1
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Xu J, Roe J, Lee E, Tonelli C, Ji KY, Younis OW, Somervile TD, Yao M, Milazzo JP, Tiriac H, Kolarzyk AM, Lee E, Grem JL, Lazenby AJ, Grunkemeyer JA, Hollingsworth MA, Grandgenett PM, Borowsky AD, Park Y, Vakoc CR, Tuveson DA, Hwang C. Engrailed-1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308537. [PMID: 38110836 PMCID: PMC10853725 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Engrailed-1 (EN1) is a critical homeodomain transcription factor (TF) required for neuronal survival, and EN1 expression has been shown to promote aggressive forms of triple negative breast cancer. Here, it is reported that EN1 is aberrantly expressed in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients with poor outcomes. EN1 predominantly repressed its target genes through direct binding to gene enhancers and promoters, implicating roles in the activation of MAPK pathways and the acquisition of mesenchymal cell properties. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that EN1 promoted PDA transformation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The findings nominate the targeting of EN1 and downstream pathways in aggressive PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
| | - Jae‐Seok Roe
- Department of BiochemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722South Korea
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - EunJung Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Claudia Tonelli
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Keely Y. Ji
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | - Omar W. Younis
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | | | - Melissa Yao
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | | | - Herve Tiriac
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Anna M. Kolarzyk
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Jean L. Grem
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Audrey J. Lazenby
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander D. Borowsky
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
| | - Youngkyu Park
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | | | - David A. Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Chang‐Il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
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2
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Cao Y, Jiang J, Song X, Wang X, Huang F, Li Y, Tang L, Li M, Chen Z, Chen F, Wan H. Engrailed 2 triggers the activation of multiple phosphorylation-induced signaling pathways in both transcription-dependent and -independent manners. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:127-134. [PMID: 37738902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.039] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Homeodomain (HD)-containing proteins are typically recognized as transcription factors. Engrailed 2 (EN2) is an HD-containing protein that is highly expressed in various types of cancers, however, the mechanism underlying the biological function of EN2 is not fully understood. Here, we report a transcription-independent function of EN2 in addition to its role as a transcription factor. EN2 expression leads to the activation of multiple signaling pathways mediated by phosphorylation cascades. A phosphoproteomic analysis revealed that the phosphorylation status of numerous protein sites was altered after EN2 is expressed. Notably, EN2 was shown to interact with a myriad of proteins implicated in phosphorylation signaling cascades, as determined by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS). We validated the interaction between EN2 and B55α, the regulatory subunit of the PP2A-B55α complex, and confirmed that the phosphatase activity of the complex was suppressed by EN2 binding. To target EN2-induced malignancy, two kinds of small molecules were utilized to inhibit the EN2-activated NF-κB and AKT signaling pathways. A clear synergistic effect was observed when the activation of the two pathways was simultaneously blocked. Collectively, the data show that EN2 functions in a transcription-independent manner in addition to its role as a transcription factor. This finding may have therapeutic implications in treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cao
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Tang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingying Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuang Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Haisu Wan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China; Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Padilla-Banks E, Jefferson WN, Papas BN, Suen AA, Xu X, Carreon DV, Willson CJ, Quist EM, Williams CJ. Developmental estrogen exposure in mice disrupts uterine epithelial cell differentiation and causes adenocarcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002334. [PMID: 37856394 PMCID: PMC10586657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002334] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue development entails genetically programmed differentiation of immature cell types to mature, fully differentiated cells. Exposure during development to non-mutagenic environmental factors can contribute to cancer risk, but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We used a mouse model of endometrial adenocarcinoma that results from brief developmental exposure to an estrogenic chemical, diethylstilbestrol (DES), to determine causative factors. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics of adult control uteri revealed novel markers of uterine epithelial stem cells (EpSCs), identified distinct luminal and glandular progenitor cell (PC) populations, and defined glandular and luminal epithelium (LE) cell differentiation trajectories. Neonatal DES exposure disrupted uterine epithelial cell differentiation, resulting in a failure to generate an EpSC population or distinguishable glandular and luminal progenitors or mature cells. Instead, the DES-exposed epithelial cells were characterized by a single proliferating PC population and widespread activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The underlying endometrial stromal cells had dramatic increases in inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress. Together, these changes activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT serine-threonine kinase signaling and malignant transformation of cells that were marked by phospho-AKT and the cancer-associated protein olfactomedin 4. Here, we defined a mechanistic pathway from developmental exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical to the development of adult-onset cancer. These findings provide an explanation for how human cancers, which are often associated with abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, could result from exposure to environmental insults during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Padilla-Banks
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Wendy N. Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian N. Papas
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alisa A. Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Diana V. Carreon
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cynthia J. Willson
- Inotiv-RTP, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Quist
