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Yu X, Xu J. TWIST1 Drives Cytotoxic CD8+ T-Cell Exhaustion through Transcriptional Activation of CD274 (PD-L1) Expression in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1973. [PMID: 38893094 PMCID: PMC11171171 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is positively associated with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and immune escape, and TWIST1 silences ERα expression and induces EMT and cancer metastasis. However, how TWIST1 regulates PD-L1 and immune evasion is unknown. This study analyzed TWIST1 and PD-L1 expression in breast cancers, investigated the mechanism for TWIST1 to regulate PD-L1 transcription, and assessed the effects of TWIST1 and PD-L1 in cancer cells on cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, TWIST1 expression is correlated with high-level PD-L1 expression in ERα-negative breast cancer cells. The overexpression and knockdown of TWIST1 robustly upregulate and downregulate PD-L1 expression, respectively. TWIST1 binds to the PD-L1 promoter and recruits the TIP60 acetyltransferase complex in a BRD8-dependent manner to transcriptionally activate PD-L1 expression, which significantly accelerates the exhaustion and death of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Accordingly, knockdown of TWIST1 or BRD8 or inhibition of PD-L1 significantly enhances the tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells to suppress the growth of breast cancer cells. These results demonstrate that TWIST1 directly induces PD-L1 expression in ERα-negative breast cancer cells to promote immune evasion. Targeting TWIST1, BRD8, and/or PD-L1 in ERα-negative breast cancer cells with TWIST1 expression may sensitize CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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2
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Zhang G, Hou S, Li S, Wang Y, Cui W. Role of STAT3 in cancer cell epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:48. [PMID: 38488027 PMCID: PMC11000535 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5636] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, the role of the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in both normal physiology and the pathology of numerous diseases, including cancer, has been extensively studied. STAT3 is aberrantly activated in different types of cancer, fulfilling a critical role in cancer progression. The biological process, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), is indispensable for embryonic morphogenesis. During the development of cancer, EMT is hijacked to confer motility, tumor cell stemness, drug resistance and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. The aim of the present review was to outline recent advances in knowledge of the role of STAT3 in EMT, which may contribute to the understanding of the function of STAT3 in EMT in various types of cancer. Delineating the underlying mechanisms associated with the STAT3‑EMT signaling axis may generate novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Sen Hou
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Shuyue Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Yequan Wang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Wen Cui
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
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3
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Nasimi Shad A, Akhlaghipour I, Alshakarchi HI, Saburi E, Moghbeli M. Role of microRNA-363 during tumor progression and invasion. J Physiol Biochem 2024:10.1007/s13105-024-01022-1. [PMID: 38691273 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-024-01022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent progresses in diagnostic and therapeutic methods have significantly improved prognosis in cancer patients. However, cancer is still considered as one of the main causes of human deaths in the world. Late diagnosis in advanced tumor stages can reduce the effectiveness of treatment methods and increase mortality rate of cancer patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression can help to introduce the early diagnostic markers in these patients. MicroRNA (miRNAs) has an important role in regulation of pathophysiological cellular processes. Due to their high stability in body fluids, they are always used as the non-invasive markers in cancer patients. Since, miR-363 deregulation has been reported in a wide range of cancers, we discussed the role of miR-363 during tumor progression and metastasis. It has been reported that miR-363 has mainly a tumor suppressor function through the regulation of transcription factors, apoptosis, cell cycle, and structural proteins. MiR-363 also affected the tumor progression via regulation of various signaling pathways such as WNT, MAPK, TGF-β, NOTCH, and PI3K/AKT. Therefore, miR-363 can be introduced as a probable therapeutic target as well as a non-invasive diagnostic marker in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nasimi Shad
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Iman Akhlaghipour
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hawraa Ibrahim Alshakarchi
- Al-Zahra Center for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research Sciences (ZCMRS), Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Ehsan Saburi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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4
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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5
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Kong L, Jin X. Dysregulation of deubiquitination in breast cancer. Gene 2024; 902:148175. [PMID: 38242375 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly frequent malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to women's health and has different molecular subtypes, histological subtypes, and biological features, which act by activating oncogenic factors and suppressing cancer inhibitors. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the main process contributing to protein degradation, and deubiquitinases (DUBs) are reverse enzymes that counteract this process. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of DUBs is involved in the occurrence of BC. Herein, we review recent research findings in BC-associated DUBs, describe their nature, classification, and functions, and discuss the potential mechanisms of DUB-related dysregulation in BC. Furthermore, we present the successful treatment of malignant cancer with DUB inhibitors, as well as analyzing the status of targeting aberrant DUBs in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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6
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Mikheeva SA, Funk CC, Horner PJ, Rostomily RC, Mikheev AM. Novel TCF4:TCF12 heterodimer inhibits glioblastoma growth. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:517-527. [PMID: 37507199 PMCID: PMC10920085 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 (TW) is a pro-oncogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor and promotes the hallmark features of malignancy (e.g., cell invasion, cancer cell stemness, and treatment resistance), which contribute to poor prognoses of glioblastoma (GBM). We previously reported that specific TW dimerization motifs regulate unique cellular phenotypes in GBM. For example, the TW:E12 heterodimer increases periostin (POSTN) expression and promotes cell invasion. TW dimer-specific transcriptional regulation requires binding to the regulatory E-box consensus sequences, but alternative bHLH dimers that balance TW dimer activity in regulating pro-oncogenic TW target genes are unknown. We leveraged the ENCODE DNase I hypersensitivity data to identify E-box sites and tethered TW:E12 and TW:TW proteins to validate dimer binding to E-boxes in vitro. Subsequently, TW knockdown revealed a novel TCF4:TCF12 bHLH dimer occupying the same TW E-box site that, when expressed as a tethered TCF4:TCF12 dimer, markedly repressed POSTN expression and extended animal survival. These observations support TCF4:TCF12 as a novel dimer with tumor-suppressor activity in GBM that functions in part through displacement of and/or competitive inhibition of pro-oncogenic TW dimers at E-box sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana A. Mikheeva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
| | - Cory C. Funk
- Institute for Systems BiologySeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Philip J. Horner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Robert C. Rostomily
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Andrei M. Mikheev
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for NeuroregenerationHouston Methodist Research InstituteTexasUSA
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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7
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Yang F, Akhtar MN, Zhang D, El-Mayta R, Shin J, Dorsey JF, Zhang L, Xu X, Guo W, Bagley SJ, Fuchs SY, Koumenis C, Lathia JD, Mitchell MJ, Gong Y, Fan Y. An immunosuppressive vascular niche drives macrophage polarization and immunotherapy resistance in glioblastoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4678. [PMID: 38416830 PMCID: PMC10901371 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is subjected to spatiotemporal regulation by leukocyte interaction with neoplastic and stromal cells, contributing to immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance. Here, we identify a distinct mesenchymal-like population of endothelial cells (ECs) that form an immunosuppressive vascular niche in glioblastoma (GBM). We reveal a spatially restricted, Twist1/SATB1-mediated sequential transcriptional activation mechanism, through which tumor ECs produce osteopontin to promote immunosuppressive macrophage (Mφ) phenotypes. Genetic or pharmacological ablation of Twist1 reverses Mφ-mediated immunosuppression and enhances T cell infiltration and activation, leading to reduced GBM growth and extended mouse survival, and sensitizing tumor to chimeric antigen receptor T immunotherapy. Thus, these findings uncover a spatially restricted mechanism controlling tumor immunity and suggest that targeting endothelial Twist1 may offer attractive opportunities for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Md Naushad Akhtar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Duo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Junyoung Shin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jay F. Dorsey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stephen J. Bagley
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Serge Y Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michael J. Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yanqing Gong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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8
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Huang L, Woods CM, Dharmawardana N, Michael MZ, Ooi EH. The mechanisms of action of metformin on head and neck cancer in the pre-clinical setting: a scoping review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1358854. [PMID: 38454932 PMCID: PMC10917904 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review identifies the mechanistic pathways of metformin when used to treat head and neck cancer cells, in the pre-clinical setting. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will inform future experimental designs exploring metformin as a potential adjuvant for head and neck cancer. This scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna-Briggs Institute framework. A structured search identified 1288 studies, of which 52 studies fulfilled the eligibility screen. The studies are presented in themes addressing hallmarks of cancer. Most of the studies demonstrated encouraging anti-proliferative effects in vitro and reduced tumor weight and volume in animal models. However, a few studies have cautioned the use of metformin which supported cancer cell growth under certain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Huang
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charmaine M. Woods
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nuwan Dharmawardana
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael Z. Michael
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eng Hooi Ooi
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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9
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Patil K, Sher G, Kuttikrishnan S, Moton S, Alam M, Buddenkotte J, Ahmad A, Steinhoff M, Uddin S. The cross-talk between miRNAs and JAK/STAT pathway in cutaneous T cell lymphoma: Emphasis on therapeutic opportunities. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:239-249. [PMID: 36216715 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) belong to a wide spectrum of T cell lymphoproliferative disorders collectively termed cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL). CTCLs represent an archetype of heterogeneous and dynamically variable lymphoproliferative neoplasms typified by distinct clinical, histological, immunophenotypic, and genetic features. Owing to its complex dynamics, the pathogenesis of CTCL remains elusive. However, in recent years, progress in CTCL classification combined with next-generation sequencing analyses has broadened the genetic and epigenetic spectrum of clearly defined CTCL entities such as MF and SS. Several large-scale genome studies have identified the polygenic nature of CTCL and unveiled an idiosyncratic mutational landscape involving genetic aberrations, epigenetic alterations, cell cycle dysregulation, apoptosis, and the constitutive activation of T cell/NF-κB/JAK-STAT signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the evolving insights on how the intrinsic epigenetic events driven by dysregulated miRNAs, including the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive miRNAs, influence the pathogenesis of MF and SS. We also focus on the interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and miRNAs in CTCL as well as the significance of the miRNA/STAT axis as a relevant pathogenetic mechanism underlying CTCL initiation and progression. Based on these biologic insights, the current status and recent progress on novel therapies with a strong biological rationale, including miRNA-targeted molecules and JAK/STAT-targeted therapy for CTCL management, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Safwan Moton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33200, USA
