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Li Y, Sun XL, Ma CL, Li C, Zhan Y, Li WT, Li C, Wang YH. STX2 Promotes Trophoblast Growth, Migration, and Invasion Through Activation of the PI3K-AKT Pathway in Preeclampsia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:615973. [PMID: 34295885 PMCID: PMC8292021 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.615973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Abnormal trophoblast behaviors during pregnancy contribute to the development of preeclampsia (PE). Syntaxin2 (STX2) has been shown to be a crucial epithelial mediator in numerous diseases. However, the functions of STX2 and the mechanisms underlying its role in PE remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the role of STX2 on trophoblast biology and unravel the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of PE. Materials and Methods We first compared the expression of STX2 in placental tissues from women with PE and women with normal pregnancies. Then, we investigated the role of STX2 on trophoblast proliferation, migration and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo and primary human trophoblast cells by loss or gain of function experiments. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation, pulldown and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the co-localization of STX2 with other proteins, and to help clarify the mechanisms underlying STX2-mediated functions on trophoblasts. Results We demonstrated that STX2 expression was downregulated in placental tissues of women with PE compared with those from normal pregnancies. Loss and gain of function experiments further confirmed a role for STX2 in cell proliferation, migration and invasion in trophoblasts. By co-immunoprecipitation, pulldown and immunofluorescence co-localization assays, we revealed that STX2 selectively interacted with p85, a subunit of PI3K, and directly recruited p85 to the cytomembrane, thereby activating the AKT signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that the AKT activation was abolished by the use of a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), which negatively affected STX2-mediated functions on trophoblasts. Conclusion All together, our findings point to a crucial role for STX2 in PE progression. Our new insights also suggest that STX2 may be a potential diagnostic tool and a novel therapeutic target for treating PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian-Li Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chun-Ling Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Zhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wen-Ting Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Can Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yi-Hao Wang
- Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Wang Y, Li Y, Zhou H, Qian X, Hu Y. Syntaxin 2 promotes colorectal cancer growth by increasing the secretion of exosomes. J Cancer 2021; 12:2050-2058. [PMID: 33754003 PMCID: PMC7974533 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality worldwide. Uncontrolled growth is an important hallmark of CRC. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Methods: Syntaxin 2 (STX2) expression was analyzed in 160 cases of paraffin-embedded CRC tissue by immunohistochemistry, in 10 cases of fresh CRC tissue by western blot, and in 2 public databases. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses were used to investigate the biological function of STX2 in CRC growth. Exosomes isolation, characterization, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), flow cytometry and fluorescence were conducted to study the molecular mechanism of STX2 in CRC growth. Results: The expression of STX2 was obviously up-regulated in human CRC tissues. Overexpression of STX2 increased the growth of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of STX2 repressed the growth of CRC. STX2 modulated exosomes secretion of CRC cells which might correlated with Rab8a expression. The secreted exosomes could be ingested by CRC cells, and ultimately promoted the growth of CRC by arresting the tumor cells at S phase. Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that STX2 promotes CRC growth by increasing exosomes secretion of CRC cells; And the modulation of STX2 in exosomes secretion correlates with Rab8a. Thus, our study identified a new mechanism of STX2 in CRC growth and may provide a possible strategy for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxia Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China
| | - Xinlai Qian
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuhan Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Department of Pathology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
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3
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Wang YX, Li YZ, Zhu HF, Zhang ZY, Qian XL, He GY. STX2 drives colorectal cancer proliferation via upregulation of EXOSC4. Life Sci 2020; 263:118597. [PMID: 33075373 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the biological function and mechanism of Syntaxin2 (STX2) in Colorectal cancer (CRC) proliferation. MAIN METHODS A series of gain- and loss-of-function analysis were conducted the to explore the biological function of STX2 in CRC proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Western blot, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and the functional analyses were taken to analyze the regulative role of STX2 on Exosome Complex 4 (EXOSC4) in CRC proliferation; Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to further verify the relationship between the expression of STX2 and EXOSC4 in human CRC samples. KEY FINDINGS Our study revealed that the over-expression of STX2 promoted CRC proliferation, while knockdown of STX2 repressed CRC proliferation; STX2 promoted CRC proliferation via increasing EXOSC4 protein; There was a positive correlation between STX2 and EXOSC4 expression. SIGNIFICANCE The current data verify that STX2 drives the proliferation of CRC via increasing the expression of EXOSC4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xia Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yong-Zhen Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hui-Fang Zhu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhe-Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xin-Lai Qian
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Guo-Yang He
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncologic Pathology, Henan, Xinxiang, China.
