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Flesken-Nikitin A, Pirtz MG, Ashe CS, Ellenson LH, Cosgrove BD, Nikitin AY. Dysregulation of cell state dynamics during early stages of serous endometrial carcinogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585274. [PMID: 38562813 PMCID: PMC10983873 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Serous endometrial carcinoma (SEC) constitutes about 10% of endometrial carcinomas and is one of the most aggressive and lethal types of uterine cancer. Due to the rapid progression of SEC, early detection of this disease is of utmost importance. However, molecular and cellular dynamics during the pre-dysplastic stage of this disease remain largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive census of cell types and their states for normal, pre-dysplastic, and dysplastic endometrium in a mouse model of SEC. This model is associated with inactivation of tumor suppressor genes Trp53 and Rb1 , whose pathways are altered frequently in SEC. We report that pre-dysplastic changes are characterized by an expanded and increasingly diverse immature luminal epithelial cell populations. Consistent with transcriptome changes, cells expressing the luminal epithelial marker TROP2 begin to substitute FOXA2+ cells in the glandular epithelium. These changes are associated with a reduction in number and strength of predicted interactions between epithelial and stromal endometrial cells. By using a multi-level approach combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics paired with screening for clinically relevant genes in human endometrial carcinoma, we identified a panel of 44 genes suitable for further testing of their validity as early diagnostic and prognostic markers. Among these genes are known markers of human SEC, such as C DKN2A, and novel markers, such as OAS2 and OASL, members of 2-5A synthetase family that is essential for the innate immune response. In summary, our results suggest an important role of the luminal epithelium in SEC pathogenesis, highlight aberrant cell-cell interactions in pre-dysplastic stages, and provide a new platform for comparative identification and characterization of novel, clinically relevant prognostic and diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic modalities.
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Wang Y, Hu D, Wan L, Yang S, Liu S, Wang Z, Li J, Li J, Zheng Z, Cheng C, Wang Y, Wang H, Tian X, Chen W, Li S, Zhang J, Zha X, Chen J, Zhang H, Xu KF. GOLM1 Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis through Upregulation of NEAT1. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2024; 70:178-192. [PMID: 38029327 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0151oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal progressive disease with elusive molecular mechanisms and limited therapeutic options. Aberrant activation of fibroblasts is a central hallmark of lung fibrosis. Here, we report that Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1, also known as GP73 or GOLPH2) was increased in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Loss of GOLM1 inhibited proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts, whereas overexpression of GOLM1 exerted the opposite effects. Similarly, worsening pulmonary fibrosis after BLM treatment was observed in GOLM1-knock-in mice, whereas BLM-treated Golm1-knockout mice exhibited alleviated pulmonary fibrosis and collagen deposition. Furthermore, we identified long noncoding RNA NEAT1 downstream of GOLM1 as a potential mediator of pulmonary fibrosis through increased GOLM1 expression. Depletion of NEAT1 inhibited fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production and reversed the profibrotic effects of GOLM1 overexpression. Additionally, we identified KLF4 as a downstream mediator of GOLM1 signaling to NEAT1. Our findings suggest that GOLM1 plays a pivotal role in promoting pulmonary fibrosis through the GOLM1-KLF4-NEAT1 signaling axis. Targeting GOLM1 and its downstream pathways may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Danjing Hu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Linyan Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institutes of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institutes of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Song Liu
- Medical Science Center, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zixi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institutes of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Zhoude Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | | | - Yanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institutes of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hanghang Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Xinlun Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Department of Lung Transplantation, Centre for Lung Transplantation, Centre for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shanqing Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; and
| | - Ji Zhang
- Lung Transplantation Center, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Lung Transplantation Center, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institutes of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Feng Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
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Sultana Z, Dorel M, Klinger B, Sieber A, Dunkel I, Blüthgen N, Schulz EG. Modeling unveils sex differences of signaling networks in mouse embryonic stem cells. Mol Syst Biol 2023; 19:e11510. [PMID: 37735975 PMCID: PMC10632733 DOI: 10.15252/msb.202211510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
For a short period during early development of mammalian embryos, both X chromosomes in females are active, before dosage compensation is ensured through X-chromosome inactivation. In female mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), which carry two active X chromosomes, increased X-dosage affects cell signaling and impairs differentiation. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain poorly understood. To dissect X-dosage effects on the signaling network in mESCs, we combine systematic perturbation experiments with mathematical modeling. We quantify the response to a variety of inhibitors and growth factors for cells with one (XO) or two X chromosomes (XX). We then build models of the signaling networks in XX and XO cells through a semi-quantitative modeling approach based on modular response analysis. We identify a novel negative feedback in the PI3K/AKT pathway through GSK3. Moreover, the presence of a single active X makes mESCs more sensitive to the differentiation-promoting Activin A signal and leads to a stronger RAF1-mediated negative feedback in the FGF-triggered MAPK pathway. The differential response to these differentiation-promoting pathways can explain the impaired differentiation propensity of female mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeba Sultana
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Mathurin Dorel
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Bertram Klinger
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Anja Sieber
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Ilona Dunkel
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Computational Modelling in Medicine, Institute of PathologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Edda G Schulz
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto‐Warburg‐LaboratoriesMax Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
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4
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Huang Y, Zhen Y, Chen Y, Sui S, Zhang L. Unraveling the interplay between RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115842. [PMID: 37802240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which widely participate in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and signaling transduction. Autophagy is an essential mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading aged and damaged organelles. Recently, some studies revealed RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is closely related to autophagy regulation and has a dual effect in tumor cells. However, the specific mechanism by which RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway participates in autophagy regulation is not fully understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress with regard to the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy, as well as their interplay in cancer therapy. The impact of small molecule inhibitors that target the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway on autophagy is discussed in this study. The advantages and limitations of the clinical combination of these small molecule inhibitors with autophagy inhibitors are also explored. The findings from this study may provide additional perspectives for future cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Huang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shaoguang Sui
- Emergency Department, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
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5
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Liu Q, Zhao Y, Wang Q, Yan L, Fu X, Xiao R. Convergent alteration of the mesenchymal stem cell heterogeneity in adipose tissue during aging. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23114. [PMID: 37498236 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300807r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from distinct age groups possess different characteristics; however, the age-associated changes in ASCs heterogenicity remain largely unknown. In this study, several publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data cohorts of inguinal adipose tissues, including young (2 weeks), adult (8 weeks), and old (18 months) C57BL/6 mice, were analyzed. Transcriptomic clustering of integrated single-cell RNA-seq data from different age groups revealed the existence of five ASCs subtypes. Interestingly, ASCs showed a loss of heterogeneity with aging, and ASCs subtype 4 (ASC-4) was the dominant subpopulation accounting for more than 98% of aged ASCs converging to the terminal differentiation state. The multidirectional differentiation potentials of different ASCs subtypes were largely distinct while the adipogenic ability of ASC-4 increased with age persistently. Regulon analysis of ASC subtypes further identified Cebpb as the ASC-4-specific transcription factor, which was known as one of the major adipogenic regulators. Analysis of ligand-receptor pairs between ASCs and other cell types in adipose tissue identified age-associated upregulation of inflammatory responses-associated factors including CCL2 and CCL7. Treatment with 100 ng/mL CCL2 in vitro could significantly promote the adipogenesis of ASCs through enhanced phosphorylation of AKT and decreased expression of β-catenin. In addition, supplementation of 100 ng/mL CCL7 could significantly increase the expression of inflammatory genes and ASC-4-specific transcriptional factors in 2-week-old ASCs, potentially acting as a driver of ASCs convergence. Our findings help to delineate the complex biological processes of ASCs aging and shed light on better regenerative and therapeutic applications of ASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Liu
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li Yan
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xin Fu
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ran Xiao
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
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6
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Netterfield TS, Ostheimer GJ, Tentner AR, Joughin BA, Dakoyannis AM, Sharma CD, Sorger PK, Janes KA, Lauffenburger DA, Yaffe MB. Biphasic JNK-Erk signaling separates the induction and maintenance of cell senescence after DNA damage induced by topoisomerase II inhibition. Cell Syst 2023; 14:582-604.e10. [PMID: 37473730 PMCID: PMC10627503 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Genotoxic stress in mammalian cells, including those caused by anti-cancer chemotherapy, can induce temporary cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage-induced senescence (DDIS), or apoptotic cell death. Despite obvious clinical importance, it is unclear how the signals emerging from DNA damage are integrated together with other cellular signaling pathways monitoring the cell's environment and/or internal state to control different cell fates. Using single-cell-based signaling measurements combined with tensor partial least square regression (t-PLSR)/principal component analysis (PCA) analysis, we show that JNK and Erk MAPK signaling regulates the initiation of cell senescence through the transcription factor AP-1 at early times after doxorubicin-induced DNA damage and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) at late times after damage. These results identify temporally distinct roles for signaling pathways beyond the classic DNA damage response (DDR) that control the cell senescence decision and modulate the tumor microenvironment and reveal fundamental similarities between signaling pathways responsible for oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) and senescence caused by topoisomerase II inhibition. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S Netterfield
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gerard J Ostheimer
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andrea R Tentner
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Brian A Joughin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexandra M Dakoyannis
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charvi D Sharma
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Computer Science and Molecular Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin A Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michael B Yaffe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Division of Acute Care Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care, and Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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7
