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Yadav C, Yadav R, Nanda S, Ranga S, Ahuja P, Tanwar M. Role of HOX genes in cancer progression and their therapeutical aspects. Gene 2024; 919:148501. [PMID: 38670395 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148501] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
HOX genes constitute a family of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play pivotal roles in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and cell differentiation. These genes are essential for the precise spatial and temporal control of body axis formation in vertebrates. In addition to their developmental functions, HOX genes have garnered significant attention for their involvement in various diseases, including cancer. Deregulation of HOX gene expression has been observed in numerous malignancies, where they can influence tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic responses. This review provides an overview of the diverse roles of HOX genes in development, disease, and potential therapeutic targets, highlighting their significance in understanding biological processes and their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Ritu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India.
| | - Smiti Nanda
- Retd. Senior Professor and Head, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak 124001, India
| | - Shalu Ranga
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Parul Ahuja
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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2
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Blanchett R, Lau KH, Pfeifer GP. Homeobox and Polycomb target gene methylation in human solid tumors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13912. [PMID: 38886487 PMCID: PMC11183203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64569-5] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that plays an important role in defining cancer phenotypes, with global hypomethylation and focal hypermethylation at CpG islands observed in tumors. These methylation marks can also be used to define tumor types and provide an avenue for biomarker identification. The homeobox gene class is one that has potential for this use, as well as other genes that are Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 targets. To begin to unravel this relationship, we performed a pan-cancer DNA methylation analysis using sixteen Illumina HM450k array datasets from TCGA, delving into cancer-specific qualities and commonalities between tumor types with a focus on homeobox genes. Our comparisons of tumor to normal samples suggest that homeobox genes commonly harbor significant hypermethylated differentially methylated regions. We identified two homeobox genes, HOXA3 and HOXD10, that are hypermethylated in all 16 cancer types. Furthermore, we identified several potential homeobox gene biomarkers from our analysis that are uniquely methylated in only one tumor type and that could be used as screening tools in the future. Overall, our study demonstrates unique patterns of DNA methylation in multiple tumor types and expands on the interplay between the homeobox gene class and oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Blanchett
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Kin H Lau
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Gerd P Pfeifer
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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3
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Morton LM, Lee OW, Karyadi DM, Bogdanova TI, Stewart C, Hartley SW, Breeze CE, Schonfeld SJ, Cahoon EK, Drozdovitch V, Masiuk S, Chepurny M, Zurnadzhy LY, Dai J, Krznaric M, Yeager M, Hutchinson A, Hicks BD, Dagnall CL, Steinberg MK, Jones K, Jain K, Jordan B, Machiela MJ, Dawson ET, Vij V, Gastier-Foster JM, Bowen J, Mabuchi K, Hatch M, Berrington de Gonzalez A, Getz G, Tronko MD, Thomas GA, Chanock SJ. Genomic characterization of cervical lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma following the Chornobyl accident. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5053. [PMID: 38871684 PMCID: PMC11176192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49292-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood radioactive iodine exposure from the Chornobyl accident increased papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) risk. While cervical lymph node metastases (cLNM) are well-recognized in pediatric PTC, the PTC metastatic process and potential radiation association are poorly understood. Here, we analyze cLNM occurrence among 428 PTC with genomic landscape analyses and known drivers (131I-exposed = 349, unexposed = 79; mean age = 27.9 years). We show that cLNM are more frequent in PTC with fusion (55%) versus mutation (30%) drivers, although the proportion varies by specific driver gene (RET-fusion = 71%, BRAF-mutation = 38%, RAS-mutation = 5%). cLNM frequency is not associated with other characteristics, including radiation dose. cLNM molecular profiling (N = 47) demonstrates 100% driver concordance with matched primary PTCs and highly concordant mutational spectra. Transcriptome analysis reveals 17 differentially expressed genes, particularly in the HOXC cluster and BRINP3; the strongest differentially expressed microRNA also is near HOXC10. Our findings underscore the critical role of driver alterations and provide promising candidates for elucidating the biological underpinnings of PTC cLNM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Morton
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Olivia W Lee
- Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle M Karyadi
- Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tetiana I Bogdanova
- Laboratory of Morphology of the Endocrine System, V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Chip Stewart
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen W Hartley
- Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charles E Breeze
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara J Schonfeld
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Cahoon
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vladimir Drozdovitch
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sergii Masiuk
- National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykola Chepurny
- National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla Yu Zurnadzhy
- Laboratory of Morphology of the Endocrine System, V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Jieqiong Dai
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marko Krznaric
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meredith Yeager
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Hutchinson
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Belynda D Hicks
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Casey L Dagnall
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mia K Steinberg
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristine Jones
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Komal Jain
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ben Jordan
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mitchell J Machiela
- Integrative Tumor Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric T Dawson
- Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Nvidia Corporation, Santa Clara, CA, USA
| | - Vibha Vij
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie M Gastier-Foster
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Biospecimen Core Resource, Columbus, OH, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jay Bowen
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Biospecimen Core Resource, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kiyohiko Mabuchi
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maureen Hatch
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Berrington de Gonzalez
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mykola D Tronko
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Problems of Endocrinology, V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Gerry A Thomas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J Chanock
- Laboratory of Genetic Susceptibility, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Rafiq A, Aashaq S, Jan I, Ali M, Rakshan R, Bashir A, Haq E, Beigh MA. GSK3β phosphorylates Six1 transcription factor and regulates its APC/C Cdh1 mediated proteosomal degradation. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111030. [PMID: 38163577 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111030] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (Six1) is a developmentally important transcription factor that regulates cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and dissemination during embryogenesis. Six1 overexpression as reported in multiple cancers modulates expression of a repertoire of its target genes causing an increase in proliferation, metastasis and survival of cancer cells. Six1 exists as a cell cycle regulated nuclear phosphoprotein and its cellular turnover is regulated by APC/C (Anaphase promoting complex / Cyclosome) complex mediated proteolysis. However, the kinases that regulate Six1 proteolysis have not been identified and the mechanistic details that cause its overproduction in various cancers are lacking. Here, we report that Six1 is a physiological GSK3β substrate. GSK3β interacts with Six1 and phosphorylates it at Ser221 within the conserved consensus sequence in its carboxy terminus. Using pharmacological inhibition, siRNA mediated knockdown and protein overexpression of GSK3β; we show that GSK3β regulates Six1 protein stability. Pulse chase analysis of Six1 revealed that GSK3β regulates its ubiquitin proteolysis such that Six1 phosphomimicking mutant (Six1S221E) for Ser221 site had dramatically increased half-life than its phosphodeficient (Six1S221A) and wild type variants. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GSK3β rescues Six1 from APC dependent proteolysis by regulating its binding with APC/C co-activator protein Cdh1. Importantly, strong positive correlation exists between GSK3β and Six1 protein levels throughout the cell cycle and in multiple cancers indicating that GSK3β activation may in part contribute to Six1 overproduction in a subset of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Rafiq
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Sabreena Aashaq
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India; Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, SKIMS, Srinagar 190011, India
| | - Iqra Jan
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Mahvish Ali
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Rabia Rakshan
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Asma Bashir
- Faculty of Biology, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Al-Raqaib 2, Ajman 3798, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ehtishamul Haq
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Mushtaq A Beigh
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir-, Srinagar 190006, India.
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Padam KSR, Chakrabarty S, Hunter KD, Radhakrishnan R. Exploring the regulatory interactions between mutated genes and homeobox genes in the head and neck cancer progression. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 159:105872. [PMID: 38147801 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the regulatory role of homeobox (HOX) and mutated genes in the progression of head and neck cancers is essential, although their interaction remains elusive. This study aims to decipher the critical regulation of mutation driven effects on homeobox genes to enhance our understanding of head and neck cancer progression. METHODS Genomic mutation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma were analyzed using VarScan2 for somatic variant detection. Mutational clustering, driver mutation identification, and cancer signaling pathway analysis were performed using the OncodriveCLUST method. Harmonizome datasets were retrieved to identify critical cancer driver genes affecting HOX genes. The effects of HPV infection on HOX and mutated genes were assessed using the oncoviral database. Altered pathway activity due to the effects of cancer drivers on HOX genes was analyzed with Gene Set Cancer Analysis. Functional enrichment analysis of gene ontology biological processes and molecular functions was conducted using the ClusterProfiler R package. RESULTS Significant alterations in HOX genes were observed in head and neck cancer cohorts with mutated TP53, FAT1, and CDKN2A. HOX genes were identified as functionally downstream targets of TP53, signifying transcriptionally mediated regulation. The interaction between HOX genes and mutated TP53, FAT1, and CDKN2A dysregulated the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell cycle, and apoptosis pathways in head and neck cancer progression. CONCLUSION The interplay between cancer driver genes and HOX genes is pivotal in regulating the oncogenic processes underlying the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India; Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, UK.
