youzhu Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Shunde Hospital, Jinan University, Foshan, China
| | - Mingrong Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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7
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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Geng DY, Chen QS, Chen WX, Zhou LS, Han XS, Xie QH, Guo GH, Chen XF, Chen JS, Zhong XP. Molecular targets and mechanisms of different aberrant alternative splicing in metastatic liver cancer. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:531-539. [PMID: 38689626 PMCID: PMC11056863 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i4.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains a major challenge in the successful management of malignant diseases. The liver is a major site of metastatic disease and a leading cause of death from gastrointestinal malignancies such as colon, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, as well as melanoma, breast cancer, and sarcoma. As an important factor that influences the development of metastatic liver cancer, alternative splicing drives the diversity of RNA transcripts and protein subtypes, which may provide potential to broaden the target space. In particular, the dysfunction of splicing factors and abnormal expression of splicing variants are associated with the occurrence, progression, aggressiveness, and drug resistance of cancers caused by the selective splicing of specific genes. This review is the first to provide a detailed summary of the normal splicing process and alterations that occur during metastatic liver cancer. It will cover the role of alternative splicing in the mechanisms of metastatic liver cancer by examining splicing factor changes, abnormal splicing, and the contribution of hypoxia to these changes during metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Yi Geng
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qing-Shan Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin-Sa Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Sha Han
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qi-Hu Xie
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Geng-Hong Guo
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xue-Fen Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Zhong
- Department of Plastic and Burns Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
- Plastic Surgery Research Institute, Ear Deformities Treatment Center and Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515000, Guangdong Province, China
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Zhou K, Wu C, Cheng W, Zhang B, Wei R, Cheng D, Li Y, Cao Y, Zhang W, Yao Z, Zhang X. Transglutaminase 3 regulates cutaneous squamous carcinoma differentiation and inhibits progression via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway-mediated Keratin 14 degradation. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:252. [PMID: 38589352 PMCID: PMC11001918 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous carcinoma is the second most common epithelial malignancy, associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. However, the mechanisms underlying cSCC remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified TGM3 as a novel cSCC tumor suppressor that acts via the PI3K-AKT axis. RT-qPCR, IHC and western blotting were employed to assess TGM3 levels. TGM3-overexpression/knockdown cSCC cell lines were utilized to detect TGM3's impact on epithelial differentiation as well as tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Additionally, subcutaneous xenograft tumor models were employed to examine the effect of TGM3 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo. Finally, molecular and biochemical approaches were employed to gain insight into the tumor-suppressing mechanisms of TGM3. TGM3 expression was increased in well-differentiated cSCC tumors, whereas it was decreased in poor-differentiated cSCC tumors. Loss of TGM3 is associated with poor differentiation and a high recurrence rate in patients with cSCC. TGM3 exhibited tumor-suppressing activity by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. As a novel cSCC tumor differentiation marker, TGM3 expression was positively correlated with cell differentiation. In addition, our results demonstrated an interaction between TGM3 and KRT14 that aids in the degradation of KRT14. TGM3 deficiency disrupts keratinocytes differentiation, and ultimately leads to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, RNA-sequence analysis revealed that loss of TGM3 enhanced EMT via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Deguelin, a PI3K-AKT inhibitor, blocked cSCC tumor growth induced by TGM3 knockdown in vivo. Taken together, TGM3 inhibits cSCC tumor growth via PI3K-AKT signaling, which could also serve as a tumor differentiation marker and a potential therapeutic target for cSCC. Proposed model depicted the mechanism by which TGM3 suppress cSCC development. TGM3 reduces the phosphorylation level of AKT and degrades KRT14. In the epithelial cell layer, TGM3 exhibits a characteristic pattern of increasing expression from bottom to top, while KRT14 and pAKT are the opposite. Loss of TGM3 leads to reduced degradation of KRT14 and activation of pAKT, disrupting keratinocyte differentiation, and eventually resulting in the occurrence of low-differentiated cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Zhou
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglong Wu
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Cheng
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyuan Zhang
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoqu Wei
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Daian Cheng
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhirong Yao
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xue Zhang
- Dermatology Center, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Debnath P, Huirem RS, Bhowmick A, Ghosh A, Ghosh D, Dutta P, Maity D, Palchaudhuri S. Epithelial mesenchymal transition induced nuclear localization of the extracellular matrix protein Fibronectin. Biochimie 2024; 219:142-145. [PMID: 38013092 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.11.011] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Fibronectin (FN), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is a well-known marker for Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In the ECM, FN has been shown to form long fibrils and play critical roles in regulating cellular attachment and migration during EMT associated with physiological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing as well as pathological processes such as tissue fibrosis and cancer. Subsequently, the cytokine, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), an inducer of EMT, was found to induce FN expression in a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) dependent manner. Moreover, extracellular FN, by itself, was also shown to induce EMT in breast epithelial cells in serum-free condition. Collectively, all the literature published so far has shown and established the role of extracellular FN during EMT. In this report, we have shown that EMT induced entry of FN into the nucleus of mouse breast epithelial cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing nuclear localization of the extracellular matrix protein Fibronectin during EMT and thereby suggests a possible nuclear function for the ECM protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Debnath
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Rohit Singh Huirem
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Arghya Bhowmick
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhrajyoti Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Debanjana Ghosh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Paloma Dutta
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyayan Maity
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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11
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Ahn HJ. Anesthesia and cancer recurrence: a narrative review. Anesth Pain Med (Seoul) 2024; 19:94-108. [PMID: 38725164 PMCID: PMC11089301 DOI: 10.17085/apm.24041] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. With the increasingly aging population, the number of emerging cancer cases is expected to increase markedly in the foreseeable future. Surgical resection with adjuvant therapy is the best available option for the potential cure of many solid tumors; thus, approximately 80% of patients with cancer undergo at least one surgical procedure during their disease. Agents used in general anesthesia can modulate cytokine release, transcription factors, and/or oncogenes. This can affect host immunity and the capability of cancer cells to survive and migrate, not only during surgery but for up to several weeks after surgery. However, it remains unknown whether exposure to anesthetic agents affects cancer recurrence or metastasis. This review explores the current literature to explain whether and how the choice of anesthetic and perioperative medication affect cancer surgery outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joo Ahn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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12
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Li H, Cai L, Pan Q, Jiang X, Zhao J, Xiang T, Tang Y, Wang Q, He J, Weng D, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Xia J. N 6-methyladenosine-modified VGLL1 promotes ovarian cancer metastasis through high-mobility group AT-hook 1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. iScience 2024; 27:109245. [PMID: 38439973 PMCID: PMC10910247 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The main causes of death in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) are invasive lesions and the spread of metastasis. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms that might promote OC metastasis. Here, we identified that VGLL1 expression was remarkably increased in metastatic OC samples. The role of VGLL1 in OC metastasis and tumor growth was examined by cell function assays and mouse models. Mechanistically level, METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification contributed to VGLL1 upregulation in an IGF2BP2 recognition-dependent manner. Furthermore, VGLL1 directly interacts with TEAD4 and co-transcriptionally activates HMGA1. HMGA1 further activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to enhance OC metastasis by promoting the epithelial-mesenchyme transition traits. Rescue assays indicated that the upregulation of HMGA1 was essential for VGLL1-induced metastasis. Collectively, these findings showed that the m6A-induced VGLL1/HMGA1/β-catenin axis might play a vital role in OC metastasis and tumor growth. VGLL1 might serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target against the metastasis of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liming Cai
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiuzhong Pan
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tong Xiang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qijing Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jia He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Desheng Weng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yanna Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhongqiu Liu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianchuan Xia
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
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13
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Katsuumi R, Negishi T, Imai K, Mihara N. Suppression of KLF5 basal expression in oral carcinoma-derived cells through three intact CREB1-binding sites in the silencer region. J Oral Biosci 2024; 66:217-224. [PMID: 38147910 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.12.006] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Krüppel-like factor (KLF)5, which is overexpressed in carcinomas such as oral cancer, inhibits epidermal differentiation. KLF5 induces dedifferentiation of carcinoma cells, which effectuates carcinoma progression; nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism affecting the transcription of the KLF5 gene remains ambiguous. METHODS Transcriptional activity of the KLF5 silencer, specifically the 425-bp region (425-region), was examined using reporter assays. An additional analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the minimal essential region (MER) of KLF5 on its basal expression. The affinity of cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) for three potential CREB1-binding sites in the 425-region was analyzed using DNA pull-down and quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Reporter assays employing a human oral squamous carcinoma cell line, HSC2, transfected with small interfering RNA or complementary DNA for CREB1, were performed to investigate the effect of CREB1 binding sites on MER activity. RESULTS The 425-region exhibited no transcriptional activity and suppressed MER transcriptional activity. This region encodes three putative CREB1-binding sites, and CREB1 demonstrated equal binding affinity for all three sites. The deletion of each of these binding sites reduced CREB1 precipitation and enhanced MER activity. Endogenous CREB1 knockdown and overexpression elevated and reduced MER activity, respectively, at the intact sites. Conversely, site deletion hampered and improved MER activity upon CREB1 knockdown and overexpression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Suppression of KLF5 basal expression via CREB1 binding to the 425-region requires all three CREB1-binding sites to remain intact in oral carcinoma cells. Consequently, deletion of the CREB1-binding site relieves suppression of KLF5 basal expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reiichi Katsuumi
- Department of Biochemistry, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Negishi
- Department of Biochemistry, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushi Imai
- Department of Biochemistry, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomi Mihara
- Department of Biochemistry, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, Japan.
