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Limone A, Maggisano V, Sarnataro D, Bulotta S. Emerging roles of the cellular prion protein (PrP C) and 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (RPSA) interaction in cancer biology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:207. [PMID: 37452879 PMCID: PMC10349719 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04844-2] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is well-known for its involvement, under its pathogenic protease-resistant form (PrPSc), in a group of neurodegenerative diseases, known as prion diseases. PrPC is expressed in nervous system, as well as in other peripheral organs, and has been found overexpressed in several types of solid tumors. Notwithstanding, studies in recent years have disclosed an emerging role for PrPC in various cancer associated processes. PrPC has high binding affinity for 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (RPSA), a molecule that acts as a key player in tumorigenesis, affecting cell growth, adhesion, migration, invasion and cell death processes. Recently, we have characterized at cellular level, small molecules able to antagonize the direct PrPC binding to RPSA and their intracellular trafficking. These findings are very crucial considering that the main function of RPSA is to modulate key events in the metastasis cascade. Elucidation of the role played by PrPC/RPSA interaction in regulating tumor development, progression and response to treatment, represents a very promising challenge to gain pathogenetic information and discover novel specific biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to be exploited in clinical settings. This review attempts to convey a detailed description of the complexity surrounding these multifaceted proteins from the perspective of cancer hallmarks, but with a specific focus on the role of their interaction in the control of proliferation, migration and invasion, genome instability and mutation, as well as resistance to cell death controlled by autophagic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Limone
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Maggisano
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniela Sarnataro
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Stefania Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus "S. Venuta", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Bignoux MJ, Otgaar TC, Bernert M, Weiss SFT, Ferreira E. Downregulation of LRP/LR with siRNA inhibits several cancer hallmarks in lung cancer cells. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:323-340. [PMID: 36579897 PMCID: PMC9900088 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of cancer are growing rapidly worldwide, with lung cancer being the most commonly occurring cancer in males. Human carcinomas circumvent the inhibitory pathways induced by DNA damage and senescence through the upregulation of telomerase activity. The 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) is a cell surface receptor which plays a role in several cancer hallmarks, including metastasis, angiogenesis, cell viability maintenance, apoptotic evasion, and mediating telomerase activity. We have previously shown that the knockdown of LRP/LR with an LRP-specific siRNA significantly impedes adhesion and invasion, induces apoptosis, and inhibits telomerase activity in various cancer cell lines in vitro. Here, we investigated the effect of downregulating LRP/LR with LRP-specific siRNA in A549 lung cancer cells. Downregulation of LRP/LR resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, migration potential, and telomerase activity, as well as a significant increase in apoptosis. Proteomic analysis further suggested the re-establishment of immune control over the lung cancer cells, a previously unidentified facet of LRP downregulation in cancer. Altogether, we suggest that targeting LRP/LR for downregulation may have therapeutic potential for inhibiting several cancer hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique J. Bignoux
- School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Tyrone C. Otgaar
- School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Martin Bernert
- School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Stefan F. T. Weiss
- School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Eloise Ferreira
- School of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
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3
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Cuttler K, Bignoux MJ, Otgaar TC, Chigumba S, Ferreira E, Weiss SFT. LRP::FLAG Reduces Phosphorylated Tau Levels in Alzheimer's Disease Cell Culture Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:753-768. [PMID: 32568204 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, respectively. Neurofibrillary tangles form as a result of the intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau. Telomerase activity and levels of the human reverse transcriptase (hTERT) subunit of telomerase are significantly decreased in AD. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) interacts with telomerase and is implicated in Aβ pathology. Since both LRP/LR and telomerase are known to play a role in the Aβ facet of AD, we hypothesized that they might also play a role in tauopathy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine if LRP/LR has a relationship with tau and whether overexpression of LRP::FLAG has an effect on tauopathy-related proteins. METHODS We employed confocal microscopy and FRET to determine whether LRP/LR and tau co-localize and interact. LRP::FLAG overexpression in HEK-293 and SH-SY5Y cells as well as analysis of tauopathy-related proteins was assessed by western blotting. RESULTS We demonstrate that LRP/LR co-localizes with tau in the perinuclear cell compartment and confirmed a direct interaction between LRP/LR and tau in HEK-293 cells. Overexpression of LRP::FLAG in HEK-293 and SH-SY5Y cells decreased total and phosphorylated tau levels with a concomitant decrease in PrPc levels, a tauopathy-related protein. LRP::FLAG overexpression also resulted in increased hTERT levels. CONCLUSION This data suggest that LRP/LR extends its role in AD through a direct interaction with tau, and recommend LRP::FLAG as a possible alternative AD therapeutic via decreasing phosphorylated tau levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Cuttler
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.,Present Address: Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | - Monique J Bignoux
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Tyrone C Otgaar
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stephanie Chigumba
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Eloise Ferreira
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stefan F T Weiss
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
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Vania L, Morris G, Ferreira E, Weiss SFT. Knock-down of LRP/LR influences signalling pathways in late-stage colorectal carcinoma cells. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:392. [PMID: 33836696 PMCID: PMC8035741 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08081-3] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) is involved in several tumourigenic-promoting processes including cellular viability maintenance and apoptotic evasion. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the molecular mechanism of LRP/LR on apoptotic pathways in late stage (DLD-1) colorectal cancer cells upon siRNA-mediated down-regulation of LRP/LR. Methods siRNAs were used to down-regulate the expression of LRP/LR in DLD-1 cells which was assessed using western blotting and qPCR. To evaluate the mechanistic role of LRP/LR, proteomic analysis of pathways involved in proliferation and apoptosis were investigated. The data from the study was analysed using a one-way ANOVA, followed by a two-tailed student’s t-test with a confidence interval of 95%. Results Here we show that knock-down of LRP/LR led to significant changes in the proteome of DLD-1 cells, exposing new roles of the protein. Moreover, analysis showed that LRP/LR may alter components of the MAPK, p53-apoptotic and autophagic signalling pathways to aid colorectal cancer cells in continuous growth and survival. Knock-down of LRP/LR also resulted in significant decreases in telomerase activity and telomerase-related proteins in the DLD-1 cells. Conclusions These findings show that LRP/LR is critically implicated in apoptosis and cell viability maintenance and suggest that siRNA-mediated knock-down of LRP/LR may be a possible therapeutic strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08081-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Vania
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Gavin Morris
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Eloise Ferreira
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stefan F T Weiss
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.
