IMP1 promotes choriocarcinoma cell migration and invasion through the novel effectors RSK2 and PPME1. Gynecol Oncol. 2013;131:182-190. [PMID: 23911878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.07.106]

LncRNA SNHG5/IGF2BP1/Occludin axis regulates Nd2O3 induced blood-testis barrier disruption

Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) is a rare earth element that can lead to various type of tissue and organ damage with prolonged exposure. The long noncoding RNA small nucleolar ribonucleic acid host gene 5 (lncRNA SNHG5) plays a role in disease progressiong. However, its connection with Nd2O3 induced reproductive harm in males has not been thoroughly investigated. Our research discovered that exposure to Nd2O3 increases the expression of SNHG5 in the testes of mice, which in turn binds directly to and reduces in the protein levels of insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) both in vivo and in vitro. This process disrupts the cytoskeleton of blood-testis barrier(BTB) by impacting the stability of the tight junction protein Occludin (Ocln) mRNA structure and the permeability of the BTB. In summary, our study elucidates the regulatory mechanism of SNHG5/IGF2BP1/Occludin axis in Nd2O3-induced BTB injury, providing valuable insights for the treatment of male infertility.

IGF2BPs as novel m6A readers: Diverse roles in regulating cancer cell biological functions, hypoxia adaptation, metabolism, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment

m6A methylation is the most frequent modification of mRNA in eukaryotes and plays a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating biological functions. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BP) are newly identified m6A 'readers'. They belong to a family of RNA-binding proteins, which bind to the m6A sites on different RNA sequences and stabilize them to promote cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which different upstream factors regulate IGF2BP in cancer. The current literature analyzed here reveals that the IGF2BP family proteins promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, and chemoresistance, inhibit apoptosis, and are also associated with cancer glycolysis, angiogenesis, and the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, with the discovery of their role as 'readers' of m6A and the characteristic re-expression of IGF2BPs in cancers, it is important to elucidate their mechanism of action in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We also describe in detail the regulatory and interaction network of the IGF2BP family in downstream target RNAs and discuss their potential clinical applications as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as recent advances in IGF2BP biology and associated therapeutic value.

Hitting the mark: Localization of mRNA and biomolecular condensates in health and disease

Subcellular mRNA localization is critical to a multitude of biological processes such as development of cellular polarity, embryogenesis, tissue differentiation, protein complex formation, cell migration, and rapid responses to environmental stimuli and synaptic depolarization. Our understanding of the mechanisms of mRNA localization must now be revised to include formation and trafficking of biomolecular condensates, as several biomolecular condensates that transport and localize mRNA have recently been discovered. Disruptions in mRNA localization can have catastrophic effects on developmental processes and biomolecular condensate biology and have been shown to contribute to diverse diseases. A fundamental understanding of mRNA localization is essential to understanding how aberrations in this biology contribute the etiology of numerous cancers though support of cancer cell migration and biomolecular condensate dysregulation, as well as many neurodegenerative diseases, through misregulation of mRNA localization and biomolecular condensate biology. This article is categorized under: RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

Hsa_circ_0050102 regulates the pancreatic cancer development via miR‐218‐5p/PPME1 axis

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) affects the growth of PC, nonetheless the mechanism is blurry. Here, we reconnoitered the parts of hsa_circ_0050102 in PC.

Methods

Hsa_circ_0050102, microRNA‐218‐5p (miR‐218‐5p) and protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PPME1) abundances were indicated by quantitative RT‐PCR or Western blot. Moreover, the cell functions were uncovered. Additionally, the relation of miR‐218‐5p and hsa_circ_0050102 or PPME1 was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ultimately, the mice teats were utilized to quantity the part of hsa_circ_0050102.

Results

Hsa_circ_0050102 and PPME1 contents were increased, and the miR‐218‐5p was dwindled in PC. Hsa_circ_0050102 lack subdued cell vitality, colony formation, cell migration and invasion, and angiogenesis, but endorsed cell apoptosis in PC cells. Furthermore, miR‐218‐5p was established to block the development of PC cells via PPME1. Hsa_circ_0050102 bound to miR‐218‐5p to adjust the content of PPME1.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0050102 expedited the expansion of PC through growing PPME1 abundance by adjusting miR‐218‐5p.

