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Faa G, Messana I, Coni P, Piras M, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vento G, Tirone C, Manconi B, Olianas A, Contini C, Cabras T, Castagnola M. Thymosin β 4 and β 10 Expression in Human Organs during Development: A Review. Cells 2024; 13:1115. [PMID: 38994967 PMCID: PMC11240739 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the results of a series of studies performed by our group with the aim to define the expression levels of thymosin β4 and thymosin β10 over time, starting from fetal development to different ages after birth, in different human organs and tissues. The first section describes the proteomics investigations performed on whole saliva from preterm newborns and gingival crevicular fluid, which revealed to us the importance of these acidic peptides and their multiple functions. These findings inspired us to start an in-depth investigation mainly based on immunochemistry to establish the distribution of thymosin β4 and thymosin β10 in different organs from adults and fetuses at different ages (after autopsy), and therefore to obtain suggestions on the functions of β-thymosins in health and disease. The functions of β-thymosins emerging from these studies, for instance, those performed during carcinogenesis, add significant details that could help to resolve the nowadays so-called "β-thymosin enigma", i.e., the potential molecular role played by these two pleiotropic peptides during human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavino Faa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.F.); (P.C.); (M.P.); (G.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Irene Messana
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168 Roma, Italy; (I.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Pierpaolo Coni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.F.); (P.C.); (M.P.); (G.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Monica Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.F.); (P.C.); (M.P.); (G.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Pichiri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.F.); (P.C.); (M.P.); (G.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Marco Piludu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Desiderio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “Giulio Natta”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00168 Roma, Italy; (I.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Giovanni Vento
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neonatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.V.); (C.T.)
- Divisione di Neonatologia, Dipartimento per la Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Tirone
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Neonatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy; (G.V.); (C.T.)
| | - Barbara Manconi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione Biomedica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (B.M.); (A.O.); (T.C.)
| | - Alessandra Olianas
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione Biomedica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (B.M.); (A.O.); (T.C.)
| | - Cristina Contini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (G.F.); (P.C.); (M.P.); (G.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Tiziana Cabras
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione Biomedica, Università di Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (B.M.); (A.O.); (T.C.)
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Laboratorio di Proteomica, Centro Europeo di Ricerca sul Cervello, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179 Roma, Italy
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Li Y, Wang D, Ge H, Güngör C, Gong X, Chen Y. Cytoskeletal and Cytoskeleton-Associated Proteins: Key Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1369. [PMID: 36355541 PMCID: PMC9698833 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells possessing stemness characteristics that are closely associated with tumor proliferation, recurrence and resistance to therapy. Recent studies have shown that different cytoskeletal components and remodeling processes have a profound impact on the behavior of CSCs. In this review, we outline the different cytoskeletal components regulating the properties of CSCs and discuss current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the cytoskeleton. Given the many challenges currently faced in targeted cancer therapy, a deeper comprehension of the molecular events involved in the interaction of the cytoskeleton and CSCs will help us identify more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heming Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cenap Güngör
- Department of General Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Xuejun Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yongheng Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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Li J, Zhou S, Li H, Xu Y, Zhou N, Liu R. PTEN/AKT upregulation of TMSB10 contributes to lung cancer cell growth and predicts poor survival of the patients. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 85:805-813. [PMID: 33686397 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbaa113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PTEN/AKT signaling cascade is frequently activated in various cancers, including lung cancer. The downstream effector of this signaling cascade is poorly understood. β-Thymosin 10 (TMSB10) functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressors in cancers, whereas its significance in lung cancer remains unknown. In this study, we showed that the activation of PTEN/AKT signaling promoted the expression of TMSB10. Based on the TCGA database, TMSB10 was upregulated in lung cancer tissues and its overexpression was correlated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that TMSB10 knockdown suppressed, while its overexpression promoted the proliferation, growth, and migration of lung cancer cells. Apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were also regulated by TMSB10. We therefore suggest that TMSB10 is a novel oncogene for lung cancer. Targeting TMSB10 may benefit lung cancer patients with activated PTEN/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Lymphadenopathy
| | - Shaohui Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Hongchen Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, P.R. China
| | - Yanzhao Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P. R. China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Department of Laboratory, Baotou Cancer Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China
| | - Rongfeng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, P. R. China
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Okada F, Izutsu R, Goto K, Osaki M. Inflammation-Related Carcinogenesis: Lessons from Animal Models to Clinical Aspects. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040921. [PMID: 33671768 PMCID: PMC7926701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In multicellular organisms, inflammation is the body’s most primitive and essential protective response against any external agent. Inflammation, however, not only causes various modern diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, infectious diseases, and cancer but also shortens the healthy life expectancy. This review focuses on the onset of carcinogenesis due to chronic inflammation caused by pathogen infections and inhalation/ingestion of foreign substances. This study summarizes animal models associated with inflammation-related carcinogenesis by organ. By determining factors common to inflammatory carcinogenesis models, we examined strategies for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory carcinogenesis in humans. Abstract Inflammation-related carcinogenesis has long been known as one of the carcinogenesis patterns in humans. Common carcinogenic factors are inflammation caused by infection with pathogens or the uptake of foreign substances from the environment into the body. Inflammation-related carcinogenesis as a cause for cancer-related death worldwide accounts for approximately 20%, and the incidence varies widely by continent, country, and even region of the country and can be affected by economic status or development. Many novel approaches are currently available concerning the development of animal models to elucidate inflammation-related carcinogenesis. By learning from the oldest to the latest animal models for each organ, we sought to uncover the essential common causes of inflammation-related carcinogenesis. This review confirmed that a common etiology of organ-specific animal models that mimic human inflammation-related carcinogenesis is prolonged exudation of inflammatory cells. Genotoxicity or epigenetic modifications by inflammatory cells resulted in gene mutations or altered gene expression, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines/growth factors released from inflammatory cells promote cell proliferation and repair tissue injury, and inflammation serves as a “carcinogenic niche”, because these fundamental biological events are common to all types of carcinogenesis, not just inflammation-related carcinogenesis. Since clinical strategies are needed to prevent carcinogenesis, we propose the therapeutic apheresis of inflammatory cells as a means of eliminating fundamental cause of inflammation-related carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Futoshi Okada
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (R.I.); (K.G.); (M.O.)
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-859-38-6241
| | - Runa Izutsu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (R.I.); (K.G.); (M.O.)
| | - Keisuke Goto
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (R.I.); (K.G.); (M.O.)
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Osaki
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (R.I.); (K.G.); (M.O.)
