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Kasai H, Yamashita A, Akaike Y, Tanaka T, Matsuura Y, Moriishi K. HCV infection activates the proteasome via PA28γ acetylation and heptamerization to facilitate the degradation of RNF2, a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 1. mBio 2024:e0169124. [PMID: 39329491 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01691-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or HCV core protein expression induces HOX gene expression by impairing histone H2A monoubiquitination via a proteasome-dependent reduction in the level of RNF2, a key catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 1 (H. Kasai, K. Mochizuki, T. Tanaka, A. Yamashita, et al., J Virol 95:e01784-20, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01784-20). In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by which HCV infection accelerates RNF2 degradation. Yeast two-hybrid screening and an immunoprecipitation assay revealed that RNF2 is a PA28γ-binding protein. The proteasome activator PA28γ destabilized the RNF2 protein in a proteasome-dependent manner, since RNF2 degradation was impaired by PA28γ knockout or MG132 treatment. HCV infection or core protein expression reduced the levels of RNF2 and histone H2A K119 monoubiquitination and induced the expression of HOX genes in the presence of PA28γ, while PA28γ knockout reversed these changes. Treatment with a lysine acetyltransferase inhibitor inhibited the acetylation of PA28γ at K195 and the degradation of the RNF2 protein, while treatment with a lysine deacetylase inhibitor accelerated these events in a PA28γ-dependent manner. RNF2 protein degradation was increased by expression of the acetylation mimetic PA28γ mutant but not by expression of the acetylation-defective mutant or the proteasome activation-defective mutant. Furthermore, HCV infection or core protein expression facilitated the interaction between PA28γ and the lysine acetyltransferase CBP/p300 and then accelerated PA28γ acetylation and heptazmerization to promote RNF2 degradation. These data suggest that HCV infection accelerates the acetylation-dependent heptamerization of PA28γ to increase the proteasomal targeting of RNF2.IMPORTANCEHCV is a causative agent of HCV-related liver diseases, including hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. PA28γ, which, in heptameric form, activates the 20S core proteasome for the degradation of PA28γ-binding proteins, is responsible for HCV-related liver diseases. HCV core protein expression or HCV infection accelerates RNF2 degradation, leading to the induction of HOX gene expression via a decrease in the level of H2Aub on HOX gene promoters. However, the mechanism of RNF2 degradation in HCV-infected cells has not been clarified. The data presented in this study suggest that PA28γ acetylation and heptamerization are promoted by HCV infection or by core protein expression to activate the proteasome for the degradation of RNF2 and are responsible for HCV propagation. This study provides novel insights valuable for the development of therapies targeting both HCV propagation and HCV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotake Kasai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Atsuya Yamashita
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yasunori Akaike
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
- Division of Hepatitis Virology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohji Moriishi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
- Division of Hepatitis Virology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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He J, Li M, Qiu J, Pu X, Guo Y. HOPEXGB: A Consensual Model for Predicting miRNA/lncRNA-Disease Associations Using a Heterogeneous Disease-miRNA-lncRNA Information Network. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2863-2877. [PMID: 37604142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Predicting disease-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is crucial to find new biomarkers for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of complex human diseases. Computational predictions for miRNA/lncRNA-disease associations are of great practical significance, since traditional experimental detection is expensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we proposed a consensual machine-learning technique-based prediction approach to identify disease-related miRNAs and lncRNAs by high-order proximity preserved embedding (HOPE) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), named HOPEXGB. By connecting lncRNA, miRNA, and disease nodes based on their correlations and relationships, we first created a heterogeneous disease-miRNA-lncRNA (DML) information network to achieve an effective fusion of information on similarities, correlations, and interactions among miRNAs, lncRNAs, and diseases. In addition, a more rational negative data set was generated based on the similarities of unknown associations with the known ones, so as to effectively reduce the false negative rate in the data set for model construction. By 10-fold cross-validation, HOPE shows better performance than other graph embedding methods. The final consensual HOPEXGB model yields robust performance with a mean prediction accuracy of 0.9569 and also demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity advantages compared to lncRNA/miRNA-specific predictions. Moreover, it is superior to other existing methods and gives promising performance on the external testing data, indicating that integrating the information on lncRNA-miRNA interactions and the similarities of lncRNAs/miRNAs is beneficial for improving the prediction performance of the model. Finally, case studies on lung, stomach, and breast cancers indicate that HOPEXGB could be a powerful tool for preclinical biomarker detection and bioexperiment preliminary screening for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. HOPEXGB is publicly available at https://github.com/airpamper/HOPEXGB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian He
