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Cao W, Lan J, Hu C, Kong J, Xiang L, Zhang Z, Sun Y, Zeng Z, Lei S. Predicting the prognosis of glioma patients with TERT promoter mutations and guiding the specific immune profile of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5618-5633. [PMID: 38499392 PMCID: PMC11006486 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205668] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) is frequently mutated in gliomas. This study sought to identify immune biomarkers of gliomas with TERTp mutations. Data from TCGA were used to identify and validate survival-associated gene signatures, and immune and stromal scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE algorithm. High stromal or immune scores in patients with TERTp-mutant gliomas correlated with shorter overall survival compared to cases with low stromal or immune scores. Among TERTp-mutant gliomas with both high immune and high stromal scores, 213 commonly shared DEGs were identified. Among 71 interacting DEGs representing candidate hub genes in a PPI network, HOXC6, WT1, CD70, and OTP showed significant ability in establishing subgroups of high- and low-risk patients. A risk model based on these 4 genes showed strong prognostic potential for gliomas with mutated TERTp, but was inapplicable for TERTp-wild-type gliomas. TERTp-mutant gliomas with high-risk scores displayed a greater percentage of naïve B cells, plasma cells, naïve CD4 T cells, and activated mast cells than low-risk score gliomas. TIDE analysis indicated that immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy may benefit glioma patients with TERTp mutations. The present risk model can help predict prognosis of glioma patients with TERTp mutations and aid ICB treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Cao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Brain Bank for Functions and Diseases of Department of Education of Guizhou, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Jinzhi Lan
- Center for Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China
| | - Chujiao Hu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Jinping Kong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Limin Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zhixue Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Yating Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Zhirui Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Shan Lei
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
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Li Z, Wang Y, Hou X, Guo L, Li Y, Ma Y, Ma Y. High expression of HOXC6 predicts a poor prognosis and induces proliferation and inflammation in multiple myeloma cells. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:945-955. [PMID: 37202556 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01397-3] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common blood system malignance accompanied by monoclonal plasma cell hyperplasia. Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) acts as an oncogene in various cancers, but its function on MM is elusive. OBJECTIVE The role of HOXC6 on MM development was clarified in this study. METHODS HOXC6 expression and its clinical significance were determined in the peripheral blood samples collected from forty MM patients and thirty healthy adult volunteers. The overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8, EdU assay and Flow cytometry in U266 and MM.1R cells. Tumor growth was estimated by a xenograft assay. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was evaluated using TUNEL staining. The protein level in tissues was tested by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The HOXC6 expression was elevated in MM and high HOXC6 level was associated with the poor overall survival of MM. Besides, the HOXC6 expression was associated with hemoglobin level and ISS stage. Furthermore, silencing HOXC6 suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and restrained the secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) in MM cells through inactivating the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, silencing HOXC6 suppressed the tumor growth of MM, the inflammatory factors levels, and the activation of NF-κB pathway but enhanced apoptosis in vivo. CONCLUSION HOXC6 was elevated in MM and associated with poor survival. Knockdown of HOXC6 suppressed proliferation, inflammation and tumorigenicity of MM cells via inactivating the NF-κB pathway. HOXC6 may be a meaningful target for MM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Li
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Xiaoxu Hou
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Luyao Guo
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China.
