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Li J, Zhao Z, You D, Xie Y, Feng Y, Li X, Cui Z, Fuai L. Hemiprotonic ph-ph + with two targets inhibits metastatic breast cancer and concurrent candidiasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116394. [PMID: 38942090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116394] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Concurrent infection in breast cancer patients is the direct cause of the high mortality rate of the disease. However, there is no available method to increase the survival rate until now. To address the problem, we propose one drug with two target strategy to treat the refractory disease. A small chemical, ph-ph+, was attempted to be used in the study to explore the feasibility of the approach in anticancer and antifungus at the same time. The results showed that ph-ph+ could prevent the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells, and kill C. albicans simultaneously. The molecular mechanism was associated with the activation of an evolutionarily conserved protease CLpP in the cancer and C. albicans cells. Also, the signaling pathway mediated by PLAGL2 that highly expressed in cancer cells participated in preventing cell metastasis and inducing apoptosis of ph-ph+. The one drug with dual targets inhibited the growth and metastasis of the cancer cells, and meanwhile eliminated C. albicans in tissues in the experimental animals. The results suggested that ph-ph+ with dual targets of CLpP and PLAGL2 would be a feasible approach to prolong the survival rate in patients with metastatic breast cancer and pathogenic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Zizhen Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Dongmei You
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Yafang Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Yixiao Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China
| | - Zhihong Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China.
| | - Ling Fuai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, China.
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Fraire CR, Desai K, Obalapuram UA, Mendyka LK, Rajaram V, Sebastian T, Wang Y, Onel K, Lee J, Chen KS. An imbalance between proliferation and differentiation underlies the development of microRNA-defective pineoblastoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.23.590638. [PMID: 38712047 PMCID: PMC11071395 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.23.590638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the microRNA processing genes DICER1 and DROSHA drive several cancers that resemble embryonic progenitors. To understand how microRNAs regulate tumorigenesis, we ablated Drosha or Dicer1 in the developing pineal gland to emulate the pathogenesis of pineoblastoma, a brain tumor that resembles undifferentiated precursors of the pineal gland. Accordingly, these mice develop pineal tumors marked by loss of microRNAs, including the let-7/miR-98-5p family, and de-repression of microRNA target genes. Pineal tumors driven by loss of Drosha or Dicer1 mimic tumors driven by Rb1 loss, as they exhibit upregulation of S-phase genes and homeobox transcription factors that regulate pineal development. Blocking proliferation of these tumors facilitates expression of pinealocyte maturation markers, with a concomitant reduction in embryonic markers. Select embryonic markers remain elevated, however, as the microRNAs that normally repress these target genes remain absent. One such microRNA target gene is the oncofetal transcription factor Plagl2, which regulates expression of pro-growth genes, and inhibiting their signaling impairs tumor growth. Thus, we demonstrate that tumors driven by loss of microRNA processing may be therapeutically targeted by inhibiting downstream drivers of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudette R. Fraire
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Kavita Desai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | | | | | - Veena Rajaram
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Teja Sebastian
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Yemin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia and Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kenan Onel
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jeon Lee
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
| | - Kenneth S. Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA
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Hung YH, Capeling M, Villanueva JW, Kanke M, Shanahan MT, Huang S, Cubitt R, Rinaldi VD, Schimenti JC, Spence JR, Sethupathy P. Integrative genome-scale analyses reveal post-transcriptional signatures of early human small intestinal development in a directed differentiation organoid model. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:641. [PMID: 37884859 PMCID: PMC10601309 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09743-1] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional gene regulators controlling cellular lineage specification and differentiation during embryonic development, including the gastrointestinal system. However, miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms involved in early embryonic development of human small intestine (SI) remains underexplored. To explore candidate roles for miRNAs in prenatal SI lineage specification in humans, we used a multi-omic analysis strategy in a directed differentiation model that programs human pluripotent stem cells toward the SI lineage. RESULTS We leveraged small RNA-seq to define the changing miRNA landscape, and integrated chromatin run-on sequencing (ChRO-seq) and RNA-seq to define genes subject to