1
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Zhang J, Liu X, Zeng L, Hu Y. GABRP inhibits the progression of oesophageal cancer by regulating CFTR: Integrating bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Int J Exp Pathol 2024; 105:118-132. [PMID: 38989629 PMCID: PMC11263814 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12513] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oesophageal cancer (EC) is a malignancy which accounts for a substantial number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of EC have not been fully elucidated. GSE17351 and GSE20347 data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were employed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to examine hub gene expression. ECA-109 and TE-12 cells were transfected using the pcDNA3.1 expression vector encoding GABRP. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell scratch and Transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of GABRP on EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated protein levels were measured by Western blotting. Subsequently, CFTR was knocked down to verify whether GABRP affected biological events in EC cells by targeting CFTR. Seven hub genes were identified, including GABRP, FLG, ENAH, KLF4, CD24, ABLIM3 and ABLIM1, which all could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for EC. The RT-qPCR results indicated that the expression levels of GABRP, FLG, KLF4, CD24, ABLIM3 and ABLIM1 were downregulated, whereas the expression level of ENAH was upregulated. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that GABRP overexpression suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of EC cells. Mechanistically, GABRP promoted the expression of CFTR, and CFTR knockdown significantly counteracted the influence of GABRP overexpression on biological events in EC cells. Overexpression of GABRP inhibited EC progression by increasing CFTR expression, which might be a new target for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Zhang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang UniversityGanzhou CityChina
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang UniversityGanzhou CityChina
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang UniversityGanzhou CityChina
| | - Ying Hu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou CityChina
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2
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Xu L, Wang L, Gan Y, Lin J, Ning S, Deng J, Ning Y, Feng W. Interference with ANXA8 inhibits the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by suppressing the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via UCHL5. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:205991. [PMID: 39068672 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205991] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC), which threatens women's lives, is a common tumor of the female reproductive system. Annexin A8 (ANXA8) is highly expressed in OC. However, the mechanism of ANXA8 in OC remains unclear. This study investigated the potential mechanisms of ANXA8 in OC. The expression of ANXA8 in OC cells was determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. ANXA8 interference plasmid was constructed. Moreover, CCK-8, EDU staining, TUNEL staining, western blotting, wound healing, and transwell assays were used to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, respectively. Next, the relationship between ANXA8 and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L5 (UCHL5) was verified through Co-IP. Finally, western blotting was used to detect the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related proteins. Additionally, we further interfered ANXA8 in nude mice with OC, and detected the expression of ANXA8, UCHL5 and the signaling pathway-related proteins by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Our results suggested that ANXA8 expression was significantly increased in OC cells. ANXA8 interference significantly attenuated the proliferative, invasive, and migratory capabilities and promoted the apoptotic ability of OC cells. Moreover, the expression of UCHL5 in OC was significantly increased. ANXA8 bound to UCHL5 in OC cells. Knockdown of ANXA8 attenuated OC cell malignant progression by downregulating the expression of UCHL5. Furthermore, ANXA8 affected the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins in OC cells via UCHL5. Collectively, ANXA8 interference suppressed the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via UCHL5 to inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, migration and induce cell apoptosis in OC, thus presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for OC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Guangdong Guojian Pharmaceutical Consulting Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510030, China
| | - Yaping Gan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiazhi Lin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuting Ning
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinjin Deng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingxia Ning
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Weifeng Feng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
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3
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Fu M, Deng F, Chen J, Fu L, Lei J, Xu T, Chen Y, Zhou J, Gao Q, Ding H. Current data and future perspectives on DNA methylation in ovarian cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:62. [PMID: 38757340 PMCID: PMC11095605 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5650] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) represents the most prevalent malignancy of the female reproductive system. Its distinguishing features include a high aggressiveness, substantial morbidity and mortality, and a lack of apparent symptoms, which collectively pose significant challenges for early detection. Given that aberrant DNA methylation events leading to altered gene expression are characteristic of numerous tumor types, there has been extensive research into epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in human cancers. In the context of OC, DNA methylation is often associated with the regulation of critical genes, such as BRCA1/2 and Ras‑association domain family 1A. Methylation modifications within the promoter regions of these genes not only contribute to the pathogenesis of OC, but also induce medication resistance and influence the prognosis of patients with OC. As such, a more in‑depth understanding of DNA methylation underpinning carcinogenesis could potentially facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for this intricate disease. The present review focuses on classical tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, signaling pathways and associated microRNAs in an aim to elucidate the influence of DNA methylation on the development and progression of OC. The advantages and limitations of employing DNA methylation in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of OC are also discussed. On the whole, the present literature review indicates that the DNA methylation of specific genes could potentially serve as a prognostic biomarker for OC and a therapeutic target for personalized treatment strategies. Further investigations in this field may yield more efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives for patients with OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Fu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Fengying Deng
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Li Fu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Ting Xu
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215100, P.R. China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Qinqin Gao
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Ding
- Institute for Fetology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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4
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Toriseva M, Björkgren I, Junnila A, Mehmood A, Mattsson J, Raimoranta I, Kim B, Laiho A, Nees M, Elo L, Poutanen M, Breton S, Sipilä P. RUNX transcription factors are essential in maintaining epididymal epithelial differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:183. [PMID: 38630262 PMCID: PMC11023966 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05211-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Apart from the androgen receptor, transcription factors (TFs) that are required for the development and formation of the different segments of the epididymis have remained unknown. We identified TF families expressed in the developing epididymides, of which many showed segment specificity. From these TFs, down-regulation of runt related transcription factors (RUNXs) 1 and 2 expression coincides with epithelial regression in Dicer1 cKO mice. Concomitant deletion of both Runx1 and Runx2 in a mouse epididymal epithelial cell line affected cell morphology, adhesion and mobility in vitro. Furthermore, lack of functional RUNXs severely disturbed the formation of 3D epididymal organoid-like structures. Transcriptomic analysis of the epididymal cell organoid-like structures indicated that RUNX1 and RUNX2 are involved in the regulation of MAPK signaling, NOTCH pathway activity, and EMT-related gene expression. This suggests that RUNXs are master regulators of several essential signaling pathways, and necessary for the maintenance of proper differentiation of the epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervi Toriseva