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
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Kato Y, Sawada A, Tonai K, Tatsuno H, Uenoyama T, Itoh M. A new allele of <i>engrailed</i>, <i>en<sup>NK14</sup></i>, causes supernumerary spermathecae in <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>. Genes Genet Syst 2021; 96:259-269. [DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Kato
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology
| | - Akiko Sawada
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology
| | - Kazuki Tonai
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology
| | - Hisashi Tatsuno
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology
| | | | - Masanobu Itoh
- Advanced Insect Research Promotion Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology
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5
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Zhu B, Wu Y, Luo J, Zhang Q, Huang J, Li Q, Xu L, Lu E, Ren B. MNX1 Promotes Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer via Repressing the Transcription of p21 cip1. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1307. [PMID: 32850410 PMCID: PMC7431913 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1 (MNX1) is a development-related genes and has been found to be highly expressed in several cancers. However, its biological function in cervical cancer remains largely unexplored. QRT-PCR, western blot, and IHC showed that MNX1 was abnormally overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The high expression level of MNX1 correlated with poorer clinicopathologic characteristics in cervical cancer patients. Evaluated by RTCA (Real Time Cellular Analysis) proliferation assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay, transwell assay, and matrigel assay, we found that knockdown of MNX1 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer in vitro, while overexpression of MNX1 promoted malignant phenotype of cervical cancer. And subcutaneous xenograft model confirmed the malignant phenotype of MNX1 in vivo. Furthermore, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay indicated that MNX1 accelerated cell cycle transition by transcriptionally downregulating cyclin-dependent kinases p21cip1. In summary, our study revealed that MNX1 exerted an oncogenic role in cervical cancer via repressing the transcription of p21cip1 and thus accelerating cell cycle progression. Our results suggested that MNX1 was a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biqing Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqin Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quanli Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Nanjing, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Emei Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Binhui Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Nanjing, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China
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6
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Cao Y, Wang X, Tang L, Li Y, Song X, Liu X, Li M, Chen F, Wan H. Engrailed-2 promotes a malignant phenotype of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through upregulating the expression of pro-oncogenic genes. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8662. [PMID: 32117645 PMCID: PMC7036277 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A number of homeobox genes have been implicated in the development of various cancers. However, the role of engrailed 2 (EN2), a member of the homeobox gene superfamily, in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Methods The expression of EN2 was examined using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. A stable cell line was established to express exogenous EN2 using a lentivirus system. The malignant phenotype was analyzed with proliferation, clonogenicity, wound-healing and invasion assays. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was adopted to deplete endogenous EN2. RNA profiling was performed using gene expression microarray. The ShRNA-mediated method was used to knock down the expression of SPARC. The structure-function relationship was determined using site-directed mutagenesis. Results EN2 is highly expressed in ESCC. The malignant phenotype of the ESCC cell line was amplified by an overexpression of EN2 but was attenuated by a disruption of EN2. RNA profiling analysis revealed that distinct sets of genes were modulated by the expression of EN2 in various ESCC cell lines and oncogenes were among these. EN2 greatly increased the expression of SPARC in Eca109. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the induction of SPARC was closely correlated with the protumor function of EN2. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of SPARC attenuated the malignant phenotype of EN2-infected cells. These data suggest that SPARC is crucial for mediating the protumor function of EN2. Discussion EN2 has an oncogenic function in ESCC that is mediated by upregulating the expression of pro-oncogenic genes downstream. EN2 may potentially act as a diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for ESCC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Cao
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Tang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingying Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Haisu Wan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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7
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Detection and monitoring prostate specific antigen using nanotechnology approaches to biosensing. Front Chem Sci Eng 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-019-1846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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8
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Neural Transcription Factors in Disease Progression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:437-462. [PMID: 31900920 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Progression to the malignant state is fundamentally dependent on transcriptional regulation in cancer cells. Optimum abundance of cell cycle proteins, angiogenesis factors, immune evasion markers, etc. is needed for proliferation, metastasis or resistance to treatment. Therefore, dysregulation of transcription factors can compromise the normal prostate transcriptional network and contribute to malignant disease progression.The androgen receptor (AR) is considered to be a key transcription factor in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. Consequently, androgen pathway inhibitors (APIs) are currently the mainstay in PCa treatment, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, emerging evidence suggests that with increased administration of potent APIs, prostate cancer can progress to a highly aggressive disease that morphologically resembles small cell carcinoma, which is referred to as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), treatment-induced or treatment-emergent small cell prostate cancer. This chapter will review how neuronal transcription factors play a part in inducing a plastic stage in prostate cancer cells that eventually progresses to a more aggressive state such as NEPC.