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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Lee JW, Thuy PX, Han HK, Moon EY. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced tumor growth is regulated by primary cilium formation via the axis of H 2O 2 production-thymosin beta-4 gene expression. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:1247-1258. [PMID: 33526986 PMCID: PMC7847613 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.53595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that is one of the most commonly used phthalates in manufacturing plastic wares regulates tumorigenesis. Thymosin beta-4 (TB4), an actin-sequestering protein, has been reported as a novel regulator to form primary cilia that are antenna-like organelles playing a role in various physiological homeostasis and pathological development including tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated whether DEHP affects tumor growth via primary cilium (PC) formation via the axis of TB4 gene expression and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Tumor growth was increased by DEHP treatment that enhanced TB4 expression, PC formation and ROS production. The number of cells with primary cilia was enhanced time-dependently higher in HeLa cells incubated in the culture medium with 0.1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The number of cells with primary cilia was decreased by the inhibition of TB4 expression. The incubation of cells with 0.1% FBS enhanced ROS production and the transcriptional activity of TB4 that was reduced by ciliobrevin A (CilioA), the inhibitor of ciliogenesis. ROS production was decreased by catalase treatment but not by mito-TEMPO, which affected to PC formation with the same trend. H2O2 production was reduced by siRNA-based inhibition of TB4 expression. H2O2 also increased the number of ciliated cells, which was reduced by siRNA-TB4 or the co-incubation with CilioA. Tumor cell viability was maintained by ciliogenesis, which was correlated with the changes of intracellular ATP amount rather than a simple mitochondrial enzyme activity. TB4 overexpression enhanced PC formation and DEHP-induced tumor growth. Taken together, data demonstrate that DEHP-induced tumor growth might be controlled by PC formation via TB4-H2O2 axis. Therefore, it suggests that TB4 could be a novel bio-marker to expect the risk of DEHP on tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wook Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Pham Xuan Thuy
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kyoung Han
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yi Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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Brücker L, Kretschmer V, May-Simera HL. The entangled relationship between cilia and actin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 129:105877. [PMID: 33166678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary cilia are microtubule-based sensory cell organelles that are vital for tissue and organ development. They act as an antenna, receiving and transducing signals, enabling communication between cells. Defects in ciliogenesis result in severe genetic disorders collectively termed ciliopathies. In recent years, the importance of the direct and indirect involvement of actin regulators in ciliogenesis came into focus as it was shown that F-actin polymerisation impacts ciliation. The ciliary basal body was further identified as both a microtubule and actin organising centre. In the current review, we summarize recent studies on F-actin in and around primary cilia, focusing on different actin regulators and their effect on ciliogenesis, from the initial steps of basal body positioning and regulation of ciliary assembly and disassembly. Since primary cilia are also involved in several intracellular signalling pathways such as planar cell polarity (PCP), subsequently affecting actin rearrangements, the multiple effectors of this pathway are highlighted in more detail with a focus on the feedback loops connecting actin networks and cilia proteins. Finally, we elucidate the role of actin regulators in the development of ciliopathy symptoms and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Brücker
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Viola Kretschmer
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Louise May-Simera
- Cilia Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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Abstract
Simple Summary Cell migration is an essential process from embryogenesis to cell death. This is tightly regulated by numerous proteins that help in proper functioning of the cell. In diseases like cancer, this process is deregulated and helps in the dissemination of tumor cells from the primary site to secondary sites initiating the process of metastasis. For metastasis to be efficient, cytoskeletal components like actin, myosin, and intermediate filaments and their associated proteins should co-ordinate in an orderly fashion leading to the formation of many cellular protrusions-like lamellipodia and filopodia and invadopodia. Knowledge of this process is the key to control metastasis of cancer cells that leads to death in 90% of the patients. The focus of this review is giving an overall understanding of these process, concentrating on the changes in protein association and regulation and how the tumor cells use it to their advantage. Since the expression of cytoskeletal proteins can be directly related to the degree of malignancy, knowledge about these proteins will provide powerful tools to improve both cancer prognosis and treatment. Abstract Successful metastasis depends on cell invasion, migration, host immune escape, extravasation, and angiogenesis. The process of cell invasion and migration relies on the dynamic changes taking place in the cytoskeletal components; actin, tubulin and intermediate filaments. This is possible due to the plasticity of the cytoskeleton and coordinated action of all the three, is crucial for the process of metastasis from the primary site. Changes in cellular architecture by internal clues will affect the cell functions leading to the formation of different protrusions like lamellipodia, filopodia, and invadopodia that help in cell migration eventually leading to metastasis, which is life threatening than the formation of neoplasms. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, will give a better insight of the changes during metastasis, which will eventually help targeting proteins for treatment resulting in reduced mortality and longer survival.
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Lv S, Cai H, Xu Y, Dai J, Rong X, Zheng L. Thymosin‑β 4 induces angiogenesis in critical limb ischemia mice via regulating Notch/NF‑κB pathway. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:1347-1358. [PMID: 32945357 PMCID: PMC7447324 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin‑β 4 (Tβ4) has been reported to exert a pro‑angogenic effect on endothelial cells. However, little is known on the role and underlying mechanisms of Tβ4 on critical limb ischemia (CLI). The present study aimed therefore to investigate the mechanisms and pro‑angiogenic effects of Tβ4 in CLI mice. Tβ4 overexpression lentiviral vector was first transfected into HUVEC and CLI mice model, and inhibitors of Notch pathway (DAPT) and NF‑κB pathway (BMS) were also applied to HUVEC and CLI mice. Subsequently, MTT, tube formation and wound healing assays were used to determine the cell viability, angiogenesis and migratory ablity of HUVEC, respectively. Western blotting, reverse transcription, quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of the angiogenesis‑related factors angiopoietin‑2 (Ang2), TEK receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (tie2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), CD31 and α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and the Notch/NF‑κB pathways‑related factors NOTCH1 intracellular domain (N1ICD), Notch receptor 3 (Notch3), NF‑κB and p65 in HUVEC or CLI mice muscle tissues. The results demonstrated that Tβ4 not only enhanced the cell viability, angiogenesis and migratory ability of HUVEC but also promoted the expression of Ang2, tie2, VEGFA, N1ICD, Notch3, NF‑κB, and phosphorylated (p)‑p65 in HUVEC. In addition, Tβ4 promoted the expression of CD31, α‑SMA Ang2, tie2, VEGFA, N1ICD and p‑p65 in CLI mice muscle tissues. Treatment with DAPT and BMS had opposite effects of Tβ4, whereas Tβ4 reversed the effect of DAPT and BMS. The findings from the present study suggested that Tβ4 may promote angiogenesis in CLI mice via regulation of Notch/NF‑κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Hongwen Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Jin Dai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Xiqing Rong
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Lanzhi Zheng
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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Bai L, He W, Fan S, Liu B, Zhou T, Zhang D, Zhang D, Yu D. Multiple functions of thymosin β4 in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata suggest its multiple potential roles in artificial pearl culture. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:23-31. [PMID: 32348884 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 is a multifunctional protein in vertebrates that participates in physiological processes, such as wound healing, immune response, cell proliferation and migration. We assessed the multifarious roles of this small peptide in Pinctada fucata, an oyster commonly used in pearl culture in China. Our results showed that when P. fucata was challenged by bacterial pathogens or LPS, the relative expression level of Pfthymosin β4 mRNA was significantly up-regulated, suggesting its involvement in immune response of the animal. Recombinant Pfthymosin β4 (rPfthymosin β4) was produced and showed in vitro different antibacterial activities against different pathogenic bacteria; the inhibitory effect of rPfthymosin β4 on bacterial growth was relatively stronger in the broth culture than agar culture. The overexpression of Pfthymosin β4 in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells could improve their resistance to Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and H2O2, suggesting that Pfthymosin β4 is likely involved with antioxidant. rPfthymosin β4 also significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells as indicated by MTT assay and cell scratch assay, respectively. In addition, chemically synthesized or recombinant Pfthymosin β4 could transiently increase the circulating total hemocytes counts but down-regulated by RNAi in P. fucata. Taking together above results and previous studies suggested that Pfthymosin β4 is potentially able to promote wound healing through enhancing antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity, promotion of cell proliferation and migration, and increase of circulating hemocytes in P. fucata due to nucleus implantation injury. Thus, the future of recombinant Pfthymosin β4 should be promising in the culture of pearls in P. fucata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirong Bai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, PR China
| | - Wenyao He
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Sigang Fan
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Baosuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | | | - Dianchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Dahui Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, PR China.