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14
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Mikheeva SA, Funk CC, Horner PJ, Rostomily RC, Mikheev AM. Novel TCF4:TCF12 heterodimer inhibits glioblastoma growth. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:517-527. [PMID: 37507199 PMCID: PMC10920085 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 (TW) is a pro-oncogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor and promotes the hallmark features of malignancy (e.g., cell invasion, cancer cell stemness, and treatment resistance), which contribute to poor prognoses of glioblastoma (GBM). We previously reported that specific TW dimerization motifs regulate unique cellular phenotypes in GBM. For example, the TW:E12 heterodimer increases periostin (POSTN) expression and promotes cell invasion. TW dimer-specific transcriptional regulation requires binding to the regulatory E-box consensus sequences, but alternative bHLH dimers that balance TW dimer activity in regulating pro-oncogenic TW target genes are unknown. We leveraged the ENCODE DNase I hypersensitivity data to identify E-box sites and tethered TW:E12 and TW:TW proteins to validate dimer binding to E-boxes in vitro. Subsequently, TW knockdown revealed a novel TCF4:TCF12 bHLH dimer occupying the same TW E-box site that, when expressed as a tethered TCF4:TCF12 dimer, markedly repressed POSTN expression and extended animal survival. These observations support TCF4:TCF12 as a novel dimer with tumor-suppressor activity in GBM that functions in part through displacement of and/or competitive inhibition of pro-oncogenic TW dimers at E-box sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A. Mikheeva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
| | - Cory C. Funk
- Institute for Systems BiologySeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Philip J. Horner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Robert C. Rostomily
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Andrei M. Mikheev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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15
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BharathwajChetty B, Sajeev A, Vishwa R, Aswani BS, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Kunnumakkara AB. Dynamic interplay of nuclear receptors in tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance: Shifting gears in malignant transformations and applications in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:321-362. [PMID: 38517618 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have brought forth the complex interplay between tumor cell plasticity and its consequential impact on drug resistance and tumor recurrence, both of which are critical determinants of neoplastic progression and therapeutic efficacy. Various forms of tumor cell plasticity, instrumental in facilitating neoplastic cells to develop drug resistance, include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alternatively termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) attributes, and transdifferentiation into diverse cell lineages. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that play an essential role in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. NRs have been implicated to play a critical role in modulating gene expression associated with tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how NRs regulate these key aspects of cancer biology. We discuss the diverse mechanisms through which NRs influence tumor cell plasticity, including EMT, stemness, and metastasis. Further, we explore the intricate relationship between NRs and drug resistance, highlighting the impact of NR signaling on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting NRs to overcome tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review also provides valuable insights into the current clinical trials that involve agonists or antagonists of NRs modulating various aspects of tumor cell plasticity, thereby delineating the potential of NRs as therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ravichandran Vishwa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Babu Santha Aswani
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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16
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Xia X, Ge Y, Ge F, Gu P, Liu Y, Li P, Xu P. MAP4 acts as an oncogene and prognostic marker and affects radioresistance by mediating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:88. [PMID: 38341398 PMCID: PMC10858930 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the effect of microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) on lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and evaluate its prognostic value. Radioresistance, indicated by reduced efficiency of radiotherapy, is a key factor in treatment failure in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). This study aims to explore the primary mechanism underlying the relationship between MAP4 and radiation resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS We analysed the expression of MAP4 in lung adenocarcinoma by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‒qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and bioinformatics online databases, evaluated the prognostic value of MAP4 in lung adenocarcinoma and studied its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis identified independent prognostic factors associated with lung adenocarcinoma that were used to construct a nomogram, internal validation was performed. We then evaluated the accuracy and clinical validity of the model using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, time-dependent C-index analysis, a calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Scratch assays and transwell assays were used to explore the effect of MAP4 on the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis, RT‒qPCR, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and Western blot experiments were used to study the relationship between MAP4, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and radiation resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. RESULTS MAP4 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal lung tissues. High expression of MAP4 is associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that pT stage, pN stage, TNM stage and MAP4 expression level were significantly associated with poorer OS in LADC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis showed that only the pT stage and MAP4 expression level were associated with LADC prognosis. The nomogram constructed based on the pT stage and MAP4 expression showed good predictive accuracy. ROC curves, corrected C-index values, calibration curves, and DCA results showed that the nomogram performed well in both the training and validation cohorts and had strong clinical applicability. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the downregulation of MAP4 significantly affected the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. MAP4 was strongly correlated with EMT-related markers. Further studies suggested that the downregulation of MAP4 can affect the viability of lung adenocarcinoma cells after irradiation and participate in the radiation resistance of lung adenocarcinoma cells by affecting EMT. CONCLUSION MAP4 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma; it may affect prognosis by promoting the migration and invasion of cancer cells. We developed a nomogram including clinical factors and MAP4 expression that can be used for prognosis prediction in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. MAP4 participates in radiation resistance in lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the radiation-induced EMT process. MAP4 may serve as a biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma prognosis evaluation and as a new target for improving radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Xia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yangyang Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fanghong Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Pei Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huaian Hospital of Huaian City, Huaian Cancer Hospital, Huaian, China.
| | - Pengqin Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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17
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Xue W, Yang L, Chen C, Ashrafizadeh M, Tian Y, Sun R. Wnt/β-catenin-driven EMT regulation in human cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:79. [PMID: 38334836 PMCID: PMC10857981 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths among the patients. The transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with molecular alterations can occur during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT mechanism accelerates the cancer metastasis and drug resistance ability in human cancers. Among the different regulators of EMT, Wnt/β-catenin axis has been emerged as a versatile modulator. Wnt is in active form in physiological condition due to the function of GSK-3β that destructs β-catenin, while ligand-receptor interaction impairs GSK-3β function to increase β-catenin stability and promote its nuclear transfer. Regarding the oncogenic function of Wnt/β-catenin, its upregulation occurs in human cancers and it can accelerate EMT-mediated metastasis and drug resistance. The stimulation of Wnt by binding Wnt ligands into Frizzled receptors can enhance β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm that stimulates EMT and related genes upon nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis has been implicated in augmenting metastasis of both solid and hematological tumors. The Wnt/EMT-mediated cancer metastasis promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells, causing therapy resistance. The Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis can be modulated by upstream mediators in which non-coding RNAs are main regulators. Moreover, pharmacological intervention, mainly using phytochemicals, suppresses Wnt/EMT axis in metastasis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xianyang Central Hospital, Xianyang, 712000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengxin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, USA.