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Junnila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jesse Mattsson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Inka Raimoranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Chungcheongnam-do, Yesan, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center-CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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5
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Singharajkomron N, Yodsurang V, Limprasutr V, Wattanathamsan O, Iksen I, Hayakawa Y, Pongrakhananon V. CAMSAP2 enhances lung cancer cell metastasis by mediating RASAL2 degradation. Life Sci 2024; 338:122391. [PMID: 38159595 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122391] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Cancer metastasis significantly contributes to mortality in lung cancer patients. Calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein family member 2 (CAMSAP2) plays a significant role in cancer cell migration; however, its role in lung cancer metastasis and the underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of CAMSAP2 on lung cancer. MAIN METHODS The clinical relevance of CAMSAP2 in lung cancer patients was assessed using public database. RNA interference experiments were conducted to investigate role of CAMSAP2 in cell migration through transwell and wound healing assays. Molecular mechanisms were explored by identifying the possible interacting partners and pathways using the BioGRID and KEGG pathway analyses. The impact of CAMSAP2 on Ras protein activator-like 2 (RASAL2)-mediated lung cancer metastasis was investigated through biochemical assays. Additionally, in vivo experimentation using a murine tail vein metastasis model was performed to comprehend CAMSAP2's influence on metastasis. KEY FINDINGS A high expression level of CAMSAP2 was associated with poor overall survival in lung cancer patients and it positively correlated with cell migration in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Knockdown of CAMSAP2 inhibited lung cancer cell motility in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Proteomic and biochemical analyses revealed the interaction between CAMSAP2 and RASAL2, which facilitates the degradation of RASAL2 through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. These degradation processes resulted in the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, thereby promoting lung cancer metastasis. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that CAMSAP2 is a crucial regulator of cancer cell migration and metastasis and a promising therapeutic target for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsaranyatron Singharajkomron
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Varalee Yodsurang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy, Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Vudhiporn Limprasutr
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy, Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Onsurang Wattanathamsan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Iksen Iksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy, Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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6
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Meng Y, Li R, Geng S, Chen W, Jiang W, Li Z, Hao J, Xu Z. GABRP Promotes the Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer by Activation of the MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:242-253. [PMID: 37326897 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10410-z] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains the common cancer with the worst prognosis because of its late diagnosis and extensive metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GABRP on pancreatic cancer metastasis and the molecular mechanism. The expression of GABRP was measured using the quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. The biological behaviors of cancer cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8, Transwell assay, and western blot. The regulation of GABRP on the MEK/ERK pathway was detected by western blot. The results indicated that GABRP was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of GABRP suppressed cell viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas GABRP overexpression facilitated these biological behaviors. Inactivation of the MEK/ERK pathway reversed the effects on cellular processes induced by GABRP. Moreover, silencing of GABRP inhibited tumor growth. In conclusion, GABRP promoted the progression of pancreatic cancer by facilitating cell metastasis and tumor growth via activating the MEK/ERK pathway. The findings suggest that GABRP has the potential to be a therapeutic target for the metastatic pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Meng
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, People's Republic of China
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuaiming Geng
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Weirong Jiang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Hao
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Universit, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710018, People's Republic of China
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7
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Janin M, Davalos V, Esteller M. Cancer metastasis under the magnifying glass of epigenetics and epitranscriptomics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1071-1112. [PMID: 37369946 PMCID: PMC10713773 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Most of the cancer-associated mortality and morbidity can be attributed to metastasis. The role of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations in cancer origin and progression has been extensively demonstrated during the last years. Both regulations share similar mechanisms driven by DNA or RNA modifiers, namely writers, readers, and erasers; enzymes responsible of respectively introducing, recognizing, or removing the epigenetic or epitranscriptomic modifications. Epigenetic regulation is achieved by DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin accessibility, and enhancer reprogramming. In parallel, regulation at RNA level, named epitranscriptomic, is driven by a wide diversity of chemical modifications in mostly all RNA molecules. These two-layer regulatory mechanisms are finely controlled in normal tissue, and dysregulations are associated with every hallmark of human cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations governing tumor metastasis, and compare pathways regulated at DNA or RNA levels to shed light on a possible epi-crosstalk in cancer metastasis. A deeper understanding on these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for the prevention of advanced malignancies and the management of the disseminated diseases. Additionally, as these epi-alterations can potentially be reversed by small molecules or inhibitors against epi-modifiers, novel therapeutic alternatives could be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Janin
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Davalos
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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8
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Huang D, Alexander PB, Li QJ, Wang XF. GABAergic signaling beyond synapses: an emerging target for cancer therapy. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:403-412. [PMID: 36114091 PMCID: PMC10008753 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known for its role as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing neuronal excitability in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), thereby producing calming effects. However, an emerging body of data now supports a function for GABA beyond neurotransmission as a potent factor regulating cancer cell growth and metastasis, as well as the antitumor immune response, by shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the current knowledge on GABA's effects on the function of tumor cells, tumor-immune interactions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Since altered GABAergic signaling is now recognized as a feature of certain types of solid tumors, we also discuss the potential of repurposing existing GABAergic agents as a new class of anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter B Alexander
