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Hu Q, Yin J, Zhao S, Wang Y, Shi R, Yan K, Huang S. ZFHX3 acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer by targeting FTO-mediated m 6A demethylation. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:284. [PMID: 38871709 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc-finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3, also known as ATBF1) suppresses prostatic tumorigenesis. ZFHX3 is frequently found to have numerous deletions in human prostate cancer (PCa). However, the underlying molecular function of ZFHX3 during prostatic tumorigenesis is not well understood. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in RNA plays a critical role in the development of cancers; however, the relationship between ZFHX3 and m6A modification is largely unknown in PCa. In this study, we found that ZFHX3 knockdown decreased total m6A levels through enhancing the transcriptional activity of FTO in PCa cells. Importantly, FTO inhibition suppressed cell proliferation and rescued the promoting function of ZFHX3 knockdown on cell proliferation. In vivo, we verified that FTO was upregulated and ZFHX3 was decreased in PCa patients and that a high level of ZFHX3 is indispensable for low FTO expression and is correlated with better patient survival. Through transcriptome sequencing and MeRIP sequencing, we revealed that E2F2 and CDKN2C were the direct targets of FTO-mediated m6A modification and ZFXH3 was required for the regulation of FTO on E2F2 and CDKN2C expression. Unexpectedly, we uncovered that ZFHX3 expression was in return regulated by FTO in an m6A-dependent way. These findings establish a novel crosstalk mechanism between ZFHX3 and FTO in prostatic tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Hu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junling Yin
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Sijie Zhao
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ruxue Shi
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Keqiang Yan
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Shuhong Huang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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2
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Marin L, Casado F. Prediction of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence by using discretization supports the critical contribution of the extra-cellular matrix genes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10144. [PMID: 37349324 PMCID: PMC10287745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35821-1] [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: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its complexity, much effort has been devoted to the development of biomarkers for prostate cancer that have acquired the utmost clinical relevance for diagnosis and grading. However, all of these advances are limited due to the relatively large percentage of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and the limited strategies for follow up. This work proposes a methodology that uses discretization to predict prostate cancer BCR while optimizing the necessary variables. We used discretization of RNA-seq data to increase the prediction of biochemical recurrence and retrieve a subset of ten genes functionally known to be related to the tissue structure. Equal width and equal frequency data discretization methods were compared to isolate the contribution of the genes and their interval of action, simultaneously. Adding a robust clinical biomarker such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) improved the prediction of BCR. Discretization allowed classifying the cancer patients with an accuracy of 82% on testing datasets, and 75% on a validation dataset when a five-bin discretization by equal width was used. After data pre-processing, feature selection and classification, our predictions had a precision of 71% (testing dataset: MSKCC and GSE54460) and 69% (Validation dataset: GSE70769) should the patients present BCR up to 24 months after their final treatment. These results emphasize the use of equal width discretization as a pre-processing step to improve classification for a limited number of genes in the signature. Functionally, many of these genes have a direct or expected role in tissue structure and extracellular matrix organization. The processing steps presented in this study are also applicable to other cancer types to increase the speed and accuracy of the models in diverse datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marin
- Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, 15088, Lima, Peru
- Institute of Omics Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, 15088, Lima, Peru
| | - Fanny Casado
- Institute of Omics Sciences and Applied Biotechnology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, 15088, Lima, Peru.