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Menglong Li
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jiangguo Qiu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xuemei Pu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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Wasson MCD, Venkatesh J, Cahill HF, McLean ME, Dean CA, Marcato P. LncRNAs exhibit subtype-specific expression, survival associations, and cancer-promoting effects in breast cancer. Gene 2024; 901:148165. [PMID: 38219875 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer progression, influencing processes such as invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Their reported cell type-dependent expression patterns suggest the potential for specialized functions in specific contexts. In breast cancer, lncRNA expression has been associated with different subtypes, highlighting their relevance in disease heterogeneity. However, our understanding of lncRNA function within breast cancer subtypes remains limited, warranting further investigation. We conducted a comprehensive analysis using the TANRIC dataset derived from the TCGA-BRCA cohort, profiling the expression, patient survival associations and immune cell type correlations of 12,727 lncRNAs across subtypes. Our findings revealed subtype-specific associations of lncRNAs with patient survival, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and other immune cells. Targeting of lncRNAs exhibiting subtype-specific survival associations and expression in a panel of breast cancer cells demonstrated a selective reduction in cell proliferation within their associated subtype, supporting subtype-specific functions of certain lncRNAs. Characterization of HER2 + -specific lncRNA LINC01269 and TNBC-specific lncRNA AL078604.2 showed nuclear localization and altered expression of hundreds of genes enriched in cancer-promoting processes, including apoptosis, cell proliferation and immune cell regulation. This work emphasizes the importance of considering the heterogeneity of breast cancer subtypes and the need for subtype-specific analyses to fully uncover the relevance and potential impact of lncRNAs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the contribution of lncRNAs to the distinct molecular, prognostic, and cellular composition of breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hannah F Cahill
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Meghan E McLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Cheryl A Dean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H4R2, Canada; Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H1V8, Canada.
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4
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y. Transcriptional regulation of cancer stem cell: regulatory factors elucidation and cancer treatment strategies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:99. [PMID: 38561775 PMCID: PMC10986082 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03021-y] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first discovered in the 1990s, revealing the mysteries of cancer origin, migration, recurrence and drug-resistance from a new perspective. The expression of pluripotent genes and complex signal regulatory networks are significant features of CSC, also act as core factors to affect the characteristics of CSC. Transcription is a necessary link to regulate the phenotype and potential of CSC, involving chromatin environment, nucleosome occupancy, histone modification, transcription factor (TF) availability and cis-regulatory elements, which suffer from ambient pressure. Especially, the expression and activity of pluripotent TFs are deeply affected by both internal and external factors, which is the foundation of CSC transcriptional regulation in the current research framework. Growing evidence indicates that regulating epigenetic modifications to alter cancer stemness is effective, and some special promoters and enhancers can serve as targets to influence the properties of CSC. Clarifying the factors that regulate CSC transcription will assist us directly target key stem genes and TFs, or hinder CSC transcription through environmental and other related factors, in order to achieve the goal of inhibiting CSC and tumors. This paper comprehensively reviews the traditional aspects of transcriptional regulation, and explores the progress and insights of the impact on CSC transcription and status through tumor microenvironment (TME), hypoxia, metabolism and new meaningful regulatory factors in conjunction with the latest research. Finally, we present opinions on omnidirectional targeting CSCs transcription to eliminate CSCs and address tumor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, People's Republic of China.