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Medical School, Doha 24144, Qatar; Dept. of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine-New York 10065, New York, USA.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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10
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Acloque H, Yang J, Theveneau E. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity from development to disease: An introduction to the special issue. Genesis 2024; 62:e23581. [PMID: 38098257 PMCID: PMC11021161 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) refers to the ability of cells to switch between epithelial and mesenchymal states, playing critical roles in embryonic development, wound healing, fibrosis, and cancer metastasis. Here, we discuss some examples that challenge the use of specific markers to define EMT, noting that their expression may not always correspond to the expected epithelial or mesenchymal identity. In concordance with recent development in the field, we emphasize the importance of generalizing the use of the term Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity (EMP), to better capture the diverse and context-dependent nature of the bidirectional journey that cells can undertake between the E and M phenotypes. We highlight the usefulness of studying a wide range of physiological EMT scenarios, stress the value of the dynamic of expression of EMP regulators and advocate, whenever possible, for more systematic functional assays to assess cellular states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Acloque
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eric Theveneau
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Department (MCD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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11
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Qin LN, Zhang H, Li QQ, Wu T, Cheng SB, Wang KW, Shi Y, Ren HR, Xing XW, Yang C, Sun T. Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) hijacks twist1 to inhibit vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2024; 14:436-450. [PMID: 38164156 PMCID: PMC10750215 DOI: 10.7150/thno.90322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Vitamin D (VD) has been suggested to have antitumor effects, however, research on the role of its transporter vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP, gene name as GC) in tumors is limited. In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism underlying the inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) by VDBP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and proposed an anti-tumor strategy of combining anti-PD-1 therapy with VD. Methods: Three-dimensional cell culture models and mice with hepatocyte-specific GC deletion were utilized to study the correlation between VDBP expression and VM. A patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model was further applied to validate the therapeutic efficacy of VD in combination with an anti-PD-1 drug. Results: The study revealed that VDBP expression is negatively correlated with VM in HCC patients and elevated VDBP expression is associated with a favorable prognosis. The mechanism studies suggested VDBP hindered the binding of Twist1 on the promoter of VE-cadherin by interacting with its helix-loop-helix DNA binding domain, ultimately leading to the inhibition of VM. Furthermore, VD facilitated the translocation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) into the nucleus where VDR interacts with Yin Yang 1 (YY1), leading to the transcriptional activation of VDBP. We further demonstrated that the combination of VD and anti-PD-1 led to an improvement in the anti-tumor efficacy of an anti-PD-1 drug. Conclusion: Collectively, we identified VDBP as an important prognostic biomarker in HCC patients and uncovered it as a therapeutic target for enhancing the efficacy of immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-ning Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing-qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan-bin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai-wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao-ran Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xue-wu Xing
- Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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12
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Rohner PT, Hu Y, Moczek AP. Utilizing geometric morphometrics to investigate gene function during organ growth: Insights through the study of beetle horn shape allometry. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12464. [PMID: 38041612 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Static allometry is a major component of morphological variation. Much of the literature on the development of allometry investigates how functional perturbations of diverse pathways affect the relationship between trait size and body size. Often, this is done with the explicit objective to identify developmental mechanisms that enable the sensing of organ size and the regulation of relative growth. However, changes in relative trait size can also be brought about by a range of other distinctly different developmental processes, such as changes in patterning or tissue folding, yet standard univariate biometric approaches are usually unable to distinguish among alternative explanations. Here, we utilize geometric morphometrics to investigate the degree to which functional genetic manipulations known to affect the size of dung beetle horns also recapitulate the effect of horn shape allometry. We reasoned that the knockdown phenotypes of pathways governing relative growth should closely resemble shape variation induced by natural allometric variation. In contrast, we predicted that if genes primarily affect alternative developmental processes, knockdown effects should align poorly with shape allometry. We find that the knockdown effects of several genes (e.g., doublesex, Foxo) indeed closely aligned with shape allometry, indicating that their corresponding pathways may indeed function primarily in the regulation of relative trait growth. In contrast, other knockdown effects (e.g., Distal-less, dachs) failed to align with allometry, implicating these pathways in potentially scaling-independent processes. Our findings moderate the interpretation of studies focusing on trait length and highlight the usefulness of multivariate approaches to study allometry and phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Rohner
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yonggang Hu
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Armin P Moczek
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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13
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Lee SM, Cho J, Choi S, Kim DH, Ryu JW, Kim I, Woo DC, Sung YH, Jeong JY, Baek IJ, Pack CG, Rho JK, Lee SW, Ha CH. HDAC5-mediated exosomal Maspin and miR-151a-3p as biomarkers for enhancing radiation treatment sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomater Res 2023; 27:134. [PMID: 38102691 PMCID: PMC10725039 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-derived exosomes are critical elements of the cell-cell communication response to various stimuli. This study aims to reveal that the histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and p53 interaction upon radiation in hepatocellular carcinoma intricately regulates the secretion and composition of exosomes. METHODS We observed that HDAC5 and p53 expression were significantly increased by 2 Gy and 4 Gy radiation exposure in HCC. Normal- and radiation-derived exosomes released by HepG2 were purified to investigate the exosomal components. RESULTS We found that in the radiation-derived exosome, exosomal Maspin was notably increased. Maspin is known as an anti-angiogenic gene. The expression of Maspin was regulated at the cellular level by HDAC5, and it was elaborately regulated and released in the exosome. Radiation-derived exosome treatment caused significant inhibition of angiogenesis in HUVECs and mouse aortic tissues. Meanwhile, we confirmed that miR-151a-3p was significantly reduced in the radiation-derived exosome through exosomal miRNA sequencing, and three HCC-specific exosomal miRNAs were also decreased. In particular, miR-151a-3p induced an anti-apoptotic response by inhibiting p53, and it was shown to induce EMT and promote tumor growth by regulating p53-related tumor progression genes. In the HCC xenograft model, radiation-induced exosome injection significantly reduced angiogenesis and tumor size. CONCLUSIONS Our present findings demonstrated HDAC5 is a vital gene of the p53-mediated release of exosomes resulting in tumor suppression through anti-cancer exosomal components in response to radiation. Finally, we highlight the important role of exosomal Maspin and mi-151a-3p as a biomarker in enhancing radiation treatment sensitivity. Therapeutic potential of HDAC5 through p53-mediated exosome modulation in radiation treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Won Ryu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Inki Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Cheol Woo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Gi Pack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Asan Medical Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang Hoon Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-Ro 43-Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
- Digestive Diseases Research Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Kim JY, Hong N, Park S, Ham SW, Kim EJ, Kim SO, Jang J, Kim Y, Kim JK, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim H. Jagged1 intracellular domain/SMAD3 complex transcriptionally regulates TWIST1 to drive glioma invasion. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:822. [PMID: 38092725 PMCID: PMC10719344 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Jagged1 (JAG1) is a Notch ligand that correlates with tumor progression. Not limited to its function as a ligand, JAG1 can be cleaved, and its intracellular domain translocates to the nucleus, where it functions as a transcriptional cofactor. Previously, we showed that JAG1 intracellular domain (JICD1) forms a protein complex with DDX17/SMAD3/TGIF2. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying JICD1-mediated tumor aggressiveness remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that JICD1 enhances the invasive phenotypes of glioblastoma cells by transcriptionally activating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, especially TWIST1. The inhibition of TWIST1 reduced JICD1-driven tumor aggressiveness. Although SMAD3 is an important component of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, the JICD1/SMAD3 transcriptional complex was shown to govern brain tumor invasion independent of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, JICD1-TWIST1-MMP2 and MMP9 axes were significantly correlated with clinical outcome of glioblastoma patients. Collectively, we identified the JICD1/SMAD3-TWIST1 axis as a novel inducer of invasive phenotypes in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoung Hong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyeon Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Ham
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Jang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonji Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyum Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whi Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Xu J, Guo R, Wen N, Li L, Yi Y, Chen J, He Z, Yang J, Xiao ZXJ, Niu M. FBXO3 stabilizes USP4 and Twist1 to promote PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002446. [PMID: 38134227 PMCID: PMC10745200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is the major cause of breast cancer morbidity and mortality. It has been reported that the F-box protein FBXO3 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase in regulating various biological processes, including host autoimmune, antiviral innate immunity, and inflammatory response. However, the role of FBXO3 in tumor metastasis remains elusive. We have previously shown that ΔNp63α is a common inhibitory target in oncogene-induced cell motility and tumor metastasis. In this study, we show that FBXO3 plays a vital role in PI3K-mediated breast cancer metastasis independent of its E3 ligase activity and ΔNp63α in breast cancer cells and in mouse. FBXO3 can bind to and stabilize USP4, leading to Twist1 protein stabilization and increased breast cancer cell migration and tumor metastasis. Mechanistically, FBXO3 disrupts the interaction between USP4 and aspartyl aminopeptidase (DNPEP), thereby protecting USP4 from DNPEP-mediated degradation. Furthermore, p110αH1047R facilitates the phosphorylation and stabilization of FBXO3 in an ERK1-dependent manner. Knockdown of either FBXO3 or USP4 leads to significant inhibition of PI3K-induced breast cancer metastasis. Clinically, elevated expression of p110α/FBXO3/USP4/Twist1 is associated with poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of breast cancer patients. Taken together, this study reveals that the FBXO3-USP4-Twist1 axis is pivotal in PI3K-mediated breast tumor metastasis and that FBXO3/USP4 may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongtian Guo