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Arekatla G, Trenzinger C, Reimann A, Loeffler D, Kull T, Schroeder T. Optogenetic manipulation identifies the roles of ERK and AKT dynamics in controlling mouse embryonic stem cell exit from pluripotency. Dev Cell 2023:S1534-5807(23)00183-1. [PMID: 37207652 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ERK and AKT signaling control pluripotent cell self-renewal versus differentiation. ERK pathway activity over time (i.e., dynamics) is heterogeneous between individual pluripotent cells, even in response to the same stimuli. To analyze potential functions of ERK and AKT dynamics in controlling mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) fates, we developed ESC lines and experimental pipelines for the simultaneous long-term manipulation and quantification of ERK or AKT dynamics and cell fates. We show that ERK activity duration or amplitude or the type of ERK dynamics (e.g., transient, sustained, or oscillatory) alone does not influence exit from pluripotency, but the sum of activity over time does. Interestingly, cells retain memory of previous ERK pulses, with duration of memory retention dependent on duration of previous pulse length. FGF receptor/AKT dynamics counteract ERK-induced pluripotency exit. These findings improve our understanding of how cells integrate dynamics from multiple signaling pathways and translate them into cell fate cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geethika Arekatla
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Trenzinger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Reimann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Loeffler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kull
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Schroeder
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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8
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Reimann A, Kull T, Wang W, Dettinger P, Loeffler D, Schroeder T. Embryonic stem cell ERK, AKT, plus STAT3 response dynamics combinatorics are heterogeneous but NANOG state independent. Stem Cell Reports 2023:S2213-6711(23)00142-X. [PMID: 37207650 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling is central in cell fate regulation, and relevant information is encoded in its activity over time (i.e., dynamics). However, simultaneous dynamics quantification of several pathways in single mammalian stem cells has not yet been accomplished. Here we generate mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines simultaneously expressing fluorescent reporters for ERK, AKT, and STAT3 signaling activity, which all control pluripotency. We quantify their single-cell dynamics combinations in response to different self-renewal stimuli and find striking heterogeneity for all pathways, some dependent on cell cycle but not pluripotency states, even in ESC populations currently assumed to be highly homogeneous. Pathways are mostly independently regulated, but some context-dependent correlations exist. These quantifications reveal surprising single-cell heterogeneity in the important cell fate control layer of signaling dynamics combinations and raise fundamental questions about the role of signaling in (stem) cell fate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Reimann
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Kull
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Weijia Wang
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philip Dettinger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Loeffler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Timm Schroeder
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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Zeng L, Zhu Y, Moreno CS, Wan Y. New insights into KLFs and SOXs in cancer pathogenesis, stemness, and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:29-44. [PMID: 36806560 PMCID: PMC10023514 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of cancer therapies, the success of most treatments has been impeded by drug resistance. The crucial role of tumor cell plasticity has emerged recently in cancer progression, cancer stemness and eventually drug resistance. Cell plasticity drives tumor cells to reversibly convert their cell identity, analogous to differentiation and dedifferentiation, to adapt to drug treatment. This phenotypical switch is driven by alteration of the transcriptome. Several pluripotent factors from the KLF and SOX families are closely associated with cancer pathogenesis and have been revealed to regulate tumor cell plasticity. In this review, we particularly summarize recent studies about KLF4, KLF5 and SOX factors in cancer development and evolution, focusing on their roles in cancer initiation, invasion, tumor hierarchy and heterogeneity, and lineage plasticity. In addition, we discuss the various regulation of these transcription factors and related cutting-edge drug development approaches that could be used to drug "undruggable" transcription factors, such as PROTAC and PPI targeting, for targeted cancer therapy. Advanced knowledge could pave the way for the development of novel drugs that target transcriptional regulation and could improve the outcome of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Yueming Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Carlos S Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
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10
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Lee E, Cheung J, Bialkowska AB. Krüppel-like Factors 4 and 5 in Colorectal Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092430. [PMID: 37173904 PMCID: PMC10177156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are transcription factors regulating various biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion, and homeostasis. Importantly, they participate in disease development and progression. KLFs are expressed in multiple tissues, and their role is tissue- and context-dependent. KLF4 and KLF5 are two fascinating members of this family that regulate crucial stages of cellular identity from embryogenesis through differentiation and, finally, during tumorigenesis. They maintain homeostasis of various tissues and regulate inflammation, response to injury, regeneration, and development and progression of multiple cancers such as colorectal, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and prostate, to name a few. Recent studies broaden our understanding of their function and demonstrate their opposing roles in regulating gene expression, cellular function, and tumorigenesis. This review will focus on the roles KLF4 and KLF5 play in colorectal cancer. Understanding the context-dependent functions of KLF4 and KLF5 and the mechanisms through which they exert their effects will be extremely helpful in developing targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lee
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jacky Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Agnieszka B Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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11
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A Simplified and Effective Approach for the Isolation of Small Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Peripheral Blood. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030787. [PMID: 36979766 PMCID: PMC10045871 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells are key players in regenerative medicine. Embryonic pluripotent stem cells, despite their significant advantages, are associated with limitations such as their inadequate availability and the ethical dilemmas in their isolation and clinical use. The discovery of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells addressed the aforementioned limitations, but their isolation technique remains a challenge due to their small cell size and their efficiency in isolation. Here, we report a simplified and effective approach for the isolation of small pluripotent stem cells derived from human peripheral blood. Our approach results in a high yield of small blood stem cell (SBSC) population, which expresses pluripotent embryonic markers (e.g., Nanog, SSEA-3) and the Yamanaka factors. Further, a fraction of SBSCs also co-express hematopoietic markers (e.g., CD45 and CD90) and/or mesenchymal markers (e.g., CD29, CD105 and PTH1R), suggesting a mixed stem cell population. Finally, quantitative proteomic profiling reveals that SBSCs contain various stem cell markers (CD9, ITGA6, MAPK1, MTHFD1, STAT3, HSPB1, HSPA4), and Transcription reg complex factors (e.g., STAT5B, PDLIM1, ANXA2, ATF6, CAMK1). In conclusion, we present a novel, simplified and effective isolating process that yields an abundant population of small-sized cells with characteristics of pluripotency from human peripheral blood.
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12
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Retention of ERK in the cytoplasm mediates the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:305-318. [PMID: 36563690 PMCID: PMC9860118 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic subcellular localization of ERK1/2 plays an important role in regulating cell fate. Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) involves inductive stimulation of ERK1/2, and therefore, inhibitors of the ERK cascade are used to maintain pluripotency. Interestingly, we found that in pluripotent mESCs, ERK1/2 do not translocate to the nucleus either before or after stimulation. This inhibition of nuclear translocation may be dependent on a lack of stimulated ERK1/2 interaction with importin7 rather than a lack of ERK1/2 phosphorylation activating translocation. At late stages of naive-to-primed transition, the action of the translocating machinery is restored, leading to elevation in ERK1/2-importin7 interaction and their nuclear translocation. Importantly, forcing ERK2 into the naive cells' nuclei accelerates their early differentiation, while prevention of the translocation restores stem cells' pluripotency. These results indicate that prevention of nuclear ERK1/2 translocation serves as a safety mechanism for keeping pluripotency of mESCs.
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13
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Maternal Undernutrition Induces Cell Signalling and Metabolic Dysfunction in Undifferentiated Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 19:767-783. [PMID: 36517693 PMCID: PMC10070223 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10490-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Peri-conceptional environment can induce permanent changes in embryo phenotype which alter development and associate with later disease susceptibility. Thus, mouse maternal low protein diet (LPD) fed exclusively during preimplantation is sufficient to lead to cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological dysfunction in adult offspring. Embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines were generated from LPD and control NPD C57BL/6 blastocysts and characterised by transcriptomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics and molecular/cellular studies to assess early potential mechanisms in dietary environmental programming. Previously, we showed these lines retain cellular and epigenetic characteristics of LPD and NPD embryos after several passages. Here, three main changes were identified in LPD ESC lines. First, their derivation capacity was reduced but pluripotency marker expression was similar to controls. Second, LPD lines had impaired Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway with altered gene expression of several regulators (e.g., Maff, Rassf1, JunD), reduced ERK1/2 signalling capacity and poorer cell survival characteristics which may contribute to reduced derivation. Third, LPD lines had impaired glucose metabolism comprising reduced upstream enzyme expression (e.g., Gpi, Mpi) and accumulation of metabolites (e.g., glucose-6-P, fructose-6-P) above the phosphofructokinase (PFK) gateway with PFK enzyme activity reduced. ESC lines may therefore permit investigation of peri-conceptional programming mechanisms with reduced need for animal experimentation.
Graphical Abstract
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14
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Targeting CSC-related transcription factors by E3 ubiquitin ligases for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:84-97. [PMID: 36371028 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has revealed that transcription factors play essential roles in regulation of multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, EMT, cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Dysregulated expression levels of transcription factors contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant progression. The expression of transcription factors is tightly governed by several signaling pathways, noncoding RNAs and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been validated in regulation of tumor metastasis, reoccurrence and chemoresistance in human cancer. Transcription factors have been verified to participate in regulation of CSC formation, including Oct4, SOX2, KLF4, c-Myc, Nanog, GATA, SALL4, Bmi-1, OLIG2, POU3F2 and FOX proteins. In this review article, we will describe the critical role of CSC-related transcription factors. We will further discuss which E3 ligases regulate the degradation of these CSC-related transcription factors and their underlying mechanisms. We also mentioned the functions and mechanisms of EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Slug, Twist1 and Twist2. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential via targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases for modulation of these transcription factors.
