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Jin X, You L, Qiao J, Han W, Pan H. Autophagy in colitis-associated colon cancer: exploring its potential role in reducing initiation and preventing IBD-Related CAC development. Autophagy 2024; 20:242-258. [PMID: 37723664 PMCID: PMC10813649 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2259214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS A. muciniphila: Akkermansia muciniphila; AIEC: adherent invasive Escherichia coli; AOM/DSS: azoxymethane-dextran sodium sulfate; ATG: autophagy related; BECN1: beclin1, autophagy related; CAC: colitis-associated colon cancer; CCDC50: coiled-coil domain containing 50; CLDN2: claudin 2; CoPEC: colibactin-producing Escherichia coli; CRC: colorectal cancer; DAMPs: danger/damage-associated molecular patterns; DC: dendritic cell; DSS: dextran sulfate sodium; DTP: drug-resistant persistent; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; ERN1/IRE1α: endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1; IBD: inflammatory bowel disease; IECs: intestinal epithelial cells; IKK: IkappaB kinase; IL: interleukin; IRGM1: immunity-related GTPase family M member 1; ISC: intestinal stem cell; LPS: lipopolysaccharide; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MDP: muramyl dipeptide; MELK: maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; miRNA: microRNA; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NLRP3: NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3; NOD2: nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2; NRBF2: nuclear receptor binding factor 2; PAMPs: pathogen-associated molecular patterns; PI3K: class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PYCARD/ASC: PYD and CARD domain containing; RALGAPA2/RalGAPα2: Ral GTPase activating protein protein, alpha subunit 2 (catalytic); RIPK2/CARD3: receptor (TNFRSF)-interacting serine-threonine kinase 2; RIPK3: receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 3; ROS: reactive oxygen species; sCRC: sporadic colorectal cancer; SMARCA4/BRG1: SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a, member 4; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; STAT3: signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; TNF/TNFA: tumor necrosis factor; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; UPR: unfolded protein response; WT: wild-type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanhong Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangkun You
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jincheng Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Zhou Y, Yu S, Zhang W. NOD-like Receptor Signaling Pathway in Gastrointestinal Inflammatory Diseases and Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14511. [PMID: 37833958 PMCID: PMC10572711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914511] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) are intracellular proteins with a central role in innate and adaptive immunity. As a member of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), NLRs sense specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns, trigger numerous signaling pathways and lead to the secretion of various cytokines. In recent years, cumulative studies have revealed the significant impacts of NLRs in gastrointestinal (GI) inflammatory diseases and cancers. Deciphering the role and molecular mechanism of the NLR signaling pathways may provide new opportunities for the development of therapeutic strategies related to GI inflammatory diseases and GI cancers. This review presents the structures and signaling pathways of NLRs, summarizes the recent advances regarding NLR signaling in GI inflammatory diseases and GI cancers and describes comprehensive therapeutic strategies based on this signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhou
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.)
| | - Songyan Yu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.)
| | - Wenyong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; (Y.Z.); (S.Y.)
