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Yue SY, Li WY, Xu S, Bai XX, Xu WL, Wang X, Ding HK, Chen J, Du HX, Xu LF, Niu D, Liang CZ. Causality investigation among gut microbiota, immune cells, and prostate diseases: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1445304. [PMID: 39323879 PMCID: PMC11422081 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1445304] [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: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to have a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of a variety of diseases, including prostate cancer, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Potential links between prostate diseases, immune cells and the gut microbiota have not been adequately investigated. Methods MR studies were conducted to estimate the effects of instrumental variables obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of 196 gut microbial taxa and 731 immune cells on the risk of prostate diseases. The primary method for analysing causal relationships was inverse variance-weighted (IVW) analysis, and the MR results were validated through various sensitivity analyses. Results MR analysis revealed that 28 gut microbiome taxa and 75 immune cell types were significantly associated with prostate diseases. Furthermore, reverse MR analysis did not support a causal relationship between prostate diseases and the intestinal microbiota or immune cells. Finally, the results of the mediation analysis indicated that Secreting Treg % CD4 Treg, Activated & resting Treg % CD4 Treg, and Mo MDSC AC inhibited the role of the class Mollicutes in reducing the risk of PCa. In prostatitis, CD8+ T cells on EM CD8br hinder the increased risk associated with the genus Eubacterium nodatum group. Interestingly, in BPH, CD28- CD25++CD8br AC and CD16-CD56 on HLA DR+ NK promoted the role of the genus Dorea in reducing the risk of BPH. Conclusion This study highlights the complex relationships among the gut microbiota, immune cells and prostate diseases. The involvement of the gut microbiota in regulating immune cells to impact prostate diseases could provide novel methods and concepts for its therapy and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Yu Yue
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Yi Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shun Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Bai
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Second People’s Hospital of Fuyang City, Fuyang, China
| | - Wen-Long Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - He-Kang Ding
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - He-Xi Du
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling-Fan Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Di Niu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao-Zhao Liang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Institute of Urology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Urological and Andrological Diseases Research and Medical Transformation, Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Aquino AM, Alonso-Costa LG, Santos SAA, Rocha VA, Barbisan LF, Bedrat A, Justulin LA, Flaws JA, Lemos B, Scarano WR. Integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis indicates potential biomarkers of prostate cancer in offspring of pregnant rats exposed to a phthalate mixture during gestation and lactation. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140020. [PMID: 37690569 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
As the second leading cause of death for cancer among men worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) prevention and detection remain a critical challenge. One aspect of PCa research is the identification of common environmental agents that may increase the risk of initiation and progression of PCa. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are strong candidates for risk factors, partially because they alter essential pathways for prostate gland development and oncogenesis. Phthalates correspond to a set of commercially used plasticizers that humans are exposed to ubiquitously. Here, we show that maternal exposure to a phthalate mixture interferes with the expression profile of mRNA and proteins in the ventral prostate of offspring and increases the susceptibility to prostate adenocarcinomas in aged animals. The data highlight Ubxn11, Aldoc, Kif5c, Tubb4a, Tubb3, Tubb2, Rab6b and Rab3b as differentially expressed targets in young and adult offspring descendants (PND22 and PND120). These phthalate-induced targets were enriched for pathways such as: dysregulation in post-translational protein modification (PTPM), cell homeostasis, HSP90 chaperone activity, gap junctions, and kinases. In addition, the Kif5c, Tubb3, Tubb2b and Tubb4a targets were enriched for impairment in cell cycle and GTPase activity. Furthermore, these targets showed strong relationships with 12 transcriptional factors (TF), which regulate the phosphorylation of eight protein kinases. The correlation of TF-kinases is associated with alterations in immune system, RAS/ErbB/VEGF/estrogen/HIF-1 signaling pathways, cellular senescence, cell cycle, autophagy, and apoptosis. Downregulation of KIF5C, TUBB3 and RAB6B targets is associated with poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Collectively, this integrative investigation establishes the post-transcriptional mechanisms in the prostate that are modulated by maternal exposure to phthalate mixture during gestation and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Aquino
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L G Alonso-Costa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S A A Santos
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA
| | - V A Rocha
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L F Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A Bedrat
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Boston, Massachussets, USA
| | - L A Justulin
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J A Flaws
- Department of Comparative Biosciences; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - B Lemos
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health & Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Boston, Massachussets, USA
| | - W R Scarano
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Liu YJ, Han M, Li JP, Zeng SH, Ye QW, Yin ZH, Liu SL, Zou X. An Analysis Regarding the Association Between Connexins and Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Tumor Microenvironment. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2461-2476. [PMID: 35449599 PMCID: PMC9017696 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s361362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gap junctions, as one of the major ways to maintain social connections between cells, are now considered as one of the potential regulators of tumor metastasis. However, to date, studies on the relationship between gap junctions and colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. Methods We synthesized connexins-coding gene expression data from public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using R software and several database resources such as MEXPRESS database, Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA) database, Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, Tumor Immune Single Cell Hub (TISCH) database, Search Tool for Retrieval of Gene Interaction Relationships (STRING), and Cytoscape software, etc., to investigate the biological mechanisms that may be involved in connexins. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining were used to validate the expression and localization of GJA4. Results We found that CRC patients can be divided into two connexin clusters and that patients in cluster C1 had shorter survival than in cluster C2. The infiltration of M1 macrophages and NK cells was lower in cluster C1, while the levels of M2 macrophages and immune checkpoints were higher, indicating an immunosuppressed state in cluster C1. In addition, the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype was significantly activated in cluster C1. We observed that GJA4 was up-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues, which was related to poor prognosis. It was mainly expressed in fibroblasts, but the expression levels in normal intestinal epithelial cells were low. Finally, we found that GJA4 was associated with M2 macrophages and may be a potential immunosuppressive factor. Conclusion We found that there is a significant correlation between abnormal connexins expression and patients’ prognosis, and connexins play an important role in stromal-tumor interactions. Connexins, especially GJA4, can help enhance our understanding of tumor microenvironment (TME) and may guide more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-jie Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie-pin Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-hong Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian-wen Ye
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong-hua Yin
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shen-lin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Zou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xi Zou; Shen-lin Liu, Email ;
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Wang X, Song Y, Shi Y, Yang D, Li J, Yin B. SNHG3 could promote prostate cancer progression through reducing methionine dependence of PCa cells. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:13. [PMID: 35123415 PMCID: PMC8903624 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00313-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) have increased dramatically, while mechanistic understanding of its onset and progression remains unmet. LncRNA SNHG3 has been proved to stimulate malignant progression of multiple cancers, whereas its functional mechanism in PCa needs to be deciphered. In this study, our analysis in the TCGA database revealed high SNHG3 expression in PCa tissue. Further analysis in starBase, TargetScan, and mirDIP databases identified the SNHG3/miR-152-3p/SLC7A11 regulatory axis. FISH was conducted to assess the distribution of SNHG3 in PCa tissue. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays confirmed the relationship among the three objects. Next, qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to measure expression levels of SNHG3, miR-152-3p, and SLC7A11. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, and flow cytometry were carried out to assess proliferation, migration, invasion, methionine dependence, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. It was noted that SNHG3 as a molecular sponge of miR-152-3p stimulated proliferation, migration, and invasion, restrained methionine dependence and apoptosis, and affected the cell cycle of PCa cells via targeting SLC7A11. Additionally, we constructed xenograft tumor models in nude mice and confirmed that knockdown of SNHG3 could restrain PCa tumor growth and elevate methionine dependence in vivo. In conclusion, our investigation improved understanding of the molecular mechanism of SNHG3 modulating PCa progression, thereby generating novel insights into clinical therapy for PCa.