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Wang Y, Xu H, Jiao H, Wang S, Xiao Z, Zhao Y, Bi J, Wei W, Liu S, Qiu J, Li T, Liang L, Ye Y, Liao W, Ding Y. STX2 promotes colorectal cancer metastasis through a positive feedback loop that activates the NF-κB pathway. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:664. [PMID: 29855462 PMCID: PMC5981218 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic progression is the main contributor to the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, identifying the determinants of CRC metastasis will be of great significance. Based on our previous bioinformatics analysis, Syntaxin2 (STX2) may be upregulated and correlated with the poor prognosis of CRC patients. In this study, we found that STX2 expression was associated with CRC invasion and metastasis and poor patient survival. Gain- and loss-of-function analyses demonstrated that STX2 functioned as a key oncogene by promoting CRC invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, STX2 selectively interacted with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and activated the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed that NF-κB directly bound to the STX2 promoter and drove STX2 transcription. Therefore, STX2 activated the NF-κB pathway, and in turn, NF-κB increased STX2 expression, forming a positive signaling loop that eventually promoted CRC metastasis. Collectively, our results reveal STX2 as a crucial modulator of the aggressive CRC phenotype and highlight STX2 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for combating CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxia Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Honghai Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongli Jiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yali Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiaxin Bi
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenting Wei
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junfeng Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaping Ye
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wenting Liao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yanqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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5
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Shi L, Qin E, Zhou J, Zhao J, Nie W, Jiang T, Chen W, Wu D, Huang L, Liu L, Lv L, Zhao M, Zhang Z, Wang F. HIV and HCV Co-Culture Promotes Profibrogenic Gene Expression through an Epimorphin-Mediated ERK Signaling Pathway in Hepatic Stellate Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158386. [PMID: 27362846 PMCID: PMC4928874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accelerated fibrosis in patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a major cause of mortality in the highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) era. However, the role of co-infection in accelerating the progression of liver fibrosis, particularly with regard to the effects of co-infection on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), remains unclear. We hypothesized that HIV and HCV induce liver fibrosis synergistically by altering the regulation of epimorphin production, and thereby indirectly alter HSC function. Here, we examined the effects of epimorphin on HSC proliferation and invasion, and the changes in fibrogenesis-related gene activity in HSCs (LX2) in the presence of inactivated CXCR4-tropic HIV and HCV (JFH1). The combination of HIV and HCV significantly increased epimorphin expression, which increased the proliferation and invasion capabilities of HSCs. Epimorphin also induced the expression of profibrogenic tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) in an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent manner. These data indicated that the effects of HIV/HCV co-infection on hepatic fibrosis might be mediated in part by EPM. Strategies to limit the expression of EPM might represent a novel therapeutic approach to prevent the progression of hepatic fibrosis during HIV/HCV co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Enqiang Qin
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junnian Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Nie
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjun Jiang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Liu
- Tumor Radiotherapy Center, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Lv
- Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (FW); (ZZ)
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (FW); (ZZ)
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Yang C, Gong X, Ai Q, Ge P, Lin L, Zhang L. 