significant post-transcriptional regulation across the different stages of differentiation. Small RNA-seq profiling revealed temporal dynamics of miRNA signatures across different developmental events of the model, including definitive endoderm formation, SI lineage specification and SI regional patterning. Our multi-omic, integrative analyses showed further that the elevation of miR-182 and reduction of miR-375 are key events during SI lineage specification. We demonstrated that loss of miR-182 leads to an increase in the foregut master marker SOX2. We also used single-cell analyses in murine adult intestinal crypts to support a life-long role for miR-375 in the regulation of Zfp36l2. Finally, we uncovered opposing roles of SMAD4 and WNT signaling in regulating miR-375 expression during SI lineage specification. Beyond the mechanisms highlighted in this study, we also present a web-based application for exploration of post-transcriptional regulation and miRNA-mediated control in the context of early human SI development. CONCLUSION The present study uncovers a novel facet of miRNAs in regulating prenatal SI development. We leveraged multi-omic, systems biology approaches to discover candidate miRNA regulators associated with early SI developmental events in a human organoid model. In this study, we highlighted miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation relevant to the event of SI lineage specification. The candidate miRNA regulators that we identified for the other stages of SI development also warrant detailed characterization in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Hung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Meghan Capeling
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan W Villanueva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michael T Shanahan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sha Huang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca Cubitt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Vera D Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John C Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Fischer AD, Veronese Paniagua DA, Swaminathan S, Kashima H, Rubin DC, Madison BB. The oncogenic function of PLAGL2 is mediated via ASCL2 and IGF2 and a Wnt-independent mechanism in colorectal cancer. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G196-G211. [PMID: 37310750 PMCID: PMC10396286 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00058.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis and progression are linked to common oncogenic mutations, especially in the tumor suppressor APC, whose loss triggers the deregulation of TCF4/β-Catenin activity. CRC tumorigenesis is also driven by multiple epimutational modifiers such as transcriptional regulators. We describe the common (and near-universal) activation of the zinc finger transcription factor and Let-7 target PLAGL2 in CRC and find that it is a key driver of intestinal epithelial transformation. PLAGL2 drives proliferation, cell cycle progression, and anchorage-independent growth in CRC cell lines and nontransformed intestinal cells. Investigating effects of PLAGL2 on downstream pathways revealed very modest effects on canonical Wnt signaling. Alternatively, we find pronounced effects on the direct PLAGL2 target genes IGF2, a fetal growth factor, and ASCL2, an intestinal stem cell-specific bHLH transcription factor. Inactivation of PLAGL2 in CRC cell lines has pronounced effects on ASCL2 reporter activity. Furthermore, ASCL2 expression can partially rescue deficits of proliferation and cell cycle progression caused by depletion of PLAGL2 in CRC cell lines. Thus, the oncogenic effects of PLAGL2 appear to be mediated via core stem cell and onco-fetal pathways, with minimal effects on downstream Wnt signaling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A Let-7 target called PLAGL2 drives oncogenic transformation via Wnt-independent pathways. This work illustrates the robust effects of this zinc finger transcription factor in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and nontransformed intestinal epithelium, with effects mediated, in part, via the direct target genes ASCL2 and IGF2. This has implications for the role of PLAGL2 in activation of onco-fetal and onco-stem cell pathways, contributing to immature and highly proliferative phenotypes in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Fischer
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Daniel A Veronese Paniagua
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Shriya Swaminathan
- Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Hajime Kashima
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Deborah C Rubin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Blair B Madison
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
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Iyer AS, Shaik MR, Raufman JP, Xie G. The Roles of Zinc Finger Proteins in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10249. [PMID: 37373394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210249] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite colorectal cancer remaining a leading worldwide cause of cancer-related death, there remains a paucity of effective treatments for advanced disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of colorectal cancer include altered cell signaling and cell cycle regulation that may result from epigenetic modifications of gene expression and function. Acting as important transcriptional regulators of normal biological processes, zinc finger proteins also play key roles in regulating the cellular mechanisms underlying colorectal neoplasia. These actions impact cell