Protein expression reveals a molecular sexual identity of avian primordial germ cells at pre-gonadal stages

In poultry, in vitro propagated primordial germ cells (PGCs) represent an important tool for the cryopreservation of avian genetic resources. However, several studies have highlighted sexual differences exhibited by PGCs during in vitro propagation, which may compromise their reproductive capacities. To understand this phenomenon, we compared the proteome of pregonadal migratory male (ZZ) and female (ZW) chicken PGCs propagated in vitro by quantitative proteomic analysis using a GeLC-MS/MS strategy. Many proteins were found to be differentially abundant in chicken male and female PGCs indicating their early sexual identity. Many of the proteins more highly expressed in male PGCs were encoded by genes localised to the Z sex chromosome. This suggests that the known lack of dosage compensation of the transcription of Z-linked genes between sexes persists at the protein level in PGCs, and that this may be a key factor of their autonomous sex differentiation. We also found that globally, protein differences do not closely correlate with transcript differences indicating a selective translational mechanism in PGCs. Male and female PGC expressed protein sets were associated with differential biological processes and contained proteins known to be biologically relevant for male and female germ cell development, respectively. We also discovered that female PGCs have a higher capacity to uptake proteins from the cell culture medium than male PGCs. This study presents the first evidence of an early predetermined sex specific cell fate of chicken PGCs and their sexual molecular specificities which will enable the development of more precise sex-specific in vitro culture conditions for the preservation of avian genetic resources.

The biological function of IGF2BPs and their role in tumorigenesis

The insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) pertain to a highly conservative RNA-binding family that works as a post-transcriptional fine-tuner for target transcripts. Emerging evidence suggests that IGF2BPs regulate RNA processing and metabolism, including stability, translation, and localization, and are involved in various cellular functions and pathophysiologies. In this review, we summarize the roles and molecular mechanisms of IGF2BPs in cancer development and progression. We mainly discuss the functional relevance of IGF2BPs in embryo development, neurogenesis, metabolism, RNA processing, and tumorigenesis. Understanding IGF2BPs role in tumor progression will provide new insight into cancer pathophysiology.

miR-885-5p inhibits proliferation and metastasis by targeting IGF2BP1 and GALNT3 in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) continues to increase worldwide, however its molecular pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Recent studies have implicated microRNAs in iCCA progression. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-885-5p was significantly decreased in iCCA tissues. Downregulation of miR-885-5p was correlated with vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, unfavorable overall survival, and shorter disease-free survival. Silencing or overexpressing miR-885-5p by lentiviral approaches significantly influenced iCCA cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR-885-5p inhibited iCCA metastasis and proliferation by directly inhibiting GALNT3 as well as by indirectly promoting the downregulation of insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1). Furthermore, miR-885-5p inhibited iCCA metastasis by downregulating the PI3K/AKT/MMPs signaling pathway via targeting GALNT3. Collectively, we demonstrated that miR-885-5p was an important mediator of iCCA proliferation and metastasis by regulating GALNT3 and IGF2BP1, thus offering a potential target for iCCA treatment.

Expression Pattern and Prognostic Utility of PME-1 in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignancies. While there is lack of markers capable of predicting which patients are at risk of aggressive course of the disease. Although a few protein phosphatase methyl-esterase-1 (PME-1) tumor-promoting mechanisms have been reported, the role of PME-1 in cancer including HCC occurrence and progression remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the expression pattern and relationship between PME-1 with the pathological parameters in patients with HCC.

Methods

PME-1 expression was assessed from HCC tissue chips via immunohistochemistry. Chi-square test was used to identify the association between PME-1 staining and clinicopathological variables of HCC patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to draw survival curves and verify the independent prognostic factors of HCC patients, respectively.

Results

We found that PME-1 expression was significantly higher in HCC tumor tissues compared with non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). Furthermore, high expression level of PME-1 was significantly associated with differentiation (P = 0.047), tumor number (P = 0.001), intrahepatic or extrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.018), and recurrence (P = 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that high expression level of PME-1 was associated with shorter survival (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis with Log-rank test revealed that PME-1 expression status was significantly correlated with overall survival (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate models with Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that high expression of PME-1 was a statistically independent predictive factor of poor prognosis in HCC patients (hazard ratio, 3.429; 95% confidence interval, 1.369–8.589; P = 0.009).

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings indicated that PME-1 expression was associated with aggressive pathological features and worse oncological outcomes, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for patients with HCC.

DNAH17-AS1 promotes pancreatic carcinoma by increasing PPME1 expression via inhibition of miR-432-5p

BACKGROUND

The incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic carcinoma (PC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles during PC initiation and progression. Since the lncRNA DNAH17-AS1 is highly expressed in PC, the regulation of DNAH17-AS1 in PC was investigated in this study.

AIM

To investigate the expression and molecular action of lncRNA DNAH17-AS1 in PC cells.

METHODS

The PC expression data for the lncRNA DNAH17-AS1 was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and used to examine its profile. Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were employed to assess protein and mRNA expression. A subcellular fractionation assay was used to determine the location of DNAH17-AS1 in cells. In addition, the regulatory effects of DNAH17-AS1 on miR-432-5p, PPME1, and tumor activity were investigated using luciferase reporter assay, MTT viability analysis, flow cytometry, and transwell migration analysis.

