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Behera A, Reddy ABM. WWP1 E3 ligase at the crossroads of health and disease. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:853. [PMID: 38129384 PMCID: PMC10739765 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06380-0] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP1 (WW Domain-containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1) is a member of the HECT (Homologous to the E6-associated protein Carboxyl Terminus) E3 ligase family. It is conserved across several species and plays crucial roles in various physiological processes, including development, cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. It exerts its functions through ubiquitination or protein-protein interaction with PPXY-containing proteins. WWP1 plays a role in several human diseases, including cardiac conditions, neurodevelopmental, age-associated osteogenic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancers. In solid tumors, WWP1 plays a dual role as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor, whereas in hematological malignancies such as AML, it is identified as a dedicated oncogene. Importantly, WWP1 inhibition using small molecule inhibitors such as Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Bortezomib or siRNAs leads to significant suppression of cancer growth and healing of bone fractures, suggesting that WWP1 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for several diseases. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary perspective, structure, and functions of WWP1 and its multilevel regulation by various regulators. We also examine its emerging roles in cancer progression and its therapeutic potential. Finally, we highlight WWP1's role in normal physiology, contribution to pathological conditions, and therapeutic potential for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhayananda Behera
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
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Tian X, Chen Y, Peng Z, Lin Q, Sun A. NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases: promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115641. [PMID: 37307883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115641] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family plays a pivotal oncogenic role in a variety of malignancies via mediating ubiquitin dependent degradation processes. Moreover, aberrant expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases is often indicative of cancer progression and correlated with poor prognosis. In this review, we are going to address association of expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases with cancers, the signaling pathways and the molecular mechanisms by which the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate oncogenesis and progression, and the therapies targeting the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases. This review provides the systematic and comprehensive summary of the latest research status of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the NEDD4 subfamily, and proposes that NEDD4 family E3 ubiquitin ligases are promising anti-cancer drug targets, aiming to provide research direction for clinical targeting of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyan Tian
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ziluo Peng
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiong Lin
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Aiqin Sun
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, China.
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3
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Zhang R, Shi S. The role of NEDD4 related HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases in defective autophagy in cancer cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives. Mol Med 2023; 29:34. [PMID: 36918822 PMCID: PMC10015828 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00628-3] [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: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus (HECT)-type E3 ubiquitin ligases are the selective executers in the protein ubiquitination, playing a vital role in modulation of the protein function and stability. Evidence shows the regulatory role of HECT-type E3 ligases in various steps of the autophagic process. Autophagy is an intracellular digestive and recycling process that controls the cellular hemostasis. Defective autophagy is involved in tumorigenesis and has been detected in various types of cancer cells. A growing body of findings indicates that HECT-type E3 ligases, in particular members of the neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4 (NEDD4) including NEDD4-1, NEDD4-L, SMURFs, WWPs, and ITCH, play critical roles in dysregulation or dysfunction of autophagy in cancer cells. The present review focuses on NEDD4 E3 ligases involved in defective autophagy in cancer cells and discusses their autophagic function in different cancer cells as well as substrates and the signaling pathways in which they participate, conferring a basis for the cancer treatment through the modulating of these E3 ligases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Seventh People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610021, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqing Shi
- Scientific Research Laboratory Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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Wang X, Bi Y, Liu X, Liu L, Hao M, Tian M, Shang J. High Expression of WWP1 Associates with Tumor Progression in Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2021; 37:313-323. [PMID: 34388030 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2020.4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: WWP1 (WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1) is increased in several kinds of carcinomas, but the influence of WWP1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is not well understood. Materials and Methods: The expression of WWP1 in PTC tissues and cells is detected by real-time reverse transcription PCR. The biological role of WWP1 on PTC cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion ability was assessed with the Cell Counting Kit-8, colony forming, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays, respectively. Results: The expression of WWP1 mRNA and protein is increased in PTC tissue samples and cells. There is closely correlation between the up expression of WWP1 and clinical parameters, such as tumor size, TNM, and distant metastasis. Knockdown of WWP1 blocks cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, causes cell cycle arrest, and induces apoptosis in PTC cells. Knockdown of WWP1 increases PTEN level and reduces p-PI3K and p-Akt level in PTC cells. Conclusions: Knockdown of WWP1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cell by downregulating the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt, contributing to their understanding the pathogenesis of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Yanqing Bi
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Lili Liu
- Department of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Min Hao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Mengzi Tian
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
| | - Jian Shang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, P.R. China
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The emerging role of WWP1 in cancer development and progression. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:163. [PMID: 34226507 PMCID: PMC8257788 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates that WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) participates into carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this review article, we will describe the association between dysregulated WWP1 expression and clinical features of cancer patients. Moreover, we summarize the both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions of WWP1 in a variety of human cancers. Furthermore, we briefly describe the downstream substrates of WWP1 and its upstream factors to regulate the expression of WWP1. Notably, targeting WWP1 by its inhibitors or natural compounds is potentially useful for treating human malignancies. Finally, we provide the perspectives regarding WWP1 in cancer development and therapies. We hope this review can stimulate the research to improve our understanding of WWP1-mediated tumorigenesis and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies via targeting WWP1 expression in cancers.