differentiation and proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, homeostasis, senescence, and maintenance of stemness. With the goal of highlighting promising points of therapeutic intervention, we review the oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of zinc finger proteins with respect to colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya S Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Zhao P, Zhen H, Zhao H, Huang Y, Cao B. Identification of hub genes and potential molecular mechanisms related to radiotherapy sensitivity in rectal cancer based on multiple datasets. J Transl Med 2023; 21:176. [PMID: 36879254 PMCID: PMC9987056 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy resistance is the main cause of low tumor regression for locally advanced rectum adenocarcinoma (READ). The biomarkers correlated to radiotherapy sensitivity and potential molecular mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. METHODS A mRNA expression profile and a gene expression dataset of READ (GSE35452) were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between radiotherapy responder and non-responder of READ were screened out. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for DEGs were performed. Random survival forest analysis was used to identified hub genes by randomForestSRC package. Based on CIBERSORT algorithm, Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database, Gene set variation analysis (GSVA), enrichment analysis (GSEA), nomogram, motif enrichment and non-coding RNA network analyses, the associations between hub genes and immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, specific signaling pathways, prognosis prediction and TF - miRNA regulatory and ceRNA network were investigated. The expressions of hub genes in clinical samples were displayed with the online Human Protein Atlas (HPA). RESULTS In total, 544 up-regulated and 575 down-regulated DEGs in READ were enrolled. Among that, three hubs including PLAGL2, ZNF337 and ALG10 were identified. These three hub genes were significantly associated with tumor immune infiltration, different immune-related genes and sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Also, they were correlated with the expression of various disease-related genes. In addition, GSVA and GSEA analysis revealed that different expression levels of PLAGL2, ZNF337 and ALG10 affected various signaling pathways related to disease progression. A nomogram and calibration curves based on three hub genes showed excellent prognosis predictive performance. And then, a regulatory network of transcription factor (ZBTB6) - mRNA (PLAGL2) and a ceRNA network of miRNA (has-miR-133b) - lncRNA were established. Finally, the results from HPA online database demonstrated the protein expression levels of PLAGL2, ZNF337 and ALG10 varied widely in READ patients. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that up-regulation of PLAGL2, ZNF337 and ALG10 in READ associated with radiotherapy response and involved in multiple process of cellular biology in tumor. They might be potential predictive biomarkers for radiotherapy sensitivity and prognosis for READ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, P.R. China
| | - Hongchao Zhen
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Radiotherapy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, P.R. China
| | - Bangwei Cao
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.95 Yong An Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, P.R. China.
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Lin Y, Lin P, Guo W, Huang J, Xu X, Zhuang X. PLAGL2 promotes the stemness and is upregulated by transcription factor E2F1 in human lung cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:941-949. [PMID: 36620907 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study mainly focuses on revealing the role of PLAGL2 in lung cancer stemness. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of PLAGL2 on lung cancer cell stemness. Mechanistic analysis using luciferase reporter and ChIP assays were implemented to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The transcriptional factor E2F1 transcriptionally activated PLAGL2 expression via directly binding to PLAGL2 promoter in lung cancer cells. Moreover, PLAGL2 promoted the stemness of lung cancer cells dependent on E2F1-mediated transcriptional activation. This study provides a potential target for lung cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijian Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Peihuang Lin
- Department of Basic Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Weifeng Guo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Junling Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xibin Zhuang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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Bayrak T, Çetin Z, Saygılı Eİ, Ogul H. Identifying the tumor location-associated candidate genes in development of new drugs for colorectal cancer using machine-learning-based approach. Med Biol Eng Comput 2022; 60:2877-2897. [DOI: 10.1007/s11517-022-02641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Shang Y, Jiang T, Ran L, Hu W, Wu Y, Ye J, Peng Z, Chen L, Wang R. TET2-BCLAF1 transcription repression complex epigenetically regulates the expression of colorectal cancer gene Ascl2 via methylation of its promoter. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102095. [PMID: 35660018 PMCID: PMC9251787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascl2 has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC), although its epigenetic regulatory mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we found that methylation of the Ascl2 promoter (bp -1670 ∼ -1139) was significantly increased compared to the other regions of the Ascl2 locus in CRC cells and was associated with elevated Ascl2 mRNA expression. Furthermore, we found that promoter methylation was predictive of CRC patient survival after analyzing DNA methylation data, RNA-Seq data, and clinical data of 410 CRC patient samples from the MethHC database, the MEXPRESS database, and the Cbioportal website. Using the established TET methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) knockdown and ectopic TET2 catalytic domain–expression cell models, we performed glucosylated hydroxymethyl–sensitive quatitative PCR (qPCR), real-time PCR, and Western blot assays to further confirm that hypermethylation of the Ascl2 promoter, and elevated Ascl2 expression in CRC cells was partly due to the decreased expression of TET2. Furthermore, BCLAF1 was identified as a TET2 interactor in CRC cells by LC-MS/MS, coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence colocalization, and proximity ligation assays. Subsequently, we found the TET2–BCLAF1 complex bound to multiple elements around CCGG sites at the Ascl2 promoter and further restrained its hypermethylation by inducing its hydroxymethylation using chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR and glucosylated hydroxymethyl-qPCR assays. Finally, we demonstrate that TET2-modulated Ascl2-targeted stem gene expression in CRC cells was independent of Wnt signaling. Taken together, our data suggest an additional option for inhibiting Ascl2 expression in CRC cells through TET2–BCLAF1–mediated promoter methylation, Ascl2-dependent self-renewal of CRC progenitor cells, and TET2–BCLAF1–related CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Shang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lijian Ran
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wenjing Hu
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology of 958 Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhihong Peng
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Rongquan Wang
- Institute of Gastroenterology of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) Chongqing 400038, China.
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Inhibitory effect of protonic bis(5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline) on proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma and its molecular mechanism. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.103982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Yang T, Huo J, Xu R, Su Q, Tang W, Zhang D, Zhu M, Zhan Y, Dai B, Zhang Y. Selenium sulfide disrupts the PLAGL2/C-MET/STAT3-induced resistance against mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e536. [PMID: 34586726 PMCID: PMC8441139 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Overexpression of pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) is associated with tumorigenesis. However, its function in HCC is unclear, and there are currently no anti-HCC drugs that target PLAGL2. Drug repositioning may facilitate the development of PLAGL2-targeted drug candidates. METHODS The expression of PLAGL2 in HCC clinical tissue samples and HCC cell lines was analyzed by western blotting. The constructed HCC cell models were used to confirm the underlying function of PLAGL2 as a therapeutic target. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to determine the anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of selenium sulfide (SeS2 ), which is clinically used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor. RESULTS PLAGL2 expression was higher in HCC tumor tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Its overexpression promoted the resistance of HCC cells of mitochondrial apoptosis through the regulation of the downstream C-MET/STAT3 signaling axis. SeS2 exerted significant anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on HCC cells in a PLAGL2-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SeS2 suppressed C-MET/STAT3, AKT/mTOR, and MAPK signaling and triggered Bcl-2/Cyto C/Caspase-mediated intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal an important role of PLAGL2 in apoptosis resistance in HCC and highlight the potential of using SeS2 as a PLAGL2 inhibitor in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Qi Su
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Tang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yingzhuan Zhan
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Bingling Dai
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
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Zhu G, Hu J, Xi R. The cellular niche for intestinal stem cells: a team effort. CELL REGENERATION 2021; 10:1. [PMID: 33385259 PMCID: PMC7775856 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-020-00061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly self-renewing epithelium in the mammalian intestine is maintained by multipotent intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the bottom of the intestinal crypt that are interspersed with Paneth cells in the small intestine and Paneth-like cells in the colon. The ISC compartment is also closely associated with a sub-epithelial compartment that contains multiple types of mesenchymal stromal cells. With the advances in single cell and gene editing technologies, rapid progress has been made for the identification and characterization of the cellular components of the niche microenvironment that is essential for self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs. It has become increasingly clear that a heterogeneous population of mesenchymal cells as well as the Paneth cells collectively provide multiple secreted niche signals to promote ISC self-renewal. Here we review and summarize recent advances in the regulation of ISCs with a main focus on the definition of niche cells that sustain ISCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, No. 7 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jiulong Hu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, No. 7 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Rongwen Xi