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nasi Wen
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Luping Li
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Yi
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingzhen Chen
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zongyu He
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Jim Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengmeng Niu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Sun L, Ji S, Xie X, Si L, Liu S, Lin Y, Wang Y, Song Z, Fang N, An Y, Yang J. Deciphering the interaction between Twist1 and PPARγ during adipocyte differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:764. [PMID: 37996425 PMCID: PMC10667345 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, a worldwide epidemic in recent years, is mainly due to the uncontrolled development of adipose tissues, which includes adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Adipocyte differentiation is a process involving multiple transcription factor cascades, and the exact mechanism has not yet been defined. As a bHLH transcription factor, Twist1 exerts its activity by forming homo- or heterodimers with other factors. In this study, we showed Twist1 restricts adipogenesis through PPARγ. Expression of various differentiation markers (including PPARγ and adiponectin) and triglyceride-containing lipid droplets were decreased with overexpression of Twist1. Pathway enrichment analysis of RNA-seq data showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) caused by Twist1 overexpression were significantly related to lipolysis and PPARγ signaling. This implicates that Twist1 plays important regulatory roles in these processes. ChIP and dual luciferase assays showed that Twist1 could bind either PPARγ or adiponectin promoter to repress their respective transcription or directly to PPARγ protein to regulate its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, Twist1 directly interacted RXRα, which usually forms heterodimer with PPARγ to regulate adipogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that Twist1 is an inhibitory modulator of adipogenesis and its function is likely through direct interaction with PPARγ protein or its gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Shaoping Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Xuan Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Lei Si
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shaohao Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yao Lin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yahui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Zhenhua Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Na Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yang An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Science, Bioinformatics Center, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Jian Yang
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
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17
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Yu X, He T, Tong Z, Liao L, Huang S, Fakhouri WD, Edwards DP, Xu J. Molecular mechanisms of TWIST1-regulated transcription in EMT and cancer metastasis. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56902. [PMID: 37680145 PMCID: PMC10626429 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to drive cancer metastasis. It is yet unclear what determines TWIST1 functions to activate or repress transcription. We found that the TWIST1 N-terminus antagonizes TWIST1-regulated gene expression, cancer growth and metastasis. TWIST1 interacts with both the NuRD complex and the NuA4/TIP60 complex (TIP60-Com) via its N-terminus. Non-acetylated TWIST1-K73/76 selectively interacts with and recruits NuRD to repress epithelial target gene transcription. Diacetylated TWIST1-acK73/76 binds BRD8, a component of TIP60-Com that also binds histone H4-acK5/8, to recruit TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal target genes and MYC. Knockdown of BRD8 abolishes TWIST1 and TIP60-Com interaction and TIP60-Com recruitment to TWIST1-activated genes, resulting in decreasing TWIST1-activated target gene expression and cancer metastasis. Both TWIST1/NuRD and TWIST1/TIP60-Com complexes are required for TWIST1 to promote EMT, proliferation, and metastasis at full capacity. Therefore, the diacetylation status of TWIST1-K73/76 dictates whether TWIST1 interacts either with NuRD to repress epithelial genes, or with TIP60-Com to activate mesenchymal genes and MYC. Since BRD8 is essential for TWIST1-acK73/76 and TIP60-Com interaction, targeting BRD8 could be a means to inhibit TWIST1-activated gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Tao He
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Present address:
Institute for Cancer MedicineSouthwest Medical UniversitySichuanChina
| | - Zhangwei Tong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Lan Liao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Shixia Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Walid D Fakhouri
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Craniofacial Research, School of DentistryUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTXUSA
| | - Dean P Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
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18
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Sun KY, Bai X, Chen S, Bao S, Kapoor M, Zhang C, Backman J, Joseph T, Maxwell E, Mitra G, Gorovits A, Mansfield A, Boutkov B, Gokhale S, Habegger L, Marcketta A, Locke A, Kessler MD, Sharma D, Staples J, Bovijn J, Gelfman S, Gioia AD, Rajagopal V, Lopez A, Varela JR, Alegre J, Berumen J, Tapia-Conyer R, Kuri-Morales P, Torres J, Emberson J, Collins R, Cantor M, Thornton T, Kang HM, Overton J, Shuldiner AR, Cremona ML, Nafde M, Baras A, Abecasis G, Marchini J, Reid JG, Salerno W, Balasubramanian S. A deep catalog of protein-coding variation in 985,830 individuals. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.09.539329. [PMID: 37214792 PMCID: PMC10197621 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.09.539329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Coding variants that have significant impact on function can provide insights into the biology of a gene but are typically rare in the population. Identifying and ascertaining the frequency of such rare variants requires very large sample sizes. Here, we present the largest catalog of human protein-coding variation to date, derived from exome sequencing of 985,830 individuals of diverse ancestry to serve as a rich resource for studying rare coding variants. Individuals of African, Admixed American, East Asian, Middle Eastern, and South Asian ancestry account for 20% of this Exome dataset. Our catalog of variants includes approximately 10.5 million missense (54% novel) and 1.1 million predicted loss-of-function (pLOF) variants (65% novel, 53% observed only once). We identified individuals with rare homozygous pLOF variants in 4,874 genes, and for 1,838 of these this work is the first to document at least one pLOF homozygote. Additional insights from the RGC-ME dataset include 1) improved estimates of selection against heterozygous loss-of-function and identification of 3,459 genes intolerant to loss-of-function, 83 of which were previously assessed as tolerant to loss-of-function and 1,241 that lack disease annotations; 2) identification of regions depleted of missense variation in 457 genes that are tolerant to loss-of-function; 3) functional interpretation for 10,708 variants of unknown or conflicting significance reported in ClinVar as cryptic splice sites using splicing score thresholds based on empirical variant deleteriousness scores derived from RGC-ME; and 4) an observation that approximately 3% of sequenced individuals carry a clinically actionable genetic variant in the ACMG SF 3.1 list of genes. We make this important resource of coding variation available to the public through a variant allele frequency browser. We anticipate that this report and the RGC-ME dataset will serve as a valuable reference for understanding rare coding variation and help advance precision medicine efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Siying Chen
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Suying Bao
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adam Locke
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jesus Alegre
- Experimental Research Unit from the Faculty of Medicine (UIME), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
| | - Jaime Berumen
- Experimental Research Unit from the Faculty of Medicine (UIME), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
| | - Roberto Tapia-Conyer
- Experimental Research Unit from the Faculty of Medicine (UIME), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
| | - Pablo Kuri-Morales
- Experimental Research Unit from the Faculty of Medicine (UIME), National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)
| | - Jason Torres
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan Emberson
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rory Collins
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mona Nafde
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Aris Baras
- Regeneron Genetics Center, Tarrytown, NY, USA
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19
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Massri AJ, Fitzpatrick M, Cunny H, Li JL, Harry GJ. Differential gene expression profiling implicates altered network development in rat postnatal day 4 cortex following 4-Methylimidazole (4-MeI) induced maternal seizures. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 100:107301. [PMID: 37783441 PMCID: PMC10843020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Compromised maternal health leading to maternal seizures can have adverse effects on the healthy development of offspring. This may be the result of inflammation, hypoxia-ischemia, and altered GABA signaling. The current study examined cortical tissue from F2b (2nd litter of the 2nd generation) postnatal day 4 (PND4) offspring of female Harlan SD rats chronically exposed to the seizuregenic compound, 4-Methylimidazole (0, 750, or 2500 ppm 4-MeI). Maternal seizures were evident only at 2500 ppm 4-MeI. GABA related gene expression as examined by qRT-PCR and whole genome microarray showed no indication of disrupted GABA or glutamatergic signaling. Canonical pathway hierarchical clustering and multi-omics combinatory genomic (CNet) plots of differentially expressed genes (DEG) showed alterations in genes associated with regulatory processes of cell development including neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis. Functional enrichment analysis showed a similarity of cellular processes across the two exposure groups however, the genes comprising each cluster were primarily unique rather than shared and often showed different directionality. A dose-related induction of cytokine signaling was indicated however, pathways associated with individual cytokine signaling were not elevated, suggesting an alternative involvement of cytokine signaling. Pathways related to growth process and cell signaling showed a negative activation supporting an interpretation of disruption or delay in developmental processes at the 2500 ppm 4-MeI exposure level with maternal seizures. Thus, while GABA signaling was not altered as has been observed with maternal seizures, the pattern of DEG suggested a potential for alteration in neuronal network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdull J Massri
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Mackenzie Fitzpatrick
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Helen Cunny
- Office of the Scientific Director, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jian-Liang Li
- Integrative Bioinformatics, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - G Jean Harry
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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20