| | - Ranran Sun
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Yu Y, Baral S, Sun Q, Ding J, Zhang Q, Zhao F, Gao S, Yao Q, Yu H, Liu B, Wang D. PLCD3 inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation, invasion and migration in gastric cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:26. [PMID: 38305998 PMCID: PMC10837395 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00881-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease whose development is accompanied by alterations in a variety of pathogenic genes. The phospholipase C Delta 3 enzyme is a member of the phospholipase C family, which controls substance transport between cells in the body. However, its role in gastric cancer has not been discovered. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and mechanism of action of PLCD3 in connection to gastric cancer. By Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, PLCD3 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured, with high PLCD3 expression suggesting poor prognosis. In N87 and HGC-27 cells, the silencing of PLCD3 using small interfering RNA effectively induced apoptosis and inhibited tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conversely, overexpression of PLCD3 using overexpressed plasmids inhibited apoptosis in AGS and BGC-823 cells and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion. In order to investigate the underlying mechanisms, we conducted further analysis of PLCD3, which indicates that this protein is closely related to the cell cycle and EMT. Additionally, we found that overexpression of PLCD3 inhibits apoptosis and promotes the development of GC cells through JAK2/STAT3 signaling. In conclusion, PLCD3 inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration, which indicated that PLCD3 might serve as a therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantao Yu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Yangzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shantanu Baral
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- General Surgery Institute of Yangzhou, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Translation of Gastroenterology/Metabolic Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiannan Sun
- Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- Medical Research Center of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225001, China
- General Surgery Institute of Yangzhou, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Translation of Gastroenterology/Metabolic Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianyue Ding
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- General Surgery Institute of Yangzhou, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
- Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Translation of Gastroenterology/Metabolic Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanyu Zhao
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuyang Gao
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Yangzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Yangzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haoyue Yu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- General Surgery Institute of Yangzhou, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Translation of Gastroenterology/Metabolic Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Daorong Wang
- Yangzhou Clinical Medical College, Dalian Medical University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- General Surgery Institute of Yangzhou, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- Yangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Clinical Translation of Gastroenterology/Metabolic Diseases, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
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Ma Q, Ye S, Liu H, Zhao Y, Mao Y, Zhang W. HMGA2 promotes cancer metastasis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1320887. [PMID: 38361784 PMCID: PMC10867147 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1320887] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex physiological process that transforms polarized epithelial cells into moving mesenchymal cells. Dysfunction of EMT promotes the invasion and metastasis of cancer. The architectural transcription factor high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is highly overexpressed in various types of cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, uterine leiomyomas) and significantly correlated with poor survival rates. Evidence indicated that HMGA2 overexpression markedly decreased the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin (CDH1) and increased that of vimentin (VIM), Snail, N-cadherin (CDH2), and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) by targeting the transforming growth factor beta/SMAD (TGFβ/SMAD), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and WNT/beta-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) signaling pathways. Furthermore, a new class of non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, circular RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs) plays an essential role in the process of HMGA2-induced metastasis and invasion of cancer by accelerating the EMT process. In this review, we discuss alterations in the expression of HMGA2 in various types of cancer. Furthermore, we highlight the role of HMGA2-induced EMT in promoting tumor growth, migration, and invasion. More importantly, we discuss extensively the mechanism through which HMGA2 regulates the EMT process and invasion in most cancers, including signaling pathways and the interacting RNA signaling axis. Thus, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms that underlie the effects of HMGA2 on cancer invasion and patient survival by mediating EMT may offer new therapeutic methods for preventing cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ma
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sisi Ye
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Liu
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Mao
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Emergency Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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20
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Chi Z, Wang Q, Tong L, Qiu J, Yang F, Guo Q, Li W, Zheng J, Chen Z. Silencing geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibits the migration and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signaling and suppresses proliferation through cell cycle regulation. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:174-189. [PMID: 37853939 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I) significantly affects Rho proteins, such that the malignant progression of several cancers may be induced. Nevertheless, the effect and underlying mechanism of GGTase-I in the malignant progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) remain unclear. This study primarily aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of GGTase-I in mediating the malignant progression of SACC. The level of GGTase-I gene in cells was stably knocked down by short hairpin RNA-EGFP-lentivirus. The effects of GGTase-I silencing on the migration, invasion, and spread of cells were examined, the messenger RNA levels of GGTase-I and RhoA genes of SACC cells after GGTase-I knockdown were determined, and the protein levels of RhoA and RhoA membrane of SACC cells were analyzed. Moreover, the potential underlying mechanism of silencing GGTase-I on the above-mentioned aspects in SACC cells was assessed by examining the protein expression of ROCK1, MLC, p-MLC, E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of SACC cells proliferation was investigated through the analysis of the expression of cyclinD1, MYC, E2F1, and p21CIP1/WAF1 . Besides, the change of RhoA level in SACC tissues compared with normal paracancer tissues was demonstrated through quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot experiments. Next, the effect after GGTase-I silencing was assessed through the subcutaneous tumorigenicity assay. As indicated by the result of this study, the silencing of GGTase-I significantly reduced the malignant progression of tumors in vivo while decreasing the migration, invasion, and proliferation of SACC cells and RhoA membrane, Vimentin, ROCK1, p-MLC, MMP2, MMP9, MYC, E2F1, and CyclinD1 expression. However, the protein expression of E-cadherin and p21CIP1/WAF1 was notably upregulated. Subsequently, no significant transform of RhoA and MLC proteins was identified. Furthermore, RhoA expression in SACC tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues. As revealed by the results of this study, GGTase-I shows a correlation with the proliferation of SACC through the regulation of cell cycle and may take on vital significance in the migration and invasion of SACC by regulating RhoA/ROCK1/MLC signaling pathway. GGTase-I is expected to serve as a novel exploration site of SACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengpeng Chi
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao West Coast New District Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qimin Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Qingyuan Guo
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjian Li
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Jiawei Zheng
- Department of Oromaxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenggang Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, China
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21
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Luo L, Xu N, Fan W, Wu Y, Chen P, Li Z, He Z, Liu H, Lin Y, Zheng G. The TGFβ2-Snail1-miRNA TGFβ2 Circuitry is Critical for the Development of Aggressive Functions in Breast Cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1558. [PMID: 38299307 PMCID: PMC10831563 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
There have been contradictory reports on the biological role of transforming growth factor-βs (TGFβs) in breast cancer (BC), especially with regard to their ability to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we show that TGFβ2 is preferentially expressed in mesenchymal-like BCs and maintains the EMT phenotype, correlating with cancer stem cell-like characteristics, growth, metastasis and chemo-resistance and predicting worse clinical outcomes. However, this is only true in ERα- BC. In ERα+ luminal-type BC, estrogen receptor interacts with p-Smads to block TGFβ signalling. Furthermore, we also identify a microRNAs (miRNAs) signature (miRNAsTGFβ2 ) that is weakened in TGFβ2-overexpressing BC cells. We discover that TGFβ2-Snail1 recruits enhancer of zeste homolog-2 to convert miRNAsTGFβ2 promoters from an active to repressive chromatin configuration and then repress miRNAsTGFβ2 transcription, forming a negative feedback loop. On the other hand, miRNAsTGFβ2 overexpression reverses the mesenchymal-like traits in agreement with the inhibition of TGFβ2-Snail1 signalling in BC cells. These findings clarify the roles of TGFβ2 in BC and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the TGFβ2-Snail1-miRNAsTGFβ2 loop for a subset type of human BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Luo
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Ning Xu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Weina Fan
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Yixuan Wu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Pingping Chen
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhihui Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhimin He
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Hao Liu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Ying Lin
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Guopei Zheng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical UniversityState Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
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22