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Zhou Y, Wu Q, Long X, He Y, Huang J. lncRNA HOTAIRM1 Activated by HOXA4 Drives HUVEC Proliferation Through Direct Interaction with Protein Partner HSPA5. Inflammation 2024; 47:421-437. [PMID: 37898994 PMCID: PMC10798933 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01919-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Despite the substantial progress in deciphering the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), cardiovascular mortality is still increasing. Therefore, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a sweeping epidemic that jeopardizes human health. Disentangling the molecular underpinnings of AS is imperative in the molecular cardiology field. Overwhelming evidence has indicated that the recognition of a fascinating class of players, known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), provides causality for coordinating AS. However, the function and mechanism of HOTAIRM1 are still poorly understood in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and AS. Herein, we primarily underscored that lncRNA HOTAIRM1 is potentially responsible for AS; as such, it was dramatically up-regulated in HUVECs upon ox-LDL stimulation. Functionally, HOTAIRM1 knockdown attenuated HUVEC proliferation and potentiated apoptosis in the absence and presence of ox-LDL. Furthermore, HOTAIRM1 was preferentially located in the nuclei of HUVECs. Mechanistically, HOXA4 is directly bound to the HOTAIRM1 promoter and activated its transcription. Of note, a positive feedback signaling between HOXA4 and HOTAIRM1 was determined. Intriguingly, the interplay between HOTAIRM1 and HSPA5 occurred in an RNA-binding protein pattern and a transcription-dependent regulatory manner. In addition, HSPA5 overexpression partially antagonized HUVEC proliferation inhibition of HOTAIRM1 depletion. Taken together, our findings delineate a pivotal functional interaction among HOXA4, HOTAIRM1, and HSPA5 as a novel regulatory circuit for modulating HUVEC proliferation. An in-depth investigation of the HOXA4-HOTAIRM1-HSPA5 axis promises to yield significant breakthroughs in identifying the molecular mechanisms governing AS and developing therapeutic avenues for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiangshu Long
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Youfu He
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou, China
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Budeus B, Unger K, Hess J, Sentek H, Klein D. Comparative computational analysis to distinguish mesenchymal stem cells from fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1270493. [PMID: 37822926 PMCID: PMC10562561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1270493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be the most promising stem cell type for cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. Based on their potential to home to diseased body sites following a therapeutically application, these cells could (i) differentiate then into organ-specific cell types to locally restore injured cells or, most prominently, (ii) foster tissue regeneration including immune modulations more indirectly by secretion of protective growth factors and cytokines. As tissue-resident stem cells of mesenchymal origin, these cells are morphologically and even molecularly- at least concerning the classical marker genes- indistinguishable from similar lineage cells, particularly fibroblasts. Methods Here we used microarray-based gene expression and global DNA methylation analyses as well as accompanying computational tools in order to specify differences between MSCs and fibroblasts, to further unravel potential identity genes and to highlight MSC signaling pathways with regard to their trophic and immunosuppressive action. Results We identified 1352 differentially expressed genes, of which in the MSCs there is a strong signature for e.g., KRAS signaling, known to play essential role in stemness maintenance, regulation of coagulation and complement being decisive for resolving inflammatory processes, as well as of wound healing particularly important for their regenerative capacity. Genes upregulated in fibroblasts addressed predominately transcription and biosynthetic processes and mapped morphological features of the tissue. Concerning the cellular identity, we specified the already known HOX code for MSCs, established a potential HOX code for fibroblasts, and linked certain HOX genes to functional cell-type-specific properties. Accompanied methylation profiles revealed numerous regions, especially in HOX genes, being differentially methylated, which might provide additional biomarker potential. Discussion Conclusively, transcriptomic together with epigenetic signatures can be successfully be used for the definition (cellular identity) of MSCs versus fibroblasts as well as for the determination of the superior functional properties of MSCs, such as their immunomodulatory potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Budeus
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Hanna Sentek
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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7
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Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D, Kośla K, Płuciennik E, Bednarek AK. Delineating the glioblastoma stemness by genes involved in cytoskeletal rearrangements and metabolic alterations. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:302-322. [PMID: 37342224 PMCID: PMC10277965 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Literature data on glioblastoma ongoingly underline the link between metabolism and cancer stemness, the latter is one responsible for potentiating the resistance to treatment, inter alia due to increased invasiveness. In recent years, glioblastoma stemness research has bashfully introduced a key aspect of cytoskeletal rearrangements, whereas the impact of the cytoskeleton on invasiveness is well known. Although non-stem glioblastoma cells are less invasive than glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), these cells also acquire stemness with greater ease if characterized as invasive cells and not tumor core cells. This suggests that glioblastoma stemness should be further investigated for any phenomena related to the cytoskeleton and metabolism, as they may provide new invasion-related insights. Previously, we proved that interplay between metabolism and cytoskeleton existed in glioblastoma. Despite searching for cytoskeleton-related processes in which the investigated genes might have been involved, not only did we stumble across the relation to metabolism but also reported genes that were found to be implicated in stemness. Thus, dedicated research on these genes in GSCs seems justifiable and might reveal novel directions and/or biomarkers that could be utilized in the future. Herein, we review the previously identified cytoskeleton/metabolism-related genes through the prism of glioblastoma stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-136, Lodzkie, Poland