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Mathieu NA, Levin RH, Spratt DE. Exploring the Roles of HERC2 and the NEDD4L HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Subfamily in p53 Signaling and the DNA Damage Response. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659049. [PMID: 33869064 PMCID: PMC8044464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659049] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis is governed by the precise expression of genes that control the translation, localization, and termination of proteins. Oftentimes, environmental and biological factors can introduce mutations into the genetic framework of cells during their growth and division, and these genetic abnormalities can result in malignant transformations caused by protein malfunction. For example, p53 is a prominent tumor suppressor protein that is capable of undergoing more than 300 posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and is involved with controlling apoptotic signaling, transcription, and the DNA damage response (DDR). In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and interactions that occur between p53, the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases WWP1, SMURF1, HECW1 and HERC2, and other oncogenic proteins in the cell to explore how irregular HECT-p53 interactions can induce tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Mathieu
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Rafael H Levin
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Donald E Spratt
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
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Selvaraj J, Rekha UV, Jh SF, Sivabalan V, Ponnulakshmi R, Priya VV, Kullappan M, Sreekandan RN, Mohan SK. Molecular docking data of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase WWP1 with compounds from a medicinal plant Justicia adhatoda L. Bioinformation 2021; 17:162-166. [PMID: 34393432 PMCID: PMC8340721 DOI: 10.6026/97320630017162] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase WWP1 is linked to oral cancer. Therefore, it is of interest to document molecular docking data of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase WWP1 with compounds ((Stigmasterol, Pyrazinamide, Vasicinone and Ethambutol)) from a medicinal plant Justicia adhatoda L for further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaraman Selvaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai - 600 077, India
| | - Umapathy Vidhya Rekha
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Pallikaranai,Chennai-600 100, India
| | - Shazia Fathima Jh
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Ragas Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India
| | - Venkatacalam Sivabalan
- Department of Biochemistry, KSR Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Thiruchengodu-637215, India
| | - Rajagopal Ponnulakshmi
- Central Research Laboratory,Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai-600 078, India
| | - Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai - 600 077, India
| | - Malathi Kullappan
- Department of Research,Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Poonamallee, Chennai - 600 123, India
| | - Radhika Nalinakumari Sreekandan
- Department of Clinical Skills & Simulation, Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Poonamallee, Chennai - 600 123, India
| | - Surapaneni Krishna Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Clinical Skills & Simulation, Department of Research, Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Varadharajapuram, Poonamallee, Chennai - 600 123, India
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[Abnormal expression of WWP1 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its clinical significance]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2021; 41:737-742. [PMID: 33113605 PMCID: PMC7595860 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
目的 检测E3泛素连接酶(WWP1)在慢性淋巴细胞白血病(CLL)患者中的表达,分析其与经典预后指标TP53、CD38、IGHV突变等的相关性及预后价值。 方法 48例初诊CLL患者肿瘤细胞WWP1的mRNA水平通过实时定量PCR(qPCR)检测,以9名年龄匹配的正常人作为对照组,分析其临床意义。 结果 对照组WWP1 mRNA表达中位数为0.007(95%CI 0.005~0.010),CLL组表达水平为0.031(95%CI 0.019~0.044),两者的差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。WWP1相对高转录者和低转录者中位诊断至第一次治疗的时间分别为24个月和35个月,两者的差异有统计学意义(P=0.022)。进一步亚组分析显示WWP1 mRNA表达水平与CD38表达和ZAP-70表达相关:CD38、ZAP-70阳性CLL患者较CD38、ZAP-70阴性患者的WWP1 mRNA表达水平显著升高(P值分别为0.012和0.029)。 结论 WWP1在CLL患者中存在异常高表达,而且与CLL临床预后因素ZAP-70和CD38的表达密切相关。
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Sinha A, Iyengar PV, ten Dijke P. E3 Ubiquitin Ligases: Key Regulators of TGFβ Signaling in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E476. [PMID: 33418880 PMCID: PMC7825147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a secreted growth and differentiation factor that influences vital cellular processes like proliferation, adhesion, motility, and apoptosis. Regulation of the TGFβ signaling pathway is of key importance to maintain tissue homeostasis. Perturbation of this signaling pathway has been implicated in a plethora of diseases, including cancer. The effect of TGFβ is dependent on cellular context, and TGFβ can perform both anti- and pro-oncogenic roles. TGFβ acts by binding to specific cell surface TGFβ type I and type II