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Vallés-Martí A, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Henneman AA, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Knol JC, Verheij J, Dijk F, Halfwerk H, Giovannetti E, Jiménez CR, Bijlsma MF. Kinase activities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with prognostic and therapeutic avenues. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38650175 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13625] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a limited number of known driver mutations but considerable cancer cell heterogeneity. Phosphoproteomics provides a direct read-out of aberrant signaling and the resultant clinically relevant phenotype. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics were applied to 42 PDAC tumors. Data encompassed over 19 936 phosphoserine or phosphothreonine (pS/T; in 5412 phosphoproteins) and 1208 phosphotyrosine (pY; in 501 phosphoproteins) sites and a total of 3756 proteins. Proteome data identified three distinct subtypes with tumor intrinsic and stromal features. Subsequently, three phospho-subtypes were apparent: two tumor intrinsic (Phos1/2) and one stromal (Phos3), resembling known PDAC molecular subtypes. Kinase activity was analyzed by the Integrative iNferred Kinase Activity (INKA) scoring. Phospho-subtypes displayed differential phosphorylation signals and kinase activity, such as FGR and GSK3 activation in Phos1, SRC kinase family and EPHA2 in Phos2, and EGFR, INSR, MET, ABL1, HIPK1, JAK, and PRKCD in Phos3. Kinase activity analysis of an external PDAC cohort supported our findings and underscored the importance of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, among others. Interestingly, unfavorable patient prognosis correlated with higher RTK, PAK2, STK10, and CDK7 activity and high proliferation, whereas long survival was associated with MYLK and PTK6 activity, which was previously unknown. Subtype-associated activity profiles can guide therapeutic combination approaches in tumor and stroma-enriched tissues, and emphasize the critical role of parallel signaling pathways. In addition, kinase activity profiling identifies potential disease markers with prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard R de Goeij-de Haas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex A Henneman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaco C Knol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Dijk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Halfwerk
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Cancer Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mohamedi Y, Fontanil T, Vega JA, Cobo T, Cal S, Obaya ÁJ. Lung Inflammatory Phenotype in Mice Deficient in Fibulin-2 and ADAMTS-12. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2024. [PMID: 38396702 PMCID: PMC10888546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042024] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) components plays an important role in the regulation of cellular behavior and hence in tissue function. Consequently, characterization of new interactions within ECM opens the possibility of studying not only the functional but also the pathological consequences derived from those interactions. We have previously described the interaction between fibulin2 and ADAMTS-12 in vitro and the effects of that interaction using cellular models of cancer. Now, we generate a mouse deficient in both ECM components and evaluate functional consequences of their absence using different cancer and inflammation murine models. The main findings indicate that mice deficient in both fibulin2 and ADAMTS12 markedly increase the development of lung tumors following intraperitoneal urethane injections. Moreover, inflammatory phenotype is exacerbated in the lung after LPS treatment as can be inferred from the accumulation of active immune cells in lung parenchyma. Overall, our results suggest that protective effects in cancer or inflammation shown by fibulin2 and ADAMTS12 as interactive partners in vitro are also shown in a more realistic in vivo context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamina Mohamedi
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José A. Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia—Área Metropolinana, Santiago de Chile 7500912, Chile
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Asturiano de Odontología (IAO), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Santiago Cal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Álvaro J. Obaya
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Fisiología, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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Dłubak A, Karwacki J, Logoń K, Tomecka P, Brawańska K, Krajewski W, Szydełko T, Małkiewicz B. Lymph Node Dissection in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Perspectives. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1327-1344. [PMID: 37801187 PMCID: PMC10640513 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01460-y] [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] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and its implications for staging and management outcomes, as well as future perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies have demonstrated the limitations of conventional imaging techniques in accurately localizing lymph node metastasis (LNM) in UTUC. While 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) shows promise for preoperative LNM detection, its specificity is low. Alternative methods such as choline PET/CT and sentinel lymph node detection are under consideration but require further investigation. Additionally, various preoperative factors associated with LNM hold potential for predicting nodal involvement, thereby improving nodal staging and oncologic outcomes of LND. Several surgical approaches, including segmental ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy, provide a possibility for LND, while minimizing morbidity. LND remains the primary nodal staging tool for UTUC, but its therapeutic benefit is still uncertain. Advances in imaging techniques and preoperative risk assessment show promise in improving LNM detection. Further research and multi-center studies are needed to comprehensively assess the advantages and limitations of LND in UTUC, as well as the long-term outcomes of alternative staging and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Dłubak
