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MUC1 gene silencing inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20182193. [PMID: 31439759 PMCID: PMC6747000 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20182193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of RNA interference in the inhibition of MUC1 gene expression in occurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its in-depth mechanisms. The OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues, as well as normal oral epithelial cell line HOK and OSCC cell line SCC-4, Cal-27, TSCCA, Tca8113 were obtained to detect the expression of MUC1. Slug expression in OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues was also determined. The OSCC cells were grouped to investigate the role of MUC1 gene silencing on proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, colony formation ability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration of OSCC cells. We first found higher positive rate of MUC1 and Slug expression in OSCC tissues. Next, it was determined that higher expression of MUC1 was found in OSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silencing of MUC1 declined Slug expression, inhibited the proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and EMT while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our study suggests that overexpression of MUC1 is found in OSCC, and MUC1 gene silencing could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells.
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Sun Q, Lesperance J, Wettersten H, Luterstein E, DeRose YS, Welm A, Cheresh DA, Desgrosellier JS. Proapoptotic PUMA targets stem-like breast cancer cells to suppress metastasis. J Clin Invest 2017; 128:531-544. [PMID: 29227280 DOI: 10.1172/jci93707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells with stem cell properties are key contributors to metastatic disease, and there remains a need to better understand and target these cells in human cancers. Here, we identified rare stem-like cells in patients' tumors characterized by low levels of the proapoptotic molecule p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) and showed that these cells play a critical role in tumor progression that is independent of clinical subtype. A signaling axis consisting of the integrin αvβ3, Src kinase, and the transcription factor Slug suppresses PUMA in these cells, promoting tumor stemness. We showed that genetic or pharmacological disruption of αvβ3/Src signaling drives PUMA expression, specifically depleting these stem-like tumor cells; increases their sensitivity to apoptosis; and reduces pulmonary metastasis, with no effect on primary tumor growth. Taken together, these findings point to PUMA as a key vulnerability of stem-like cells and suggest that pharmacological upregulation of PUMA via Src inhibition may represent a strategy to selectively target these cells in a wide spectrum of aggressive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sun
- Moores Cancer Center, and.,Department of Pathology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Hiromi Wettersten
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Elaine Luterstein
- Moores Cancer Center, and.,Department of Pathology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yoko S DeRose
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alana Welm
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David A Cheresh
- Department of Pathology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jay S Desgrosellier
- Moores Cancer Center, and.,Department of Pathology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
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3
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SLUG transcription factor: a pro-survival and prognostic factor in gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:1195-1202. [PMID: 28334729 PMCID: PMC5418455 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SLUG transcription factor has been linked with the KIT signalling pathway that is important for gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) tumourigenesis. Its clinical significance in GIST is unknown. METHODS Influence of SLUG expression on cell proliferation and viability were investigated in GIST48 and GIST882 cell lines. The association between tumour SLUG expression in immunohistochemistry and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was studied in two clinical GIST series, one with 187 patients treated with surgery alone, and another one with 313 patients treated with surgery and adjuvant imatinib. RESULTS SLUG downregulation inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell death in both cell lines, and sensitised GIST882 cells to lower imatinib concentrations. SLUG was expressed in 125 (25.0%) of the 500 clinical GISTs evaluated, and expression was associated with several factors linked with unfavourable prognosis. SLUG expression was associated with unfavourable RFS both when patients were treated with surgery alone (HR=3.40, 95% CI=1.67-6.89, P=0.001) and when treated with surgery plus adjuvant imatinib (HR=1.83, 95% CI=1.29-2.60, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS GIST patients with high tumour SLUG expression have unfavourable RFS. SLUG may mediate pro-survival signalling in GISTs.