transmembrane receptors that are endowed with serine/threonine kinase activity. Upon ligand-induced receptor phosphorylation, SMAD proteins and other intracellular effectors become activated and mediate biological responses. The levels, localization, and function of TGFβ signaling mediators, regulators, and effectors are highly dynamic and regulated by a myriad of post-translational modifications. One such crucial modification is ubiquitination. The ubiquitin modification is also a mechanism by which crosstalk with other signaling pathways is achieved. Crucial effector components of the ubiquitination cascade include the very diverse family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. This review summarizes the diverse roles of E3 ligases that act on TGFβ receptor and intracellular signaling components. E3 ligases regulate TGFβ signaling both positively and negatively by regulating degradation of receptors and various signaling intermediates. We also highlight the function of E3 ligases in connection with TGFβ's dual role during tumorigenesis. We conclude with a perspective on the emerging possibility of defining E3 ligases as drug targets and how they may be used to selectively target TGFβ-induced pro-oncogenic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (A.S.); (P.V.I.)
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Gatti V, Bernassola F, Talora C, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. The Impact of the Ubiquitin System in the Pathogenesis of Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061595. [PMID: 32560247 PMCID: PMC7352818 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin system is a dynamic regulatory pathway controlling the activity, subcellular localization and stability of a myriad of cellular proteins, which in turn affects cellular homeostasis through the regulation of a variety of signaling cascades. Aberrant activity of key components of the ubiquitin system has been functionally linked with numerous human diseases including the initiation and progression of human tumors. In this review, we will contextualize the importance of the two main components of the ubiquitin system, the E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), in the etiology of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). We will discuss the signaling pathways regulated by these enzymes, emphasizing the genetic and molecular determinants underlying their deregulation in SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gatti
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Ma L, Chen X, Li C, Cheng R, Gao Z, Meng X, Sun C, Liang C, Liu Y. miR-129-5p and -3p co-target WWP1 to suppress gastric cancer proliferation and migration. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7527-7538. [PMID: 30417502 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a worldwide health problem. Uncovering the underlining molecular mechanisms of GC is of vital significance. Here, we identified a novel oncogene WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) in GC. WWP1 could promote GC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and expedite GC growth in vivo. We also found out two microRNAs (miRNAs): miR-129-5p and -3p could both target WWP1. Interestingly, miR-129-5p bound to the CDS region of WWP1 mRNA. The miR-129 pairs (miR-129-5p and -3p) play pivotal roles in GC to suppress its proliferation and migration in vitro and slow down GC growth in vivo by repressing WWP1. In summary, we identified two tumor suppressive miRNAs which share the same precursor that could regulate the same oncogene WWP1 in GC. Our finding would add new route for GC research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjun Ma
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaorui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Rongjie Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo Gao
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiangbo Meng
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Sun
- Endoscopy Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Xia Y, Chang X, Lian S, Zhu W. WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 depletion evokes antitumor effect in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. J Int Med Res 2018; 46:2898-2912. [PMID: 29888632 PMCID: PMC6124284 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518778905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) has been implicated in tumor progression. We aimed to investigate the role of WWP1 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Methods WWP1 gene and protein levels were detected using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The effects of WWP1 on cell cycle, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion were examined by flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. The antitumor efficacy of WWP1 small interfering RNA was determined in CSCC tumor xenografts in mice. Results WWP1 expression was significantly higher in CSCC tissues and cells than in normal skin and cells, respectively. WWP1 expression was significantly associated with histological grade, invasion depth and lymph node metastasis in patients with CSCC. High expression predicted metastatic potential and an unfavorable prognosis. WWP1 downregulation suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, reduced cell migration and invasion, arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 and induced apoptosis in A431 cells. WWP1 depletion also decreased phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), matrix metalloproteinase-2, cyclin D1 and Bcl-2, but did not affect total STAT3. Conclusions WWP1 is a potential target for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of patients with CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Xia