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Lorusso G, Rüegg C, Kuonen F. Targeting the Extra-Cellular Matrix-Tumor Cell Crosstalk for Anti-Cancer Therapy: Emerging Alternatives to Integrin Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1231. [PMID: 32793493 PMCID: PMC7387567 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network composed of a multitude of different macromolecules. ECM components typically provide a supportive structure to the tissue and engender positional information and crosstalk with neighboring cells in a dynamic reciprocal manner, thereby regulating tissue development and homeostasis. During tumor progression, tumor cells commonly modify and hijack the surrounding ECM to sustain anchorage-dependent growth and survival, guide migration, store pro-tumorigenic cell-derived molecules and present them to enhance receptor activation. Thereby, ECM potentially supports tumor progression at various steps from initiation, to local growth, invasion, and systemic dissemination and ECM-tumor cells interactions have long been considered promising targets for cancer therapy. Integrins represent key surface receptors for the tumor cell to sense and interact with the ECM. Yet, attempts to therapeutically impinge on these interactions using integrin inhibitors have failed to deliver anticipated results, and integrin inhibitors are still missing in the emerging arsenal of drugs for targeted therapies. This paradox situation should urge the field to reconsider the role of integrins in cancer and their targeting, but also to envisage alternative strategies. Here, we review the therapeutic targets implicated in tumor cell adhesion to the ECM, whose inhibitors are currently in clinical trials and may offer alternatives to integrin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girieca Lorusso
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hôpital de Beaumont, Lausanne University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Li C, Zhan Y, Ma X, Fang H, Gai X. B7-H4 facilitates proliferation and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma cell through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Clin Exp Med 2020; 20:79-86. [PMID: 31664539 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-019-00590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
B7-H4 is over-expressed in various tumors and may affect many aspects of cancer biology. Our previous studies have reported that the over-expressed B7-H4 in serum or tumor tissue of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients was closely related to CRC progression. However, B7-H4 in cell biological characteristics of CRC is not well studied. Here, we investigate the effect of the B7-H4 on cell proliferation, migration and its expression regulated by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in CRC. Firstly, pSilencer 4.1-B7-H4-shRNA vector was constructed and stable transfection was performed on HT-29 cells. Secondly, cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and cell migration were evaluated after B7-H4 silencing, and the expression of Bcl-2, caspase-3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was also measured. Finally, the regulation of B7-H4 by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was measured followed by treatment with or without PI3K/Akt and mTOR inhibitor. The results showed that the viability of HT-29 cells was significantly decreased after B7-H4 silencing (P < 0.05). B7-H4 silencing significantly increased the apoptosis rate and caspase-3 protein expression while decreased Bcl-2 protein expression (P all < 0.05). B7-H4 silencing also significantly reduced the migration of HT-29 cells (P < 0.01) and the secretion of MMP-2 or MMP-9 (P all < 0.05). Following treatment with PI3K/Akt and mTOR inhibitor in HT-29 cells, the expression of B7-H4 was significantly downregulated compared with untreated group (P all < 0.05). Our results strongly suggest that B7-H4 may be involved in cell proliferation and migration by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Therefore, blocking B7-H4 signaling might be a novel treatment strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Department of Pathology, Beihua University Faculty of Medicine, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yudong Zhan
- Department of Pathology, Beihua University Faculty of Medicine, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, Jingmen No. 1 People's Hospital, Jingmen, 448000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuzhe Ma
- Department of Pathology, Beihua University Faculty of Medicine, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Fang
- Department of Pathology, Beihua University Faculty of Medicine, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Gai
- Department of Pathology, Beihua University Faculty of Medicine, No. 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, 132013, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Vania L, Morris G, Otgaar TC, Bignoux MJ, Bernert M, Burns J, Gabathuse A, Singh E, Ferreira E, Weiss SFT. Patented therapeutic approaches targeting LRP/LR for cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:987-1009. [PMID: 31722579 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1693543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The ubiquitously expressed 37 kDa/67 kDa high-affinity laminin receptor (laminin receptor precursor/laminin receptor, LRP/LR) is a protein found to play several roles within cells. The receptor is located in the nucleus, cytosol and the cell surface. LRP/LR mediates cell proliferation, cell adhesion and cell differentiation. As a result, it is seen to enhance tumor angiogenesis as well as invasion and adhesion, key steps in the metastatic cascade of cancer. Recent findings have shown that LRP/LR is involved in the maintenance of cell viability through apoptotic evasion, allowing for tumor progression. Thus, several patented therapeutic approaches targeting the receptor for the prevention and treatment of cancer have emerged.Areas covered: The several roles that LRP/LR plays in cancer progression as well as an overview of the current therapeutic patented strategies targeting LRP/LR and cancer to date.Expert opinion: Small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and small interfering RNAs might act used as powerful tools in preventing tumor angiogenesis and metastasis through the induction of apoptosis and telomere erosion in several cancers. This review offers an overview of the roles played by LRP/LR in cancer progression, while providing novel patented approaches targeting the receptor as potential therapeutic routes for the treatment of cancer as well as various other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Vania