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6
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Malik A, Jayarathna DK, Fisher M, Barbhuiya TK, Gandhi NS, Batra J. Dynamics and recognition of homeodomain containing protein-DNA complex of IRX4. Proteins 2024; 92:282-301. [PMID: 37861198 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Iroquois Homeobox 4 (IRX4) belongs to a family of homeobox TFs having roles in embryogenesis, cell specification, and organ development. Recently, large scale genome-wide association studies and epigenetic studies have highlighted the role of IRX4 and its associated variants in prostate cancer. No studies have investigated and characterized the structural aspect of the IRX4 homeodomain and its potential to bind to DNA. The current study uses sequence analysis, homology modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore IRX4 homeodomain-DNA recognition mechanisms and the role of somatic mutations affecting these interactions. Using publicly available databases, gene expression of IRX4 was found in different tissues, including prostate, heart, skin, vagina, and the protein expression was found in cancer cell lines (HCT166, HEK293), B cells, ascitic fluid, and brain. Sequence conservation of the homeodomain shed light on the importance of N- and C-terminal residues involved in DNA binding. The specificity of IRX4 homodimer bound to consensus human DNA sequence was confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations, representing the role of conserved amino acids including R145, A194, N195, S190, R198, and R199 in binding to DNA. Additional N-terminal residues like T144 and G143 were also found to have specific interactions highlighting the importance of N-terminus of the homeodomain in DNA recognition. Additionally, the effects of somatic mutations, including the conserved Arginine (R145, R198, and R199) residues on DNA binding elucidated the importance of these residues in stabilizing the protein-DNA complex. Secondary structure and hydrogen bonding analysis showed the roles of specific residues (R145, T191, A194, N195, R198, and R199) in maintaining the homogeneity of the structure and its interaction with DNA. The differences in relative binding free energies of all the mutants shed light on the structural modularity of this protein and the dynamics behind protein-DNA interaction. We also have predicted that the C-terminal sequence of the IRX4 homeodomain could act as a potential cell-penetrating peptide, emphasizing the role these small peptides could play in targeting homeobox TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Malik
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dulari K Jayarathna
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Fisher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tabassum Khair Barbhuiya
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Neha S Gandhi
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Udupi, Karnataka, India
| | - Jyotsna Batra
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Weng M, Lai Y, Ge X, Gu W, Zhang X, Li L, Sun M. HOXC6: A promising biomarker linked to an immunoevasive microenvironment in colorectal cancer based on TCGA analysis and cohort validation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23500. [PMID: 38192826 PMCID: PMC10772581 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23500] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
HOXC6 plays an essential part of the carcinogenesis of solid tumors, but its functional relevance within the immune contexture in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is still uncertain. We intended to investigate the predictive value of HOXC6 expression for survival outcomes and its correlation with immune contexture in CRC patients by utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 619). Validation was performed in cohorts from Zhongshan Hospital (n = 200) and Shanghai Cancer Center (n = 300). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was utilized to compare the levels of immunocytes infiltrating the tumor between the groups with high and low expression of HOXC6. Elevated levels of HOXC6 expression in CRC tissues were linked to malignant progression and poor prognosis. HOXC6 as a risk factor for survival of CRC patients was confirmed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed its diagnostic value, and a reliable prognostic nomogram was constructed. KEGG analysis and GSEA showed that HOXC6 participated in immune regulation, and its expression was tightly linked to the abundance of infiltrating immunocytes. HOXC6 was upregulated in patients diagnosed with CRC within the two cohorts, and high HOXC6 levels were correlated with a worse prognosis. The high-HOXC6 expression group showed increased infiltration of Treg cells, CD68+ macrophages, CD66b+ neutrophils, and CD8+ T-cells and elevated levels of PD-L1 and PD-1, but decreased levels of granzyme B and perforin. These findings suggest that HOXC6 abundance in patients with CRC determines a poor prognosis, promotes an immunoevasive environment, and directs CD8+ T-cell dysfunction. HOXC6 is expected to become a prospective biomarker for the outcome of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Weng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuling Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Faculty of medicine, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Xixue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No 221, West Yan'an Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lihong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Minli Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Jena MK, Khan FB, Ali SA, Abdullah A, Sharma AK, Yadav V, Kancharla S, Kolli P, Mandadapu G, Sahoo AK, Rath PK, Taneera J, Kumar S, Mohanty AK, Goh KW, Ming LC, Ardianto C. Molecular complexity of mammary glands development: a review of lactogenic differentiation in epithelial cells. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 51:491-508. [PMID: 37694522 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2023.2252872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The mammary gland is a dynamic organ with various physiological processes like cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during the pregnancy-lactation-involution cycle. It is essential to understand the molecular changes during the lactogenic differentiation of mammary epithelial cells (MECs, the milk-synthesizing cells). The MECs are organized as luminal milk-secreting cells and basal myoepithelial cells (responsible for milk ejection by contraction) that form the alveoli. The branching morphogenesis and lactogenic differentiation of the MECs prepare the gland for lactation. This process is governed by many molecular mediators including hormones, growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, regulatory proteins, etc. Interestingly, various signalling pathways guide lactation and understanding these molecular transitions from pregnancy to lactation will help researchers design further research. Manipulation of genes responsible for milk synthesis and secretion will promote augmentation of milk yield in dairy animals. Identifying protein signatures of lactation will help develop strategies for persistent lactation and shortening the dry period in farm animals. The present review article discusses in details the physiological and molecular changes occurring during lactogenic differentiation of MECs and the associated hormones, regulatory proteins, miRNAs, and signalling pathways. An in-depth knowledge of the molecular events will aid in developing engineered cellular models for studies related to mammary gland diseases of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Farheen Badrealam Khan
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Abdullah Abdullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Dir Lower, Pakistan
| | - Amarish Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Vikas Yadav
- Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Anjan Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary Science and AH, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Prasana Kumar Rath
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and AH, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sudarshan Kumar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | | | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City, Malaysia
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Chrismawan Ardianto
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Ye J, Liu W, Yu X, Wu L, Chen Z, Yu Y, Wang J, Bai S, Zhang M. TRAF7-targeted HOXA5 acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer progression and stemness via transcriptionally activating SPRY2 and regulating MEK/ERK signaling. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:378. [PMID: 37845209 PMCID: PMC10579307 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01675-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox A5 (HOXA5), a homeodomain transcription factor, is considered a tumor suppressor in cancer progression; however, its function in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study focused on the relevance of HOXA5 in PCa progression. We identified the downregulation of HOXA5 in PCa tissues based on the TCGA database and further verified in 30-paired PCa and adjacent normal tissues. Functional studies revealed that HOXA5 upregulation impaired the stem-like characteristics and malignant behaviors of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HOXA5 was found to be regulated by tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7), a putative E3-ubiquitin ligase. We observed that TRAF7 was overexpressed in PCa and subsequently enhanced the degradation of HOXA5 protein via its ubiquitin ligase activity, contributing to the acquisition of an aggressive PCa phenotype. For its downstream mechanism, we demonstrated that sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 2 (SPRY2) served as a downstream target of HOXA5. HOXA5 could directly bind to the SPRY2 promoter, thereby regulating the SPRY2-mediated MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Silencing SPRY2 largely compromised the tumor-suppressive effect of HOXA5 in PCa progression and cancer stemness. Our findings highlight the previously-underappreciated signaling axis of TRAF7-HOXA5-SPRY2, which provides a novel prognostic and therapeutic target for PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ye
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Wangmin Liu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xueyang Yu
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhengjie Chen
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yufei Yu
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Song Bai
- Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Mo Zhang
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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10
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Wang L, Wang X, Sun H, Wang W, Cao L. A pan-cancer analysis of the role of HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 and validation in renal cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:10746-10766. [PMID: 37827698 PMCID: PMC10599751 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205116] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 are members of the HOXD genes family and are related to tumorigenesis of the tumor. However, whether HOXDs (1, 3, 4) have a crucial role across pan-cancer is still unknown. HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 expressions were analyzed using public databases in 33 types of tumors. The UCSC Xena website was carried out to investigate the relationship between the expression of genes and the progress of cancers. The biological functions of HOXD3 were tested by colony forming, transwell, wound healing, and xenograft assay in vitro and in vivo. GSEA was used to identify the associated cancer hallmarks with HOXDs expression. Immune cell infiltration analysis was applied to verify the immune cell infiltrations related to genes. The results showed HOXD1, HOXD3, and HOXD4 co-low expressed in BRCA, COAD, KICH, KIRC, KIRP, READ, and TGCT. In the KIRC, all of HOXDs expression was connected with tumor stage and histological grade. Upregulation of HOXDs was associated with improved OS, DSS, and PFI. Down-expression of HOXD3 induced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vivo and in vitro. In addition, HOXDs were connected with immune-activated hallmarks and cancer immune cell infiltrations. These findings demonstrated that HOXDs may be indicative biomarkers for the prognosis and immunotherapy in pan-cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- The Third Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710065, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Li Cao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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11
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Parrillo L, Spinelli R, Longo M, Zatterale F, Santamaria G, Leone A, Campitelli M, Raciti GA, Beguinot F. The Transcription Factor HOXA5: Novel Insights into Metabolic Diseases and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction. Cells 2023; 12:2090. [PMID: 37626900 PMCID: PMC10453582 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162090] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor HOXA5, from the HOX gene family, has long been studied due to its critical role in physiological activities in normal cells, such as organ development and body patterning, and pathological activities in cancer cells. Nonetheless, recent evidence supports the hypothesis of a role for HOXA5 in metabolic diseases, particularly in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In line with the current opinion that adipocyte and adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction belong to the group of primary defects in obesity, linking this condition to an increased risk of insulin resistance (IR) and T2D, the HOXA5 gene has been shown to regulate adipocyte function and AT remodeling both in humans and mice. Epigenetics adds complexity to HOXA5 gene regulation in metabolic diseases. Indeed, epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, influence the dynamic HOXA5 expression profile. In human AT, the DNA methylation profile at the HOXA5 gene is associated with hypertrophic obesity and an increased risk of developing T2D. Thus, an inappropriate HOXA5 gene expression may be a mechanism causing or maintaining an impaired AT function in obesity and potentially linking obesity to its associated disorders. In this review, we integrate the current evidence about the involvement of HOXA5 in regulating AT function, as well as its association with the pathogenesis of obesity and T2D. We also summarize the current knowledge on the role of DNA methylation in controlling HOXA5 expression. Moreover, considering the susceptibility of epigenetic changes to reversal through targeted interventions, we discuss the potential therapeutic value of targeting HOXA5 DNA methylation changes in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Parrillo
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Rosa Spinelli
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
- Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michele Longo
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Federica Zatterale
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gianluca Santamaria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessia Leone
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Michele Campitelli
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Gregory Alexander Raciti
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.S.); (M.L.); (F.Z.); (A.L.); (M.C.); (G.A.R.)