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Gong K, Hong Q, Wu H, Wang F, Zhong L, Shen L, Xu P, Zhang W, Cao H, Zhan YY, Hu T, Hong X. Gap junctions mediate glucose transfer to promote colon cancer growth in three-dimensional spheroid culture. Cancer Lett 2022; 531:27-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Madej E, Ryszawy D, Brożyna AA, Czyz M, Czyz J, Wolnicka-Glubisz A. Deciphering the Functional Role of RIPK4 in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111504. [PMID: 34768934 PMCID: PMC8583870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of various tissues including skin, but its role in melanoma has not been reported. Using patient-derived cell lines and clinical samples, we show that RIPK4 is expressed in melanomas at different levels. This heterogenous expression, together with very low level of RIPK4 in melanocytes, indicates that the role of this kinase in melanoma is context-dependent. While the analysis of microarray data has revealed no straightforward correlation between the stage of melanoma progression and RIPK4 expression in vivo, relatively high levels of RIPK4 are in metastatic melanoma cell lines. RIPK4 down-regulation by siRNA resulted in the attenuation of invasive potential as assessed by time-lapse video microscopy, wound-healing and transmigration assays. These effects were accompanied by reduced level of pro-invasive proteins such as MMP9, MMP2, and N-cadherin. Incubation of melanoma cells with phorbol ester (PMA) increased PKC-1β level and hyperphosphorylation of RIPK4 resulting in degradation of RIPK4. Interestingly, incubation of cells with PMA for short and long durations revealed that cell migration is controlled by the NF-κB signaling in a RIPK4-dependent (RIPK4high) or independent (RIPK4low) manner depending on cell origin (distant or lymph node metastasis) or phenotype (mesenchymal or epithelial).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Madej
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Biology, Department of Human Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Jaroslaw Czyz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Wolnicka-Glubisz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-664-65-26; Fax: +48-12-664-69
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Tang SN, Jiang P, Kim S, Zhang J, Jiang C, Lü J. Interception Targets of Angelica Gigas Nakai Root Extract versus Pyranocoumarins in Prostate Early Lesions and Neuroendocrine Carcinomas in TRAMP Mice. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 14:635-648. [PMID: 33648943 PMCID: PMC8225574 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We reported efficacy of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root ethanol extract and equimolar decursin (D)/decursinol angelate (DA) through daily gavage starting at 8 weeks of age (WOA) to male transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice such that these modalities suppressed precancerous epithelial lesions in their dorsolateral prostate (DLP) to similar extent, but AGN extract was better than the D/DA mixture at promoting the survival of mice bearing prostate neuroendocrine carcinomas to 28 WOA. Here, we compared by microarray hybridization the mRNA levels in pooled DLP tissues and individual neuroendocrine carcinomas to characterize potential molecular targets of AGN extract and D/DA. Clustering and principal component analyses supported distinct gene expression profiles of TRAMP DLP versus neuroendocrine carcinomas. Pathway Enrichment, Gene Ontology, and Ingenuity Pathway Analyses of differential genes indicated that AGN and D/DA affected chiefly processes of lipid and mitochondrial energy metabolism and oxidation-reduction in TRAMP DLP, while AGN affected neuronal signaling, immune systems and cell cycling in neuroendocrine carcinomas. Protein-Protein Interaction Network analysis predicted and reverse transcription-PCR verified multiple hub genes common in the DLP of AGN- and D/DA-treated TRAMP mice at 28 WOA and select hub genes attributable to the non-D/DA AGN components. The vast majority of hub genes in the AGN-treated neuroendocrine carcinomas differed from those in TRAMP DLP. In summary, the transcriptomic approach illuminated vastly different signaling pathways and networks, cellular processes, and hub genes of two TRAMP prostate malignancy lineages and their associations with the interception efficacy of AGN and D/DA. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: This study explores potential molecular targets associated with in vivo activity of AGN root alcoholic extract and its major pyranocoumarins to intercept precancerous epithelial lesions and early malignancies of the prostate. Without an ethically-acceptable, clearly defined cancer initiation risk reduction strategy available for the prostate, using natural products like AGN to delay formation of malignant tumors could be a plausible approach for prostate cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ni Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Peixin Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Sangyub Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jinhui Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Cheng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Junxuan Lü
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Temozolomide Induces the Acquisition of Invasive Phenotype by O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) + Glioblastoma Cells in a Snail-1/Cx43-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084150. [PMID: 33923767 PMCID: PMC8073161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurrences after temozolomide (TMZ) treatment result from the expansion of drug-resistant and potentially invasive GBM cells. This process is facilitated by O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT), which counteracts alkylating TMZ activity. We traced the expansion of invasive cell lineages under persistent chemotherapeutic stress in MGMTlow (U87) and MGMThigh (T98G) GBM populations to look into the mechanisms of TMZ-induced microevolution of GBM invasiveness. TMZ treatment induced short-term, pro-invasive phenotypic shifts of U87 cells, in the absence of Snail-1 activation. They were illustrated by a transient induction of their motility and followed by the hypertrophy and the signs of senescence in scarce U87 sub-populations that survived long-term TMZ stress. In turn, MGMThigh T98G cells reacted to the long-term TMZ treatment with the permanent induction of invasiveness. Ectopic Snail-1 down-regulation attenuated this effect, whereas its up-regulation augmented T98G invasiveness. MGMTlow and MGMThigh cells both reacted to the long-term TMZ stress with the induction of Cx43 expression. However, only in MGMThigh T98G populations, Cx43 was directly involved in the induction of invasiveness, as manifested by the induction of T98G invasiveness after ectopic Cx43 up-regulation and by the opposite effect after Cx43 down-regulation. Collectively, Snail-1/Cx43-dependent signaling participates in the long-term TMZ-induced microevolution of the invasive GBM front. High MGMT activity remains a prerequisite for this process, even though MGMT-related GBM chemoresistance is not necessary for its initiation.
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Harnessing the therapeutic potential of antibodies targeting connexin hemichannels. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166047. [PMID: 33418036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin hemichannels have been implicated in pathology-promoting conditions, including inflammation, numerous widespread human diseases, including cancer and diabetes, and several rare diseases linked to pathological point mutations. METHODS We analysed the literature focusing on antibodies capable of modulating hemichannel function, highlighting generation methods, applications to basic biomedical research and translational potential. RESULTS Anti-hemichannel antibodies generated over the past 3 decades targeted mostly connexin 43, with a focus on cancer treatment. A slow transition from relatively unselective polyclonal antibodies to more selective monoclonal antibodies resulted in few products with interesting characteristics that are under evaluation for clinical trials. Selection of antibodies from combinatorial phage-display libraries, has permitted to engineer a monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks pathological hemichannels formed by connexin 26, 30 and 32. CONCLUSIONS All known antibodies that modulate connexin hemichannels target the two small extracellular loops of the connexin proteins. The extracellular region of different connexins is highly conserved, and few residues of each connexins are exposed. The search for new antibodies may develop an unprecedented potential for therapeutic applications, as it may benefit tremendously from novel whole-cell screening platforms that permit in situ selection of antibodies against membrane proteins in native state. The demonstrated efficacy of mAbs in reaching and modulating hemichannels in vivo, together with their relative specificity for connexins overlapping epitopes, should hopefully stimulate an interest for widening the scope of anti-hemichannel antibodies. There is no shortage of currently incurable diseases for which therapeutic intervention may benefit from anti-hemichannel antibodies capable of modulating hemichannel function selectively and specifically.
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10
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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11
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Boucher J, Balandre AC, Debant M, Vix J, Harnois T, Bourmeyster N, Péraudeau E, Chépied A, Clarhaut J, Debiais F, Monvoisin A, Cronier L. Cx43 Present at the Leading Edge Membrane Governs Promigratory Effects of Osteoblast-Conditioned Medium on Human Prostate Cancer Cells in the Context of Bone Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103013. [PMID: 33081404 PMCID: PMC7602984 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103013] [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: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In its late stages, prostate cancer (PCa) is characterized by a high propensity to form osteoblastic bone metastases, mainly treated by palliative approaches. In a previous work, we demonstrated that a gap junctional protein, connexin43 (Cx43) is implicated both in the increase of aggressiveness of PCa cells and in their impact on bone. To analyze the reciprocal part of the dialogue, the current study addresses the role of Cx43 in the impact of bone microenvironment on PCa cells abilities. Using Cx43-overexpressing PCa cell lines, we determined that Cx43 is necessary for promigratory effect induced by osteoblastic conditioned media (ObCM) on individual cells. Next, we demonstrated the requirement of Cx43 membrane localization at the leading edge and the involvement of the cytoplasmic part in this ObCM-induced migration. Overall, our findings precise the role of Cx43 during PCa progression and its putative use as aggressiveness marker and as potential therapeutic targets. Abstract Among the different interacting molecules implicated in bone metastases, connexin43 (Cx43) may increase sensitivity of prostate cancer (PCa) cells to bone microenvironment, as suggested by our in silico and human tissue samples analyses that revealed increased level of Cx43 expression with PCa progression and a Cx43 specific expression in bone secondary sites. The goal of the present study was to understand how Cx43 influences PCa cells sensitivity and aggressiveness to bone microenvironment. By means of Cx43-overexpressing PCa cell lines, we revealed a Cx43-dependent promigratory effect of osteoblastic conditioned media (ObCM). This effect on directional migration relied on the presence of Cx43 at the plasma membrane and not on gap junctional intercellular communication and hemichannel functions. ObCM stimulation induced Rac1 activation and Cx43 interaction with cortactin in protrusions of migrating PCa cells. Finally, by transfecting two different truncated forms of Cx43 in LNCaP cells, we determined that the carboxy terminal (CT) part of Cx43 is crucial for the responsiveness of PCa cells to ObCM. Our study demonstrates that Cx43 level and its membrane localization modulate the phenotypic response of PCa cells to osteoblastic microenvironment and that its CT domain plays a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Boucher
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Annie-Claire Balandre
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Marjolaine Debant
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Justine Vix
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Center of Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Thomas Harnois
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Nicolas Bourmeyster
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Elodie Péraudeau
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France; (E.P.); (J.C.)
