1
|
Jones M, Norman M, Tiet AM, Lee J, Lee MH. C. elegans Germline as Three Distinct Tumor Models. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:425. [PMID: 38927305 PMCID: PMC11200432 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells display abnormal growth and division, avoiding the natural process of cell death. These cells can be benign (non-cancerous growth) or malignant (cancerous growth). Over the past few decades, numerous in vitro or in vivo tumor models have been employed to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis in diverse regards. However, our comprehension of how non-tumor cells transform into tumor cells at molecular and cellular levels remains incomplete. The nematode C. elegans has emerged as an excellent model organism for exploring various phenomena, including tumorigenesis. Although C. elegans does not naturally develop cancer, it serves as a valuable platform for identifying oncogenes and the underlying mechanisms within a live organism. In this review, we describe three distinct germline tumor models in C. elegans, highlighting their associated mechanisms and related regulators: (1) ectopic proliferation due to aberrant activation of GLP-1/Notch signaling, (2) meiotic entry failure resulting from the loss of GLD-1/STAR RNA-binding protein, (3) spermatogenic dedifferentiation caused by the loss of PUF-8/PUF RNA-binding protein. Each model requires the mutations of specific genes (glp-1, gld-1, and puf-8) and operates through distinct molecular mechanisms. Despite these differences in the origins of tumorigenesis, the internal regulatory networks within each tumor model display shared features. Given the conservation of many of the regulators implicated in C. elegans tumorigenesis, it is proposed that these unique models hold significant potential for enhancing our comprehension of the broader control mechanisms governing tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Mina Norman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Alex Minh Tiet
- Neuroscience Program, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA;
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Jiwoo Lee
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (M.J.); (M.N.)
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sindi S, Hamdi N, Hassan S, Ganash M, Alharbi M, Alburae N, Azhari S, Alkhayyat S, Linjawi A, Alkhatabi H, Elaimi A, Alrefaei G, Alsubhi N, Alrafiah A, Alhazmi S. Promoter Methylation-Regulated Differentially Expressed Genes in Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:435-450. [PMID: 37434588 PMCID: PMC10332364 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s408711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women. Recent studies revealed that differentially methylated regions (DMRs) are implicated in regulating gene expression. The goal of this research was to determine which genes and pathways are dysregulated in breast cancer when their promoters are methylated in an abnormal way, leading to differential expression. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was applied to analyze DMRs for eight peripheral blood samples collected from five Saudi females diagnosed with stages I and II of breast cancer aligned with three normal females. Three of those patients and three normal samples were used to determine differentially expressed genes (DEG) using Illumina platform NovaSeq PE150. Results Based on ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways, the analysis indicated that DMGs and DEG are closely related to associated processes, such as ubiquitin-protein transferase activity, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation. The findings indicated a potentially significant association between global hypomethylation and breast cancer in Saudi patients. Our results revealed 81 differentially promoter-methylated and expressed genes. The most significant differentially methylated and expressed genes found in gene ontology (GO) are pumilio RNA binding family member 1 (PUM1) and zinc finger AN1-type containing 2B (ZFAND2B) also known as (AIRAPL). Conclusion The essential outcomes of this study suggested that aberrant hypermethylation at crucial genes that have significant parts in the molecular pathways of breast cancer could be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar Sindi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah Hamdi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabah Hassan
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magdah Ganash
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alharbi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najla Alburae
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheren Azhari
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadi Alkhayyat
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Heba Alkhatabi
- Hematology Research Unit (HRU), King Fahad Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aisha Elaimi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer Alrefaei
- Department of Biology, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alsubhi
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science & Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aziza Alrafiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safiah Alhazmi
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [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.
Collapse
|
4
|
LLeonart ME. Understanding RNA-binding proteins. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:135-136. [PMID: 35787942 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells. Vall d´Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona (Spain)..
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Small Extracellular Vesicles and Their Involvement in Cancer Resistance: An Up-to-Date Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182913. [PMID: 36139487 PMCID: PMC9496799 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer. Thanks to advancements in molecular biology, it has been found that the fraction of EVs called exosomes or small EVs (sEVs) modulates the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents by delivering molecularly active non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). An in-depth analysis shows that two main molecular mechanisms are involved in exosomal modified chemoresistance: (1) translational repression of anti-oncogenes by exosomal microRNAs (miRs) and (2) lack of translational repression of oncogenes by sponging of miRs through long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). At the cellular level, these processes increase the proliferation and survival of cancer cells and improve their ability to metastasize and resist apoptosis. In addition, studies in animal models have shown enhancing tumor size under the influence of exosomal ncRNAs. Ultimately, exosomal ncRNAs are responsible for clinically significant chemotherapy failures in patients with different types of cancer. Preliminary data have also revealed that exosomal ncRNAs can overcome chemotherapeutic agent resistance, but the results are thoroughly fragmented. This review presents how exosomes modulate the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Understanding how exosomes interfere with chemoresistance may become a milestone in developing new therapeutic options, but more data are still required.
Collapse
|