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He CC, Song TC, Qi RQ, Gao XH. Integrated single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveals heterogeneity of fibroblast and pivotal genes in psoriasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17134. [PMID: 37816883 PMCID: PMC10564713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis, which is one of the most common skin diseases, involves an array of complex immune constituents including T cells, dendritic cells and monocytes. Particularly, the cytokine IL17A, primarily generated by TH17 cells, assumes a crucial function in the etiology of psoriasis. In this study, a comprehensive investigation utilizing bulk RNA analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics was employed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis. Our study revealed that there is an overlap between the genes that are differentially expressed in psoriasis patients receiving three anti-IL17A monoclonal antibody drugs and the genes that are differentially expressed in lesion versus non-lesion samples in these patients. Further analysis using single-cell and spatial data from psoriasis samples confirmed the expression of hub genes that had low expressions in psoriasis tissue but were up-regulated after anti-IL17A treatments. These genes were found to be associated with the treatment effects of brodalumab and methotrexate, but not adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab. Additionally, these genes were predominantly expressed in fibroblasts. In our study, fibroblasts were categorized into five clusters. Notably, hub genes exhibited predominant expression in cluster 3 fibroblasts, which were primarily engaged in the regulation of the extracellular matrix and were predominantly located in the reticular dermis. Subsequent analysis unveiled that cluster 3 fibroblasts also established communication with epithelial cells and monocytes via the ANGPTL-SDC4 ligand-receptor configuration, and their regulation was governed by the transcription factor TWIST1. Conversely, cluster 4 fibroblasts, responsible for vascular endothelial regulation, were predominantly distributed in the papillary dermis. Cluster 4 predominantly engaged in interactions with endothelial cells via MDK signals and was governed by the distinctive transcription factor, ERG. By means of an integrated analysis encompassing bulk transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics, we have discerned genes and clusters of fibroblasts that potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Cong He
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University and Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, No.155 Nanjing Bei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Cong Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Qun Qi
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University and Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, No.155 Nanjing Bei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Hua Gao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of China Medical University and Key Laboratory of Immunodermatology, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, No.155 Nanjing Bei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Huang L, Xing Y, Ning X, Yu Z, Bai X, Liu L, Sun S. Roles of Twist1 in lipid and glucose metabolism. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:270. [PMID: 37784111 PMCID: PMC10544448 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01262-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal lipid and glucose metabolisms are linked to the metabolic disorders, tumorigenesis, and fibrotic diseases, which attracts the increasing attention to find out the key molecules involved in the lipid and glucose metabolism as the possible therapeutic targets on these diseases. A transcriptional factor Twist1 has been associated with not only the embryonic development, cancer, and fibrotic diseases, but also the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the roles and mechanisms of Twist1 in the obesity-associated white adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance, brown adipose tissue metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle to provide a rational perspective to consider Twist1 as a potential treatment target in clinic. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyifei Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Xing
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhixiang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Changle Road, No. 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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22
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Tan Y, Wang Z, Xu M, Li B, Huang Z, Qin S, Nice EC, Tang J, Huang C. Oral squamous cell carcinomas: state of the field and emerging directions. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:44. [PMID: 37736748 PMCID: PMC10517027 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) develops on the mucosal epithelium of the oral cavity. It accounts for approximately 90% of oral malignancies and impairs appearance, pronunciation, swallowing, and flavor perception. In 2020, 377,713 OSCC cases were reported globally. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO), the incidence of OSCC will rise by approximately 40% by 2040, accompanied by a growth in mortality. Persistent exposure to various risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, betel quid (BQ), and human papillomavirus (HPV), will lead to the development of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), which are oral mucosal lesions with an increased risk of developing into OSCC. Complex and multifactorial, the oncogenesis process involves genetic alteration, epigenetic modification, and a dysregulated tumor microenvironment. Although various therapeutic interventions, such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and nanomedicine, have been proposed to prevent or treat OSCC and OPMDs, understanding the mechanism of malignancies will facilitate the identification of therapeutic and prognostic factors, thereby improving the efficacy of treatment for OSCC patients. This review summarizes the mechanisms involved in OSCC. Moreover, the current therapeutic interventions and prognostic methods for OSCC and OPMDs are discussed to facilitate comprehension and provide several prospective outlooks for the fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengtong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
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23
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Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Czapiński J, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. Synthetic circuits based on split Cas9 to detect cellular events. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14988. [PMID: 37696879 PMCID: PMC10495424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology involves the engineering of logic circuit gates that process different inputs to produce specific outputs, enabling the creation or control of biological functions. While CRISPR has become the tool of choice in molecular biology due to its RNA-guided targetability to other nucleic acids, it has not been frequently applied to logic gates beyond those controlling the guide RNA (gRNA). In this study, we present an adaptation of split Cas9 to generate logic gates capable of sensing biological events, leveraging a Cas9 reporter (EGxxFP) to detect occurrences such as cancer cell origin, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell-cell fusion. First, we positioned the complementing halves of split Cas9 under different promoters-one specific to cancer cells of epithelial origin (phCEA) and the other a universal promoter. The use of self-assembling inteins facilitated the reconstitution of the Cas9 halves. Consequently, only cancer cells with an epithelial origin activated the reporter, exhibiting green fluorescence. Subsequently, we explored whether this system could detect biological processes such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). To achieve this, we designed a logic gate where one half of Cas9 is expressed under the phCEA, while the other is activated by TWIST1. The results showed that cells undergoing EMT effectively activated the reporter. Next, we combined the two inputs (epithelial origin and EMT) to create a new logic gate, where only cancer epithelial cells undergoing EMT activated the reporter. Lastly, we applied the split-Cas9 logic gate as a sensor of cell-cell fusion, both in induced and naturally occurring scenarios. Each cell type expressed one half of split Cas9, and the induction of fusion resulted in the appearance of multinucleated syncytia and the fluorescent reporter. The simplicity of the split Cas9 system presented here allows for its integration into various cellular processes, not only as a sensor but also as an actuator.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub Czapiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
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24
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Quaye LNK, Dalzell CE, Deloukas P, Smith AJP. The Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease: A Vascular Perspective. Cells 2023; 12:2232. [PMID: 37759455 PMCID: PMC10527262 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of genetic loci for coronary artery disease (CAD), with many located close to genes associated with traditional CAD risk pathways, such as lipid metabolism and inflammation. It is becoming evident with recent CAD GWAS meta-analyses that vascular pathways are also highly enriched and present an opportunity for novel therapeutics. This review examines GWAS-enriched vascular gene loci, the pathways involved and their potential role in CAD pathogenesis. The functionality of variants is explored from expression quantitative trait loci, massively parallel reporter assays and CRISPR-based gene-editing tools. We discuss how this research may lead to novel therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Panos Deloukas
- William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (L.N.K.Q.); (C.E.D.); (A.J.P.S.)
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25
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Khatoon F, Ali S, Kumar V, Elasbali AM, Alhassan HH, Alharethi SH, Islam A, Hassan MI. Pharmacological features, health benefits and clinical implications of honokiol. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:7511-7533. [PMID: 36093963 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2120541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Honokiol (HNK) is a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from the bark and leaves of Magnolia grandiflora. It has been traditionally used as a medicinal compound to treat inflammatory diseases. HNK possesses numerous health benefits with a minimal level of toxicity. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid, thus having significant bioavailability in the neurological tissues. HNK is a promising bioactive compound possesses neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anti-tumorigenic, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, analgesic, and antithrombotic features . HNK can prevent the growth of several cancer types and haematological malignancies. Recent studies suggested its role in COVID-19 therapy. It binds effectively with several molecular targets, including apoptotic factors, chemokines, transcription factors, cell surface adhesion molecules, and kinases. HNK has excellent pharmacological features and a wide range of chemotherapeutic effects, and thus, researchers have increased interest in improving the therapeutic implications of HNK to the clinic as a novel agent. This review focused on the therapeutic implications of HNK, highlighting clinical and pharmacological features and the underlying mechanism of action.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Khatoon
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Sabeeha Ali
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Amity Institute of Neuropsychology & Neurosciences, Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Hussain Alharethi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran, Saudia Arabia
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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26
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Khalid Z, Coco S, Ullah N, Pulliero A, Cortese K, Varesano S, Orsi A, Izzotti A. Anticancer Activity of Measles-Mumps-Rubella MMR Vaccine Viruses against Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4304. [PMID: 37686579 PMCID: PMC10486717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been utilized since 1990s for targeted cancer treatment. Our study examined the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine's cancer-killing potency against Glioblastoma (GBM), a therapy-resistant, aggressive cancer type. METHODOLOGY We used GBM cell lines, primary GBM cells, and normal mice microglial cells, to assess the MMR vaccine's efficacy through cell viability, cell cycle analysis, intracellular viral load via RT-PCR, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). RESULTS After 72 h of MMR treatment, GBM cell lines and primary GBM cells exhibited significant viability reduction compared to untreated cells. Conversely, normal microglial cells showed only minor changes in viability and morphology. Intracellular viral load tests indicated GBM cells' increased sensitivity to MMR viruses compared to normal cells. The cell cycle study also revealed measles and mumps viruses' crucial role in cytopathic effects, with the rubella virus causing cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSION Herein the reported results demonstrate the anti-cancer activity of the MMR vaccine against GBM cells. Accordingly, the MMR vaccine warrants further study as a potential new tool for GBM therapy and relapse prevention. Therapeutic potential of the MMR vaccine has been found to be promising in earlier studies as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumama Khalid
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (Z.K.); (N.U.); (A.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Simona Coco
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Nadir Ullah
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (Z.K.); (N.U.); (A.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Alessandra Pulliero
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (Z.K.); (N.U.); (A.P.); (A.O.)