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Ahangar Davoodi N, Najafi S, Naderi Ghale-Noie Z, Piranviseh A, Mollazadeh S, Ahmadi Asouri S, Asemi Z, Morshedi M, Tamehri Zadeh SS, Hamblin MR, Sheida A, Mirzaei H. Role of non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs in retinoblastoma progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1065837. [PMID: 36619866 PMCID: PMC9816416 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1065837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare aggressive intraocular malignancy of childhood that has the potential to affect vision, and can even be fatal in some children. While the tumor can be controlled efficiently at early stages, metastatic tumors lead to high mortality. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are implicated in a number of physiological cellular process, including differentiation, proliferation, migration, and invasion, The deregulation of ncRNAs is correlated with several diseases, particularly cancer. ncRNAs are categorized into two main groups based on their length, i.e. short and long ncRNAs. Moreover, ncRNA deregulation has been demonstrated to play a role in the pathogenesis and development of RB. Several ncRNAs, such as miR-491-3p, miR-613,and SUSD2 have been found to act as tumor suppressor genes in RB, but other ncRNAs, such as circ-E2F3, NEAT1, and TUG1 act as tumor promoter genes. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs can provide new opportunities for RB therapy. In the present review, we discuss the functional roles of the most important ncRNAs in RB, their interaction with the genes responsible for RB initiation and progression, and possible future clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic tools or as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Ahangar Davoodi
- Eye Research Center, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zari Naderi Ghale-Noie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ashkan Piranviseh
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Sahar Ahmadi Asouri
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammadamin Morshedi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa
| | - Amirhossein Sheida
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,*Correspondence: Amirhossein Sheida, ; Hamed Mirzaei, ,
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran,*Correspondence: Amirhossein Sheida, ; Hamed Mirzaei, ,
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HOXC6 Regulates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through the TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway and Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8016102. [PMID: 35571491 PMCID: PMC9098331 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8016102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The HOX gene family of transcription factors, characterized by conserved homeodomains, is positively correlated with the resistance to chemotherapy drugs and poor prognosis, as well as the initiating potential of gliomas. However, there are few studies regarding the HOXC6 gene in glioma cells. Therefore, in the present study, we explored the regulatory roles and detailed mechanisms underlying the relationship between HOXC6 and the progression of GBM. Methods The expression levels and prognostic value of HOXC6 in GBM were evaluated using the data obtained from the GCCA, GEPIA, and ONCOMINE databases. The relationship between GBM prognosis and levels of HOXC6 was identified using Kaplan-Meier curves. The protein levels of HOXC6 in GBM and adjacent normal tissues were identified via Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining methods. Lentiviruses containing full-length HOXC6 and HOXC6 specific siRNA sequences were used to overexpress and knock down, respectively, the expression of HOXC6 in U87 and U251 cells. The role of HOXC6 in the regulation of migration and proliferation of GBM cells was accessed using Transwell, wound healing, CCK-8, and colony formation assays. The activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway was detected via Western blotting. Results Compared to normal tissues and control cells, GBM tissues and cell lines showed higher expressions of HOXC6. The expression of HOXC6 was associated with disease-free and the overall survival of GBM patients. Additionally, positive correlations between the expression of HOXC6 and the migration and proliferation of GBM cells were observed in vitro. The mechanistic analyses indicated that HOXC6 exerts its promotive effect on the progression and invasion of glioma cells by promoting the activation of the EMT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Conclusions HOXC6 enhances the migration and proliferation of GBM by activating the EMT signaling pathway.
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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Kabekkodu SP, Hunter KD, Radhakrishnan R. Molecular implications of HOX genes targeting multiple signaling pathways in cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022; 38:1-30. [PMID: 34617205 PMCID: PMC8789642 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved homeotic transcription factors that play a crucial role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Their deregulation impacts the function of several regulatory molecules contributing to tumor initiation and progression. A functional bridge exists between altered gene expression of individual HOX genes and tumorigenesis. This review focuses on how deregulation in the HOX-associated signaling pathways contributes to the metastatic progression in cancer. We discuss their functional significance, clinical implications and ascertain their role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the various cancer types. Besides, the mechanism of understanding the theoretical underpinning that affects HOX-mediated therapy resistance in cancers has been outlined. The knowledge gained shall pave the way for newer insights into the treatment of cancer.