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9
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Powers N, Srivastava A. The Air Sac Primordium of Drosophila: A Model for Invasive Development. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072074. [PMID: 30018198 PMCID: PMC6073991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of invasive properties preceding tumor metastasis is critical for cancer progression. This phenomenon may result from mutagenic disruption of typical cell function, but recent evidence suggests that cancer cells frequently co-opt normal developmental programs to facilitate invasion as well. The signaling cascades that have been implicated present an obstacle to identifying effective therapeutic targets because of their complex nature and modulatory capacity through crosstalk with other pathways. Substantial efforts have been made to study invasive behavior during organogenesis in several organisms, but another model found in Drosophilamelanogaster has not been thoroughly explored. The air sac primordium (ASP) appears to be a suitable candidate for investigating the genes and morphogens required for invasion due to the distinct overlap in the events that occur during its normal growth and the development of metastatic tumor cells. Among these events are the conversion of larval cells in the trachea into a population of mitotically active cells, reduced cell–cell contact along the leading edge of the ASP, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds the structure. Here, we summarize the development of ASPs and invasive behavior observed therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Powers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Center, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, TCCW 351, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
| | - Ajay Srivastava
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Center, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, TCCW 351, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
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10
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Rui J, Chunming Z, Binbin G, Na S, Shengxi W, Wei S. IL-22 promotes the progression of breast cancer through regulating HOXB-AS5. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103601-103612. [PMID: 29262587 PMCID: PMC5732753 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a well-known tumor related inflammatory factor that is associated with variety of cancers. HOXB-AS5, a long non-coding RNA located in HOX gene clusters, has been elevated in breast cancer (BC) tissues. Herein, IL-22 and HOXB-AS5 were upregulated in the serum and tissues of BC patients and were associated with clinical stages. Furthermore, we also investigated the effects of IL-22-HOXB-AS5 pathway on progression of BC, and the results suggested that IL-22 and HOXB-AS5 synergistically promoted MDA-MB-231 cell growth, migration and invasion and activated the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. These findings demonstrated that the IL-22-HOXB-AS5-PI3K/AKT functional axes may serve as potential molecule biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy evaluation or targeted therapeutic strategy in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Rui
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zhao Chunming
- Department of Opthalmology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Gao Binbin
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Shao Na
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Wang Shengxi
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
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11
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Settu K, Liu JT, Chen CJ, Tsai JZ. Development of carbon-graphene-based aptamer biosensor for EN2 protein detection. Anal Biochem 2017; 534:99-107. [PMID: 28709900 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a screen-printed carbon-graphene-based electrochemical biosensor for EN2 protein detection. The engrailed-2 (EN2) protein, a biomarker for prostate cancer, is known to be a strong binder to a specific DNA sequence (5'-TAATTA-3') to regulate transcription. To take advantage of this intrinsic property, aptamer probes with TAATTA sequence was immobilized onto the screen-printed carbon-graphene electrode surface via EDC-NHS coupling approach. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of the electrochemical measurement technique was employed for the quantitative detection of EN2 protein. The hindrance to the redox reaction of potassium ferricyanide on the biosensor surface due to the binding of the immobilized aptamer with its target EN2 protein quantified the protein concentration. Under optimum conditions, the aptamer biosensor can detect EN2 protein over a linear range from 35 to 185 nM with a detection limit of 38.5 nM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalpana Settu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taipei University, Sanxia, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Tsai Liu
- College of Materials Sciences and Opto-electronics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ching-Jung Chen
- School of Electronic and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jang-Zern Tsai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan.