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Mendoza-Villanueva D, Balamurugan K, Ali HR, Kim SR, Sharan S, Johnson RC, Merchant AS, Caldas C, Landberg G, Sterneck E. The C/EBPδ protein is stabilized by estrogen receptor α activity, inhibits SNAI2 expression and associates with good prognosis in breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 35:6166-6176. [PMID: 27181204 PMCID: PMC5112156 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia and inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6, IL6) are strongly linked to cancer progression, and signal in part through the transcription factor Ccaat/enhancer-binding protein δ (C/EBPδ, CEBPD), which has been shown to promote mesenchymal features and malignant progression of glioblastoma. Here we report a different role for C/EBPδ in breast cancer. We found that the C/EBPδ protein is expressed in normal breast epithelial cells and in low-grade cancers. C/EBPδ protein (but not mRNA) expression correlates with estrogen receptor (ER+) and progesterone receptor (PGR) expression and longer progression-free survival of breast cancer patients. Specifically in ER+ breast cancers, CEBPD-but not the related CEBPB-mRNA in combination with IL6 correlated with lower risk of progression. Functional studies in cell lines showed that ERα promotes C/EBPδ expression at the level of protein stability by inhibition of the FBXW7 pathway. Furthermore, we found that C/EBPδ attenuates cell growth, motility and invasiveness by inhibiting expression of the SNAI2 (Slug) transcriptional repressor, which leads to expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A (p21CIP1/WAF1). These findings identify a molecular mechanism by which ERα signaling reduces the aggressiveness of cancer cells, and demonstrate that C/EBPδ can have different functions in different types of cancer. Furthermore, our results support a potentially beneficial role for the IL-6 pathway specifically in ER+ breast cancer and call for further evaluation of the role of intra-tumoral IL-6 expression and of which cancers might benefit from current attempts to target the IL-6 pathway as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mendoza-Villanueva
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - H. Raza Ali
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Su-Ryun Kim
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shikha Sharan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Randall C. Johnson
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, Leidos Biomed, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Anand S. Merchant
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Advanced Biomedical Computing Center, Leidos Biomed, Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Göran Landberg
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Škalamera D, Dahmer-Heath M, Stevenson AJ, Pinto C, Shah ET, Daignault SM, Said NAB, Davis M, Haass NK, Williams ED, Hollier BG, Thompson EW, Gabrielli B, Gonda TJ. Genome-wide gain-of-function screen for genes that induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:61000-61020. [PMID: 27876705 PMCID: PMC5308632 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that has been implicated in progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance of some carcinomas. To identify genes whose overexpression drives EMT, we screened a lentiviral expression library of 17000 human open reading frames (ORFs) using high-content imaging to quantitate cytoplasmic vimentin. Hits capable of increasing vimentin in the mammary carcinoma-derived cell line MDA-MB-468 were confirmed in the non-tumorigenic breast-epithelial cell line MCF10A. When overexpressed in this model, they increased the rate of cell invasion through Matrigel™, induced mesenchymal marker expression and reduced expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. In gene-expression datasets derived from breast cancer patients, the expression of several novel genes correlated with expression of known EMT marker genes, indicating their in vivo relevance. As EMT-associated properties are thought to contribute in several ways to cancer progression, genes identified in this study may represent novel targets for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Škalamera
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Mareike Dahmer-Heath
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Stevenson
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Cletus Pinto
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Esha T. Shah
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sheena M. Daignault
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nur Akmarina B.M. Said
- Monash Institute of Medical Research (now Hudson Institute of Medical Research), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Melissa Davis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nikolas K. Haass
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Monash Institute of Medical Research (now Hudson Institute of Medical Research), Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett G. Hollier
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Thomas J. Gonda
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Kulathinal RJ, Blain SW, Holcombe RF, Mahajna J, Marino M, Martinez-Chantar ML, Nawroth R, Sanchez-Garcia I, Sharma D, Saxena NK, Singh N, Vlachostergios PJ, Guo S, Honoki K, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Bilsland A, Amedei A, Niccolai E, Amin A, Ashraf SS, Boosani CS, Guha G, Ciriolo MR, Aquilano K, Chen S, Mohammed SI, Azmi AS, Bhakta D, Halicka D, Keith WN, Nowsheen S. Sustained proliferation in cancer: Mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S25-S54. [PMID: 25892662 PMCID: PMC4898971 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 426] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Proliferation is an important part of cancer development and progression. This is manifest by altered expression and/or activity of cell cycle related proteins. Constitutive activation of many signal transduction pathways also stimulates cell growth. Early steps in tumor development are associated with a fibrogenic response and the development of a hypoxic environment which favors the survival and proliferation of cancer stem cells. Part of the survival strategy of cancer stem cells may manifested by alterations in cell metabolism. Once tumors appear, growth and metastasis may be supported by overproduction of appropriate hormones (in hormonally dependent cancers), by promoting angiogenesis, by undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition, by triggering autophagy, and by taking cues from surrounding stromal cells. A number of natural compounds (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol, brassinin, sulforaphane, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, genistein, ellagitannins, lycopene and quercetin) have been found to inhibit one or more pathways that contribute to proliferation (e.g., hypoxia inducible factor 1, nuclear factor kappa B, phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt, insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, Wnt, cell cycle associated proteins, as well as androgen and estrogen receptor signaling). These data, in combination with bioinformatics analyses, will be very important for identifying signaling pathways and molecular targets that may provide early diagnostic markers and/or critical targets for the development of new drugs or drug combinations that block tumor formation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Feitelson