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-136, Lodzkie, Poland
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
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8
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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Gadicherla S, Kabekkodu SP, Hunter KD, Radhakrishnan R. HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188840. [PMID: 36403923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although there has been substantial improvement in the treatment modalities, cancer remains the major cause of fatality worldwide. Metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to oncological therapies are the leading causes of cancer mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that allows cancer cells to undergo morphological transformation into a mesenchymal phenotype to acquire invasive potential. It encompasses reversible and dynamic ontogenesis by neoplastic cells during metastatic dissemination. Hence, understanding the molecular landscape of EMT is imperative to identify a reliable clinical biomarker to combat metastatic spread. Accumulating evidence reveals the role of HOX (homeobox) cluster-embedded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT and cancer metastasis. They play a crucial role in the induction of EMT, modulating diverse biological targets. The present review emphasizes the involvement of HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in EMT as a molecular sponge, chromatin remodeler, signaling regulator, and immune system modulator. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance and the potential use of novel drugs targeting HOX cluster-embedded lncRNAs in the clinical management of distant metastasis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Srikanth Gadicherla
- Deparment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal- 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal-576104, Karnataka, India; Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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10
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Ding J, Zhang Y, Che Y. Ovarian cancer stem cells: Critical roles in anti-tumor immunity. Front Genet 2022; 13:998220. [PMID: 36437919 PMCID: PMC9685611 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.998220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Over the past 3 decades, there has been a high incidence of recurrent chemoresistant disease, despite the relative effectiveness of current treatment strategies. This is partly attributed to cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation that has acquired stem cell properties that allow these cells to evade standard chemotherapy and cause disease recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for basic knowledge about CSC to develop innovative therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer. These CSC subpopulations have been identified in ovarian cancer cell lines, tumors or ascites, and findings suggest that ovarian CSCs may be as heterogeneous as the disease itself. CSCs regulate the phenotype and function of immune cells involved in antitumor immunity, so a better understanding of the signaling pathways that interact between CSCs, immune cells and tumor cells will pave the way for the clinical application of CS in cancer immunotherapy. This review will focus on the markers currently used to identify and isolate these cells summarize current knowledge on the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for CSC-dependent regulation of antitumor immune responses. We will discuss the signaling pathways involved in CSC survival, replication, and differentiation as well as potential therapeutic targeting strategies.
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11
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Chen Y, Yi X, Sun N, Guo W, Li C. Epigenetics Regulates Antitumor Immunity in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868786. [PMID: 35693795 PMCID: PMC9174518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868786] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which originates from epidermal melanocytes, with increasing worldwide incidence. The escape of immune surveillance is a hallmark of the tumor, which is manifested by the imbalance between the enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells and the impaired antitumor capacity of infiltrating immune cells. According to this notion, the invigoration of the exhausted immune cells by immune checkpoint blockades has gained encouraging outcomes in eliminating tumor cells and significantly prolonged the survival of patients, particularly in melanoma. Epigenetics is a pivotal non-genomic modulatory paradigm referring to heritable changes in gene expression without altering genome sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and m6A RNA methylation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated how the dysregulation of epigenetics regulates multiple biological behaviors of tumor cells and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in melanoma. Nevertheless, the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity, as well as its implication in melanoma immunotherapy, remains elusive. In this review, we first introduce the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic innovations of melanoma. Then, the tumor microenvironment