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qi-Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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9
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Walakira A, Skubic C, Nadižar N, Rozman D, Režen T, Mraz M, Moškon M. Integrative computational modeling to unravel novel potential biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma. Comput Biol Med 2023; 159:106957. [PMID: 37116239 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem around the world. The management of this disease is complicated by the lack of noninvasive diagnostic tools and the few treatment options available. Better clinical outcomes can be achieved if HCC is detected early, but unfortunately, clinical signs appear when the disease is in its late stages. We aim to identify novel genes that can be targeted for the diagnosis and therapy of HCC. We performed a meta-analysis of transcriptomics data to identify differentially expressed genes and applied network analysis to identify hub genes. Fatty acid metabolism, complement and coagulation cascade, chemical carcinogenesis and retinol metabolism were identified as key pathways in HCC. Furthermore, we integrated transcriptomics data into a reference human genome-scale metabolic model to identify key reactions and subsystems relevant in HCC. We conclude that fatty acid activation, purine metabolism, vitamin D, and E metabolism are key processes in the development of HCC and therefore need to be further explored for the development of new therapies. We provide the first evidence that GABRP, HBG1 and DAK (TKFC) genes are important in HCC in humans and warrant further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Walakira
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Cene Skubic
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Nadižar
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damjana Rozman
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadeja Režen
- Centre for Functional Genomics and Bio-Chips, Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Mraz
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Moškon
- Faculty of Computer and Information Science, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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10
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Yang Y, Ren L, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Ge B, Yang H, Du G, Tang B, Wang H, Wang J. GABAergic signaling as a potential therapeutic target in cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114410. [PMID: 36812710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114410] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA is the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system. Synthesized by glutamic acid decarboxylase, GABA could specifically bind with two GABA receptors to transmit inhibition signal stimuli into cells: GABAA receptor and GABAB receptor. In recent years, emerging studies revealed that GABAergic signaling not only participated in traditional neurotransmission but was involved in tumorigenesis as well as regulating tumor immunity. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge of the GABAergic signaling pathway in tumor proliferation, metastasis, progression, stemness, and tumor microenvironment as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. We also discussed the therapeutical advances in targeting GABA receptors to provide the theoretical basis for pharmacological intervention of GABAergic signaling in cancer treatment especially immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Liwen Ren
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Binbin Ge
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hong Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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11
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Dong R, Hu Y, Chen Q, Shan D, Yuxia Wu. Elevated GABRP expression is correlated to the excessive autophagy in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13221. [PMID: 36747550 PMCID: PMC9898068 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) patients, high concentrations of bile acids altered the normal maternal-fetal-unit physiological condition and could bring negative influence on placenta functionality. GABRP is the pi subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA) and plays pivotal role in regulating GABAA receptor's physiological function. Here we presented evidence that increased expression of GABRP in parallel with autophagic biomarkers, LC3 and ATG14, in patients with ICP. METHODS A total of 27 participants, including 18 ICP patients and 9 healthy pregnancies were recruited according to strict inclusion criteria. Placentas of ICP patients and controls were collected immediately after cesarean section before labor onset. GABRP and autophagic markers expression in placenta were investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-qPCR, and Western blot. RESULTS The neonatal birthweight and gestational weeks were significantly lower in severe ICP group, while the hepatic enzymes were elevated in ICP group. Semiquantitative analysis of IHC revealed the AOD of GABRP in severe ICP patients was higher than that in mild ICP patients and control pregnancies. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis both indicated that the expression of GABRP and ATG14 were significantly elevated in severe ICP patients. Moreover, GABRP was correlated with TBA (r = 0.64, p < 0.05), ATG14 (r = 0.87, p < 0.05), direct bilirubin (r = 0.54, p < 0.05), ALT (r = 0.72, p < 0.05), and AST (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION There were elevated expression of GABRP, ATG14 and LC3 in ICP placentas compared with uncomplicated pregnancies. The expression of GABRP was associated with autophagy and was correlated with the TBA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yayi Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Qingbaijiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,Corresponding author. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuxia Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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12
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Sawaki K, Kanda M, Baba H, Inokawa Y, Hattori N, Hayashi M, Tanaka C, Kodera Y. Gamma-aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Subunit Delta as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Gastric Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:628-636. [PMID: 36127526 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12573-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel therapeutic targets are needed to improve the poor prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to identify a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of GC and to investigate the potential therapeutic value of an antibody raised against the target. METHODS We identified gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit delta as a candidate therapeutic target by differential transcriptome analysis of metastatic GC tissue and adjacent nontumor tissues. GABRD mRNA levels were analyzed in 230 pairs of gastric tissue by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. GABRD function was assessed in proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis assays in human GC cell lines expressing control or GABRD-targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA). Mouse anti-human polyclonal GABRD antibodies were generated and assessed for inhibition of GC cell growth in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model of peritoneal GC dissemination. RESULTS High GABRD mRNA expression level in primary human GC tissue was associated with poor prognosis. Expression of siGABRD in GC cell lines significantly decreased cell proliferation and invasion and increased apoptosis compared with control siRNA expression. Anti-GABRD polyclonal antibodies inhibited GC cell proliferation in vitro and decreased peritoneal tumor nodule size in the mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSION We identified GABRD as novel regulator of GC cell growth and function. GABRD is upregulated in GC tissue and is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sawaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsuro Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Hayato Baba
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoshikuni Inokawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norifumi Hattori