RESULTS

DNAH17-AS1 was upregulated in PC cells and was associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis for patients. Silencing DNAH17-AS1 promoted the apoptosis and reduced the viability, invasion, and migration of PC cells. In addition, DNAH17-AS1 served as a PC oncogene by downregulating miR-432-5p which normally directly targeted PPME1 to downregulate its expression.

CONLUSION

DNAH17-AS1 functions in PC as a tumor promoter by regulating the miR-432-5p/PPME1 axis. This finding may provide new insights for PC prognosis and therapy.

miR-222 represses expression of zipcode binding protein-1 and phospholipase C-γ1 in intestinal epithelial cells

Both zipcode binding protein-1 (ZBP1) and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) are intimately involved in many aspects of early intestinal mucosal repair after acute injury, but the exact mechanisms that control their cellular abundances remain largely unknown. The present study shows that microRNA-222 (miR-222) interacts with the mRNAs encoding ZBP1 and PLCγ1 and regulates ZBP1 and PLCγ1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The biotinylated miR-222 bound specifically to the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs in IECs. Ectopically expressed miR-222 precursor destabilized the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs and consequently lowered the levels of cellular ZBP1 and PLCγ1 proteins. Conversely, decreasing the levels of cellular miR-222 by transfection with its antagonism increased the stability of the ZBP1 and PLCγ1 mRNAs and increased the levels of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 proteins. Overexpression of miR-222 also inhibited cell migration over the wounded area, which was partially abolished by overexpressing ZBP1 and PLCγ1. Furthermore, prevention of the increased levels of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 in the miR-222-silenced cells by transfection with specific small interfering RNAs targeting ZBP1 or PLCγ1 mRNA inhibited cell migration after wounding. These findings indicate that induced miR-222 represses expression of ZBP1 and PLCγ1 at the posttranscriptional level, thus inhibiting IEC migration during intestinal epithelial restitution after wounding.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) in cancer

The insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) plays essential roles in embryogenesis and carcinogenesis. IGF2BP1 serves as a post-transcriptional fine-tuner regulating the expression of some essential mRNA targets required for the control of tumor cell proliferation and growth, invasion, and chemo-resistance, associating with a poor overall survival and metastasis in various types of human cancers. Therefore, IGF2BP1 has been traditionally regarded as an oncogene and potential therapeutic target for cancers. Nevertheless, a few studies have also demonstrated its tumor-suppressive role. However, the details about the contradictory functions of IGF2BP1 are unclear. The growing numbers of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as its direct regulators, during tumor cell proliferation, growth, and invasion in multiple cancers. Thus, the mechanisms of post-transcriptional modulation of gene expression mediated by IGF2BP1, miRNAs, and lncRNAs in determining the fate of the development of tissues and organs, as well as tumorigenesis, need to be elucidated. In this review, we summarized the tissue distribution, expression, and roles of IGF2BP1 in embryogenesis and tumorigenesis, and focused on modulation of the interconnectivity between IGF2BP1 and its targeted mRNAs or non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The potential use of inhibitors of IGF2BP1 and its related pathways in cancer therapy was also discussed.

Regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) tumor suppressor function by PME-1

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) plays a major role in maintaining cellular signaling homeostasis by dephosphorylation of a variety of signaling proteins and acts as a tumor suppressor. Protein phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1) negatively regulates PP2A activity by highly complex mechanisms that are reviewed here. Importantly, recent studies have shown that PME-1 promotes oncogenic MAPK/ERK and AKT pathway activities in various cancer types. In human glioma, high PME-1 expression correlates with tumor progression and kinase inhibitor resistance. We discuss the emerging cancer-associated function of PME-1 and its potential clinical relevance.

Apigenin Reduces Survival of Choriocarcinoma Cells by Inducing Apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 MAPK Pathways

Apigenin is a flavonoid found in parsley, onions, oranges, tea, chamomile, wheat, and sprouts. It has a variety of biological properties including anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-spasmodic effects. Based on epidemiological and case-control studies, apigenin is regarded as a novel chemotherapeutic agent against various cancer types. However, little is known about the effects of apigenin on choriocarcinoma cells. Therefore, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of apigenin on choriocarcinoma cells (JAR and JEG3) in the present study. Apigenin reduced viability and migratory properties, increased apoptosis, and suppressed mitochondrial membrane potential in both the JAR and JEG3 cells. In addition, apigenin predominantly decreased phosphorylation of AKT, P70RSK, and S6 whereas the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P90RSK was increased by apigenin treatment of JAR and JEG3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of JAR and JEG3 cells with both apigenin and pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/AKT (LY294002) and ERK1/2 (U0126) revealed synergistic anti-proliferative effects. Collectively, these results indicated that the apigenin is an invaluable chemopreventive agent that inhibits progression and metastasis of choriocarcinoma cells through regulation of PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 MAPK signal transduction mechanism. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2690-2699, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Successfully Treated Metastatic Choriocarcinoma Coexistent With Pregnancy: A Case Report of a 4-Year Follow-Up