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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3
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Cao M, Li X, Trinh DA, Yoshimachi S, Goto K, Sakata N, Ishida M, Ohtsuka H, Unno M, Wang Y, Shirakawa R, Horiuchi H. Ral GTPase promotes metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via elevation of TGF-β1 production. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104754. [PMID: 37116704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), caused by activating mutations in K-Ras, is an aggressive malignancy due to its early invasion and metastasis. Ral GTPases are activated downstream of Ras and play a crucial role in the development and progression of PDAC. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Ral-induced invasion and metastasis of PDAC cells using RalGAPβ-deficient PDAC cells with highly activated Ral GTPases. Array analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed increased expression and secretion of TGF-β1 in RalGAPβ-deficient PDAC cells compared to control cells. Blockade of TGF-β1 signaling suppressed RalGAPβ deficiency-enhanced migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo to levels similar to controls. Phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a repressor of TGF-β1 expression, was decreased by RalGAPβ deficiency. These results indicate that Ral contributes to invasion and metastasis of PDAC cells by elevating autocrine TGF-β1 signaling at least in part by decreasing JNK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxin Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Department of Oral Cancer Therapeutics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinming Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Duc-Anh Trinh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shingo Yoshimachi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kota Goto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Natsumi Sakata
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masaharu Ishida
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hideo Ohtsuka
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yuxia Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ryutaro Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Hisanori Horiuchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Department of Oral Cancer Therapeutics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
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4
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Dong M, Liu H, Cao T, Li L, Sun Z, Qiu Y, Wang D. Huoxiang Zhengqi alleviates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated cancer by regulating Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1002269. [PMID: 36339623 PMCID: PMC9634060 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1002269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated colorectal cancer. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is a classical Chinese herbal medicine and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, however, anti-CAC effects and underlying mechanisms of HXZQ have not been reported. An azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CAC mice model was used to investigate the anti-CAC effect of HXZQ. HXZQ significantly reduced colonic inflammation, suppressed the size and number of tumors, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-27) in CAC mice. Intestinal microbiota and serum metabolomics analyses indicated that HXZQ altered the gut microbial composition and the abundance of 29 serum metabolites in CAC mice. Additionally, HXZQ activated the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and increased the levels of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductases-1 (NQO-1), and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1). HXZQ inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and decreased the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B (IκB), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK), and NF-κB. In conclusion, HXZQ alleviated CAC in mice by modulating the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation against inflammation. The present data provide a reference for the use of HXZQ as a therapeutic or combination agent for clinical CAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyuan Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Honghan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianjiao Cao
- Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lanzhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education ford Eible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Di Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education ford Eible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
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Tian L, Zhao L, Sze KM, Kam CS, Ming VS, Wang X, Zhang VX, Ho DW, Cheung T, Chan L, Ng IO. Dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms exerts its oncogenic functions in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2022; 76:48-65. [PMID: 34767674 PMCID: PMC9299834 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ras-like (Ral) small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), RalA and RalB, are proto-oncogenes directly downstream of Ras and cycle between the active guanosine triphosphate-bound and inactive guanosine diphosphate-bound forms. RalGTPase-activating protein (RalGAP) complex exerts a negative regulation. Currently, the role of Ral up-regulation in cancers remains unclear. We aimed to examine the clinical significance, functional implications, and underlying mechanisms of RalA signaling in HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS Our in-house and The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA sequencing data and quantitative PCR data revealed significant up-regulation of RalA in patients' HCCs. Up-regulation of RalA was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis. Consistently, knockdown of RalA in HCC cells attenuated cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo. We found that RalA up-regulation was driven by copy number gain and uncovered that SP1 and ETS proto-oncogene 2 transcription factor cotranscriptionally drove RalA expression. On the other hand, RalGAPA2 knockdown increased the RalA activity and promoted intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis in vivo. Consistently, we observed significant RalGAPA2 down-regulation in patients' HCCs. Intriguingly, HCC tumors showing simultaneous down-regulation of RalGAPA2 and up-regulation of RalA displayed a significant association with more aggressive tumor behavior in terms of more frequent venous invasion, more advanced tumor stage, and poorer overall survival. Of note, Ral inhibition by a Ral-specific inhibitor RBC8 suppressed the oncogenic functions in a dose-dependent manner and sensitized HCC cells to sorafenib treatment, with an underlying enhanced inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide biological insight that dysregulation of RalA signaling through dual regulatory mechanisms supports its oncogenic functions in HCC. Targeting RalA may serve as a potential alternative therapeutic approach alone or in combination with currently available therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tian
