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Lin Y, Yuan M, Wang G. Copper homeostasis and cuproptosis in gynecological disorders: Pathogenic insights and therapeutic implications. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 84:127436. [PMID: 38547725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the complex role of copper homeostasis in female reproductive system diseases. As an essential trace element, copper plays a crucial role in various biological functions. Its dysregulation is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of gynecological disorders. We investigate how copper impacts these diseases, focusing on aspects like oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune function, estrogen levels, and angiogenesis. The review highlights significant changes in copper levels in diseases such as cervical, ovarian, endometrial cancer, and endometriosis, underscoring their potential roles in disease mechanisms and therapeutic exploration. The recent discovery of 'cuproptosis,' a novel cell death mechanism induced by copper ions, offers a fresh molecular perspective in understanding these diseases. The review also examines genes associated with cuproptosis, particularly those related to drug resistance, suggesting new strategies to enhance traditional therapy effectiveness. Additionally, we critically evaluate current therapeutic approaches targeting copper homeostasis, including copper ionophores, chelators, and nanoparticles, emphasizing their emerging potential in gynecological disease treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of copper's role in female reproductive health, setting the stage for future research to elucidate its mechanisms and develop targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China
| | - Guoyun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Jinan Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Gynecological Disease, Jinan, Shandong Province China; Gynecology Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan Shandong Province, China; Gynecology Laboratory, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong Province, China.
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Wang Y, Pei P, Yang K, Guo L, Li Y. Copper in colorectal cancer: From copper-related mechanisms to clinical cancer therapies. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1724. [PMID: 38804588 PMCID: PMC11131360 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper, a trace element and vital cofactor, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of biological functions. Recent evidence has established significant correlations between copper levels, cancer development and metastasis. The strong redox-active properties of copper offer both benefits and disadvantages to cancer cells. The intestinal tract, which is primarily responsible for copper uptake and regulation, may suffer from an imbalance in copper homeostasis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent primary cancer of the intestinal tract and is an aggressive malignant disease with limited therapeutic options. Current research is primarily focused on the relationship between copper and CRC. Innovative concepts, such as cuproplasia and cuproptosis, are being explored to understand copper-related cellular proliferation and death. Cuproplasia is the regulation of cell proliferation that is mediated by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic copper-modulated activities. Whereas, cuproptosis refers to cell death induced by excess copper via promoting the abnormal oligomerisation of lipoylated proteins within the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as by diminishing the levels of iron-sulphur cluster proteins. A comprehensive understanding of copper-related cellular proliferation and death mechanisms offers new avenues for CRC treatment. In this review, we summarise the evolving molecular mechanisms, ranging from abnormal intracellular copper concentrations to the copper-related proteins that are being discovered, and discuss the role of copper in the pathogenesis, progression and potential therapies for CRC. Understanding the relationship between copper and CRC will help provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for innovative treatment strategies in CRC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Pei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Abdullah K, Kaushal JB, Takkar S, Sharma G, Alsafwani ZW, Pothuraju R, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Copper metabolism and cuproptosis in human malignancies: Unraveling the complex interplay for therapeutic insights. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27496. [PMID: 38486750 PMCID: PMC10938126 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27496] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper, a vital trace element, orchestrates diverse cellular processes ranging from energy production to antioxidant defense and angiogenesis. Copper metabolism and cuproptosis are closely linked in the context of human diseases, with a particular focus on cancer. Cuproptosis refers to a specific type of copper-mediated cell death or copper toxicity triggered by disruptions in copper metabolism within the cells. This phenomenon encompasses a spectrum of mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and perturbations in metal ion equilibrium. Mechanistically, cuproptosis is driven by copper binding to the lipoylated enzymes within the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. This interaction participates in protein aggregation and proteotoxic stress, ultimately culminating in cell death. Targeting copper metabolism and its associated pathways in cancer cells hold therapeutic potential by selectively targeting and eliminating cancerous cells. Strategies to modulate copper levels, enhance copper excretion, or interfere with cuproptotic pathways are being explored to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer therapy and improve patient outcomes. Understanding the relationship between cuproptosis and copper metabolism in human malignancies remains an active area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the association among copper metabolism, copper homeostasis, and carcinogenesis, explicitly emphasizing the cuproptosis mechanism and its implications for cancer pathogenesis. Additionally, we emphasize the therapeutic aspects of targeting copper and cuproptosis for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.M. Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jyoti B. Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Simran Takkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Zahraa W. Alsafwani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Rafieemehr H, Farmany A, Ghorbani S, Jafari M, Behzad MM. Serum Trace Element Levels in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: a Before-After Analysis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023:10.1007/s12011-023-04025-z. [PMID: 38135818 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04025-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements (TEs) play a crucial role in metabolism through their biochemical and catalytic effects, and alterations in their levels have been observed in various malignancies. Given that chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, it is important to understand how it may affect the levels of TEs in the body. By investigating changes in TEs levels before and after chemotherapy, this study aims to provide insights into the potential impact of chemotherapy on TEs levels in cancer patients. In the present study, analyses were performed on the serum level of some elements including Zn, Cu, Cd, and Se in 69 patients with leukemia, lymphoma, prostate and breast cancers before and after three courses of chemotherapy. The serum TEs were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The serum Zn levels in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer significantly decreased after chemotherapy (P < 0.05). Significant reductions were also observed in the post-chemotherapy serum level of Cd in patients with prostate (P = 0.020) and breast cancer (P = 0.013). Moreover, the Se serum level significantly decreased after chemotherapy compared to before it in the breast cancer patients (P < 0.001). In contrast, the serum level of Cu was higher before than after chemotherapy in all the patients, but no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). The results show that chemotherapy can alter the level of TEs. The assessment of TEs in cancer patients may provide information about the side effects of chemotherapy as well as the use of appropriate strategies to better manage the clinical conditions of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Rafieemehr
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Abbas Farmany
- Dental Implant Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ghorbani
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masumeh Maleki Behzad
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion, Hamadan, Iran.
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Hashemi Sheikhshabani S, Amini‐Farsani Z, Kazemifard N, Modarres P, Amini‐Farsani Z, Omrani MD, Ghafouri‐Fard S. Meta-analysis of microarray data to determine gene indicators involved in the cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1884. [PMID: 37937323 PMCID: PMC10728535 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1884] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant miss-expressed gene indicators contributing to cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer have not been completely understood. It seems that several regulatory genes and signaling pathways are associated with the emergence of the chemo-resistant phenotype. AIMS Here, a meta-analysis approach was adopted to assess deregulated genes involved in relapse after the first line of chemotherapy (cisplatin). METHODS AND RESULTS To do so, six ovarian cancer libraries were gathered from GEO repository. Batch effect removal and quality assessment, and boxplots and PCA were performed using SVA and ggplot2 packages in R, respectively. Cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive ovarian cancer groups were compared with find genes with significant expression changes using linear regression models in the LIMMA R package. The significance threshold for DEGs was taken as adj p-value < .05 and - 1 > logFC > 1. A total of 261 genes were identified to have significant differential expression levels in the cisplatin-resistant versus cisplatin-sensitive group. Among the 10 top up-regulated and down-regulated genes, PITX2, SNCA, and EPHA7 (up), as well as TMEM98 (down) are indirect upstream regulators of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, contributing greatly to the development of chemo-resistance in cancer via promoting cell proliferation, survival, and cell cycle progression as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Moreover, a comprehensive assessment of DEGs revealed the dysregulation of not only membrane ion channels KCa1.1, Kv4, and CACNB4, affecting cell excitability, proliferation, and apoptosis but also cell adhesion proteins COL4A6, EPHA3, and CD9, affecting the attachment of normal cells to ECM and apoptosis, introducing good options to reverse cisplatin resistance. CONCLUSION Our results predict and suggest that upstream regulators of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, ion channels, and cell adhesion proteins play important roles in cisplatin resistance development in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Hashemi Sheikhshabani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zeinab Amini‐Farsani
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Nesa Kazemifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver DiseasesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Parastoo Modarres
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and MicrobiologyUniversity of IsfahanIsfahanIran
| | - Zahra Amini‐Farsani
- Bayesian Imaging and Spatial Statistics Group, Institute for StatisticsLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität MünchenMunichGermany