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masamichi Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chie Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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13
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Fu J, Lin J, Zeng X, Li G, Wei Y, Xian L. GABRP is a Promising Prognostic Biomarker and Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:357-371. [PMID: 37091829 PMCID: PMC10115206 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s403868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GABRP has been reported to play an oncogenic role in various carcinomas. However, no report has been found for its involvement in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) development yet. We aimed to explore the expression and prognostic roles of GABRP and assessment of its association with tumor microenvironment in LUSC. Methods The GABRP expression in LUSC was analyzed using TCGA, GEO, and HPA databases. The Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were applied to assess the prognostic and diagnostic values of GABRP in LUSC. We also performed ESTIMATE and ssGSEA to explore the association between GABRP expression and immune cell infiltrations. GABRP was highly expressed in LUSC patients, and up-regulation of GABRP was associated with shorter overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis indicated that GABRP was an independent prognostic factor for LUSC patients. KEGG analysis revealed that GABRP may play an important role in starch and sucrose metabolism and nicotine addiction. Specifically, GABRP expression showed significant positive correlations with the infiltration levels of most types of immune cells, as well as immune checkpoint molecules expression. Conclusion Up-regulation of GABRP in LUSC could be severed as a prognostic marker and a potential target for immunotherapy in LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiding Fu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Radiation oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Zeng
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guanger Li
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yier Wei
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lewu Xian
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lewu Xian, Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, People’s Republic of China, Email
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14
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Liu Y, Gu R, Gao M, Wei Y, Shi Y, Wang X, Gu Y, Gu X, Zhang H. Emerging role of substance and energy metabolism associated with neuroendocrine regulation in tumor cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1126271. [PMID: 37051193 PMCID: PMC10084767 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality in the world. One of the unresolved difficult pathological mechanism issues in malignant tumors is the imbalance of substance and energy metabolism of tumor cells. Cells maintain life through energy metabolism, and normal cells provide energy through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP, while tumor cells demonstrate different energy metabolism. Neuroendocrine control is crucial for tumor cells' consumption of nutrients and energy. As a result, better combinatorial therapeutic approaches will be made possible by knowing the neuroendocrine regulating mechanism of how the neuroendocrine system can fuel cellular metabolism. Here, the basics of metabolic remodeling in tumor cells for nutrients and metabolites are presented, showing how the neuroendocrine system regulates substance and energy metabolic pathways to satisfy tumor cell proliferation and survival requirements. In this context, targeting neuroendocrine regulatory pathways in tumor cell metabolism can beneficially enhance or temper tumor cell metabolism and serve as promising alternatives to available treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Liu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Renjun Gu
- School of Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Murong Gao
- Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangwa Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yihuang Gu
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, School of Regimen and Rehabilitation, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongru Zhang, ; Xin Gu, ; Yihuang Gu,
| | - Xin Gu
- School of Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongru Zhang, ; Xin Gu, ; Yihuang Gu,
| | - Hongru Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine and School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongru Zhang, ; Xin Gu, ; Yihuang Gu,
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15
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An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
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16
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Chen C, Wu B, Wang M, Chen J, Huang Z, Shi JS. GABRP promotes CD44s-mediated gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12728. [PMID: 35846884 PMCID: PMC9281597 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12728] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst five-year overall survival rate among all cancer types. Acquired chemoresistance is considered one of the main reasons for this dismal prognosis, and the mechanism of chemoresistance is unknown. Methods We previously identified a subpopulation of chemoresistant CD44high-expressing PDAC cells. Subsequently, we selected the candidate gene, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit Pi (GABRP), from three Gene Expression Omnibus datasets as the potential CD44 downstream target mediating the gemcitabine resistance. Loss and gain of function such as stable knockdown of CD44 by small hairpin (sh) RNA-mediated silencing technique and overexpression (O/E) of CD44s had been studied for comparing the gemcitabine resistance among CD44high-expressing cells, shCD44 cells, CD44low-expressing cells and O/E CD44s expressing cells. Functional assays including cell viability, colony formation, invasion, quantitative PCR and western blotting techniques were performed to validate the roles of CD44 and GABRP playing in mediating the gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Results CD44s depletion significantly reduced gemcitabine resistance in shCD44 single clone cells compared to CD44high-expressing cells. Knockdown of CD44 cells formed less colonies, became less invasive and remarkably decreased the mRNA level of GABRP. While overexpression of CD44s had the opposite effect on gemcitabine resistance, colony formation and invasive property. Of note, long term gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cells detected increased expression of CD44 and GABRP. Clinically, GABRP expression was significantly upregulated in the tissues of patients with pancreatic cancer compared to the normal samples, and the overall survival rate of patients with low GABRP expression was longer. CD44 and GABRP co-expression was positively correlated in 178 pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusion Our findings suggest that GABRP may serve as a CD44s downstream target to diminish gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer, and both CD44s and GABRP molecules have the potential to become prognostic biomarkers for PDAC patients with gemcitabine resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Song Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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17
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The Nervous System Contributes to the Tumorigenesis and Progression of Human Digestive Tract Cancer. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9595704. [PMID: 35295188 PMCID: PMC8920690 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9595704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the highest incidences of morbidity and mortality in humans. Recently, a growing number of researchers have indicated that nerve fibers and nerve signals participate in tumorigenesis. The current overarching view based on the responses to therapy revealed that tumors are partly promoted by the tumor microenvironment (TME), endogenous oncogenic factors, and complex systemic processes. Homeostasis of the neuroendocrine-immune axis (NEI axis) maintains a healthy in vivo environment in humans, and dysfunction of the axis contributes to various cancers, including the digestive tract. Interestingly, nerves might promote tumor development via multiple mechanisms, including perineural invasion (PNI), central level regulation, NEI axis effect, and neurotransmitter induction. This review focuses on the association between digestive tumors and nerve regulation, including PNI, the NEI axis, stress, and neurotransmitters, as well as on the potential clinical application of neurotherapy, aiming to provide a new perspective on the management of digestive cancers.