- CNRS UMR 7285, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), University of Poitiers, 4 Rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Amandine Chépied
- Laboratory of Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences, LNEC-INSERM U1084, UBM-Laboratoire de Cancérologie Biologique, CHU de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| | - Jonathan Clarhaut
- University Hospital Center of Poitiers, 2 rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France; (E.P.); (J.C.)
- CNRS UMR 7285, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et des Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP), University of Poitiers, 4 Rue Michel Brunet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Françoise Debiais
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Center of Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86021 Poitiers, France
| | - Arnaud Monvoisin
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Laurent Cronier
- CNRS ERL7003, Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), University of Poitiers, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, TSA 51106, CEDEX 09, 86073 Poitiers, France; (J.B.); (A.-C.B.); (M.D.); (J.V.); (T.H.); (N.B.); (F.D.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-49-45-37-52
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12
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Liu W, Cui Y, Wei J, Sun J, Zheng L, Xie J. Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:17. [PMID: 32532966 PMCID: PMC7293327 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Homoeostasis depends on the close connection and intimate molecular exchange between extracellular, intracellular and intercellular networks. Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells. Although considerable evidence indicates that gap junctions contribute to the functions of many organs, such as the bone, intestine, kidney, heart, brain and nerve, less is known about their role in oral development and disease. In this review, the current progress in understanding the background of connexins and the functions of gap junctions in oral development and diseases is discussed. The homoeostasis of tooth and periodontal tissues, normal tooth and maxillofacial development, saliva secretion and the integrity of the oral mucosa depend on the proper function of gap junctions. Knowledge of this pattern of cell-cell communication is required for a better understanding of oral diseases. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in oral diseases, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various oral diseases and maxillofacial dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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13
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Inhibition of miR30a-3p by sulforaphane enhances gap junction intercellular communication in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 469:238-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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14
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Li G, Sun L, Mu Z, Liu S, Qu H, Xie Q, Hu B. MicroRNA-1298-5p inhibits cell proliferation and the invasiveness of bladder cancer cells via down-regulation of connexin 43. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 98:227-237. [PMID: 31600451 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2019-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miR)-1298 is widely down-regulated in a variety of malignant tumors, which facilitates cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration. However, the specific biological function of miR-1298 in bladder cancer (BC) is still unknown. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is often up-regulated in tumors. Identifying miRNAs that target Cx43 in the setting of BC will help to develop Cx43-based therapies for BC. In this study, the results demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-1298 and Cx43 were significantly down-regulated and up-regulated, respectively, in BC tissues. Overexpression of miR-1298 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in two BC cell lines as determined using MTT assays, cell cycle assays, colony formation assays, Transwell assays, gelatin zymography, and Western blot. In addition, we found that miR-1298 decreased Cx43 expression by directly targeting the 3'-UTR. Further, we observed that the promotion of BC cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness from Cx43 on could be partially attenuated by overexpressing miR-1298. Moreover, the protein expression of p-ERK was ameliorated after transfection with overexpressed-miR-1298. Knockdown of Cx43 reversed the promotion of cell migration and invasiveness due to decreased expression of miR-1298. All of the data from our study indicate that miR-1298 could be a diagnostic marker of BC and a potential therapeutic agent via inhibiting Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Longfeng Sun
- Department of Geriatric Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyi Mu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Liu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchen Qu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingpeng Xie
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang 110042, People's Republic of China
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15
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Direct Intercellular Communications and Cancer: A Snapshot of the Biological Roles of Connexins in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091370. [PMID: 31540089 PMCID: PMC6770088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis is the result of a complex intercellular network controlling the behavior of every cell for the survival of the whole organism. In mammalian tissues, cells do communicate via diverse long- and short-range communication mechanisms. While long-range communication involves hormones through blood circulation and neural transmission, short-range communication mechanisms include either paracrine diffusible factors or direct interactions (e.g., gap junctions, intercellular bridges and tunneling nanotubes) or a mixture of both (e.g., exosomes). Tumor growth represents an alteration of tissue homeostasis and could be the consequence of intercellular network disruption. In this network, direct short-range intercellular communication seems to be particularly involved. The first type of these intercellular communications thought to be involved in cancer progression were gap junctions and their protein subunits, the connexins. From these studies came the general assumption that global decreased connexin expression is correlated to tumor progression and increased cell proliferation. However, this assumption appeared more complicated by the fact that connexins may act also as pro-tumorigenic. Then, the concept that direct intercellular communication could be involved in cancer has been expanded to include new forms of intercellular communication such as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and exosomes. TNTs are intercellular bridges that allow free exchange of small molecules or even mitochondria depending on the presence of gap junctions. The majority of current research shows that such exchanges promote cancer progression by increasing resistance to hypoxia and chemotherapy. If exosomes are also involved in these mechanisms, more studies are needed to understand their precise role. Prostate cancer (PCa) represents a type of malignancy with one of the highest incidence rates worldwide. The precise role of these types of direct short-range intercellular communication has been considered in the progression of PCa. However, even though data are in favor of connexins playing a key role in PCa progression, a clear understanding of the role of TNTs and exosomes is needed to define their precise role in this malignancy. This review article summarizes the current view of the main mechanisms involved in short-range intercellular communication and their implications in cancer and delves into the biological, predictive and therapeutic role of connexins in PCa.
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16
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Scarano WR, Pinho CF, Pissinatti L, Gonçalves BF, Mendes LO, Campos SG. Cell junctions in the prostate: an overview about the effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCS) in different experimental models. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:147-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Piwowarczyk K, Kwiecień E, Sośniak J, Zimoląg E, Guzik E, Sroka J, Madeja Z, Czyż J. Fenofibrate Interferes with the Diapedesis of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells through the Interference with Cx43/EGF-Dependent Intercellular Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10100363. [PMID: 30274176 PMCID: PMC6210471 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10100363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extravasation of circulating cancer cells is regulated by the intercellular/intracellular signaling pathways that locally impair the endothelial barrier function. Co-cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells enabled us to identify these pathways and to quantify the effect of fenofibrate (FF) on their activity. A549 cells induced the disruption and local activation of endothelial continuum. These events were accompanied by epidermal growth factor (EGF) up-regulation in endothelial cells. Impaired A549 diapedesis and HUVEC activation were seen upon the chemical inhibition of connexin(Cx)43 functions, EGF/ERK1/2-dependent signaling, and RhoA/Rac1 activity. A total of 25 μM FF exerted corresponding effects on Cx43-mediated gap junctional coupling, EGF production, and ERK1/2 activation in HUVEC/A549 co-cultures. It also directly augmented endothelial barrier function via the interference with focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/RhoA/Rac1-regulated endothelial cell adhesion/contractility/motility and prompted the selective transmigration of epithelioid A549 cells. N-acetyl-L-cysteine abrogated FF effects on HUVEC activation, suggesting the involvement of PPARα-independent mechanism(s) in its action. Our data identify a novel Cx43/EGF/ERK1/2/FAK/RhoA/Rac1-dependent signaling axis, which determines the efficiency of lung cancer cell diapedesis. FF interferes with its activity and reduces the susceptibility of endothelial cells to A549 stimuli. These findings provide the rationale for the implementation of FF in the therapy of malignant lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Edyta Kwiecień
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Justyna Sośniak
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Eliza Zimoląg
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Emiliana Guzik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Sroka
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Ryszawy D, Rolski F, Ryczek K, Catapano J, Wróbel T, Michalik M, Czyż J. Invasive bronchial fibroblasts derived from asthmatic patients activate lung cancer A549 cells in vitro. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:6582-6588. [PMID: 30405798 PMCID: PMC6202494 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggests that there are functional links between bronchial asthma and lung carcinogenesis. Bronchial fibroblasts serve a prominent role in the asthmatic process; however, their involvement in lung cancer progression remains unaddressed. To estimate the effect of the asthmatic microenvironment on the invasiveness of lung cancer cells, the present study compared the behavior of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells exposed to the signals from human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) derived from non-asthmatic donors (NA HBFs) and from asthmatic patients (AS HBFs). NA HBFs did not significantly affect A549 motility, whereas AS HBFs and the media conditioned with AS HBF/A549 co-cultures increased Snail-1/connexin43 expression and motility of A549 cells. In contrast to NA HBFs, which formed A549-impenetrable lateral barriers, α-SMA+ AS HBFs actively infiltrated A549 monolayers and secreted chemotactic factors that arrested A549 cells within AS HBF/A549 contact zone. However, small sub-populations of A549 cells could release from this arrest and colonize distant regions of AS HBF monolayers. These data indicated that the interactions between lung cancer cells and HBFs in asthmatic bronchi may facilitate the colonization of lung tumors by fibroblasts. It further stabilizes the tumor microenvironment and potentially facilitates collective colonization of novel bronchial loci by cancer cells. Potential mechanistic links between the asthmatic process and lung cancer progression suggest that bronchial asthma should be included in the list of potential prognostic markers for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Ryszawy
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Filip Rolski
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Ryczek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jessica Catapano
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wróbel
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Paw M, Wnuk D, Kądziołka D, Sęk A, Lasota S, Czyż J, Madeja Z, Michalik M. Fenofibrate Reduces the Asthma-Related Fibroblast-To-Myofibroblast Transition by TGF-Β/Smad2/3 Signaling Attenuation and Connexin 43-Dependent Phenotype Destabilization. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092571. [PMID: 30158495 PMCID: PMC6163263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of human bronchial fibroblasts by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) leads to the formation of highly contractile myofibroblasts in the process of the fibroblast–myofibroblast transition (FMT). This process is crucial for subepithelial fibrosis and bronchial wall remodeling in asthma. However, this process evades current therapeutic asthma treatment strategies. Since our previous studies showed the attenuation of the TGF-β1-induced FMT in response to lipid-lowering agents (e.g., statins), we were interested to see whether a corresponding effect could be obtained upon administration of hypolipidemic agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of fenofibrate on FMT efficiency in populations of bronchial fibroblasts derived from asthmatic patients. Fenofibrate exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the FMT, even though it did not efficiently affect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; marker of myofibroblasts); however, it considerably reduced its incorporation into stress fibers through connexin 43 regulation. This effect was accompanied by disturbances in the actin cytoskeleton architecture, impairments in the maturation of focal adhesions, and the fenofibrate-induced deactivation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling. These data suggest that fenofibrate interferes with myofibroblastic differentiation during asthma-related subepithelial fibrosis. The data indicate the potential application of fenofibrate in the therapy and prevention of bronchial remodeling during the asthmatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Dominika Kądziołka
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Sęk
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Sławomir Lasota
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Marta Michalik
- Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378 Kraków, Poland.