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Karwacki
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Logoń
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Tomecka
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Brawańska
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Krajewski
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szydełko
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Małkiewicz
- Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urology, University Center of Excellence in Urology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Hu X, Liu T, Li L, Gan H, Wang T, Pang P, Mao J. Fibulin-2 Facilitates Malignant Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2023; 34:635-644. [PMID: 37162505 PMCID: PMC10441129 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.22134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of biomarkers to assist in the clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma represents an urgent requirement. Fibulin-2 is known to contribute to the development and progression of various cancer types. This research investigated the role of fibulin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma and explored the possible mechanisms. METHODS The expression of fibulin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma was measured by bioinformatic analysis and confirmed by western blot and immunohistochemical staining in cell lines or patients' samples. The clinicopathologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was analyzed. Cell viability assays were used to explore the role of fibulin-2 on proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Western blot was conducted to uncover changes of protein expression of Ras-MEK-ERK1/2 pathway when Fibulin-2 was overexpressed or silenced. Flow cytometry analyses were used to determine the roles of fibulin-2 in the function of apoptosis and cell cycle. Subcutaneous xenograft mouse models showed the tumor growth pattern after fibulin-2 silence in vivo. RESULTS We reported the upregulation of fibulin-2 in most hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and cells lines. Fibulin-2 promoted the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro by regulating Ras-MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway, whereas knockdown of fibulin-2 incurred the opposite effect on proliferation. Consistently, knockdown of fibulin-2 resulted in increased apoptosis and induced growth arrest during the G0/G1 phase transition. In vivo xenograft assessment confirmed that knockdown of fibulin-2 inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Fibulin-2 exhibited tumor promotor activities in malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. The results of the study highlighted the potential of fibulin-2 to be utilized as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Hu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tianze Liu
- The Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Luting Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Hairun Gan
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Pengfei Pang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Junjie Mao
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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Takakura D, Ohashi S, Kobayashi N, Tokuhisa M, Ichikawa Y, Kawasaki N. Targeted O-glycoproteomics for the development of diagnostic markers for advanced colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1104936. [PMID: 36845686 PMCID: PMC9948623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1104936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a prominent feature of cancer, that can be used as targets to improve the existing cancer biomarkers, and help to assess metastasis risks, and therapeutic effects. We developed a targeted O-glycoproteomics method using serum specimens, and evaluated its utility in identifying advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) markers. To this end, we combined consecutive lectin affinity purification using Maclura pomifera lectin (MPL), jacalin, and Sambucus nigra lectin, which have affinities for the following O-glycans, that have received attention as cancer-related antigens, Tn (GalNAc-Ser/Thr), Sialyl Tn (Siaα2-6GalNAc-Ser/Thr), T (Galβ1-3GalNAc-Ser/Thr), Sialyl T (Siaα2-3Galβ1-GalNAc-Ser/Thr), and di-Sialyl T (Siaα2-3Galβ1-3[Siaα2-6] GalNAc-Ser/Thr), with a unique O-glycoproteomics approach. A total of 2,068 O-glycoforms derived from 265 proteins were identified in healthy individuals and patients with advanced CRC, of which 44 CRC-specific O-glycoforms were extracted. Particularly, five glycoproteins with T, Sialyl T, and di-Sialyl T antigens in specific peptide regions were evaluated quantitatively and statistically. We found that fibulin-2 (FBLN2) (aa330-349)/T antigen (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.92); macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) (aa370-395)/(T + di-Sialyl T) (AUC = 0.94); macrophage mannose receptor 1 (MRC1) (aa1083-1101 and aa1215-1229)/T (AUC = 0.96 and 0.99); fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA) (aa354-367, aa511-527 and aa559-573)/Sialyl T (AUC = 0.98, 0.90 and 0.94); and complement component C7 (C7) (aa692-701)/di-Sialyl T (AUC = 1.00), can have high diagnostic efficacy to strategically predict advanced CRC groups. Hence, they could be promising markers for detection of advanced CRC, and provide new clinical test indicators along with lectins, such as MPL and jacalin. Our O-glycoproteomics platform provides a novel tool and resource, for researchers and clinicians seeking to better understand and treat advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Takakura
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan,*Correspondence: Daisuke Takakura,
| | - Shoko Ohashi
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Motohiko Tokuhisa
- Department of Oncology, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ichikawa
- Department of Oncology, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nana Kawasaki
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