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12
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Chin FW, Chan SC, Veerakumarasivam A. Homeobox Gene Expression Dysregulation as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Bladder Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2641. [PMID: 37627900 PMCID: PMC10453580 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes serve as master regulatory transcription factors that regulate gene expression during embryogenesis. A homeobox gene may have either tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive properties depending on the specific organ or cell lineage where it is expressed. The dysregulation of homeobox genes has been reported in various human cancers, including bladder cancer. The dysregulated expression of homeobox genes has been associated with bladder cancer clinical outcomes. Although bladder cancer has high risk of tumor recurrence and progression, it is highly challenging for clinicians to accurately predict the risk of tumor recurrence and progression at the initial point of diagnosis. Cystoscopy is the routine surveillance method used to detect tumor recurrence. However, the procedure causes significant discomfort and pain that results in poor surveillance follow-up amongst patients. Therefore, the development of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of bladder cancer is crucial. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and prognostic potential of homeobox gene expression dysregulation in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fee-Wai Chin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Soon-Choy Chan
- School of Liberal Arts, Science and Technology, Perdana University, Kuala Lumpur 50490, Malaysia
| | - Abhi Veerakumarasivam
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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13
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Yuan L, Cheng F, Wu Z, Li X, Shen W. Homeobox B9 Promotes Colon Cancer Progression by Targeting SRSF3. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:3324-3340. [PMID: 37258980 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07977-3] [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: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) is one of the HOX family of transcription factors that are essential for cancer development and embryonic growth. However, the clinical importance and biological involvement of HOXB9 in colon cancer (CC) are not adequately understood. AIMS To investigate whether HOXB9 participates in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CC. METHODS This study investigated the function and clinical significance of HOXB9 mRNA and protein expression in CC. Furthermore, overexpression and knockdown experiments of HOXB9 were developed to explore their effects on CC cell transwell and proliferation. Moreover, a molecular mechanism of HOXB9 regulate serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 3 (SRSF3) was explored. RESULTS HOXB9 expression was higher in CC cells and tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. Poor survival in CC patients was significantly connected with high HOXB9 expression, which was also strongly associated with the TNM stage and lymph node metastases. Furthermore, in vitro CC cell proliferation, transwell were markedly aided by HOXB9 overexpression. Contrarily, HOXB9 knockdown had the reverse result and inhibited the formation of xenograft tumors in naked mice. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed a correlation between high HOXB9 expression and spliceosomes. JASPAR and GEPIA2.0, in addition to CHIP and dual-luciferase reporting assays, confirmed that HOXB9 targets the promoter of SRSF3 to enhance its expression. We also found that SRSF3 knockdown eliminated HOXB9 from cell proliferation and transwell. CONCLUSION We characterized the function and mechanism of HOXB9 in regulating colon cancer growth, suggesting a novel molecular approach for colon cancer-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lebin Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Balaban AE, Nguyen LTS, Parajón E, Robinson DN. Nonmuscle myosin IIB is a driver of cellular reprogramming. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar71. [PMID: 37074945 PMCID: PMC10295488 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-08-0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonmuscle myosin IIB (NMIIB) is considered a primary force generator during cell motility. Yet many cell types, including motile cells, do not necessarily express NMIIB. Given the potential of cell engineering for the next wave of technologies, adding back NMIIB could be a strategy for creating supercells with strategically altered cell morphology and motility. However, we wondered what unforeseen consequences could arise from such an approach. Here, we leveraged pancreatic cancer cells, which do not express NMIIB. We generated a series of cells where we added back NMIIB and strategic mutants that increase the ADP-bound time or alter the phosphorylation control of bipolar filament assembly. We characterized the cellular phenotypes and conducted RNA-seq analysis. The addition of NMIIB and the different mutants all have specific consequences for cell morphology, metabolism, cortical tension, mechanoresponsiveness, and gene expression. Major modes of ATP production are shifted, including alterations in spare respiratory capacity and the dependence on glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation. Several metabolic and growth pathways undergo significant changes in gene expression. This work demonstrates that NMIIB is highly integrated with many cellular systems and simple cell engineering has a profound impact that extends beyond the primary contractile activity presumably being added to the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E. Balaban
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Ly T. S. Nguyen
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Eleana Parajón
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Douglas N. Robinson
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Departments of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Medicine, and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
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15
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Wang J, Tao L, Liu Y, Liu H, Shen X, Tao L. Identification and validation of DLX4 as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:146. [PMID: 36936018 PMCID: PMC10018244 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a lethal cancer, and biomarkers for exact diagnosis and predicting prognosis are urgently needed. The present study aimed to determine the roles of distal-less homeobox (DLX) family genes in ccRCC. The clinicopathological and mRNA expression data of patients with ccRCC were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox hazard analyses, in addition to receiver operator characteristic curves were used to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic values. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to quantify the infiltration levels of immune cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression levels of DLX4 in tumor and adjacent tissue; the results demonstrated that DLX4 was highly expressed in ccRCC tissues compared with normal renal tissues. Furthermore, DLX4 expression was associated with tumor stage and grade. High proportions of males, advanced pathological stage, higher tumor grade and T, N and M stage were also observed in the high DLX4 expression group. Patients with the high DLX4 expression levels tended to have lower overall survival and disease-free survival rates compared with those with low DLX4 expression. DLX4 expression also showed favorable diagnostic efficiency in ccRCC patients. Based on functional enrichment analysis, cell cycle related pathways, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, glycolysis and inflammatory response were associated with the expression levels of DLX4. Furthermore, DLX4 expression was revealed to be associated with tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Overall, the expression level of DLX4 may be considered a novel prognostic indicator in ccRCC and a specific diagnostic biomarker for patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Liangjun Tao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yingqing Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Heqian Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Shen
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Lingsong Tao
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Lingsong Tao, Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, 259 JiuHuaShan Avenue, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China, E-mail:
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16
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Ajuyah P, Mayoh C, Lau LMS, Barahona P, Wong M, Chambers H, Valdes-Mora F, Senapati A, Gifford AJ, D'Arcy C, Hansford JR, Manoharan N, Nicholls W, Williams MM, Wood PJ, Cowley MJ, Tyrrell V, Haber M, Ekert PG, Ziegler DS, Khuong-Quang DA. Histone H3-wild type diffuse midline gliomas with H3K27me3 loss are a distinct entity with exclusive EGFR or ACVR1 mutation and differential methylation of homeobox genes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3775. [PMID: 36882456 PMCID: PMC9992705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) harbouring H3K27M mutation are paediatric tumours with a dismal outcome. Recently, a new subtype of midline gliomas has been described with similar features to DMG, including loss of H3K27 trimethylation, but lacking the canonical H3K27M mutation (H3-WT). Here, we report a cohort of five H3-WT tumours profiled by whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing and DNA methylation profiling and combine their analysis with previously published cases. We show that these tumours have recurrent and mutually exclusive mutations in either ACVR1 or EGFR and are characterised by high expression of EZHIP associated to its promoter hypomethylation. Affected patients share a similar poor prognosis as patients with H3K27M DMG. Global molecular analysis of H3-WT and H3K27M DMG reveal distinct transcriptome and methylome profiles including differential methylation of homeobox genes involved in development and cellular differentiation. Patients have distinct clinical features, with a trend demonstrating ACVR1 mutations occurring in H3-WT tumours at an older age. This in-depth exploration of H3-WT tumours further characterises this novel DMG, H3K27-altered sub-group, characterised by a specific immunohistochemistry profile with H3K27me3 loss, wild-type H3K27M and positive EZHIP. It also gives new insights into the possible mechanism and pathway regulation in these tumours, potentially opening new therapeutic avenues for these tumours which have no known effective treatment. This study has been retrospectively registered on clinicaltrial.gov on 8 November 2017 under the registration number NCT03336931 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03336931 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Ajuyah
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Loretta M S Lau
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Paulette Barahona
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie Wong
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Hazel Chambers
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Akanksha Senapati
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Andrew J Gifford
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Colleen D'Arcy
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jordan R Hansford
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Michael Rice Cancer Centre, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australia Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Neevika Manoharan
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Wayne Nicholls
- Oncology Service, Children's Health Queensland Hospital & Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Molly M Williams
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Paul J Wood
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark J Cowley
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tyrrell
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul G Ekert
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia. .,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia. .,University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia. .,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| | - Dong-Anh Khuong-Quang