| | - Katia Cortese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Serena Varesano
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Andrea Orsi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (Z.K.); (N.U.); (A.P.); (A.O.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Alberto Izzotti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.V.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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27
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Matsunaka T, Goi T, Kurebayashi H, Morikawa M, Okazawa H, Tsujikawa T. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Defined Extramural Venous Invasion Predicts Distant Metastasis and Reflects Strong Tumor Invasiveness in Rectal Cancer. Oncology 2023; 102:99-106. [PMID: 37562361 DOI: 10.1159/000533422] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extramural vascular invasion in patients with rectal cancer is a poor prognostic factor associated with distant metastasis; thus, accurate preoperative diagnosis is important. However, the accurate detection of extramural vascular invasion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is difficult, and an improved diagnostic modality is required. In addition, the factors involved in the formation of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the ability of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/MRI ([18F] FDG PET/MRI) to detect EMVI and elucidate the factors involved in EMVI. METHODS Thirty-one patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in this study between 2017 and 2021. We preoperatively evaluated the pelvic [18F] FDG PET/MRI to detect extramural vascular invasion ([18F] FDG PET/MRI-defined EMVI: pmrEMVI). To investigate the factors related to pmrEMVI, we confirmed the desmoplastic reaction (DR) and TWIST expression in the primary lesions of rectal cancer and examined its relationship with pmrEMVI. RESULTS Six of the 31 patients were pmrEMVI positive. Four pmrEMVI-positive patients had distant metastases. The levels of immature DR and TWIST1 expression were significantly higher in cases with pmrEMVI positivity. CONCLUSION pmrEMVI is a useful biomarker for predicting distant metastasis. In addition, pmrEMVI was significantly correlated with factors related to tumor invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Matsunaka
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Takanori Goi
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Kurebayashi
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Morikawa
- 1st Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Fukui, Shimoaitzuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tsujikawa
- Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Japan
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28
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Gruss MJ, O’Callaghan C, Donnellan M, Corsi AK. A Twist-Box domain of the C. elegans Twist homolog, HLH-8, plays a complex role in transcriptional regulation. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad066. [PMID: 37067863 PMCID: PMC10411555 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in humans that functions in mesoderm differentiation. TWIST1 primarily regulates genes as a transcriptional repressor often through TWIST-Box domain-mediated protein-protein interactions. The TWIST-Box also can function as an activation domain requiring 3 conserved, equidistant amino acids (LXXXFXXXR). Autosomal dominant mutations in TWIST1, including 2 reported in these conserved amino acids (F187L and R191M), lead to craniofacial defects in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). Caenorhabditis elegans has a single TWIST1 homolog, HLH-8, that functions in the differentiation of the muscles responsible for egg laying and defecation. Null alleles in hlh-8 lead to severely egg-laying defective and constipated animals due to defects in the corresponding muscles. TWIST1 and HLH-8 share sequence identity in their bHLH regions; however, the domain responsible for the transcriptional activity of HLH-8 is unknown. Sequence alignment suggests that HLH-8 has a TWIST-Box LXXXFXXXR motif; however, its function also is unknown. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was utilized to generate a domain deletion and several missense mutations, including those analogous to SCS patients, in the 3 conserved HLH-8 amino acids to investigate their functional role. The TWIST-Box alleles did not phenocopy hlh-8 null mutants. The strongest phenotype detected was a retentive (Ret) phenotype with late-stage embryos in the hermaphrodite uterus. Further, GFP reporters of HLH-8 downstream target genes (arg-1::gfp and egl-15::gfp) revealed tissue-specific, target-specific, and allele-specific defects. Overall, the TWIST-Box in HLH-8 is partially required for the protein's transcriptional activity, and the conserved amino acids contribute unequally to the domain's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Gruss
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Colleen O’Callaghan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Molly Donnellan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Ann K Corsi
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
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29
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Zhu J, Jiang Q. Twist1‑mediated transcriptional activation of Claudin‑4 promotes cervical cancer cell migration and invasion. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:335. [PMID: 37427351 PMCID: PMC10326656 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-4, a member of the claudin multigene family, participates in events associated with mesenchymal-like activity of cancerous cells. Claudin-4 expression is upregulated in cervical cancer tissue compared with that in adjoining non-neoplastic tissue. However, the mechanisms that regulate Claudin-4 expression in cervical cancer are poorly understood. Moreover, whether Claudin-4 contributes to the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells remains unclear. By western blotting, reverse transcription-qPCR, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell migration/invasion assay, the present study confirmed that Claudin-4 was a downstream target of Twist1, a helix-loop-helix transcriptional factor, the activity of which has a positive correlation with Claudin-4 expression. Mechanistically, Twist1 directly binds to Claudin-4 promoter, resulting in the transactivation of expression. The depletion of the Twist1-binding E-Box1 domain on Claudin-4 promoter via CRISPR-Cas9 knockout system downregulates Claudin-4 expression and suppresses the ability of cervical cancer cells to migrate and invade by elevating E-cadherin levels and lowering N-cadherin levels. Following activation by transforming growth factor-β, Twist1 induces Claudin-4 expression, thus enhancing migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. In summary, the present data suggested that Claudin-4 was a direct downstream target of Twist1 and served a critical role in promoting Twist1-mediated cervical cancer cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Beilun People's Hospital, Beilun Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315826, P.R. China
| | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Beilun People's Hospital, Beilun Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315826, P.R. China
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Lee S, Kang E, Lee U, Cho S. Role of pelitinib in the regulation of migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of Twist1. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:703. [PMID: 37495969 PMCID: PMC10373356 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11217-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of Twist1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factors (EMT-TFs), is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Pelitinib is known to be an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in clinical trials for colorectal and lung cancers, but the role of pelitinib in cancer metastasis has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of pelitinib in HCC cell lines. METHODS Using three HCC cell lines (Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449 cells), the effects of pelitinib on cell cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration were determined by cell viability, wound healing, transwell invasion, and spheroid invasion assays. The activities of MMP-2 and -9 were examined through gelatin zymography. Through immunoblotting analyses, the expression levels of EMT-TFs (Snail1, Twist1, and ZEB1) and EMT-related signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt signaling pathways were measured. The activity and expression levels of target genes were analyzed by reporter assay, RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoblotting analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's Multiple comparison tests in Prism 3.0 to assess differences between experimental conditions. RESULTS In this study, pelitinib treatment significantly inhibited wound closure in various HCC cell lines, including Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449. Additionally, pelitinib was found to inhibit multicellular cancer spheroid invasion and metalloprotease activities in Huh7 cells. Further investigation revealed that pelitinib treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 cells by inducing Twist1 degradation through the inhibition of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. We also confirmed that the inhibition of cell motility by Twist1 siRNA was similar to that observed in pelitinib-treated group. Furthermore, pelitinib treatment regulated the expression of target genes associated with EMT, as demonstrated by the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin. CONCLUSION Based on our novel finding of pelitinib from the perspective of EMT, pelitinib has the ability to inhibit EMT activity of HCC cells via inhibition of Twist1, and this may be the potential mechanism of pelitinib on the suppression of migration and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, pelitinib could be developed as a potential anti-cancer drug for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewoong Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Kang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Unju Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Sayeon Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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Le Hars M, Castro-Vega LJ, Rajabi F, Tabatadze D, Romero M, Pinskaya M, Groisman I. Pro-tumorigenic role of lnc-ZNF30-3 as a sponge counteracting miR-145-5p in prostate cancer. Biol Direct 2023; 18:38. [PMID: 37434219 PMCID: PMC10334624 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer remains one of the deadliest neoplasms in developed countries. Identification of new molecular markers that predict the onset and progression of the disease could improve its clinical management. Low miR-145-5p expression is consistently found in primary tumors and metastases, but the regulatory mechanisms governing its functions remain largely unknown. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify [1] a set of novel potential competing endogenous lncRNAs for sponging of miRNA-145-5p in prostate cancer and [2] miR-145-5p and other EMT-related miRNAs response elements in lnc-ZNF30-3. Quantification of miR-145-5p, lnc-ZNF30-3, and TWIST1 expression levels in tumor tissues in RNA sequencing datasets of our and TCGA PRAD cohorts revealed a correlation with clinical outcome of prostate cancer patients. Biochemical and cell biology approaches, such as RNA pull-down, western blot, immunostaining, and wound healing assays were used for evaluation of the impact of TWIST1/miR-145/ lnc-ZNF30-3 interactions in prostate cancer cells altered in miRNA and lncRNA expression. RESULTS We identified a few potential lncRNA sponges of miR-145-5p, including lnc-ZNF30-3. It contains five response elements for miR-145-5p, but also other miRNAs targeting EMT transcription factors. Lnc-ZNF30-3 is significantly upregulated in prostate cancer cell lines and tumor tissues, and its high expression is correlated with poor patient prognosis. We demonstrated that lnc-ZNF30-3 is associated with AGO2 and specifically interacts with the miR-145-5p seed region. Knockdown of lnc-ZNF30-3 results in decreased migration of prostate cancer cells and downregulation of EMT drivers such as TWIST1 and ZEB1 at both the RNA and protein levels. These phenotypic and molecular features of lnc-ZNF30-3-depleted cells are partially rescued by miR-145-5p inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results point to lnc-ZNF30-3 as a novel competing endogenous lncRNA for miR-145-5p and other miRNAs that target TWIST1 as well as other EMT transcription factors. Prostate cancer patients with high lncRNA expression in primary tumors show lower survival rate suggesting that lnc-ZNF30-3 may contribute to prostate cancer progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Le Hars
- Institut Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Paris, France
| | - Luis Jaime Castro-Vega
- Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Fatemeh Rajabi
- Institut Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Paris, France
- Cancer Genomics lab, Inserm U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center Grand Paris, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Martha Romero
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario-Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Pinskaya
- Institut Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Paris, France.
| | - Irina Groisman
- Institut Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS UMR3244, Paris, France.