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15
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Barnhart MD, Yang Y, Nakagaki-Silva EE, Hammond TH, Pizzinga M, Gooding C, Stott K, Smith CWJ. Phosphorylation of the smooth muscle master splicing regulator RBPMS regulates its splicing activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:11895-11915. [PMID: 36408906 PMCID: PMC9723635 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified RBPMS as a master regulator of alternative splicing in differentiated smooth muscle cells (SMCs). RBPMS is transcriptionally downregulated during SMC dedifferentiation, but we hypothesized that RBPMS protein activity might be acutely downregulated by post-translational modifications. Publicly available phosphoproteomic datasets reveal that Thr113 and Thr118 immediately adjacent to the RRM domain are commonly both phosphorylated. An RBPMS T113/118 phosphomimetic T/E mutant showed decreased splicing regulatory activity both in transfected cells and in a cell-free in vitro assay, while a non-phosphorylatable T/A mutant retained full activity. Loss of splicing activity was associated with a modest reduction in RNA affinity but significantly reduced RNA binding in nuclear extract. A lower degree of oligomerization of the T/E mutant might cause lower avidity of multivalent RNA binding. However, NMR analysis also revealed that the T113/118E peptide acts as an RNA mimic which can loop back and antagonize RNA-binding by the RRM domain. Finally, we identified ERK2 as the most likely kinase responsible for phosphorylation at Thr113 and Thr118. Collectively, our data identify a potential mechanism for rapid modulation of the SMC splicing program in response to external signals during the vascular injury response and atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Barnhart
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas H Hammond
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | | | - Clare Gooding
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Katherine Stott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK
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16
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Gogiraju R, Gachkar S, Velmeden D, Bochenek ML, Zifkos K, Hubert A, Münzel T, Offermanns S, Schäfer K. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Deficiency in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Perivascular Fibrosis following Arterial Injury. Thromb Haemost 2022; 122:1814-1826. [PMID: 36075234 PMCID: PMC9512587 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background
Smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype switching plays a central role during vascular remodeling. Growth factor receptors are negatively regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), including its prototype PTP1B. Here, we examine how reduction of PTP1B in SMCs affects the vascular remodeling response to injury.
Methods
Mice with inducible PTP1B deletion in SMCs (SMC.PTP1B-KO) were generated by crossing mice expressing Cre.ER
T2
recombinase under the
Myh11
promoter with PTP1B
flox/flox
mice and subjected to FeCl
3
carotid artery injury.
Results
Genetic deletion of PTP1B in SMCs resulted in adventitia enlargement, perivascular SMA
+
and PDGFRβ
+
myofibroblast expansion, and collagen accumulation following vascular injury. Lineage tracing confirmed the appearance of
Myh11
-Cre reporter cells in the remodeling adventitia, and SCA1
+
CD45
-
vascular progenitor cells increased. Elevated mRNA expression of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling components or enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and TGFβ liberation was seen in injured SMC.PTP1B-KO mouse carotid arteries, and mRNA transcript levels of contractile SMC marker genes were reduced already at baseline. Mechanistically, Cre recombinase (mice) or siRNA (cells)-mediated downregulation of PTP1B or inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling in SMCs resulted in nuclear accumulation of KLF4, a central transcriptional repressor of SMC differentiation, whereas phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 were reduced. SMAD2 siRNA transfection increased protein levels of PDGFRβ and MYH10 while reducing ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thus phenocopying genetic PTP1B deletion.
Conclusion
Chronic reduction of PTP1B in SMCs promotes dedifferentiation, perivascular fibrosis, and adverse remodeling following vascular injury by mechanisms involving an ERK1/2 phosphorylation-driven shift from SMAD2 to KLF4-regulated gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajinikanth Gogiraju
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sogol Gachkar
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - David Velmeden
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Magdalena L Bochenek
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Zifkos
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Astrid Hubert
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Münzel
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Rhine-Main Site, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Offermanns
- Department of Pharmacology, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Centre for Molecular Medicine, Medical Faculty, JW Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Frankfurt, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK e.V.), Rhine-Main Site, Frankfurt and Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Schäfer
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Rhine-Main Site, Mainz, Germany
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17
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Kim SM, Kwon EJ, Kim YJ, Go YH, Oh JY, Park S, Do JT, Kim KT, Cha HJ. Dichotomous role of Shp2 for naïve and primed pluripotency maintenance in embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:329. [PMID: 35850773 PMCID: PMC9290224 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02976-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The requirement of the Mek1 inhibitor (iMek1) during naïve pluripotency maintenance results from the activation of the Mek1-Erk1/2 (Mek/Erk) signaling pathway upon leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) stimulation. Methods Through a meta-analysis of previous genome-wide screening for negative regulators of naïve pluripotency, Ptpn11 (encoding the Shp2 protein, which serves both as a tyrosine phosphatase and putative adapter), was predicted as one of the key factors for the negative modulation of naïve pluripotency through LIF-dependent Jak/Stat3 signaling. Using an isogenic pair of naïve and primed mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we demonstrated the differential role of Shp2 in naïve and primed pluripotency. Results Loss of Shp2 increased naïve pluripotency by promoting Jak/Stat3 signaling and disturbed in vivo differentiation potential. In sharp contrast, Shp2 depletion significantly impeded the self-renewal of ESCs under primed culture conditions, which was concurrent with a reduction in Mek/Erk signaling. Similarly, upon treatment with an allosteric Shp2 inhibitor (iShp2), the cells sustained Stat3 phosphorylation and decoupled Mek/Erk signaling, thus iShp2 can replace the use of iMek1 for maintenance of naïve ESCs. Conclusions Taken together, our findings highlight the differential roles of Shp2 in naïve and primed pluripotency and propose the usage of iShp2 instead of iMek1 for the efficient maintenance and establishment of naïve pluripotency. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02976-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Min Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hyun Go
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokwoo Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Bioscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-Tae Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyuk-Jin Cha
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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18
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MiR-106b-5p Regulates the Reprogramming of Spermatogonial Stem Cells into iPSC (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell)-Like Cells. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2022; 26:291-300. [PMID: 35791490 PMCID: PMC9432470 DOI: 10.52547/ibj.3594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Recent years have brought notable progress in raising the efficiency of the reprogramming technique so that approaches have evolved from known transgenic factors to only a few miRNAs. Nevertheless, there is a poor understanding of both the key factors and biological networks underlying this reprogramming. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of miR-106b-5p in regulating SSCs to iPSC-like cells. Methods: We used SSCs because pluripotency is inducible in SSCs under defined culture conditions, and they have a few issues compared to other adult stem cells. As both signaling and post-transcriptional gene controls are critical for pluripotency regulation, we traced the expression of OSKMN. Besides, we considered miR-106b-5p targets using bioinformatic methods. Results: Our results showed that transfected SSCs with miR-106b-5p increased the expression of the OSKMN factors, which was significantly more than negative control groups. Moreover, using the functional miRNA enrichment analysis, online tools, and databases, we predicted that miR-106b-5p targeted a signaling pathway gene named MAPK1/ERK2, related to regulating stem cell pluripotency. Conclusion: Together, our data suggest that miR-106b-5p regulates the reprogramming of SSCs into iPSC-like cells. Furthermore, noteworthy progress in the in vitro development of SSCs indicates promise reservoirs and opportunities for future clinical trials.