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, No. 7 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, China. .,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Zhou Z, Wu L, Liu Z, Zhang X, Han S, Zhao N, Bao H, Yuan W, Chen J, Ji J, Shu X. MicroRNA-214-3p targets the PLAGL2-MYH9 axis to suppress tumor proliferation and metastasis in human colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:9633-9657. [PMID: 32413870 PMCID: PMC7288958 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the progression of CRC. Previous studies have indicated that miR-214-3p is abnormally expressed in various malignant tumors. However, the biological function it plays in CRC and the potential mechanism are unclear. Here, we demonstrated that miR-214-3p was obviously downregulated in CRC. Moreover, we found a strong correlation between the miR-214-3p level and tumor size and lymphatic metastasis. Furthermore, when miR-214-3p was decreased by an Lv-miR-214-3p inhibitor, the proliferation and migration of SW480 and HCT116 cells were significantly increased. As expected, the ability of proliferation and migration was significantly suppressed when miR-214-3p was overexpressed in DLD1 cells. According to the dual-luciferase reporter results, PLAGL2 was found to be a direct downstream molecule of miR-214-3p. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) confirmed that MYH9, a well-known cytoskeleton molecule in CRC, was a direct targeting gene of PLAGL2. Silencing PLAGL2 or MYH9 could reverse the effect of a miR-214-3p inhibitor on CRC cells. In summary, our studies proved that low expression of miR-214-3p and overexpression of downstream PLAGL2 in CRC indicated a poor prognosis. MiR-214-3p suppressed the malignant behaviors of colorectal cancer by regulating the PLAGL2/MYH9 axis. MiR-214-3p might be a novel therapeutic target or prognostic marker for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhengyi Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, The People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, The People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Xudan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shengbo Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Haijun Bao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenzheng Yuan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery II, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jinhuang Chen
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jintong Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaogang Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Zhao Z, Shelton SD, Oviedo A, Baker AL, Bryant CP, Omidvarnia S, Du L. The PLAGL2/MYCN/miR-506-3p interplay regulates neuroblastoma cell fate and associates with neuroblastoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:41. [PMID: 32087738 PMCID: PMC7036248 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-1531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The oncogene MYCN is critical for tumorigenesis of several types of cancers including neuroblastoma. We previously reported that miR-506-3p repressed MYCN expression in neuroblastoma cells. However, the mechanism underlying such regulation was undetermined since there is no miR-506-3p target site in MYCN 3’UTR. Methods By a systematic investigation combining microarray, informatics and luciferase reporter assay, we identified that the transcriptional factor pleiomorphic adenoma gene-like 2 (PLAGL2) is a direct target of miR-506-3p that mediates its regulation on MYCN expression. Using CHIP-PCR and luciferase reporter assay, we validated the transcriptional regulation of MYCN by PLAGL2 and we further demonstrated the transcriptional regulation of PLAGL2 by MYCN. We examined the function of PLAGL2 in regulating neuroblastoma cell fate by cell viability assay, colony formation and Western blotting of differentiation markers. We examined the effect of retinoic acid, the differentiation agent used in neuroblastoma therapy, on miR-506-3p, PLAGL2 and MYCN expressions by quantitative PCR and Western blots. We investigated the clinical relevance of PLAGL2 expression by examining the correlation of tumor PLAGL2 mRNA levels with MYCN mRNA expression and patient survival using public neuroblastoma patient datasets. Results We found that miR-506-3p directly down-regulated PLAGL2 expression, and we validated a PLAGL2 binding site in the MYCN promoter region responsible for promoting MYCN transcription, thereby establishing a mechanism through which miR-506-3p regulates MYCN expression. Conversely, we discovered that MYCN regulated PLAGL2 transcription through five N-Myc-binding E-boxes in the PLAGL2 promoter region. We further confirmed the reciprocal regulation between endogenous PLAGL2 and MYCN in multiple neuroblastoma cell lines. Moreover, we found that PLAGL2 knockdown induced neuroblastoma cell differentiation and reduced cell proliferation, and combined knockdown of PLAGL2 and MYCN showed a synergistic effect. More strikingly, we found that high tumor PLAGL2 mRNA levels were significantly correlated with high MYCN mRNA levels and poor patient survival in neuroblastoma patients. Furthermore, we found that retinoic acid increased expression of miR-506-3p and repressed expression of MYCN and PLAGL2. Conclusions Our findings altogether suggest that the interplay network formed by PLAGL2, MYCN and miR-506-3p is an important mechanism in regulating neuroblastoma cell fate, determining neuroblastoma prognosis, and mediating the therapeutic function of retinoic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Spencer D Shelton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Alejandro Oviedo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Amy L Baker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Collin P Bryant
