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Amani MS, Peymani M. Investigating the impact of SMAD2 and SMAD4 downregulation in colorectal cancer and their correlation with immune markers, prognosis, and drug resistance and sensitivity. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:831. [PMID: 39037563 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many genes linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) contribute to cancer development, a thorough investigation is needed to explore crucial hub genes yet to be fully studied. A pivotal pathway in CRC is transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). This study aimed to assess SMAD2 and SMAD4 gene expression from this pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS Counted data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were examined, comparing 483 tumor and 41 normal samples. Using clinical data, genes impacting overall survival (OS) were evaluated. GSE39582 was employed to confirmed the levels of genes in CRC compared to the normal samples. Additionally, employing unhealthy samples and the RT-qPCR means our outcomes was validated. Finally, PharmacoGx information were utilized to connect the levels of potential genes to drug tolerance and susceptibility. Our findings showed SMAD2 and SMAD4 levels in TGF-β signaling were more significant than other pathway genes. Our findings indicated that the protein levels of these genes were lower in malignant tissues than in healthy tissues. Results revealed a significant correlation between low levels of SMAD2 and unfavorable OS in CRC individuals. RT-qPCR results demonstrated decreased expressions of both SMAD2 and SMAD4 in cancer tissues compared to elevated levels in adjacent normal samples. Our results showed significant association between selected genes and immune cell infiltration markers such as CD8+, and B-cells. Our results indicated a potential association among the levels of SMAD2 and SMAD4 genes and tolerance and susceptibility to Nilotinib and Panobinostat drugs. CONCLUSION Reduced expression of SMAD2 and SMAD4 may be pivotal in CRC progression, impacting downstream genes unrelated to patient OS. These findings suggest a potential role for SMAD2 and SMAD4 as predictive markers for drug response in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Saadat Amani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Maryam Peymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
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2
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Ma C, Liu M, Feng W, Rao H, Zhang W, Liu C, Xu Y, Wang Z, Teng Y, Yang X, Ni L, Xu J, Gao W, Lu B, Li L. Loss of SETD2 aggravates colorectal cancer progression caused by SMAD4 deletion through the RAS/ERK signalling pathway. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1475. [PMID: 37962020 PMCID: PMC10644329 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1475] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGOUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex, multistep disease that arises from the interplay genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations. The histone H3K36 trimethyltransferase SET domain-containing 2 (SETD2), as an epigenetic signalling molecule, has a 5% mutation rate in CRC. SETD2 expression is decreased in the development of human CRC and mice treated with Azoxymethane /Dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS). Loss of SETD2 promoted CRC development. SMAD Family member 4 (SMAD4) has a 14% mutation rate in CRC, and SMAD4 ablation leads to CRC. The co-mutation of SETD2 and SMAD4 predicted advanced CRC. However, little is known on the potential synergistic effect of SETD2 and SMAD4. METHODS CRC tissues from mice and SW620 cells were used as research subjects. Clinical databases of CRC patients were analyzed to investigate the association between SETD2 and SMAD4. SETD2 and SMAD4 double-knockout mice were established to further investigate the role of SETD2 in SMAD4-deficient CRC. The intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were isolated for RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to explore the mechanism and the key molecules resulting in CRC. Molecular and cellular experiments were conducted to analyze the role of SETD2 in SMAD4-deficient CRC. Finally, rescue experiments were performed to confirm the molecular mechanism of SETD2 in the development of SMAD4-dificient CRC. RESULTS The deletion of SETD2 promotes the malignant progression of SMAD4-deficient CRC. Smad4Vil-KO ; Setd2Vil-KO mice developed a more severe CRC phenotype after AOM/DSS induction, with a larger tumour size and a more vigorous epithelial proliferation rate. Further mechanistic findings revealed that the loss of SETD2 resulted in the down-regulation of DUSP7, which is involved in the inhibition of the RAS/ERK signalling