- Statistics DepartmentSchool of Science, Lorestan UniversityKhorramabadIran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical GeneticsShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Guo J, Sun Y, Liu G. The mechanism of copper transporters in ovarian cancer cells and the prospect of cuproptosis. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 247:112324. [PMID: 37481825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Copper transporters can not only carry copper (Cu) to maintain the homeostasis of Cu in cells but also transport platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. The effect of copper transporters on chemosensitivity has been demonstrated in a variety of malignancies. In addition, recent studies have reported that copper transporters can act as vectors to induce cuproptosis. Therefore, copper transporters can act on cells through different mechanisms to achieve different purposes. This review mainly describes the current research progress of the intracellular transport mechanism of copper transporters and cuproptosis, and prospects for the application of them in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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Geng Z, Pan X, Xu J, Jia X. Friend and foe: the regulation network of ascites components in ovarian cancer progression. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:391-407. [PMID: 36227507 PMCID: PMC10409702 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) and its complex role in cancer progression have been hotspots of cancer research in recent years. Ascites, which occurs frequently in patients with ovarian cancer especially in advanced stages, represents a unique TME. Malignant ascites contains abundant cellular and acellular components that play important roles in tumorigenesis, growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer through complex molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. As a valuable liquid biopsy sample, ascites fluid is also of great significance for the prognostic analysis of ovarian cancer. The components of ovarian cancer ascites are generally considered to comprise tumor-promoting factors; however, in recent years studies have found that ascites also contains tumor-suppressing factors, raising new perspectives on interactions between ascites and tumors. Malignant ascites directly constitutes the ovarian cancer microenvironment, therefore, the study of its components will aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the current research on tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing factors and molecular mechanisms of their actions in ovarian cancer-derived ascites and therapeutic strategies targeting ascites, which may provide references for the development of novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Geng
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xinxing Pan
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Mochou Rd, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Xie J, Yang Y, Gao Y, He J. Cuproptosis: mechanisms and links with cancers. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:46. [PMID: 36882769 PMCID: PMC9990368 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01732-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis was a copper-dependent and unique kind of cell death that was separate from existing other forms of cell death. The last decade has witnessed a considerable increase in investigations of programmed cell death, and whether copper induced cell death was an independent form of cell death has long been argued until mechanism of cuproptosis has been revealed. After that, increasing number of researchers attempted to identify the relationship between cuproptosis and the process of cancer. Thus, in this review, we systematically detailed the systemic and cellular metabolic processes of copper and the copper-related tumor signaling pathways. Moreover, we not only focus on the discovery process of cuproptosis and its mechanism, but also outline the association between cuproptosis and cancers. Finally, we further highlight the possible therapeutic direction of employing copper ion ionophores with cuproptosis-inducing functions in combination with small molecule drugs for targeted therapy to treat specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yannan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Central Laboratory & Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Precision Medicine for Cancers, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, 518116, China. .,Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National, Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 101399, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China. .,Laboratory of Translational Medicine, National Cancer Center/National, Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 101399, China.
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Cui P, Li H, Wang C, Liu Y, Zhang M, Yin Y, Sun Z, Wang Y, Chen X. UBE2T regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition through the PI3K-AKT pathway and plays a carcinogenic role in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:103. [PMID: 36088429 PMCID: PMC9464398 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ubiquitin-binding enzyme E2T (UBE2T), a member of the E2 family of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, is associated with tumorigenesis of varioustumours; however, its role and mechanism in ovarian cancer remain unclear. Results Our study revealed that UBE2T is highly expressed in ovarian cancer; this high expression was closely related to poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the high expression of UBE2T in ovarian cancer. This is the first study to demonstrate that UBE2T expression is higher in ovarian cancer with BRCA mutation. Moreover, we demonstrated that UBE2T gene silencing significantly inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and invasion. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ovarian cancer cells and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) pathway were significantly inhibited. Adding the mechanistic target of rapamycin activator MHY1485 activated the PI3K-AKT pathway and significantly restored the proliferative and invasive ability of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, a tumorigenesis experiment in nude mice revealed that tumour growth on mice body surface and tumour tissue EMT were significantly inhibited after UBE2T gene silencing. Conclusions This study demonstrated that UBE2T regulates EMT via the PI3K-AKT pathway and plays a carcinogenic role in ovarian cancer. Moreover, UBE2T may interact with BRCA to affect ovarian cancer occurrence and development. Hence, UBE2T may be a valuable novel biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Further, UBE2T inhibition may be effective for treating ovarian cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13048-022-01034-9.
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