- Cancer Genomics lab, Inserm U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center Grand Paris, Villejuif, France.
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Kim S, Morgunova E, Naqvi S, Bader M, Koska M, Popov A, Luong C, Pogson A, Claes P, Taipale J, Wysocka J. DNA-guided transcription factor cooperativity shapes face and limb mesenchyme. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.29.541540. [PMID: 37398193 PMCID: PMC10312427 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.29.541540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) can define distinct cellular identities despite nearly identical DNA-binding specificities. One mechanism for achieving regulatory specificity is DNA-guided TF cooperativity. Although in vitro studies suggest it may be common, examples of such cooperativity remain scarce in cellular contexts. Here, we demonstrate how 'Coordinator', a long DNA motif comprised of common motifs bound by many basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and homeodomain (HD) TFs, uniquely defines regulatory regions of embryonic face and limb mesenchyme. Coordinator guides cooperative and selective binding between the bHLH family mesenchymal regulator TWIST1 and a collective of HD factors associated with regional identities in the face and limb. TWIST1 is required for HD binding and open chromatin at Coordinator sites, while HD factors stabilize TWIST1 occupancy at Coordinator and titrate it away from HD-independent sites. This cooperativity results in shared regulation of genes involved in cell-type and positional identities, and ultimately shapes facial morphology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungsoo Kim
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Ekaterina Morgunova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sahin Naqvi
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Maram Bader
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Mervenaz Koska
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | - Christy Luong
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Angela Pogson
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Peter Claes
- Department of Electrical Engineering, ESAT/PSI, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Medical Imaging Research Center, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jussi Taipale
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Applied Tumor Genomics Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joanna Wysocka
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA 94305
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Turano M, Vicidomini R, Cammarota F, D'Agostino V, Duraturo F, Izzo P, Rosa MD. The Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Progression: The Emerging Role of Succinate Dehydrogenase Alterations and Succinate Accumulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051428. [PMID: 37239099 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. A major underlying reason is that the detection of CRC usually occurs at an advanced metastatic stage, rendering therapies ineffective. In the progression from the in situ neoplasia stage to the advanced metastatic stage, a critical molecular mechanism involved is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This intricate transformation consists of a series of molecular changes, ultimately leading the epithelial cell to relinquish its features and acquire mesenchymal and stem-like cell characteristics. The EMT regulation involves several factors, such as transcription factors, cytokines, micro RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Nevertheless, recent studies have illuminated an emerging link between metabolic alterations and EMT in various types of cancers, including colorectal cancers. In this review, we delved into the pivotal role played by EMT during CRC progression, with a focus on highlighting the relationship between the alterations of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, specifically those involving the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme, and the activation of the EMT program. In fact, emerging evidence supports the idea that elucidating the metabolic modifications that can either induce or inhibit tumor progression could be of immense significance for shaping new therapeutic approaches and preventative measures. We conclude that an extensive effort must be directed towards research for the standardization of drugs that specifically target proteins such as SDH and SUCNR1, but also TRAP1, PDH, ERK1/2, STAT3 and the HIF1-α catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmo Turano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Vicidomini
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Cammarota
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Duraturo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Pavitra E, Kancharla J, Gupta VK, Prasad K, Sung JY, Kim J, Tej MB, Choi R, Lee JH, Han YK, Raju GSR, Bhaskar L, Huh YS. The role of NF-κB in breast cancer initiation, growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114822. [PMID: 37146418 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most fatal disease and is the prime cause of cancer allied female deaths. BC is caused by aberrant tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes regulated by transcription factors (TFs) like NF-κB. NF-κB is a pro-inflammatory TF that crucially alters the expressions of various genes associated with inflammation, cell progression, metastasis, and apoptosis and modulates a network of genes that underlie tumorigenesis. Herein, we focus on NF-κB signaling pathways, its regulators, and the rationale for targeting NF-κB. This review also includes TFs that maintain NF-κB crosstalk and their roles in promoting angiogenesis and metastasis. In addition, we discuss the importance of combination therapies, resistance to treatment, and potential novel therapeutic strategies including nanomedicine that targets NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eluri Pavitra
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; 3D Convergence Center, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jyothsna Kancharla
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali University, Vanasthali, Rajasthan 304022, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Kiran Prasad
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur- 495009, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Ju Yong Sung
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jigyeong Kim
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Mandava Bhuvan Tej
- Department of Health care informatics, Sacred Heart University, 5151Park Avenue, Fair fields, CT06825, USA
| | - Rino Choi
- 3D Convergence Center, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Lee
- 3D Convergence Center, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kyu Han
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Ganji Seeta Rama Raju
- Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
| | - Lvks Bhaskar
- Department of Zoology, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur- 495009, Chhattisgarh, India.
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Shah AM, Guo L, Morales MG, Jaichander P, Chen K, Huang H, Cano Hernandez K, Xu L, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, Liu N. TWIST2-mediated chromatin remodeling promotes fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8184. [PMID: 37115930 PMCID: PMC10146891 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma in children that resembles developing skeletal muscle. Unlike normal muscle cells, RMS cells fail to differentiate despite expression of the myogenic determination protein MYOD. The TWIST2 transcription factor is frequently overexpressed in fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS). TWIST2 blocks differentiation by inhibiting MYOD activity in myoblasts, but its role in FN-RMS pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Here, we show that knockdown of TWIST2 enables FN-RMS cells to exit the cell cycle and undergo terminal myogenesis. TWIST2 knockdown also substantially reduces tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of FN-RMS. Mechanistically, TWIST2 controls H3K27 acetylation at distal enhancers by interacting with the chromatin remodelers SMARCA4 and CHD3 to activate growth-related target genes and repress myogenesis-related target genes. These findings provide insights into the role of TWIST2 in maintaining an undifferentiated and tumorigenic state of FN-RMS and highlight the potential of suppressing TWIST2-regulated pathways to treat FN-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha M. Shah
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maria Gabriela Morales
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Priscilla Jaichander
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karla Cano Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Wang Y, Dai G, Lin Z, Cheng C, Zhou X, Song M, Chen P, Ma S, Hu Y, Liu G, Yu B. TWIST1 rescue calcium overload and apoptosis induced by inflammatory microenvironment in S. aureus-induced osteomyelitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110153. [PMID: 37071966 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is no effective therapy for Staphylococcus aureus-induced osteomyelitis. It is widely recognized that the inflammatory microenvironment around abscess plays an essential role in protracting the course of S. aureus-induced osteomyelitis. In this study, we found TWIST1 was highly expressed in macrophages around abscesses but less related to local S. aureus in the later stages of Staphylococcus aureus-infected osteomyelitis. Mouse bone marrow macrophages show apoptosis and elevated TWIST1 expression when treated with the inflammatory medium. Knockdown of TWIST1 induced macrophage apoptosis, impaired the bacteria phagocytosis/killing abilities, and promoted cell apoptosis markers expression in inflammatory microenvironment stimulation. Furthermore, inflammatory microenvironments were responsible for inducing calcium overload in macrophage mitochondrial while calcium overload inhibition significantly rescued macrophage apoptosis, bacteria phagocytosis/killing abilities and improved the mice's antimicrobial ability. Our findings indicated that TWIST1 is a crucial molecule that protects macrophages from calcium overload induced by inflammatory microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guandong Dai
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexin Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiyu Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyou Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingrui Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Orthopedics, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan, Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Sushuang Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yanjun Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanqiao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Yang HL, Chiu LW, Lin YA, Pandey S, Vadivalagan C, Liao JW, Gowrisankar YV, Chen HJ, Lin HY, Hseu YC. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activity of Coenzyme Q 0 against TWIST1-overexpressing HNSCC cells: ROS-mediated inhibition of EMT/metastasis and autophagy/apoptosis induction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 465:116453. [PMID: 36914119 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
HNSCC (Head and Heck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) is a reasonably prevalent cancer with a high mortality rate. In this study, we tried to examine the anti-metastasis and apoptosis/autophagy actions of Coenzyme Q0 (CoQ0, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone), a derivative of Antrodia camphorata in HNCC TWIST1 overexpressing (FaDu-TWIST1) cells as well as in vivo tumor xenograft mice model. Using fluorescence based cellular assays, western blot and nude mice tumor xenografts, we determined that CoQ0 effectively reduced cell viability and displayed rapid morphological changes in FaDu-TWIST1 cells compared to FaDu cells. Non/sub-cytotoxic concentrations of CoQ0 treatment reduces the cell migration by downregulating TWIST1 and upregulating E-cadherin. Apoptosis produced by CoQ0 was mostly related with caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and VDAC-1 expression. The FaDu-TWIST1 cells treated with CoQ0 exhibits autophagy-mediated LC3-II accumulation and acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) formation. Pre-treatment with 3-MA and CoQ effectively prevented CoQ0-induced cell death and CoQ0-triggered autophagy in FaDu-TWIST cells as a death mechanism. CoQ0 induces ROS production in FaDu-TWIST1 cells and NAC pre-treatment significantly reduces anti-metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy. Likewise, ROS-mediated AKT inhibition regulates CoQ0-induced apoptosis/autophagy in FaDu-TWIST1 cells. In vivo studies exhibit, CoQ0 effectively delays and reduces the tumor incidence and burden in FaDu-TWIST1-xenografted nude mice. Current findings display, CoQ0 exhibits a novel anti-cancer mechanism hence, it might be appropriate for anticancer therapy, and a new potent drug for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Ling Yang
- Institute of Nutrition, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Chiu
- Institute of Nutrition, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-An Lin
- Institute of Nutrition, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Sudhir Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chithravel Vadivalagan
- Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | | | - Hui-Jye Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Yi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
| | - You-Cheng Hseu
- Department of Cosmeceutics, College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan; Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Research Center of Chinese Herbal Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan.