- Children's Cancer Centre, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Hii EPW, Ramanathan A, Pandarathodiyil AK, Wong GR, Sekhar EVS, Binti Talib R, Zaini ZM, Zain RB. Homeobox Genes in Odontogenic Lesions: A Scoping Review. Head Neck Pathol 2023; 17:218-232. [PMID: 36344906 PMCID: PMC10063701 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-022-01481-2] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox genes play crucial roles in tooth morphogenesis and development and thus mutations in homeobox genes cause developmental disorders such as odontogenic lesions. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and compile available data from the literatures on the topic of homeobox gene expression in odontogenic lesions. METHOD An electronic search to collate all the information on studies on homeobox gene expression in odontogenic lesions was carried out in four databases (PubMed, EBSCO host, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) with selected keywords. All papers which reported expression of homeobox genes in odontogenic lesions were considered. RESULTS A total of eleven (11) papers describing expression of homeobox genes in odontogenic lesions were identified. Methods of studies included next generation sequencing, microarray analysis, RT-PCR, Western blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. The homeobox reported in odontogenic lesions includes LHX8 and DLX3 in odontoma; PITX2, MSX1, MSX2, DLX, DLX2, DLX3, DLX4, DLX5, DLX6, ISL1, OCT4 and HOX C in ameloblastoma; OCT4 in adenomatoid odontogenic tumour; PITX2 and MSX2 in primordial odontogenic tumour; PAX9 and BARX1 in odontogenic keratocyst; PITX2, ZEB1 and MEIS2 in ameloblastic carcinoma while there is absence of DLX2, DLX3 and MSX2 in clear cell odontogenic carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS This paper summarized and reviews the possible link between homeobox gene expression in odontogenic lesions. Based on the current available data, there are insufficient evidence to support any definite role of homeobox gene in odontogenic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Pey Wen Hii
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anand Ramanathan
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - Gou Rean Wong
- Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - E V Soma Sekhar
- Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zuraiza Mohamad Zaini
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Binti Zain
- Oral Cancer Research & Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
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18
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Zhu S, Li W, Zhang H, Yan Y, Mei Q, Wu K. Retinal determination gene networks: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Biomark Res 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 36750914 PMCID: PMC9906957 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal determinant gene network (RDGN), originally discovered as a critical determinator in Drosophila eye specification, has become an important regulatory network in tumorigenesis and progression, as well as organogenesis. This network is not only associated with malignant biological behaviors of tumors, such as proliferation, and invasion, but also regulates the development of multiple mammalian organs. Three members of this conservative network have been extensively investigated, including DACH, SIX, and EYA. Dysregulated RDGN signaling is associated with the initiation and progression of tumors. In recent years, it has been found that the members of this network can be used as prognostic markers for cancer patients. Moreover, they are considered to be potential therapeutic targets for cancer. Here, we summarize the research progress of RDGN members from biological functions to signaling transduction, especially emphasizing their effects on tumors. Additionally, we discuss the roles of RDGN members in the development of organs and tissue as well as their correlations with the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and coronary heart disease. By summarizing the roles of RDGN members in human diseases, we hope to promote future investigations into RDGN and provide potential therapeutic strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangli Zhu
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Wanling Li
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China ,grid.470966.aCancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032 China
| | - Hao Zhang
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- grid.412793.a0000 0004 1799 5032Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China. .,Cancer Center, Tongji hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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19
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Nagel S. The Role of IRX Homeobox Genes in Hematopoietic Progenitors and Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020297. [PMID: 36833225 PMCID: PMC9957183 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
IRX genes are members of the TALE homeobox gene class and encode six related transcription factors (IRX1-IRX6) controlling development and cell differentiation of several tissues in humans. Classification of TALE homeobox gene expression patterns for the hematopoietic compartment, termed TALE-code, has revealed exclusive IRX1 activity in pro-B-cells and megakaryocyte erythroid progenitors (MEPs), highlighting its specific contribution to developmental processes at these early stages of hematopoietic lineage differentiation. Moreover, aberrant expression of IRX homeobox genes IRX1, IRX2, IRX3 and IRX5 has been detected in hematopoietic malignancies, including B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), T-cell ALL, and some subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Expression analyses of patient samples and experimental studies using cell lines and mouse models have revealed oncogenic functions in cell differentiation arrest and upstream and downstream genes, thus, revealing normal and aberrant regulatory networks. These studies have shown how IRX genes play key roles in the development of both normal blood and immune cells, and hematopoietic malignancies. Understanding their biology serves to illuminate developmental gene regulation in the hematopoietic compartment, and may improve diagnostic classification of leukemias in the clinic and reveal new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nagel
- Department of Human and Animal Cell Cultures, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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20
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Vazirabad AF, Noorolyai S, Baghbani E, Mahboob S, Zargari F, Rahmani S, Sorkhabi A, Montazami N, Sameti P, Baradaran B. Silencing of SiX-4 enhances the chemosensitivity of melanoma cells to Cisplatin. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 240:154194. [PMID: 36370483 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the riskiest type of skin cancer. Its prevalence has been rapidly increased over the last three decades. SIX1, SIX2, SIX3, SIX4, SIX5, and SIX6 are members of the sine oculis homeobox (SIX) homolog family. It is imperative to identify new melanoma biomarkers to improve the predictive value for melanoma prognosis, which could enhance our understanding of carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In this study, we investigated whether silencing of SIX4 in a melanoma cell line (A375 cells) in combination with Cisplatin can affect the apoptosis and suppression of cell cycle progression, migration of the melanoma cells. MTT test and colony formation assay was applied to determine the IC50 of Cisplatin and the combined effect of SIX4 siRNA and Cisplatin on the viability and clonogenesis of the A-375 cells. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the c-myc, BCL-2, BAX, MMP-9, CXCR4, and Rock genes expression. Furthermore, flow cytometry was applied to evaluate apoptosis, autophagy, and the cell cycle status in different groups. Finally, wound healing assay was employed to evaluate the effect of this combination therapy on migratory capacity. SIX4 suppression increased the chemosensitivity of A-375 cells to Cisplatin and decreased its efficient dose. Furthermore, SIX4 suppression alongside Cisplatin reduced cell migration rate, arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase, induced apoptosis by modulating the expression of apoptotic target genes, induced autophagy, and also significantly inhibits clonogenesis of A-375 cells. SIX4 plays a significant role in the chemosensitivity and pathogenesis of melanoma. Therefore, SIX4 suppression, in combination with Cisplatin, may be a promising therapeutic approach in treating melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saeed Noorolyai
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Baghbani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soltanali Mahboob
- Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Department of Food and Nutrition Security, Iran; Department of Biochemistry, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Felor Zargari
- Department of Medical Science, Marand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran
| | - Shima Rahmani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Sorkhabi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nooshin Montazami
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pouriya Sameti
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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21
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SIX3 function in cancer: progression and comprehensive analysis. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1542-1549. [PMID: 35764712 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00488-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The homeobox gene family encodes transcription factors that are essential for cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, and its dysfunction is linked to tumor initiation and progression. Sine oculis homeobox (SIX) belongs to the homeobox gene family, with SIX3 being a core member. Recent studies indicate that SXI3 functions as a cancer suppressor or promoter, which is mainly dependent on SIX3's influence on the signal pathways that promote or inhibit cancer in cells. The low expression of SIX3 in most malignant tumors was confirmed by detailed studies, which could promote the cell cycle, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The recovery or upregulation of SIX3 expression to suppress cancer is closely related to the direct or indirect inhibition of the Wnt pathway. However, in some malignancies, such as esophageal cancer and gastric cancer, SIX3 is a tumor-promoting factor, and repressing SIX3 improves patients' prognosis. This review introduces the research progress of SIX3 in tumors and gives a comprehensive analysis, intending to explain why SIX3 plays different roles in different cancers and provide new cancer therapy strategies.
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22
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HOXA5: A crucial transcriptional factor in cancer and a potential therapeutic target. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113800. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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23
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Steens J, Klein D. HOX genes in stem cells: Maintaining cellular identity and regulation of differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1002909. [PMID: 36176275 PMCID: PMC9514042 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells display a unique cell type within the body that has the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. Compared to pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells (ASC) such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) exhibit restricted differentiation capabilities that are limited to cell types typically found in the tissue of origin, which implicates that there must be a certain code or priming determined by the tissue of origin. HOX genes, a subset of homeobox genes encoding transcription factors that are generally repressed in undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells, emerged here as master regulators of cell identity and cell fate during embryogenesis, and in maintaining this positional identity throughout life as well as specifying various regional properties of respective tissues. Concurrently, intricate molecular circuits regulated by diverse stem cell-typical signaling pathways, balance stem cell maintenance, proliferation and differentiation. However, it still needs to be unraveled how stem cell-related signaling pathways establish and regulate ASC-specific HOX expression pattern with different temporal-spatial topography, known as the HOX code. This comprehensive review therefore summarizes the current knowledge of specific ASC-related HOX expression patterns and how these were integrated into stem cell-related signaling pathways. Understanding the mechanism of HOX gene regulation in stem cells may provide new ways to manipulate stem cell fate and function leading to improved and new approaches in the field of regenerative medicine.