pathway. Finally, the ERK1/2 inhibitor SCH772984 significantly attenuated the progression of CRC in Smad4Vil-KO ;Setd2Vil-KO mice, and overexpression of DUSP7 significantly inhibited the proliferation rates of SETD2KO ; SMAD4KO SW620 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that SETD2 inhibits the RAS/ERK signaling pathway by facilitating the transcription of DUSP7 in SMAD4-deficient CRC, which could provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wenxin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hanyu Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Changwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein SciencesBeijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein SciencesBeijing Institute of LifeomicsBeijingChina
| | - Li Ni
- Department of NursingShanghai East Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jin Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Wei‐Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bing Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Medicine, Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for CancerRenji‐Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med‐X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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3
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Lantern-shaped flexible RNA origami for Smad4 mRNA delivery and growth suppression of colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1307. [PMID: 36894556 PMCID: PMC9998469 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA delivery has shown high application value in the treatment of various diseases, but its effective delivery is still a major challenge at present. Herein, we propose a lantern-shaped flexible RNA origami for mRNA delivery. The origami is composed of a target mRNA scaffold and only two customized RGD-modified circular RNA staples, which can compress the mRNA into nanoscale and facilitate its endocytosis by cells. In parallel, the flexible structure of the lantern-shaped origami allows large regions of the mRNA to be exposed and translated, exhibiting a good balance between endocytosis and translation efficiency. The application of lantern-shaped flexible RNA origami in the context of the tumor suppressor gene, Smad4 in colorectal cancer models demonstrates promising potential for accurate manipulation of protein levels in in vitro and in vivo settings. This flexible origami strategy provides a competitive delivery method for mRNA-based therapies.
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Bévant K, Desoteux M, Abdel Wahab AHA, Abdel Wahab SA, Metwally AM, Coulouarn C. DNA Methylation of TGFβ Target Genes: Epigenetic Control of TGFβ Functional Duality in Liver Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:2207. [PMID: 34571856 PMCID: PMC8468746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. However, its action is complex, since TGFβ exhibits tumor-suppressive or oncogenic properties, depending on the tumor stage. At an early stage TGFβ exhibits cytostatic features, but at a later stage it promotes cell growth and metastasis, as a potent inducer of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we evaluated DNA methylation as a possible molecular mechanism switching TGFβ activity toward tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report that decitabine, a demethylating agent already used in the clinic for the treatment of several cancers, greatly impairs the transcriptional response of SNU449 HCC cells to TGFβ. Importantly, decitabine was shown to induce the expression of EMT-related transcription factors (e.g., SNAI1/2, ZEB1/2). We also report that the promoter of SNAI1 was hypomethylated in poor-prognosis human HCC, i.e., associated with high grade, high AFP level, metastasis and recurrence. Altogether, the data highlight an epigenetic control of several effectors of the TGFβ pathway in human HCC possibly involved in switching its action toward EMT and tumor progression. Thus, we conclude that epidrugs should be carefully evaluated for the treatment of HCC, as they may activate tumor promoting pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bévant
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
| | - Matthis Desoteux
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
| | | | - Sabrin A. Abdel Wahab
- Medical Laboratory Department, Students Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt;
| | - Ayman Mohamed Metwally
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Health Science Technology, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Al-Motamayez District, 6th of October P.O. Box 77, Egypt
| | - Cédric Coulouarn
- Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Eugène Marquis, Inserm, University of Rennes 1, UMR_S 1242, COSS (Chemistry, Oncogenesis Stress Signaling), 35042 Rennes, France; (K.B.); (M.D.)