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Lu Q, Wang J, Tao Y, Zhong J, Zhang Z, Feng C, Wang X, Li T, He R, Wang Q, Xie Y. Small Cajal Body-Specific RNA12 Promotes Carcinogenesis through Modulating Extracellular Matrix Signaling in Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:483. [PMID: 38339238 PMCID: PMC10854576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030483] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Small Cajal body-specific RNAs (scaRNAs) are a specific subset of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) that have recently emerged as pivotal contributors in diverse physiological and pathological processes. However, their defined roles in carcinogenesis remain largely elusive. This study aims to explore the potential function and mechanism of SCARNA12 in bladder cancer (BLCA) and to provide a theoretical basis for further investigations into the biological functionalities of scaRNAs. Materials and Methods: TCGA, GEO and GTEx data sets were used to analyze the expression of SCARNA12 and its clinicopathological significance in BLCA. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and in situ hybridization were applied to validate the expression of SCARNA12 in both BLCA cell lines and tissues. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal the changes in gene expression patterns and functional pathways in BLCA patients with different expressions of SCARNA12 and T24 cell lines upon SCARNA12 knockdown. Single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) was then used to evaluate the tumor-related cell cluster affected by SCARNA12. Moreover, SCARNA12 was stably knocked down in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines by lentivirus-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 approach. The biological effects of SCARNA12 on the proliferation, clonogenic, migration, invasion, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and tumor growth were assessed by in vitro MTT, colony formation, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry assays, and in vivo nude mice xenograft models, respectively. Finally, a chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) experiment was further conducted to delineate the potential mechanisms of SCARNA12 in BLCA. Results: The expression of SCARNA12 was significantly up-regulated in both BLCA tissues and cell lines. RNA-seq data elucidated that SCARAN12 may play a potential role in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) related signaling pathways. CyTOF results further showed that an ECM-related cell cluster with vimentin+, CD13+, CD44+, and CD47+ was enriched in BLCA patients with high SCARNA12 expression. Additionally, SCARNA12 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion abilities in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. SCARNA12 knockdown prompted cell arrest in the G0/G1 and G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis in T24 and UMUC3 cell lines. Furthermore, SCARNA12 knockdown could suppress the in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. A ChIRP experiment further suggested that SCARNA12 may combine transcription factors H2AFZ to modulate the transcription program and then affect BLCA progression. Conclusions: Our study is the first to propose aberrant alteration of SCARNA12 and elucidate its potential oncogenic roles in BLCA via the modulation of ECM signaling. The interaction of SCARNA12 with the transcriptional factor H2AFZ emerges as a key contributor to the carcinogenesis and progression of BLCA. These findings suggest SCARNA12 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinchen Lu
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical Bioresource Development and Application Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yuting Tao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Jialing Zhong
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Chao Feng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Xi Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Rongquan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China;
| | - Qiuyan Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China; (Y.T.); (J.Z.); (C.F.); (X.W.)
| | - Yuanliang Xie
- Department of Urology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning 530021, China; (Q.L.); (J.W.)
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23
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Copperman J, Mclean IC, Gross SM, Chang YH, Zuckerman DM, Heiser LM. Single-cell morphodynamical trajectories enable prediction of gene expression accompanying cell state change. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.18.576248. [PMID: 38293173 PMCID: PMC10827140 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.18.576248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular signals induce changes to molecular programs that modulate multiple cellular phenotypes, including proliferation, motility, and differentiation status. The connection between dynamically adapting phenotypic states and the molecular programs that define them is not well understood. Here we develop data-driven models of single-cell phenotypic responses to extracellular stimuli by linking gene transcription levels to "morphodynamics" - changes in cell morphology and motility observable in time-lapse image data. We adopt a dynamics-first view of cell state by grouping single-cell trajectories into states with shared morphodynamic responses. The single-cell trajectories enable development of a first-of-its-kind computational approach to map live-cell dynamics to snapshot gene transcript levels, which we term MMIST, Molecular and Morphodynamics-Integrated Single-cell Trajectories. The key conceptual advance of MMIST is that cell behavior can be quantified based on dynamically defined states and that extracellular signals alter the overall distribution of cell states by altering rates of switching between states. We find a cell state landscape that is bound by epithelial and mesenchymal endpoints, with distinct sequences of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) intermediates. The analysis yields predictions for gene expression changes consistent with curated EMT gene sets and provides a prediction of thousands of RNA transcripts through extracellular signal-induced EMT and MET with near-continuous time resolution. The MMIST framework leverages true single-cell dynamical behavior to generate molecular-level omics inferences and is broadly applicable to other biological domains, time-lapse imaging approaches and molecular snapshot data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Copperman
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
| | - Ian C. Mclean
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
| | | | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
| | - Daniel M. Zuckerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
| | - Laura M. Heiser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland OR 97239, U.S.A
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24
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Gordinier ME, Schau GF, Pollock SB, Shields LBE, Talwalkar S. Genomic characterization of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma reveals differential gene expression based on clinical outcome. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 180:111-117. [PMID: 38086165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.11.026] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The greatest challenge in the management of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is treatment of recurrent disease where options for surgery and radiation have been exhausted, or treatment of disease where distant metastasis is present. Identification of mutations differentially expressed between tumor from patients who died of aggressive disease and tumor from patients with an indolent course could reveal novel prognostic indicators and guide development of therapeutic drugs. METHODS From 202 consecutive patients with VSCC, patients who recurred and died of disease (group A) were identified and matched by age, tumor size, depth of invasion and nodal status with those whose disease did not recur (group B). Tumors from 21 patients were subjected to whole exome sequencing of DNA and RNA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibodies of PD-L1 and P16, and in-situ hybridization (ISH) for high-risk HPV. RESULTS Analysis of DNA and RNA revealed six genes that were strongly differentially expressed between group A and B: TGM3, ACVR2A, ROS1, NFEL2, CCND1 and BCL6. Clinically relevant DNA mutations were significantly greater in group A versus B: 7 vs 2.3 mutations per patient. The most common genomic alterations were mutations in TP53 and the promoter region of TERT. Other common genomic events include alterations of FAT1, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, CCND1, and LRP1B. All samples were MSI stable and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was similar in groups A and B. Most VSCC specimens (81%) were positive for PD-L1. CONCLUSIONS ACVR2A and TGM3 are significantly under-expressed in tumors with poor outcome, suggesting they may play a role in tumor suppression. Clinical outcome of VSCC appears independent of MSI, TMB, or PD-L1 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Gordinier
- Norton Cancer Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40207, USA.
| | | | | | - Lisa B E Shields
- Norton Neuroscience Institute, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Sameer Talwalkar
- Department of Pathology, Norton Healthcare, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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26
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Zhang R, Cai Z, Ren D, Kang Y, Zhang Q, Lu X, Tu R. The emerging role of USP29 in cancer and other diseases. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3928. [PMID: 38269503 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Reversible protein ubiquitination is a key process for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Deubiquitinases, which can cleave ubiquitin from substrate proteins, have been reported to be deeply involved in disease progression ranging from oncology to neurological diseases. The human genome encodes approximately 100 deubiquitinases, most of which are poorly characterized. One of the well-characterized deubiquitases is ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29), which is often upregulated in pathological tissues and plays important roles in the progression of different diseases. Moreover, several studies have shown that deletion of Usp29 in mice does not cause visible growth and developmental defects, indicating that USP29 may be an ideal therapeutic target. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the important roles and regulatory mechanisms of USP29 in cancer and other diseases, which may help us better understand its biological functions and improve future studies to construct suitable USP29-targeted therapy systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, The MED-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zeqiong Cai
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, The MED-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Doudou Ren
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, The MED-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, The MED-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rongfu Tu
- Department of Cancer Precision Medicine, The MED-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Chen LL, Li YQ, Kang ZH, Zhang X, Gu SY, Wang N, Shen XY. Blocking the interaction between circTNRC18 and LIN28A promotes trophoblast epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and alleviates preeclampsia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112073. [PMID: 37774938 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112073] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Defects in migration and invasion caused by dysregulation of trophoblastic epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) play a vital role in preeclampsia (PE). We have previously shown that circTNRC18 inhibits the migration and EMT of trophoblasts; however, its role in PE remains unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that circTNRC18 interacts with an RNA-binding protein, lin-28 homolog A (LIN28A), and this interaction is enhanced in PE placental tissue. LIN28A overexpression suppresses circTNRC18-mediated inhibition of trophoblast migration, invasion, and EMT, whereas LIN28A knockdown promotes them. The intracellular distribution of LIN28A is regulated by circTNRC18, where it promotes the expression of insulin-like growth factor II by stabilizing its mRNA. circTNRC18 also promotes complex formation between GATA-binding factor 1 (GATA1) and sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1) by inhibiting LIN28A-GATA1 interaction. GATA1-SIX1 promotes transcription of grainyhead-like protein 2 homolog and circTNRC18-mediated regulation of cell migration and invasion. Moreover, blocking circTNRC18-LIN28A interaction with antisense nucleotides alleviates PE in a mouse model of reduced uterine perfusion pressure. Thus, targeting the circTNRC18-LIN28A regulatory axis may be a novel PE treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Ya-Qin Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Hui Kang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Su-Yan Gu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
| | - Xue-Yan Shen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China.