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24
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LHX2 Enhances the Malignant Phenotype of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Upregulating the Expression of SERPINE2. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081457. [PMID: 36011368 PMCID: PMC9408536 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
LHX2 dysregulations have been found to present in cancers, but the function of LHX2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unknown. Here, we report that LHX2 was upregulated in ESCC tissues in comparison to the LHX2 levels in adjacent normal tissues. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of LHX2 markedly inhibited ESCC cells’ proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor growth and metastasis, whereas the overexpression of LHX2 had the opposite effects. A mechanistic investigation revealed that LHX2 bound to the promoter of SERPINE2 gene and transcriptionally regulated the expression of SERPINE2. Collectively, LHX2 facilitates ESCC tumor progression, and it could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
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25
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Jacques F, Baratchart E, Pienta KJ, Hammarlund EU. Origin and evolution of animal multicellularity in the light of phylogenomics and cancer genetics. Med Oncol 2022; 39:160. [PMID: 35972622 PMCID: PMC9381480 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The rise of animals represents a major but enigmatic event in the evolutionary history of life. In recent years, numerous studies have aimed at understanding the genetic basis of this transition. However, genome comparisons of diverse animal and protist lineages suggest that the appearance of gene families that were previously considered animal specific indeed preceded animals. Animals' unicellular relatives, such as choanoflagellates, ichthyosporeans, and filastereans, demonstrate complex life cycles including transient multicellularity as well as genetic toolkits for temporal cell differentiation, cell-to-cell communication, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. This has warranted further exploration of the genetic basis underlying transitions in cellular organization. An alternative model for the study of transitions in cellular organization is tumors, which exploit physiological programs that characterize both unicellularity and multicellularity. Tumor cells, for example, switch adhesion on and off, up- or downregulate specific cell differentiation states, downregulate apoptosis, and allow cell migration within tissues. Here, we use insights from both the fields of phylogenomics and tumor biology to review the evolutionary history of the regulatory systems of multicellularity and discuss their overlap. We claim that while evolutionary biology has contributed to an increased understanding of cancer, broad investigations into tissue-normal and transformed-can also contribute the framework for exploring animal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Jacques
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Etienne Baratchart
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kenneth J Pienta
- The Cancer Ecology Center, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Emma U Hammarlund
- Tissue Development and Evolution (TiDE), Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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26
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Basavarajappa DS, Padam KSR, Chakrabarty S, Kumar NA, Radhakrishnan R. The Regulatory Role of HOX interacting lncRNA in Oral Cancer - An in-silico Analysis. J Oral Pathol Med 2022; 51:684-693. [PMID: 35766359 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13329] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to elucidate the interaction of long non-coding RNAs with HOX genes and their regulatory role and potential drug candidates in oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The interaction network was constructed using RNA Interactome and the RNA Interactome from the Sequencing Experiments (RISE) database. The differential expression of HOX genes and HOX interacting lncRNAs was assessed using the TCGA-HNSCC oral cancer dataset using DESeq2 R-package. Further, the functional enrichment analysis was performed for the differentially expressed HOX genes and HOX-interacting lncRNAs using Gene Ontology (GO), long non-coding RNA Set Enrichment Analysis (LncSEA), lncRNA ontology annotation extractor and repository (Lantern), and LncRNA Ontology tools. Drug-lncRNA interaction and the effect of drugs on lncRNA expression were assessed from the D-lnc tool. RESULTS A total of 78 unique interactions were identified between HOX and lncRNAs. Differential expression analysis showed 27 HOX genes and 10 HOX-interacting lncRNAs in oral cancer. HOX genes and HOX-interacting lncRNAs were involved in crucial regulatory processes like cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation and migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and cell signaling pathways. Cancer hallmark analysis from using LncSEA showed the involvement of HOTAIR, HOTTIP MIR503HG, and CDKN2B-AS1 in proliferation, migration, and invasion. Panobinostat was the common drug that influenced the expression of HOTAIR, HOTAIRM1, HOTTIP and CDKN2B-AS1. CONCLUSIONS Differentially expressed HOX-interacting lncRNAs are involved in various regulatory biological processes and cancer hallmark events in oral cancer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The creation of interaction networks may expand the existing knowledge of oral cancer signaling pathways and the discovery of novel targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanraj Salur Basavarajappa
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Naveena An Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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27
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Padam KSR, Morgan R, Hunter K, Chakrabarty S, Kumar NAN, Radhakrishnan R. Identification of HOX signatures contributing to oral cancer phenotype. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10123. [PMID: 35710803 PMCID: PMC9203786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of evolutionarily conserved homeobox-containing HOX genes as transcriptional regulators in the developmental specification of organisms is well known. The contribution of HOX genes involvement in oral cancer phenotype has yet to be fully ascertained. TCGA-HNSC HTSeq-counts and clinical data were retrieved from the GDC portal for oral cavity neoplasms. GEO datasets (GSE72627, GSE30784, GSE37991) were accessed and analyzed using GEO2R. Differential HOX gene expression was profiled using the DESeq2 R package with a log2 fold change cut-off (- 1 and + 1) and Benjamini-Hochberg p-adjusted value at ≤ 0.01. Gene set over-representation analysis and semantic analysis associated with the disease ontology was performed using the ClusterProfiler R package, and pathway over-representation analysis was performed using IMPaLa. HOX protein interaction network was constructed using the Pathfind R package. HOX phenotype associations were performed using Mammalian Phenotype Ontology, Human Phenotype Ontology, PhenGenI associations, Jensen tissues, and OMIM entries. Drug connectivity mapping was carried out with Dr. Insight R package. HOXA2 was upregulated in oral dysplasia but silenced during tumor progression. Loss of HOXB2 expression was consistent in the potentially malignant oral lesions as well as in the primary tumor. HOXA7, HOXA10, HOXB7, HOXC6, HOXC10, HOXD10, and HOXD11 were consistently upregulated from premalignancy to malignancy and were notably associated with risk factors. Overrepresentation analysis suggested HOXA10 was involved in the transcriptional misregulation contributing to the oral cancer phenotype. HOX genes subnetwork analysis showed crucial interactions with cell cycle regulators, growth responsive elements, and proto-oncogenes. Phenotype associations specific to the oral region involving HOX genes provide intrinsic cues to tumor development. The 5' HOX genes were aberrantly upregulated during oral carcinogenesis reflecting their posterior prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaka Sai Ram Padam
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Richard Morgan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London, London, W5 5RF, UK
| | - Keith Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Sanjiban Chakrabarty
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Naveena A N Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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28
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Belpaire M, Taminiau A, Geerts D, Rezsohazy R. HOXA1, a breast cancer oncogene. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188747. [PMID: 35675857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
More than 25 years ago, the first literature records mentioned HOXA1 expression in human breast cancer. A few years later, HOXA1 was confirmed as a proper oncogene in mammary tissue. In the following two decades, molecular data about the mode of action of the HOXA1 protein, the factors contributing to activate and maintain HOXA1 gene expression and the identity of its target genes have accumulated and provide a wider view on the association of this transcription factor to breast oncogenesis. Large-scale transcriptomic data gathered from wide cohorts of patients further allowed refining the relationship between breast cancer type and HOXA1 expression. Several recent reports have reviewed the connection between cancer hallmarks and the biology of HOX genes in general. Here we take HOXA1 as a paradigm and propose an extensive overview of the molecular data centered on this oncoprotein, from what its expression modulators, to the interactors contributing to its oncogenic activities, and to the pathways and genes it controls. The data converge to an intricate picture that answers questions on the multi-modality of its oncogene activities, point towards better understanding of breast cancer aetiology and thereby provides an appraisal for treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Belpaire
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Heart Failure Research Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AMC), Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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29
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HOPX: A Unique Homeodomain Protein in Development and Tumor Suppression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112764. [PMID: 35681746 PMCID: PMC9179269 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Homeobox (HOX) genes encode homeodomain proteins that regulate a wide range of molecular pathways. The homeodomain is highly conserved and binds to DNA. One exception is homeodomain-only protein (HOPX) that lacks DNA-binding capacity. HOPX plays a crucial role in development and its functional impairment is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer. Loss of HOPX function occurs in a wide range of cancer types, where it functions as a tumor suppressor gene. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which HOPX regulates carcinogenesis will likely lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches. Abstract Homeobox genes are master regulators of morphogenesis and differentiation by acting at the top of genetic hierarchies and their deregulation is associated with a variety of human diseases. They usually contain a highly conserved sequence that codes for the homeodomain of the protein, a specialized motif with three α helices and an N-terminal arm that aids in DNA binding. However, one homeodomain protein, HOPX, is unique among its family members in that it lacks the capacity to bind DNA and instead functions by interacting with transcriptional regulators. HOPX plays crucial roles in organogenesis and is expressed in both embryonic and adult stem cells. Loss of HOPX expression is common in cancer, where it functions primarily as a tumor suppressor gene. In this review, we describe the function of HOPX in development and discuss its role in carcinogenesis.
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Wu A, Liu J, Zhang X, Niu C, Shu G, Yin G. Comprehensive Network Analysis of Dysregulated Genes Revealed MNX1‐AS1/ hsa‐miR‐4697‐3p/ HOXB13 Axis in OC Chemotherapy Response. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:2627-2641. [PMID: 35639251 PMCID: PMC9357658 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor chemotherapy response is the main obstacle of ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. Platinum‐refractory and ‐resistant patients are associated with a worse outcome than platinum‐sensitive and partially sensitive patients, but the comprehensive similarities and differences among them are not yet clear. In this study, we analyzed the data of patients with different chemotherapy response in The Cancer Genome Atlas. We found a minority of altered genes were overlapped in refractory and resistant groups, as did the enriched pathways and Gene Ontology terms. We noticed that the neural signaling and drug metabolism enzymes were more significantly enriched and the protein–protein interaction supported these results. The transcription analysis highlighted PDX1 as the common and central transcription factor in both refractory and resistant groups. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network shared no common ceRNA pairs, indicating a major difference in noncoding RNA post‐transcriptional regulation. In the end, we validated the expression, regulation, binding, and effect on chemotherapy response for selected MNX1‐AS1/hsa‐miR‐4697‐3p/HOXB13 in OC cell lines. Our study offered a novel and comprehensive insight into chemotherapy response, and potential targets for improving chemotherapy response in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Wu
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital Department of Clinical Research Center Hengyang Medical School University of South China Hengyang 421001 China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
| | - Chenxi Niu
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
| | - Guang Shu
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
- Department of Histology and Embryology School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology Xiangya Hospital School of Basic Medical Sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
- China‐Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases School of Basic Medical sciences Central South University Changsha 410013 China
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Expression Profiles of HOXC6 Predict the Survival of Glioblastoma Patients and Correlate with Cell Cycle. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8656865. [PMID: 35432534 PMCID: PMC9007636 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8656865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the homeobox (HOX) gene expression status and its prognostic value in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and to uncover the biological processes related to its expression. The prognostic value of HOX genes in GBM was systematically investigated by a genome-wide analysis of HOX gene expression profiles in GBM patient samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project (microarray dataset) and validation datasets. Using the differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and a Cox regression model, we discovered that the HOXC6 could stratify patients into significantly different survival (p = 0.0012, log-rank test) groups in the training cohort. TCGA RNA-seq and GSE16011 datasets were used for validation. Multivariate Cox and stratification analysis indicated that HOXC6 was an independent prognostic factor after adjusting for other clinical covariates. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the HOXC6 might be involved in the cell cycle-related biological processes and pathways that are well established in the context of glioblastoma tumorigenesis. We further explored the bioinformatic implications by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Tumor cell biology experiments verified the role of HOXC6 in proliferation and cell cycle progression. In conclusion, HOXC6 might be a candidate biomarker gene for individual treatment optimization of glioblastoma. HOXC6 expression has a significant prognostic value and is related to the cell cycle process in glioblastoma.