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3
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Raith F, O’Donovan DH, Lemos C, Politz O, Haendler B. Addressing the Reciprocal Crosstalk between the AR and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways for Prostate Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032289. [PMID: 36768610 PMCID: PMC9917236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The reduction in androgen synthesis and the blockade of the androgen receptor (AR) function by chemical castration and AR signaling inhibitors represent the main treatment lines for the initial stages of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, resistance mechanisms ultimately develop due to alterations in the AR pathway, such as gene amplification or mutations, and also the emergence of alternative pathways that render the tumor less or, more rarely, completely independent of androgen activation. An essential oncogenic axis activated in prostate cancer is the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, as evidenced by the frequent alterations of the negative regulator phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and by the activating mutations in PI3K subunits. Additionally, crosstalk and reciprocal feedback loops between androgen signaling and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade that activate pro-survival signals and play an essential role in disease recurrence and progression have been evidenced. Inhibitors addressing different players of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have been evaluated in the clinic. Only a limited benefit has been reported in prostate cancer up to now due to the associated side effects, so novel combination approaches and biomarkers predictive of patient response are urgently needed. Here, we reviewed recent data on the crosstalk between AR signaling and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the selective inhibitors identified, and the most advanced clinical studies, with a focus on combination treatments. A deeper understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in disease progression and treatment resistance is essential to further guide therapeutic approaches with improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Raith
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel H. O’Donovan
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Clara Lemos
- Bayer Research and Innovation Center, Bayer US LLC, 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Oliver Politz
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernard Haendler
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Müllerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-2215-41198
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4
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Inactivation of PTEN and ZFHX3 in Mammary Epithelial Cells Alters Patterns of Collective Cell Migration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010313. [PMID: 36613756 PMCID: PMC9820126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010313] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole exome sequencing of invasive mammary carcinomas revealed the association of mutations in PTEN and ZFHX3 tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). We generated single and combined PTEN and ZFHX3 knock-outs (KOs) in the immortalized mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A to study the role of these genes and their potential synergy in migration regulation. Inactivation of PTEN, but not ZFHX3, induced the formation of large colonies in soft agar. ZFHX3 inactivation in PTEN KO, however, increased colony numbers and normalized their size. Cell migration was affected in different ways upon PTEN and ZFHX3 KO. Inactivation of PTEN enhanced coordinated cell motility and thus, the collective migration of epithelial islets and wound healing. In contrast, ZFHX3 knockout resulted in the acquisition of uncoordinated cell movement associated with the appearance of immature adhesive junctions (AJs) and the increased expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Inactivation of the two TSGs thus induces different stages of partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT). Upon double KO (DKO), cells displayed still another motile state, characterized by a decreased coordination in collective migration and high levels of vimentin but a restoration of mature linear AJs. This study illustrates the plasticity of migration modes of mammary cells transformed by a combination of cancer-associated genes.
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Li M, Zheng Y, Li X, Shen X, Zhang T, Weng B, Mao H, Zhao J. ATBF1 is a potential diagnostic marker of histological grade and functions via WNT5A in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1280. [PMID: 36476423 PMCID: PMC9727999 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10380-2] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histological grade has been demonstrated to be an important factor of breast cancer outcome and is associated with cell differentiation and is currently being evaluated via H&E-stained sections. Molecular biomarkers are essential to improve the accuracy of histological grading. ATBF1, a large transcription factor, has been considered a tumor suppressor gene with frequent mutations or deletions in multiple cancers. In breast cancer, ATBF1 was reported to function in cell differentiation and mammary development. However, its role in the clinic has rarely been reported. METHODS Breast cancer tissues (BCTs) and adjacent noncancerous tissues (ANCTs) were collected to analyze the expression of ATBF1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Three anti-ATBF1 antibodies recognizing independent peptides of ATBF1 (N-terminal end, middle region and C-terminal end) were applied for IHC staining. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence ATBF1 expression and to investigate the roles of ATBF1 in MCF7 cells. Microarrays were introduced to analyze the differentially expressed genes, enriched GO terms and KEGG terms regulated by ATBF1 and its potential downstream genes, which were further confirmed in vitro and in clinical samples. RESULTS The expression of ATBF1 was reduced in BCTs at both the mRNA and protein levels compared with that in ANCTs. ATBF1 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus of ANCTs but in the cytoplasm of BCTs. Both the mRNA and protein levels of ATBF1 were significantly correlated with histological grade. Consistently, knockdown of ATBF1 increased stemness marker expression and reduced differentiation markers in vitro. Further analysis identified WNT5A as an essential downstream gene of ATBF1 in breast cancer cells. Treatment of WNT5A disrupted cell proliferation induced by ATBF1 silencing. In BCTs, a significant correlation was observed between the expression of WNT5A and ATBF1. CONCLUSION The results indicated that ATBF1 expression might be a useful diagnostic marker associated with histological grade and breast cancer malignancy. WNT5A and its signaling pathway are novel mechanisms by which ATBF1 contributes to breast cancer tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211 China ,Ningbo Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Yanan Zheng
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211 China
| | - Xujun Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Department of Breast Surgery, Hwa Mei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaohan Shen
- Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Tingxia Zhang
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211 China
| | - Bowen Weng
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211 China
| | - Haijiao Mao
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Jiyuan Zhao
- grid.203507.30000 0000 8950 5267Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211 China
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Cancer-Associated Dysregulation of Sumo Regulators: Proteases and Ligases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148012. [PMID: 35887358 PMCID: PMC9316396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a post-translational modification that has emerged in recent decades as a mechanism involved in controlling diverse physiological processes and that is essential in vertebrates. The SUMO pathway is regulated by several enzymes, proteases and ligases being the main actors involved in the control of sumoylation of specific targets. Dysregulation of the expression, localization and function of these enzymes produces physiological changes that can lead to the appearance of different types of cancer, depending on the enzymes and target proteins involved. Among the most studied proteases and ligases, those of the SENP and PIAS families stand out, respectively. While the proteases involved in this pathway have specific SUMO activity, the ligases may have additional functions unrelated to sumoylation, which makes it more difficult to study their SUMO-associated role in cancer process. In this review we update the knowledge and advances in relation to the impact of dysregulation of SUMO proteases and ligases in cancer initiation and progression.
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Mangolini A, Rocca C, Bassi C, Ippolito C, Negrini M, Dell'Atti L, Lanza G, Gafà R, Bianchi N, Pinton P, Aguiari G. DETECTION OF DISEASE‐CAUSING MUTATIONS IN PROSTATE CANCER BY NGS SEQUENCING. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1047-1061. [PMID: 35347810 PMCID: PMC9320837 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gene mutations may affect the fate of many tumors including prostate cancer (PCa); therefore, the research of specific mutations associated with tumor outcomes might help the urologist to identify the best therapy for PCa patients such as surgical resection, adjuvant therapy or active surveillance. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from 48 paraffin‐embedded PCa samples and normal paired tissues. Next, gDNA was amplified and analyzed by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using a specific gene panel for PCa. Raw data were refined to exclude false‐positive mutations; thus, variants with coverage and frequency lower than 100× and 5%, respectively were removed. Mutation significance was processed by Genomic Evolutionary Rate Profiling, ClinVar, and Varsome tools. Most of 3000 mutations (80%) were single nucleotide variants and the remaining 20% indels. After raw data elaboration, 312 variants were selected. Most mutated genes were KMT2D (26.45%), FOXA1 (16.13%), ATM (15.81%), ZFHX3 (9.35%), TP53 (8.06%), and APC (5.48%). Hot spot mutations in FOXA1, ATM, ZFHX3, SPOP, and MED12 were also found. Truncating mutations of ATM, lesions lying in hot spot regions of SPOP and FOXA1 as well as mutations of TP53 correlated with poor prognosis. Importantly, we have also found some germline mutations associated with hereditary cancer‐predisposing syndrome. gDNA sequencing of 48 cancer tissues by NGS allowed to detect new tumor variants as well as confirmed lesions in genes linked to prostate cancer. Overall, somatic and germline mutations linked to good/poor prognosis could represent new prognostic tools to improve the management of PCa patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mangolini
- Department of Neuroscience and RehabilitationUniversity of Ferraravia fossato di mortara, 7444121FerraraItaly
| | - Christian Rocca
- UO Urology, St Anna Hospital, via Aldo Moro 844124FerraraItaly
| | - Cristian Bassi
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of Ferraravia Luigi Borsari 4644121FerraraItaly
| | | | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of Ferraravia Luigi Borsari 4644121FerraraItaly
| | - Lucio Dell'Atti
- Division of Urology, Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Science, University Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Marche Polytechnic University, 71 Conca Street60126AnconaItaly
| | - Giovanni Lanza
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of Ferraravia Luigi Borsari 4644121FerraraItaly