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18
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Lu Y, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Li Q, Liu Y, Zuo Y, Xu Q, Zuo H, Li Y, Li Y. Chronic stress model simulated by salbutamol promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells through β2-AR/ERK/EMT pathway. J Cancer 2022; 13:401-412. [PMID: 35069890 PMCID: PMC8771504 DOI: 10.7150/jca.65403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress induced by long-term anxiety and depression can promote the malignant progression of gastric cancer. β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is a critical mediator for chronic stress-induced multiple processes of tumor cells. However, the function of chronic stress in gastric cancer and its potential mechanisms in vivo and in vitro, especially at the cellular level, remain unknown. Here, we provide further evidence that chronic stress affected behavior and hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis related hormone levels in mice. Furthermore, immunofluorescence showed that emotion affected the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in patients' tissues. To address this, salbutamol, a specific agonist of β2-AR, was utilized for simulating chronic stress and demonstrating the mechanism of stress in tumor progression at the molecular level both in vivo and in vitro. Salbutamol significantly induced EMT, migration and invasion via ERK (Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) phosphorylation, and the effects were reversed by the β2-AR antagonist ICI-118,551. The promoting effects of salbutamol on EMT, migration and invasion were inhibited by phosphorylation inhibitor of ERK PD98059 in vitro. Analysis of xenograft models revealed that salbutamol significantly promoted tumor growth and adrenal volume, while ICI-118,551 inhibited these effects. In addition, salbutamol increased the expression of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and decreased epithelial marker E-cadherin in transplanted tumor tissue. In conclusion, salbutamol simulates a chronic stress model, which promotes tumorigenesis of gastric cancer cells through β2-AR/ERK/EMT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- YanJie Lu
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China.,Cancer Research Laboratory, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - HanZheng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qingshan Li
- Department of oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - YanZhen Zuo
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Hongyan Zuo
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China.,Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China.,Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - YuHong Li
- Department of Pathology, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China.,Cancer Research Laboratory, Chengde Medical College, Chengde, Hebei, China
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19
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Ha JH, Jayaraman M, Nadhan R, Kashyap S, Mukherjee P, Isidoro C, Song YS, Dhanasekaran DN. Unraveling Autocrine Signaling Pathways through Metabolic Fingerprinting in Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1927. [PMID: 34944743 PMCID: PMC8698993 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Focusing on defining metabolite-based inter-tumoral heterogeneity in ovarian cancer, we investigated the metabolic diversity of a panel of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) cell-lines using a metabolomics platform that interrogate 731 compounds. Metabolic fingerprinting followed by 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional principal component analysis established the heterogeneity of the HGSOC cells by clustering them into five distinct metabolic groups compared to the fallopian tube epithelial cell line control. An overall increase in the metabolites associated with aerobic glycolysis and phospholipid metabolism were observed in the majority of the cancer cells. A preponderant increase in the levels of metabolites involved in trans-sulphuration and glutathione synthesis was also observed. More significantly, subsets of HGSOC cells showed an increase in the levels of 5-Hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyrate, or glutamate. Additionally, 5-hydroxytryptamin synthesis inhibitor as well as antagonists of γ-aminobutyrate and glutamate receptors prohibited the proliferation of HGSOC cells, pointing to their potential roles as oncometabolites and ligands for receptor-mediated autocrine signaling in cancer cells. Consistent with this role, 5-Hydroxytryptamine synthesis inhibitor as well as receptor antagonists of γ-aminobutyrate and Glutamate-receptors inhibited the proliferation of HGSOC cells. These antagonists also inhibited the three-dimensional spheroid growth of TYKNU cells, a representative HGSOC cell-line. These results identify 5-HT, GABA, and Glutamate as putative oncometabolites in ovarian cancer metabolic sub-type and point to them as therapeutic targets in a metabolomic fingerprinting-based therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hee Ha
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Muralidharan Jayaraman
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Revathy Nadhan
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Srishti Kashyap
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Priyabrata Mukherjee
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and NanoBioImaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea;
| | - Danny N. Dhanasekaran
- Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (J.H.H.); (M.J.); (R.N.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
- Department of Cell Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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20
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Bhattacharya D, Gawali VS, Kallay L, Toukam DK, Koehler A, Stambrook P, Krummel DP, Sengupta S. Therapeutically leveraging GABA A receptors in cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2128-2135. [PMID: 34649481 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211032549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA is an amino acid that functionally acts as a neurotransmitter and is critical to neurotransmission. GABA is also a metabolite in the Krebs cycle. It is therefore unsurprising that GABA and its receptors are also present outside of the central nervous system, including in immune cells. This observation suggests that GABAergic signaling impacts events beyond brain function and possibly human health beyond neurological disorders. Indeed, GABA receptor subunits are expressed in pathological disease states, including in disparate cancers. The role that GABA and its receptors may play in cancer development and progression remains unclear. If, however, those cancers have functional GABA receptors that participate in GABAergic signaling, it raises an important question whether these signaling pathways might be targetable for therapeutic benefit. Herein we summarize the effects of modulating Type-A GABA receptor signaling in various cancers and highlight how Type-A GABA receptors could emerge as a novel therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Bhattacharya
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Vaibhavkumar S Gawali
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Laura Kallay
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Donatien K Toukam
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Abigail Koehler
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Peter Stambrook
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Daniel Pomeranz Krummel
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Soma Sengupta
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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21
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Liu Q, Sheng Z, Cheng C, Zheng H, Lanuti M, Liu R, Wang P, Shen Y, Xie Z. Anesthetic Propofol Promotes Tumor Metastasis in Lungs via GABA A R-Dependent TRIM21 Modulation of Src Expression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2102079. [PMID: 34263559 PMCID: PMC8456212 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), a key step in tumor metastasis, occurs during surgical tumor resection, often performed under general anesthesia. Propofol is the commonly used anesthetic, but its effects on CTCs and tumor metastasis remain largely unknown. Propofol effects are investigated in an experimental metastasis model by injecting tumor cells and, subsequently, low- or standard-dose propofol to nude mice through tail vein. Propofol- or vehicle-treated tumor cells are also injected to the mice. An in vitro tumor cell-vascular endothelial cell adhesion assay, immunofluorescence, and other methods are employed to assess how propofol affects tumor cell adhesion and extension. Propofol induces more lung tumor metastasis in mice than control. Mechanistically, propofol enhances tumor cell adhesion and extension through GABAA R to downregulate TRIM21 expression, leading to upregulation of Src, a protein associated with cell adhesion. These results demonstrate that propofol may promote tumor metastasis through GABAA R-TRIM21-Src mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidong Liu