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Soroush Omidvarnia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Liqin Du
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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15
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Yu D, Liu X, Han G, Liu Y, Zhao X, Wang D, Bian X, Gu T, Wen L. The let-7 family of microRNAs suppresses immune evasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by promoting PD-L1 degradation. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:173. [PMID: 31881947 PMCID: PMC6935121 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulation of immunosuppressive protein programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been documented in several cancers and contributes to the evasion of the host immune system. However, cancer cell-intrinsic signaling-dependent control of PD-L1 expression remains to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to identify the let-7 family of microRNAs as candidates that up-regulate tumor cell PD-L1 expression and mediates immune evasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods The expression of let-7 family and PD-L1 was quantified in HNSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. PD-L1 degradation was evaluated in HNSCC cells in response to elevated expressions of let-7a or let-7b. The regulation of let-7 family on PD-L1 degradation through a mechanism involving T-cell factor-4 (TCF-4) control of β-catenin/STT3 pathway was evaluated. Immune recognition of HNSCC in vivo was examined in subcutaneous tumor-bearing C3H mice in the presence of let-7a/b and/or CTLA-4 antibody. Results The let-7 family were significantly down-regulated in the context of HNSCC, sharing a negative correlation with PD-L1 expression. Glycosylated PD-L1 was detected in HNSCC cells, which was reduced by let-7a/b over-expression. TCF-4, the target of let-7a/b, activated the β-catenin/STT3 pathway and promoted PD-L1 degradation. In vivo analysis demonstrated that let-7a/b over-expression potentiated anticancer immunotherapy by CTLA-4 blockade. Conclusions Taken together, our findings highlight targeting let-7 family as a potential strategy to enhance immune checkpoint therapy for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueshibojie Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghong Han
- Department of Oral Geriatrics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Bian
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Gu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianji Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Jilin University, No. 218, Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130041, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Chirshev E, Oberg KC, Ioffe YJ, Unternaehrer JJ. Let-7 as biomarker, prognostic indicator, and therapy for precision medicine in cancer. Clin Transl Med 2019; 8:24. [PMID: 31468250 PMCID: PMC6715759 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-019-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal regulation and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been documented in various diseases including cancer. The miRNA let-7 (MIRLET7) family controls developmental timing and differentiation. Let-7 loss contributes to carcinogenesis via an increase in its target oncogenes and stemness factors. Let-7 targets include genes regulating the cell cycle, cell signaling, and maintenance of differentiation. It is categorized as a tumor suppressor because it reduces cancer aggressiveness, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. However, in rare situations let-7 acts as an oncogene, increasing cancer migration, invasion, chemoresistance, and expression of genes associated with progression and metastasis. Here, we review let-7 function as tumor suppressor and oncogene, considering let-7 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. We explain the complex regulation and function of different let-7 family members, pointing to abnormal processes involved in carcinogenesis. Let-7 is a promising option to complement conventional cancer therapy, but requires a tumor specific delivery method to avoid toxicity. While let-7 therapy is not yet established, we make the case that assessing its tumor presence is crucial when choosing therapy. Clinical data demonstrate that let-7 can be used as a biomarker for rational precision medicine decisions, resulting in improved patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Chirshev
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Kerby C Oberg
- Division of Anatomy and Pediatric Pathology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yevgeniya J Ioffe
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Juli J Unternaehrer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, 11085 Campus Street, Mortensen Hall 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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17