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rob J Kulathinal
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stacy W Blain
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Randall F Holcombe
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jamal Mahajna
- MIGAL-Galilee Technology Center, Cancer Drug Discovery Program, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Maria Marino
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, V.le G. Marconi, 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria L Martinez-Chantar
- Metabolomic Unit, CIC bioGUNE, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Technology Park of Bizkaia, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Roman Nawroth
- Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Isidro Sanchez-Garcia
- Experimental Therapeutics and Translational Oncology Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Dipali Sharma
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Neeraj K Saxena
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Neetu Singh
- Tissue and Cell Culture Unit, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Shanchun Guo
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Amr Amin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - S Salman Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Maria Rosa Ciriolo
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sophie Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Trust Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YG, United Kingdom
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Karmonas Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Dorota Halicka
- Brander Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Somaira Nowsheen
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Rochester, MN, United States
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7
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Schally AV, Perez R, Block NL, Rick FG. Potentiating effects of GHRH analogs on the response to chemotherapy. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:699-704. [PMID: 25648497 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1010893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) from hypothalamus nominatively stimulates growth hormone release from adenohypophysis. GHRH is also produced by cancers, acting as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor. This growth factor function is seen in lymphoma, melanoma, colorectal, liver, lung, breast, prostate, kidney, bladder cancers. Pituitary type GHRH receptors and their splice variants are also expressed in these malignancies. Synthetic antagonists of the GHRH receptor inhibit proliferation of cancers. Besides direct inhibitory effects on tumors, GHRH antagonists also enhance cytotoxic chemotherapy. GHRH antagonists potentiate docetaxel effects on growth of H460 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and MX-1 breast cancer plus suppressive action of doxorubicin on MX-1 and HCC1806 breast cancer. We investigated mechanisms of antagonists on tumor growth, inflammatory signaling, doxorubicin response, expression of drug resistance genes, and efflux pump function. Triple negative breast cancer cell xenografted into nude mice were treated with GHRH antagonist, doxorubicin, or their combination. The combination reduced tumor growth, inflammatory gene expression, drug-resistance gene expression, cancer stem-cell marker expression, and efflux-pump function. Thus, antagonists increased the efficacy of doxorubicin in HCC1806 and MX-1 tumors. Growth inhibition of H460 NSCLC by GHRH antagonists induced marked downregulation in expression of prosurvival proteins K-Ras, COX-2, and pAKT. In HT-29, HCT-116 and HCT-15 colorectal cancer lines, GHRH antagonist treatment caused cellular arrest in S-phase of cell cycle, potentiated inhibition of in vitro proliferation and in vivo growth produced by S-phase specific cytotoxic agents, 5-FU, irinotecan and cisplatin. This enhancement of cytotoxic therapy by GHRH antagonists should have clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew V Schally
- a Veterans Affairs Medical Center and South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education ; Miami , FL USA
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8
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Wang SS, Jiang J, Liang XH, Tang YL. Links between cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:2973-80. [PMID: 26527883 PMCID: PMC4621173 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s91863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to be an important program that is often activated during the process of cancer invasion and metastasis. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can initiate and maintain cancer are also involved in invasion and metastasis of cancer. Recently, insights into the molecular mechanisms and functional features of mesenchymal cells have been greatly colored by findings that some of them have been endowed with the self-renewal trait associated with normal tissue stem cells and CSCs. Among cancer cells experiencing EMT, only some of the most competent CSCs will succeed in planting in another organ. In this paper, we review the molecular mechanism behind the link of EMT and CSCs in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China ; Department of Oral Pathology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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9