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of Ferraravia Luigi Borsari 4644121FerraraItaly
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational MedicineUniversity of Ferraravia Luigi Borsari 4644121FerraraItaly
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of Ferraravia fossato di mortara, 64/B44121FerraraItaly
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and RehabilitationUniversity of Ferraravia fossato di mortara, 7444121FerraraItaly
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8
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Fu X, Zhang Z, Liu M, Li J, A J, Fu L, Huang C, Dong JT. AR imposes different effects on ZFHX3 transcription depending on androgen status in prostate cancer cells. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:800-812. [PMID: 34953044 PMCID: PMC8817138 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17125] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Both androgen receptor (AR) and the ZFHX3 transcription factor modulate prostate development. While AR drives prostatic carcinogenesis, ZFHX3 is a tumour suppressor whose loss activates the PI3K/AKT signalling in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, it is unknown whether ZFHX3 and AR are functionally related in PCa cells and, if so, how. Here, we report that in AR-positive LNCaP and C4-2B PCa cells, androgen upregulates ZFHX3 transcription via androgen-induced AR binding to the androgen-responsive elements (AREs) of the ZFHX3 promoter. Androgen also upregulated ZFHX3 transcription in vivo, as castration dramatically reduced Zfhx3 mRNA and protein levels in mouse prostates, and ZFHX3 mRNA levels correlated with AR activities in human PCa. Interestingly, the binding of AR to one ARE occurred in the absence of androgen, and the binding repressed ZFHX3 transcription as this repressive binding was interrupted by androgen treatment. The enzalutamide antiandrogen prevented androgen from inducing ZFHX3 transcription and caused excess ZFHX3 protein degradation. In human PCa, ZFHX3 was downregulated and the downregulation correlated with worse patient survival. These findings establish a regulatory relationship between AR and ZFHX3, suggest a role of ZFHX3 in AR function and implicate ZFHX3 loss in the antiandrogen therapies of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingcheng Liu
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun A
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liya Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Dong G, Ma G, Wu R, Liu J, Liu M, Gao A, Li X, A J, Liu X, Zhang Z, Zhang B, Fu L, Dong JT. ZFHX3 Promotes the Proliferation and Tumor Growth of ER-Positive Breast Cancer Cells Likely by Enhancing Stem-Like Features and MYC and TBX3 Transcription. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113415. [PMID: 33217982 PMCID: PMC7698617 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113415] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is a common malignancy, but the understanding of its cellular and molecular mechanisms is limited. The ZFHX3 transcription factor regulates mammary epithelial cells’ proliferation and differentiation by interacting with estrogen and progesterone receptors. Both these receptors play crucial roles in breast cancer development, but whether ZFHX3 also impacts breast cancer is unknown. In this study, the authors aim to determine if ZFHX3 promotes breast cancer cells’ proliferation and tumor growth and explore the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Higher ZFHX3 expression is associated with worse patient survival in breast cancer, ZFHX3 promotes the proliferation and tumor growth of breast cancer cells, and several breast cancer stem cell factors appear to be involved in the role of ZFHX3 in breast cancer growth. The findings suggest that ZFHX3 is a novel oncogenic molecule promoting breast cancer development. Such a molecule could provide novel opportunities for the treatment of breast cancer. Abstract Breast cancer is a common malignancy, but the understanding of its cellular and molecular mechanisms is limited. ZFHX3, a transcription factor with many homeodomains and zinc fingers, suppresses prostatic carcinogenesis but promotes tumor growth of liver cancer cells. ZFHX3 regulates mammary epithelial cells’ proliferation and differentiation by interacting with estrogen and progesterone receptors, potent breast cancer regulators. However, whether ZFHX3 plays a role in breast carcinogenesis is unknown. Here, we found that ZFHX3 promoted the proliferation and tumor growth of breast cancer cells in culture and nude mice; and higher expression of ZFHX3 in human breast cancer specimens was associated with poorer prognosis. The knockdown of ZFHX3 in ZFHX3-high MCF-7 cells decreased, and ZFHX3 overexpression in ZFHX3-low T-47D cells increased the proportion of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) defined by mammosphere formation and the expression of CD44, CD24, and/or aldehyde dehydrogenase 1. Among several transcription factors that have been implicated in BCSCs, MYC and TBX3 were transcriptionally activated by ZFHX3 via promoter binding, as demonstrated by luciferase-reporter and ChIP assays. These findings suggest that ZFHX3 promotes breast cancer cells’ proliferation and tumor growth likely by enhancing BCSC features and upregulating MYC, TBX3, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Dong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
| | - Gui Ma
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jinming Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
| | - Mingcheng Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Ang Gao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
| | - Xiawei Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jun A
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365-C Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Liya Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China; (G.D.); (G.M.); (J.L.); (M.L.); (A.G.); (X.L.); (J.A.); (L.F.)