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Dhanisha SS, Guruvayoorappan C. Pathological Implications of Mucin Signaling in Metastasis. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2023; 23:585-602. [PMID: 36941808 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230320121332] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic mucosal layer provides a selective protective barrier for the epithelial cells lining the body cavities. Diverse human malignancies exploit their intrinsic role to protect and repair epithelia for promoting growth and survival. Aberrant expression of mucin has been known to be associated with poor prognosis of many cancers. However, the emergence of new paradigms in the study of metastasis recognizes the involvement of MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC16 during metastasis initiation and progression. Hence mucins can be used as an attractive target in future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss in detail about mucin family and its domains and the role of different mucins in regulating cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, we briefly discuss insights into mucins as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandrasekharan Guruvayoorappan
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
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7
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Zhang C, Atri P, Nallasamy P, Parte S, Rauth S, Nimmakayala RK, Marimuthu S, Chirravuri-Venkata R, Bhatia R, Halder S, Shah A, Cox JL, Smith L, Kumar S, Foster JM, Kukreja RC, Seshacharyulu P, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Small molecule inhibitor against onco-mucins disrupts Src/FosL1 axis to enhance gemcitabine efficacy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 551:215922. [PMID: 36285687 PMCID: PMC10124158 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215922] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mucin MUC4 is an aberrantly expressed oncogene in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet no pharmacological inhibitors have been identified to target MUC4. Here, we adapted an in silico screening method using the Cancer Therapeutic Response Database (CTRD) to Identify Small Molecule Inhibitors against Mucins (SMIMs). We identified Bosutinib as a candidate drug to target oncogenic mucins among 126 FDA-approved drugs from CTRD screening. Functionally, Bosutinib treatment alone/and in combination with gemcitabine (Gem)/5' fluorouracil (5FU) reduced in vitro viability, migration, and colony formation in multiple PDAC cell lines as well as human PDAC organoid prolifertaion and growth and in vivo xenograft growth. Further, biochemical and molecular analyses showed that Bosutinib exhibited these functional effects by downregulating MUC4 mucin at both transcript and translation levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistically, global transcriptome analysis in PDAC cells upon treatment with Bosutinib revealed disruption of the Src-ERK/AKT-FosL1 pathway, leading to decreased expression of MUC4 and MUC5AC mucins. Taken together, Bosutinib is a promising, novel, and highly potent SMIMs to target MUC4/MUC5AC mucins. This mucin-targeting effect of Bosutinib can be exploited in the future with cytotoxic agents to treat mucinous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmeng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Saravanakumar Marimuthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Rakesh Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sushanta Halder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ashu Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jesse L Cox
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jason M Foster
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Rakesh C Kukreja
- Division of Cardiology, Pauley Heart Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298-0204, USA
| | | | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Disease, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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8
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Cheng P, Cao T, Zhao X, Lu W, Miao S, Ning F, Wang D, Gao Y, Wang L, Pei G, Yang L. Nidogen1-enriched extracellular vesicles accelerate angiogenesis and bone regeneration by targeting Myosin-10 to regulate endothelial cell adhesion. Bioact Mater 2022; 12:185-197. [PMID: 35310379 PMCID: PMC8897190 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The technique bottleneck of repairing large bone defects with tissue engineered bone is the vascularization of tissue engineered grafts. Although some studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) promote bone healing and repair by accelerating angiogenesis, the effector molecules and the mechanism remain unclear, which fail to provide ideas for the future research and development of cell-free interventions. Here, we found that Nidogen1-enriched EV (EV-NID1) derived from BMSCs interferes with the formation and assembly of focal adhesions (FAs) by targeting myosin-10, thereby reducing the adhesion strength of rat arterial endothelial cells (RAECs) to the extracellular matrix (ECM), and enhancing the migration and angiogenesis potential of RAECs. Moreover, by delivery with composite hydrogel, EV-NID1 is demonstrated to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration in rat femoral defects. This study identifies the intracellular binding target of EV-NID1 and further elucidates a novel approach and mechanism, thereby providing a cell-free construction strategy with precise targets for the development of vascularized tissue engineering products. Nidogen1 is enriched in extracellular vesicles (EV-NID1) derived from BMSCs. EV-NID1 interferes with the formation and assembly of focal adhesions (FAs). Myosin-10 was identified as the intracellular binding target of EV-NID1. The composite hydrogel loaded with EV-NID1 promotes the repair of bone defects by accelerating angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhen Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Tianqing Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xueyi Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Weiguang Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Sheng Miao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fenru Ning
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Guoxian Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- Corresponding author.