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28
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Sun Y, Ma L. A milestone in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:29-30. [PMID: 38228829 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01228-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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29
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Ocak M, Usta DD, Arik Erol GN, Kaplanoglu GT, Konac E, Yar Saglam AS. Determination of In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Taxifolin and Epirubicin on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Mouse Breast Cancer Cells. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241241245. [PMID: 38515396 PMCID: PMC10958820 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241241245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: One of the most significant characteristics of cancer is epithelial-mesenchymal transition and research on the relationship between phenolic compounds and anticancer medications and epithelial-mesenchymal transition is widespread. Methods: In order to investigate the potential effects of Taxifolin on enhancing the effectiveness of Epirubicin in treating breast cancer, specifically in 4T1 cells and an allograft BALB/c model, the effects of Taxifolin and Epirubicin, both individually and in combination, were examined. Cell viability assays and cytotoxicity assays in 4T1 cells were performed. In addition, 4T1 cells were implanted into female BALB/c mice to conduct in vivo studies and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Taxifolin and Epirubicin alone or in combination. Tumor volumes and histological analysis were also assessed in mice. To further understand the mechanisms involved, we examined the messenger RNA and protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes, as well as active Caspase-3/7 levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Results: In vitro results demonstrated that the coadministration of Taxifolin and Epirubicin reduced cell viability and cytotoxicity in 4T1 cell lines. In vivo, coadministration of Taxifolin and Epirubicin suppressed tumor growth in BALB/c mice with 4T1 breast cancer cells. Additionally, this combination treatment significantly increased the levels of active caspase-3/7 and downregulated the messenger RNA and protein levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, vimentin, snail, and slug, but upregulated the E-cadherin gene. It significantly decreased the messenger RNA levels of the Zeb1 and Zeb2 genes. Conclusion: The in vitro and in vivo results of our study indicate that the concurrent use of Epirubicin with Taxifolin has supportive effects on breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Ocak
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Deniz Usta
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gokce Nur Arik Erol
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Take Kaplanoglu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Konac
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atiye Seda Yar Saglam
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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30
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Mirjat D, Kashif M, Roberts CM. Shake It Up Baby Now: The Changing Focus on TWIST1 and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17539. [PMID: 38139368 PMCID: PMC10743446 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417539] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a transcription factor that is necessary for healthy neural crest migration, mesoderm development, and gastrulation. It functions as a key regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which cells lose their polarity and gain the ability to migrate. EMT is often reactivated in cancers, where it is strongly associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Early work on TWIST1 in adult tissues focused on its transcriptional targets and how EMT gave rise to metastatic cells. In recent years, the roles of TWIST1 and other EMT factors in cancer have expanded greatly as our understanding of tumor progression has advanced. TWIST1 and related factors are frequently tied to cancer cell stemness and changes in therapeutic responses and thus are now being viewed as attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight non-metastatic roles for TWIST1 and related EMT factors in cancer and other disorders, discuss recent findings in the areas of therapeutic resistance and stemness in cancer, and comment on the potential to target EMT for therapy. Further research into EMT will inform novel treatment combinations and strategies for advanced cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dureali Mirjat
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Cai M. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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31
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Janin M, Davalos V, Esteller M. Cancer metastasis under the magnifying glass of epigenetics and epitranscriptomics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1071-1112. [PMID: 37369946 PMCID: PMC10713773 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Most of the cancer-associated mortality and morbidity can be attributed to metastasis. The role of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations in cancer origin and progression has been extensively demonstrated during the last years. Both regulations share similar mechanisms driven by DNA or RNA modifiers, namely writers, readers, and erasers; enzymes responsible of respectively introducing, recognizing, or removing the epigenetic or epitranscriptomic modifications. Epigenetic regulation is achieved by DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin accessibility, and enhancer reprogramming. In parallel, regulation at RNA level, named epitranscriptomic, is driven by a wide diversity of chemical modifications in mostly all RNA molecules. These two-layer regulatory mechanisms are finely controlled in normal tissue, and dysregulations are associated with every hallmark of human cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations governing tumor metastasis, and compare pathways regulated at DNA or RNA levels to shed light on a possible epi-crosstalk in cancer metastasis. A deeper understanding on these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for the prevention of advanced malignancies and the management of the disseminated diseases. Additionally, as these epi-alterations can potentially be reversed by small molecules or inhibitors against epi-modifiers, novel therapeutic alternatives could be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Janin
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Davalos
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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32
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Patra S, Ghosal S, Shand H, Mondal R, Rath A, Kumar Jana S, Ghorai S. Function of gamma delta (γδ) T cell in cancer with special emphasis on cervical cancer. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:110724. [PMID: 37932183 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.110724] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second-most prevalent gynecologic cancer in India. It is typically detected in women between the ages of 35 and 44. Cervical cancer is mainly associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The report shows that 70 % of cervical cancer is caused by HPV 16 and 18. There are few therapeutic options and vaccines available for cervical cancer treatment and γδ T cell therapy is one of them. This therapy can kill various types of cancers, including cervical cancer. The major γδ T cell subset is the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell, mainly distributed in peripheral blood which recognize non-MHC peptide antigens and can eliminate MHC-downregulated cancer. Moreover, γδ T cells can express different types of receptors that bind to the molecules of stressed cells, often produced on cancerous cells but absent from healthy tissue. γδ T cells possess both direct and indirect cytotoxic capabilities against malignancies and show potential antitumoral responses. However, γδ T cells also encourage the progression of cancer. Cancer immunotherapy using γδ T cells will be a potential cancer treatment, as well as cervical cancer. This review focused on the γδ T cell and its function in cancer, with special emphasis on cervical cancer. It also focused on the ligand recognition site of γδ T cells, galectin-mediated therapy and pamidronate-treated therapy for cervical cancer. Instead of the great potential of γδ T cell for the eradication of cervical cancer, no comprehensive in-depth review is available to date, so there is a need to jot down the various roles and modes of action and different applications of γδ T cells for cancer research, which we believe will be a handy tool for the researchers and the readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumendu Patra
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Sayan Ghosal
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Harshita Shand
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Rittick Mondal
- Department of Sericulture, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Ankita Rath
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Saikat Kumar Jana
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh 791112, India
| | - Suvankar Ghorai
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India.