and the functions of different types of infiltrating immune cells are discussed, with an emphasis on their involvement in antitumor immunity in melanoma. Subsequently, we systemically summarize the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity in melanoma, from the perspective of distinct paradigms of epigenetics. Ultimately, the progression of the clinical trials regarding epigenetics-based melanoma immunotherapy is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Zabolian A, Canadas I, Zarrabi A, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Crea F, Wang Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Kumar AP. The long and short non-coding RNAs modulating EZH2 signaling in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35236381 PMCID: PMC8892735 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a large family of RNA molecules with no capability in encoding proteins. However, they participate in developmental and biological processes and their abnormal expression affects cancer progression. These RNA molecules can function as upstream mediators of different signaling pathways and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is among them. Briefly, EZH2 belongs to PRCs family and can exert functional roles in cells due to its methyltransferase activity. EZH2 affects gene expression via inducing H3K27me3. In the present review, our aim is to provide a mechanistic discussion of ncRNAs role in regulating EZH2 expression in different cancers. MiRNAs can dually induce/inhibit EZH2 in cancer cells to affect downstream targets such as Wnt, STAT3 and EMT. Furthermore, miRNAs can regulate therapy response of cancer cells via affecting EZH2 signaling. It is noteworthy that EZH2 can reduce miRNA expression by binding to promoter and exerting its methyltransferase activity. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) are synthetic, short ncRNAs capable of reducing EZH2 expression and suppressing cancer progression. LncRNAs mainly regulate EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. Furthermore, lncRNAs induce EZH2 by modulating miRNA expression. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs), like lncRNAs, affect EZH2 expression via targeting miRNAs. These areas are discussed in the present review with a focus on molecular pathways leading to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 1417466191, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, 5th Azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan, Iran
| | - Israel Canadas
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, Istanbul, 34956, Turkey.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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13
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Fan B, Zhang Q, Wang N, Wang G. LncRNAs, the Molecules Involved in Communications With Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811374. [PMID: 35155247 PMCID: PMC8829571 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cells (CRCSCs) can actively self-renew, as well as having multidirectional differentiation and tumor regeneration abilities. Because the high functional activities of CRCSCs are associated with low cure rates in patients with colorectal cancer, efforts have sought to determine the function and regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs. To date, however, the potential regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs remain incompletely understood. Many non-coding genes are involved in tumor invasion and spread through their regulation of CRCSCs, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) being important non-coding RNAs. LncRNAs may be involved in the colorectal cancer development and drug resistance through their regulation of CRCSCs. This review systematically evaluates the latest research on the ability of lncRNAs to regulate CRCSC signaling pathways and the involvement of these lncRNAs in colorectal cancer promotion and suppression. The regulatory network of lncRNAs in the CRCSC signaling pathway has been determined. Further analysis of the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as novel clinical diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer may provide new ideas and protocols for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Fan
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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14
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MicroRNA-135 inhibits initiation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer by targeting ZNF217 and promoting m6A modification of NANOG. Oncogene 2022; 41:1742-1751. [PMID: 35121826 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02211-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs play significant roles in various malignancies, with breast cancer (BC) being no exception. Consequently, we explored the functional mechanism of miR-135 in the progression of BC. In total, 55 pairs of BC and matched adjacent normal tissues were clinically collected from patients, followed by quantification of miR-135 and zinc finger protein 217 (ZNF217) expression patterns in BC tissues and cells. Accordingly, high ZNF217 expression and low miR-135 expression levels were identified in BC tissues and cells. Subsequently, the expressions of miR-135 and ZNF217 were altered to evaluate their effects on BC cell migration, invasion and EMT initiation. It was found that when ZNF217 was silenced or miR-135 was elevated, BC cell malignant behaviors were significantly inhibited, which was reproduced in nude mice for in vivo evidence. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay revealed the presence of direct binding between miR-135 and ZNF217. Subsequent co-immunoprecipitation, methylated-RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation and photoactivatable ribonucleoside enhanced-crosslinking and immunoprecipitation assays further revealed that ZNF217 could upregulate NANOG by reducing N6-methyladenosine levels via methyltransferase-like 13 (METTL3). Collectively, our findings highlighted the role of the miR-135/ZNF217/METTL3/NANOG axis in the progression of BC, emphasizing potential therapeutic targets ZNF217 silencing and miR-135 upregulation in preventing or treating BC.