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5
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Pao SI, Lin LT, Chen YH, Chen CL, Chen JT. Repression of Smad4 by MicroRNA-1285 moderates TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254873. [PMID: 34383767 PMCID: PMC8360606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess whether microRNA (miR)-1285 can suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigment epithelial cells. Expression of miR-1285 was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The features of EMT were assessed using Western blotting, immunocytochemical staining, scratch wound healing tests, modified Boyden chamber assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. A rabbit model of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) was used for in vivo testing, which involved the induction of PVR by injection of transfected ARPE cells into the vitreous chamber. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to identify the putative target of miR-1285. The expression of miR-1285 was downregulated in ARPE-19 cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Overexpression of miR-1285 led to upregulation of zonula occludens-1, downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, cell migration and cell contractility-all EMT features-in the TGF-β2-treated ARPE-19 cells. The reporter assay indicated that the 3' untranslated region of Smad4 was the direct target of miR1285. PVR progression was alleviated in the miR-1285 transfected rabbits. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-1285 attenuates TGF-β2-induced EMT in a rabbit model of PVR, and the effect of miR-1285 in PVR is dependent on Smad4. Further research is warranted to develop a feasible therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-I Pao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Le-Tien Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Hao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Long Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jiann-Torng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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6
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Leng Z, Li Y, Zhou G, Lv X, Ai W, Li J, Hou L. Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates stemness and mesenchymal properties of colorectal cancer stem cells through the TGF-β1/Smad/snail pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:1866-1877. [PMID: 31830379 PMCID: PMC6991673 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was closely associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stemness in colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs)-enriched spheroid cells. Nonetheless, the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. This study showed that KLF4 overexpression was accompanied with stemness and mesenchymal features in Lgr5+ CD44+ EpCAM+ colorectal CSCs. KLF4 knockdown suppressed stemness, mesenchymal features and activation of the TGF-β1 pathway, whereas enforced KLF4 overexpression activated TGF-β1, phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and Snail expression, and restored stemness and mesenchymal phenotypes. Furthermore, TGF-β1 pathway inhibition invalidated KLF4-facilitated stemness and mesenchymal features without affecting KLF4 expression. The data from the current study are the first to demonstrate that KLF4 maintains stemness and mesenchymal properties through the TGF-β1/Smad/Snail pathway in Lgr5+ CD44+ EpCAM+ colorectal CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Leng
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
- Cancer Stem Cells Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
| | - Yong Li
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
| | - Guojun Zhou
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
| | - Xiaojiang Lv
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
| | - Walden Ai
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Health ScienceBenedict CollegeColumbiaSCUSA
| | - Jianshui Li
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
| | - Lingmi Hou
- Northeast Sichuan Acute Pancreatic Research CenterNorth Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
- Cancer Stem Cells Research CenterAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
- Thyriod and Breast SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeSichuanChina
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7
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the important cellular pathways that play key roles for tissue maintenance. In particular, it is important in the context of inflammation and tumorigenesis by modulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and homeostasis. TGF-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) mutations affected by a mismatch repair deficiency causes colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability, which is, however, associated with relatively better survival rates. On the other hand, loss of SMAD4, a transcription factor in the TGF-β superfamily signaling, promotes tumor progression. Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 18 can case SMAD4-deficient CRC, which results in poorer patients' survival. Such bidirectional phenomenon driven by TGF-β signaling insufficiency reflects the complexity of this signaling pathway in CRC. Moreover, recent understanding of CRC at the molecular level (consensus molecular subtype classification) provides deep insight into the important roles of TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Here we focus on the TGF-β signaling in CRC and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. We summarize the molecular mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis and progression caused by disruption of TGF-β signaling by cancer epithelial cells and host stromal cells.
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8
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Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235822. [PMID: 31756952 PMCID: PMC6929101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the important cellular pathways that play key roles for tissue maintenance. In particular, it is important in the context of inflammation and tumorigenesis by modulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and homeostasis. TGF-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) mutations affected by a mismatch repair deficiency causes colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability, which is, however, associated with relatively better survival rates. On the other hand, loss of SMAD4, a transcription factor in the TGF-β superfamily signaling, promotes tumor progression. Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 18 can case SMAD4-deficient CRC, which results in poorer patients’ survival. Such bidirectional phenomenon driven by TGF-β signaling insufficiency reflects the complexity of this signaling pathway in CRC. Moreover, recent understanding of CRC at the molecular level (consensus molecular subtype classification) provides deep insight into the important roles of TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Here we focus on the TGF-β signaling in CRC and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. We summarize the molecular mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis and progression caused by disruption of TGF-β signaling by cancer epithelial cells and host stromal cells.