- Anesthesia and Brain Research InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Zhihao Sheng
- Anesthesia and Brain Research InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Chun Cheng
- Anesthesia and Brain Research InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of AnesthesiologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijing100021P. R. China
| | - Michael Lanuti
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02114USA
| | - Rong Liu
- Division of Thoracic SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02114USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer CenterShanghai Tenth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Anesthesia and Brain Research InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Geriatric Anesthesia Research Unit, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownMA02129USA
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22
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Karvas RM, McInturf S, Zhou J, Ezashi T, Schust DJ, Roberts RM, Schulz LC. Use of a human embryonic stem cell model to discover GABRP, WFDC2, VTCN1 and ACTC1 as markers of early first trimester human trophoblast. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:425-440. [PMID: 32359161 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placental development during early pregnancy is poorly understood. Many conceptuses are lost at this stage. It is thought that preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and other placental syndromes that manifest later in pregnancy may originate early in placentation. Thus, there is a need for models of early human placental development. Treating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with BMP4 (bone morphogenic protein 4) plus A83-01 (ACTIVIN/NODAL signaling inhibitor) and PD173074 (fibroblast growth factor 2 or FGF2 signaling inhibitor) (BAP conditions) induces differentiation to the trophoblast lineage (hESCBAP), but it is not clear which stage of trophoblast differentiation these cells resemble. Here, comparison of the hESCBAP transcriptome to those of trophoblasts from human blastocysts, trophoblast stem cells and placentas collected in the first-third trimester of pregnancy by principal component analysis suggests that hESC after 8 days BAP treatment most resemble first trimester syncytiotrophoblasts. To further test this hypothesis, transcripts were identified that are expressed in hESCBAP but not in cultures of trophoblasts isolated from term placentas. Proteins encoded by four genes, GABRP (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit Pi), WFDC2 (WAP four-disulfide core domain 2), VTCN1 (V-set domain containing T-cell activation inhibitor 1) and ACTC1 (actin alpha cardiac muscle 1), immunolocalized to placentas at 4-9 weeks gestation, and their expression declined with gestational age (R2 = 0.61-0.83). None are present at term. Expression was largely localized to syncytiotrophoblast of both hESCBAP cells and placental material from early pregnancy. WFDC2, VTCN1 and ACTC1 have not previously been described in placenta. These results support the hypothesis that hESCBAP represent human trophoblast analogous to that of early first trimester and are a tool for discovery of factors important to this stage of placentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Samuel McInturf
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Biochemistry University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Laura C Schulz
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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23
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Liang Y, Li H, Gan Y, Tu H. Shedding Light on the Role of Neurotransmitters in the Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:688953. [PMID: 34395421 PMCID: PMC8363299 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.688953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of less than 8%. The fate of PC is determined not only by the malignant behavior of the cancer cells, but also by the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), consisting of various cellular (cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, and neurons) and non-cellular (cytokines, neurotransmitters, and extracellular matrix) components. The pancreatic TME has the unique characteristic of exhibiting increased neural density and altered microenvironmental concentration of neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters, produced by both neuron and non-neuronal cells, can directly regulate the biological behavior of PC cells via binding to their corresponding receptors on tumor cells and activating the intracellular downstream signals. On the other hand, the neurotransmitters can also communicate with other cellular components such as the immune cells in the TME to promote cancer growth. In this review, we will summarize the pleiotropic effects of neurotransmitters on the initiation and progression of PC, and particularly discuss the emerging mechanisms of how neurotransmitters influence the innate and adaptive immune responses in the TME in an autocrine or paracrine manner. A better understanding of the interplay between neurotransmitters and the immune cells in the TME might facilitate the development of new effective therapies for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Li X, Wang H, Yang X, Wang X, Zhao L, Zou L, Yang Q, Hou Z, Tan J, Zhang H, Nie J, Jiao B. GABRP sustains the stemness of triple-negative breast cancer cells through EGFR signaling. Cancer Lett 2021; 514:90-102. [PMID: 34023418 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment regimens for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are relatively scarce due to a lack of specific therapeutic targets. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is highly active in TNBC and is associated with poor prognosis. Most EGFR antagonists, which significantly improve outcome in lung and colon cancer, have shown limited clinical effects in breast cancer. However, limiting EGFR expression in TNBC is a potential strategy for improving the clinical efficacy of EGFR antagonists. Here, we found that the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor π subunit (GABRP), as a membrane protein enriched in TNBC stem cells, interacted with EGFR and significantly sustained its expression, resulting in stemness maintenance and chemotherapy resistance. Silencing GABRP induced down-regulation of EGFR signaling, which hindered cell stemness and enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapies, including paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. We also identified that retigabine, an FDA-approved drug for adjunctive treatment of seizures, increased the sensitivity of EGFR to gefitinib in gefitinib-resistant cells. Our findings show that GABRP can sustain the stemness of TNBC via modulating EGFR expression, suggesting that GABRP may be a potential therapeutic target that can address EGFR inhibitor resistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Li
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China; Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China
| | - Hairui Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China; Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China
| | - Xing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China; Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Lina Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China
| | - Li Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China
| | - Qin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China
| | - Zongliu Hou
- Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China
| | - Jing Tan
- Yan'an Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunological Prevention and Treatment of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, 650051, China
| | - Honglei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China; Center for scientific research, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.
| | - Jianyun Nie
- Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China; Department of Breast Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China.
| | - Baowei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China; KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650203, China.