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Pan Q, Cheng G, Liu Y, Xu T, Zhang H, Li B. TMSB10 acts as a biomarker and promotes progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:1101-1114. [PMID: 32319572 PMCID: PMC7115359 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.4991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common urological malignancies. Identifying novel biomarkers and investigating the underlying mechanism of ccRCC development will be crucial to the management and treatment of ccRCC in patients. Thymosin b10 (TMSB10), a member of the thymosin family, is involved in various physiological processes, including tissue regeneration and inflammatory regulation. Moreover, it has been found to be upregulated in many types of carcinoma. However, its roles in ccRCC remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the expression of TMSB10 in ccRCC through mining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Oncomine databases, and to investigate the association between TMSB10 expression and clinicopathological factors. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry assays and western blotting were conducted to verify TMSB10 expression levels in human ccRCC tissues and cell lines. Functional analyses were also performed to identify the roles of TMSB10 in vitro. The results revealed that TMSB10 was significantly upregulated in RCC tissues and cell lines. The expression of TMSB10 was closely associated with various clinicopathological parameters. In addition, high expression of TMSB10 predicted poor clinical outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that TMSB10 could sufficiently distinguish the tumor from normal kidney (area under the curve = 0.9543, P<0.0001). Furthermore, knockdown of TMSB10 impaired the proliferation of ccRCC cells, and attenuated cell and invasion in vitro. In addition, TMSB10 knockdown downregulated reduced the phosphorylation of PI3K and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that high expression of TMSB10 could serve as a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufeng Pan
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yuenan Liu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Tianbo Xu
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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Lee JW, Kim HS, Moon EY. Thymosin β-4 is a novel regulator for primary cilium formation by nephronophthisis 3 in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6849. [PMID: 31048733 PMCID: PMC6497666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43235-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosinβ-4(Tβ4) is an actin-sequestering protein involved in tumor malignancy. Primary cilia, microtubule-based organelles, are present in most eukaryotic cells, which might be related to tumor cell transformation. Here, we investigated whether ciliogenesis is affected by Tβ4 in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. The inhibition of Tβ4 attenuated primary cilia formation. The frequency of cilia was increased by Tβ4 overexpression. When yeast two-hybrid assay was performed by using Tβ4 as a bait, we rescued nephronophthisis 3(NPHP3), one of the components of primary cilia. Interaction of Tβ4 with NPHP3 in mammalian cells was confirmed by GST-pulldown assay. Their intracellular co-localization was observed by immunofluorescence staining at peripheral surface of cells. In addition, the number of ciliated cells was reduced by the inhibition of NPHP3. Moreover, NPHP3 expression was decreased by the inhibition of Tβ4 but it was increased by Tβ4 overexpression. Taken together, the results demonstrate that primary cilia formation could be regulated by Tβ4 through its interaction with NPHP3 and/or the control of NPHP3 expression. It suggests that Tβ4 is a novel regulator for primary cilia formation by NPHP3. It also suggests that tumorigenesis could be associated with inappropriate regulation of Tβ4 and/or NPHP3 expression to maintain primary cilia formation normally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wook Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sug Kim
- Macrogen Inc., 254, Beotkkot-ro, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08511, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Yi Moon
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul, 05006, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Wang M, Wang B, Liu M, Jiang K, Wang L. Comparative study of β-thymosin in two scallop species Argopecten irradians and Chlamys farreri. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 86:516-524. [PMID: 30468890 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The β-thymosin (Tβ) proteins participate in numerous biological processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mechanism. To date, Tβ proteins have been well studied in vertebrates, especially mammals. While limited Tβ or Tβ-like proteins have been reported in invertebrates. Moreover, rare information of Tβ or Tβ-like proteins is available in scallop species yet. In the present study, two Tβ homologues, AiTβ and CfTβ, were identified and characterized from two scallop species bay scallop Argopecten irradians and Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri. They were both 41 amino acid peptide and contained one THY domain, a highly conserved actin-binding motif and two conserved helix forming regions. Tissue distribution and expression profiles of their mRNA transcripts were roughly similar yet different in detail, while their recombinant proteins exhibited different immunomodulation activity on the downstream immune parameters. These results collectively indicated that the function of Tβ family in scallop were functionally differentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqiang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Research Platform for Marine Molecular Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Baojie Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Keyong Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Lei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; CAS Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266400, China.
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13
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Dubé KN, Smart N. Thymosin β4 and the vasculature: multiple roles in development, repair and protection against disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:131-139. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1459558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karina N. Dubé
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Smart
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Tumor suppressor miR-1 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by simultaneously targeting multiple genes. Oncotarget 2018; 8:42043-42060. [PMID: 28159933 PMCID: PMC5522048 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression depends on tumor growth and metastasis, which are activated or suppressed by multiple genes. An individual microRNA may target multiple genes, suggesting that a miRNA may suppress tumor growth and metastasis via simultaneously targeting different genes. However, thus far, this issue has not been explored. In the present study, the findings showed that miR-1 could simultaneously inhibit tumor growth and metastasis of gastric and breast cancers by targeting multiple genes. The results indicated that miR-1 was significantly downregulated in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues. The miR-1 overexpression led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in gastric and breast cancer cells but not in normal cells. Furthermore, the miR-1 overexpression significantly inhibited the metastasis of gastric and breast cancer cells. An analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that the simultaneous inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis mediated by miR-1 was due to the synchronous targeting of 6 miR-1 target genes encoding cyclin dependent kinase 4, twinfilin actin binding protein 1, calponin 3, coronin 1C, WAS protein family member 2 and thymosin beta 4, X-linked. In vivo assays demonstrated that miR-1 efficiently inhibited tumor growth and metastasis of gastric and breast cancers in nude mice. Therefore, our study contributed novel insights into the miR-1′s roles in tumorigenesis of gastric and breast cancers.
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15
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Global Proteomics-based Identification and Validation of Thymosin Beta-4 X-Linked as a Prognostic Marker for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9031. [PMID: 28831179 PMCID: PMC5567379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09539-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a major health concern worldwide. We applied the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to analyze paired normal (N) and tumor (T) samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as well as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis in HNSCC cell lines to identify tumor-associated biomarkers. Our results showed a number of proteins found to be over-expressed in HNSCC. We identified thymosin beta-4 X-linked (TMSB4X) is one of the most significant candidate biomarkers. Higher TMSB4X expression in the tumor was found by N/T-paired HNSCC samples at both RNA and protein level. Overexpression of TMSB4X was found significantly associated with poor prognosis of overall survival (OS, P = 0.006) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, P = 0.013) in HNSCC patients. Silencing of TMSB4X expression in HNSCC cell line reduced the proliferation and invasion ability in vitro, as well as inhibited the cervical lymph node metastasis in vivo. Altogether, our global proteomics analysis identified that TMSB4X is a newly discovered biomarker in HNSCC whose functions resulted in enhanced proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. TMSB4X may be a potential therapeutic target for treating HNSCC patients.
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Thymosin beta-4 overexpression correlates with high-risk groups in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A retrospective analysis by immunohistochemistry. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:1139-1143. [PMID: 28756979 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a protein that is linked to a number of important biological actions and recently tumor progression and poor prognosis of some tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate Tβ4 expression in gastric GISTs and correlate with some clinicopathological characteristics related with prognosis and clinical outcome in order to add further data to the current literature. METHODS Tβ4 antibody was applied to the 4μm-thick paraffin sections of 57 gastric GISTs by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Tβ4 expression was found to be directly corrrelated with higher risk groups, tumor size, mitotic count, cellularity, and necrosis while it was inversely correlated with overall survival (OS) by univariate analysis (p=0.000, p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.025, p=0.023, and p=0.042, respectively). The direct association between Tβ4 expression and risk groups were also supported by multivariate analysis (p=0.000, β=0.497, t=4.374). CONCLUSION Overexpression of Tβ4 was found to be related with predictive characteristics for tumor progression and adverse prognosis. Thus, we suggest that overexpression of Tβ4 might play a role in the progression of gastric GISTs and might be used as a potential prognostic tool as well as a target for novel therapies.