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Chang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shi Lian
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, P.R. China
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The E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP1 sustains the growth of acute myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia 2017; 32:911-919. [PMID: 29209041 PMCID: PMC5886071 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3) WWP1 is an oncogenic factor implicated in the maintenance of different types of epithelial cancers. The role of WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) in haematological neoplasms remains unknown. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is characterized by the expansion of malignant myeloid cells blocked at different stages of differentiation. Here we report that the expression of WWP1 is significantly augmented in a large cohort of primary AML patients and in AML cell lines, compared with haematopoietic cells from healthy donors. We show that WWP1 inactivation severely impairs the growth of primary AML blasts and cell lines in vitro. In vivo, we observed a reduced leukaemogenic potential of WWP1-depleted AML cells upon transplantation into immunocompromised mice. Mechanistically, WWP1 inactivation induces the accumulation of its protein substrate p27Kip1, which ultimately contributes to G0/G1 cell cycle arrest of AML blasts. In addition, WWP1 depletion triggers the autophagy signalling and reduces survival of leukaemic cells. Collectively, our findings provide molecular insights into the anti-cancer potential of WWP1 inhibition, suggesting that this E3 is a promising biomarker and druggable target in AML.
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Gallo LH, Ko J, Donoghue DJ. The importance of regulatory ubiquitination in cancer and metastasis. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:634-648. [PMID: 28166483 PMCID: PMC5397262 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1288326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination serves as a degradation mechanism of proteins, but is involved in additional cellular processes such as activation of NFκB inflammatory response and DNA damage repair. We highlight the E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes, E3 ubiquitin ligases and Deubiquitinases that support the metastasis of a plethora of cancers. E3 ubiquitin ligases also modulate pluripotent cancer stem cells attributed to chemotherapy resistance. We further describe mutations in E3 ubiquitin ligases that support tumor proliferation and adaptation to hypoxia. Thus, this review describes how tumors exploit members of the vast ubiquitin signaling pathways to support aberrant oncogenic signaling for survival and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. H. Gallo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J. Ko
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D. J. Donoghue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Overexpression of WWP1 promotes tumorigenesis and predicts unfavorable prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 6:40920-33. [PMID: 26506518 PMCID: PMC4747378 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) has been speculated to play important roles in the development of several kinds of cancers. However, the role of WWP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is not clear. In the present study, we investigated the expression and prognostic role of WWP1 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using cell lines and 149 archived HCC samples. Correlation between the functions of WWP1 in HCC was also explored. We used human HCC cell lines (BEL-7402, SMMC-7721, Hep-G2, Hep-3B, SK-hep1 and Huh7) and a normal hepatocyte cell line (LO2) along with HCC samples from patients who had undergone resection for HCC previously at our hospital. A battery of methods (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction; western blotting; immunohistochemical analyses; cell proliferation and colony formation assays; cell migration and cell invasion assays) were employed to assess various aspects of WWP1. We found that WWP1 expression was upregulated aberrantly at mRNA and protein levels in human primary HCC tissues. Amplified expression of WWP1 was highly correlated with poor outcome. Silencing of WWP1 expression by siRNA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro, and resulted in significant apoptosis and cycle arrest in HCC cells. Our findings suggest that WWP1 might have an oncogenic role in human primary HCC, and that it could be used as a prognostic marker as well as a potential molecular target for the treatment of HCC.