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25
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Juvale IIA, Hassan Z, Has ATC. The Emerging Roles of π Subunit-Containing GABA A Receptors in Different Cancers. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3851-3860. [PMID: 34790061 PMCID: PMC8579298 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.60928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both developed and developing countries. Due to its heterogenous nature, it occurs in various regions of the body and often goes undetected until later stages of disease progression. Feasible treatment options are limited because of the invasive nature of cancer and often result in detrimental side-effects and poor survival rates. Therefore, recent studies have attempted to identify aberrant expression levels of previously undiscovered proteins in cancer, with the hope of developing better diagnostic tools and pharmaceutical options. One class of such targets is the π-subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Although these receptors were discovered more than 20 years ago, there is limited information available. They possess atypical functional properties and are expressed in several non-neuronal tissues. Prior studies have highlighted the role of these receptors in the female reproductive system. New research focusing on the higher expression levels of these receptors in ovarian, breast, gastric, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, their physiological function in healthy individuals, and their pro-tumorigenic effects in these cancer types is reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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26
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Chang H, Zhang X, Li B, Meng X. MAGI2-AS3 suppresses MYC signaling to inhibit cell proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer through targeting miR-525-5p/MXD1 axis. Cancer Med 2020; 9:6377-6386. [PMID: 32681706 PMCID: PMC7476821 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignance in females, and usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exhibit their crucial functions in modulatory mechanisms of cancers. Substantive studies have proven the anti-tumor role of MAGI2-AS3 in multiple cancers, but the physiological functions of MAGI2-AS3 in OV need more detailed explanations. The current study corroborated that overexpression of MAGI2-AS3 executed inhibitory activity in OV via hindering cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration as well as invasion while promoted apoptosis. Moreover MAGI2-AS3 bound with miR-525-5p and negatively regulated the expression of miR-525-5p. Further studies testified that MXD1 was a downstream target of miR-525-5p and the competing relationship between MAGI2-AS3 and MXD1 were confirmed by RNA pull down. Based on the combination between MAX and MYC, we analyzed the effects of MAGI2-AS3 on MXD1 and MYC, unveiling the competing relationship between MXD1 and MYC for binding to MAX. Finally, we constructed rescue assays to certify that MAGI2-AS3 suppressed the course of OV via enhancing MXD1 expression. In summary, MAGI2-AS3 repressed the progression of OV by targeting miR-525-5p/MXD1 axis, offering a novel insight into understanding OV at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Chang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Baixue Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiangkai Meng
- Department of Gynecology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
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27
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Yan L, Gong YZ, Shao MN, Ruan GT, Xie HL, Liao XW, Wang XK, Han QF, Zhou X, Zhu LC, Gao F, Gan JL. Distinct diagnostic and prognostic values of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor family genes in patients with colon adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:275-291. [PMID: 32565954 PMCID: PMC7286117 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the significance of GABAA genes in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) were investigated from the view of diagnosis and prognosis. All data were achieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Overall survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression model and the hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval were calculated for computation. The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, and the Biological Networks Gene Ontology (BiNGO) softwares were applied to assess the biological processes and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used for pathway analysis to predict the biological function of GABAA genes. The associated Gene Ontology and KEGG pathways were conducted by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). From receiver operating characteristics curves analysis, it was found that the expression of GABR, γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor GABRA2, GABRA3, GABRB2, GABRB3, GABRG2, GABRG3, GABRD, GABRE were correlated with COAD occurrence [P<0.0001, area under the curve (AUC)>0.7]. The low expression of the GABRB1, GABRD, GABRP and GABRQ in genes after tumor staging adjustment were positively correlated with the overall survival rate [P=0.049, hazard ratio (HR)=1.517, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.001–2.297; P=0.006, HR=1.807, 95% CI=1.180–2.765; P=0.005, HR=1.833, 95% CI=1.196–2.810; P=0.034, HR=1.578, 95% CI=1.036–2.405). GSEA showed enrichment of cell matrix adhesion, integrin binding, angiogenesis, endothelial growth factor and endothelial migration regulation in patients with COAD with GABRD overexpression. GABRB1, GABRD, GABRP and GABRQ were associated with the prognostic factors of COAD. The expression levels of GABRA2, GABRA3, GABRB2, GABRB3, GABRG2, GABRD and GABRE may allow differentiation between tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yan
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Zhen Gong
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Nan Shao
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Tian Ruan
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Lun Xie
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xi-Wen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Kun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Quan-Fa Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Li-Cheng Zhu
- Department of Immunology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Liang Gan
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
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28
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Guo YJ, Pan WW, Liu SB, Shen ZF, Xu Y, Hu LL. ERK/MAPK signalling pathway and tumorigenesis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1997-2007. [PMID: 32104259 PMCID: PMC7027163 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 579] [Impact Index Per Article: 144.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signalling pathways that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. The MAPK pathway includes three main kinases, MAPK kinase kinase, MAPK kinase and MAPK, which activate and phosphorylate downstream proteins. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases that regulate cellular signalling under both normal and pathological conditions. ERK expression is critical for development and their hyperactivation plays a major role in cancer development and progression. The Ras/Raf/MAPK (MEK)/ERK pathway is the most important signalling cascade among all MAPK signal transduction pathways, and plays a crucial role in the survival and development of tumour cells. The present review discusses recent studies on Ras and ERK pathway members. With respect to processes downstream of ERK activation, the role of ERK in tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis is highlighted, and the role of the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway in tumour extracellular matrix degradation and tumour angiogenesis is emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Wei Pan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Bing Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Fei Shen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ling Hu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
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29
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Singh A, Gupta S, Sachan M. Epigenetic Biomarkers in the Management of Ovarian Cancer: Current Prospectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:182. [PMID: 31608277 PMCID: PMC6761254 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) causes significant morbidity and mortality as neither detection nor screening of OC is currently feasible at an early stage. Difficulty to promptly diagnose OC in its early stage remains challenging due to non-specific symptoms in the early-stage of the disease, their presentation at an advanced stage and poor survival. Therefore, improved detection methods are urgently needed. In this article, we summarize the potential clinical utility of epigenetic signatures like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA dysregulation, which play important role in ovarian carcinogenesis and discuss its application in development of diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Molecular characterization of epigenetic modification (methylation) in circulating cell free tumor DNA in body fluids offers novel, non-invasive approach for identification of potential promising cancer biomarkers, which can be performed at multiple time points and probably better reflects the prevailing molecular profile of cancer. Current status of epigenetic research in diagnosis of early OC and its management are discussed here with main focus on potential diagnostic biomarkers in tissue and body fluids. Rapid and point of care diagnostic applications of DNA methylation in liquid biopsy has been precluded as a result of cumbersome sample preparation with complicated conventional methods of isolation. New technologies which allow rapid identification of methylation signatures directly from blood will facilitate sample-to answer solutions thereby enabling next-generation point of care molecular diagnostics. To date, not a single epigenetic biomarker which could accurately detect ovarian cancer at an early stage in either tissue or body fluid has been reported. Taken together, the methodological drawbacks, heterogeneity associated with ovarian cancer and non-validation of the clinical utility of reported potential biomarkers in larger ovarian cancer populations has impeded the transition of epigenetic biomarkers from lab to clinical settings. Until addressed, clinical implementation as a diagnostic measure is a far way to go.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India
| | - Sameer Gupta
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Manisha Sachan
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India
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Jiang SH, Hu LP, Wang X, Li J, Zhang ZG. Neurotransmitters: emerging targets in cancer. Oncogene 2019; 39:503-515. [PMID: 31527667 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are conventionally viewed as nerve-secreted substances that mediate the stimulatory or inhibitory neuronal functions through binding to their respective receptors. In the past decades, many novel discoveries come to light elucidating the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the physiological and pathological functions of tissues and organs. Notably, emerging data suggest that cancer cells take advantage of the neurotransmitters-initiated signaling pathway to activate uncontrolled proliferation and dissemination. In addition, neurotransmitters can affect immune cells and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor progression. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter function in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation is expected to enable the development of the next generation of antitumor therapies. Here, we summarize the recent important studies on the different neurotransmitters, their respective receptors, target cells, as well as pro/antitumor activity of specific neurotransmitter/receptor axis in cancers and provide perspectives and insights regarding the rationales and strategies of targeting neurotransmitter system to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li-Peng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China.