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17
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Thymosin β4 overexpression regulates neuron production and spatial distribution in the developing avian optic tectum. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:555-564. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Lee SY, Park MJ, Lee HK, Son HJ, Kim CN, Kim JH, Kang DW. Increased Expression of Thymosin β 4 Is Independently Correlated with Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) and Worse Clinical Outcome in Human Colorectal Cancer. J Pathol Transl Med 2016; 51:9-16. [PMID: 27744656 PMCID: PMC5267536 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2016.08.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymosin β4 is a multi-functional hormone-like polypeptide, being involved in cell migration, angiogenesis, and tumor metastasis. This study was undertaken to clarify the clinicopathologic implications of thymosin β4 expression in human colorectal cancers (CRCs). Methods We investigated tissue sections from 143 patients with CRC by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we evaluated the expression patterns and the clinico-pathological significance of thymosin β4 expression in association with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in the CRC series. Results High expression of thymosin β4 was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion, invasion depth, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and TNM stage. Patients with high expression of thymosin β4 showed poor recurrence-free survival (p = .001) and poor overall survival (p = .005) on multivariate analysis. We also found that thymosin β4 and HIF-1α were overexpressed and that thymosin β4 expression increased in parallel with HIF-1α expression in CRC. Conclusions A high expression level of thymosin β4 indicates poor clinical outcomes and may be a useful prognostic factor in CRC. Thymosin β4 is functionally related with HIF-1α and may be a potentially valuable biomarker and possible therapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Yun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mee Ja Park
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Lee
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Son
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Chang Nam Kim
- Department of Surgery, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo Heon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kang
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
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19
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Gemoll T, Strohkamp S, Schillo K, Thorns C, Habermann JK. MALDI-imaging reveals thymosin beta-4 as an independent prognostic marker for colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43869-80. [PMID: 26556858 PMCID: PMC4791273 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA aneuploidy has been identified as a prognostic factor for epithelial malignancies. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful tool for direct analysis of multiple proteins in tissue sections while maintaining the cellular and molecular integrity. We compared diploid and aneuploid colon cancer tissues against normal mucosa of the colon by means of IMS. DNA image cytometry determined the ploidy status of tissue samples that were subsequently subjected to MALDI-IMS. After obtaining protein profiles through direct analysis of tissue sections, a discovery and independent validation set were used to predict ploidy status by applying proteomic classification algorithms [Supervised Neural Network (SNN) and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC)]. Five peaks (m/z 2,395 and 4,977 for diploid vs. aneuploid comparison as well as m/z 3,376, 6,663, and 8,581 for normal mucosa vs. carcinoma comparison) were significant in both SNN and ROC analysis. Among these, m/z 4,977 was identified as thymosin beta 4 (Tβ-4). Tβ-4 was subsequently validated in clinical samples using a tissue microarray to predict overall survival in colon cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Gemoll
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Strohkamp
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Schillo
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christoph Thorns
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jens K Habermann
- Section for Translational Surgical Oncology and Biobanking, Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a major characteristic of chronic liver disease, is inappropriate tissue remodeling caused by prolonged parenchymal cell injury and inflammation. During liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo transdifferentiation from quiescent HSCs into activated HSCs, which promote the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is the most abundant member of the highly conserved β-thymosin family and controls cell morphogenesis and motility by regulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Tβ4 is known to be involved in various cellular responses, including antiinflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Emerging evidence suggests that Tβ4 is expressed in the liver; however, its biological roles are poorly understood. Herein, we introduce liver fibrogenesis and recent findings regarding the function of Tβ4 in various tissues and discuss the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis with a special focus on the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4. Recent studies have revealed that activated HSCs express Tβ4 in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with the exogenous Tβ4 peptide inhibits the proliferation and migration of activated HSCs and reduces liver fibrosis, indicating it has an antifibrotic action. Meanwhile, the endogenously expressed Tβ4 in activated HSCs is shown to promote HSCs activation. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been elucidated, it is apparent that Tβ4 is associated with HSC activation. Therefore, understanding the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis may provide a novel treatment for patients.
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Abstract
No agent has been identified that significantly accelerates the repair of chronic dermal wounds in humans. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a small, abundant, naturally occurring regenerative protein that is found in body fluids and inside cells. It was found to have angiogenic and antiinflammatory activity and to be high in platelets that aggregate at the wound site. Thus we used Tβ4 initially in dermal healing. It has since been shown to have many activities important in tissue protection, repair, and regeneration. Tβ4 increases the rate of dermal healing in various preclinical animal models, including diabetic and aged animals, and is active for burns as well. Tβ4 also accelerated the rate of repair in phase 2 trials with patients having pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, and epidermolysis bullosa wounds. It is safe and well tolerated and will likely have additional uses in the skin and in injured organs for tissue repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Kleinman
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - G Sosne
- Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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22
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Smart N, Hill AA, Cross JC, Riley PR. A differential screen for putative targets of the bHLH transcription factor Hand1 in cardiac morphogenesis. Mech Dev 2016; 119 Suppl 1:S65-71. [PMID: 14516662 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(03)00093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The bHLH transcription factor, Hand1 has been implicated in cardiac looping in the mouse, however its function in the developing heart remains unknown. To investigate the mechanism(s) through which Hand1 might function, we screened for potential downstream target genes using representational difference analysis. Thymosin beta4 was found to be down-regulated whereas cystatin C and alphaCA were up-regulated in Hand1-null embryoid bodies. Whole-mount in situ hybridisation on wild type embryos (E8.0-E10.5) and Hand1 homozygous-mutant embryos (E8.0) confirmed co-expression of the putative targets with Hand1 in the heart and their aberrant expression in a Hand1-null background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Smart
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Dey S, Sayers CM, Verginadis II, Lehman SL, Cheng Y, Cerniglia GJ, Tuttle SW, Feldman MD, Zhang PJL, Fuchs SY, Diehl JA, Koumenis C. ATF4-dependent induction of heme oxygenase 1 prevents anoikis and promotes metastasis. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:2592-608. [PMID: 26011642 DOI: 10.1172/jci78031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The integrated stress response (ISR) is a critical mediator of cancer cell survival, and targeting the ISR inhibits tumor progression. Here, we have shown that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a master transcriptional effector of the ISR, protects transformed cells against anoikis - a specialized form of apoptosis - following matrix detachment and also contributes to tumor metastatic properties. Upon loss of attachment, ATF4 activated a coordinated program of cytoprotective autophagy and antioxidant responses, including induced expression of the major antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). HO-1 upregulation was the result of simultaneous activation of ATF4 and the transcription factor NRF2, which converged on the HO1 promoter. Increased levels of HO-1 ameliorated oxidative stress and cell death. ATF4-deficient human fibrosarcoma cells were unable to colonize the lungs in a murine model, and reconstitution of ATF4 or HO-1 expression in ATF4-deficient cells blocked anoikis and rescued tumor lung colonization. HO-1 expression was higher in human primary and metastatic tumors compared with noncancerous tissue. Moreover, HO-1 expression correlated with reduced overall survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma. These results establish HO-1 as a mediator of ATF4-dependent anoikis resistance and tumor metastasis and suggest ATF4 and HO-1 as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in solid tumors.
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Potential role of thymosin Beta 4 in liver fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:10624-35. [PMID: 26006229 PMCID: PMC4463665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160510624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, the main characteristic of chronic liver diseases, is strongly associated with the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are responsible for extracellular matrix production. As such, investigating the effective regulators controlling HSC activation provides important clues for developing therapeutics to inhibit liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is known to be involved in various cellular responses. A growing body of evidence suggests that Tβ4 has a potential role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and that it is especially associated with the activation of HSCs. However, it remains unclear whether Tβ4 promotes or suppresses the activation of HSCs. Herein, we review the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis by describing the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4, and we discuss the possible signaling pathway regulated by Tβ4. Exogenous Tβ4 reduces liver fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of HSCs. Tβ4 is expressed endogenously in the activated HSCs, but this endogenous Tβ4 displays opposite effects in HSC activation, either as an activator or an inhibitor. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been established, it is apparent that Tβ4 influences HSC activation, suggesting that Tβ4 is a potential therapeutic target for treating liver diseases.