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15
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Guo Y, Yang JH, He Y, Zhou HF, Wang Y, Ding ZS, Jin B, Wan HT. Protocatechuic aldehyde prevents ischemic injury by attenuating brain microvascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via lncRNA Xist. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 94:153849. [PMID: 34775360 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory cell death characterized by the formation of inflammasomes. Abnormal inflammation in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) has been correlated with ischemic stroke. Protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA) is a hydrophilic phenolic acid derived from the traditional Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza with significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanism of PCA on BMEC pyroptosis under ischemic injury has been largely unexplored. PURPOSE We aimed to study the effects and mechanism of PCA on BMEC pyroptosis under ischemic injury. METHODS Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected through the tail vein with different concentrations of PCA after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed. The protective effects of PCA in SD rats were examined via neurological scores, infarct volume evaluation, and anti-pyroptosis effects using immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Rat BMECs (rBMECs) were treated with different concentrations of PCA after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). The ability of PCA to protect rBMECs was examined via cell viability, anti-oxidative activity, and anti-pyroptosis effects as determined by qRT-PCR and western blot. Additionally, the role of lncRNA Xist in anti-pyroptosis responses of PCA-treated rBMECs was validated with lncRNA Xist siRNA. RESULTS We found that treatment with MCAO and OGD increased the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3, gasdermin D, Caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and NIMA-related kinase 7, which was reversed by treatment with PCA or MCC950 (a pyroptosis inhibitor). In addition, PCA reduced the cerebral infarct volume in MCAO rats and promoted cell survival and proliferation in OGD/reperfusion-treated rBMECs. PCA enhanced the antioxidant activity and mitochondrial membrane potential in rBMECs. PCA also enhanced lncRNA Xist expression, and when the expression of lncRNA Xist was silenced, PCA could not alleviate pyroptosis well in rBMECs. CONCLUSION Protocatechuic aldehyde prevents ischemic injury by attenuating rBMEC pyroptosis via lncRNA Xist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- College of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Jie-Hong Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Yu He
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Hui-Fen Zhou
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Zhi-Shan Ding
- College of Medical Technology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Bo Jin
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Hai-Tong Wan
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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16
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Naz F, Shi M, Sajid S, Yang Z, Yu C. Cancer stem cells: a major culprit of intra-tumor heterogeneity. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5782-5811. [PMID: 35018226 PMCID: PMC8727794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is recognized as a preeminent factor of the world's mortality. Although various modalities have been designed to cure this life-threatening ailment, a significant impediment in the effective output of cancer treatment is heterogeneity. Cancer is characterized as a heterogeneous health disorder that comprises a distinct group of transformed cells to assist anomalous proliferation of affected cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a leading cause of cancer heterogeneity that is continually transformed by cellular extrinsic and intrinsic factors. They intensify neoplastic cells aggressiveness by strengthening their dissemination, relapse and therapy resistance. Considering this viewpoint, in this review article we have discussed some intrinsic (transcription factors, cell signaling pathways, genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and epitranscriptomics) and extrinsic factors (tumor microenvironment (TME)) that contribute to CSC heterogeneity and plasticity, which may help scientists to meddle these processes and eventually improve cancer research and management. Besides, the potential role of CSCs heterogeneity in establishing metastasis and therapy resistance has been articulated which signifies the importance of developing novel anticancer therapies to target CSCs along with targeting bulk tumor mass to achieve an effective output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naz
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Mengran Shi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
| | - Salvia Sajid
- Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for WomenKarachi 74600, Pakistan
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
- College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim UniversityAlar 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijing 100029, China
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17
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Chai P, Jia R, Li Y, Zhou C, Gu X, Yang L, Shi H, Tian H, Lin H, Yu J, Zhuang A, Ge S, Jia R, Fan X. Regulation of epigenetic homeostasis in uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 89:101030. [PMID: 34861419 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) and retinoblastoma (RB), which cause blindness and even death, are the most frequently observed primary intraocular malignancies in adults and children, respectively. Epigenetic studies have shown that changes in the epigenome contribute to the rapid progression of both UM and RB following classic genetic changes. The loss of epigenetic homeostasis plays an important role in oncogenesis by disrupting the normal patterns of gene expression. The targetable nature of epigenetic modifications provides a unique opportunity to optimize treatment paradigms and establish new therapeutic options for both UM and RB with these aberrant epigenetic modifications. We aimed to review the research findings regarding relevant epigenetic changes in UM and RB. Herein, we 1) summarize the literature, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA modifications, noncoding RNAs and an abnormal chromosomal architecture; 2) elaborate on the regulatory role of epigenetic modifications in biological processes during tumorigenesis; and 3) propose promising therapeutic candidates for epigenetic targets and update the list of epigenetic drugs for the treatment of UM and RB. In summary, we endeavour to depict the epigenetic landscape of primary intraocular malignancy tumorigenesis and provide potential epigenetic targets in the treatment of these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Chai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ruobing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Hanhan Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Huimin Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Ai Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