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33
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Ottone T, Silvestrini G, Piazza R, Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Marchesi F, Nardozza AM, Fabiani E, Attardi E, Guarnera L, Divona M, Ricci P, Irno Consalvo MA, Ienzi S, Arcese R, Biagi A, Fiori L, Novello M, Mauriello A, Venditti A, Anemona L, Voso MT. Expression profiling of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia suggests involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Leukemia 2023; 37:2383-2394. [PMID: 37803061 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02054-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Extramedullary (EM) colonization is a rare complication of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), occurring in about 10% of patients, but the processes underlying tissue invasion are not entirely characterized. Through the application of RNAseq technology, we examined the transcriptome profile of 13 AMLs, 9 of whom presented an EM localization. Our analysis revealed significant deregulation within the extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and focal-adhesion pathways, specifically in the EM sites. The transcription factor TWIST1, which is known to impact on cancer invasion by dysregulating epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) processes, was significantly upregulated in EM-AML. To test the functional impact of TWIST1 overexpression, we treated OCI-AML3s with TWIST1-siRNA or metformin, a drug known to inhibit tumor progression in cancer models. After 48 h, we showed downregulation of TWIST1, and of the EMT-related genes FN1 and SNAI2. This was associated with significant impairment of migration and invasion processes by Boyden chamber assays. Our study shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with EM tissue invasion in AML, and on the ability of metformin to interfere with key players of this process. TWIST1 may configure as candidate marker of EM-AML progression, and inhibition of EMT-pathways may represent an innovative therapeutic intervention to prevent or treat this complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., Neuro-Oncohematology, Rome, Italy
| | - G Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - R Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - S Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - C Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Translational Hematology and Oncology Research Department, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - F Marchesi
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Nardozza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Fabiani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - E Attardi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - L Guarnera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Divona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - P Ricci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - M A Irno Consalvo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - S Ienzi
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, F. Spaziani Hospital, Frosinone, Italy
| | - R Arcese
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, F. Spaziani Hospital, Frosinone, Italy
| | - A Biagi
- Hematology and Transplant Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, AUSL, Latina, Italy
| | - L Fiori
- Hematology and Transplant Unit, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, AUSL, Latina, Italy
| | - M Novello
- Pathology Department, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - A Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - A Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - L Anemona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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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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35
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Qiang L, Zhao B, Ming M, Wang N, He TC, Hwang S, Thorburn A, He YY. Autophagy regulates tumor growth and metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.564991. [PMID: 37961427 PMCID: PMC10635024 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.564991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of autophagy in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. Here we show that inhibition of autophagy stabilizes the transcription factor Twist1 through Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, also known as p62) and thus increases cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor development and metastasis. Inhibition of autophagy or p62 overexpression blocks Twist1 protein degradation in the proteasomes, while p62 inhibition enhances it. SQSTM1/p62 interacts with Twist1 via the UBA domain of p62, in a Twist1-ubiquitination-dependent manner. Lysine 175 in Twist1 is critical for Twist1 ubiquitination, degradation, and SQSTM1/p62 interaction. For squamous skin cancer and melanoma cells that express Twist1, SQSTM1/p62 increases tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Together, our results identified Twist1 as a key downstream protein for autophagy and suggest a critical role of the autophagy/p62/Twist1 axis in cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Baozhong Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mei Ming
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seungmin Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Thorburn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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36
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Bhise K, Gavande NS, Iyer AK. Leveraging hypoxia in triple-negative breast cancer as a promising treatment strategy. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103761. [PMID: 37660983 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment strategies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are based upon conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of both. The treatment regimen for chemotherapy is often a combination of two or more drugs, either dose dense or low dose for synergy. Anthracyclines, alkylating agents, antimicrotubule agents, and antimetabolites for early-stage TNBC; and antimetabolites, non-taxane microtubule inhibitors, and cross-linker platinums for late-stage TNBC are usually administered in the clinical setting. Newer options for patients with advanced TNBC, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have recently emerged for cases where surgery is not a viable option and the disease has metastasized. This review outlines the current trends in hypoxia-inspired treatment strategies for TNBC with a focus on clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketki Bhise
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Arun K Iyer
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Imaging Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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37
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Demirkol Canli S. CSRP1 expression is associated with a mesenchymal, stroma-rich tumor profile and poor prognosis in colon cancer. Turk J Med Sci 2023; 53:1678-1689. [PMID: 38813484 PMCID: PMC10760585 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 1 (CSRP1) is involved in the cysteine-rich protein family and is a marker of smooth muscle lineages. In colon cancer, the expression of this gene is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, the aim was to reevaluate its prognostic relationship in independent cohorts and explore potential underlying biological processes that are linked to aggressive behavior in tumors with high CSRP1 expression, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stromal fractions in the tumor microenvironment, and consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs). Materials and methods RNA sequencing (RNAseq)-, microarray-, and single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq)-based transcriptomic data were obtained from public databases. The EMT score was calculated based on the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin genes using a previously published method. The stromal score generated by the ESTIMATE method was utilized for the analysis of correlation with the CSRP1 expression. The scRNAseq data were analyzed via the Seurat R package. The immunohistochemistry-based protein level expression of CSRP1 was evaluated using the Human Protein Atlas database. Results Lower CSRP1 expression was noted in colon tumors compared to normal colon tissue. Patients with a high CSRP1 expression had shorter recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survivals in the GSE39582 and GSE17536 datasets (p < 0.05). The methylation level of the CSRP1 gene was negatively correlated (r = -0.57, p < 0.0001) with CSRP1 expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas colon adenocarcinoma dataset. CSRP1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of mesenchymal markers, EMT score, and stromal score obtained via the ESTIMATE method. CMS4 colon tumors had a significantly higher CSRP1 expression compared to other CMSs. Analysis of the scRNAseq data revealed that CSRP1 was expressed by epithelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the colorectal tumor microenvironment, which was also confirmed by the protein expression data from the Human Protein Atlas database. Conclusion CSRP1 expression is associated with CMS4, a more mesenchymal stroma-rich molecular profile, and poor prognosis in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seçil Demirkol Canli
- Division of Tumor Pathology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Cancer Institute, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkiye
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Kummer S, Klang A, Strohmayer C, Walter I, Jindra C, Kneissl S, Brandt S. Feline SCCs of the Head and Neck Display Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Harbor Stem Cell-like Cancer Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:1288. [PMID: 38003753 PMCID: PMC10674711 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111288] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a malignant cancer disease in humans and animals. There is ample evidence that the high plasticity of cancer cells, i.e., their ability to switch from an epithelial to a mesenchymal, endothelial, and stem cell-like phenotype, chiefly contributes to progression, metastasis, and multidrug resistance of human HNSCCs. In feline HNSCC, the field of cancer cell plasticity is still unexplored. In this study, fourteen feline HNSCCs with a known feline papillomavirus (FPV) infection status were subjected to histopathological grading and subsequent screening for expression of epithelial, mesenchymal, and stem cell markers by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence staining (IF). Irrespective of the FPV infection status, all tumors except one corresponded to high-grade, invasive lesions and concurrently expressed epithelial (keratins, E-cadherin, β-catenin) and mesenchymal (vimentin, N-cadherin, CD146) proteins. This finding is indicative for partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) events in the lesions, as similarly described for human HNSCCs. IF double staining revealed the presence of CD44/CD271 double-positive cells notably within the tumors' invasive fronts that likely correspond to cancer stem cells. Taken together, the obtained findings suggest that feline HNSCCs closely resemble their human counterparts with respect to tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kummer
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.W.)
| | - Andrea Klang
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Carina Strohmayer
- Clinical Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Ingrid Walter
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.K.); (I.W.)