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19
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Borisova E, Nishimura K, An Y, Takami M, Li J, Song D, Matsuo-Takasaki M, Luijkx D, Aizawa S, Kuno A, Sugihara E, Sato TA, Yumoto F, Terada T, Hisatake K, Hayashi Y. Structurally-discovered KLF4 variants accelerate and stabilize reprogramming to pluripotency. iScience 2022; 25:103525. [PMID: 35106457 PMCID: PMC8786646 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-genetically modified somatic cells can only be inefficiently and stochastically reprogrammed to pluripotency by exogenous expression of reprogramming factors. Low competence of natural reprogramming factors may prevent the majority of cells to successfully and synchronously reprogram. Here we screened DNA-interacting amino acid residues in the zinc-finger domain of KLF4 for enhanced reprogramming efficiency using alanine-substitution scanning methods. Identified KLF4 L507A mutant accelerated and stabilized reprogramming to pluripotency in both mouse and human somatic cells. By testing all the variants of L507 position, variants with smaller amino acid residues in the KLF4 L507 position showed higher reprogramming efficiency. L507A bound more to promoters or enhancers of pluripotency genes, such as KLF5, and drove gene expression of these genes during reprogramming. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted that L507A formed additional interactions with DNA. Our study demonstrates how modifications in amino acid residues of DNA-binding domains enable next-generation reprogramming technology with engineered reprogramming factors. KLF4 L507A variant accelerates and stabilizes reprogramming to pluripotency KLF4 L507A has distinctive features of transcriptional binding and activation KLF4 L507A may acquire a unique conformation with additional DNA interaction Smaller amino acid residues in L507 position cause higher reprogramming efficiency
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniia Borisova
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Ken Nishimura
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuri An
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Miho Takami
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Jingyue Li
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan.,Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Dan Song
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuo-Takasaki
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Dorian Luijkx
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Shiho Aizawa
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kuno
- Laboratory of Animal Resource Center, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan.,Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Eiji Sugihara
- Research and Development Center for Precision Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-2 Kasuga, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan.,The Center for Joint Research Facilities Support, Research Promotion and Support Headquarters, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Taka-Aki Sato
- Research and Development Center for Precision Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-2 Kasuga, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Yumoto
- Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in Tsukuba, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
| | - Tohru Terada
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Koji Hisatake
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yohei Hayashi
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
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20
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Zhang Y, Ding H, Wang X, Wang X, Wan S, Xu A, Gan R, Ye SD. MK2 promotes Tfcp2l1 degradation via β-TrCP ubiquitin ligase to regulate mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109949. [PMID: 34731635 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tfcp2l1 can maintain mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) self-renewal. However, it remains unknown how Tfcp2l1 protein stability is regulated. Here, we demonstrate that β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) targets Tfcp2l1 for ubiquitination and degradation in a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2)-dependent manner. Specifically, β-TrCP1 and β-TrCP2 recognize and ubiquitylate Tfcp2l1 through the canonical β-TrCP-binding motif DSGDNS, in which the serine residues have been phosphorylated by MK2. Point mutation of serine-to-alanine residues reduces β-TrCP-mediated ubiquitylation and enhances the ability of Tfcp2l1 to promote mESC self-renewal while repressing the speciation of the endoderm, mesoderm, and trophectoderm. Similarly, inhibition of MK2 reduces the association of Tfcp2l1 with β-TrCP1 and increases the self-renewal-promoting effects of Tfcp2l1, whereas overexpression of MK2 or β-TrCP genes decreases Tfcp2l1 protein levels and induces mESC differentiation. Collectively, our study reveals a posttranslational modification of Tfcp2l1 that will expand our understanding of the regulatory network of stem cell pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Huiwen Ding
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Shengpeng Wan
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Anchun Xu
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Ruoyi Gan
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Shou-Dong Ye
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
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21
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Lee CJ, Lee GE, An HJ, Cho ES, Chen W, Lee JY, Kang HC, Lee HS, Cho YY. F-box Protein βTrCP1 Is a Substrate of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 2. J Cancer Prev 2021; 26:174-182. [PMID: 34703820 PMCID: PMC8511579 DOI: 10.15430/jcp.2021.26.3.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
F-box proteins, consisting of 69 members which are organized into the three subclasses FBXW, FBXL, and FBXO, are the substrate specific recognition subunits of the SKP1-Cullin 1-F-box protein E3 ligase complex. Although βTrCP 1 and 2, members of the FBXW subfamily, are known to regulate some protein stability, molecular mechanisms by which these proteins can recognize proper substrates are unknown. In this study, it was found that βTrCP1 showed strong interaction with members of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Although extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 3, p38β, and p38δ showed weak interactions, ERK2 specifically interacted with βTrCP1 as assessed by immunoprecipitation. In interaction domain determination experiments, we found that ERK2 interacted with two independent ERK docking sites located in the F-box domain and linker domain, but not the WD40 domain, of βTrCP1. Notably, mutations of βTrCP1 at the ERK docking sites abolished the interaction with ERK2. βTrCP1 underwent phosphorylation by EGF stimulation, while the presence of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases inhibitor U0126, genetic silencing by sh-ERK2, and mutation of the ERK docking site of βTrCP1 inhibited phosphorylation. This inhibition of βTrCP1 phosphorylation resulted in a shortened half-life and low protein levels. These results suggest that ERK2-mediated βTrCP1 phosphorylation may induce the destabilization of βTrCP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol-Jung Lee
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea.,Research Center for Materials Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ga-Eun Lee
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung An
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Eun Suh Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Joo Young Lee
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Han Chang Kang
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hye Suk Lee
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- BRL & BK21-4th Team, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
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22
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Najm P, Zhao P, Steklov M, Sewduth RN, Baietti MF, Pandolfi S, Criem N, Lechat B, Maia TM, Van Haver D, Corthout N, Eyckerman S, Impens F, Sablina AA. Loss-of-Function Mutations in TRAF7 and KLF4 Cooperatively Activate RAS-Like GTPase Signaling and Promote Meningioma Development. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4218-4229. [PMID: 34215617 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common benign brain tumors. Mutations of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF7 occur in 25% of meningiomas and commonly cooccur with mutations in KLF4, yet the functional link between TRAF7 and KLF4 mutations remains unclear. By generating an in vitro meningioma model derived from primary meningeal cells, we elucidated the cooperative interactions that promote meningioma development. By integrating TRAF7-driven ubiquitinome and proteome alterations in meningeal cells and the TRAF7 interactome, we identified TRAF7 as a proteostatic regulator of RAS-related small GTPases. Meningioma-associated TRAF7 mutations disrupted either its catalytic activity or its interaction with RAS GTPases. TRAF7 loss in meningeal cells altered actin dynamics and promoted anchorage-independent growth by inducing CDC42 and RAS signaling. TRAF deficiency-driven activation of the RAS/MAPK pathway promoted KLF4-dependent transcription that led to upregulation of the tumor-suppressive Semaphorin pathway, a negative regulator of small GTPases. KLF4 loss of function disrupted this negative feedback loop and enhanced mutant TRAF7-mediated cell transformation. Overall, this study provides new mechanistic insights into meningioma development, which could lead to novel treatment strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: The intricate molecular cross-talk between the ubiquitin ligase TRAF7 and the transcription factor KLF4 provides a first step toward the identification of new therapies for patients with meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Najm
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peihua Zhao
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mikhail Steklov
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raj Nayan Sewduth
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Francesca Baietti
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silvia Pandolfi
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Criem
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Lechat
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Teresa Mendes Maia
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,VIB Proteomics Core, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delphi Van Haver
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,VIB Proteomics Core, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nikky Corthout
- VIB LiMoNe & Leuven Bio Imaging Core, VIB-KU Leuven Center For Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven Eyckerman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,VIB Proteomics Core, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna A Sablina
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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23
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Yang H, Park D, Ryu J, Park T. USP11 degrades KLF4 via its deubiquitinase activity in liver diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6976-6987. [PMID: 34114341 PMCID: PMC8278108 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc‐finger containing DNA‐binding transcription factor involved in tumorigenesis and acts as a tumour suppressor or an oncogene depending on the tissue. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), KLF4 has been considered as a tumour suppressor, although the mechanism underlying its action remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified the ubiquitin‐specific peptidase USP11 as a KLF4‐interacting deubiquitinating enzyme using a proteomic approach. USP11 destabilizes KLF4 through the removal of K63‐dependent polyubiquitination, thereby inhibiting KLF4 expression. We also provide mechanistic insights into KLF4 degradation and show that USP11 depletion inhibits growth and chemoresistance of HCC cells by enhancing KLF4 stability. Importantly, lipid content was reduced and genes involved in fatty acid metabolism were down‐regulated in an in vitro steatosis conditions upon USP11 knockout. Finally, elevated USP11 and reduced KLF4 levels were detected both in a hepatic steatosis in vitro model and in public clinical data of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and HCC patients. Collectively, these findings suggest that USP11, as KLF4‐binding partner, is an important mediator of hepatic tumorigenesis that functions via degradation of KLF4 and is a potential treatment target for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeyoung Yang
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Daeui Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jeongho Ryu
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Tamina Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
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24
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Ikeda Y, Munekane M, Yamada Y, Kawakami M, Amano I, Sano K, Mukai T, Kambe T, Shitan N. Enhancing effect of Panax ginseng on Zip4-mediated zinc influx into the cytosol. J Ginseng Res 2021; 46:248-254. [PMID: 35509828 PMCID: PMC9058843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zinc homeostasis is essential for human health and is regulated by several zinc transporters including ZIP and ZnT. ZIP4 is expressed in the small intestine and is important for zinc absorption from the diet. We investigated in the present study the effects of Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) extract on modulating Zip4 expression and cellular zinc levels in mouse Hepa cells. Methods Hepa cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid that contains metal-responsive elements, incubated with P. ginseng extract, and luciferase activity was measured. Using 65ZnCl2, zinc uptake in P. ginseng-treated cells was measured. The expression of Zip4 mRNA and protein in Hepa cells was also investigated. Finally, using a luciferase reporter assay system, the effects of several ginsenosides were monitored. Results The luciferase activity in cells incubated with P. ginseng extract was significantly higher than that of control cells cultured in normal medium. Hepa cells treated with P. ginseng extract exhibited higher zinc uptake. P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 mRNA expression, which resulted in an enhancement of Zip4 protein expression. Furthermore, some ginsenosides, such as ginsenoside Rc and Re, enhanced luciferase activity driven by intracellular zinc levels. Conclusion P. ginseng extract induced Zip4 expression at the mRNA and protein level and resulted in higher zinc uptake in Hepa cells. Some ginsenosides facilitated zinc influx. On the basis of these results, we suggest a novel effect of P. ginseng on Zip4-mediated zinc influx, which may provide a new strategy for preventing zinc deficiency.