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20
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Hejmej A, Bilinska B. The effects of flutamide on cell-cell junctions in the testis, epididymis, and prostate. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:1-16. [PMID: 29958919 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize recent findings on the effect of the anti-androgen flutamide on cell-cell junctions in the male reproductive system. We outline developmental aspects of flutamide action on the testis, epididymis, and prostate, and describe changes in junction protein expression and organization of junctional complexes in the adult boar following prenatal and postnatal exposure. We also discuss findings on the mechanisms by which flutamide induces alterations in cell-cell junctions in reproductive tissues of adult males, with special emphasis on cytoplasmic effects. Based on the results from in vivo and in vitro studies in the rat, we propose that flutamide affects the expression of junction proteins and junction complex structure not only by inhibiting androgen receptor activity, but equally important by modulating protein kinase-dependent signaling in testicular cells. Additionally, results from studies on prostate cancer cell lines point to a role for the cellular molecular outfit in response to flutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilinska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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21
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Zhang D, Yu K, Yang Z, Li Y, Ma X, Bian X, Liu F, Li L, Liu X, Wu W. Silencing Ubc9 expression suppresses osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and enhances chemosensitivity to HSV-TK/GCV by regulating connexin 43 SUMOylation. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1323-1331. [PMID: 29956745 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) systems to kill tumor cells is partially dependent on the integrity of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) of targeted tumor cells. Recent studies have suggested that connexin 43 (Cx43), which serves a role in gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, is regulated by small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs). However, the roles of these post-translational modifications remain to be elucidated. The present study demonstrated overexpression of SUMO‑conjugating enzyme Ubc9 (Ubc9) protein in osteosarcoma. Silencing Ubc9 by siRNA inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration, and significantly increased the sensitivity of cells to HSV-TK/GCV systems both in vitro and in vivo. Further experimentation demonstrated that silencing Ubc9 induced decoupling of SUMO1 from Cx43, generating increased free Cx43 levels, which is important for reconstructing GJIC and recovering cellular functions. In conclusion, the present study revealed a novel method for the effective restoration of GJIC in osteosarcoma cells, which may increase their sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianying Zhang
- Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Beijing University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, P.R. China
| | - Kai Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Li
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Ma
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Xiyun Bian
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Fengting Liu
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhi Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300450, P.R. China
| | - Wenhan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, P.R. China
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22
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Reduced Connexin 43 expression is associated with tumor malignant behaviors and biochemical recurrence-free survival of prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:67476-67484. [PMID: 27623212 PMCID: PMC5341890 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43, a gap junction protein, coordinates cell-to-cell communication and adhesion. Altered Connexin 43 expression associated with cancer development and progression. In this study, we assessed Connexin 43 expression for association with clinicopathological features and biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Pathological specimens were collected from 243 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and from 60 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients to construct tissue microarrays and immunohistochemical analysis of Connexin 43 expression. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportion hazard model were performed to associate Connexin 43 expression with postoperative biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS). Connexin 43 expression was significantly reduced or lost in tumor tissues compared to that of BPHs (39.1% vs. 96.7%, P<0.001). Reduced Connexin 43 expression was associated with high levels of preoperative PSA, high Gleason score, advanced pT stage, positive surgical margin, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion (P < 0.05, for all). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that reduced Connexin 43 expression was associated with shortened postoperative BFS (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that reduced Connexin 43 expression, high Gleason score and advanced pT stage were independent predictors for BFS of patients (P < 0.05). Connexin 43 expression was significantly reduced or lost in prostate cancer tissues, which was associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor BFS of patients after radical prostatectomy.
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23
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Paw M, Borek I, Wnuk D, Ryszawy D, Piwowarczyk K, Kmiotek K, Wójcik-Pszczoła KA, Pierzchalska M, Madeja Z, Sanak M, Błyszczuk P, Michalik M, Czyż J. Connexin43 Controls the Myofibroblastic Differentiation of Bronchial Fibroblasts from Patients with Asthma. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:100-110. [PMID: 28245135 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2015-0255oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologic accumulation of myofibroblasts in asthmatic bronchi is regulated by extrinsic stimuli and by the intrinsic susceptibility of bronchial fibroblasts to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The specific function of gap junctions and connexins in this process has remained unknown. Here, we investigated the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in TGF-β-induced myofibroblastic differentiation of fibroblasts derived from bronchoscopic biopsy specimens of patients with asthma and donors without asthma. Asthmatic fibroblasts expressed considerably higher levels of Cx43 and were more susceptible to TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic differentiation than were their nonasthmatic counterparts. TGF-β1 efficiently up-regulated Cx43 levels and activated the canonical Smad pathway in asthmatic cells. Ectopic Cx43 expression in nonasthmatic (Cx43low) fibroblasts increased their predilection to TGF-β1-induced Smad2 activation and fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Transient Cx43 silencing in asthmatic (Cx43high) fibroblasts by Cx43 small interfering RNA attenuated the TGF-β1-triggered Smad2 activation and myofibroblast formation. Direct interactions of Smad2 and Cx43 with β-tubulin were demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation assay, whereas the sensitivity of these interactions to TGF-β1 signaling was confirmed by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer analyses. Furthermore, inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway attenuated TGF-β1-triggered Cx43 up-regulation and myofibroblast differentiation of asthmatic fibroblasts. Chemical inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication with 18 α-glycyrrhetinic acid did not affect the initiation of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition in asthmatic fibroblasts but interfered with the maintenance of their myofibroblastic phenotype. Collectively, our data identified Cx43 as a new player in the feedback mechanism regulating TGF-β1/Smad-dependent differentiation of bronchial fibroblasts. Thus, our observations point to Cx43 as a novel profibrotic factor in asthma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Izabela Borek
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kmiotek
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna A Wójcik-Pszczoła
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,2 Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical School, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Madeja
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Sanak
- 2 Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical School, Kraków, Poland
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- 3 Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Kraków, Poland.,5 Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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24
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Boucher J, Monvoisin A, Vix J, Mesnil M, Thuringer D, Debiais F, Cronier L. Connexins, important players in the dissemination of prostate cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:202-215. [PMID: 28693897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 50years, increasing experimental evidences have established that connexins (Cxs) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) ensure an important role in both the onset and development of cancerous processes. In the present review, we focus on the impact of Cxs and GJIC during the development of prostate cancer (PCa), from the primary growth mainly localized in acinar glands and ducts to the distant metastasis mainly concentrated in bone. As observed in several other types of solid tumours, Cxs and especially Cx43 exhibit an ambivalent role with a tumour suppressor effect in the early stages and, conversely, a rather pro-tumoural profile for most of invasion and dissemination steps to secondary sites. We report here the current knowledge on the function of Cxs during PCa cells migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, proteinases activities and the cross talk with the surrounding stromal cells in the microenvironment of the tumour and the bones. In addition, we discuss the role of Cxs in the bone tropism even if the prostate model is rarely used to study the complete sequence of cancer dissemination compared to breast cancer or melanoma. Even if not yet fully understood, these recent findings on Cxs provide new insights into their molecular mechanisms associated with progression and bone targeted behaviour of PCa. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Boucher
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Arnaud Monvoisin
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Justine Vix
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Department of Rheumatology, C.H.U. la Milétrie, Poitiers, France
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Françoise Debiais
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Department of Rheumatology, C.H.U. la Milétrie, Poitiers, France
| | - Laurent Cronier
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
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25