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Autism spectrum disorder-associated genes and the development of dentate granule cells. Med Mol Morphol 2017; 50:123-129. [PMID: 28534217 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-017-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe clinical symptoms such as the deficiency of the social communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. Although complex genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of ASD, the precise etiologies are largely unknown. Neuroanatomical observations have been made of developmental abnormalities in different brain regions, including dentate gyrus of hippocampus, which is widely accepted as the center for learning and memory. However, little is known about what roles ASD-associated genes play in the development of hippocampal dentate granule cells. In this article, we summarized functions and pathophysiological significance of 6 representative ASD-associated genes, SEMA5A, PTEN, NLGN, EN-2, FMR1, and MECP2, by focusing on the development of dentate gyrus. We then introduced a recently developed gene transfer method directed to neonatal dentate granule cells. This new method will be useful for elucidating physiological as well as pathophysiological significance of ASD-associated genes in the development of hippocampal formation.
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13
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The function of homeobox genes and lncRNAs in cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1635-1641. [PMID: 27588114 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the homeobox (HOX) gene family has been reported as a factor in tumorigenesis. In the human genome, the HOX gene family contains 4 clusters with 39 genes and multiple transcripts. Mutation or abnormal expression of genes is responsible for developmental disorders. In addition, changes in the levels and activation of certain HOX genes has been associated with the development of cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have also been identified to serve critical functions in cancer. Although a limited number of lncRNAs have been previously investigated, the list of functional lncRNA genes has recently grown. Two of the most important and well-studied lncRNAs and HOX transcript genes are HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) and HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP). The present study aimed to review not only the function of the HOTAIR and HOTTIP genes in certain forms of cancer, but also to review other HOX genes and protein functions in cancer, particularly HOX family genes associated with lncRNAs.
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The Engrailed-1 Gene Stimulates Brown Adipogenesis. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:7369491. [PMID: 27148369 PMCID: PMC4842372 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7369491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As a thermogenic organ, brown adipose tissue (BAT) has received a great attention in treating obesity and related diseases. It has been reported that brown adipocyte was derived from engrailed-1 (EN1) positive central dermomyotome. However, functions of EN1 in brown adipogenesis are largely unknown. Here we demonstrated that EN1 overexpression increased while EN1 knockdown decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of key adipogenic genes including PPARγ2 and C/EBPα and mitochondrial OXPHOS as well as BAT specific marker UCP1. Taken together, our findings clearly indicate that EN1 is a positive regulator of brown adipogenesis.