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38
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Frost JM, Amante SM, Okae H, Jones EM, Ashley B, Lewis RM, Cleal JK, Caley MP, Arima T, Maffucci T, Branco MR. Regulation of human trophoblast gene expression by endogenous retroviruses. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:527-538. [PMID: 37012406 PMCID: PMC10113160 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a fast-evolving organ with large morphological and histological differences across eutherians, but the genetic changes driving placental evolution have not been fully elucidated. Transposable elements, through their capacity to quickly generate genetic variation and affect host gene regulation, may have helped to define species-specific trophoblast gene expression programs. Here we assess the contribution of transposable elements to human trophoblast gene expression as enhancers or promoters. Using epigenomic data from primary human trophoblast and trophoblast stem-cell lines, we identified multiple endogenous retrovirus families with regulatory potential that lie close to genes with preferential expression in trophoblast. These largely primate-specific elements are associated with inter-species gene expression differences and are bound by transcription factors with key roles in placental development. Using genetic editing, we demonstrate that several elements act as transcriptional enhancers of important placental genes, such as CSF1R and PSG5. We also identify an LTR10A element that regulates ENG expression, affecting secretion of soluble endoglin, with potential implications for preeclampsia. Our data show that transposons have made important contributions to human trophoblast gene regulation, and suggest that their activity may affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Frost
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Samuele M Amante
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Eleri M Jones
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Brogan Ashley
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew P Caley
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tania Maffucci
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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39
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Guan T, Li M, Song Y, Chen J, Tang J, Zhang C, Wen Y, Yang X, Huang L, Zhu Y, Wang H, Ding K, Zheng J, Zhang H, Liu T. Phosphorylation of USP29 by CDK1 Governs TWIST1 Stability and Oncogenic Functions. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205873. [PMID: 36782089 PMCID: PMC10104637 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly lethal malignancy with limited therapy options. TWIST1, a key transcriptional factor of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to self-renewal of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), chemo-resistance, metastasis, and TNBC-related death. However, the mechanism by which TWIST1 is deregulated in TNBC remains elusive. Here, USP29 is identified as a bona fide deubiquitinase of TWIST1. The deubiquitination of TWIST1 catalyzed by USP29 is required for its stabilization and subsequent EMT and CSC functions in TNBC, thereby conferring chemotherapeutic resistance and metastasis. Furthermore, the results unexpectedly reveal that CDK1 functions as the direct USP29 activator. Mechanistically, CDK1-mediated phosphorylation of USP29 is essential for its deubiquitinase activity toward TWIST1 and TWIST1 driven-malignant phenotypes in TNBC, which could be markedly mitigated by the genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of CDK1. Moreover, the histological analyses show that CDK1 and USP29 are highly upregulated in TNBC samples, which positively correlate with the expression of TWIST1. Taken together, the findings reveal a previously unrecognized tumor-promoting function and clinical significance of the CDK1-USP29 axis through stabilizing TWIST1 and provide the preclinical evidence that targeting this axis is an appealing therapeutic strategy to conquer chemo-resistance and metastasis in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tangming Guan
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Mei Li
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of PathologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100021China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Jiaxin Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease PreventionCollege of Life Sciences and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Caishi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yalei Wen
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Xiao Yang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Lei Huang
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Hongxian Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryShenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital & The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhen518052China
| | - Ke Ding
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Nature Product ChemistryShanghai Institute of organic chemistryShanghai200032China
| | - Junxia Zheng
- School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical SciencesGuangdong University of TechnologyGuangzhou510006China
| | - Haoxing Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Stability and Disease PreventionCollege of Life Sciences and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Tongzheng Liu
- College of Pharmacy/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of ChinaJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
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40
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Friend C, Parajuli P, Razzaque MS, Atfi A. Deciphering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:37-73. [PMID: 37268401 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex cellular program that alters epithelial cells and induces their transformation into mesenchymal cells. While essential to normal developmental processes such as embryogenesis and wound healing, EMT has also been linked to the development and progression of various diseases, including fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis. Under homeostatic conditions, initiation of EMT is mediated by key signaling pathways and pro-EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs); however, in certain contexts, these pro-EMT regulators and programs also drive cell plasticity and cell stemness to promote oncogenesis as well as metastasis. In this review, we will explain how EMT and EMT-TFs mediate the initiation of pro-cancer states and how they influence late-stage progression and metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most severe form of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Creighton Friend
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Parash Parajuli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mohammed S Razzaque
- Department of Pathology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
| | - Azeddine Atfi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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41
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Ang HL, Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Leong HC, Makvandi P, Rangappa KS, Bishayee A, Kumar AP, Sethi G. Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929669 DOI: 10.1002/med.21948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Ang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hin Chong Leong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Centre for Materials Interface, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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42
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Peng P, Qiang X, Li G, Li L, Ni S, Yu Q, Sourd L, Marangoni E, Hu C, Wang D, Wu D, Wu F. Tinengotinib (TT-00420), a Novel Spectrum-Selective Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitor, Is Highly Active Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:205-214. [PMID: 36223547 PMCID: PMC9890131 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer lacking actionable targets. Using a phenotypic screen of TNBC cells, we discovered a novel multiple kinase inhibitor tinengotinib (TT-00420) that strongly inhibited Aurora A/B, FGFR1/2/3, VEGFRs, JAK1/2, and CSF1R in biochemical assays. Exposure to tinengotinib specifically inhibited proliferation across all subtypes of TNBC in vitro and in vivo, while leaving luminal breast cancer cells intact. Incubation of HCC1806 with tinengotinib led to dose-dependent downregulation of genes essential for TNBC cell growth and proliferation. Studies revealed that the potential mechanism of action of tinengotinib involved, predominantly, inhibition of Aurora A or B kinase activity, while inhibition of other pathways contributed to suppression of potency and activity. In vitro treatment of TNBC cell lines or in vivo administration in a syngeneic model with tinengotinib resulted in up-regulation of CXCL10 and 11 or diminished tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration. Tinengotinib represents a novel combinatorial inhibitory mechanism to treat TNBC. The phase I trial of tinengotinib was completed (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03654547).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Peng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China.,Corresponding Author: Peng Peng, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Fl 3, Bld 9, Phase 2 Accelerator, Biotech and Pharmaceutical Valley, Jiangbei New Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210032, P.R. China. E-mail:
| | - Xiaoyan Qiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Shumao Ni
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Qi Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Laura Sourd
- Translational Research Department, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Translational Research Department, Institute Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Chao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Frank Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Project Management, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
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Meng J, Han J, Wang X, Wu T, Zhang H, An H, Qin L, Sun Y, Zhong W, Yang C, Liu H, Sun T. Twist1-YY1-p300 complex promotes the malignant progression of HCC through activation of miR-9 by forming phase-separated condensates at super-enhancers and relieved by metformin. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106661. [PMID: 36669583 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of death, which deserves further study to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Studies have shown that miR-9 in associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. However, the mechanisms of transcriptional activation regulation of miR-9 and its role in the malignant progression of HCC have been rarely investigated. Some transcriptional coactivators can form phase-separated condensates at super-enhancers that compartmentalize and concentrate the transcription apparatus to drive robust gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that Twist1 and YY1 could form a transcriptional complex with p300, creating local high-concentration phase-separated interaction hubs at the super-enhancers of miR-9 and activate its expression to promote the malignant progression of HCC by stimulating the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Twist1-YY1-p300 phase-separated condensates were disrupted by metformin (Met) and thus reduce miR-9 expression, thereby inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC. Our study demonstrates that the Twist1 transcriptional factor complex involved in the malignant progression of HCC can form phase separation condensates at super-enhancers of miR-9 to promote the expression of oncogenes in HCC cells. It provides a potential target for the therapy of HCC and offers insights into the mechanism of Met in HCC inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, 300457, Tianjin, China; Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingxia Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Huihui An
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Luning Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China; Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300457, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Huijuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China; Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, 300457, Tianjin, China.