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Li D, Lin C, Li N, Du Y, Yang C, Bai Y, Feng Z, Su C, Wu R, Song S, Yan P, Chen M, Jain A, Huang L, Zhang Y, Li X. PLAGL2 and POFUT1 are regulated by an evolutionarily conserved bidirectional promoter and are collaboratively involved in colorectal cancer by maintaining stemness. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:124-138. [PMID: 31279780 PMCID: PMC6642334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous study revealed that PLAGL2 or POFUT1 can promote tumorigenesis and maintain significant positive correlations in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism leading to the co-expression and the underlying functional and biological implications remain unclear. Methods Clinical tumor tissues and TCGA dataset were utilized to analyze the co-expression of PLAGL2 and POFUT1. Luciferase reporter assays, specially made bidirectional promoter vectors and ectopic expression of 3’UTR were employed to study the mechanisms of co-expression. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to further confirm the oncogenic function of both. The sphere formation assay, immunofluorescence, Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to investigate the effect of both genes in colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs). Findings PLAGL2 and POFUT1 maintained co-expression in CRC (r = 0.91, p < .0001). An evolutionarily conserved bidirectional promoter, rather than post-transcriptional regulation by competing endogenous RNAs, caused the co-expression of PLAGL2 and POFUT1 in CRC. The bidirectional gene pair PLAGL2/POFUT1 was subverted in CRC and acted synergistically to promote colorectal tumorigenesis by maintaining stemness of colorectal cancer stem cells through the Wnt and Notch pathways. Finally, PLAGL2 and POFUT1 share transcription factor binding sites, and introducing mutations into promoter regions with shared transcription regulatory elements led to a decrease in the PLAGL2/POFUT1 promoter activity in both directions. Interpretation Our team identified for the first time a bidirectional promoter pair oncogene, PLAGL2-POFUT1, in CRC. The two genes synergistically promote the progression of CRC and affect the characteristics of CSCs, which can offer promising intervention targets for clinicians and researchers. Fund National Nature Science Foundation of China, the Hunan province projects of Postgraduate Independent Exploration and Innovation of Central South University.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daojiang Li
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Changwei Lin
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Nanpeng Li
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuheng Du
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chunxing Yang
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Zhicai Feng
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chen Su
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Runliu Wu
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Shenglei Song
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Peicheng Yan
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Arad Jain
- College of Arts and Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States of America
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of gastroenterological surgery, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
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18
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Li N, Li D, Du Y, Su C, Yang C, Lin C, Li X, Hu G. Overexpressed PLAGL2 transcriptionally activates Wnt6 and promotes cancer development in colorectal cancer. Oncol Rep 2018; 41:875-884. [PMID: 30535429 PMCID: PMC6313070 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Researchers hold the view that PLAGL2 is overexpressed in many malignancies and that it can promote tumor proliferation, migration, invasion and self-renewal; however, there is no evidence revealing a relationship between PLAGL2 and colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, genes that are overexpressed in CRC were screened using the COSMIC database and GEPIA database and the expression of PLAGL2 in carcinoma tissues and pericarcinomatous tissues was detected by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, a cell cycle analysis experiment and a xenograft model were used to explore the influence of PLAGL2 on CRC after knocking down PLAGL2 expression in HCT116 and SW480 cells. Using ChIP assays and Dual-Luciferase Reporter assays, the promoter regions to which PLAGL2 binds were discovered. It was observed that PLAGL2 was overexpressed in colorectal cancer and that it influenced the colorectal cancer cell cycle and promoted colorectal cancer proliferation in vivo and in vitro. The expression of some genes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, were downregulated after knocking down the expression of PLAGL2; Wnt6 was altered the most. PLAGL2 could bind to the promoter region of Wnt6 and promote its expression. These results indicated that PLAGL2 was overexpressed in CRC as a proto-oncogene and that it could active the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a transcription factor by binding with the promoter region of Wnt6. PALGL2 was revealed to play an important role in colorectal cancer and may be a new therapeutic target for targeted medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanpeng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Daojiang Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Du
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Chen Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Chunxing Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Changwei Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
| | - Gui Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China
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