Gestational choriocarcinoma ended with a successful parturition is extremely rare, especially in cases where multiple metastases occurred.A 29-year-old Chinese primigravida was admitted with vaginal bleeding at 32 gestational week, and diagnosed with gestational choriocarcinoma with vaginal, pulmonary, and cerebral metastasis after pathological, and imaging examination. At 33 gestational week, a healthy infant was delivered by cesarean section. Although no evidence of choriocarcinoma or any other forms of gestational trophoblastic diseases was found in the placenta and uterine curettages, the patient was given 7 cycles of postpartum chemotherapy. Her serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level fell to the normal range, and the metastatic lesions reduced. The baby is still free from diseases, and the patient reports no clinical manifestation 4 years after the hospital discharge.Despite its rapid metastases and complications, gestational choriocarcinoma still can be successfully treated by postpartum chemotherapy with the least delay.

Pituitary metastasis of choriocarcinoma: A case report

Choriocarcinoma is an aggressive obstetric or gynecological neoplasm with a high malignant potential. It is a form of gestational trophoblastic disease and often secondary to hydatidiform mole, and intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy. Choriocarcinoma has a proclivity to metastasize to the lung, vagina, pelvis or liver in over 50% of patients, which always occurs in the early stage of the disease. With an appropriate amount of chemotherapy, the tumor may be treated effectively. However, pituitary metastasis of choriocarcinoma is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, no cases of choriocarcinoma metastasizing to the pituitary have been cited previously. Here, we report a case of choriocarcinoma that presented with pituitary metastasis.

Control of cell migration through mRNA localization and local translation

Cell migration plays an important role in many normal and pathological functions such as development, wound healing, immune defense, and tumor metastasis. Polarized migrating cells exhibit asymmetric distribution of many cytoskeletal proteins, which is believed to be critical for establishing and maintaining cell polarity and directional cell migration. To target these proteins to the site of function, cells use a variety of mechanisms such as protein transport and messenger RNA (mRNA) localization-mediated local protein synthesis. In contrast to the former which is intensively investigated and relatively well understood, the latter has been understudied and relatively poorly understood. However, recent advances in the study of mRNA localization and local translation have demonstrated that mRNA localization and local translation are specific and effective ways for protein localization and are crucial for embryo development, neuronal function, and many other cellular processes. There are excellent reviews on mRNA localization, transport, and translation during development and other cellular processes. This review will focus on mRNA localization-mediated local protein biogenesis and its impact on somatic cell migration.

Assessing specific oligonucleotides and small molecule antibiotics for the ability to inhibit the CRD-BP-CD44 RNA interaction

Studies on Coding Region Determinant-Binding Protein (CRD-BP) and its orthologs have confirmed their functional role in mRNA stability and localization. CRD-BP is present in extremely low levels in normal adult tissues, but it is over-expressed in many types of aggressive human cancers and in neonatal tissues. Although the exact role of CRD-BP in tumour progression is unclear, cumulative evidence suggests that its ability to physically associate with target mRNAs is an important criterion for its oncogenic role. CRD-BP has high affinity for the 3′UTR of the oncogenic CD44 mRNA and depletion of CRD-BP in cells led to destabilization of CD44 mRNA, decreased CD44 expression, reduced adhesion and disruption of invadopodia formation. Here, we further characterize the CRD-BP-CD44 RNA interaction and assess specific antisense oligonucleotides and small molecule antibiotics for their ability to inhibit the CRD-BP-CD44 RNA interaction. CRD-BP has a high affinity for binding to CD44 RNA nts 2862–3055 with a K_d of 645 nM. Out of ten antisense oligonucleotides spanning nts 2862–3055, only three antisense oligonucleotides (DD4, DD7 and DD10) were effective in competing with CRD-BP for binding to ³²P-labeled CD44 RNA. The potency of DD4, DD7 and DD10 in inhibiting the CRD-BP-CD44 RNA interaction in vitro correlated with their ability to specifically reduce the steady-state level of CD44 mRNA in cells. The aminoglycoside antibiotics neomycin, paramomycin, kanamycin and streptomycin effectively inhibited the CRD-BP-CD44 RNA interaction in vitro. Assessing the potential inhibitory effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics including neomycin on the CRD-BP-CD44 mRNA interaction in cells proved difficult, likely due to their propensity to non-specifically bind nucleic acids. Our results have important implications for future studies in finding small molecules and nucleic acid-based inhibitors that interfere with protein-RNA interactions.