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Shenzhen 518055, China; (R.W.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Wu R, Fang J, Liu M, A J, Liu J, Chen W, Li J, Ma G, Zhang Z, Zhang B, Fu L, Dong JT. SUMOylation of the transcription factor ZFHX3 at Lys-2806 requires SAE1, UBC9, and PIAS2 and enhances its stability and function in cell proliferation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6741-6753. [PMID: 32249212 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM) at a lysine residue and is crucial for the proper functions of many proteins, particularly of transcription factors, in various biological processes. Zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3), also known as AT motif-binding factor 1 (ATBF1), is a large transcription factor that is active in multiple pathological processes, including atrial fibrillation and carcinogenesis, and in circadian regulation and development. We have previously demonstrated that ZFHX3 is SUMOylated at three or more lysine residues. Here, we investigated which enzymes regulate ZFHX3 SUMOylation and whether SUMOylation modulates ZFHX3 stability and function. We found that SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3 each are conjugated to ZFHX3. Multiple lysine residues in ZFHX3 were SUMOylated, but Lys-2806 was the major SUMOylation site, and we also found that it is highly conserved among ZFHX3 orthologs from different animal species. Using molecular analyses, we identified the enzymes that mediate ZFHX3 SUMOylation; these included SUMO1-activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1), an E1-activating enzyme; SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9 (UBC9), an E2-conjugating enzyme; and protein inhibitor of activated STAT2 (PIAS2), an E3 ligase. Multiple analyses established that both SUMO-specific peptidase 1 (SENP1) and SENP2 deSUMOylate ZFHX3. SUMOylation at Lys-2806 enhanced ZFHX3 stability by interfering with its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Functionally, Lys-2806 SUMOylation enabled ZFHX3-mediated cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. These findings reveal the enzymes involved in, and the functional consequences of, ZFHX3 SUMOylation, insights that may help shed light on ZFHX3's roles in various cellular and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiali Fang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mingcheng Liu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jun A
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wenxuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Gui Ma
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Liya Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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ZFHX3 is indispensable for ERβ to inhibit cell proliferation via MYC downregulation in prostate cancer cells. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:28. [PMID: 30979864 PMCID: PMC6461672 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0138-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2, also known as estrogen receptor beta (ERβ)) and the zinc-finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3, also known as ATBF1 for AT motif-binding factor 1) modulate prostate development and suppress prostatic tumorigenesis in mice. ZFHX3 is integral to proper functions of ESR1 (i.e., estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)), which belongs to the same family of proteins as ESR2, but is hardly expressed in prostate epithelial cells. It is not clear how ZFHX3 suppresses prostatic tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated whether ZFHX3 and ERβ functionally interact with each other in the suppression of prostatic tumorigenesis. In two androgen receptor (AR)-positive prostate cancer cell lines, C4-2B and LNCaP, we first validated ERβ’s tumor suppressor activity indicated by the inhibition of cell proliferation and repression of MYC expression. We found that loss of ZFHX3 increased cell proliferation and MYC expression, and downregulation of MYC was necessary for ZFHX3 to inhibit cell proliferation in the same cell lines. Importantly, loss of ZFHX3 prevented ERβ from suppressing cell proliferation and repressing MYC transcription. Biochemically, ERβ and ZFHX3 physically interacted with each other and they both occupied the same region of the common MYC promoter, even though ZFHX3 also bound to another region of the MYC promoter. Higher levels of ZFHX3 and ERβ in human prostate cancer tissue samples correlated with better patient survival. These findings establish MYC repression as a mechanism for ZFHX3’s tumor suppressor activity and ZFHX3 as an indispensable factor for ERβ’s tumor suppressor activity in prostate cancer cells. Our data also suggest that intact ZFHX3 function is required for using ERβ-selective agonists to effectively treat prostate cancer.