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Dreyer CA, VanderVorst K, Free S, Rowson-Hodel A, Carraway KL. The role of membrane mucin MUC4 in breast cancer metastasis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 29:R17-R32. [PMID: 34726614 PMCID: PMC8697635 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A major barrier to the emergence of distant metastases is the survival of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) within the vasculature. Lethal stressors, including shear forces from blood flow, anoikis arising from cellular detachment, and exposure to natural killer cells, combine to subvert the ability of primary tumor cells to survive and ultimately seed distant lesions. Further attenuation of this rate-limiting process via therapeutic intervention offers a very attractive opportunity for improving cancer patient outcomes, in turn prompting the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying CTC viability. MUC4 is a very large and heavily glycosylated protein expressed at the apical surfaces of the epithelia of a variety of tissues, is involved in cellular growth signaling and adhesiveness, and contributes to the protection and lubrication of cellular linings. Analysis of patient-matched breast tumor specimens has demonstrated that MUC4 protein levels are upregulated in metastatic lesions relative to primary tumor among all breast tumor subtypes, pointing to a possible selective advantage for MUC4 overexpression in metastasis. Analysis of a genetically engineered mouse model of HER2-positive breast cancer has demonstrated that metastatic efficiency is markedly suppressed with Muc4 deletion and Muc4-knockout tumor cells are poorly associated with platelets and white blood cells known to support CTC viability. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of MUC4 in tumor progression and metastasis and propose that intervening in MUC4 intercellular interactions with binding partners on blood-borne aggregating cells could potentially thwart breast cancer metastatic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kermit L. Carraway
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Kermit Carraway, Research Building III, Room 1100B, 4645 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, P: (916) 734-3114,
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10
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Fibulin 2 Is Hypermethylated and Suppresses Tumor Cell Proliferation through Inhibition of Cell Adhesion and Extracellular Matrix Genes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111834. [PMID: 34769264 PMCID: PMC8584407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111834] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibulins (FBLNs), interacting with cell adhesion receptors and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, play multiple roles in ECM structures and tissue functions. Abnormal expression of FBLN2, one of the fibulin family members, contributes to tumor initiation and development. However, the function of FBLN2 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we found that FBLN2 was downregulated in 9 out of 11 lung cancer cell lines compared to normal bronchial epithelial cells, which was associated with DNA hypermethylation. Primary lung squamous cell carcinoma expressed significantly more FBLN2 protein compared to adenocarcinoma (p = 0.047). Ectopic expression of FBLN2 led to decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, accompanied by inactivated MAPK/ERK and AKT/mTOR pathways, while FBLN2 siRNA knockdown resulted in an opposite biological behaviour in NSCLC cells. Additionally, overexpression of FBLN2 led to dysregulation of cell adhesion molecules, ECM markers and a panel of lysate/exosome-derived-microRNAs, which are involved in cell adhesion and ECM remodelling. Taken together, our data indicate that FBLN2 is methylated and exerts a tumor suppressor function through modulation of MAPK/ERK and AKT pathways and regulation of cell adhesion and ECM genes. Moreover, FBLN2 might be a potential biomarker for the sub-classification of NSCLC.
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11
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Thompson CM, Cannon A, West S, Ghersi D, Atri P, Bhatia R, Smith L, Rachagani S, Wichman C, Kumar S, Batra SK. Mucin Expression and Splicing Determine Novel Subtypes and Patient Mortality in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6787-6799. [PMID: 34615717 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy demonstrating aberrant and progressive expression of mucins. The contribution of individual mucins has been extensively investigated in PDAC; however, comprehensive mucin profiling including splice variants in PDAC tumors has not been reported. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using publicly available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets, we assess the expression of mucin family members and their splice variants (SV) in PDAC tumor samples for the first time. Mucin SVs that are correlated with PDAC patient survival are validated in a cohort of patient tumor samples. Further, we use computational methods to derive novel pancreatic tumor subtypes using mucin expression signatures and their associated activated pathways. RESULTS Principal component analysis identified four novel mucin-based PDAC subtypes. Pathway analysis implicated specific biological signatures for each subtype, labeled (i) immune activated, (ii) progressive, (iii) pancreatitis-initiated, and (iv) anti-inflammatory/PanIN-initiated. Assessing mucin SVs, significantly longer survival is observed with higher expression of 4 MUC1 and 1 MUC13 SVs, whereas patients expressing 2 MUC4 and 1 MUC16 SVs had shorter survival. Using a whole-transcriptome correlation, a three-gene panel, including ESRP2, PTK6, and MAGEH1, is designated to assess PDAC tumor sample cellularity by PCR. One MUC4 SV and one MUC13 SV are quantified in a separate PDAC patient cohort, and their effects on survival are experimentally validated. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, we demonstrate the unique expression pattern of mucins, four mucin-based PDAC subtypes, and the contribution of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 SVs in PDAC patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Andrew Cannon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sean West