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,Present address:
Department of PathologyXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Karen Man‐Fong Sze
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Charles Shing Kam
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Vanessa Sheung‐In Ming
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Vanilla Xin Zhang
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Daniel Wai‐Hung Ho
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Tan‐To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,Department of SurgeryThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Lo‐Kong Chan
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Irene Oi‐Lin Ng
- Department of PathologyThe University of Hong KongHong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong Kong
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6
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Richardson DS, Spehar JM, Han DT, Chakravarthy PA, Sizemore ST. The RAL Enigma: Distinct Roles of RALA and RALB in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101645. [PMID: 35626682 PMCID: PMC9139244 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RALA and RALB are highly homologous small G proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily. Like other small GTPases, the RALs are molecular switches that can be toggled between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to regulate diverse and critical cellular functions such as vesicle trafficking, filopodia formation, mitochondrial fission, and cytokinesis. The RAL paralogs are activated and inactivated by a shared set of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and utilize similar sets of downstream effectors. In addition to their important roles in normal cell biology, the RALs are known to be critical mediators of cancer cell survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis. However, despite their substantial similarities, the RALs often display striking functional disparities in cancer. RALA and RALB can have redundant, unique, or even antagonistic functions depending on cancer type. The molecular basis for these discrepancies remains an important unanswered question in the field of cancer biology. In this review we examine the functions of the RAL paralogs in normal cellular physiology and cancer biology with special consideration provided to situations where the roles of RALA and RALB are non-redundant.
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7
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Ghanawat M, Arjmand B, Rahim F. The Pro-tumor and Anti-tumor Effects of NLRP3 Inflammasome as a New Therapeutic Option for Colon Cancer: a Meta-analysis of Pre-clinical Studies. J Gastrointest Cancer 2022; 54:227-236. [PMID: 35072914 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-022-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we aimed to elaborate on these findings and explore how NLRP3 inflammasome affects CRC and which mechanism could be a potential therapeutic target. For this purpose, major indexing databases consist of Cochrane central, ISI web of science (WOS), PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE were systematically searched using standard terms without any language, study region, or type restrictions. After applying the exclusion criteria, the main properties of 12 articles on 326 animals included in this meta-analysis. Of 12, eight were about an anti-tumoral effect, and four were on a pro-tumoral effect of the inflammasome. NLRP3 inhibition reduced IL-1β (SMD: -4.14, 95% CI: -5.49, -2.79, P < 0.00001, I2 = 76%), TNFα (SMD: -2.18, 95% CI: -3.23, -1.13, P < 0.00001, I2 = 82%), and IL-18 (SMD: -2.27, 95% CI: -3.38, -1.16, P = 0.0002, I2 = 74%) significantly contrasted with the model controls. Colons harvested from NLRP3 inhibition groups showed significant truncation compared with the model controls (SMD: -1.75, 95% CI: -2.69, -0.81, P = 0.0003, I2 = 60%). We demonstrated significantly decreased tumorigenesis following NLRP3 inactivation, as well as an increased survival rate compared with the model controls. To translate anti-cancer agents based on anti-NLRP3 from bench to bedside, it is necessary to identify the molecules that selectively target NLRP3 or its downstream pathways in malignant cells, as well as considering metabolic heterogeneity and the mechanisms causing such cancer-connected heterogeneity. Other studies are needed to separate the molecular and functional complexity of this network.SummarySecretion of IL-1β is contingent upon activation of the inflammasome complex of NLRP3. It has been suggested that activation of this complex necessitates two signals. One of these signals is made available by activation of toll-like-receptor (TLR)-mediated NF-kappa and actuates the IL-1β precursor synthesis and NLRP3 assembly. Another signal is conceivable to be mediated by hazard signals e.g., the purinergic P2X7 receptor stimulated by Adenosine triphosphate or other stimuli resulting in the efflux of potassium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ghanawat
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fakher Rahim
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Centre, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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Parallel Rap1>RalGEF>Ral and Ras signals sculpt the C. elegans nervous system. Dev Biol 2021; 477:37-48. [PMID: 33991533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ras is the most commonly mutated oncogene in humans and uses three oncogenic effectors: Raf, PI3K, and RalGEF activation of Ral. Understanding the importance of RalGEF>Ral signaling in cancer is hampered by the paucity of knowledge about their function in animal development, particularly in cell movements. We found that mutations that disrupt function of RalGEF or Ral enhance migration phenotypes of mutants for genes with established roles in cell migration. We used as a model the migration of the canal associated neurons (CANs), and validated our results in HSN cell migration, neurite guidance, and general animal locomotion. These functions of RalGEF and Ral are specific to their control of Ral signaling output rather than other published functions of these proteins. In this capacity Ral functions cell autonomously as a permissive developmental signal. In contrast, we observed Ras, the canonical activator of RalGEF>Ral signaling in cancer, to function as an instructive signal. Furthermore, we unexpectedly identified a function for the close Ras relative, Rap1, consistent with activation of RalGEF>Ral. These studies define functions of RalGEF>Ral, Rap1 and Ras signaling in morphogenetic processes that fashion the nervous system. We have also defined a model for studying how small GTPases partner with downstream effectors. Taken together, this analysis defines novel molecules and relationships in signaling networks that control cell movements during development of the nervous system.