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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, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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A comprehensive prognostic signature for glioblastoma patients based on transcriptomics and single cell sequencing. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:917-935. [PMID: 34142341 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00612-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly brain tumor. We aimed to reveal potential prognostic GBM marker genes, elaborate their functions, and build an effective a prognostic model for GBM patients. METHODS Through data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), we screened for significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to calculate risk scores for individual patients. Published data of somatic mutation and copy number variation profiles were analyzed for distinct genomic alterations associated with risk scores. In addition, single-cell sequencing was used to explore the biological functions of the identified prognostic marker genes. By combining risk scores and other clinical features, we built a comprehensive prognostic GBM model. RESULTS Seven DEGs (CLEC5A, HOXC6, HOXA5, CCL2, GPRASP1, BSCL2 and PTX3) were identified as being prognostic for GBM. Expression of these genes was confirmed in different GBM cell lines using real-time PCR. Risk scores calculated from the seven DEGs revealed prognostic value irrespective of other clinical factors, including IDH mutation status, and were negatively correlated with TP53 expression. The prognostic genes were found to be associated with tumor proliferation and progression based on pseudo-time analysis in neoplastic cells. A final prognostic model was developed and validated with a good performance, especially in geriatric GBM patients. CONCLUSIONS Using genetic profiles, age, IDH mutation status, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we constructed a comprehensive prognostic model for GBM patients. The model has a good performance, especially in geriatric GBM patients.
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Li K, Han F, Wu Y, Wang X. miR-340 Promotes Retinoblastoma Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion Through Targeting WIF1. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3635-3648. [PMID: 34113129 PMCID: PMC8187089 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s302800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as important regulators of gene expression involved in tumor pathogenesis, including retinoblastoma. However, the expression profiles and potential roles in retinoblastoma are still largely unclear. Material and Methods Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and genes (DEGs) in retinoblastoma were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. Expression levels of miR-340 and WIF1 were detected in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments were performed to explore the effects of miR-340 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the interaction between miR-340 and WIF1. Results A total of 11 DEmiRs were identified in retinoblastoma tissue and blood samples. Among them, we validated that miR-340 was the most highly expressed miRNA and correlated with tumor size, ICRB stage and optic nerve invasion. miR-340 was observed to enhance the proliferation, migration and invasion capacity of retinoblastoma cells. We then identified 26 DEGs from 3 retinoblastoma GEO datasets and subsequently constructed a miRNA–mRNA regulatory network. Further analysis revealed that WIF1 was a direct target of miR-340. Moreover, overexpression of WIF1 could repress retinoblastoma progression induced by miR-340 in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Collectively, miR-340 functioned as an oncomiRNA to promote retinoblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion via regulating WIF1. Our data also provided multiple miRNAs and genes that may contribute to a better understanding of retinoblastoma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, 061001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmei Han
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, 061001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Wu
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, 061001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, 061001, People's Republic of China
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Gonçalves CS, Le Boiteux E, Arnaud P, Costa BM. HOX gene cluster (de)regulation in brain: from neurodevelopment to malignant glial tumours. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3797-3821. [PMID: 32239260 PMCID: PMC11105007 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
HOX genes encode a family of evolutionarily conserved homeodomain transcription factors that are crucial both during development and adult life. In humans, 39 HOX genes are arranged in four clusters (HOXA, B, C, and D) in chromosomes 7, 17, 12, and 2, respectively. During embryonic development, particular epigenetic states accompany their expression along the anterior-posterior body axis. This tightly regulated temporal-spatial expression pattern reflects their relative chromosomal localization, and is critical for normal embryonic brain development when HOX genes are mainly expressed in the hindbrain and mostly absent in the forebrain region. Epigenetic marks, mostly polycomb-associated, are dynamically regulated at HOX loci and regulatory regions to ensure the finely tuned HOX activation and repression, highlighting a crucial epigenetic plasticity necessary for homeostatic development. HOX genes are essentially absent in healthy adult brain, whereas they are detected in malignant brain tumours, namely gliomas, where HOX genes display critical roles by regulating several hallmarks of cancer. Here, we review the major mechanisms involved in HOX genes (de)regulation in the brain, from embryonic to adult stages, in physiological and oncologic conditions. We focus particularly on the emerging causes of HOX gene deregulation in glioma, as well as on their functional and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline S Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Elisa Le Boiteux