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside alleviated carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatitis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 25:393-9. [PMID: 25711693 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the principal cellular energy sensors participating in maintenance of energy balance but recent evidences also suggested that AMPK might be involved in the regulation of inflammation. In the present study, the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) was used to investigate the potential roles of AMPK in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute hepatitis. The experimental data indicated that treatment with AICAR significantly decreased the elevation of plasma aminotransferases and alleviated hepatic histological abnormalities in CCl4-exposed mice. Treatment with AICAR also inhibited the increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO), the induction of TNF-α, IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide and the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-3 and MMP-9 in mice exposed to CCl4. These effects were associated with suppressed nuclear accumulation of NF-κB p65. These results indicated that the AMPK activator AICAR effectively suppressed the inflammatory responses and alleviated liver damage induced by CCl4, implying that AMPK activation might be beneficial for ameliorating inflammation-based liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changming Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xianqiong Gong
- Hepatology Center, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qing Ai
- Department of Physiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pu Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Epimorphin alters the inhibitory effects of SOX9 on Mmp13 in activated hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100091. [PMID: 24971829 PMCID: PMC4074045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is characterised by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Although potentially reversible, treatment remains limited. Understanding how ECM influences the pathogenesis of the disease may provide insight into novel therapeutic targets for the disease. The extracellular protein Epimorphin (EPIM) has been implicated in tissue repair mechanisms in several tissues, partially, through its ability to manipulate proteases. In this study, we have identified that EPIM modulates the ECM environment produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), in part, through down-regulation of pro-fibrotic Sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9). Methods Influence of EPIM on ECM was investigated in cultured primary rat HSCs. Activated HSCs were treated with recombinant EPIM or SOX9 siRNA. Core fibrotic factors were evaluated by immunoblotting, qPCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results During HSC activation EPIM became significantly decreased in contrast to pro-fibrotic markers SOX9, Collagen type 1 (COL1), and α- Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Treatment of activated HSCs with recombinant EPIM caused a reduction in α-SMA, SOX9, COL1 and Osteopontin (OPN), while increasing expression of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13). Sox9 abrogation in activated HSCs increased EPIM and MMP13 expression. Conclusion These data provide evidence for EPIM and SOX9 functioning by mutual negative feedback to regulate attributes of the quiescent or activated state of HSCs. Further understanding of EPIM's role may lead to opportunities to modulate SOX9 as a therapeutic avenue for liver fibrosis.
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Yew KH, Crow J, Hirst J, Pressetto Z, Godwin AK. Epimorphin-induced MET sensitizes ovarian cancer cells to platinum. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72637. [PMID: 24039787 PMCID: PMC3767807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Distinctive genotypic and phenotypic features of ovarian cancer via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been correlated with drug resistance and disease recurrence. We investigated whether therapeutic reversal of EMT could re-sensitize ovarian cancer cells (OCCs) to existing chemotherapy. We report that epimorphin, a morphogenic protein, has pivotal control over mesenchymal versus epithelial cell lineage decision of the putative OCCs. Exposure to epimorphin induced morphological changes reminiscent of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), but in a dose dependent manner, i.e., at 10 µg/mL of epimorphin cells obtain a more mesenchymal-like morphology while at 20 µg/mL of epimorphin cells display an epithelial morphology. The latter changes were accompanied by suppression of mesenchymal markers, such as vimentin (∼8-fold↓, p<0.02), Twist1 (∼7-fold↓, p<0.03), dystroglycan (∼4-fold↓, p<0.01) and palladin (∼3-fold↓, p<0.01). Conversely, significant elevations of KLF4 (∼28-fold↑, p<0.002), β-catenin (∼6-fold↑, p<0.004), EpCAM (∼6-fold↑, p<0.0002) and occludin (∼15-fold↑, p<0.004) mRNAs as part of the commitment to the epithelial cell lineage were detected in response to 20 µg/mL of exogenous epimorphin. Changes in occludin mRNA levels were accompanied by a parallel, albeit weaker expression at the protein level (∼5-fold↑, p<0.001). Likewise, acquisition of epithelial-like properties, including mucin1, CK19, and β-catenin gene expression, was also obtained following epimorphin treatment. Further, MMP3 production was found to be reduced whereas laminin secretion was strongly amplified upon epimorphin-induced MET. These results suggest there is a dosage window for actions of epimorphin on cellular differentiation, wherein it can either suppress or enhance epithelial differentiation of OCCs. Importantly, induction of epithelial-like phenotypes by epimorphin led to an enhanced sensitivity to carboplatin. Overall, we demonstrate that epimorphin can revert OCCs away from their mesenchymal phenotype and toward an epithelial phenotype, thereby enhancing their sensitivity to a front-line chemotherapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok-Hooi Yew