- Institute of Morphology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Jindra
- Research Group Oncology (RGO), Clinical Unit of Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Hematology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Sibylle Kneissl
- Clinical Unit of Diagnostic Imaging, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sabine Brandt
- Research Group Oncology (RGO), Clinical Unit of Equine Surgery, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Hirose Y, Taniguchi K. Intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity of colorectal cancer. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1073-C1084. [PMID: 37661922 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00139.2021] [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: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the metabolic phenotype within tumors is known to differ significantly from that of the surrounding normal tissue, the importance of this heterogeneity is just becoming widely recognized. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is often classified as the Warburg phenotype, a metabolic type in which the glycolytic system is predominant over oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria for energy production. However, this dichotomy (glycolysis vs. OXPHOS) may be too simplistic and not accurately represent the metabolic characteristics of CRC. Therefore, in this review, we decompose metabolic phenomena into factors based on their source/origin and reclassify them into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. In the CRC context, extrinsic factors include those based on the environment, such as hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and the tumor microenvironment, whereas intrinsic factors include those based on subpopulations, such as pathological subtypes and cancer stem cells. These factors form multiple layers inside and outside the tumor, affecting them additively, dominantly, or mutually exclusively. Consequently, the metabolic phenotype is a heterogeneous and fluid phenomenon reflecting the spatial distribution and temporal continuity of these factors. This allowed us to redefine the characteristics of specific metabolism-related factors in CRC and summarize and update our accumulated knowledge of their heterogeneity. Furthermore, we positioned tumor budding in CRC as an intrinsic factor and a novel form of metabolic heterogeneity, and predicted its metabolic dynamics, noting its similarity to circulating tumor cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, the possibilities and limitations of using human tumor tissue as research material to investigate and assess metabolic heterogeneity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinobu Hirose
- Department of Pathology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Kohei Taniguchi
- Division of Translational Research, Center for Medical Research & Development, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki, Japan
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Hu B, Gao J, Shi J, Wen P, Guo W, Zhang S. m 6 A reader YTHDF3 triggers the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through the YTHDF3/m 6 A-EGFR/STAT3 axis and EMT. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1599-1614. [PMID: 37449789 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23602] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of tumor-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) mediates RNA metabolism in tumor biology. However, the regulatory role of YTHDF3, an m6 A reader, in HCC progression and its underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the oncogenic effect of YTHDF3 on HCC progression via the epigenetic regulation of m6 A-modified mRNAs. The expression levels of YTHDF3 in HCC tissues and matched adjacent liver tissues were detected using western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The function of YTHDF3 in HCC progression and its underlying mechanisms have been studied both in vitro and in vivo. YTHDF3 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in paracancerous liver tissues. YTHDF3 was also significantly upregulated in HCC with microvascular invasion (MVI) compared to that in HCC without MVI. YTHDF3 overexpression facilitated the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the YTHDF3 knockdown resulted in an inverse trend. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 enhanced the translation and stability of the m6 A-modified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA, which activated the downstream EGFR/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) oncogenic pathways. YTHDF3 enhanced the stability and translation of m6 A-modified EGFR mRNA and stimulated HCC progression via the YTHDF3/m6 A-EGFR/STAT3 and EMT pathways. These findings reveal that YTHDF3 plays a significant role in regulating HCC progression, suggesting a promising and novel target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jihua Shi
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Peihao Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Saha A, Kolonin MG, DiGiovanni J. Obesity and prostate cancer - microenvironmental roles of adipose tissue. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:579-596. [PMID: 37198266 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00764-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is known to have important roles in driving prostate cancer aggressiveness and increased mortality. Multiple mechanisms have been postulated for these clinical observations, including effects of diet and lifestyle, systemic changes in energy balance and hormonal regulation and activation of signalling by growth factors and cytokines and other components of the immune system. Over the past decade, research on obesity has shifted towards investigating the role of peri-prostatic white adipose tissue as an important source of locally produced factors that stimulate prostate cancer progression. Cells that comprise white adipose tissue, the adipocytes and their progenitor adipose stromal cells (ASCs), which proliferate to accommodate white adipose tissue expansion in obesity, have been identified as important drivers of obesity-associated cancer progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that adipocytes are a source of lipids that are used by adjacent prostate cancer cells. However, results of preclinical studies indicate that ASCs promote tumour growth by remodelling extracellular matrix and supporting neovascularization, contributing to the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition through paracrine signalling. Because epithelial-mesenchymal transition is associated with cancer chemotherapy resistance and metastasis, ASCs are considered to be potential targets of therapies that could be developed to suppress cancer aggressiveness in patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achinto Saha
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Dell Paediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Mikhail G Kolonin
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Disease, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Dell Paediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
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Stillman NR, Mayor R. Generative models of morphogenesis in developmental biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 147:83-90. [PMID: 36754751 PMCID: PMC10615838 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism by which cells coordinate their differentiation and migration is critical to our understanding of many fundamental processes such as wound healing, disease progression, and developmental biology. Mathematical models have been an essential tool for testing and developing our understanding, such as models of cells as soft spherical particles, reaction-diffusion systems that couple cell movement to environmental factors, and multi-scale multi-physics simulations that combine bottom-up rule-based models with continuum laws. However, mathematical models can often be loosely related to data or have so many parameters that model behaviour is weakly constrained. Recent methods in machine learning introduce new means by which models can be derived and deployed. In this review, we discuss examples of mathematical models of aspects of developmental biology, such as cell migration, and how these models can be combined with these recent machine learning methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namid R Stillman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Center for Integrative Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor; Santiago, Chile Santiago, Chile..
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Eskandari N, Gentile S. Potassium channels activity unveils cancer vulnerability. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:1-14. [PMID: 38007264 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
"No cell could exist without ion channels" (Clay Armstrong; 1999). Since the discovery in the early 1950s, that ions move across biological membranes, the idea that changes of ionic gradients can generate biological signals has fascinated scientists in any fields. Soon later (1960s) it was found that ionic flows were controlled by a class of specific and selective proteins called ion channels. Thus, it became clear that the concerted activities of these proteins can initiate, arrest, and finely tune a variety of biochemical cascades which offered the opportunity to better understand both biology and pathology. Cancer is a disease that is notoriously difficult to treat due its heterogeneous nature which makes it the deadliest disease in the developed world. Recently, emerging evidence has established that potassium channels are critical modulators of several hallmarks of cancer including tumor growth, metastasis, and metabolism. Nevertheless, the role of potassium ion channels in cancer biology and the therapeutic potential offered by targeting these proteins has not been explored thoroughly. This chapter is addressed to both cancer biologists and ion channels scientists and it aims to shine a light on the established and potential roles of potassium ion channels in cancer biology and on the therapeutic benefit of targeting potassium channels with activator molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Eskandari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Saverio Gentile
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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Lin X, Long S, Yan C, Zou X, Zhang G, Zou J, Wu G. Therapeutic potential of vasculogenic mimicry in urological tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1202656. [PMID: 37810976 PMCID: PMC10551447 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1202656] [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: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an essential process in the growth and metastasis of cancer cells, which can be hampered by an anti-angiogenesis mechanism, thereby delaying the progression of tumors. However, the benefit of this treatment modality could be restricted, as most patients tend to develop acquired resistance during treatment. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is regarded as a critical alternative mechanism of tumor angiogenesis, where studies have demonstrated that patients with tumors supplemented with VM generally have a shorter survival period and a poorer prognosis. Inhibiting VM may be an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent cancer progression, which could prove helpful in impeding the limitations of lone use of anti-angiogenic therapy when performed concurrently with other anti-tumor therapies. This review summarizes the mechanism of VM signaling pathways in urological tumors, i.e., prostate cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer. Furthermore, it also summarizes the potential of VM as a therapeutic strategy for urological tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Lin
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Sheng Long
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Congcong Yan
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gengqing Wu