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Fu X, Cui P, Chen F, Xu J, Gong L, Jiang L, Zhang D, Xiao Y. Thymosin β4 promotes hepatoblastoma metastasis via the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:127-32. [PMID: 25695679 PMCID: PMC4438935 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant hepatic tumor in children and complete surgical resection offers the highest possibility for cure in this disease. Tumor metastasis is the principle obstacle to the development of efficient treatments for patients with HB. The present study aimed to measure the expression levels of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) in liver samples from patients with HB and to investigate the involvement of Tβ4 in HB metastasis. The expression of Tβ4 was significantly higher in liver samples from patients with metastatic HB and in the HepG2 metastatic HB cell line, compared with that in adjacent healthy liver samples and in the L02 healthy hepatic cell line. By contrast, the expression levels of epithelial-cadherin (E-cadherin) and cytosolic accumulation of β-catenin, the two most prominent markers involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were reduced in liver specimens from patients with metastatic HB compared with that of healthy adjacent control tissue. HepG2 cells were transfected with small interfering-RNA in order to downregulate Tβ4 gene expression. This resulted in a reduced cell migratory capacity compared with control cells. Tβ4 gene expression knockdown significantly inhibited transforming growth factor β1-mediated-EMT in vitro by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin. The results of the present study suggested that Tβ4 may promote HB metastasis via the induction of EMT, and that Tβ4 may therefore be a target for the development of novel treatments for patients with HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Fu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Peiyuan Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Jianzhong Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Li Gong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Dakun Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yongtao Xiao
- Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Research, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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Okada F. Inflammation-related carcinogenesis: current findings in epidemiological trends, causes and mechanisms. Yonago Acta Med 2014; 57:65-72. [PMID: 25324587 PMCID: PMC4198572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is a definite cancer-causing factor as revealed by cumulative basic, clinical and epidemiological studies. It is mostly induced by infectious agents. For instance, infection with papillomaviruses associates with anogenital cancers, especially cervical cancers; Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach tends to increase the risk of stomach cancer; chronic hepatitis B & C viruses and fluke infections of the liver increase liver cancers; autoimmune diseases, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, associate with development of colorectal cancer, and aerial irritants (foreign bodies) such as asbestos or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in outdoor air increase malignant pleural mesotheliomas or lung cancers. These are typical examples of inflammation-related carcinogenesis. It is apparent that the pathogens to induce inflammatory reactions in specific organs are not related to each other. However, the underlying pathogenesis in common is to induce and/or sustain inflammation. In this article, I would like to review the up-to-date findings of epidemiological trends, causes and mechanisms of inflammation-related carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Futoshi Okada
- Division of Pathological Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Science, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Yonago 683-8503, Japan ; †Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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27
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Kraiklang R, Pairojkul C, Khuntikeo N, Imtawil K, Wongkham S, Wongkham C. A novel predictive equation for potential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89337. [PMID: 24586698 PMCID: PMC3938437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common-primary liver cancer. The difficulties in diagnosis limit successful treatment of CCA. At present, histological investigation is the standard diagnosis for CCA. However, there are some poor-defined tumor tissues which cannot be definitively diagnosed by general histopathology. As molecular signatures can define molecular phenotypes related to diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment outcome, and CCA is the second most common cancer found after hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC), the aim of this study was to develop a predictive model which differentiates CCA from HCC and normal liver tissues. An in-house PCR array containing 176 putative CCA marker genes was tested with the training set tissues of 20 CCA and 10 HCC cases. The molecular signature of CCA revealed the prominent expression of genes involved in cell adhesion and cell movement, whereas HCC showed elevated expression of genes related to cell proliferation/differentiation and metabolisms. A total of 69 genes differentially expressed in CCA and HCC were optimized statistically to formulate a diagnostic equation which distinguished CCA cases from HCC cases. Finally, a four-gene diagnostic equation (CLDN4, HOXB7, TMSB4 and TTR) was formulated and then successfully validated using real-time PCR in an independent testing set of 68 CCA samples and 77 non-CCA controls. Discrimination analysis showed that a combination of these genes could be used as a diagnostic marker for CCA with better diagnostic parameters with high sensitivity and specificity than using a single gene marker or the usual serum markers (CA19-9 and CEA). This new combination marker may help physicians to identify CCA in liver tissues when the histopathology is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratthaphol Kraiklang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chawalit Pairojkul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Narong Khuntikeo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Kanokwan Imtawil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chaisiri Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand ; Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Over-expression of thymosin β4 in granulomatous lung tissue with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2014; 94:323-31. [PMID: 24556076 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that thymosin β4 (Tβ4) stimulates angiogenesis by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and stabilizing hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), a type of granulomatous disease, is accompanied by intense angiogenesis and VEGF levels have been reported to be elevated in serum or tissue inflamed by pulmonary tuberculosis. We investigated the expression of Tβ4 in granulomatous lung tissues at various stages of active pulmonary tuberculosis, and we also examined the expression patterns of VEGF and HIF-1α to compare their Tβ4 expression patterns in patients' tissues and in the tissue microarray of TB patients. Tβ4 was highly expressed in both granulomas and surrounding lymphocytes in nascent granulomatous lung tissue, but was expressed only surrounding tissues of necrotic or caseous necrotic regions. The expression pattern of HIF-1α was similar to that of Tβ4. VEGF was expressed in both granulomas and blood vessels surrounding granulomas. The expression pattern of VEGF co-localized with CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, PECAM-1), a blood endothelial cell marker, and partially co-localized with Tβ4. However, the expression of Tβ4 did not co-localize with alveolar macrophages. Stained alveolar macrophages were present surrounding regions of granuloma highly expressing Tβ4. We also analyzed mRNA expression in the sputum of 10 normal and 19 pulmonary TB patients. Expression of Tβ4 was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis than in normal controls. These data suggest that Tβ4 is highly expressed in granulomatous lung tissue with active pulmonary TB and is associated with HIF-1α- and VEGF-mediated inflammation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the expression of Tβ4 in the sputum of pulmonary tuberculosis patients can be used as a potential marker for diagnosis.
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Ock MS, Cha HJ, Choi YH. Verifiable hypotheses for thymosin β4-dependent and -independent angiogenic induction of Trichinella spiralis-triggered nurse cell formation. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:23492-8. [PMID: 24351861 PMCID: PMC3876058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141223492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis has been reported to induce angiogenesis for nutrient supply and waste disposal by the induction of the angiogenic molecule vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) during nurse cell formation. However, the action mechanism to induce VEGF in nurse cells by T. spiralis is not known. Hypoxia in nurse cells was suggested as a possible mechanism; however, the presence of hypoxic conditions in infected muscle or nurse cells and whether hypoxia indeed induces the expression of VEGF and subsequent angiogenesis in the infected muscle are both a matter of debate. Our recent studies have shown that thymosin β4, a potent VEGF inducing protein, is expressed in the very early stages of T. spiralis muscle infection suggesting the induction of VEGF in early stage nurse cells. Nevertheless, we now show that hypoxic conditions were not detected in any nurse cell stage but were detected only in the accumulated inflammatory cells. These studies propose that induction of angiogenesis by VEGF in T. spiralis-infected nurse cells was mediated by thymosin β4 and is unrelated to hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea; E-Mail:
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea; E-Mail:
- Institute for Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 602-702, Korea
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (H.-J.C.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-850-7413 (Y.H.C.); Fax: +82-51-990-3081 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-853-4036 (Y.H.C.)
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Oriental Medicine, Anti-Aging Research Center, Dongeui University, Busan 614-052, Korea
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mails: (H.-J.C.); (Y.H.C.); Tel.: +82-51-990-6428 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-850-7413 (Y.H.C.); Fax: +82-51-990-3081 (H.-J.C.); +82-51-853-4036 (Y.H.C.)