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Gopalakrishnan N, Sivasithamparam ND, Devaraj H. Synergistic association of Notch and NFκB signaling and role of Notch signaling in modulating epithelial to mesenchymal transition in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Biochimie 2014; 107 Pt B:310-8. [PMID: 25257945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Notch1 signaling plays a key role in normal developmental processes and in cancer. The association between Notch activation and development of cancer has been well documented. Notch activation and outcome of the disease depend upon the crosstalk with other regulatory pathways including Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway. In this study, we have investigated the interaction of Notch intracellular domain (NICD) with NFκBp65 in colorectal cancer which resulted in the upregulation of Bcl-xL resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis. Mesenchymal marker Slug expression and down regulation of E-cadherin, an epithelial phenotypic marker were demonstrated in colon cancer tissues. The study was also illustrated by using the gamma secretase inhibitor, N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) in HT29 cells. Immunohistochemistry (NICD, NFκBp65, and Slug) and double immunofluorescence analysis (NICD, NFκBp65) revealed that NICD and NFκBp65 were highly expressed in HT29 cells and in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue. Slug and Bcl-xL protein expressions were significantly reduced in DAPT treated HT 29 cells. Immunoprecipitation and dual staining emphasized the strong interaction of NICD with NFκBp65 in adenocarcinoma than in normal tissue. It appeared that Notch1 and NFκB could independently contribute to tumor progression. However, their interaction and synergism might be the determinants that would affect the outcome of the disease and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Gopalakrishnan
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Zoology, University of Madras, School of Life Sciences, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Halagowder Devaraj
- Unit of Biochemistry, Department of Zoology, University of Madras, School of Life Sciences, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Augello MA, Burd CJ, Birbe R, McNair C, Ertel A, Magee MS, Frigo DE, Wilder-Romans K, Shilkrut M, Han S, Jernigan DL, Dean JL, Fatatis A, McDonnell DP, Visakorpi T, Feng FY, Knudsen KE. Convergence of oncogenic and hormone receptor pathways promotes metastatic phenotypes. J Clin Invest 2012; 123:493-508. [PMID: 23257359 DOI: 10.1172/jci64750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin D1b is a splice variant of the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 and is known to harbor divergent and highly oncogenic functions in human cancer. While cyclin D1b is induced during disease progression in many cancer types, the mechanisms underlying cyclin D1b function remain poorly understood. Herein, cell and human tumor xenograft models of prostate cancer were utilized to resolve the downstream pathways that are required for the protumorigenic functions of cyclin D1b. Specifically, cyclin D1b was found to modulate the expression of a large transcriptional network that cooperates with androgen receptor (AR) signaling to enhance tumor cell growth and invasive potential. Notably, cyclin D1b promoted AR-dependent activation of genes associated with metastatic phenotypes. Further exploration determined that transcriptional induction of SNAI2 (Slug) was essential for cyclin D1b-mediated proliferative and invasive properties, implicating Slug as a critical driver of disease progression. Importantly, cyclin D1b expression highly correlated with that of Slug in clinical samples of advanced disease. In vivo analyses provided strong evidence that Slug enhances both tumor growth and metastatic phenotypes. Collectively, these findings reveal the underpinning mechanisms behind the protumorigenic functions of cyclin D1b and demonstrate that the convergence of the cyclin D1b/AR and Slug pathways results in the activation of processes critical for the promotion of lethal tumor phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Augello
- Department of Cancer Biology and Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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SFRP2 and slug contribute to cellular resistance to apoptosis in hypertrophic scars. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50229. [PMID: 23226515 PMCID: PMC3514356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars (HS) are skin disorders which occur after wounding and thermal injury. Our previous studies have suggested that secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) is involved in HS formation and that the suppression of SFRP2 promotes apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs). However, the mechanisms have not been clarified. Previous studies revealed that Slug expression inhibits cell apoptosis, in vitro and in vivo, and SFRP2 regulates the expression of Slug in cervical cancer cells. In the present study, we quantified differential expression levels of expression of SFRP2 and Slug in HS and normal skin tissues by immunohistochemistry, both of which have important anti-apoptosis roles. Furthermore, a short hairpin RNA approach was adopted to investigate the potential function of SFRP2 and Slug in HSFB apoptosis. Cell apoptosis was detected using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and Caspase-3 activity was assayed by spectrophotometry. This study demonstrates that SFRP2 expression, as well as Slug, is dramatically up-regulated in HS relative to normal skin tissues, and the Slug expression is positively correlated with SFRP2. Slug expression was down-regulated in SFRP2-deficient cells, and the down-regulation of Slug expression increased sensitivity to apoptosis which was induced through a caspase-3-dependent pathway. The infected cells with reduced levels of Slug were tested for the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax and PUMA) which were previously identified as Slug targets. Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in Slug-deficient cells. In conclusion, SFRP2 appears to interact with Slug to affect the apoptosis of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts.