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9
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Li X, Lv X, Li Z, Li C, Li X, Xiao J, Liu B, Yang H, Zhang Y. Long Noncoding RNA ASLNC07322 Functions in VEGF-C Expression Regulated by Smad4 during Colon Cancer Metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:851-862. [PMID: 31739210 PMCID: PMC6861657 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deletion and mutation of the Smad4 gene are favorable events for the progression of colon cancer, which is related to the negative regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). However, the regulatory mechanism between Smad4 and VEGF-C remains unclear. We reported first that Smad4 can increase the transcription of miR-128-3p, a microRNA targeting VEGF-C mRNA, resulting in a negative correlation between Smad4 and VEGF-C. Moreover, we found that Smad4 combined with Smad3 can positively regulate VEGF-C during colon cancer metastasis through binding to VEGF-C gene promoter. Further, results revealed a mechanism that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ASLNC07322 increased specifically in metastatic colon cancer and decreased miR-128-3p as a sponge, leading to a subsequent elevation of VEGF-C. In a word, there are two pathways in the progression of colon cancer, including Smad4/miR-128-3p/VEGF-C and Smad4/VEGF-C pathways in non-metastatic and metastatic colon cancer, respectively. ASLNC07322 crucially controlled this negative and positive regulatory transformation between them. Additionally, ASLNC07322 knockdown combined with Smad4 overexpression could efficiently inhibit lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) proliferation and tube formation in vitro, as well as tumor growth and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. These data explained the underlying mechanism of Smad4 contribution on VEGF-C expression during metastasis where ASLNC07322 functions vitally as a switch in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaohong Lv
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Zhuowei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Xinlei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Jianbing Xiao
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Baoquan Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China
| | - Huike Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China.
| | - Yafang Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, China.
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10
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Cote B, Rao D, Alany RG, Kwon GS, Alani AW. Lymphatic changes in cancer and drug delivery to the lymphatics in solid tumors. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 144:16-34. [PMID: 31461662 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although many solid tumors use the lymphatic system to metastasize, there are few treatment options that directly target cancer present in the lymphatic system, and those that do are highly invasive, uncomfortable, and/or have limitations. In this review we provide a brief overview of lymphatic function and anatomy, discusses changes that befall the lymphatics in cancer and the mechanisms by which these changes occur, and highlight limitations of lymphatic drug delivery. We then go on to summarize relevant techniques and new research for targeting cancer populations in the lymphatics and enhancing drug delivery intralymphatically, including intralymphatic injections, isolated limb perfusion, passive nano drug delivery systems, and actively targeted nanomedicine.
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11
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Down-regulation of microRNA-34a-5p promotes trophoblast cell migration and invasion via targetting Smad4. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20181631. [PMID: 30617054 PMCID: PMC6900429 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20181631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trophoblastic dysfunction, such as insufficient migration and invasion, is well-known to be correlated with preeclampsia (PE). Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in diverse biological processes and human diseases, including PE. However, the expression and functions of miRNAs in the progression of PE, especially in the regulation of trophoblast cell migration and invasion remain largely unclear. Here, we compared the miRNAs expression profiles of PE patients with healthy controls using microarray assay and chose a significant increased miRNA-miR-34a-5p for further investigation. Overexpression of miR-34a-5p dramatically reduced migration and invasion in trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas enhanced by its inhibitor. Luciferase activity assay showed that miR-34a-5p directly target Smad family member 4 (Smad4), which is associated with cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis. We also found that Smad4 was down-regulated in PE patients, and an inverse relationship between Smad4 and miR-34a-5p expression levels was observed in placental tissues from PE patients. Further study showed that knockdown of Smad4 effectively attenuated the promoting effects of miR-34a-5p inhibition on the migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that inhibition of miR-34a-5p improves invasion and migration of trophoblast cells by directly targetting Smad4, which indicated the potential of miR-34a-5p as a therapeutic target against PE.