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Abstract
Despite extensive efforts to identify a clinically useful diagnostic biomarker in prostate cancer, no new test has been approved by regulatory authorities. As a result, this unmet need has shifted to biomarkers that additionally indicate presence or absence of "significant" disease. EN2 is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor secreted by prostate cancer into the urine and can be detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay. EN2 may be an ideal biomarker because normal prostate tissue and benign prostatic hypertrophic cells do not secrete EN2. This review discusses the enormous potential of EN2 to address this unmet need and provide the urologist with a simple, inexpensive, and reliable prostate cancer biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E McGrath
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Agnieszka Michael
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Morgan
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Hardev Pandha
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
Signaling classically involves the secretion of diverse molecules that bind specific cell-surface receptors and engage intracellular transduction cascades. Some exceptions-namely, lipophilic agents-can cross plasma membranes to bind intracellular receptors and be carried to the nucleus to regulate transcription. Homeoprotein transcription factors are among the few proteins with such a capacity. Here, we review the signaling activities of homeoproteins in the developing and adult nervous system, with particular emphasis on axon/cell migration and postnatal critical periods of cerebral cortex plasticity. We also describe homeoprotein non-cell-autonomous mechanisms and explore how this "novel" signaling pathway impacts emerging research in brain development and physiology. In this context, we explore hypotheses on the evolution of signaling, the role of homeoproteins as early morphogens, and their therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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Lee S, Jo H, Her J, Lee HY, Ban C. Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of engrailed-2 based on homeodomain-specific DNA probe recognition for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Biosens Bioelectron 2015; 66:32-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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18
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Li Y, Liu H, Lai C, Su Z, Heng B, Gao S. Repression of engrailed 2 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of human bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Oncol Rep 2015; 33:2319-30. [PMID: 25812440 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Engrailed 2 (EN2) is a member of the homeobox gene family. Many studies suggest that overexpression of EN2 protein may be associated with tumor development, including bladder cancer (BC). However, to date, the mechanisms of how EN2 functions to promote BC progression remain elusive. The present study introduced RNAi to silence the expression of EN2 in BC cell lines. In vitro invasion and migration assays and in vivo experiments were carried out to examine the functions of EN2 in BC invasion and metastasis. The results of the present study indicated that EN2 was significantly expressed in BC cells. Ectopic expression of EN2 in normal urothelial cells significantly enhanced cellular proliferation and invasion, but inhibited cellular apoptosis. EN2 knockdown significantly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of BC cells with inhibition of proliferation and invasion in vitro as well as EN2 knockdown decreased the tumor growth of BC. The tumor growth was decreased by regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins, with inhibition of metastasis to the liver and lung in vivo. Furthermore, EN2 knockdown significantly decreased the levels of pAkt-473, pAkt-308 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), whereas EN2 knockdown increased the expression of PTEN in vitro. Taken together, EN2 may be a candidate oncogene in BC by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibiting PTEN, and may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Women and Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511400, P.R. China
| | - Caiyong Lai
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Zexuan Su
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Baoli Heng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
| | - Shuangquan Gao
- Department of Pathology, Yuebei People's Hospital, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512026, P.R. China
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EL-Sharif HF, Stevenson D, Warriner K, Reddy SM. Hydrogel-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biological Detection. ADVANCED SYNTHETIC MATERIALS IN DETECTION SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/9781849737074-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have become an important tool in the preparation of artificial and robust recognition materials that are capable of mimicking natural systems. MIPs have been regarded as 'antibody mimics' and have shown clear advantages over real antibodies for sensor technology. Currently, on-site diagnostic (OSD) and point-of-care (POC) biosensor development are heavily dominated by antibody-dependent immuno-sensors such as the lateral flow immuno-assay. Although antibodies exhibit a high degree of selectivity, any biological recognition element is inherently unstable with limited shelf-life, even when stored under optimum conditions. OSD and POC tests are essential for disease screening and treatment monitoring as part of emergency management. Introduced or naturally occurring pathogens can cause significant disruptions, raise panic in the population, and result in significant economic losses. Cheaper, smaller, and smarter devices for early detection of disease or environmental hazards ultimately lead to rapid containment and corrective action. To this end, there has been extensive research on detection platforms based on genetic or immune techniques. MIPs have proven to produce selective biological extractions that rival immunoaffinity-based separations, but without the tediously lengthy time-consuming process. MIPs could provide an alternative to antibodies, and ultimately lead to cheaper, smaller, and smarter biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazim F. EL-Sharif
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH UK
| | - Derek Stevenson