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Ha JG, Cho HJ. Unraveling the Role of Epithelial Cells in the Development of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14229. [PMID: 37762530 PMCID: PMC10531804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814229] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of CRS is multifactorial and complex yet needs to be completed. Recent evidence emphasizes the crucial part played by epithelial cells in the development of CRS. The epithelial cells act as physical barriers and play crucial roles in host defense, including initiating and shaping innate and adaptive immune responses. This review aims to present a comprehensive understanding of the significance of nasal epithelial cells in CRS. New research suggests that epithelial dysfunction plays a role in developing CRS through multiple mechanisms. This refers to issues with a weakened barrier function, disrupted mucociliary clearance, and irregular immune responses. When the epithelial barrier is compromised, it can lead to the passage of pathogens and allergens, triggering inflammation in the body. Furthermore, impaired mucociliary clearance can accumulate pathogens and secretions of inflammatory mediators, promoting chronic inflammation. Epithelial cells can release cytokines and chemokines, which attract and activate immune cells. This can result in an imbalanced immune response that continues to cause inflammation. The interaction between nasal epithelial cells and various immune cells leads to the production of cytokines and chemokines, which can either increase or decrease inflammation. By comprehending the role of epithelial cells in CRS, we can enhance our understanding of the disease's pathogenesis and explore new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Gyun Ha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong 14353, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyung-Ju Cho
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- The Airway Mucus Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Psilopatis I, Schaefer JI, Arsenakis D, Bolovis D, Levidou G. SOX11 and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastatic Serous Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2540. [PMID: 37760985 PMCID: PMC10526401 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092540] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies, with serous carcinoma being the most common histopathologic subtype. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) correlates with increased metastatic potential, whereas the transcription factor SRY-box transcription factor 11 (SOX11) is overexpressed in diverse malignancies. METHODS In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential role of the immunohistochemical expression of SOX11 in 30 serous ovarian carcinomas in association with E-cadherin and vimentin expression as well as with patients' clinicopathological data. RESULTS Most of the examined cases showed concurrent expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, whereas SOX11 was expressed in a minority of the cases (26.7%). Interestingly, the positive cases more frequently had a metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis compared with the negative cases (p = 0.09), an association, however, of marginal significance. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between E-cadherin and SOX11 expression (p = 0.0077) and a positive correlation between vimentin and SOX11 expression (p = 0.0130). CONCLUSIONS The present work, for the first time, provides preliminary evidence of a possible implication of SOX11 overexpression in the promotion of EMT in metastatic serous ovarian cancer, thereby endorsing tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Klinikum Nuremberg, Paracelsus University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Erlangen, Universitaetsstrasse 21–23, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jule Ida Schaefer
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Klinikum Nuremberg, Paracelsus University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Arsenakis
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Klinikum Nuremberg, Paracelsus University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Bolovis
- Department of Gynecology, Medical School, Klinikum Nuremberg, Paracelsus University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Georgia Levidou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Klinikum Nuremberg, Paracelsus University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
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Seo JH, Lee HJ, Sim DY, Park JE, Ahn CH, Park SY, Cho AR, Koo J, Shim BS, Kim B, Kim SH. Honokiol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and hepatic fibrosis via activation of Ecadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β-catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4092-4101. [PMID: 37253375 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Though Honokiol was known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antithrombotic, anti-viral, metabolic, antithrombotic, and neurotrophic activities, the underlying mechanisms of Honokiol on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediated liver fibrosis still remain elusive so far. Anti-EMT and antifibrotic effects of Honokiol were explored in murine AML-12 hepatocyte cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, wound healing assay, Western blotting and also in CCl4-induced liver injury mouse model by immunohistochemistry. Honokiol significantly suppressed transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT and migration of AML-12 cells along with decreased EMT phenotypes such as loss of cell adhesion and formation of fibroblast like mesenchymal cells in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Consistently, Honokiol suppressed the expression of Snail and transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4), but not p-Smad3, and activated E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Additionally, Honokiol reduced the expression of β-catenin, p-AKT, p-ERK, p-p38 and increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and JNK in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells via TGF-β1/nonSmad pathway. Conversely, GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the ability of Honokiol to reduce Snail, β-catenin and migration and activate E-cadherin in TGF-β1-treated AML-12 cells. Also, Honokiol suppressed hepatic steatosis and necrosis by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in liver tissues of CCl4 treated mice. These findings provide scientific evidence that Honokiol suppresses EMT and hepatic fibrosis via activation of E-cadherin/GSK3β/JNK and inhibition of AKT/ERK/p38/β-catenin/TMPRSS4 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hwa Seo
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Yong Sim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Hoon Ahn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Yeon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Reum Cho
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsuk Koo
- Division of Horticulture & Medicinal Plant, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Sang Shim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonglee Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chen L, Zhou M, Li H, Liu D, Liao P, Zong Y, Zhang C, Zou W, Gao J. Mitochondrial heterogeneity in diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:311. [PMID: 37607925 PMCID: PMC10444818 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
As key organelles involved in cellular metabolism, mitochondria frequently undergo adaptive changes in morphology, components and functions in response to various environmental stresses and cellular demands. Previous studies of mitochondria research have gradually evolved, from focusing on morphological change analysis to systematic multiomics, thereby revealing the mitochondrial variation between cells or within the mitochondrial population within a single cell. The phenomenon of mitochondrial variation features is defined as mitochondrial heterogeneity. Moreover, mitochondrial heterogeneity has been reported to influence a variety of physiological processes, including tissue homeostasis, tissue repair, immunoregulation, and tumor progression. Here, we comprehensively review the mitochondrial heterogeneity in different tissues under pathological states, involving variant features of mitochondrial DNA, RNA, protein and lipid components. Then, the mechanisms that contribute to mitochondrial heterogeneity are also summarized, such as the mutation of the mitochondrial genome and the import of mitochondrial proteins that result in the heterogeneity of mitochondrial DNA and protein components. Additionally, multiple perspectives are investigated to better comprehend the mysteries of mitochondrial heterogeneity between cells. Finally, we summarize the prospective mitochondrial heterogeneity-targeting therapies in terms of alleviating mitochondrial oxidative damage, reducing mitochondrial carbon stress and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis to relieve various pathological conditions. The possibility of recent technological advances in targeted mitochondrial gene editing is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Mengnan Zhou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Delin Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Peng Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yao Zong
- Centre for Orthopaedic Research, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Changqing Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Weiguo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
| | - Junjie Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
- Institute of Microsurgery on Extremities, and Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200233, China.
- Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Fujian, No. 16, Luoshan Section, Jinguang Road, Luoshan Street, Jinjiang City, Quanzhou, Fujian, China.
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Reisenauer KN, Aroujo J, Tao Y, Ranganathan S, Romo D, Taube JH. Therapeutic vulnerabilities of cancer stem cells and effects of natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1432-1456. [PMID: 37103550 PMCID: PMC10524555 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00002h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 1995 to 2022Tumors possess both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity leading to the survival of subpopulations post-treatment. The term cancer stem cells (CSCs) describes a subpopulation that is resistant to many types of chemotherapy and which also possess enhanced migratory and anchorage-independent growth capabilities. These cells are enriched in residual tumor material post-treatment and can serve as the seed for future tumor re-growth, at both primary and metastatic sites. Elimination of CSCs is a key goal in enhancing cancer treatment and may be aided by application of natural products in conjunction with conventional treatments. In this review, we highlight molecular features of CSCs and discuss synthesis, structure-activity relationships, derivatization, and effects of six natural products with anti-CSC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaquelin Aroujo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yongfeng Tao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Joseph H Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Matsunaka T, Goi T, Kurebayashi H, Morikawa M, Okazawa H, Tsujikawa T. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Extramural Venous Invasion Predicts Distant Metastasis and Reflects Strong Tumor Invasiveness in Rectal Cancer. Oncology 2023; 102:99-106. [PMID: 37562361 DOI: 10.1159/000533422] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extramural vascular invasion in patients with rectal cancer is a poor prognostic factor associated with distant metastasis; thus, accurate preoperative diagnosis is important. However, the accurate detection of extramural vascular invasion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is difficult, and an improved diagnostic modality is required. In addition, the factors involved in the formation of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the ability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/MRI ([18F] FDG PET/MRI) to detect EMVI and elucidate the factors involved in EMVI. METHODS Thirty-one patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in this study between 2017 and 2021. We preoperatively evaluated the pelvic [18F] FDG PET/MRI to detect extramural vascular invasion ([18F] FDG PET/MRI-defined EMVI: pmrEMVI). To investigate the factors related to pmrEMVI, we confirmed the desmoplastic reaction (DR) and TWIST expression in the primary lesions of rectal cancer and examined its relationship with pmrEMVI. RESULTS Six of the 31 patients were pmrEMVI positive. Four pmrEMVI-positive patients had distant metastases. The levels of immature DR and TWIST1 expression were significantly higher in cases with pmrEMVI positivity. CONCLUSION pmrEMVI is a useful biomarker for predicting distant metastasis. In addition, pmrEMVI was significantly correlated with factors related to tumor invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Matsunaka
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Takanori Goi
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kurebayashi
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Morikawa
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tsujikawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
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