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Wu W, Fan L, Bao Z, Zhang Y, Peng Y, Shao M, Xiang Y, Zhang X, Wang Q, Tao L. The cytoplasmic translocation of Cx32 mediates cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 487:292-299. [PMID: 28412364 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and cisplatin is one of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents. However, acquired cisplatin resistance prevents the successful treatment of patients with ovarian cancer. Gap junction (GJ) and connexin (Cx) are closely related to tumor formation, but the relationship between cisplatin resistance and GJ or Cx are undetermined. In this study, we established the cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line A2780-CDDP. Here we showed that cisplatin resistance was correlated to the loss of GJ and the upregulation of Cx32 expression. Enhancing GJ in A2780-CDDP cells could increase the apoptotic response to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, although Cx32 expression was increased in A2780-CDDP cells, it was more localized to the cytoplasm rather than in the membrane, and knockdown of Cx32 in A2780-CDDP cells sensitized them to cisplatin treatment. In summary, Cx32 is involved in cisplatin resistance, and cytoplasmic Cx32 plays an important role in chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeqing Bao
- Zhaoqing Medical College Pharmacology Teaching and Research Section, Zhaoqing 526020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuke Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Piwowarczyk K, Paw M, Ryszawy D, Rutkowska-Zapała M, Madeja Z, Siedlar M, Czyż J. Connexin43 high prostate cancer cells induce endothelial connexin43 up-regulation through the activation of intercellular ERK1/2-dependent signaling axis. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:337-346. [PMID: 28396058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin(Cx)43 regulates the invasive potential of prostate cancer cells and participates in their extravasation. To address the role of endothelial Cx43 in this process, we analyzed Cx43 regulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the proximity of Cx43high (DU-145 and MAT-LyLu) and Cx43low prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and AT-2). Endothelial Cx43 up-regulation was observed during the diapedesis of DU-145 and MAT-LyLu cells. This process was attenuated by transient Cx43 silencing in cancer cells and by chemical inhibition of ERK1/2-dependent signaling in endothelial cells. Cx43 expression in endothelial cells was insensitive to the inhibition of gap junctional intercellular coupling between Cx43high prostate cancer and endothelial cells by 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid. Instead, endothelial Cx43 up-regulation was correlated with the local contraction of endothelial cells and with their activation in the proximity of Cx43high DU-145 and MAT-LyLu cells. It was also sensitive to pro-inflammatory factors secreted by peripheral blood monocytes, such as TNFα. In contrast to Cx43low AT-2 cells, Cx43low PC-3 cells produced angioactive factors that locally activated the endothelial cells in the absence of endothelial Cx43 up-regulation. Collectively, these data show that Cx43low and Cx43high prostate cancer cells can adapt discrete, Cx43-independent and Cx43-dependent strategies of diapedesis. Our observations identify a novel strategy of prostate cancer cell diapedesis, which depends on the activation of intercellular Cx43/ERK1/2/Cx43 signaling axis at the interfaces between Cx43high prostate cancer and endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rutkowska-Zapała
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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27
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Alberto AVP, Bonavita AG, Fidalgo-Neto AA, Berçot F, Alves LA. Single-cell Microinjection for Cell Communication Analysis. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28287521 DOI: 10.3791/50836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels that allow the communication of neighboring cells. This communication depends on the contribution of a hemichannel by each neighboring cell to form the gap junction. In mammalian cells, the hemichannel is formed by six connexins, monomers with four transmembrane domains and a C and N terminal within the cytoplasm. Gap junctions permit the exchange of ions, second messengers, and small metabolites. In addition, they have important roles in many forms of cellular communication within physiological processes such as synaptic transmission, heart contraction, cell growth and differentiation. We detail how to perform a single-cell microinjection of Lucifer Yellow to visualize cellular communication via gap-junctions in living cells. It is expected that in functional gap junctions, the dye will diffuse from the loaded cell to the connected cells. It is a very useful technique to study gap junctions since you can evaluate the diffusion of the fluorescence in real time. We discuss how to prepare the cells and the micropipette, how to use a micromanipulator and inject a low molecular weight fluorescent dye in an epithelial cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André G Bonavita
- Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation
| | | | - Filipe Berçot
- Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation
| | - Luiz A Alves
- Institute Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation;
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28
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Liu Q, Ji X, Ge Z, Diao H, Chang X, Wang L, Wu Q. Role of connexin 43 in cadmium-induced proliferation of human prostate epithelial cells. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 37:933-942. [PMID: 28176351 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs), the subunits of gap junction channels, are involved in many physiological processes. Aberrant control of Cxs and gap junction intercellular communication may contribute to many diseases, including the promotion of cancer. Cd exposure is associated with increased risk of human prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The roles of Cxs in the effects of Cd on the prostate have, however, not been reported previously. In this study, the human prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1 was exposed to Cd. A low dose of Cd stimulated cell proliferation along with a lower degree of gap junction intercellular communication and an elevated level of the protein Cx43. Cd exposure increased the levels of intracellular Ca2+ and phosphorylated Cx43 at the Ser368 site. Knockdown of Cx43 using siRNA blocked Cd-induced proliferation and interfered with the Cd-induced changes in the protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, p27Kip1 (p27) and p21Waf1/Cip1 (p21). The increase in Cx43 expression induced by Cd was presumably mediated by the androgen receptor, because it was abolished upon treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. Thus, a low dose of Cd promotes cell proliferation in RWPE-1, possibly mediated by Cx43 expression through an effect on cell cycle-associated proteins. Cx43 might be a target for prostatic diseases associated with Cd exposure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Liu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Ji
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zehe Ge
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Haipeng Diao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiuli Chang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Shanghai Jinshan District Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Weisheng Road, Jinshan District, Shanghai, 201599, China
| | - Qing Wu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, DongAn Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
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29
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Jiang G, Dong S, Yu M, Han X, Zheng C, Zhu X, Tong X. Influence of gap junction intercellular communication composed of connexin 43 on the antineoplastic effect of adriamycin in breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 13:857-866. [PMID: 28356970 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) serve the principal role in the antineoplastic (cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis) effect of chemical drugs. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) composed of connexin 43 (Cx43) on adriamycin cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells. Four cell lines (Hs578T, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3) with different degree of malignancy were used in the study. The results of western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed that, in Hs578T and MCF-7 cells, which have a low degree of malignancy, the expression levels of Cx43 and GJIC were higher than those in MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 cells (which have a high degree of malignancy). In Hs578T and MCF-7 cells, where GJ could be formed, the function of GJ was modulated by a pharmacological potentiators [retinoid acid (RA)]/inhibitors [oleamide and 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18-α-GA)] and small interfering RNA (siRNA). In high-density cells (where GJ was formed), enhancement of GJ function by RA increased the cytotoxicity of adriamycin, while inhibition of GJ function by oleamide/18-α-GA and siRNA decreased the cytotoxicity caused by adriamycin. Notably, the modulation of GJ did not affect the survival of cells treated with adriamycin when cells were in low density (no GJ was formed). The present study illustrated the association between GJIC and the antitumor effect of adriamycin in breast cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of adriamycin on breast cancer cells was increased when the function of gap junctions was enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Jiang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Shuying Dong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Meiling Yu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Xi Han
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoguang Zhu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
| | - Xuhui Tong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233030, P.R. China
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30
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Iyyathurai J, Decuypere JP, Leybaert L, D'hondt C, Bultynck G. Connexins: substrates and regulators of autophagy. BMC Cell Biol 2016; 17 Suppl 1:20. [PMID: 27229147 PMCID: PMC4896244 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins mediate intercellular communication by assembling into hexameric channel complexes that act as hemichannels and gap junction channels. Most connexins are characterized by a very rapid turn-over in a variety of cell systems. The regulation of connexin turn-over by phosphorylation and ubiquitination events has been well documented. Moreover, different pathways have been implicated in connexin degradation, including proteasomal and lysosomal-based pathways. Only recently, autophagy emerged as an important connexin-degradation pathway for different connexin isoforms. As such, conditions well known to induce autophagy have an immediate impact on the connexin-expression levels. This is not only limited to experimental conditions but also several pathophysiological conditions associated with autophagy (dys)function affect connexin levels and their presence at the cell surface as gap junctions. Finally, connexins are not only substrates of autophagy but also emerge as regulators of the autophagy process. In particular, several connexin isoforms appear to recruit pre-autophagosomal autophagy-related proteins, including Atg16 and PI3K-complex components, to the plasma membrane, thereby limiting their availability and capacity for regulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jegan Iyyathurai
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Decuypere
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, Department of Human Genetics, and VIB-Center for the Biology of Disease, Campus Gasthuisberg, O/N-IV, 7.159, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Ghent University, Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catheleyne D'hondt
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Bultynck
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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31