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Spiliopoulou P, Yang SC, Bruce JP, Wang BX, Berman HK, Pugh TJ, Siu LL. All is not lost: learning from 9p21 loss in cancer. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:379-390. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Wang Q, Wang W, Sun XJ. Construction of a HOXA11-AS-Interact Ed Network in Keloid Fibroblasts Using Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis and in Vitro Validation. Front Genet 2022; 13:844198. [PMID: 35432479 PMCID: PMC9010035 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.844198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOXA11-AS significantly increased in keloids by unclarified molecular regulation mechanisms. Methods: Using successfully primary cultured keloid-derived fibroblasts from central region of chronic keloid tissues (sample 0), small interfering RNAs were designed and transfected into two keloid fibroblast samples (samples 1 and 2) to knockdown HOXA11-AS. One nonspecific transfection control (sample 3) and one blank control (sample 4) were used to remove nonspecific overlap from the studied group. The lncRNAs, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs) of five samples were sequenced to identify differentially expressed (DE) profiles in HOXA11-AS-knockdown keloid fibroblasts in samples 1 and 2 (by intersection), which facilitated removal of overlap with the nonspecific controls (samples 3 and 4, by union). Using stepwise bioinformatic analysis, a HOXA11-AS-interacted competing endogenous network (ceRNA) was screened based on three DE profiles. Results: Keloid fibroblasts with or without HOXA11-AS as well as with or without nonspecific interferences were successfully constructed respectively. A total of 1,396 mRNAs and 39 lncRNAs were significantly changed in keloid fibroblast with HOXA11-AS knockdown. Simultaneously, 1,626 mRNAs and 99 lncRNAs were significantly changed in keloid fibroblast with nonspecific interference. With removal of nonspecific overlap, a lncRNA–mRNA interactive network characterized by close natural/intronic antisense relationship was initially constructed in keloid fibroblast with HOXA11-AS knockdown. Based on this network, a lncRNA–mRNA–protein interaction network was extended by integration of the human protein–protein interaction network. Significant functional genes were screened using PageRank algorithm in the extended network. Three genes, including SNED1, NIPAL3, and VTN, were validated by real-time PCR in HOXA11-AS-knockdown keloid fibroblasts. Only NIPAL3 was predicted to be a target gene for HOXA11-AS via three competing endogenous miRNAs (hsa-miRNA-19a-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, and hsa-miR-140-5p). Conclusion: An interactive network of HOXA11-AS–three miRNAs–NIPAL3 was predicted in keloid fibroblasts by integrative bioinformatic analysis and in vitro validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao-jie Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-jie Sun,
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Halib N, Pavan N, Trombetta C, Dapas B, Farra R, Scaggiante B, Grassi M, Grassi G. An Overview of siRNA Delivery Strategies for Urological Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040718. [PMID: 35456552 PMCID: PMC9030829 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of urological cancers has been significantly improved in recent years. However, for the advanced stages of these cancers and/or for those developing resistance, novel therapeutic options need to be developed. Among the innovative strategies, the use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) seems to be of great therapeutic interest. siRNAs are double-stranded RNA molecules which can specifically target virtually any mRNA of pathological genes. For this reason, siRNAs have a great therapeutic potential for human diseases including urological cancers. However, the fragile nature of siRNAs in the biological environment imposes the development of appropriate delivery systems to protect them. Thus, ensuring siRNA reaches its deep tissue target while maintaining structural and functional integrity represents one of the major challenges. To reach this goal, siRNA-based therapies require the development of fine, tailor-made delivery systems. Polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, nanobubbles and magnetic nanoparticles are among nano-delivery systems studied recently to meet this demand. In this review, after an introduction about the main features of urological tumors, we describe siRNA characteristics together with representative delivery systems developed for urology applications; the examples reported are subdivided on the basis of the different delivery materials and on the different urological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Halib
- Department of Basic Sciences & Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 55100, Malaysia;
| | - Nicola Pavan
- Urology Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Carlo Trombetta
- Urology Clinic, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.P.); (C.T.)
| | - Barbara Dapas
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.); (R.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Rossella Farra
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.); (R.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Bruna Scaggiante
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.); (R.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, Trieste University, Via Valerio 6, I-34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.D.); (R.F.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-399-3227
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Qin Z, Zhou C. HOXA13 promotes gastric cancer progression partially via the FN1-mediated FAK/Src axis. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:7. [PMID: 35197128 PMCID: PMC8864865 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00260-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers causing a poor prognosis worldwide. HOXA13, as a member of the homeobox (HOX) family, is involved in the regulation of cancer progression and has attracted increasing attention, as a potential novel target for anticancer strategies. However, the significance of HOXA13 in GC remains unclear. This article aims to explore the potential mechanism of HOXA13 in GC progression. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to detect the expression of HOXA13 and FN1 and the correlation between HOXA13 and FN1 in GC tissues. In vitro assays were conducted to investigate the role of HOXA13 and FN1 in the malignant phenotypes of GC cells and the function of HOXA13 in the activation of the FAK/Src axis in GC cells. Coimmunoprecipitation was performed to reveal the relationship between ITGA5, ITGB1 and FN1 in GC cells. A dual luciferase assay was performed to assess miR-449a-targeted regulation of HOXA13 expression. Results Quantitative real-time PCR verified that HOXA13 was elevated and positively correlated with FN1 in GC. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that high expression of HOXA13 promoted GC progression, especially metastasis. Mechanistically, rescue experiments, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays revealed that HOXA13 directly bound to the FN1 promoter region to enhance the activation of the FAK/Src axis, leading to GC cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, the result of a dual luciferase assay suggested that HOXA13 was directly targeted by miR-449a. Conclusions Our results show that HOXA13 is a positive regulator of the FAK/Src axis mediated by FN1 in GC and promotes GC progression. Thus, targeting HOXA13, together with FN1, may provide a novel prospective anticancer strategy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00260-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongzhi Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 85 Wujin Road, Shanghai, China.
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Cognate DNA Recognition by Engrailed Homeodomain Involves a Conformational Change Controlled via an Electrostatic-Spring-Loaded Latch. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052412. [PMID: 35269555 PMCID: PMC8910618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052412] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors must scan genomic DNA, recognize the cognate sequence of their control element(s), and bind tightly to them. The DNA recognition process is primarily carried out by their DNA binding domains (DBD), which interact with the cognate site with high affinity and more weakly with any other DNA sequence. DBDs are generally thought to bind to their cognate DNA without changing conformation (lock-and-key). Here, we used nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism to investigate the interplay between DNA recognition and DBD conformation in the engrailed homeodomain (enHD), as a model case for the homeodomain family of eukaryotic DBDs. We found that the conformational ensemble of enHD is rather flexible and becomes gradually more disordered as ionic strength decreases following a Debye–Hückel’s dependence. Our analysis indicates that enHD’s response to ionic strength is mediated by a built-in electrostatic spring-loaded latch that operates as a conformational transducer. We also found that, at moderate ionic strengths, enHD changes conformation upon binding to cognate DNA. This change is of larger amplitude and somewhat orthogonal to the response to ionic strength. As a consequence, very high ionic strengths (e.g., 700 mM) block the electrostatic-spring-loaded latch and binding to cognate DNA becomes lock-and-key. However, the interplay between enHD conformation and cognate DNA binding is robust across a range of ionic strengths (i.e., 45 to 300 mM) that covers the physiologically-relevant conditions. Therefore, our results demonstrate the presence of a mechanism for the conformational control of cognate DNA recognition on a eukaryotic DBD. This mechanism can function as a signal transducer that locks the DBD in place upon encountering the cognate site during active DNA scanning. The electrostatic-spring-loaded latch of enHD can also enable the fine control of DNA recognition in response to transient changes in local ionic strength induced by variate physiological processes.