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25
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Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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26
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Li C, Yu L, Mai C, Mu T, Zeng Y. KLF4 down-regulation resulting from TLR4 promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation underpins inflammatory response in sepsis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2013-2024. [PMID: 33369167 PMCID: PMC7882990 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to invading pathogens, leading to high mortality rates in intensive care units worldwide. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is an important anti-inflammatory transcription factor. In this study, we investigate the anti-inflammatory role of KLF4 in caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells and its potential mechanism. We found that KLF4 was down-regulated in CLP-induced septic mice and in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and that its overexpression led to increased survival rates of septic mice along with inhibited inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. ITGA2B was up-regulated in the setting of sepsis and was inhibited by KLF4 overexpression. ITGA2B knock-down mimicked the effects of KLF4 overexpression on septic mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. TLR4 promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and then up-regulated the ubiquitination and the degradation of KLF4, thereby elevating the expression of ITGA2B. Moreover, TLR4 knock-down or treatment with PD98059 (a MEK inhibitor) inhibited inflammatory response in the setting of sepsis in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, this effect of PD98059 treatment was lost upon KLF4 knock-down. Collectively, these results explain the down-regulation of KLF4 in sepsis, namely via TLR4 promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and identify ITGA2B as the downstream gene of KLF4, thus highlighting the anti-inflammatory role of KLF4 in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunwen Li
- Emergency DepartmentThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Lei Yu
- Emergency DepartmentThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Chao Mai
- Emergency DepartmentAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Tianyi Mu
- Emergency DepartmentAffiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical CollegeNanchongChina
| | - Yong Zeng
- Emergency DepartmentThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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27
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Wang ZY, Cheng J, Liu B, Xie F, Li CL, Qiao W, Lu QH, Wang Y, Zhang MX. Protein deglycase DJ-1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2816-2827. [PMID: 33501750 PMCID: PMC7957272 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein deglycase DJ‐1 (DJ‐1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ‐1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ‐1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ‐1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ‐1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ‐1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE−/− mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein down‐regulated DJ‐1 in vitro. The canonical markers of plaque stability and VSMC phenotypes were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. DJ‐1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice promoted the progression of atherosclerosis and exaggerated plaque instability. Moreover, isolated VSMCs from Apoe−/−DJ‐1−/− mice showed lower expression of contractile markers (α‐smooth muscle actin and calponin) and higher expression of synthetic indicators (osteopontin, vimentin and tropoelastin) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) by comparison with Apoe−/−DJ‐1+/+ mice. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of KLF4 counteracted the adverse effects of DJ‐1 deletion. Therefore, our results showed that DJ‐1 deletion caused phenotype switching of VSMCs and exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque instability in a KLF4‐dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Xie
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chang-Ling Li
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Qiao
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-Hua Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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28
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Wu Y, Zhang W. The Role of E3s in Regulating Pluripotency of Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1168. [PMID: 33503896 PMCID: PMC7865285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from early embryos and can differentiate into any type of cells in living organisms. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) resemble ESCs, both of which serve as excellent sources to study early embryonic development and realize cell replacement therapies for age-related degenerative diseases and other cell dysfunction-related illnesses. To achieve these valuable applications, comprehensively understanding of the mechanisms underlying pluripotency maintenance and acquisition is critical. Ubiquitination modifies proteins with Ubiquitin (Ub) at the post-translational level to monitor protein stability and activity. It is extensively involved in pluripotency-specific regulatory networks in ESCs and iPSCs. Ubiquitination is achieved by sequential actions of the Ub-activating enzyme E1, Ub-conjugating enzyme E2, and Ub ligase E3. Compared with E1s and E2s, E3s are most abundant, responsible for substrate selectivity and functional diversity. In this review, we focus on E3 ligases to discuss recent progresses in understanding how they regulate pluripotency and somatic cell reprogramming through ubiquitinating core ESC regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China;
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29
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Kim YJ, Jeon HR, Kim SW, Kim YH, Im GB, Im J, Um SH, Cho SM, Lee JR, Kim HY, Joung YK, Kim DI, Bhang SH. Lightwave-reinforced stem cells with enhanced wound healing efficacy. J Tissue Eng 2021; 12:20417314211067004. [PMID: 34987748 PMCID: PMC8721371 DOI: 10.1177/20417314211067004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive research has led to significant preclinical outcomes in modified human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs). Photobiomodulation (PBM), a technique to enhance the cellular capacity of stem cells, has attracted considerable attention owing to its effectiveness and safety. Here, we suggest a red organic light-emitting diode (OLED)-based PBM strategy to augment the therapeutic efficacy of hADSCs. In vitro assessments revealed that hADSCs basked in red OLED light exhibited enhanced angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and migration compared to naïve hADSCs. We demonstrated that the enhancement of cellular capacity was due to an increased level of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, accelerated healing and regulated inflammatory response was observed in mice transplanted with red light-basked hADSCs. Overall, our findings suggest that OLED-based PBM may be an easily accessible and attractive approach for tissue regeneration that can be applied to various clinical stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jin Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ran Jeon
- Department of Health Sciences and
Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of
Korea
- Division of Vascular Surgery,
Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine,
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Won Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Hwan Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Bum Im
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Im
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Soong Ho Um
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Cho
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Ro Lee
- Center for Biomaterials,
Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology,
Seoungbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical-Chemical
Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi, Republic
of Korea
| | - Yoon Ki Joung
- Center for Biomaterials,
Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology,
Seoungbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science
& Technology, University of Science and Technology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon,
Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Ik Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and
Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of
Korea
- Division of Vascular Surgery,
Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine,
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Ho Bhang
- School of Chemical Engineering,
Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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30
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Aalkjær C, Nilsson H, De Mey JGR. Sympathetic and Sensory-Motor Nerves in Peripheral Small Arteries. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:495-544. [PMID: 33270533 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small arteries, which play important roles in controlling blood flow, blood pressure, and capillary pressure, are under nervous influence. Their innervation is predominantly sympathetic and sensory motor in nature, and while some arteries are densely innervated, others are only sparsely so. Innervation of small arteries is a key mechanism in regulating vascular resistance. In the second half of the previous century, the physiology and pharmacology of this innervation were very actively investigated. In the past 10-20 yr, the activity in this field was more limited. With this review we highlight what has been learned during recent years with respect to development of small arteries and their innervation, some aspects of excitation-release coupling, interaction between sympathetic and sensory-motor nerves, cross talk between endothelium and vascular nerves, and some aspects of their role in vascular inflammation and hypertension. We also highlight what remains to be investigated to further increase our understanding of this fundamental aspect of vascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger Nilsson
- Department Physiology, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jo G R De Mey
- Deptartment Pharmacology and Personalized Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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31
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Zeng X, Liu C, Yao J, Wan H, Wan G, Li Y, Chen N. Breast cancer stem cells, heterogeneity, targeting therapies and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105320. [PMID: 33271295 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Both hereditary and sporadic breast cancer are suggested to develop from a stem cell subcomponent retaining most key stem cell properties but with dysregulation of self-renewal pathways, which drives tumorigenic differentiation and cellular heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by their self-renewal and differentiation potential, have been reported to contribute to chemo-/radio-resistance and tumor initiation and to be the main reason for the failure of current therapies in breast cancer and other CSC-bearing cancers. Thus, CSC-targeted therapies, such as those inducing CSC apoptosis and differentiation, inhibiting CSC self-renewal and division, and targeting the CSC niche to combat CSC activity, are needed and may become an important component of multimodal treatment. To date, the understanding of breast cancer has been extended by advances in CSC biology, providing more accurate prognostic and predictive information upon diagnosis. Recent improvements have enhanced the prospect of targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which has shown promise for increasing the breast cancer remission rate. However, targeted therapy for breast cancer remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity. One major challenge is determining the CSC properties that can be exploited as therapeutic targets. Another challenge is identifying suitable BCSC biomarkers to assess the efficacy of novel BCSC-targeted therapies. This review focuses mainly on the characteristics of BCSCs and the roles of BCSCs in the formation, maintenance and recurrence of breast cancer; self-renewal signaling pathways in BCSCs; the BCSC microenvironment; potential therapeutic targets related to BCSCs; and current therapies and clinical trials targeting BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Zeng
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Medicine School of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518037, PR China
| | - Chengxiao Liu
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, PR China
| | - Jie Yao
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, PR China
| | - Haoqiang Wan
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Medicine School of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518037, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital, 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518120, PR China
| | - Guoqing Wan
- Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, 201318, PR China
| | - Yingpeng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital, 2nd Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518120, PR China.
| | - Nianhong Chen
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, PR China; Department of Cell Biology & University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, 10065, USA.