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Crow
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jeff Hirst
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Ziyan Pressetto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Andrew K. Godwin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Extracellular syntaxin4 triggers the differentiation program in teratocarcinoma F9 cells that impacts cell adhesion properties. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 354:581-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1680-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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High co-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and Snail is associated with poor prognosis after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2012; 29:2750-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Jia YL, Shi L, Zhou JN, Fu CJ, Chen L, Yuan HF, Wang YF, Yan XL, Xu YC, Zeng Q, Yue W, Pei XT. Epimorphin promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis through activation of focal adhesion kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/matrix metalloproteinase-9 axis. Hepatology 2011; 54:1808-18. [PMID: 22045676 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The high incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mainly the result of frequent metastasis and tumor recurrence. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving HCC metastasis are still not fully understood. It has been demonstrated that tumor stroma cells contribute to primary tumor growth and metastasis. Within the HCC environment, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can release a number of molecules and enhance cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness in a paracrine manner. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that epimorphin (EPM; also called syntaxin-2), an extracellular protein, is strongly elevated in activated HSCs within tumor stroma. We show that knockdown of EPM expression in HSCs substantially abolishes their effects on cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Ectopic expression of EPM in HCC cancer cells enhances their invasiveness; we demonstrate that the cells expressing EPM have markedly increased metastasis potential. Furthermore, EPM-mediated invasion and metastasis of cancer cells is found to require up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) through the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) axis. CONCLUSION Our results show that EPM, secreted by activated HSCs within HCC stroma, promotes invasion and metastasis of cancer cells by activating MMP-9 expression through the FAK-ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
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Kinoshita N, Horie Y, Ohshima S, Hirai Y, Dohmen T, Jin M, Matsuhashi T, Sasaki J, Sasaki T, Iizuka M, Ohnishi H. Epimorphin protects hepatocytes from oxidative stress by inhibiting mitochondrial injury. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26:201-6. [PMID: 21175815 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06327.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many investigations have demonstrated that cell injuries caused by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common mechanism of various hepatic disorders. Recently, we have demonstrated that epimorphin, originally cloned as a mesenchymal protein, protects cultured intestinal epithelial cells from ROS. We therefore examine whether epimorphin protects primary cultured hepatocytes from ROS-induced cell injury. METHODS We explored the cell viability and the intracellular ROS levels of purified murine hepatocytes after exposure to 0.5 mM H(2)O(2) with or without pretreatment of epimorphin. Then, we observed mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and depolarization using confocal microscopy to make clear the mechanism that epimorphin inhibited cell injuries after exposure to H(2)O(2). In addition, to clarify the signaling pathways related to cell survival, we carried out Western blotting analysis with phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) polyclonal antibody to evaluate the inhibition of JNK by epimorphin. Finally, we evaluated the cell viability in hepatocytes administered JNK inhibitor. RESULTS Epimorphin protected primary cultured hepatocytes from H(2)O(2)-induced cell injuries independent of intracellular ROS levels. Epimorphin also inhibited onset of MPT, depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and eventually cell killing. The cell protective function of epimorphin after exposure to H(2)O(2) was not dependent on Akt signaling but on JNK signaling. CONCLUSION Epimorphin can protect hepatocytes from MPT-dependent cell injury induced by ROS. Since hepatic disorders could be caused by MPT-dependent cell injuries with excessive ROS, epimorphin might open a new therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobukatsu Kinoshita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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13