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
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Pan B, Zhu X, Han B, Weng J, Wang Y, Liu Y. The SIK1/CRTC2/CREB1 and TWIST1/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways mediated by microRNA-25-3p are altered in the schizophrenic rat brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1087335. [PMID: 36744005 PMCID: PMC9896578 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1087335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a group of severe mental disorders. MiR-25-3p was shown to be involved in various neuropsychiatric diseases and can regulate SIK1 and TWIST1. The CRTC2/CREB1 and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways are downstream pathways of SIK1 and TWIST1, respectively. This study investigated whether miR-25-3p-mediated SIK1/CRTC2/CREB1 and TWIST1/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways are present in an animal model relevant to schizophrenia. A schizophrenic rat model was established by using sub-chronic MK-801 administration. An RNA-seq test was performed to examine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC). The mRNA levels of miR-25-3p, SIK1, and TWIST in the PFC and caudate putamen (CPu) were assessed by qRT-PCR. Phosphorylation of the SIK1/CRTC2/CREB1 and TWIST1/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathways in the two brain regions was examined by Western blots. The RNA-seq data revealed down-regulated miR-25-3p expression and up-regulated SIK1 and TWIST1 mRNA expression induced by MK-801. Additionally, SIK1 and TWIST1 were shown to be possible downstream responders of miR-25-3p in previous studies. qRT-PCR confirmed the changes of miR-25-3p, SIK1, and TWIST1 induced by MK-801 in both brain regions, which, however, was reversed by risperidone. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of the SIK1/CRTC2/CREB1 pathway was repressed by MK-801, whereas the phosphorylation of the TWIST1/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway was increased by MK-801 in either of the two brain regions. Moreover, the altered phosphorylation of these two signaling pathways induced by MK-801 can be restored by risperidone. In conclusion, this study suggests that altered SIK1/CRTC2/CREB1 and TWIST1/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways mediated by miR-25-3p is very likely to be associated with schizophrenia, revealing potential targets for the treatment and clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Bo Pan,
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bing Han
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Weng
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Gastric Cancer of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yanqing Liu,
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45
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Wang T, Rho O, Eguiarte-Solomon F, DiGiovanni J. Twist1 as a target for prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:62-76. [PMID: 36373194 PMCID: PMC9772054 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents an important clinical problem requiring novel approaches for both prevention and treatment. The transcription factor, Twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), has been identified as having a key mechanistic role in the development and progression of cSCC. Studies in relevant mouse models of cSCC have shown that Twist1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness driving progression and metastasis of cSCC. In addition, further research has shown that Twist1 regulates the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and therefore impacts earlier stages of cSCC development. Through use of keratinocyte specific Twist1 knockout models, a role for this gene in keratinocyte stem cell homeostasis has been revealed. As a transcription factor, Twist1 regulates a large number of genes both in a positive, as well as a negative manner across several interdependent pathways. Studies in keratinocyte specific knockout models have shown that Twist1 upregulates the expression of genes involved in proliferation, stemness, and EMT while downregulating the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Furthermore, a number of compounds, including naturally occurring compounds, have been identified that target Twist1 and can block its effects in cancer cells and in keratinocytes in vivo. Collectively, the current understanding of Twist1 function in cSCC development and progression suggests that it represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzeng Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Okkyung Rho
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Fernando Eguiarte-Solomon
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
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46
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Castellanos G, Valbuena DS, Pérez E, Villegas VE, Rondón-Lagos M. Chromosomal Instability as Enabling Feature and Central Hallmark of Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER (DOVE MEDICAL PRESS) 2023; 15:189-211. [PMID: 36923397 PMCID: PMC10010144 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s383759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) has become a topic of great interest in recent years, not only for its implications in cancer diagnosis and prognosis but also for its role as an enabling feature and central hallmark of cancer. CIN describes cell-to-cell variation in the number or structure of chromosomes in a tumor population. Although extensive research in recent decades has identified some associations between CIN with response to therapy, specific associations with other hallmarks of cancer have not been fully evidenced. Such associations place CIN as an enabling feature of the other hallmarks of cancer and highlight the importance of deepening its knowledge to improve the outcome in cancer. In addition, studies conducted to date have shown paradoxical findings about the implications of CIN for therapeutic response, with some studies showing associations between high CIN and better therapeutic response, and others showing the opposite: associations between high CIN and therapeutic resistance. This evidences the complex relationships between CIN with the prognosis and response to treatment in cancer. Considering the above, this review focuses on recent studies on the role of CIN in cancer, the cellular mechanisms leading to CIN, its relationship with other hallmarks of cancer, and the emerging therapeutic approaches that are being developed to target such instability, with a primary focus on breast cancer. Further understanding of the complexity of CIN and its association with other hallmarks of cancer could provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in prognosis and response to treatment in cancer and potentially lead to new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanny Castellanos
- Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia.,School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Duván Sebastián Valbuena
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Erika Pérez
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Victoria E Villegas
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Milena Rondón-Lagos
- School of Biological Sciences, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
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47
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Silencing TRAIP suppresses cell proliferation and migration/invasion of triple negative breast cancer via RB-E2F signaling and EMT. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:74-84. [PMID: 36064576 PMCID: PMC9842503 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00517-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
TRAIP, as a 53 kDa E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, is involved in various cellular processes and closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. At present, few studies on the relationship between TRAIP and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) were reported. Bioinformatic analysis and Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed, and xenograft mouse models were established to explore the role of TRAIP in TNBC. This study showed that the expression of TRAIP protein was upregulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of TRAIP significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells, whereas opposite results were observed in the TRAIP overexpression. In addition, TRAIP regulated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through RB-E2F signaling and epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT). MiR-590-3p directly targeted the TRAIP 3'-UTR, and its expression were lower in TNBC tissues. Its mimic significantly downregulated the expression of TRAIP and subsequently suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Rescue experiments indicated that TRAIP silencing reversed the promotion of miR-590-3p inhibitor on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. TRAIP overexpression could also reverse the inhibition of miR-590-3p mimic on tumorigenesis. Finally, TRAIP knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in animal experiments. In conclusion, TRAIP is an oncogene that influences the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells through RB-E2F signaling and EMT. Therefore, TRAIP may be a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Otálora-Otálora BA, González Prieto C, Guerrero L, Bernal-Forigua C, Montecino M, Cañas A, López-Kleine L, Rojas A. Identification of the Transcriptional Regulatory Role of RUNX2 by Network Analysis in Lung Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123122. [PMID: 36551878 PMCID: PMC9775089 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of a new bioinformatics pipeline allowed the identification of deregulated transcription factors (TFs) coexpressed in lung cancer that could become biomarkers of tumor establishment and progression. A gene regulatory network (GRN) of lung cancer was created with the normalized gene expression levels of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the microarray dataset GSE19804. Moreover, coregulatory and transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) analyses were performed for the main regulators identified in the GRN analysis. The gene targets and binding motifs of all potentially implicated regulators were identified in the TRN and with multiple alignments of the TFs' target gene sequences. Six transcription factors (E2F3, FHL2, ETS1, KAT6B, TWIST1, and RUNX2) were identified in the GRN as essential regulators of gene expression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and related to the lung tumoral process. Our findings indicate that RUNX2 could be an important regulator of the lung cancer GRN through the formation of coregulatory complexes with other TFs related to the establishment and progression of lung cancer. Therefore, RUNX2 could become an essential biomarker for developing diagnostic tools and specific treatments against tumoral diseases in the lung after the experimental validation of its regulatory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Andrea Otálora-Otálora
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | | | - Lucia Guerrero
- Departamento de Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | - Camila Bernal-Forigua
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
| | - Martin Montecino
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370134, Chile
| | - Alejandra Cañas
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
- Unidad de Neumología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Departamento de Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
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49
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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50
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Whitman MC, Gilette NM, Bell JL, Kim SA, Tischfield M, Engle EC. TWIST1, a gene associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, regulates extraocular muscle organization in mouse. Dev Biol 2022; 490:126-133. [PMID: 35944701 PMCID: PMC9765759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous loss of function mutations in TWIST1 cause Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, which is characterized by craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry, ptosis, strabismus, and distinctive ear appearance. Individuals with syndromic craniosynostosis have high rates of strabismus and ptosis, but the underlying pathology is unknown. Some individuals with syndromic craniosynostosis have been noted to have absence of individual extraocular muscles or abnormal insertions of the extraocular muscles on the globe. Using conditional knock-out alleles for Twist1 in cranial mesenchyme, we test the hypothesis that Twist1 is required for extraocular muscle organization and position, attachment to the globe, and/or innervation by the cranial nerves. We examined the extraocular muscles in conditional Twist1 knock-out animals using Twist2-cre and Pdgfrb-cre drivers. Both are expressed in cranial mesoderm and neural crest. Conditional inactivation of Twist1 using these drivers leads to disorganized extraocular muscles that cannot be reliably identified as specific muscles. Tendons do not form normally at the insertion and origin of these dysplastic muscles. Knock-out of Twist1 expression in tendon precursors, using scleraxis-cre, however, does not alter EOM organization. Furthermore, developing motor neurons, which do not express Twist1, display abnormal axonal trajectories in the orbit in the presence of dysplastic extraocular muscles. Strabismus in individuals with TWIST1 mutations may therefore be caused by abnormalities in extraocular muscle development and secondary abnormalities in innervation and tendon formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Whitman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole M Gilette
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jessica L Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seoyoung A Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Max Tischfield
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Engle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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