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Hong X, Sin WC, Harris AL, Naus CC. Gap junctions modulate glioma invasion by direct transfer of microRNA. Oncotarget 2016; 6:15566-77. [PMID: 25978028 PMCID: PMC4558171 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasiveness of high-grade glioma is the primary reason for poor survival following treatment. Interaction between glioma cells and surrounding astrocytes are crucial to invasion. We investigated the role of gap junction mediated miRNA transfer in this context. By manipulating gap junctions with a gap junction inhibitor, siRNAs, and a dominant negative connexin mutant, we showed that functional glioma-glioma gap junctions suppress glioma invasion while glioma-astrocyte and astrocyte-astrocyte gap junctions promote it in an in vitro transwell invasion assay. After demonstrating that glioma-astrocyte gap junctions are permeable to microRNA, we compared the microRNA profiles of astrocytes before and after co-culture with glioma cells, identifying specific microRNAs as candidates for transfer through gap junctions from glioma cells to astrocytes. Further analysis showed that transfer of miR-5096 from glioma cells to astrocytes is through gap junctions; this transfer is responsible, in part, for the pro-invasive effect. Our results establish a role for glioma-astrocyte gap junction mediated microRNA signaling in modulation of glioma invasive behavior, and that gap junction coupling among astrocytes magnifies the pro-invasive signaling. Our findings reveal the potential for therapeutic interventions based on abolishing alteration of stromal cells by tumor cells via manipulation of microRNA and gap junction channel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Hong
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z3, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, 07103, USA
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Andrew L Harris
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, 07103, USA
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T1Z3, Canada
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Connexin 43 expression is associated with increased malignancy in prostate cancer cell lines and functions to promote migration. Oncotarget 2016; 6:11640-51. [PMID: 25960544 PMCID: PMC4484482 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired expression of connexins, the gap junction subunits that facilitate direct cell-cell communication, have been implicated in prostate cancer growth. To elucidate the crucial role of connexins in prostate cancer progression, we performed a systematic quantitative RT-PCR screening of connexin expression in four representative prostate cancer cell lines across the spectrum of malignancy. Transcripts of several connexin subunits were detected in all four cell lines, and connexin 43 (Cx43) showed marked elevation at both RNA and protein levels in cells with increased metastatic potential. Analysis of gap-junction-mediated intercellular communication revealed homocellular coupling in PC-3 cells, which had the highest Cx43 expression, with minimal coupling in LNCaP cells where Cx43 expression was very low. Treatment with the gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone or connexin mimetic peptide ACT-1 did not impair cell growth, suggesting that growth is independent of functional gap junctions. PC-3 cells with Cx43 expression reduced by shRNA showed decreased migration in monolayer wound healing assay, as well as decreased transwell invasion capacities when compared to control cells expressing non-targeting shRNA. These results, together with the correlation between Cx43 expression levels and the metastatic capacity of the cell lines, suggest a role of Cx43 in prostate cancer invasion and metastasis.
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Liu Y, Wen Q, Chen XL, Yang SJ, Gao L, Gao L, Zhang C, Li JL, Xiang XX, Wan K, Chen XH, Zhang X, Zhong JF. All-trans retinoic acid arrests cell cycle in leukemic bone marrow stromal cells by increasing intercellular communication through connexin 43-mediated gap junction. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:110. [PMID: 26446715 PMCID: PMC4597383 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is typically decreased in malignant tumors. Gap junction is not presented between hematopoietic cells but occurred in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major gap junction (GJ) protein; our previous study revealed that Cx43 expression and GJIC were decreased in acute leukemic BMSCs. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) increases GJIC in a variety of cancer cells and has been used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia, but the effects of ATRA on leukemic BMSCs is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the potential effects of ATRA on cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis of leukemic BMSCs. Effects of ATRA on Cx43 expression and GJIC were also examined. Methods Human BMSCs obtained from 25 patients with primary acute leukemia, and 10 normal healthy donors were cultured. Effects of ATRA on cell cycle, cell proliferation, and apoptosis were examined with or without co-treatment with amphotericin-B. Cx43 expression was examined at both the mRNA and protein expression levels. GJIC was examined by using a dye transfer assay and measuring the rate of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Results ATRA arrested the cell cycle progression, inhibited cell growth, and increased apoptosis in leukemic BMSCs. Both Cx43 expression and GJIC function were increased by ATRA treatment. Most of the observed effects mediated by ATRA were abolished by amphotericin-B pretreatment. Conclusions ATRA arrests cell cycle progression in leukemic BMSCs, likely due to upregulating Cx43 expression and enhancing GJIC function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-015-0212-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China. .,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Qin Wen
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xue-Lian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Shi-Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Jia-Li Li
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xi-Xi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Kai Wan
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xing-Hua Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, the Third Military Medical University, Xinqiao Street, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Jiang-Fan Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Zhong WQ, Chen G, Zhang W, Xiong XP, Ren JG, Zhao Y, Liu B, Zhao YF. Down-regulation of connexin43 and connexin32 in keratocystic odontogenic tumours: potential association with clinical features. Histopathology 2015; 66:798-807. [PMID: 25270527 DOI: 10.1111/his.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this study was to explore the potential involvement of connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin32 (Cx32), two vital members of the connexin families, in the pathogenesis of keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOT). METHODS AND RESULTS The expression levels of Cx43 and Cx32 in human KCOT and normal oral mucosa (OM) tissues were measured using immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The relationship between Cx43 and Cx32 expression and markers of proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1], anti-apoptosis [B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)] and autophagy [light chain 3 (LC3), Sequestosome 1 p62 (p62)] was then investigated in the KCOT samples. The results showed that Cx43 and Cx32 expression was down-regulated significantly in KCOT samples relative to OM samples. Meanwhile, the expression levels of Cx43 and Cx32 were correlated negatively with the expression levels of PCNA, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, LC3 and p62, as confirmed further by double-labelling immunofluorescence analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals for the first time that Cx43 and Cx32 are down-regulated in KCOT and suggests an association with growth regulation, anti-apoptosis and autophagy in KCOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qun Zhong
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Qin Y, Mohandessi S, Gordon L, Wadehra M. Regulation of FAK Activity by Tetraspan Proteins: Potential Clinical Implications in Cancer. Crit Rev Oncog 2015; 20:391-405. [PMID: 27279237 PMCID: PMC5390008 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.v20.i5-6.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates multiple cell signaling pathways in both physiological and pathological conditions. Overexpression and activation of FAK is associated with many advanced stage cancers through promoting cancer cell tumorigenicity and progression as well as by regulating the tumor microenvironment. FAK has multiple binding partners through which FAK exerts its functions including RhoGEF, Src family, talin, cortactin, and paxilin. Over the last few years, it has been proposed that a novel group of four transmembrane proteins can interact with FAK and regulate its activity. These include select tetraspanins such as CD151 and CD9 as well as the GAS3 family members epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) and peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22). In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the interaction between FAK and tetraspan proteins in physiological and pathological conditions, with an emphasis on the potential of tetraspan family members as therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shabnam Mohandessi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lynn Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA
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Aasen T. Connexins: junctional and non-junctional modulators of proliferation. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 360:685-99. [PMID: 25547217 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that dysregulation of gap junctions and their structural subunits-connexins-often occurs in, and sometimes causes, a variety of proliferative disorders, including cancer. Connexin-mediated regulation of cell proliferation is complex and may involve modulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), hemichannel signalling, or gap junction-independent paths. However, the exact mechanisms linking connexins to proliferation remain poorly defined and a number of contradictory studies report both pro- and anti-proliferative effects, effects that often depend on the cell or tissue type or the microenvironment. The present review covers junctional and non-junctional regulation of proliferation by connexins, with a particular emphasis on their association with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Molecular Pathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona, 08035, Spain,