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Logullo A, Prigenzi K, Nimir C, Franco A, Campos M. Breast microcalcifications: Past, present and future (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2022; 16:81. [PMID: 35251632 PMCID: PMC8892454 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2022.2514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary microcalcifications (MCs) are calcium deposits that are considered as robust markers of breast cancer when identified on mammography. MCs are frequently associated with premalignant and malignant lesions. The aim of the present review was to describe the MC types and associated radiological and pathological aspects in detail, provide insights and approaches to the topic, and describe specific clinical scenarios. The primary MC types are composed of calcium oxalate, hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite associated with magnesium. The first type is usually associated with benign conditions, while the others remain primarily associated with malignancy. Radiologically, MCs are classified as benign or suspicious. MCs may represent an active pathological mineralization process rather than a passive process, such as degeneration or necrosis. Practical management of breast specimens requires finely calibrated radiological pathological procedures. Understanding the molecular and structural development of MCs may contribute to breast lesion detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Logullo
- Department of Pathology, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023‑062, Brazil
| | - Karla Prigenzi
- Department of Pathology, Femme Laboratories, São Paulo 04004‑030, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Nimir
- Department of Pathology, Femme Laboratories, São Paulo 04004‑030, Brazil
| | - Andreia Franco
- Department of Pathology, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023‑062, Brazil
| | - Mario Campos
- Breast Imaging Service, Femme Laboratories, São Paulo 04004‑030, Brazil
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38
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Zhou T, Feng Z, Yang F, Zhu W, Cao J, Hou X, Zhao Y, Chen D. High expression of HOXB7 is an unfavorable prognostic factor for solid malignancies: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28564. [PMID: 35060516 PMCID: PMC8772762 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HOXB7 is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors, but its prognostic value remains unclear due to sample size limitation and outcome inconsistency in previous studies. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the effect of HOXB7 expression on prognoses and clinicopathological factors in range of the whole solid tumors. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify included studies. Hazard ratios (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) and clinicopathological factors were extracted. Subgroup analyses were performed according to histopathological type, tumor occurrence systems, and HOXB7 detection methods. RESULTS A total of 3430 solid tumors patients from 20 studies (21 cohorts) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that high HOXB7 expression was significantly associated with worse survival (overall survival: HR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.74-2.26, P < .001 and disease-free survival: HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.21-2.09, P = .001), more advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.68-2.73, P < .001), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.74-2.70, P < .001), more distant metastasis (OR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.01-2.63, P = .048), poorer differentiation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14-1.91, P = .003), and higher Ki-67 expression (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.68-3.84, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that survival of patients with HOXB7 high expression was worse in either squamous cell carcinomas or non-squamous cell carcinomas, digestive tumors or non-digestive tumors, and protein level or mRNA level. CONCLUSION High HOXB7 expression might be a valuable biomarker of poor prognosis for solid tumors. HOXB7 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis, and is associated with poorer differentiation, more advanced stage, even the chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that HOXB7 is a potential therapeutic target for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Zonghao Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Weipeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Jiashun Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Xianming Hou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Senior Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Donghong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
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Ferrara MG, Stefani A, Pilotto S, Carbone C, Vita E, Di Salvatore M, D'Argento E, Sparagna I, Monaca F, Valente G, Vitale A, Piro G, Belluomini L, Milella M, Tortora G, Bria E. The Renaissance of KRAS Targeting in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Opportunities Following Old Failures. Front Oncol 2022; 11:792385. [PMID: 35004317 PMCID: PMC8733471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.792385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the perfect paradigm of ‘precision medicine’ due to its complex intratumoral heterogeneity. It is truly characterized by a range of molecular alterations that can deeply influence the natural history of this disease. Several molecular alterations have been found over time, paving the road to biomarker-driven therapy and radically changing the prognosis of ‘oncogene addicted’ NSCLC patients. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations are present in up to 30% of NSCLC (especially in adenocarcinoma histotype) and have been identified decades ago. Since its discovery, its molecular characteristics and its marked affinity to a specific substrate have led to define KRAS as an undruggable alteration. Despite that, many attempts have been made to develop drugs capable of targeting KRAS signaling but, until a few years ago, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Comprehensive genomic profiling and wide-spectrum analysis of genetic alterations have only recently allowed to identify different types of KRAS mutations. This tricky step has finally opened new frontiers in the treatment approach of KRAS-mutant patients and might hopefully increase their prognosis and quality of life. In this review, we aim to highlight the most interesting aspects of (epi)genetic KRAS features, hoping to light the way to the state of art of targeting KRAS in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Grazia Ferrara
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Stefani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vita
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ettore D'Argento
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ileana Sparagna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Monaca
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giustina Valente
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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Rafiq A, Aashaq S, Jan I, Beigh MA. SIX1 transcription factor: A review of cellular functions and regulatory dynamics. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:1151-1164. [PMID: 34742853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sine Oculis Homeobox 1 (SIX1) is a member of homeobox transcription factor family having pivotal roles in organismal development and differentiation. This protein functionally acts to regulate the expression of different proteins that are involved in organ development during embryogenesis and in disorders like cancer. Aberrant expression of this homeoprotein has therefore been reported in multiple pathological complexities like hearing impairment and renal anomalies during development and tumorigenesis in adult life. Most of the cellular effects mediated by it are mostly due to its role as a transcription factor. This review presents a concise narrative of its structure, interaction partners and cellular functions vis a vis its role in cancer. We thoroughly discuss the reported molecular mechanisms that govern its function in cellular milieu. Its post-translational regulation by phosphorylation and ubiquitination are also discussed with an emphasis on yet to be explored mechanistic insights regulating its molecular dynamics to fully comprehend its role in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Rafiq
- Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Campus, Srinagar JK-190006, India
| | - Sabreena Aashaq
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar JK-190011, India
| | - Iqra Jan
- Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Campus, Srinagar JK-190006, India
| | - Mushtaq A Beigh
- Department of Nanotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Campus, Srinagar JK-190006, India.
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Li X, Chen S, Zhu Y, Fei J, Song L, Sun G, Niu W, Guo L, Wang J. Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses identified Homeobox B9 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:2132-2149. [PMID: 34790380 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Homeobox B (HOXB) family promotes tumor progression, but the mechanism of its action in gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. We sought to identify the HOXB family members that are critical to the prognosis of GC patients. Methods The Oncomine, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), cBioPortal, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and the GeneMANIA databases were used to analyze the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels, prognostic value, and gene-gene interaction network of the HOXB9 family members in GC. The expression of HOXB9 in GC and its relationship with various clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of patients were verified by immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of HOXB3, HOXB5, HOXB6, HOXB7, HOXB9, and HOXB13 mRNA was significantly upregulated in GC. There was a significant correlation between the upregulation of HOXB3, HOXB5, and HOXB9 mRNA and a low overall survival (OS) rate. The high expression of HOXB7, HOXB9, and HOXB13 mRNA was closely correlated to tumor grade and stage. HOXB9 was the HOXB family member most closely related to the occurrence and development of GC. A further analysis showed that HOXB9 might be involved in deoxyribonucleic acid repair and division regulation. A validation study showed that the advanced cancer group had a higher level of HOXB9 expression than the early cancer group. The high expression of HOXB9 in gastric tissue plays an important role in the survival and prognosis of GC patients. Conclusions HOXB family members have different degrees of abnormal expression in GC. High HOXB9 expression in GC tissues was significantly correlated with a worse prognosis. Thus, HOXB9 is a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Shujia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yinghui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Jiayue Fei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Liaoyuan Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Guoyan Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Wei Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Lianyi Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
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NKX2-1 re-expression induces cell death through apoptosis and necrosis in dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259558. [PMID: 34748583 PMCID: PMC8575255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2-1) is a thyroid transcription factor essential for proper thyroid formation and maintaining its physiological function. In thyroid cancer, NKX2-1 expression decreases in parallel with declined differentiation. However, the molecular pathways and mechanisms connecting NKX2-1 to thyroid cancer phenotypes are largely unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of NKX2-1 re-expression on dedifferentiated thyroid cancer cell death and explore the underlying mechanisms. A human papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line lacking NKX2-1 expression was infected with an adenoviral vector containing Nkx2-1. Cell viability decreased after Nkx2-1 transduction and apoptosis and necrosis were detected. Arginase 2 (ARG2), regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4), and RGS5 mRNA expression was greatly increased in Nkx2-1-transducted cells. After suppressing these genes by siRNA, cell death, apoptosis, and necrosis decreased in RGS4 knockdown cells. These findings demonstrated that cell death was induced via apoptosis and necrosis by NKX2-1 re-expression and involves RGS4.
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Li Y, Ma K, Xie Q, Zhang X, Zhang X, Chen K, Kong L, Qian R. Identification of HOXD10 as a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:5183-5195. [PMID: 34737577 PMCID: PMC8558040 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s336225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose HOXD10 is a tumor modulator that can either be a tumor-suppressor or a tumor-promoting gene. However, the role of HOXD10 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains unclear. Methods Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to detect protein expression of HOXD10 in GBM and normal brain tissue patients. Clinicopathological characteristics with GBM were recorded, and a Kaplan–Meier curve was plotted. Additionally, the mRNA expression of HOXD10 and its effect on prognosis were analyzed using the online tool GEPIA and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Based on the mRNA expression of HOXD10, GBM patients from TCGA database were divided into low- and high-HOXD10 expression groups to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and construct a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Results The mRNA expression of HOXD10 was up-regulated in GBM according to GEPIA, while the protein expression of HOXD10 in GBM was down-regulated according to IHC analysis of samples from patients collected from our hospital. Correlation analysis showed that HOXD10 expression was significantly related to IDH1 status. Univariate analysis revealed that low HOXD10 expression, complete surgical resection, postoperative radiotherapy, postoperative temozolomide chemotherapy and IDH1 mutation were all beneficial prognostic factors. Further multivariate analysis revealed that only complete surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that HOXD10 expression is mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. In the ceRNA network, 89 nodes, containing 45 mRNAs, 39 miRNAs and five lncRNAs associated with prognosis were involved. The PPI network revealed a tight interaction between HOXD10 and HOXD8, HOXD9, HOXD11, HOXD13 and HOXB3. Conclusion Based on our experimental data, although HOXD10 expression is low in GBM compared with normal brain tissue, GBM patients with high HOXD10 expression have a worse prognosis. HOXD10 may play different or even opposite roles in different stages of GBM occurrence and development. For patients with GBM, HOXD10 may be a valid predictor of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Xie
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiulei Zhang
- Department of Microbiome Laboratory, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingfei Kong
- Department of Pathology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongjun Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, People's Republic of China
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Khayer N, Jalessi M, Jahanbakhshi A, Tabib Khooei A, Mirzaie M. Nkx3-1 and Fech genes might be switch genes involved in pituitary non-functioning adenoma invasiveness. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20943. [PMID: 34686726 PMCID: PMC8536755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are typical pituitary macroadenomas in adults associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Although pituitary adenomas are commonly considered slow-growing benign brain tumors, numerous of them possess an invasive nature. Such tumors destroy sella turcica and invade the adjacent tissues such as the cavernous sinus and sphenoid sinus. In these cases, the most critical obstacle for complete surgical removal is the high risk of damaging adjacent vital structures. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic strategies for either early diagnosis through biomarkers or medical therapies to reduce the recurrence rate of NFPAs is imperative. Identification of gene interactions has paved the way for decoding complex molecular mechanisms, including disease-related pathways, and identifying the most momentous genes involved in a specific disease. Currently, our knowledge of the invasion of the pituitary adenoma at the molecular level is not sufficient. The current study aimed to identify critical biomarkers and biological pathways associated with invasiveness in the NFPAs using a three-way interaction model for the first time. In the current study, the Liquid association method was applied to capture the statistically significant triplets involved in NFPAs invasiveness. Subsequently, Random Forest analysis was applied to select the most important switch genes. Finally, gene set enrichment (GSE) and gene regulatory network (GRN) analyses were applied to trace the biological relevance of the statistically significant triplets. The results of this study suggest that "mRNA processing" and "spindle organization" biological processes are important in NFAPs invasiveness. Specifically, our results suggest Nkx3-1 and Fech as two switch genes in NFAPs invasiveness that may be potential biomarkers or target genes in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Khayer
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Jalessi
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amin Jahanbakhshi
- Skull Base Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurology Department, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Tabib Khooei
- Neurology Department, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mirzaie
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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45
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Paço A, Leitão-Castro J, Freitas R. Epigenetic Regulation of CDH1 Is Altered after HOXB7-Silencing in MDA-MB-468 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1575. [PMID: 34680970 PMCID: PMC8535730 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXB7 is often overexpressed in breast cancer cells and found to relate to poor prognosis. The search for the HOXB7 targets, as a transcription factor, has led to molecules involved in regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and processes such as angiogenesis and therapy resistance. However, the specific targets affected by the deregulation of HOXB7 in breast cancer remain largely unknown in most molecular sub-types, such as triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). To unveil the molecular basis behind these aggressive and often untreatable cancers, here we explored the contribution of HOXB7 deregulation for their aggressiveness. To this end, HOXB7 was silenced in TNBC Basal A cells MDA-MB-468, and the phenotype, gene/protein expression, and methylation profile of putative targets were analyzed. Lower migration and invasion rates were detected in HOXB7-silenced cells in comparison with the controls. In addition, these cells expressed more CDH1 and less DNMT3B, and the promoter methylation status of CDH1 diminished. Our data suggest that the HOXB7 transcription factor may act on TNBC Basal A cells by controlling CDH1 epigenetic regulation. This may occur indirectly through the up-regulation of DNMT3B, which then controls DNA methylation of the CDH1 promoter. Thus, future approaches interfering with HOXB7 regulation may be promising therapeutic strategies in TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paço
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Joana Leitão-Castro
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (J.L.-C.)