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH UK
| | - Keith Warriner
- Department of Food Science, University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Subrayal M. Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH UK
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Hales KH, Speckman SC, Kurrey NK, Hales DB. Uncovering molecular events associated with the chemosuppressive effects of flaxseed: a microarray analysis of the laying hen model of ovarian cancer. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:709. [PMID: 25150550 PMCID: PMC4158050 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The laying hen model of spontaneous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is unique in that it is the only model that enables observations of early events in disease progression and is therefore also uniquely suited for chemoprevention trials. Previous studies on the effect of dietary flaxseed in laying hens have revealed the potential for both amelioration and prevention of ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of flaxseed on genes and pathways that are dysregulated in tumors. We have used a bioinformatics approach to identify these genes, followed by qPCR validation, immunohistochemical localization, and in situ hybridization to visualize expression in normal ovaries and tumors from animals fed a control diet or a diet containing 10% flaxseed. Results Bioinformatic analysis of ovarian tumors in hens led to the identification of a group of highly up-regulated genes that are involved in the embryonic process of branching morphogenesis. Expression of these genes coincides with expression of E-cadherin in the tumor epithelium. Levels of expression of these genes in tumors from flax-fed animals are reduced 40-60%. E-cadherin and miR200 are both up-regulated in tumors from control-fed hens, whereas their expression is decreased 60-75% in tumors from flax-fed hens. This does not appear to be due to an increase in ZEB1 as mRNA levels are increased five-fold in tumors, with no significant difference between control-fed and flax-fed hens. Conclusions We suggest that nutritional intervention with flaxseed targets the pathways regulating branching morphogenesis and thereby alters the progression of ovarian cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-709) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen H Hales
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, School of Medicine, Life Science III, (M/C 6512), 1135 Dr,, Carbondale, Lincoln, IL 62901, USA.
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Bai Y, Fang N, Gu T, Kang Y, Wu J, Yang D, Zhang H, Suo Z, Ji S. HOXA11 gene is hypermethylation and aberrant expression in gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:79. [PMID: 25788862 PMCID: PMC4364045 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant DNA methylation is an acquired epigenetic alteration that serves as an alternative to genetic defects in the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and other genes in diverse human cancers. Gastric carcinoma is one of the tumors with a high frequency of aberrant methylation in promoter region. Hence we investigated the promoter methylation status and expression level of HOXA11 gene which may involve in GC development. Methods Thirty-two surgical excised gastric cancer specimens, twelve paired adjacent non-cancerous specimens and seven normal gastric mucosas were examined. The methylation status and expression level of HOXA11 gene were determined by bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively. HOXA11 expression was knocked-down with siRNA to mimic HOXA11 gene hypermethylation and ability of cell proliferation and migration was determinate. In addition, we analyzed and correlated the findings with clinicopathological features. Results The methylation level of HOXA11 gene in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were higher than those in normal gastric mucosa (P < 0.05). The methylation level was higher in TNM III and IV patients of GC than those in TNM I and II patients (P < 0.05). The expression of HOXA11 mRNA and protein decreased in normal gastric mucosa, peri-cancer tissue and GC (P < 0.05). HOXA11 expression was inversely correlated with DNA methylation (P < 0.05). Knocked-down of HOXA11 expression with siRNA in BGC-823 cells enhanced cell proliferation compared with control, but no significant different was observed in migration ability. Conclusion Hypermethylation and decreased expression of HOXA11 gene may be involved in the carcinogenesis and development of GC and may provide useful information for the prediction of the malignant behaviors of GC. And the expression of HOXA11 is impaired by DNA methylation. However, repression of HOXA11 expression promoted BGC-823 cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinguo Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China ; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan Province, China
| | - Na Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan Province, China
| | - Tingxun Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan Province, China
| | - Yuhua Kang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of pathology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Desheng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhimin Suo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, Henan Province, China
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan Province, China
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McGrath SE, Michael A, Morgan R, Pandha H. EN2: a novel prostate cancer biomarker. Biomark Med 2014; 7:893-901. [PMID: 24266821 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.13.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive efforts to identify a clinically useful biomarker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer have resulted in important insights into the biology of the disease, but no new test has been approved by regulatory authorities. The unmet need has also shifted to identifying biomarkers that not only diagnose prostate cancer but also indicate whether the patient has 'significant' disease. EN2 is a homeobox-containing transcription factor secreted specifically by prostate cancers into urine, where it can be detected by a simple ELISA assay. A number of studies have demonstrated the enormous potential of EN2 to address this unmet need and provide the urologist with a simple, cheap and efficient prostate cancer biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E McGrath
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK
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