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Piwowarczyk K, Wybieralska E, Baran J, Borowczyk J, Rybak P, Kosińska M, Włodarczyk AJ, Michalik M, Siedlar M, Madeja Z, Dobrucki J, Reiss K, Czyż J. Fenofibrate enhances barrier function of endothelial continuum within the metastatic niche of prostate cancer cells. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 19:163-76. [PMID: 25389904 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.981153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extravasation of circulating cancer cells is an important step of the metastatic cascade and a potential target for anti-cancer strategies based on vasoprotective drugs. Reports on anti-cancer effects of fenofibrate (FF) prompted us to analyze its influence on the endothelial barrier function during prostate cancer cell diapedesis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In vitro co-cultures of endothelial cells with cancer cells imitate the 'metastatic niche' in vivo. We qualitatively and quantitatively estimated the effect of 25 μM FF on the events which accompany prostate carcinoma cell diapedesis, with the special emphasis on endothelial cell mobilization. RESULTS Fenofibrate attenuated cancer cell diapedesis via augmenting endothelial cell adhesion to the substratum rather than through the effect on intercellular communication networks within the metastatic niche. The inhibition of endothelial cell motility was accompanied by the activation of PPARα-dependent and PPARα-independent reactive oxygen species signaling, Akt and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation, in the absence of cytotoxic effects in endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Fenofibrate reduces endothelial cell susceptibility to the paracrine signals received from prostate carcinoma cells, thus inhibiting endothelial cell mobilization and reducing paracellular permeability of endothelium in the metastatic niche. Our data provide a mechanistic rationale for extending the clinical use of FF and for the combination of this well tolerated vasoactive drug with the existing multidrug regimens used in prostate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- Jagiellonian University, Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology , Krakow , Poland
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Wan L, Tan HL, Thomas-Ahner JM, Pearl DK, Erdman JW, Moran NE, Clinton SK. Dietary tomato and lycopene impact androgen signaling- and carcinogenesis-related gene expression during early TRAMP prostate carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2014; 7:1228-39. [PMID: 25315431 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-14-0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of tomato products containing the carotenoid lycopene is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. To identify gene expression patterns associated with early testosterone-driven prostate carcinogenesis, which are impacted by dietary tomato and lycopene, wild-type (WT) and transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice were fed control or tomato- or lycopene-containing diets from 4 to 10 weeks of age. Eight-week-old mice underwent sham surgery, castration, or castration followed by testosterone repletion (2.5 mg/kg/d initiated 1 week after castration). Ten-week-old intact TRAMP mice exhibit early multifocal prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Of the 200 prostate cancer-related genes measured by quantitative NanoString, 189 are detectable, 164 significantly differ by genotype, 179 by testosterone status, and 30 by diet type (P < 0.05). In TRAMP, expression of Birc5, Mki67, Aurkb, Ccnb2, Foxm1, and Ccne2 is greater compared with WT and is decreased by castration. In parallel, castration reduces Ki67-positive staining (P < 0.0001) compared with intact and testosterone-repleted TRAMP mice. Expression of genes involved in androgen metabolism/signaling pathways is reduced by lycopene feeding (Srd5a1) and by tomato feeding (Srd5a2, Pxn, and Srebf1). In addition, tomato feeding significantly reduced expression of genes associated with stem cell features, Aldh1a and Ly6a, whereas lycopene feeding significantly reduced expression of neuroendocrine differentiation-related genes, Ngfr and Syp. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a profile of testosterone-regulated genes associated with early prostate carcinogenesis that are potential mechanistic targets of dietary tomato components. Future studies on androgen signaling/metabolism, stem cell features, and neuroendocrine differentiation pathways may elucidate the mechanisms by which dietary tomato and lycopene impact prostate cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Interdisciplinary Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Hsueh-Li Tan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Interdisciplinary Nutrition Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Dennis K Pearl
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John W Erdman
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Nancy E Moran
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven K Clinton
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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Hyperthermia differently affects connexin43 expression and gap junction permeability in skeletal myoblasts and HeLa cells. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:748290. [PMID: 25143668 PMCID: PMC4131114 DOI: 10.1155/2014/748290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress kinases can be activated by hyperthermia and modify the expression level and properties of membranous and intercellular channels. We examined the role of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in hyperthermia-induced changes of connexin43 (Cx43) expression and permeability of Cx43 gap junctions (GJs) in the rabbit skeletal myoblasts (SkMs) and Cx43-EGFP transfected HeLa cells. Hyperthermia (42°C for 6 h) enhanced the activity of JNK and its target, the transcription factor c-Jun, in both SkMs and HeLa cells. In SkMs, hyperthermia caused a 3.2-fold increase in the total Cx43 protein level and enhanced the efficacy of GJ intercellular communication (GJIC). In striking contrast, hyperthermia reduced the total amount of Cx43 protein, the number of Cx43 channels in GJ plaques, the density of hemichannels in the cell membranes, and the efficiency of GJIC in HeLa cells. Both in SkMs and HeLa cells, these changes could be prevented by XG-102, a JNK inhibitor. In HeLa cells, the changes in Cx43 expression and GJIC under hyperthermic conditions were accompanied by JNK-dependent disorganization of actin cytoskeleton stress fibers while in SkMs, the actin cytoskeleton remained intact. These findings provide an attractive model to identify the regulatory players within signalosomes, which determine the cell-dependent outcomes of hyperthermia.
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Anticancer and antioxidant activity of bread enriched with broccoli sprouts. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:608053. [PMID: 25050366 PMCID: PMC4094712 DOI: 10.1155/2014/608053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study is focused on antioxidant and anticancer capacity of bread enriched with broccoli sprouts (BS) in the light of their potential bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Generally, bread supplementation elevated antioxidant potential of product (both nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant capacities); however, the increase was not correlated with the percent of BS. A replacement up to 2% of BS gives satisfactory overall consumers acceptability and desirable elevation of antioxidant potential. High activity was especially found for extracts obtained after simulated digestion, which allows assuming their protective effect for upper gastrointestinal tract; thus, the anticancer activity against human stomach cancer cells (AGS) was evaluated. A prominent cytostatic response paralleled by the inhibition of AGS motility in the presence of potentially mastication-extractable phytochemicals indicates that phenolic compounds of BS retain their biological activity in bread. Importantly, the efficient phenolics concentration was about 12 μM for buffer extract, 13 μM for extracts after digestion in vitro, and 7 μM for extract after absorption in vitro. Our data confirm chemopreventive potential of bread enriched with BS and indicate that BS comprise valuable food supplement for stomach cancer chemoprevention.
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Ryszawy D, Sarna M, Rak M, Szpak K, Kędracka-Krok S, Michalik M, Siedlar M, Zuba-Surma E, Burda K, Korohoda W, Madeja Z, Czyż J. Functional links between Snail-1 and Cx43 account for the recruitment of Cx43-positive cells into the invasive front of prostate cancer. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:1920-30. [PMID: 24503443 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppressive function of connexin(Cx)43 in carcinogenesis was recently contested by reports that showed a multifaceted function of Cx43 in cancer progression. These studies did not attempt to model the dynamics of intratumoral heterogeneity involved in the metastatic cascade. An unorthodox look at the phenotypic heterogeneity of prostate cancer cells in vitro enabled us to identify links between Cx43 functions and Snail-1-regulated functional speciation of invasive cells. Incomplete Snail-1-dependent phenotypic shifts accounted for the formation of phenotypically stable subclones of AT-2 cells. These subclones showed diverse predilection for invasive behavior. High Snail-1 and Cx43 levels accompanied high motility and nanomechanical elasticity of the fibroblastoid AT-2_Fi2 subclone, which determined its considerable invasiveness. Transforming growth factor-β and ectopic Snail-1 overexpression induced invasiveness and Cx43 expression in epithelioid AT-2 subclones and DU-145 cells. Functional links between Snail-1 function and Cx43 expression were confirmed by Cx43 downregulation and phenotypic shifts in AT-2_Fi2, DU-145 and MAT-LyLu cells upon Snail-1 silencing. Corresponding morphological changes and Snail-1 downregulation were seen upon Cx43 silencing in AT-2_Fi2 cells. This indicates that feedback loops between both proteins regulate cell invasive behavior. We demonstrate that Cx43 may differentially predispose prostate cancer cells for invasion in a coupling-dependent and coupling-independent manner. When extrapolated to in vivo conditions, these data show the complexity of Cx43 functions during the metastatic cascade of prostate cancer. They may explain how Cx43 confers a selective advantage during cooperative invasion of clonally evolving, invasive prostate cancer cell subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Ryszawy
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Sarna
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Rak
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Szpak
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Sylwia Kędracka-Krok
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Zuba-Surma
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kvetoslava Burda
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Korohoda
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland, Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland and Department of Clinical Immunology, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Kraków, Poland
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Sato T, Neschadim A, Lavie A, Yanagisawa T, Medin JA. The engineered thymidylate kinase (TMPK)/AZT enzyme-prodrug axis offers efficient bystander cell killing for suicide gene therapy of cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78711. [PMID: 24194950 PMCID: PMC3806853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously described a novel suicide (or ‘cell fate control’) gene therapy enzyme/prodrug system based on an engineered variant of human thymidylate kinase (TMPK) that potentiates azidothymidine (AZT) activation. Delivery of a suicide gene sequence into tumors by lentiviral transduction embodies a cancer gene therapy that could employ bystander cell killing as a mechanism driving significant tumor regression in vivo. Here we present evidence of a significant bystander cell killing in vitro and in vivo mediated by the TMPK/AZT suicide gene axis that is reliant on the formation of functional gap-junctional intercellular communications (GJICs). Potentiation of AZT activation by the engineered TMPK expressed in the human prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, resulted in effective bystander killing of PC-3 cells lacking TMPK expression – an effect that could be blocked by the GJIC inhibitor, carbenoxolone. Although GJICs are mainly formed by connexins, a new family of GJIC molecules designated pannexins has been recently identified. PC-3 cells expressed both connexin43 (Cx43) and Pannexin1 (Panx1), but Panx1 expression predominated at the plasma membrane, whereas Cx43 expression was primarily localized to the cytosol. The contribution of bystander effects to the reduction of solid tumor xenografts established by the PC-3 cell line was evaluated in an animal model. We demonstrate the contribution of bystander cell killing to tumor regression in a xenograft model relying on the delivery of expression of the TMPK suicide gene into tumors via direct intratumoral injection of recombinant therapeutic lentivirus. Taken together, our data underscore that the TMPK/AZT enzyme-prodrug axis can be effectively utilized in suicide gene therapy of solid tumors, wherein significant tumor regression can be achieved via bystander effects mediated by GJICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeya Sato
- Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Anton Neschadim
- Research & Development, Canadian Blood Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arnon Lavie
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey A. Medin
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Koczurkiewicz P, Podolak I, Skrzeczyńska-Moncznik J, Sarna M, Wójcik KA, Ryszawy D, Galanty A, Lasota S, Madeja Z, Czyż J, Michalik M. Triterpene saponosides from Lysimachia ciliata differentially attenuate invasive potential of prostate cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 206:6-17. [PMID: 23954719 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neither androgen ablation nor chemotherapeutic agents are effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer progression. On the other hand, multifaceted effects of phytochemicals, such as triterpene saponins, on cancer cells have been suggested. A promising safety and tolerability profile indicate their possible application in the treatment of advanced prostate cancers. We analyzed the specificity, selectivity and versatility of desglucoanagalloside B effects on human prostate cancer cells derived from prostate cancer metastases to brain (DU-145 cells) and bone (PC-3 cells). Prominent growth arrest and apoptotic response of both cell types was observed in the presence of sub-micromolar desglucoanagalloside B concentrations. This was accompanied by cytochrome c release and caspase 3/7 activation. A relatively low cytostatic and pro-apoptotic response of cancer cells to a desglucoanagalloside B analog, anagallosaponin IV, illustrated the specificity of the effects of desglucoanagalloside B, whereas the low sensitivity of normal prostate PNT2 cells to desglucoanagalloside B showed the selectivity of its action. Inhibition of cancer cell motility was observed in the presence of both saponins, however only desglucoanagalloside B attenuated cancer cell invasive potential, predominantly through an effect on cell elastic properties. These data demonstrate the versatility of its effects on prostate cancer cells. In contrast to PNT2 cells, cancer cells tested in this study were relatively resistant to mitoxantrone. The multifaceted action of desglucoanagalloside B on basic cellular traits, crucial for prostate cancer progression, opens perspectives for elaboration of combined palliative therapies and new prostate cancer prophylaxis regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Koczurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Faculty, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
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Tong X, Dong S, Yu M, Wang Q, Tao L. Role of heteromeric gap junctions in the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. Toxicology 2013; 310:53-60. [PMID: 23747833 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In several systems, the presence of gap junctions made of a single connexin has been shown to enhance the cytotoxicity of cisplatin. However, most gap junction channels in vivo appear to be heteromeric (composed of more than one connexin isoform). Here we explore in HeLa cells the cytotoxicity to cisplatin that is enhanced by heteromeric gap junctions composed of Cx26 and Cx32, which have been shown to be more selective among biological permeants than the corresponding homomeric channels. We found that survival and subsequent proliferation of cells exposed to cisplatin were substantially reduced when gap junctions were present than when there were no gap junctions. Functional inhibition of gap junctions by oleamide enhanced survival/proliferation, and enhancement of gap junctions by retinoic acid decreased survival/proliferation. These effects occurred only in high density cultures, and the treatments were without effect when there was no opportunity for gap junction formation. The presence of functional gap junctions enhanced apoptosis as reflected in markers of both early-stage and late-stage apoptosis. Furthermore, analysis of caspases 3, 8 and 9 showed that functional gap junctions specifically induced apoptosis by the mitochondrial pathway. These results demonstrate that heteromeric Cx26/Cx32 gap junctions increase the cytotoxicity of cisplatin by induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, PR China
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Antioxidant and anticancer activities of Chenopodium quinoa leaves extracts – In vitro study. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 57:154-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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46
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Morpho-physiological heterogeneity of cells within two rat prostate carcinoma cell lines AT-2 and MAT-LyLu differing in the degree of malignancy observed by cell cloning and the effects of caffeine, theophylline and papaverine upon a proportion of the clones. Oncol Rep 2013; 29:1789-96. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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47
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Ke Q, Li L, Cai B, Liu C, Yang Y, Gao Y, Huang W, Yuan X, Wang T, Zhang Q, Harris AL, Tao L, Xiang AP. Connexin 43 is involved in the generation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:2221-33. [PMID: 23420013 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although somatic cells can be successfully programmed to create pluripotent stem cells by ectopically expressing defined transcriptional factors, reprogramming efficiency is low and the reprogramming mechanism remains unclear. Previous reports have shown that almost all human connexin (CX) isoforms are expressed by human embryonic stem (hES) cells and that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is important for ES cell survival and differentiation. However, the CX expression profiles in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and the role of CXs in the process of reprogramming back to iPS cells remains unknown. Here, we determined the expression levels of most forms of CX in human embryonic fibroblasts (hEFs) and in the hEF-derived iPS cells. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay showed that human iPS cells contained functional gap junctions (GJs) that could be affected by pharmacological inhibitors of GJ function. We found that CX43 was the most dramatically upregulated CX following reprogramming. Most importantly, the ectopic expression of CX43 significantly enhanced the reprogramming efficiency, whereas shRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous CX43 expression greatly reduced the efficiency. In addition, we found that CX43 overexpression or knockdown affected the expression of E-CADHERIN, a marker of the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), during reprogramming. In conclusion, our data indicate that CX43 expression is important for reprogramming and may mediate the MET that is associated with the acquisition of pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Ke
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education
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Guo Y, Wang N, Gao YM, Yao JF, Li Y, Yin CJ, Zhang WJ. Treatment with baicalin up-regulates the expression of connexion 26 and connexion 43 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012; 20:3197-3202. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v20.i33.3197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of treatment with baicalin on the expression of connexion 26 (Cx26) and connexion 43 (Cx43) in human hepatocellular cell line SMMC-7721.
METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, low-dose (10 mg/L) baicalin group, medium-dose (20 mg/L) baicalin group, and high-dose (40 mg/L) baicalin group. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was measured by scrap loading/dye transfer assay (SL/DT). The expression of Cx26 and Cx43 mRNAs in SMMC-7721 cells was determined by RT-PCR. The expression of Cx26 protein was detected by Western blot, and that of Cx43 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Compared to the normal control group, the expression of Cx26 mRNA and protein was significantly enhanced in SMMC-7721 cells treated with low, medium and high concentrations of baicalin (mRNA: 0.148 ± 0.111, 10.253 ± 0.222, 17.283 ± 0.024 vs 0.138 ± 0.111; all P < 0.05; protein: 0.516 ± 0.029, 0.759 ± 0.020, 1.019 ± 0.076 vs 0.367 ± 0.029; all P < 0.05). Compared to the normal control group, the expression of Cx43 mRNA showed no significant changes, but the expression of Cx43 protein was significantly enhanced in SMMC-7721 cells treated with different concentrations of baicalin.
CONCLUSION: Restoration or enhancement of GJIC induced by up-regulation of Cx26 and Cx43 is likely to be an important molecular mechanism by which baicalin inhibits tumor growth.
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Bijnsdorp IV, Rozendaal L, van Moorselaar RJA, Geldof AA. A predictive role for noncancerous prostate cells: low connexin-26 expression in radical prostatectomy tissues predicts metastasis. Br J Cancer 2012; 107:1963-8. [PMID: 23169284 PMCID: PMC3516687 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is important to identify markers that predict whether prostate cancer will metastasise. The adjacent noncancerous cells (influenced by the tumour cells) may also express potential markers. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of cancer cells on noncancerous cells and to assess the value of the cell-communication protein connexin-26 (Cx26) as a marker to predict the development of metastasis. Methods: The effect of conditioned medium (CM) from PrCa cells on in vitro noncancerous cell proliferation, migration and invasion and Cx26 expression was determined. Connexin-26 expression was investigated in prostatectomy tissues from 51 PrCa patients by immunohistochemistry and compared with various clinicopathological parameters. Results: Proliferation, migration and invasion of noncancerous cells were influenced by CM from the PrCa cell lines. Importantly, a clear relation was found between low Cx26 expression in the noncancerous tissue in prostatectomy sections and the risk of development of metastasis (P<0.0002). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a relation between low Cx26 expression in noncancerous tissues and time to biochemical recurrence (P=0.0002). Conclusion: Measuring Cx26 expression in the adjacent noncancerous tissues (rather than cancer tissues) of prostatectomy sections could help to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from adjuvant therapy to decrease the risk of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Bijnsdorp
- Department of Urology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117 4F12, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
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Stępień E, Kabłak-Ziembicka A, Czyż J, Przewłocki T, Małecki M. Microparticles, not only markers but also a therapeutic target in the early stage of diabetic retinopathy and vascular aging. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:677-88. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.691471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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