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Hentze JL, Høgdall CK, Høgdall EV. Methylation and ovarian cancer: Can DNA methylation be of diagnostic use? Mol Clin Oncol 2019; 10:323-330. [PMID: 30847169 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2019.1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a silent killer and, due to late diagnosis and frequent chemo resistance in patients, the primary cause of fatality amongst the various types of gynecological cancer. The discovery of a specific and sensitive biomarker for ovarian cancer could improve early diagnosis, thereby saving lives. Biomarkers could also improve treatment, by predicting which patients will benefit from specific treatment strategies. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism, and 'methylation imbalance' is characteristic of cancer. Previous research suggests that changes in DNA methylation can be used diagnostically, and that they may predict resistance to treatment. This paper gives an up-to-date overview of research investigating the potential of DNA methylation-based markers for diagnostics, prognostics, screening and prediction of drug resistance for ovarian cancer patients. DNA methylation cancer-biomarkers may be useful for cancer treatment, particularly since they are chemically stable and since cancer-associated changes in methylation typically precedes tumor growth. DNA methylation markers could improve diagnosis and treatment and might even be used for screening in the future. Furthermore, DNA methylation biomarkers could facilitate the development of precision medicine. However, at this point no biomarkers for ovarian cancer have a sufficient combination of sensitivity and specificity in a clinical setting. A reason for this is that most studies have focused on a single or a few methylation sites. More large screenings and genome-wide studies must be performed to increase the chance of identifying a DNA methylation marker which can identify ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie L Hentze
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Claus K Høgdall
- Department of Gynecology, The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estrid V Høgdall
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
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32
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Li R, Chen H, Jiang S, Li W, Li H, Zhang Z, Hong H, Huang X, Zhao C, Lu Y, Bo X. CMTCN: a web tool for investigating cancer-specific microRNA and transcription factor co-regulatory networks. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5951. [PMID: 30473937 PMCID: PMC6237116 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-characterized trans-acting essential players in gene expression regulation. Growing evidence indicates that TFs and miRNAs can work cooperatively, and their dysregulation has been associated with many diseases including cancer. A unified picture of regulatory interactions of these regulators and their joint target genes would shed light on cancer studies. Although online resources developed to support probing of TF-gene and miRNA-gene interactions are available, online applications for miRNA-TF co-regulatory analysis, especially with a focus on cancers, are lacking. In light of this, we developed a web tool, namely CMTCN (freely available at http://www.cbportal.org/CMTCN), which constructs miRNA-TF co-regulatory networks and conducts comprehensive analyses within the context of particular cancer types. With its user-friendly provision of topological and functional analyses, CMTCN promises to be a reliable and indispensable web tool for biomedical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijiang Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hebing Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wanying Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghui Zhao
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Lu
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Bo
- Department of Biotechnology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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Söderhielm PC, Klein AB, Bomholtz SH, Jensen AA. Profiling of GABA A and GABA B receptor expression in the myometrium of the human uterus. Life Sci 2018; 214:145-152. [PMID: 30343129 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediates its physiological effects through the GABAA and GABAB receptors. In this study the putative expression of GABAAR and GABABR subunits in human myometrium tissue was investigated. MAIN METHODS The expression levels of the 19 GABAAR subunits (α1-α6, β1-β3, γ1-γ3, δ, ε, π, θ, ρ1-ρ3) and the three GABABR subunits (GABAB1a, GABAB1b, GABAB2) were characterized by RT-qPCR analysis on two commercial samples and six samples derived from surgically removed myometrial tissues from different women. We probed for functional GABAAR expression in primary human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HMSMCs) by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. KEY FINDINGS The absolute mRNA levels of the 22 GABAAR and GABABR genes varied considerably across the eight samples, but a pronounced overlap existed between the specific subunits detected in the samples, with α2, β2, β3, ε, π, θ, GABAB1a and GABAB1b mRNAs being detected in most samples. The expression profile of GABAAR and GABABR subunit mRNAs in HMSMCs correlated with that observed in the eight tissue samples, albeit the subunit transcripts were detected at lower relative levels. Neither muscimol nor GABA evoked significant currents in these cells in the patch-clamp recordings. SIGNIFICANCE While the expression of the GABAB1 subunits on their own is unlikely to give rise to functional GABABR expression, the GABAAR subunits identified at mRNA level would be able to form functional receptors in the human myometrial tissue. Although GABAAR-mediated currents could not be recorded from HMSMCs in this study, this suggests a role for GABAergic transmission in the human myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pella Cecilia Söderhielm
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders Bue Klein
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Sofia Hammami Bomholtz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, N, Denmark
| | - Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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