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM-iGReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Philippe Arnaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM-iGReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno M Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Wu S, Chen H, Zuo L, Jiang H, Yan H. Suppression of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 inhibits the development of uveal melanoma via microRNA-608-mediated inhibition of HOXC4. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C903-C912. [PMID: 31913701 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00262.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the effects of the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) on the development of uveal melanoma. Moreover, the role of the MALAT1/microRNA-608 (miR-608)/homeobox C4 (HOXC4) axis was assessed by evaluating the proliferation, invasion, and migration, as well as the cell cycle distribution of uveal melanoma in vitro after knocking down MALAT1 or HOXC4 and/or overexpression of miR-608 in uveal melanoma cells (MUM-2B and C918). Moreover, the effects of the MALAT1/miR-608/HOXC4 axis in uveal melanoma in vivo were further evaluated by injecting the C918 cells into the NOD/SCID mice. HOXC4 was found to be a gene upregulated in uveal melanoma, while knockdown of its expression resulted in suppression of uveal melanoma cell migration, proliferation, and invasion, as well as cell cycle progression. In addition, the upregulation of miR-608 reduced the expression of HOXC4 in the uveal melanoma cells, which was rescued by overexpression of MALAT1. Hence, MALAT1 could upregulate the HOXC4 by binding to miR-608. The suppressed progression of uveal melanoma in vitro by miR-608 was rescued by overexpression of MALAT1. Additionally, in vivo assays demonstrated that downregulation of MALAT1 could suppress tumor growth through downregulation of HOXC4 expression via increasing miR-608 in uveal melanoma. In summary, MALAT1 downregulation functions to restrain the development of uveal melanoma via miR-608-mediated inhibition of HOXC4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtao Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Cui Y, Zhang C, Wang Y, Ma S, Cao W, Guan F. HOXC11 functions as a novel oncogene in human colon adenocarcinoma and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2020; 243:117230. [PMID: 31923422 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Accumulating evidence has confirmed the involvement of the homeobox (HOX) gene family in carcinogenesis. HOXC11, belongs to the homeobox-C (HOXC) gene cluster, has been reported to play important roles in the development of several cancers. However, its expression and clinical value in pan-cancer remain elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bioinformatics analysis, CCK-8 assay, Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze gene expression and patient survival, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and protein level, respectively. KEY FINDINGS In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profile and prognostic value of HOXC11 in human pan-cancer using online The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. HOXC11 was widely up-regulated in tumor tissues when compared with the normal tissues in pan-cancer across nine cancer types. In addition, high mRNA level of HOXC11 predicted poor overall survival (OS) of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), mesothelioma (MESO) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), respectively. By comparative analysis, we found that HOXC11 was up-regulated and closely correlated patient OS in COAD and KIRC. Functionally, down-regulation of HOXC11 inhibited cell proliferation but promoted apoptosis of COAD and KIRC in vitro. Mechanistically, HOXC11 promoted cell proliferation of COAD and KIRC might by inactivating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that HOXC11 may act as a tumor driving gene in COAD and KIRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Translational Medicine Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Yu M, Zhan J, Zhang H. HOX family transcription factors: Related signaling pathways and post-translational modifications in cancer. Cell Signal 2019; 66:109469. [PMID: 31733300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HOX family transcription factors belong to a highly conserved subgroup of the homeobox superfamily that determines cellular fates in embryonic morphogenesis and the maintenance of adult tissue architecture. HOX family transcription factors play key roles in numerous cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, motility, and angiogenesis. As tumor promoters or suppressors HOX family members have been reported to be closely related with a variety of cancers. They closely regulate tumor initiation and growth, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, anti-cancer drug resistance and stem cell origin. Here, we firstly described the pivotal roles of HOX transcription factors in tumorigenesis. Then, we summarized the main signaling pathways regulated by HOX transcription factors, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor β, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and nuclear factor-κB signalings. Finally, we outlined the important post-translational modifications of HOX transcription factors and their regulation in cancers. Future research directions on the HOX transcription factors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Zhan
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.
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