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18
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Li Y, Li W, Hoffman AR, Cui J, Hu JF. The Nucleus/Mitochondria-Shuttling LncRNAs Function as New Epigenetic Regulators of Mitophagy in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:699621. [PMID: 34568319 PMCID: PMC8455849 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.699621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy is a specialized autophagic pathway responsible for the selective removal of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria by targeting them to the autophagosome in order to maintain mitochondria quality. The role of mitophagy in tumorigenesis has been conflicting, with the process both supporting tumor cell survival and promoting cell death. Cancer cells may utilize the mitophagy pathway to augment their metabolic requirements and resistance to cell death, thereby leading to increased cell proliferation and invasiveness. This review highlights major regulatory pathways of mitophagy involved in cancer. In particular, we summarize recent progress regarding how nuclear-encoded long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as novel epigenetic players in the mitochondria of cancer cells, affecting the malignant behavior of tumors by regulating mitophagy. Finally, we discuss the potential application of regulating mitophagy as a new target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Andrew R Hoffman
- Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ji-Fan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Dehghani H. Regulation of Chromatin Organization in Cell Stemness: The Emerging Role of Long Non-coding RNAs. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:2042-2053. [PMID: 34181184 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10209-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin is organized as chromosome territories in the nucleus of an interphase cell. The cell-type- and cell-state-specific organization of chromatin including the location, volume, compaction level, and spatial arrangement of chromosome territories are the major determinants of genome function. In addition, in response to different signaling stimuli and regulatory cues, it is the dynamic adaptation of chromatin structure that establishes and organizes transcriptional programs. It is known that varying levels of stemness are defined by gene regulatory networks. Accordingly, chromatin is the main milieu to host the transcriptional programs and gene regulatory networks responsible for the stemness status of a cell. In this review, our current understanding of the spatial organization of chromatin and the ways by which it defines stemness are discussed. In particular, the role of lncRNAs that regulate and affect chromatin organization and stemness properties are delineated. These roles can be categorized into the topics of specific binding to and epigenetic regulation of the promoter of pluripotency genes, their interaction with transcription factors, coordinating the intra- and inter-chromosomal looping of pluripotency-related genes, and their RNA-independent functions. This review brings together the results of studies that have begun to clarify the emerging roles of lncRNAs in the regulation of chromatin organization adapted for stemness and cancer plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Dehghani
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
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20
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He J, Ling L, Liu Z, Ren X, Wan L, Tu C, Li Z. Functional interplay between long non-coding RNAs and the Wnt signaling cascade in osteosarcoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:313. [PMID: 34130697 PMCID: PMC8207720 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a common and highly malignant bone tumor among children, adolescents and young adults. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. LncRNAs are transcripts with no or limited protein-coding capacity in human genomes, and have been demonstrated to play crucial functions in initiation, progression, therapeutic resistance, recurrence and metastasis of tumor. Considerable studies revealed a dysregulated lncRNA expression pattern in osteosarcoma, which may act as oncogenes or suppressors to regulate osteosarcoma progression. Wnt signaling pathway is an important cascade in tumorigenesis by modulation of pleiotropic biological functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, stemness, genetic stability and chemoresistance. Hyperactivation or deficiency of key effectors in Wnt cascade is a common event in many osteosarcoma patients. Recently, increasing evidences have suggested that lncRNAs could interplay with component of Wnt pathway, and thereby contribute to osteosarcoma onset, progression and dissemination. In this review, we briefly summarize Wnt signaling-related lncRNAs in osteosarcoma progression, aiming to gain insights into their underlying crosstalk as well as clinical application in osteosarcoma therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyu He
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Ling
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongyue Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaolei Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Lu Wan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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21