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Apken LH, Oeckinghaus A. The RAL signaling network: Cancer and beyond. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 361:21-105. [PMID: 34074494 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The RAL proteins RALA and RALB belong to the superfamily of small RAS-like GTPases (guanosine triphosphatases). RAL GTPases function as molecular switches in cells by cycling through GDP- and GTP-bound states, a process which is regulated by several guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and two heterodimeric GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). Since their discovery in the 1980s, RALA and RALB have been established to exert isoform-specific functions in central cellular processes such as exocytosis, endocytosis, actin organization and gene expression. Consequently, it is not surprising that an increasing number of physiological functions are discovered to be controlled by RAL, including neuronal plasticity, immune response, and glucose and lipid homeostasis. The critical importance of RAL GTPases for oncogenic RAS-driven cellular transformation and tumorigenesis still attracts most research interest. Here, RAL proteins are key drivers of cell migration, metastasis, anchorage-independent proliferation, and survival. This chapter provides an overview of normal and pathological functions of RAL GTPases and summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of RAL in human disease as well as current therapeutic targeting strategies. In particular, molecular mechanisms that specifically control RAL activity and RAL effector usage in different scenarios are outlined, putting a spotlight on the complexity of the RAL GTPase signaling network and the emerging theme of RAS-independent regulation and relevance of RAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Apken
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Oeckinghaus
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Gouravani M, Khalili N, Razi S, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Khalili N, Rezaei N. The NLRP3 inflammasome: a therapeutic target for inflammation-associated cancers. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 16:175-187. [PMID: 31928260 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1713755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Inflammasomes are large multimeric intracellular complexes that are capable of maturation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-18, in response to danger signal molecules. As a member of the inflammasome family, the NLRP3 inflammasome has recently been under intense investigation revealing its possible role in several human diseases especially cancers.Areas covered: In this review, we will discuss the biology and mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, its role in specific types of tumors and the novel therapeutic modalities targeting this complex.Expert opinion: The NLRP3 inflammasome and its components including the adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like (ASC) protein and caspase-1 impose different and sometimes contrasting effects in tumorigenesis depending on various contexts. Considering the novel role of this complex in the initiation and progression of neoplasia, the NLRP3 inflammasome and its pathways provide desirable therapeutic targets for prevention, treatment, and prognosis of certain types of cancer. To date, several agents have been introduced for this purpose, some of which have shown promising results in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Gouravani
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Khalili
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Razi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Khalili
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Sheffield, UK
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11
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Cassani B. RalGAPα2 and NLRP3 Orchestrate Tumor Invasion in Colitis-Associated Cancers. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 9:339-340. [PMID: 31816279 PMCID: PMC6997458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Cassani
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Barbara Cassani, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, via Manzoni 113, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; fax: +0039-2-882245191.
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