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MIURA KOUICHI, KODAMA YUZO, INOKUCHI SAYAKA, SCHNABL BERND, AOYAMA TOMONORI, OHNISHI HIROHIDE, OLEFSKY JERROLDM, BRENNER DAVIDA, SEKI EKIHIRO. Toll-like receptor 9 promotes steatohepatitis by induction of interleukin-1beta in mice. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:323-34.e7. [PMID: 20347818 PMCID: PMC4631262 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 574] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2009] [Revised: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) involves the innate immune system and is mediated by Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes bacteria-derived cytosine phosphate guanine (CpG)-containing DNA and activates innate immunity. We investigated the role of TLR9 signaling and the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. METHODS Wild-type (WT), TLR9(-/-), IL-1 receptor (IL-1R)(-/-), and MyD88(-/-) mice were fed a choline-deficient amino acid-defined (CDAA) diet for 22 weeks and then assessed for steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. Lipid accumulation and cell death were assessed in isolated hepatocytes. Kupffer cells and HSCs were isolated to assess inflammatory and fibrogenic responses, respectively. RESULTS The CDAA diet induced NASH in WT mice, characterized by steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and insulin resistance. TLR9(-/-) mice showed less steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis than WT mice. Among inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta production was suppressed in TLR9(-/-) mice. Kupffer cells produced IL-1beta in response to CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. IL-1beta but not CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides, increased lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Lipid accumulation in hepatocytes led to nuclear factor-kappaB inactivation, resulting in cell death in response to IL-1beta. IL-1beta induced fibrogenic responses in HSCs, including secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. IL-1R(-/-) mice had reduced steatohepatitis and fibrosis, compared with WT mice. Mice deficient in MyD88, an adaptor molecule for TLR9 and IL-1R signaling, also had reduced steatohepatitis and fibrosis. TLR9(-/-), IL-1R(-/-), and MyD88(-/-) mice had less insulin resistance than WT mice on the CDAA diet. CONCLUSIONS In a mouse model of NASH, TLR9 signaling induces production of IL-1beta by Kupffer cells, leading to steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- KOUICHI MIURA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California,Department of Gastroenterology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - YUZO KODAMA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - SAYAKA INOKUCHI
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - BERND SCHNABL
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - TOMONORI AOYAMA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - HIROHIDE OHNISHI
- Department of Gastroenterology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - JERROLD M. OLEFSKY
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - DAVID A. BRENNER
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
| | - EKIHIRO SEKI
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
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Zhou J, Zhao L, Qin L, Wang J, Jia Y, Yao H, Sang C, Hu Q, Shi S, Nan X, Yue W, Zhuang F, Yang C, Wang Y, Pei X. Epimorphin regulates bile duct formation via effects on mitosis orientation in rat liver epithelial stem-like cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9732. [PMID: 20305811 PMCID: PMC2840022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how hepatic precursor cells can generate differentiated bile ducts is crucial for studies on epithelial morphogenesis and for development of cell therapies for hepatobiliary diseases. Epimorphin (EPM) is a key morphogen for duct morphogenesis in various epithelial organs. The role of EPM in bile duct formation (DF) from hepatic precursor cells, however, is not known. To address this issue, we used WB-F344 rat epithelial stem-like cells as model for bile duct formation. A micropattern and a uniaxial static stretch device was used to investigate the effects of EPM and stress fiber bundles on the mitosis orientation (MO) of WB cells. Immunohistochemistry of liver tissue sections demonstrated high EPM expression around bile ducts in vivo. In vitro, recombinant EPM selectively induced DF through upregulation of CK19 expression and suppression of HNF3alpha and HNF6, with no effects on other hepatocytic genes investigated. Our data provide evidence that EPM guides MO of WB-F344 cells via effects on stress fiber bundles and focal adhesion assembly, as supported by blockade EPM, beta1 integrin, and F-actin assembly. These blockers can also inhibit EPM-induced DF. These results demonstrate a new biophysical action of EPM in bile duct formation, during which determination of MO plays a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junnian Zhou
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lipeng Qin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Jia
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hailei Yao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Sang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuangshuang Shi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Nan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Yue
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fengyuan Zhuang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Yang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing, China
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