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Bao W, Ballard VL, Needle S, Hoang B, Lenhard SC, Tunstead JR, Jucker BM, Willette RN, Pipes GT. Cardioprotection by systemic dosing of thymosin beta four following ischemic myocardial injury. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:149. [PMID: 24348421 PMCID: PMC3843122 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) was previously shown to reduce infarct size and improve contractile performance in chronic myocardial ischemic injury via two phases of action: an acute phase, just after injury, when Tβ4 preserves ischemic myocardium via antiapoptotic or anti-inflammatory mechanisms; and a chronic phase, when Tβ4 activates the growth of vascular or cardiac progenitor cells. In order to differentiate between the effects of Tβ4 during the acute and during the chronic phases, and also in order to obtain detailed hemodynamic and biomarker data on the effects of Tβ4 treatment suitable for use in clinical studies, we tested Tβ4 in a rat model of chronic myocardial ischemia using two dosing regimens: short term dosing (Tβ4 administered only during the first 3 days following injury), and long term dosing (Tβ4 administered during the first 3 days following injury and also every third day until the end of the study). Tβ4 administered throughout the study reduced infarct size and resulted in significant improvements in hemodynamic performance; however, chamber volumes and ejection fractions were not significantly improved. Tβ4 administered only during the first 3 days following injury tended to reduce infarct size, chamber volumes and improve hemodynamic performance. Plasma biomarkers of myocyte injury were significantly reduced by Tβ4 treatment during the acute injury period, and plasma ANP levels were significantly reduced in both dosing groups. Surprisingly, neither acute nor chronic Tβ4 treatment significantly increased blood vessel density in peri-infarct regions. These results suggest the following: repeated dosing may be required to achieve clinically measureable improvements in cardiac function post-myocardial infarction (MI); improvement in cardiac function may be observed in the absence of a high degree of angiogenesis; and that plasma biomarkers of cardiac function and myocardial injury are sensitive pharmacodynamic biomarkers of the effects of Tβ4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weike Bao
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria L Ballard
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Saul Needle
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Bao Hoang
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen C Lenhard
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - James R Tunstead
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Beat M Jucker
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - Robert N Willette
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | - G Teg Pipes
- Metabolic Pathways and Cardiovascular Unit, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals King of Prussia, PA, USA
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Tilghman SL, Townley I, Zhong Q, Carriere PP, Zou J, Llopis SD, Preyan LC, Williams CC, Skripnikova E, Bratton MR, Zhang Q, Wang G. Proteomic signatures of acquired letrozole resistance in breast cancer: suppressed estrogen signaling and increased cell motility and invasiveness. Mol Cell Proteomics 2013; 12:2440-55. [PMID: 23704778 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m112.023861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors, such as letrozole, have become the first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with estrogen-dependent breast cancer. However, acquired resistance remains a major clinical obstacle. Previous studies demonstrated constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling, overexpression of HER2, and down-regulation of aromatase and ERα in letrozole-resistant breast cancer cells. Given the complex signaling network involved in letrozole-refractory breast cancer and the lack of effective treatment for hormone resistance, further investigation of aromatase inhibitor resistance by a novel systems biology approach may reveal previously unconsidered molecular changes that could be utilized as therapeutic targets. This study was undertaken to characterize for the first time global proteomic alterations occurring in a letrozole-resistant cell line. A quantitative proteomic analysis of the whole cell lysates of LTLT-Ca (resistant) versus AC-1 cells (sensitive) was performed to identify significant protein expression changes. A total of 1743 proteins were identified and quantified, of which 411 were significantly up-regulated and 452 significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05, fold change > 1.20). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that acquired letrozole resistance is associated with a hormone-independent, more aggressive phenotype. LTLT-Ca cells exhibited 84% and 138% increase in migration and invasion compared with the control cells. The ROCK inhibitor partially abrogated the enhanced migration and invasion of the letrozole-resistant cells. Flow cytometric analyses also demonstrated an increase in vimentin and twist expression in letrozole-resistance cells, suggesting an onset of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, targeted gene expression arrays confirmed a 28-fold and sixfold up-regulation of EGFR and HER2, respectively, whereas ERα and pS2 were dramatically reduced by 28-fold and 1100-fold, respectively. Taken together, our study revealed global proteomic signatures of a letrozole-resistant cell line associated with hormone independence, enhanced cell motility, EMT and the potential values of several altered proteins as novel prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for letrozole resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syreeta L Tilghman
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.
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Zhou Y, Li S, Huang Q, Xie L, Zhu X. Nanog suppresses cell migration by downregulating thymosin β4 and Rnd3. J Mol Cell Biol 2013; 5:239-49. [PMID: 23329853 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjt002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanog, Sox2, and Oct4 are key transcription factors critical for the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Their downregulations lead to differentiation, accompanied with changes in cell motility. Whether these factors impact cell motility directly, however, is not clear. Here we addressed this question by initially assessing their effect in non-stem cells. We found that the ectopic expression of Nanog, Sox2, or Oct4 markedly inhibited ECV304 cell migration. Detailed examinations revealed that Nanog induced disorganizations of the actin cytoskeleton and peripheral localizations of focal adhesions. These effects required its DNA-binding domain and are thus transcription dependent. Furthermore, thymosin β4 and Rnd3 were identified as its downstream targets. Their depletions in ECV304 cells by RNAi phenocopied the ectopic expression of Nanog in both cell motility and actin organization, whereas their ectopic expressions rescued the migration defect of Nanog overexpression. Both proteins were upregulated during mouse ES cell differentiation. Their levels in the pluripotent mouse P19 cells also increased upon Nanog ablation, coincident with an increase in cell motility. Moreover, persistent expression of Nanog in zebrafish embryos suppressed gastrulation and cell migration. These results indeed suggest a dual role of certain transcription factors in the orchestration of differentiation and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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33
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Sribenja S, Wongkham S, Wongkham C, Yao Q, Chen C. Roles and Mechanisms of β-Thymosins in Cell Migration and Cancer Metastasis: An Update. Cancer Invest 2013; 31:103-10. [DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2012.756111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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34
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Ock MS, Song KS, Kleinman H, Cha HJ. Thymosin β4 stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein in an oxygen-independent manner. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1269:79-83. [PMID: 23045974 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The small actin-binding protein thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is understood to stimulate angiogenesis. Previously, we reported that Tβ4 induces angiogenesis by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, but the mechanism underlying how Tβ4 upregulates VEGF expression remain unknown. To identify the mechanism of VEGF induction by Tβ4, we measured VEGF promoter activity and analyzed the effect of Tβ4 on VEGF RNA stability. The Tβ4 peptide had no effect on either VEGF promoter activity or VEGF RNA stability. We focused on the possibility that Tβ4 may indirectly induce VEGF expression via hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. We determined that Tβ4 increased the stability of HIF-1α protein under normoxic conditions. These data suggest that Tβ4 indirectly induces VEGF expression by increasing the protein stability of HIF-1α in an oxygen-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee Sun Ock
- Department of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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35
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Ji YI, Lee BY, Kang YJ, Jo JO, Lee SH, Kim HY, Kim YO, Lee C, Koh SB, Kim A, Lee JY, Jung MH, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Expression Patterns of Thymosin β4 and Cancer Stem Cell Marker CD133 in Ovarian Cancers. Pathol Oncol Res 2012; 19:237-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-012-9574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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36