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32
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Kaushal K, Ramakrishna S. Deubiquitinating Enzyme-Mediated Signaling Networks in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3253. [PMID: 33158118 PMCID: PMC7694198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have both the capacity for self-renewal and the potential to differentiate and contribute to multiple tumor properties, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. Thus, CSCs are considered to be promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. The function of CSCs can be regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination of proteins related to the specific stemness of the cells executing various stem cell fate choices. To regulate the balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes, the disassembly of ubiquitin chains from specific substrates by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) is crucial. Several key developmental and signaling pathways have been shown to play essential roles in this regulation. Growing evidence suggests that overactive or abnormal signaling within and among these pathways may contribute to the survival of CSCs. These signaling pathways have been experimentally shown to mediate various stem cell properties, such as self-renewal, cell fate decisions, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In this review, we focus on the DUBs involved in CSCs signaling pathways, which are vital in regulating their stem-cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Kaushal
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea;
| | - Suresh Ramakrishna
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea;
- College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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Satoh TK, Mellett M, Meier-Schiesser B, Fenini G, Otsuka A, Beer HD, Rordorf T, Maul JT, Hafner J, Navarini AA, Contassot E, French LE. IL-36γ drives skin toxicity induced by EGFR/MEK inhibition and commensal Cutibacterium acnes. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1417-1430. [PMID: 31805013 PMCID: PMC7269569 DOI: 10.1172/jci128678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MEK inhibitors (EGFRi/MEKi) are beneficial for the treatment of solid cancers but are frequently associated with severe therapy-limiting acneiform skin toxicities. The underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Using gene expression profiling we identified IL-36γ and IL-8 as candidate drivers of EGFRi/MEKi skin toxicity. We provide molecular and translational evidence that EGFRi/MEKi in concert with the skin commensal bacterium Cutibacterium acnes act synergistically to induce IL-36γ in keratinocytes and subsequently IL-8, leading to cutaneous neutrophilia. IL-36γ expression was the combined result of C. acnes–induced NF-κB activation and EGFRi/MEKi–mediated expression of the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), due to the presence of both NF-κB and KLF4 binding sites in the human IL-36γ gene promoter. EGFRi/MEKi increased KLF4 expression by blockade of the EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway. These results provide an insight into understanding the pathological mechanism of the acneiform skin toxicities induced by EGFRi/MEKi and identify IL-36γ and the transcription factor KLF4 as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi K Satoh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark Mellett
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Gabriele Fenini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Atsushi Otsuka
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hans-Dietmar Beer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Rordorf
- Clinic for Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jürg Hafner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander A Navarini
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Contassot
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lars E French
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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34
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Samanta T, Kar S. Fine-tuning Nanog expression heterogeneity in embryonic stem cells by regulating a Nanog transcript-specific microRNA. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:4292-4306. [PMID: 32969052 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the transcription factor Nanog maintains the stemness of ESCs despite exhibiting heterogeneous expression patterns under varied culture conditions. Efficient fine-tuning of Nanog expression heterogeneity could enable ESC proliferation and differentiation along specific lineages to be regulated. Herein, by employing a stochastic modeling approach, we show that Nanog expression heterogeneity can be controlled by modulating the regulatory features of a Nanog transcript-specific microRNA, mir-296. We demonstrate how and why the extent of origin-dependent fluctuations in Nanog expression level can be altered by varying either the binding efficiency of the microRNA-mRNA complex or the expression level of mir-296. Moreover, our model makes experimentally feasible and insightful predictions to maneuver Nanog expression heterogeneity explicitly to achieve cell-type-specific differentiation of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandip Kar
- Department of Chemistry, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India
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35
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Kobayashi H, Nishimura H, Kudo N, Osada H, Yoshida M. A novel GSK3 inhibitor that promotes self-renewal in mouse embryonic stem cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2113-2120. [PMID: 32640867 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1789445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules that regulate cell stemness have the potential to make a major contribution to regenerative medicine. In the course of screening for small molecules that affect stemness in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we discovered that NPD13432, an aurone derivative, promoted self-renewal of mESCs. Normally, mESCs start to differentiate upon withdrawal of 2i/LIF. However, cells treated with the compound continued to express endogenous Nanog, a pluripotency marker protein essential for sustaining the undifferentiated state, even in the absence of 2i/LIF. Biochemical characterization revealed that NPD13432 inhibited GSK3α and GSK3β with IC50 values of 92 nM and 310 nM, respectively, suggesting that the compound promotes self-renewal in mESCs by inhibiting GSK3. The chemical structure of the compound is unique among known molecules with this activity, providing an opportunity to develop new inhibitors of GSK3, as well as chemical tools for investigating cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kobayashi
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Haruna Nishimura
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Norio Kudo
- Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Seed Compounds Exploratory Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan.,Chemical Genomics Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) , Saitama, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan.,Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo, Japan
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36
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ERK signalling: a master regulator of cell behaviour, life and fate. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:607-632. [PMID: 32576977 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-0255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 472] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The proteins extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 are the downstream components of a phosphorelay pathway that conveys growth and mitogenic signals largely channelled by the small RAS GTPases. By phosphorylating widely diverse substrates, ERK proteins govern a variety of evolutionarily conserved cellular processes in metazoans, the dysregulation of which contributes to the cause of distinct human diseases. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of ERK1 and ERK2, their mode of action and their impact on the development and homeostasis of various organisms have been the focus of much attention for nearly three decades. In this Review, we discuss the current understanding of this important class of kinases. We begin with a brief overview of the structure, regulation, substrate recognition and subcellular localization of ERK1 and ERK2. We then systematically discuss how ERK signalling regulates six fundamental cellular processes in response to extracellular cues. These processes are cell proliferation, cell survival, cell growth, cell metabolism, cell migration and cell differentiation.
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37
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Zhou Z, Song X, Chi JJ, Gius DR, Huang Y, Cristofanilli M, Wan Y. Regulation of KLF4 by posttranslational modification circuitry in endocrine resistance. Cell Signal 2020; 70:109574. [PMID: 32084531 PMCID: PMC7511032 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
KLF4 plays an important role in orchestrating a variety of cellular events, including cell-fate decision, genome stability and apoptosis. Its deregulation is correlated with human diseases such as breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer. Results from recent biochemical studies have revealed that KLF4 is tightly regulated by posttranslational modifications. Here we report a new finding that KLF4 orchestrates estrogen receptor signaling and facilitates endocrine resistance. We also uncovered the underlying mechanism that alteration of KLF4 by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitylation changes tumor cell response to endocrine therapy drugs. IHC analyses using based on human breast cancer specimens showed the accumulation of KLF4 protein in ER-positive breast cancer tissues. Elevated KLF4 expression significantly correlated with prognosis and endocrine resistance. Our drug screening for suppressing KLF4 protein expression led to identification of Src kinase to be a critical player in modulating KLF4-mediated tamoxifen resistance. Depletion of VHL (von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor), a ubiquitin E3 ligase for KLF4, reduces tumor cell sensitivity to tamoxifen. We demonstrated phosphorylation of VHL by Src enhances proteolysis of VHL that in turn leads to upregulation of KLF4 and increases endocrine resistance. Suppression of Src-VHL-KLF4 cascade by Src inhibitor or enhancement of VHL-KLF4 ubiquitination by TAT-KLF4 (371-420AAa) peptides re-sensitizes tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells to tamoxifen treatment. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel role for KLF4 in modulating endocrine resistance via the Src-VHL-KLF4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Xinxin Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Junlong Jack Chi
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - David R Gius
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Yi Huang
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.
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Wang X, Xia S, Li H, Wang X, Li C, Chao Y, Zhang L, Han C. The deubiquitinase USP10 regulates KLF4 stability and suppresses lung tumorigenesis. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:1747-1764. [PMID: 31748695 PMCID: PMC7244734 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0458-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a key transcription factor, acts as a multifunctional player involved in the progression of numerous aggressive cancers. The proteasome-dependent pathway is one of the main modalities in controlling KLF4 abundance at a posttranslational level. Although some of the ubiquitin ligases have been identified, the deubiquitinases of KLF4 and the regulatory function remain unexplored. Here, by screening ubiquitin-specific proteases that may interact with KLF4, we found ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10) as a deubiquitinating enzyme for KLF4. Forced expression of USP10 remarkably increases KLF4 protein level by blocking the latter degradation, whereas the depletion of USP10 promotes KLF4 degradation and thus enhances tumorigenesis. Loss of USP10 in mice downregulates KLF4 expression and accelerates KrasG12D-driven lung adenocarcinoma initiation and progression. In addition, our data revealed that KLF4 can facilitate the transcription of tumor suppressor TIMP3 by directly binding to the TIMP3 promoter. Clinically, reduction of USP10 expression, concomitant with decreased KLF4 and TIMP3 abundance in carcinoma tissue, predicts poor prognosis of lung cancer patient. Taken together, our results demonstrate that USP10 is a critical regulator of KLF4, pinpointing USP10-KLF4-TIMP3 axis as a promising therapeutic target in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyun Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Shilin Xia
- Clinical Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, China
| | - Hongchang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Chaonan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Chao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, 100850, Beijing, China.
| | - Chuanchun Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Calf thymus polypeptide improved hematopoiesis via regulating colony-stimulating factors in BALB/c mice with hematopoietic dysfunction. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 156:204-216. [PMID: 32156537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Calf thymus polypeptide (CTP) is prepared from calf thymus. It has a molecular mass of <10 kilodalton (kDa) and contains 17 types of amino acids. This study investigated the hematopoietic function-improvement effect of CTP in CHRF, K562, and bone marrow mononuclear cells; mice with immunosuppression; and with hematopoietic dysfunction. In mice with immunosuppression, CTP enhanced the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells and the proliferation of lymphocytes and regulated the levels of immunoglobulins. It also enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of CHRF and K562 cells by upregulating the expression of proliferation- and differentiation-related proteins. In mice with hematopoietic dysfunction, CTP restored white blood cell, neutrophil, and hemoglobin proportions in the peripheral blood and enhanced the levels of B lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells in the bone marrow. CTP effectively regulated the levels of hematopoiesis-related cytokines, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin 2, and interferons-γ, and enhanced the expression of hematopoiesis-related proteins in both primary bone marrow cells and mice with hematopoietic dysfunction. These results indicate that CTP has hematopoietic function-improvement effect and this effect may be related to the modulation of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) and related signaling pathways.