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Basheer WA, Harris BS, Mentrup HL, Abreha M, Thames EL, Lea JB, Swing DA, Copeland NG, Jenkins NA, Price RL, Matesic LE. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the ubiquitin ligase Wwp1 contributes to reduction in Connexin 43 and arrhythmogenesis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 88:1-13. [PMID: 26386426 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) are intercellular channels composed of connexin subunits that play a critical role in a diverse number of cellular processes in all tissue types. In the heart, GJs mediate electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes and display mislocalization and/or downregulation in cardiac disease (a process known as GJ remodeling), producing an arrhythmogenic substrate. The main constituent of GJs in the ventricular myocardium is Connexin 43 (Cx43), an integral membrane protein that is rapidly turned over and shows decreased expression or function with age. We hypothesized that Wwp1, an ubiquitin ligase whose expression in known to increase in aging-related pathologies, may regulate Cx43 in vivo by targeting it for ubiquitylation and degradation and yield tissue-specific Cx43 loss of function phenotypes. When Wwp1 was globally overexpressed in mice under the control of a β-actin promoter, the highest induction of Wwp1 expression was observed in the heart which was associated with a 90% reduction in cardiac Cx43 protein levels, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and the development of lethal ventricular arrhythmias around 8weeks of age. This phenotype was completely penetrant in two independent founder lines. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Wwp1 confirmed that this phenotype was cell autonomous and delineated Cx43-dependent and -independent roles for Wwp1 in arrhythmogenesis and LVH, respectively. Using a cell-based system, it was determined that Wwp1 co-immunoprecipitates with and ubiquitylates Cx43, causing a decrease in the steady state levels of Cx43 protein. These findings offer new mechanistic insights into the regulation of Cx43 which may be exploitable in various gap junctionopathies.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Actins/metabolism
- Animals
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/genetics
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/metabolism
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/pathology
- Connexin 43/genetics
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gap Junctions/metabolism
- Gap Junctions/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Heart Ventricles/metabolism
- Heart Ventricles/pathology
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/genetics
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/metabolism
- Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocardium/pathology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology
- Phenotype
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism
- Protein Stability
- Proteolysis
- Signal Transduction
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
- Ubiquitination
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Affiliation(s)
- Wassim A Basheer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Brett S Harris
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Heather L Mentrup
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Measho Abreha
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Thames
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jessica B Lea
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Deborah A Swing
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, The National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Neal G Copeland
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, The National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nancy A Jenkins
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, The National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Robert L Price
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Lydia E Matesic
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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The L1/2 regularization approach for survival analysis in the accelerated failure time model. Comput Biol Med 2015; 64:283-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Zou X, Levy-Cohen G, Blank M. Molecular functions of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2015; 1856:91-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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WWP1 as a potential tumor oncogene regulates PTEN-Akt signaling pathway in human gastric carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:787-98. [PMID: 25293520 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Whelming evidence has demonstrated that WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) participates in a wide variety of biological processes and is tightly related to the initiation and progression of many tumors. Currently, although mounting evidence supports a role of WWP1 in tumor promotion and tumorigenesis, the potential roles of WWP1 and its biological functions in gastric carcinoma are not fully understood. Here, we found that WWP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were highly expressed in gastric carcinoma tissues and cells. High WWP1 mRNA and protein levels were tightly related to differentiation status, TNM stage, invasive depth, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis in gastric carcinoma. Furthermore, WWP1 siRNA significantly decreased WWP1 protein level in MKN-45 and AGS cells; meanwhile, WWP1 depletion markedly inhibited tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo, arrested cell cycle at G0/G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis in MKN-45 and AGS cells. Most notably, WWP1 downregulation both inactivated PTEN-Akt signaling pathway in MKN-45 and AGS cells. Taken altogether, our findings suggest that WWP1 acts as an oncogenic factor and should be considered as a novel interfering molecular target for gastric carcinoma.
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