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Ookuma YF, Kiyoshima T, Kobayashi I, Nagata K, Wada H, Fujiwara H, Yamaza H, Nonaka K, Sakai H. Multiple functional involvement of Thymosin beta-4 in tooth germ development. Histochem Cell Biol 2012; 139:355-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-012-1033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Dimatelis JJ, Russell VA, Stein DJ, Daniels WM. Effects of maternal separation and methamphetamine exposure on protein expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and core. Metab Brain Dis 2012; 27:363-75. [PMID: 22451087 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9295-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversity has been suggested to predispose an individual to later drug abuse. The core and shell sub-regions of the nucleus accumbens are differentially affected by both stressors and methamphetamine. This study aimed to characterize and quantify methamphetamine-induced protein expression in the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens in animals exposed to maternal separation during early development. Isobaric tagging (iTRAQ) which enables simultaneous identification and quantification of peptides with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used. We found that maternal separation altered more proteins involved in structure and redox regulation in the shell than in the core of the nucleus accumbens, and that maternal separation and methamphetamine had differential effects on signaling proteins in the shell and core. Compared to maternal separation or methamphetamine alone, the maternal separation/methamphetamine combination altered more proteins involved in energy metabolism, redox regulatory processes and neurotrophic proteins. Methamphetamine treatment of rats subjected to maternal separation caused a reduction of cytoskeletal proteins in the shell and altered cytoskeletal, signaling, energy metabolism and redox proteins in the core. Comparison of maternal separation/methamphetamine to methamphetamine alone resulted in decreased cytoskeletal proteins in both the shell and core and increased neurotrophic proteins in the core. This study confirms that both early life stress and methamphetamine differentially affect the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens and demonstrates that the combination of early life adversity and later methamphetamine use results in more proteins being affected in the nucleus accumbens than either treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Dimatelis
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
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38
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Song R, Choi HM, Yang HI, Yoo MC, Park YB, Kim KS. Association between serum thymosin β4 levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients and disease activity and response to therapy. Clin Rheumatol 2012; 31:1253-8. [PMID: 22653616 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-012-2011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thymosin β4 (Tβ4) levels are increased in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and if this increase is associated with RA disease activity and resistance to treatment. Blood samples from 40 patients with RA were collected at baseline and 6 months after starting treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blocker. Serum levels of Tβ4 were measured by ELISA. Tβ4 levels (mean ± standard deviation) in RA patients were significantly (approximately tenfold) higher than in healthy controls (577.4 ± 67.92 vs. 56.61 ± 5.72 ng/mL). Serum Tβ4 levels in patients with severe disease activity before therapy were slightly higher than in patients with moderate disease activity (662.4 ± 491.5 vs. 462.5 ± 305.3 ng/ml, P > 0.05). Tβ4 levels were significantly associated with disease activity according to the 28-joint Disease Activity Score. The mean Tβ4 level at baseline in the DMARD treatment group was significantly lower than in the DMARD + TNF-α blocker treatment group. Tβ4 levels were increased in the serum of patients with RA and were positively associated with disease activity. Levels of Tβ4 may also be relevant in determining or predicting resistance to RA treatment. Further studies are necessary to determine if Tβ4 is an appropriate therapeutic target for controlling inflammation associated with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Song
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University Medical School, 149 Sangil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 134-727, Republic of Korea
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Can B, Karagoz F, Yildiz L, Yildirim A, Kefeli M, Gonullu G, Kandemir B. Thymosin β4 is a novel potential prognostic marker in gastrointestinal stromal tumors. APMIS 2012; 120:689-98. [PMID: 22882257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ(4)) is a major actin-sequestering molecule that contributes to cell growth, differentiation, motility, survival, mitosis and angiogenesis. It is overexpressed in certain type of carcinoma and fibrosarcoma cell lines and is associated with metastatic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Tβ(4) expression and clinicopathologic features and VEGF status in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Retrospectively, 60 GISTs were re-examined and immunohistochemistry for Tβ(4) and VEGF was performed. Increased expression of Tβ(4) and VEGF was observed in 26 (43.3%) and in 19 (31.6%) of the tumors, respectively. Tβ(4) expression was positively correlated with VEGF expression (p < 0.01). Tβ(4) and VEGF expression were significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.00 and p = 0.02, respectively) and high mitosis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.00, respectively). Although Tβ(4) expression was positively associated with pleomorphism (p = 0.01), VEGF expression was positively associated with necrosis (p = 0.03). Tβ(4) expression was related with local recurrence and/or metastasis (p = 0.03), but VEGF expression was not (p = 0.12). We firstly demonstrate the presence of Tβ(4) protein in GISTs. Our study reveals that increased expression of Tβ(4) could be considered as an indicator of aggressive behavior of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Can
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
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Nemolato S, Restivo A, Cabras T, Coni P, Zorcolo L, Orrù G, Fanari M, Cau F, Gerosa C, Fanni D, Messana I, Castagnola M, Casula G, Faa G. Thymosin β 4 in colorectal cancer is localized predominantly at the invasion front in tumor cells undergoing epithelial mesenchymal transition. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 13:191-7. [PMID: 22233609 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.13.4.18691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thymosin β 4 (Tβ(4)) is a ubiquitous peptide that plays pivotal roles in the cytoskeletal system and in cell differentiation during embryogenesis. Recently, a role for Tβ(4) has been proposed in experimental and human carcinogenesis. This study was aimed at evaluating the correlation between Tβ(4) immunoractivity and colorectal cancer, with particular attemption to tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. METHODS AND RESULTS 86 intestinal biopsies were retrospectively analyzed including 76 colorectal adenocarcinomas with evident features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and 10 samples of normal colorectal mucosa. Paraffin sections were immunostained for Tβ(4) and for E-cadherin. Total RNA was isolated from frozen specimens obtained, at surgery, from the normal colon mucosa, the deeper regions and the superficial tumor regions in four cases of colon cancer. Tβ(4) immunoreactivity was detected in the vast majority (59/76) of colon carcinomas, showing a patchy distribution, with well differentiated areas significantly more reactive than the less differentiated tumor zones. We also noted a zonal pattern in the majority of tumors, characterized by a progressive increase in immunostaining for Tβ(4) from the superficial toward the deepest tumor regions. The strongest expression for Tβ(4) was frequently detected in invading tumor cells with features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The increase in reactivity for Tβ(4) matched with a progressive decrease in E-cadherin expression in invading cancer cells. At mRNA level, the differences in Tβ(4) expression between the surrounding colon mucosa and the tumors samples were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that Tβ(4) is expressed in the majority of colon cancers, with preferential immunoreactivity in deep tumor regions. The preferential expression of the peptide and the increase in intensity of the immunostaining at the invasion front suggests a possible link between the peptide and the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition, suggesting a role for Tβ(4) in colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Nemolato
- Dipartimento di Citomorfologia, Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Kang YJ, Jo JO, Cho MK, Yu HS, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Trichinella spiralis infection induces angiogenic factor thymosin β4 expression. Vet Parasitol 2011; 181:222-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Choi HM, Lee YA, Yang HI, Yoo MC, Kim KS. Increased levels of thymosin β4 in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: association of thymosin β4 with other factors that are involved in inflammation and bone erosion in joints. Int J Rheum Dis 2011; 14:320-4. [PMID: 22004227 DOI: 10.1111/j.1756-185x.2011.01652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Thymosin (Tβ4) may have various biological effects that are relevant to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was performed to gain insight into the relevance of Tβ4 in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis. METHOD The level of Tβ4 in synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or RA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An association between Tβ4 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-13 (collagenases), MMP-2 and MMP-9 (gelatinases), MMP-7, adiponectin, lactoferrin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2) ) in synovial joint fluids from OA and RA patients were investigated. RESULTS The level of Tβ4 in the synovial joint fluid of patients with OA and RA was (mean ± SD) 145 ± 88 and 1359 ± 1685 ng/mL, respectively. The level of Tβ4 in the synovial joint fluid of RA patients was significantly associated with the levels of MMP-9, MMP-13, VEGF, uPA, IL-6 and IL-8, but not with MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, adiponectin and lactoferrin. In contrast, the level of Tβ4 in the synovial joint fluid of patients with OA was not associated with any of these molecules. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Tβ4 may play an important role in bone degradation and inflammation in RA but not OA, although nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms mediating Tβ4 in arthritic joints. The role of Tβ4 in arthritis should be studied to understand its relevance to the pathogenic processes in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun M Choi