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Tominaga E, Yuasa K, Shimazaki S, Hijikata T. MicroRNA-1 targets Slug and endows lung cancer A549 cells with epithelial and anti-tumorigenic properties. Exp Cell Res 2012; 319:77-88. [PMID: 23142026 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) has recently been suggested to function as a tumor suppressor. Its functional relevance was assessed by exploring structural and tumorigenic properties of lung cancer A549 cells stably transduced with retrovirus containing pre-miR-1. A549 cells overexpressing miR-1 exhibited a significant morphological change from a mesenchymal to an epithelial phenotype characterized by cell polarization and intercellular junctions. The cells showed increased expression of E-cadherin, which colocalized with cortical actin filaments and vinculin to form typical adherens junction at the apical regions of intercellular borders. Additionally, they exhibited occludin-positive tight junctions at similar apical regions. Moreover, their migratory and invasive activities were inhibited, and their sensitivity to doxorubicin was increased slightly compared to control mock-infected cells. These structural and tumorigenic properties induced by miR-1 were associated with the reduced expression of Slug, which was a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin or an inducer of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Consistently, Slug was identified as a miR-1 target by bioinformatics and a luciferase reporter assay with plasmids containing luciferase-Slug 3'UTR. Collectively, the data presented here suggest that re-expression of miR-1 may be an effective therapy that prevents cancer malignancy by converting cells from a mesenchymal phenotype to an epithelial phenotype via the downregulation of Slug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tominaga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Nishitokyo-shi, Tokyo, Japan
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Tang P, Yu Z, Zhang K, Wang Y, Ma Z, Zhang S, Chen D, Zhou Y. Slug down-regulation by RNA interference inhibits invasion growth in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2011; 11:60. [PMID: 21599940 PMCID: PMC3118191 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-11-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract. We assessed the relevance of Slug in measuring the invasive potential of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo in immunodeficient mice. Methods We utilized RNA interference to knockdown Slug gene expression, and effects on survival and invasive carcinoma were evaluated using a Boyden chamber transwell assay in vitro. We evaluated the effect of Slug siRNA-transfection and Slug cDNA-transfection on E-cadherin and Bcl-2 expression in ESCC cells. A pseudometastatic model of ESCC in immunodeficient mice was used to assess the effects of Slug siRNA transfection on tumor metastasis development. Results The EC109 cell line was transfected with Slug-siRNA to knockdown Slug expression. The TE13 cell line was transfected with Slug-cDNA to increase Slug expression. EC109 and TE13 cell lines were tested for the expression of apoptosis-related genes bcl-2 and metastasis-related gene E-cadherin identified previously as Slug targets. Bcl-2 expression was increased and E-cadherin was decreased in Slug siRNA-transfected EC109 cells. Bcl-2 expression was increased and E-cadherin was decreased in Slug cDNA-transfected TE13 cells. Invasion of Slug siRNA-transfected EC109 cells was reduced and apoptosis was increased whereas invasion was greater in Slug cDNA-transfected cells. Animals injected with Slug siRNA-transfected EC109 cells exhihited fewer seeded nodes and demonstrated more apoptosis. Conclusions Slug down-regulation promotes cell apoptosis and decreases invasion capability in vitro and in vivo. Slug inhibition may represent a novel strategy for treatment of metastatic ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tang
- Department of Surgery, QingDao University, QingDao, Shan Dong Province, People's Republic of China
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Zhang K, Zhang S, Jiao X, Wang H, Zhang D, Niu Z, Shen Y, Lv L, Zhou Y. Slug regulates proliferation and invasiveness of esophageal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Med Oncol 2010; 28:1089-100. [PMID: 20730573 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-010-9652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Slug is a transcription factor and E-cadherin repressor, which has recently been demonstrated to be important for cancer cells to down-regulate epithelial markers and up-regulate mesenchymal markers in order to become motile and invasive. In the present study, we assessed the relevance of Slug for invasion and growth potential of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) cells in vitro and in vivo. Slug expression was detected in nine human esophageal cancer cell lines. OE33 cell line was infected with Slug siRNA to knockdown of Slug; TE7 cell line was infected with full Slug cDNA to increase Slug expression. Then, Bcl-2 and E-cadherin expression and Caspase-3 activity were analyzed. MTT assay was applied to detect growth curve. The flow cytometric and Hoechst33258 staining was performed to detect apoptosis. The cells invasion in vitro was detected with a Boyden chamber. A pseudometastatic model of OE33 and TE7 in immunodeficient mice was used to assess the effects of knockdown of Slug and Slug overexpression on metastasis development. A subcutaneously nude mice xenograft model of OE33 and TE7 was used to assess the effects of knockdown of Slug and Slug overexpression on tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze the expression of Slug, bcl-2 and E-cadherin, and TUNEL was used to detected apoptosis in vivo. Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that Slug expression was detectable in 7 of 9 human esophageal cancer cell lines. Bcl-2 was down-regulated and E-cadherin was up-regulated significantly in Slug siRNA-infected OE33 cell line (P<0.01). Bcl-2 was upregulated and E-cadherin was downregulated significantly in Slug cDNA-infected TE7 cells (P<0.05). OE33 cells with Slug knockdown were shown to possess markedly decreased invasiveness (P<0.05) and markedly increased apoptosis (P<0.05). Slug cDNA-infected TE7 cells were shown only to possess markedly increased invasiveness (P<0.05). There was significant relationship between Slug knockdown or Slug overexpression and cells proliferation (respectively, P<0.05). Animals injected with Slug-silenced OE33 cells had fewer seeded tumor (P<0.01), more apoptosis cells (P<0.05) and significantly xenograft tumor growth regression (P<0.05). But in Slug cDNA-infected TE7 cells, more seeded tumor number and significantly xenograft tumor growth were found in xenograft tumor (respectively, P<0.05). It was showed in the subcutaneously nude mice xenograft model tumor tissue, bcl-2 expression was reduced followed by the decrease of Slug expression in Slug-silenced tumor, and bcl-2 expression was increased followed by the increase of Slug expression. In pseudometastatic model, E-cadherin overexpression was found in Slug siRNA tumor tissue, but less E-cadherin expression was found in Slug cDNA tissue. Slug is an important modulator of apoptosis, growth and invasion in EA in vitro and in vivo. Slug inhibition may represent a novel strategy for treatment of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Zhang
- General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, QingDao University, QingDao, Shandong, 266003, People's Republic of China.