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Ma G, Gao A, Yang Y, He Y, Zhang X, Zhang B, Zhang Z, Li M, Fu X, Zhao D, Wu R, Qi L, Hu Q, Li J, Fu L, Zhu Z, Dong JT. Zfhx3 is essential for progesterone/progesterone receptor signaling to drive ductal side-branching and alveologenesis in mouse mammary glands. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:119-131. [PMID: 30954439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (Pg)/progesterone receptor (PR) signaling drives mammary gland side-branching and alveologenesis, but the mechanisms through which Pg/PR signaling functions remain to be clarified. Using in vitro and in vivo models and histological and molecular analyses, we determined the role of Zfhx3 transcription factor in mammary gland development driven by Pg/PR signaling. Postnatal deletion of Zfhx3 in mouse mammary epithelial cells attenuated side-branching morphogenesis and alveologenesis. These effects were undetectable in the absence of Pg/PR signaling. During the estrus cycle, Zfhx3 expression corresponded to that of Pg, being at the highest level at the diestrus stage; Zfhx3 deletion inhibited mammary gland branching more potently at diestrus than estrus stage. Loss of Zfhx3 not only attenuated the expansion of stem/progenitor cells driven by Pg/PR signaling, but also impaired the function of Pg/PR signaling in the transcriptional activation of multiple genes. In addition, Pg/PR signaling significantly expanded PR- and Zfhx3-positive epithelial cells, and induced the physical association of ZFHX3 with PR. These findings establish Zfhx3 as an integral transcription factor of Pg/PR signaling in driving side-branching and alveologenesis during mammary gland development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui Ma
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ang Gao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yinan Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yuan He
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mei Li
- Ningbo Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningbo, 315020, China
| | - Xing Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Leilei Qi
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qingxia Hu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Liya Fu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhengmao Zhu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Wang K, Hui Y, Zhang S, Wang M, Yan H, Zhu H, Qu L, Lan X, Pan C. A deletion mutation within the ATBF1 gene is strongly associated with goat litter size. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 31:174-180. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2018.1561459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yiqing Hui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shaoli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Hailong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin University, Yulin, China
- Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin University, Yulin, China
- Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, China
| | - Lei Qu
- Shaanxi Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center of Cashmere Goats, Yulin University, Yulin, China
- Life Science Research Center, Yulin University, Yulin, China
| | - Xianyong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chuanying Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Xu H, Zhang S, Zhang X, Dang R, Lei C, Chen H, Lan X. Evaluation of novel SNPs and haplotypes within the <i>ATBF1</i> gene and their effects on economically important production traits in cattle. Arch Anim Breed 2017. [DOI: 10.5194/aab-60-285-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract. AT motif binding factor 1 (ATBF1) gene can promote the expression level of the growth hormone 1 (GH1) gene by binding to the enhancers of the POU1F1 and PROP1 genes; thus, it affects the growth and development of livestock. Considering that the ATBF1 gene also has a close relationship with the Janus kinase–signal transductor and activator of transcription (JAK–STAT) pathway, the objective of this work was to identify novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations and their association with growth traits in native Chinese cattle breeds. Five novel SNPs within the ATBF1 gene were found in 644 Qinchuan and Jinnan cattle for first time using 25 pairs of screening and genotyping primers. The five novel SNPs were named as AC_000175:g.140344C>G (SNP1), g.146573T>C (SNP2), g.205468C>T (SNP3), g.205575A>G (SNP4) and g.297690C<T (SNP5). Among them, SNP1 and SNP2 were synonymous coding SNPs, while SNP5 was a missense coding SNP, and the other SNPs were intronic. Haplotype analysis found 18 haplotypes in the two breeds, and three and five closely linked loci were revealed in Qinchuan and Jinnan breeds, respectively. Association analysis revealed that SNP1 was significantly associated with the height across the hip in Qinchuan cattle. SNP2 was found to be significantly related to chest circumference and body side length traits in Jinnan cattle. SNP3 was found to have significant associations with four growth traits in Qinchuan cattle. Moreover, the different combined genotypes, SNP1–SNP3, SNP1–SNP4 and SNP2–SNP5 were significantly associated with the growth traits in cattle. These findings indicated that the bovine ATBF1 gene had marked effects on growth traits, and the growth-trait-related loci can be used as DNA markers for maker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding programs in cattle.