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12
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Li W, Jiang LJ, Zhou XJ, Lu XZ, Liu LF, Wang S. Association of the invasiveness of colon cancer with the expression of C/EBPα. Oncol Lett 2018; 17:1974-1979. [PMID: 30675263 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the association of the invasiveness of colon cancer (CC) with the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα). Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of C/EBPα in the cancer and adjacent tissue samples from 48 patients with CC. A pCDGFP-C/EBPα eukaryotic expression vector was constructed, and a wound-healing assay was performed to observe the effect of transfection on the migration of SW480 cells. In addition, the expression levels of tumor invasion-associated proteins, including Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and E-cadherin (ECD) were detected subsequent to transfection. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that the rate of low C/EBPα expression in normal tissue was 6.25%, whereas the rate in CC tissues was 68.75%; this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The patients with lower C/EBPα expression exhibited statistically larger tumor diameters, more advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TMN) stages and a greater likelihood of lymph node metastasis. The overexpression of C/EBPα significantly reduced the mobility of SW480 cells, and the expression of KLF5, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was reduced, whereas the expression of ECD was increased. In conclusion, C/EBPα was downregulated in CC tissue samples, and associated with the TMN stage and metastasis of CC; in addition, the overexpression of C/EBPα significantly reduced the invasiveness of CC cells. This may be significant for the diagnosis and treatment of CC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
| | - Liang-Jun Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jun Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Zhou Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
| | - Long-Fei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421002, P.R. China
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13
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MiRNA-34a reversed TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via suppression of SMAD4 in NPC cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:217-224. [PMID: 29960168 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a prerequisite for tumor invasion and metastasis in many cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying EMT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is largely unknown. In this study, we found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which reportedly promotes EMT in multiple cancers, can trigger EMT and increase the invasive and migratory capacities of NPC cells. Conversely, the downregulation of SMAD4, a vital member of the canonical TGF-β pathway, reversed the TGF-β-induced EMT, invasion, and migration. Further experiments revealed that SMAD4 was the target of miRNA-34a, which was downregulated in NPC tissues and suppressed NPC cell metastasis in vivo. miRNA-34a overexpression also antagonized the TGF-β-induced EMT progression, invasion, and migration through SMAD4 inhibition. However, the restoration of SMAD4 expression rescued the inhibitory effects of miRNA-34a on tumorigenesis. All these results confirmed that miRNA-34a suppressed the TGF-β-induced EMT, invasion, and migration of NPC cells by directly targeting SMAD4, which indicated the potential of miR-34a as a therapeutic target against NPC.
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14
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Zu L, Xue Y, Wang J, Fu Y, Wang X, Xiao G, Hao M, Sun X, Wang Y, Fu G, Wang J. The feedback loop between miR-124 and TGF-β pathway plays a significant role in non-small cell lung cancer metastasis. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:333-343. [PMID: 26818357 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that micro RNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in tumor development. However, the role of miRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) metastasis remains largely unknown. Here, we found that miR-124 expression was significantly impaired in NSCLC tissues and associated with its metastasis. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that restoring miR-124 expression in NSCLC cells had a marked effect on reducing cell migration, invasion and metastasis. Mechanistic analyses show that Smad4, a cobinding protein in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, was identified as a new target gene of miR-124. Restoring Smad4 expression in miR-124-infected cells could partially rescue miR-124-induced abolition of cell migration and invasion. Notably, upon TGF-β stimulation, phosphorylation of Smad2/3 was modulated by alteration of miR-124 or Smad4 expression, followed by inducing some special transcription of downstream genes including Snail, Slug and ZEB2, all of which may trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition and be associated with NSCLC metastasis. Moreover, activation of TGF-β pathway may enhance expression of DNMT3a, leading to hypermethylation on miR-124 promoter. Therefore, heavily loss of miR-124 expression further enhances Smad4 level by this feedback loop. Taken together, our data show for the first time that the feedback loop between miR-124 and TGF-β pathway may play a significant role in NSCLC metastasis. Targeting the loop may prove beneficial to prevent metastasis and provide a more effective therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Zu
- Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yunjing Xue
- Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Jinglong Wang
- Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Yujie Fu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200127 , China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Mingang Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Guohui Fu
- Pathology Center, Shanghai General Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai 200025 , China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Cancer institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China and.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
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