- East-West Bone & Joint Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Rahman SMJ, Gonzalez AL, Li M, Seeley EH, Zimmerman LJ, Zhang XJ, Manier ML, Olson SJ, Shah RN, Miller AN, Putnam JB, Miller YE, Franklin WA, Blot WJ, Carbone DP, Shyr Y, Caprioli RM, Massion PP. Lung cancer diagnosis from proteomic analysis of preinvasive lesions. Cancer Res 2011; 71:3009-17. [PMID: 21487035 PMCID: PMC3110721 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early detection may help improve survival from lung cancer. In this study, our goal was to derive and validate a signature from the proteomic analysis of bronchial lesions that could predict the diagnosis of lung cancer. Using previously published studies of bronchial tissues, we selected a signature of nine matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) mass-to-charge ratio features to build a prediction model diagnostic of lung cancer. The model was based on MALDI MS signal intensity (MALDI score) from bronchial tissue specimens from our 2005 published cohort of 51 patients. The performance of the prediction model in identifying lung cancer was tested in an independent cohort of bronchial specimens from 60 patients. The probability of having lung cancer based on the proteomic analysis of the bronchial specimens was characterized by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (95% CI 0.66-0.88) in this validation cohort. Eight of the nine features were identified and validated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. These results show that proteomic analysis of endobronchial lesions may facilitate the diagnosis of lung cancer and the monitoring of high-risk individuals for lung cancer in surveillance and chemoprevention trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Jamshedur Rahman
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6838, USA
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Dombkowski AA, Sultana Z, Craig DB, Jamil H. In silico analysis of combinatorial microRNA activity reveals target genes and pathways associated with breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Inform 2011; 10:13-29. [PMID: 21552493 PMCID: PMC3085424 DOI: 10.4137/cin.s6631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is an open access article. Unrestricted non-commercial use is permitted provided the original work is properly cited. Aberrant microRNA activity has been reported in many diseases, and studies often find numerous microRNAs concurrently dysregulated. Most target genes have binding sites for multiple microRNAs, and mounting evidence indicates that it is important to consider their combinatorial effect on target gene repression. A recent study associated the coincident loss of expression of six microRNAs with metastatic potential in breast cancer. Here, we used a new computational method, miR-AT!, to investigate combinatorial activity among this group of microRNAs. We found that the set of transcripts having multiple target sites for these microRNAs was significantly enriched with genes involved in cellular processes commonly perturbed in metastatic tumors: cell cycle regulation, cytoskeleton organization, and cell adhesion. Network analysis revealed numerous target genes upstream of cyclin D1 and c-Myc, indicating that the collective loss of the six microRNAs may have a focal effect on these two key regulatory nodes. A number of genes previously implicated in cancer metastasis are among the predicted combinatorial targets, including TGFB1, ARPC3, and RANKL. In summary, our analysis reveals extensive combinatorial interactions that have notable implications for their potential role in breast cancer metastasis and in therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan A Dombkowski
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Kim NS, Kang YJ, Jo JO, Kim HY, Oh YR, Kim YO, Jung MH, Ock MS, Cha HJ. Elevated Expression of Thymosin β4, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF)-1α in Early-Stage Cervical Cancers. Pathol Oncol Res 2011; 17:493-502. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-010-9327-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hamm CA, Stevens JW, Xie H, Vanin EF, Morcuende JA, Abdulkawy H, Seftor EA, Sredni ST, Bischof JM, Wang D, Malchenko S, Bonaldo MDF, Casavant TL, Hendrix MJC, Soares MB. Microenvironment alters epigenetic and gene expression profiles in Swarm rat chondrosarcoma tumors. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:471. [PMID: 20809981 PMCID: PMC2944175 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilage tumors that do not respond to traditional chemotherapy or radiation. The 5-year survival rate of histologic grade III chondrosarcoma is less than 30%. An animal model of chondrosarcoma has been established--namely, the Swarm Rat Chondrosarcoma (SRC)--and shown to resemble the human disease. Previous studies with this model revealed that tumor microenvironment could significantly influence chondrosarcoma malignancy. METHODS To examine the effect of the microenvironment, SRC tumors were initiated at different transplantation sites. Pyrosequencing assays were utilized to assess the DNA methylation of the tumors, and SAGE libraries were constructed and sequenced to determine the gene expression profiles of the tumors. Based on the gene expression analysis, subsequent functional assays were designed to determine the relevancy of the specific genes in the development and progression of the SRC. RESULTS The site of transplantation had a significant impact on the epigenetic and gene expression profiles of SRC tumors. Our analyses revealed that SRC tumors were hypomethylated compared to control tissue, and that tumors at each transplantation site had a unique expression profile. Subsequent functional analysis of differentially expressed genes, albeit preliminary, provided some insight into the role that thymosin-β4, c-fos, and CTGF may play in chondrosarcoma development and progression. CONCLUSION This report describes the first global molecular characterization of the SRC model, and it demonstrates that the tumor microenvironment can induce epigenetic alterations and changes in gene expression in the SRC tumors. We documented changes in gene expression that accompany changes in tumor phenotype, and these gene expression changes provide insight into the pathways that may play a role in the development and progression of chondrosarcoma. Furthermore, specific functional analysis indicates that thymosin-β4 may have a role in chondrosarcoma metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Hamm
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Thymosin β4 induces the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α-dependent manner. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2010; 1803:1244-51. [PMID: 20691219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2010.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin β4 has multi-functional roles in cell physiology, but little is known about its mechanism(s) of action. We previously reported that thymosin β4 stimulated angiogenesis through the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To identify the mechanism of VEGF induction by thymosin β4, we have used a luciferase assay system with VEGF in the 5' promoter region. We also analyzed the effect of thymosin β4 on VEGF mRNA stability and on the expression and stability of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. We found that thymosin β4 induces VEGF expression by an increase in the stability of HIF-1α protein. Analysis of the expression patterns of thymosin β4 and HIF-1α in colon cancer tissue microarray showed that thymosin β4 and HIF-1α co-localized in these biopsies. These data show that thymosin β4 induces the expression of VEGF indirectly by increasing the protein stability of HIF-1α.
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Caers J, Otjacques E, Hose D, Klein B, Vanderkerken K. Thymosin beta4 in multiple myeloma: friend or foe. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:125-9. [PMID: 20536459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Because of the known involvement of thymosin beta4 (Tbeta4) in metastasis of tumor cells, we examined the expression and role of Tbeta4 in MM disease. In a large patient population, we demonstrated that Tbeta4 expression was significantly lower in myeloma cells compared to normal plasma cells and that patients with a high Tbeta4 expression had a longer event free and overall survival. The decreased Tbeta4 expression was also found in the murine 5TMM model. To study its function, we overexpressed the Tbeta4 gene in 5T33MMvt cells by lentiviral transduction. These cells demonstrated a decreased proliferative capability and an increased sensitivity to apoptosis. Mice injected with Tbeta4-overexpressing cells showed a prolonged survival compared to mice injected with controls. In contrast to its role in solid tumors, we found a decreased expression in myeloma cells compared to their normal counterpart and studies with overexpression of the Tbeta4 gene indicated a tumor suppressive function of Tbeta4 in myeloma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Caers
- Department of Hematology, CHU University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Philp D, Kleinman HK. Animal studies with thymosin beta, a multifunctional tissue repair and regeneration peptide. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:81-6. [PMID: 20536453 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Studies in various animal models of disease and repair with thymosin beta(4) (Tbeta(4)), the major actin-sequestering molecule in mammalian cells, have provided the scientific foundation for the ongoing dermal, corneal, and cardiac wound repair multicenter clinical trials. Tbeta(4) has of multiple biological activities, which include down-regulation of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, and promotion of cell migration, blood vessel formation, cell survival, and stem cell maturation. All of these activities contribute to the multiple wound healing properties that have been observed in animal studies. This paper reviews and discusses the topical and systemic uses of Tbeta(4) in various animal models that demonstrate its potential for clinical use.
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Liu JM, Garcia-Alvarez MC, Bignon J, Kusinski M, Kuzdak K, Riches A, Wdzieczak-Bakala J. Overexpression of the natural tetrapeptide acetyl-N-ser-asp-lys-pro derived from thymosin beta4 in neoplastic diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:53-9. [PMID: 20536450 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05488.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The natural tetrapeptide acetyl-ser-asp-lys-pro (AcSDKP) is formed in vivo by enzymatic cleavage of the N terminus of thymosin beta4 by prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Recently, AcSDKP was shown to promote angiogenesis. Because of the critical role of neovascularization in cancer development, the levels of AcSDKP and POP activity in a number of different malignant tissues were investigated. Our studies revealed that AcSDKP levels were markedly elevated in neoplastic diseases including hematologic malignancies and solid neoplasms. Consistent with this finding, the enhanced activity of POP was also detected in all analyzed specimens of cancer tissues. Both these novel findings are in concert with the previously reported overexpression of thymosin beta4 in a large variety of malignant tumors and with its potential role in cancerogenesis. The physiological relevance of these findings awaits further studies; however, our first results strongly suggest a key role for AcSDKP in the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Miao Liu
- Centre de Recherche de Gif, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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