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Wilcox AG, Vizor L, Parsons MJ, Banks G, Nolan PM. Inducible Knockout of Mouse Zfhx3 Emphasizes Its Key Role in Setting the Pace and Amplitude of the Adult Circadian Clock. J Biol Rhythms 2017; 32:433-443. [PMID: 28816086 PMCID: PMC5692189 DOI: 10.1177/0748730417722631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3) plays a key role in coupling intracellular transcriptional-translational oscillations with intercellular synchrony in mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). However, like many key players in central nervous system function, ZFHX3 serves an important role in neurulation and neuronal terminal differentiation while retaining discrete additional functions in the adult SCN. Recently, using a dominant missense mutation in mouse Zfhx3, we established that this gene can modify circadian period and sleep in adult animals. Nevertheless, we were still concerned that the neurodevelopmental consequences of ZFHX3 dysfunction in this mutant may interfere with, or confound, its critical adult-specific roles in SCN circadian function. To circumvent the developmental consequences of Zfhx3 deletion, we crossed a conditional null Zfhx3 mutant to an inducible, ubiquitously expressed Cre line (B6.Cg-Tg(UBC-cre/ERT2)1Ejb/J). This enabled us to assess circadian behavior in the same adult animals both before and after Cre-mediated excision of the critical Zfhx3 exons using tamoxifen treatment. Remarkably, we found a strong and significant alteration in circadian behavior in tamoxifen-treated homozygous animals with no phenotypic changes in heterozygous or control animals. Cre-mediated excision of Zfhx3 critical exons in adult animals resulted in shortening of the period of wheel-running in constant darkness by more than 1 h in the majority of homozygotes while, in 30% of animals, excision resulted in complete behavioral arrhythmicity. In addition, we found that homozygous animals reentrain almost immediately to 6-h phase advances in the light-dark cycle. No additional overt phenotypic changes were evident in treated homozygous animals. These findings confirm a sustained and significant role for ZFHX3 in maintaining rhythmicity in the adult mammalian circadian system.