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Bhat-Nakshatri P, Appaiah H, Ballas C, Pick-Franke P, Goulet R, Badve S, Srour EF, Nakshatri H. SLUG/SNAI2 and tumor necrosis factor generate breast cells with CD44+/CD24- phenotype. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:411. [PMID: 20691079 PMCID: PMC3087321 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer cells with CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker expression profile are proposed as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Normal breast epithelial cells that are CD44+/CD24- express higher levels of stem/progenitor cell associated genes. We, amongst others, have shown that cancer cells that have undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) display the CD44+/CD24- phenotype. However, whether all genes that induce EMT confer the CD44+/CD24- phenotype is unknown. We hypothesized that only a subset of genes associated with EMT generates CD44+/CD24- cells. Methods MCF-10A breast epithelial cells, a subpopulation of which spontaneously acquire the CD44+/CD24- phenotype, were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in CD44+/CD24- and CD44-/CD24+ cells. Ingenuity pathway analysis was performed to identify signaling networks that linked differentially expressed genes. Two EMT-associated genes elevated in CD44+/CD24- cells, SLUG and Gli-2, were overexpressed in the CD44-/CD24+ subpopulation of MCF-10A cells and MCF-7 cells, which are CD44-/CD24+. Flow cytometry and mammosphere assays were used to assess cell surface markers and stem cell-like properties, respectively. Results Two thousand thirty five genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.001, fold change ≥ 2) between the CD44+/CD24- and CD44-/CD24+ subpopulations of MCF-10A. Thirty-two EMT-associated genes including SLUG, Gli-2, ZEB-1, and ZEB-2 were expressed at higher levels in CD44+/CD24- cells. These EMT-associated genes participate in signaling networks comprising TGFβ, NF-κB, and human chorionic gonadotropin. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which induces NF-κB and represses E-cadherin, or overexpression of SLUG in CD44-/CD24+ MCF-10A cells, gave rise to a subpopulation of CD44+/CD24- cells. Overexpression of constitutively active p65 subunit of NF-κB in MCF-10A resulted in a dramatic shift to the CD44+/CD24+ phenotype. SLUG overexpression in MCF-7 cells generated CD44+/CD24+ cells with enhanced mammosphere forming ability. In contrast, Gli-2 failed to alter CD44 and CD24 expression. Conclusions EMT-mediated generation of CD44+/CD24- or CD44+/CD24+ cells depends on the genes that induce or are associated with EMT. Our studies reveal a role for TNF in altering the phenotype of breast CSC. Additionally, the CD44+/CD24+ phenotype, in the context of SLUG overexpression, can be associated with breast CSC "stemness" behavior based on mammosphere forming ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poornima Bhat-Nakshatri
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Zhang J, Tang Y, Li S, Liao C, Guo X. Targeting of the B-lineage leukemia stem cells and their progeny with norcantharidin encapsulated liposomes modified with a novel CD19 monoclonal antibody 2E8in vitro. J Drug Target 2010; 18:675-87. [DOI: 10.3109/10611861003649720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Wang SP, Wang WL, Chang YL, Wu CT, Chao YC, Kao SH, Yuan A, Lin CW, Yang SC, Chan WK, Li KC, Hong TM, Yang PC. p53 controls cancer cell invasion by inducing the MDM2-mediated degradation of Slug. Nat Cell Biol 2009; 11:694-704. [PMID: 19448627 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The tumour suppressor p53 is known to prevent cancer progression by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of tumour cells. Slug, an invasion promoter, exerts its effects by repressing E-cadherin transcription. Here we show that wild-type p53 (wtp53) suppresses cancer invasion by inducing Slug degradation, whereas mutant p53 may stabilize Slug protein. In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mutation of p53 correlates with low MDM2, high Slug and low E-cadherin expression. This expression profile is associated with poor overall survival and short metastasis-free survival in patients with NSCLC. wtp53 upregulates MDM2 and forms a wtp53-MDM2-Slug complex that facilitates MDM2-mediated Slug degradation. Downregulation of Slug by wtp53 or MDM2 enhances E-cadherin expression and represses cancer cell invasiveness. In contrast, mutant p53 inactivates Slug degradation and leads to Slug accumulation and increased cancer cell invasiveness. Our findings indicate that wtp53 and p53 mutants may differentially control cancer invasion and metastasis through the p53-MDM2-Slug pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ping Wang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
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Dorn DC, Kou CA, Png KJ, Moore MA. The effect of cantharidins on leukemic stem cells. Int J Cancer 2009; 124:2186-99. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process in tumour progression providing tumour cells with the ability to escape from the primary tumour, to migrate to distant regions and to invade tissues. EMT requires a loss of cell-cell adhesion and apical-basal polarity, as well as the acquisition of a fibroblastoid motile phenotype. Several transcription factors have emerged in recent years that induce EMT, with important implications for tumour progression. However, their effects on cell polarity remain unclear. Here, we have re-examined the data available related to the effect of EMT related transcription factors on epithelial cell plasticity, focusing on their impact on cell polarity. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by several inducers of EMT, in particular the ZEB and Snail factors, downregulate the expression and/or functional organization of core polarity complexes. We also summarize data on the expression of cell polarity genes in human tumours and analyse genetic interactions that highlight the existence of complex regulatory networks converging on the regulation of cell polarity by EMT inducers in human breast carcinomas. These recent observations provide new insights into the relationship between alterations in cell polarity components and EMT in cancer, opening new avenues for their potential use as therapeutic targets to prevent tumour progression.