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Zhang J, Ding T, Zhang H. Insight Into Chromatin-Enriched RNA: A Key Chromatin Regulator in Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649605. [PMID: 33937246 PMCID: PMC8079759 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin-enriched RNAs (cheRNAs) constitute a special class of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are enriched around chromatin and function to activate neighboring or distal gene transcription. Recent studies have shown that cheRNAs affect chromatin structure and gene expression by recruiting chromatin modifiers or acting as bridges between distal enhancers and promoters. The abnormal transcription of cheRNAs plays an important role in the occurrence of many diseases, particularly tumors. The critical effect of cancer stem cells (CSCs) on the formation and development of tumors is well known, but the function of cheRNAs in tumorigenesis, especially in CSC proliferation and stemness maintenance, is not yet fully understood. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cheRNAs in epigenetic regulation and chromatin conformation and discusses the way cheRNAs function in CSCs to deepen the understanding of tumorigenesis and provide novel insight to advance tumor-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixing Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Research Center for Stem Cells, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Research Center for Stem Cells, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Zhang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Frontier Science Research Center for Stem Cells, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Angius A, Scanu AM, Arru C, Muroni MR, Rallo V, Deiana G, Ninniri MC, Carru C, Porcu A, Pira G, Uva P, Cossu-Rocca P, De Miglio MR. Portrait of Cancer Stem Cells on Colorectal Cancer: Molecular Biomarkers, Signaling Pathways and miRNAome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1603. [PMID: 33562604 PMCID: PMC7915330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and about 20% is metastatic at diagnosis and untreatable. Increasing evidence suggests that the heterogeneous nature of CRC is related to colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), a small cells population with stemness behaviors and responsible for tumor progression, recurrence, and therapy resistance. Growing knowledge of stem cells (SCs) biology has rapidly improved uncovering the molecular mechanisms and possible crosstalk/feedback loops between signaling pathways that directly influence intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis. The generation of CCSCs is probably connected to genetic changes in members of signaling pathways, which control self-renewal and pluripotency in SCs and then establish function and phenotype of CCSCs. Particularly, various deregulated CCSC-related miRNAs have been reported to modulate stemness features, controlling CCSCs functions such as regulation of cell cycle genes expression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasization, and drug-resistance mechanisms. Primarily, CCSC-related miRNAs work by regulating mainly signal pathways known to be involved in CCSCs biology. This review intends to summarize the epigenetic findings linked to miRNAome in the maintenance and regulation of CCSCs, including their relationships with different signaling pathways, which should help to identify specific diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers for CRC, but also develop innovative CCSCs-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angius
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Antonio Mario Scanu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Caterina Arru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Muroni
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Vincenzo Rallo
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy;
| | - Giulia Deiana
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Maria Chiara Ninniri
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Ciriaco Carru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Alberto Porcu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
| | - Giovanna Pira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (C.A.); (C.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Paolo Uva
- IRCCS G. Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Paolo Cossu-Rocca
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
- Department of Diagnostic Services, “Giovanni Paolo II” Hospital, ASSL Olbia-ATS Sardegna, 07026 Olbia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria De Miglio
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Via P. Manzella, 4, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (G.D.); (M.C.N.); (A.P.); (P.C.-R.)
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Characterization and Role in Tumorigenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1330:151-169. [PMID: 34339036 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73359-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a heterogenous disease with variable clinicopathological and molecular mechanisms being responsible for tumorigenesis. Despite substantial technological improvement, lack of early diagnosis contributes to its highest mortality. Ovarian cancer is considered to be the most lethal female gynaecological cancer across the world. Conventional treatment modules with platinum- and Taxane-based chemotherapy can cause an initial satisfactory improvement in ovarian cancer patients. However, approximately 75-80% patients of advanced stage ovarian cancer, experience relapse and nearly 40% have overall poor survival rate. It has been observed that a subpopulation of cells referred as cancer stem cells (CSCs), having self renewal property, escape the conventional chemotherapy because of their quiescent nature. Later, these CSCs following its interaction with microenvironment and release of various inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases, induce invasion and propagation to distant organs of the body mainly peritoneal cavity. These CSCs can be enriched by their specific surface markers such as CD44, CD117, CD133 and intracellular enzyme such as aldehyde dehydrogenase. This tumorigenicity is further aggravated by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition of CSCs and neovascularisation via epigenetic reprogramming and over-expression of various signalling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, Hedgehog, etc. to name a few. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of various cellular events involving interaction between cancer cells and cancer stem cells as well as its surrounding micro environmental components would be of unmet need to achieve the ultimate goal of better management of ovarian cancer patients. This chapter deals with the impact of ovarian cancer stem cells in tumorigenesis which would help in the implementation of basic research into the clinical field in the form of translational research in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer patients through amelioration of diagnosis and impoverishment of therapeutic resistance.
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