| | - Renata Freitas
- I3S—Institute for Innovation & Health Research, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.P.); (J.L.-C.)
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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46
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Faaborg L, Jakobsen A, Waldstrøm M, Petersen CB, Andersen RF, Steffensen KD. HOXA9-methylated DNA as a diagnostic biomarker of ovarian malignancy. Biomark Med 2021; 15:1309-1317. [PMID: 34514844 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2021-0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: In ovarian cancer, methylated HOXA9 (meth-HOXA9) has been proposed as a relevant biomarker, however, its role in the carcinogenic development remains unknown. This study aimed at evaluating meth-HOXA9 as a diagnostic biomarker in ovarian cancer. Materials & methods: The meth-HOXA9 status was examined in 138 tissue specimens encompassing normal ovaries, benign- and borderline tumors, and ovarian cancer using droplet digital PCR. Results: Meth-HOXA9 was detected in 93% (82/88) and 88% (14/16) of ovarian cancer and borderline tumors, respectively. In patients with benign ovarian tumors meth-HOXA9 was detected in 17% (3/18). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis meth-HOXA9 had a diagnostic accuracy of 98%. Conclusion: Meth-HOXA9 is highly cancer specific and could serve as a general diagnostic marker of ovarian malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Faaborg
- Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark.,Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Anders Jakobsen
- Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark.,Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5000, Denmark
| | - Marianne Waldstrøm
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5000, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Christina B Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Rikke F Andersen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| | - Karina D Steffensen
- Department of Oncology, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark.,Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, 5000, Denmark.,Center for Shared Decision Making, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
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47
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Belpaire M, Ewbank B, Taminiau A, Bridoux L, Deneyer N, Marchese D, Lima-Mendez G, Baurain JF, Geerts D, Rezsohazy R. HOXA1 Is an Antagonist of ERα in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:609521. [PMID: 34490074 PMCID: PMC8417444 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.609521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide. About 70% of breast cancers express ERα. HOX proteins are master regulators of embryo development which have emerged as being important players in oncogenesis. HOXA1 is one of them. Here, we present bioinformatic analyses of genome-wide mRNA expression profiles available in large public datasets of human breast cancer samples. We reveal an extremely strong opposite correlation between HOXA1 versus ER expression and that of 2,486 genes, thereby supporting a functional antagonism between HOXA1 and ERα. We also demonstrate in vitro that HOXA1 can inhibit ERα activity. This inhibition is at least bimodal, requiring an intact HOXA1 DNA-binding homeodomain and involving the DNA-binding independent capacity of HOXA1 to activate NF-κB. We provide evidence that the HOXA1-PBX interaction known to be critical for the transcriptional activity of HOXA1 is not involved in the ERα inhibition. Finally, we reveal that HOXA1 and ERα can physically interact but that this interaction is not essential for the HOXA1-mediated inhibition of ERα. Like other HOX oncoproteins interacting with ERα, HOXA1 could be involved in endocrine therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Belpaire
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bruno Ewbank
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laure Bridoux
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Noémie Deneyer
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Damien Marchese
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Gipsi Lima-Mendez
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Baurain
- Pôle d'imagerie moléculaire, radiothérapie et oncologie (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium.,King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centrum (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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48
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Goel S, Bhatia V, Kundu S, Biswas T, Carskadon S, Gupta N, Asim M, Morrissey C, Palanisamy N, Ateeq B. Transcriptional network involving ERG and AR orchestrates Distal-less homeobox-1 mediated prostate cancer progression. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5325. [PMID: 34493733 PMCID: PMC8423767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Distal-less homeobox-1 (DLX1) is a well-established non-invasive biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, however, its mechanistic underpinnings in disease pathobiology are not known. Here, we reveal the oncogenic role of DLX1 and show that abrogating its function leads to reduced tumorigenesis and metastases. We observed that ~60% of advanced-stage and metastatic patients display higher DLX1 levels. Moreover, ~96% of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion-positive and ~70% of androgen receptor (AR)-positive patients show elevated DLX1, associated with aggressive disease and poor survival. Mechanistically, ERG coordinates with enhancer-bound AR and FOXA1 to drive transcriptional upregulation of DLX1 in ERG-positive background. However, in ERG-negative context, AR/AR-V7 and FOXA1 suffice to upregulate DLX1. Notably, inhibiting ERG/AR-mediated DLX1 transcription using BET inhibitor (BETi) or/and anti-androgen drugs reduce its expression and downstream oncogenic effects. Conclusively, this study establishes DLX1 as a direct-target of ERG/AR with an oncogenic role and demonstrates the clinical significance of BETi and anti-androgens for DLX1-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Goel
- grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India
| | - Vipul Bhatia
- grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India
| | - Sushmita Kundu
- grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India
| | - Tanay Biswas
- grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India
| | - Shannon Carskadon
- grid.239864.20000 0000 8523 7701Vattikuti Urology Institute, Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Nilesh Gupta
- grid.239864.20000 0000 8523 7701Department of Pathology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Mohammad Asim
- grid.5475.30000 0004 0407 4824Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Colm Morrissey
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Nallasivam Palanisamy
- grid.239864.20000 0000 8523 7701Vattikuti Urology Institute, Department of Urology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Bushra Ateeq
- grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India ,grid.417965.80000 0000 8702 0100The Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, U.P. India
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Design and Characterization of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide Derived from the SOX2 Transcription Factor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179354. [PMID: 34502261 PMCID: PMC8431565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX2 is an oncogenic transcription factor overexpressed in nearly half of the basal-like triple-negative breast cancers associated with very poor outcomes. Targeting and inhibiting SOX2 is clinically relevant as high SOX2 mRNA levels are positively correlated with decreased overall survival and progression-free survival in patients affected with breast cancer. Given its key role as a master regulator of cell proliferation, SOX2 represents an important scaffold for the engineering of dominant-negative synthetic DNA-binding domains (DBDs) that act by blocking or interfering with the oncogenic activity of the endogenous transcription factor in cancer cells. We have synthesized an interference peptide (iPep) encompassing a truncated 24 amino acid long C-terminus of SOX2 containing a potential SOX-specific nuclear localization sequence, and the determinants of the binding of SOX2 to the DNA and to its transcription factor binding partners. We found that the resulting peptide (SOX2-iPep) possessed intrinsic cell penetration and promising nuclear localization into breast cancer cells, and decreased cellular proliferation of SOX2 overexpressing cell lines. The novel SOX2-iPep was found to exhibit a random coil conformation predominantly in solution. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to characterize the interactions of both the SOX2 transcription factor and the SOX2-iPep with FGF4-enhancer DNA in the presence of the POU domain of the partner transcription factor OCT4. Predictions of the free energy of binding revealed that the iPep largely retained the binding affinity for DNA of parental SOX2. This work will enable the future engineering of novel dominant interference peptides to transport different therapeutic cargo molecules such as anti-cancer drugs into cells.
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50
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Phosphorylation of intestine-specific homeobox by ERK1 modulates oncogenic activity and sorafenib resistance. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:160-171. [PMID: 34265398 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear translocation regulated by phosphorylation is a key step in providing activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) access to their nuclear targets; however, the mechanisms linking MAPK-induced nuclear translocation and target gene expression mediating oncologic activity remain obscure. Here, we show that the MAPK extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1, but not ERK2, phosphorylated intestine-specific homeobox (ISX), leading to its nuclear translocation and downstream oncogenic signaling. Mechanistically, ERK1 phosphorylated serine 183 of ISX, facilitating its nuclear translocation and downstream target gene expression. In contrast, dominant-negative ERK1 expression in hepatoma cells inhibited the nuclear translocation of ISX and the expression of downstream genes involved in cell proliferation, malignant transformation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro and in vivo. An activating mutation in ISX (S183D) exhibited a constitutive nuclear localization and resistance to sorafenib. Additionally, in 576 paired clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and adjacent normal tissues, ERK1 and ISX were co-expressed in a tumor-specific manner at mRNA and protein levels, while their mRNA levels showed significant correlation with survival duration, tumor size, number, and stage. These results highlight the significance of ERK1/ISX signaling in HCC progression and its potential as a prognostic and therapeutic target in HCC.
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