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Pérez-Caro M, Cobaleda C, González-Herrero I, Vicente-Dueñas C, Bermejo-Rodríguez C, Sánchez-Beato M, Orfao A, Pintado B, Flores T, Sánchez-Martín M, Jiménez R, Piris MA, Sánchez-García I. Cancer induction by restriction of oncogene expression to the stem cell compartment. EMBO J 2008; 28:8-20. [PMID: 19037256 PMCID: PMC2600654 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2008.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In human cancers, all cancerous cells carry the oncogenic genetic lesions. However, to elucidate whether cancer is a stem cell-driven tissue, we have developed a strategy to limit oncogene expression to the stem cell compartment in a transgenic mouse setting. Here, we focus on the effects of the BCR-ABLp210 oncogene, associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in humans. We show that CML phenotype and biology can be established in mice by restricting BCR-ABLp210 expression to stem cell antigen 1 (Sca1)+ cells. The course of the disease in Sca1-BCR-ABLp210 mice was not modified on STI571 treatment. However, BCR-ABLp210-induced CML is reversible through the unique elimination of the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Overall, our data show that oncogene expression in Sca1+ cells is all that is required to fully reprogramme it, giving rise to a full-blown, oncogene-specified tumour with all its mature cellular diversity, and that elimination of the CSCs is enough to eradicate the whole tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pérez-Caro
- Experimental Therapeutics and Translational Oncology Program, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Vitali R, Mancini C, Cesi V, Tanno B, Mancuso M, Bossi G, Zhang Y, Martinez RV, Calabretta B, Dominici C, Raschellà G. Slug (SNAI2) down-regulation by RNA interference facilitates apoptosis and inhibits invasive growth in neuroblastoma preclinical models. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:4622-30. [PMID: 18628477 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-5210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the relevance of Slug (SNAI2) for apoptosis resistance and invasion potential of neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated the effect of imatinib mesylate on invasion and analyzed the genes modulated by imatinib mesylate treatment in neuroblastoma cells. Slug expression, inhibited by imatinib mesylate treatment, was knocked down in neuroblastoma cells by RNA interference, and the effects on invasion and apoptosis were evaluated in vitro. A pseudometastatic model of neuroblastoma in severe combined immunodeficient mice was used to assess the effects of Slug silencing alone or in combination with imatinib mesylate treatment on metastasis development. RESULTS Microarray analysis revealed that several genes, including Slug, were down-regulated by imatinib mesylate. Slug expression was detectable in 8 of 10 human neuroblastoma cell lines. Two Slug-expressing cell lines were infected with a vector encoding a microRNA to Slug mRNA. Infected cells with reduced levels of Slug were tested for the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Bax, and Bcl-2) identified previously as Slug targets. Bcl-2 was down-regulated in Slug-interfered cells. Slug down-regulation increased sensitivity to apoptosis induced by imatinib mesylate, etoposide, or doxorubicin. Invasion of Slug-silenced cells was reduced in vitro. Animals injected with Slug-silenced cells had fewer tumors than controls and the inhibition of tumor growth was even higher in animals treated with imatinib mesylate. CONCLUSIONS Slug down-regulation facilitates apoptosis induced by proapoptotic drugs in neuroblastoma cells and decreases their invasion capability in vitro and in vivo. Slug inhibition, possibly combined with imatinib mesylate, may represent a novel strategy for treatment of metastatic neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vitali
- Section of Toxicology and Biomedical Sciences, ENEA Research Center Casaccia, Rome, Italy
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Jethwa P, Naqvi M, Hardy RG, Hotchin NA, Roberts S, Spychal R, Tselepis C. Overexpression of Slug is associated with malignant progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:1044-52. [PMID: 18286686 PMCID: PMC2689407 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To characterise expression of known E-cadherin repressors; Snail, Slug and Twist in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
METHODS: E-cadherin, Slug, Snail and Twist mRNA expression in Barrett's metaplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma specimens was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to examine cellular localization and protein levels. The effect of Slug on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was examined by transfection of Slug into an adenocarcinoma line OE33.
RESULTS: Cellular localization of Slug in Barrett’s metaplasia was largely cytoplasmic whilst in adenocarcinoma it was nuclear. Semi-quantitative analysis indicated that Slug was more abundant in adenocarcinoma compared to matched Barrett's metaplastic specimens. Snail and Twist were expressed in adenocarcinoma but were cytoplasmic in location and not induced compared to Barrett's mucosa. These observations were supported by mRNA studies where only Slug mRNA was shown to be over-expressed in adenocarcinoma and inversely correlated to E-cadherin expression. Overexpression of Slug in OE33 mediated E-cadherin repression and induced the mesenchymal markers vimentin and fibronectin.
CONCLUSION: Progression to adenocarcinoma is associated with increased Slug expression and this may represent a mechanism of E-cadherin silencing.