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40
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Zhang J, Cui Y, Li X, Xiao Y, Liu L, Jia F, He J, Xie X, Parthasarathy S, Hao H, Fang N. 5F peptide promotes endothelial differentiation of bone marrow stem cells through activation of ERK1/2 signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 876:173051. [PMID: 32145325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptide 5F exhibits anti-atherosclerotic ability with largely unknown mechanism(s). Bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in vascular integrity and function. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 5F on endothelial differentiation of BM stem cells and related mechanisms. Murine BM multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) were induced to differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro with or without 5F. The expression of endothelial markers vWF, Flk-1 and CD31 was significantly increased in the cells treated with 5F with enhanced in vitro vascular tube formation and LDL uptake without significant changes on proliferation and stem cell maker Oct-4 expression. Phosphorylated ERK1/2, not Akt, was significantly increased in 5F-treated cells. Treatment of MAPCs with PD98059 or small interfering RNA against ERK2 substantially attenuated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and effectively prevented 5F-induced enhancement of endothelial differentiation of MAPCs. In vivo studies revealed that 5F increased EPCs number in the BM in mice after acute hindlimb ischemia that was effectively prevented with PD98059 treatment. These data supported the conclusion that 5F promoted endothelial differentiation of MAPCs through activation of ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, 200127, China; Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yuan Xiao
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fengpeng Jia
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jianfeng He
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Xie
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sampath Parthasarathy
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, USA
| | - Hong Hao
- Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ningyuan Fang
- Department of Geriatrics, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University , Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Xu Y, Luo Y, Liang C, Zhang T. LncRNA-Mhrt regulates cardiac hypertrophy by modulating the miR-145a-5p/KLF4/myocardin axis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 139:47-61. [PMID: 31982428 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an early milestone of many heart diseases. LncRNAs often play a leading role in this process. However, its mechanism of action in cardiac hypertrophy has not been fully explained. In a previous study, we showed a new mode by which lncRNA-Mhrt inhibited cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting myocardin. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore potential action modes of Mhrt in regulating the expression of myocardin in the process of cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we find that Mhrt reduces myocardin expression through KLF4 in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, Mhrt promotes the expression of KLF4 through direct binding to miR-145a-5p or inhibiting phosphorylation of KLF4 by forming a complex with KLF4 to prevent the binding of ERK and KLF4, thereby inhibiting myocardin expression and the development of myocardial hypertrophy. Taken together, our findings reveal a new pathway, Mhrt-KLF4-myocardin, that regulates cardiac hypertrophy and revealed additional possible action modes of Mhrt in the occurrence and development of cardiac hypertrophy. The new regulatory pathway serves as a potential therapeutic avenue for cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ying Luo
- College of Biological Science and Technology,Hubei Minzu University,Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Regulation of Stem Cells by Cullin-RING Ligase. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1217:79-98. [PMID: 31898223 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1025-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells can remain quiescent, self-renewal, and differentiate into many types of cells and even cancer stem cells. The coordination of these complex processes maintains the homeostasis of the organism. Ubiquitination is an important posttranslational modification process that regulates protein stability and activity. The ubiquitination levels of stem cell-associated proteins are closely related with stem cell characteristics. Cullin-RING Ligases (CRLs) are the largest family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, accounting for approximately 20% of proteins degraded by proteasome. In this review, we discuss the role of CRLs in stem cell homeostasis, self-renewal, and differentiation and expound their ubiquitination substrates. In addition, we also discuss the effect of CRLs on the formation of cancer stem cells that may provide promising therapy strategies for cancer.
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He H, Wu Z, Li S, Chen K, Wang D, Zou H, Chen H, Li Y, Liu Z, Qu C. TRAF7 enhances ubiquitin-degradation of KLF4 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Lett 2019; 469:380-389. [PMID: 31730901 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) is a component of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and is a putative E3-ubiquitin ligase. Based on importance of chronic inflammation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we investigated the biological effects and the molecular mechanisms of deregulated TRAF7 signaling in HCC. Our results showed that high TRAF7 expression in HCC samples was inversely associated with Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression and the prognosis of HCC patients. TRAF7 could degrade KLF4 protein through ubiquitin by interacting with its N-terminus. The up-regulation of TRAF7 promoted HCC cell migration and invasion in vivo and in vitro, and TRAF7 knockdown had the opposite effects. Restoration of KLF4 abrogated the motility promotion induced by TRAF7. TRAF7 promotes HCC cell motility through inducing KLF4 protein turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haojing Zou
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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44
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Dynamic lineage priming is driven via direct enhancer regulation by ERK. Nature 2019; 575:355-360. [PMID: 31695196 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Central to understanding cellular behaviour in multi-cellular organisms is the question of how a cell exits one transcriptional state to adopt and eventually become committed to another. Fibroblast growth factor-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (FGF -ERK) signalling drives differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells) and pre-implantation embryos towards primitive endoderm, and inhibiting ERK supports ES cell self-renewal1. Paracrine FGF-ERK signalling induces heterogeneity, whereby cells reversibly progress from pluripotency towards primitive endoderm while retaining their capacity to re-enter self-renewal2. Here we find that ERK reversibly regulates transcription in ES cells by directly affecting enhancer activity without requiring a change in transcription factor binding. ERK triggers the reversible association and disassociation of RNA polymerase II and associated co-factors from genes and enhancers with the mediator component MED24 having an essential role in ERK-dependent transcriptional regulation. Though the binding of mediator components responds directly to signalling, the persistent binding of pluripotency factors to both induced and repressed genes marks them for activation and/or reactivation in response to fluctuations in ERK activity. Among the repressed genes are several core components of the pluripotency network that act to drive their own expression and maintain the ES cell state; if their binding is lost, the ability to reactivate transcription is compromised. Thus, as long as transcription factor occupancy is maintained, so is plasticity, enabling cells to distinguish between transient and sustained signals. If ERK signalling persists, pluripotency transcription factor levels are reduced by protein turnover and irreversible gene silencing and commitment can occur.
