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Wang L, Sun H, Cao L, Wang J. Role of HOXA1-4 in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Biomark Res 2024; 12:18. [PMID: 38311789 PMCID: PMC10840290 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The HOXA genes, belonging to the HOX family, encompass 11 members (HOXA1-11) and exert critical functions in early embryonic development, as well as various adult processes. Furthermore, dysregulation of HOXA genes is implicated in genetic diseases, heart disease, and various cancers. In this comprehensive overview, we primarily focused on the HOXA1-4 genes and their associated functions and diseases. Emphasis was placed on elucidating the impact of abnormal expression of these genes and highlighting their significance in maintaining optimal health and their involvement in the development of genetic and malignant diseases. Furthermore, we delved into their regulatory mechanisms, functional roles, and underlying biology and explored the therapeutic potential of targeting HOXA1-4 genes for the treatment of malignancies. Additionally, we explored the utility of HOXA1-4 genes as biomarkers for monitoring cancer recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haifeng Sun
- The Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
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Role of E2F transcription factor in Oral cancer: Recent Insight and Advancements. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:28-41. [PMID: 36924812 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The family of mammalian E2F transcription factors (E2Fs) comprise of 8 members (E2F1-E2F8) classified as activators (E2F1-E2F3) and repressors (E2F4-E2F8) primarily regulating the expression of several genes related to cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, mainly in a cell cycle-dependent manner. E2F activity is frequently controlled via the retinoblastoma protein (pRb), cyclins, p53 and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Additionally, genetic or epigenetic changes result in the deregulation of E2F family genes expression altering S phase entry and apoptosis, an important hallmark for the onset and development of cancer. Although studies reveal E2Fs to be involved in several human malignancies, the mechanisms underlying the role of E2Fs in oral cancer lies nascent and needs further investigations. This review focuses on the role of E2Fs in oral cancer and the etiological factors regulating E2Fs activity, which in turn transcriptionally control the expression of their target genes, thus contributing to cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug/therapy resistance. Further, we will discuss therapeutic strategies for E2Fs, which may prevent oral tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
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Padam KSR, Morgan R, Hunter K, Chakrabarty S, Kumar NAN, Radhakrishnan R. Identification of HOX signatures contributing to oral cancer phenotype. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10123. [PMID: 35710803 PMCID: PMC9203786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of evolutionarily conserved homeobox-containing HOX genes as transcriptional regulators in the developmental specification of organisms is well known. The contribution of HOX genes involvement in oral cancer phenotype has yet to be fully ascertained. TCGA-HNSC HTSeq-counts and clinical data were retrieved from the GDC portal for oral cavity neoplasms. GEO datasets (GSE72627, GSE30784, GSE37991) were accessed and analyzed using GEO2R. Differential HOX gene expression was profiled using the DESeq2 R package with a log2 fold change cut-off (- 1 and + 1) and Benjamini-Hochberg p-adjusted value at ≤ 0.01. Gene set over-representation analysis and semantic analysis associated with the disease ontology was performed using the ClusterProfiler R package, and pathway over-representation analysis was performed using IMPaLa. HOX protein interaction network was constructed using the Pathfind R package. HOX phenotype associations were performed using Mammalian Phenotype Ontology, Human Phenotype Ontology, PhenGenI associations, Jensen tissues, and OMIM entries. Drug connectivity mapping was carried out with Dr. Insight R package. HOXA2 was upregulated in oral dysplasia but silenced during tumor progression. Loss of HOXB2 expression was consistent in the potentially malignant oral lesions as well as in the primary tumor. HOXA7, HOXA10, HOXB7, HOXC6, HOXC10, HOXD10, and HOXD11 were consistently upregulated from premalignancy to malignancy and were notably associated with risk factors. Overrepresentation analysis suggested HOXA10 was involved in the transcriptional misregulation contributing to the oral cancer phenotype. HOX genes subnetwork analysis showed crucial interactions with cell cycle regulators, growth responsive elements, and proto-oncogenes. Phenotype associations specific to the oral region involving HOX genes provide intrinsic cues to tumor development. The 5' HOX genes were aberrantly upregulated during oral carcinogenesis reflecting their posterior prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Richard Morgan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London, London, W5 5RF, UK
| | - Keith Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Naveena A N Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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