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Abstract
Snai2-deficient cells are radiosensitive to DNA damage. The function of Snai2 in response to DNA damage seems to be critical for its function in normal development and cancer. Here, we applied a functional genomics approach that combined gene-expression profiling and computational molecular network analysis to obtain global dissection of the Snai2-dependent transcriptional response to DNA damage in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), which undergo p53-dependent growth arrest in response to DNA damage. Although examination of the response showed that overall expression of p53 target gene expression patterns was similarly altered in both control and Snai2-deficient cells, we have identified and validated candidate Snai2 target genes linked to Snai2 gene function in response to DNA damage. This work defines for the first time the effect of Snai2 on p53 target genes in cells undergoing growth arrest, elucidates the Snai2-dependent molecular network induced by DNA damage, points to novel putative Snai2 targets, and suggest a mechanistic model, which has implications for cancer management.
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Cobaleda C, Pérez-Caro M, Vicente-Dueñas C, Sánchez-García I. Function of the Zinc-Finger Transcription FactorSNAI2in Cancer and Development. Annu Rev Genet 2007; 41:41-61. [PMID: 17550342 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.genet.41.110306.130146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that underlie disease development is still a tremendous challenge for basic science, and a prerequisite to the development of new and disease-specific targeted therapies. This review focuses on the function of SNAI2, a member of the Snail family of zinc-finger transcription factors, and discusses its possible role in disease development. SNAI2 has been implicated in diseases of melanocyte development and cancer in humans. Many malignancies arise from a rare population of cells that alone have the ability to self-renew and sustain the tumor (i.e., cancer stem cells). SNAI2 controls key aspects of stem cell function in mouse and human, suggesting that similar mechanisms control normal development and cancer stem cell properties. These insights are expected to contribute significantly to the genetics of cancer and to the development of both cancer therapy and new methods for assessing treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Cobaleda
- Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Leong KG, Niessen K, Kulic I, Raouf A, Eaves C, Pollet I, Karsan A. Jagged1-mediated Notch activation induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through Slug-induced repression of E-cadherin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 204:2935-48. [PMID: 17984306 PMCID: PMC2118507 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20071082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of Jagged1 and Notch1 are associated with poor outcome in breast cancer. However, the reason that Jagged1 and/or Notch overexpression portends a poor prognosis is unknown. We identify Slug, a transcriptional repressor, as a novel Notch target and show that elevated levels of Slug correlate with increased expression of Jagged1 in various human cancers. Slug was essential for Notch-mediated repression of E-cadherin, which resulted in beta-catenin activation and resistance to anoikis. Inhibition of ligand-induced Notch signaling in xenografted Slug-positive/E-cadherin-negative breast tumors promoted apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. This response was associated with down-regulated Slug expression, reexpression of E-cadherin, and suppression of active beta-catenin. Our findings suggest that ligand-induced Notch activation, through the induction of Slug, promotes tumor growth and metastasis characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibition of anoikis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Leong
- Department of Medical Biophysics, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada
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Pérez-Mancera PA, Bermejo-Rodríguez C, González-Herrero I, Herranz M, Flores T, Jiménez R, Sánchez-García I. Adipose tissue mass is modulated by SLUG (SNAI2). Hum Mol Genet 2007; 16:2972-86. [PMID: 17905753 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddm278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc-finger transcription factor SLUG (SNAI2) triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and plays an important role in the developmental processes. Here, we show that SLUG is expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT) in humans and its expression is tightly controlled during adipocyte differentiation. Slug-deficient mice exhibit a marked deficiency in WAT size, and Slug-overexpressing mice (Combi-Slug) exhibit an increase in the WAT size. Consistent with in vivo data, Slug-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) showed a dramatically reduced capacity for adipogenesis in vitro and there was extensive lipid accumulation in Combi-Slug MEFs. The analysis of adipogenic gene expression both in vivo and in vitro showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated factor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) expression was altered. Complementation studies rescued this phenotype, indicating that WAT alterations induced by Slug are reversible. Our results further show a differential histone deacetylase recruitment to the PPARgamma2 promoter in a tissue- and Slug-dependent manner. Our results connect, for the first time, adipogenesis with the requirement of a critical level of an EMT regulator in mammals. This work may lead to the development of targeted drugs for the treatment of patients with obesity and/or lipodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Antonio Pérez-Mancera
- Experimental Therapeutics and Translational Oncology Program, Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular del Cancer, Salamanca, Spain
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Peinado H, Olmeda D, Cano A. Snail, Zeb and bHLH factors in tumour progression: an alliance against the epithelial phenotype? Nat Rev Cancer 2007; 7:415-28. [PMID: 17508028 DOI: 10.1038/nrc2131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2436] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms that underlie tumour progression are still poorly understood, but recently our knowledge of particular aspects of some of these processes has increased. Specifically, the identification of Snail, ZEB and some basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors as inducers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and potent repressors of E-cadherin expression has opened new avenues of research with potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Peinado
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Haupt S, Alsheich-Bartok O, Haupt Y. Clues from worms: a Slug at Puma promotes the survival of blood progenitors. Cell Death Differ 2006; 13:913-5. [PMID: 16543938 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cdd.4401906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Haupt
- Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
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