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Chen YJ, Huang SM, Tai MC, Chen JT, Liang CM. Glucosamine impedes transforming growth factor β1-mediated corneal fibroblast differentiation by targeting Krüppel-like factor 4. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:72. [PMID: 31597574 PMCID: PMC6784344 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor (TGF) family members play important roles in the regulation of corneal integrity, and the pathogenesis of corneal fibrosis. Currently, there are no effective agents targeting TGF-β signaling to diminish corneal fibrosis. Glucosamine (GlcN), which is widely used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, abrogates the morphologic effects of TGF-β2 on retinal pigmented epithelial cells in a mouse disease model. Here, we sought to determine whether GlcN would exert beneficial effects against TGF-β1-induced corneal fibrosis. METHODS In human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) treated with GlcN, the expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and its downstream signaling effects were determined in the presence and absence of TGF-β1 using immunoblot analysis. We further explored GlcN inhibition of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation via KLF4 siRNA. The effect of cycloheximide on KLF4 protein levels with or without GlcN administration was assessed to determine whether GlcN affects the stability of the KLF4 protein. RESULTS In HCFs, GlcN induced the expression of KLF4, which regulated the maturation and maintenance of the ocular surface. GlcN partially suppressed the TGF-β1-induced expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and reduced the collagen contraction capacity in HCFs, suggesting a decrease in fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. This effect appeared to be mediated through suppression of Smad2 phosphorylation and ERK-dependent signaling. The levels of KLF4 mRNA were increased by GlcN and decreased by TGF-β1 and the TGF-β1-induced α-SMA mRNA expression was upregulated when the KLF4 gene was silenced. GlcN also appeared to stabilize the KLF4 protein, reducing its turnover in corneal fibroblasts. CONCLUSION These findings shed light on a novel mechanism by which GlcN suppresses TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation through the upregulation of KLF4 expression. Current strategies for treating corneal fibrosis were not effective. Elevating KLF4 levels through the use of GlcN might provide an effective alternative to alleviate the development and progression of corneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2, Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Cheng Tai
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2, Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jiann-Torng Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2, Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chang-Min Liang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital; and School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Number 325, Section 2, Chang-gong Rd, Nei-Hu District, 114, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Zou H, Chen H, Zhou Z, Wan Y, Liu Z. ATXN3 promotes breast cancer metastasis by deubiquitinating KLF4. Cancer Lett 2019; 467:19-28. [PMID: 31563563 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is an important transcription factor implicated in a variety of essential cellular processes. Aberrant KLF4 expression is closely related to tumourigenesis and tumour progression. The rapid turnover of the KLF4 protein indicates an important role for the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of KLF4. To date, E3 ligases mediating KLF4 ubiquitination have been widely reported, yet the deubiquitinating mechanism of KLF4 remains largely unknown. We screened a library of 65 deubiquitinating enzymes and identified ATXN3 as a deubiquitinating enzyme of KLF4. Subsequent immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that ATXN3 bound to KLF4, mediating the deubiquitination and stabilization of KLF4 protein levels. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ATXN3 promoted breast cancer cell metastasis via KLF4 in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the protein expression analysis of human breast cancer specimens demonstrated that ATXN3 significantly correlated with KLF4. High ATXN3/KLF4 expression was associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Collectively, we identified ATXN3 as a novel deubiquitinating enzyme of KLF4, providing a new explanation for breast cancer metastasis, and proposed ATXN3 as a potential target for breast cancer metastasis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojing Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pharmacology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pharmacology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Tao H, Lin H, Sun Z, Pei F, Zhang J, Chen S, Liu H, Chen Z. Klf4 Promotes Dentinogenesis and Odontoblastic Differentiation via Modulation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway and Interaction With Histone Acetylation. J Bone Miner Res 2019; 34:1502-1516. [PMID: 31112333 PMCID: PMC8895434 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.3716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors bind to cell-specific cis-regulatory elements, such as enhancers and promoters, to initiate much of the gene expression program of different biological process. Odontoblast differentiation is a necessary step for tooth formation and is also governed by a complex gene regulatory network. Our previous in vitro experiments showed that Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) can promote odontoblastic differentiation of both mouse dental papillary cells (mDPCs) and human dental pulp cells; however, its mechanism remains unclear. We first used Wnt1-Cre; KLF4fx/fx (Klf4 cKO) mice to examine the role of KLF4 during odontoblast differentiation in vivo and demonstrated significantly impaired dentin mineralization and enlarged pulp/root canals. Additionally, combinatory analysis using RNA-seq and ATAC-seq revealed genomewide direct regulatory targets of KLF4 in mouse odontoblasts. We found that KLF4 can directly activate the TGF-β signaling pathway at the beginning of odontoblast differentiation with Runx2 as a cofactor. Furthermore, we found that KLF4 can directly upregulate the expression levels of Dmp1 and Sp7, which are markers of odontoblastic differentiation, through binding to their promoters. Interestingly, as a transcription factor, KLF4 can also recruit histone acetylase as a regulatory companion to the downstream target genes to positively or negatively regulate transcription. To further investigate other regulatory companions of KLF4, we chose histone acetylase HDAC3 and P300. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that KLF4 interacted with P300 and HDAC3. Next, ChIP analysis detected P300 and HDAC3 enrichment on the promoter region of KLF4 target genes Dmp1 and Sp7. HDAC3 mainly interacted with KLF4 on day 0 of odontoblastic induction, whereas P300 interacted on day 7 of induction. These temporal-specific interactions regulated Dmp1 and Sp7 transcription, thus regulating dentinogenesis. Taken together, these results demonstrated that KLF4 regulates Dmp1 and Sp7 transcription via the modulation of histone acetylation and is vital to dentinogenesis. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangheng Tao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Lin
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Zheyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Pei
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Developmental Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Huan Liu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedicine of Ministry of Education (KLOBM), School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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48
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Shparberg RA, Glover HJ, Morris MB. Modeling Mammalian Commitment to the Neural Lineage Using Embryos and Embryonic Stem Cells. Front Physiol 2019; 10:705. [PMID: 31354503 PMCID: PMC6637848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early mammalian embryogenesis relies on a large range of cellular and molecular mechanisms to guide cell fate. In this highly complex interacting system, molecular circuitry tightly controls emergent properties, including cell differentiation, proliferation, morphology, migration, and communication. These molecular circuits include those responsible for the control of gene and protein expression, as well as metabolism and epigenetics. Due to the complexity of this circuitry and the relative inaccessibility of the mammalian embryo in utero, mammalian neural commitment remains one of the most challenging and poorly understood areas of developmental biology. In order to generate the nervous system, the embryo first produces two pluripotent populations, the inner cell mass and then the primitive ectoderm. The latter is the cellular substrate for gastrulation from which the three multipotent germ layers form. The germ layer definitive ectoderm, in turn, is the substrate for multipotent neurectoderm (neural plate and neural tube) formation, representing the first morphological signs of nervous system development. Subsequent patterning of the neural tube is then responsible for the formation of most of the central and peripheral nervous systems. While a large number of studies have assessed how a competent neurectoderm produces mature neural cells, less is known about the molecular signatures of definitive ectoderm and neurectoderm and the key molecular mechanisms driving their formation. Using pluripotent stem cells as a model, we will discuss the current understanding of how the pluripotent inner cell mass transitions to pluripotent primitive ectoderm and sequentially to the multipotent definitive ectoderm and neurectoderm. We will focus on the integration of cell signaling, gene activation, and epigenetic control that govern these developmental steps, and provide insight into the novel growth factor-like role that specific amino acids, such as L-proline, play in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael B. Morris
- Embryonic Stem Cell Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Dhaliwal NK, Abatti LE, Mitchell JA. KLF4 protein stability regulated by interaction with pluripotency transcription factors overrides transcriptional control. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1069-1082. [PMID: 31221664 PMCID: PMC6672055 DOI: 10.1101/gad.324319.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are regulated by a network of transcription factors that maintain the pluripotent state. Differentiation relies on down-regulation of pluripotency transcription factors disrupting this network. While investigating transcriptional regulation of the pluripotency transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), we observed that homozygous deletion of distal enhancers caused a 17-fold decrease in Klf4 transcript but surprisingly decreased protein levels by less than twofold, indicating that posttranscriptional control of KLF4 protein overrides transcriptional control. The lack of sensitivity of KLF4 to transcription is due to high protein stability (half-life >24 h). This stability is context-dependent and is disrupted during differentiation, as evidenced by a shift to a half-life of <2 h. KLF4 protein stability is maintained through interaction with other pluripotency transcription factors (NANOG, SOX2, and STAT3) that together facilitate association of KLF4 with RNA polymerase II. In addition, the KLF4 DNA-binding and transactivation domains are required for optimal KLF4 protein stability. Posttranslational modification of KLF4 destabilizes the protein as cells exit the pluripotent state, and mutations that prevent this destabilization also prevent differentiation. These data indicate that the core pluripotency transcription factors are integrated by posttranslational mechanisms to maintain the pluripotent state and identify mutations that increase KLF4 protein stability while maintaining transcription factor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navroop K Dhaliwal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontaria M5S3G5, Canada
| | - Luis E Abatti
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontaria M5S3G5, Canada
| | - Jennifer A Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontaria M5S3G5, Canada
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50
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Mai J, Zhong ZY, Guo GF, Chen XX, Xiang YQ, Li X, Zhang HL, Chen YH, Xu XL, Wu RY, Yu Y, Li ZL, Peng XD, Huang Y, Zhou LH, Feng GK, Guo X, Deng R, Zhu XF. Polo-Like Kinase 1 phosphorylates and stabilizes KLF4 to promote tumorigenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Theranostics 2019; 9:3541-3554. [PMID: 31281496 PMCID: PMC6587166 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive disease with no targeted therapies and poor outcomes. New innovative targets are urgently needed. KLF4 has been extensively studied in the context of tumors, and current data suggest that it can act as either a tissue-specific tumor-inhibiting or a tumor-promoting gene. Here, we found that KLF4 played as a tumor-promoting gene in NPC, and could be mediated by PLK1. Methods: Tissue immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was performed to identify the role of KLF4 in NPC. Global gene expression experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying KLF4-dependent tumorigenesis. Small-molecule kinase inhibitor screening was performed to identify potential upstream kinases of KLF4. The pharmacologic activity of polo-like kinase inhibitor volasertib (BI6727) in vitro and in vivo was determined. Result: Our investigation showed that high expression of KLF4 was correlated with poor prognosis in NPC. Moreover, genome-wide profiling revealed that KLF4 directly activated oncogenic programmes, including gene sets associated with KRAS, VEGF, and MYC signalling. We further found that inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 could downregulate the expression of KLF4 and that PLK1 directly phosphorylated KLF4 at Ser234. Notably, phosphorylation of KLF4 by PLK1 caused the recruitment and binding of the E3 ligase TRAF6, which resulted in KLF4 K32 K63-linked ubiquitination and stabilization. Moreover, KLF4 could enhance TRAF6 expression at the transcriptional level, thus initiating a KLF4-TRAF6 feed-forward loop. Treatment with the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib (BI6727) significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. Conclusion: Our study unveiled a new PLK1-TRAF6-KLF4 feed-forward loop. The resulting increase in KLF4 ubiquitination leads to stabilization and upregulation of KLF4, which leads to tumorigenesis in NPC. These results expand our understanding of the role of KLF4 in NPC and validate PLK1 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for NPC, especially cancer patients with KLF4 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Yan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gui-Fang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of VIP Inpatient, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiu-Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of VIP Inpatient, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Qun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Lian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Huan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong-Kan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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