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Gavin Morris
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Tyrone C Otgaar
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Monique J Bignoux
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Martin Bernert
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jessica Burns
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Anne Gabathuse
- Wits Commercial Enterprise, The Commercial Development Hub, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Elvira Singh
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Eloise Ferreira
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stefan F T Weiss
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
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Wei CY, Zhu MX, Lu NH, Peng R, Yang X, Zhang PF, Wang L, Gu JY. Bioinformatics-based analysis reveals elevated MFSD12 as a key promoter of cell proliferation and a potential therapeutic target in melanoma. Oncogene 2018; 38:1876-1891. [PMID: 30385854 PMCID: PMC6462865 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although recent therapeutic advances based on our understanding of molecular phenomena have prolonged the survival of melanoma patients, the prognosis of melanoma remains dismal and further understanding of the underlying mechanism of melanoma progression is needed. In this study, differential expression analyses revealed that many genes, including AKT1 and CDK2, play important roles in melanoma. Functional analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), obtained from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database, indicated that high proliferative and metastatic abilities are the main characteristics of melanoma and that the PI3K and MAPK pathways play essential roles in melanoma progression. Among these DEGs, major facilitator superfamily domain-containing 12 (MFSD12) was found to have significantly and specifically upregulated expression in melanoma, and elevated MFSD12 level promoted cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression. Mechanistically, MFSD12 upregulation was found to activate PI3K signaling, and a PI3K inhibitor reversed the increase in cell proliferation endowed by MFSD12 upregulation. Clinically, high MFSD12 expression was positively associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in melanoma patients, and MFSD12 was an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS in melanoma patients. Therapeutically, in vivo assays further confirmed that MFSD12 interference inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in melanoma. In conclusion, elevated MFSD12 expression promotes melanoma cell proliferation, and MFSD12 is a valuable prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Yuan Wei
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Xuan Zhu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan-Hang Lu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Peng
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Fudan University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ying Gu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Vania L, Rebelo TM, Ferreira E, Weiss SFT. Knock-down of LRP/LR promotes apoptosis in early and late stage colorectal carcinoma cells via caspase activation. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:602. [PMID: 29843646 PMCID: PMC5975593 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death around the world, where incidence and mortality rates are at a constant increase. Tumourigenic cells are characteristically seen to over-express the 37 kDa/67 kDa laminin receptor (LRP/LR) compared to their normal cell counterparts. This receptor has numerous roles in tumourigenesis including metastasis, angiogenic enhancement, telomerase activation, cell viability and apoptotic evasion. This study aimed to expose the role of LRP/LR on the cellular viability of early (SW-480) and late (DLD-1) stage colorectal cancer cells. Methods siRNA were used to down-regulate the expression of LRP/LR in SW-480 and DLD-1 cells which was assessed using western blotting. Subsequently, cell survival was evaluated using the MTT cell survival assay and confocal microscopy. Thereafter, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and caspase activity assays were used to investigate the mechanism underlying the cell death observed upon LRP/LR knockdown. The data was analysed using Student’s t-test with a confidence interval of 95%, with p-values of less than 0.05 seen as significant. Results Here we reveal that siRNA-mediated knock-down of LRP led to notable decreases in cell viability through increased levels of apoptosis, apparent by compromised membrane integrity and significantly high caspase-3 activity. Down-regulated LRP resulted in a significant increase in caspase-8 and -9 activity in both cell lines. Conclusions These findings show that the receptor is critically implicated in apoptosis and that LRP/LR down-regulation induces apoptosis in early and late stage colorectal cancer cells through both apoptotic pathways. Thus, this study suggests that siRNA-mediated knock-down of LRP could be a possible therapeutic strategy for the treatment of early and late stage colorectal carcinoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4531-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Vania
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Thalia M Rebelo
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Eloise Ferreira
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | - Stefan F T Weiss
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa.
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