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Pęczkowska M, Cwikla J, Kidd M, Lewczuk A, Kolasinska-Ćwikła A, Niec D, Michałowska I, Prejbisz A, Januszewicz A, Chiarelli J, Bodei L, Modlin I. The clinical utility of circulating neuroendocrine gene transcript analysis in well-differentiated paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:143-157. [PMID: 27913608 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs) exhibit variable malignancy, which is difficult to determine by histopathology, amine measurements or tissue genetic analyses. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a 51-neuroendocrine gene blood analysis has clinical utility as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. Well-differentiated PPGLs (n = 32), metastatic (n = 4); SDHx mutation (n = 25); 12 biochemically active, Lanreotide treated (n = 4). Nine patients had multiple sampling. Age- and gender-matched controls and GEP-NETs (comparators). METHODS Circulating neuroendocrine tumor mRNA measured (qPCR) with multianalyte algorithmic analysis. Metabolic, epigenomic and proliferative genes as well as somatostatin receptor expression were assessed (averaged, normalized gene expression: mean ± s.e.m.). Amines were measured by HPLC and chromogranin A by ELISA. Analyses (2-tailed): Fisher's test, non-parametric (Mann-Whitney), receiver-operator curve (ROC) and multivariate analysis (MVA). All data are presented as mean ± s.e.m. RESULTS PPGL were NETest positive (100%). All exhibited higher scores than controls (55 ± 5% vs 8 ± 1%, P = 0.0001), similar to GEP-NETs (47 ± 5%). ROC analysis area under curve was 0.98 for differentiating PPGLs/controls (cut-off for normal: 26.7%). Mutation status was not directly linked to NETest. Genetic and molecular clustering was associated (P < 0.04) with NETest scores. Metastatic (80 ± 9%) and multicentric (64 ± 9%) disease had significantly (P < 0.04) higher scores than localized disease (43 ± 7%). Progressive disease (PD) had the highest scores (86 ± 2%) vs stable (SD, 41 ± 2%) (P < 0.0001). The area under the curve for PD from SD was 0.93 (cut-off for PD: 53%). Proliferation, epigenetic and somatostatin receptor gene expression was elevated (P < 0.03) in PD. Metabolic gene expression was decreased in SDHx mutations. Repeat NETest measurements defined clinical status in the 9 patients (6 SD and 3 PD). Amine measurement was non-informative. Multivariate analysis identified NETest >53% as an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION Circulating NET transcript analysis is positive (100% diagnostic) in well-differentiated PCC/PGL, scores were elevated in progressive disease irrespective of mutation or biochemical activity and elevated levels were prognostic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Cwikla
- University of Warmia and MazuryThe Faculty of Medical Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - M Kidd
- Wren LaboratoriesBranford, Connecticut, USA
| | - A Lewczuk
- Medical University of GdanskGdansk, Poland
| | | | - D Niec
- Institute of CardiologyWarsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - L Bodei
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew York, USA
| | - I Modlin
- Yale University School of MedicineNew Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Zhao D, Ma G, Zhang X, He Y, Li M, Han X, Fu L, Dong XY, Nagy T, Zhao Q, Fu L, Dong JT. Zinc Finger Homeodomain Factor Zfhx3 Is Essential for Mammary Lactogenic Differentiation by Maintaining Prolactin Signaling Activity. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:12809-12820. [PMID: 27129249 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.719377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3, also named ATBF1 for AT motif binding factor 1) is a transcription factor that suppresses prostatic carcinogenesis and induces neuronal differentiation. It also interacts with estrogen receptor α to inhibit cell proliferation and regulate pubertal mammary gland development in mice. In the present study, we examined whether and how Zfhx3 regulates lactogenic differentiation in mouse mammary glands. At different stages of mammary gland development, Zfhx3 protein was expressed at varying levels, with the highest level at lactation. In the HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cell line, an in vitro model of lactogenesis, knockdown of Zfhx3 attenuated prolactin-induced β-casein expression and morphological changes, indicators of lactogenic differentiation. In mouse mammary tissue, knock-out of Zfhx3 interrupted lactogenesis, resulting in underdeveloped glands with much smaller and fewer alveoli, reduced β-casein expression, accumulation of large cytoplasmic lipid droplets in luminal cells after parturition, and failure in lactation. Mechanistically, Zfhx3 maintained the expression of Prlr (prolactin receptor) and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity, whereas knockdown and knock-out of Zfhx3 in HC11 cells and mammary tissues, respectively, decreased Prlr expression, Stat5 phosphorylation, and the expression of Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 target genes. These findings indicate that Zfhx3 plays an essential role in proper lactogenic development in mammary glands, at least in part by maintaining Prlr expression and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Gui Ma
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yuan He
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mei Li
- the Ningbo Institute of Medical Sciences, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Xueying Han
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liya Fu
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Dong
- the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Tamas Nagy
- the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, and
| | - Qiang Zhao
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li Fu
- the Cancer Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- From the Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China,; the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322,.
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