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, College of Information Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Dario Ghersi
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, College of Information Science and Technology, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Pranita Atri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Rakesh Bhatia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Lynette Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Satyayanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Christopher Wichman
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. .,The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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12
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Role of Fibulins in Embryonic Stage Development and Their Involvement in Various Diseases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050685. [PMID: 34063320 PMCID: PMC8147605 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the evolution of early metazoans, as it provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells through the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. In multi-cellular organisms, ECM plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of tissues and in the development of organs. Fibulins are ECM glycoproteins, found in a variety of tissues associated with basement membranes, elastic fibers, proteoglycan aggregates, and fibronectin microfibrils. The expression profile of fibulins reveals their role in various developmental processes such as elastogenesis, development of organs during the embryonic stage, tissue remodeling, maintenance of the structural integrity of basement membrane, and elastic fibers, as well as other cellular processes. Apart from this, fibulins are also involved in the progression of human diseases such as cancer, cardiac diseases, congenital disorders, and chronic fibrotic disorders. Different isoforms of fibulins show a dual role of tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting activities, depending on the cell type and cellular microenvironment in the body. Knockout animal models have provided deep insight into their role in development and diseases. The present review covers details of the structural and expression patterns, along with the role of fibulins in embryonic development and disease progression, with more emphasis on their involvement in the modulation of cancer diseases.
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13
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Computational and experimental characterization of the novel ECM glycoprotein SNED1 and prediction of its interactome. Biochem J 2021; 478:1413-1434. [PMID: 33724335 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex meshwork of proteins and an essential component of multicellular life. We have recently reported the characterization of a novel ECM protein, SNED1, and showed that it promotes breast cancer metastasis and regulates craniofacial development. However, the mechanisms by which it does so remain unknown. ECM proteins exert their functions by binding to cell surface receptors and interacting with other ECM proteins, actions that we can predict using knowledge of protein's sequence, structure, and post-translational modifications. Here, we combined in-silico and in-vitro approaches to characterize the physico-chemical properties of SNED1 and infer its putative functions. To do so, we established a mammalian cell system to produce and purify SNED1 and its N-terminal fragment, which contains a NIDO domain, and demonstrated experimentally SNED1's potential to be glycosylated, phosphorylated, and incorporated into an insoluble ECM. We also determined the secondary and tertiary structures of SNED1 and its N-terminal fragment and obtained a model for its NIDO domain. Using computational predictions, we identified 114 proteins as putative SNED1 interactors, including the ECM protein fibronectin. Pathway analysis of the predicted SNED1 interactome further revealed that it may contribute to signaling through cell surface receptors, such as integrins, and participate in the regulation of ECM organization and developmental processes. Last, using fluorescence microscopy, we showed that SNED1 forms microfibrils within the ECM and partially colocalizes with fibronectin. Altogether, we provide a wealth of information on an understudied yet important ECM protein with the potential to decipher its pathophysiological functions.
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14
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Sagar S, Leiphrakpam PD, Thomas D, McAndrews KL, Caffrey TC, Swanson BJ, Clausen H, Wandall HH, Hollingsworth MA, Radhakrishnan P. MUC4 enhances gemcitabine resistance and malignant behaviour in pancreatic cancer cells expressing cancer-associated short O-glycans. Cancer Lett 2021; 503:91-102. [PMID: 33485947 PMCID: PMC7981252 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly lethal. MUC4 (mucin4) is a heavily glycosylated protein aberrantly expressed in PDAC and promotes tumorigenesis via an unknown mechanism. To assess this, we genetically knocked out (KO) MUC4 in PDAC cells that did not express and did express truncated O-glycans (Tn/STn) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We found that MUC4 knockout cells possess less tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo, which was further reduced in PDAC cells that express aberrant overexpression of truncated O-glycans. Also, MUC4KO cells showed a further reduction of epidermal growth factor receptors (ErbB) and their downstream signaling pathways in truncated O-glycan expressing PDAC cells. Tn-MUC4 specific 3B11 antibody inhibited MUC4-induced ErbB receptor and its downstream signaling cascades. MUC4 knockout differentially regulates apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in branched and truncated O-glycan expressing PDAC cells. Additionally, MUC4KO cells were found to be more sensitive to gemcitabine treatment. They possessed the upregulated expression of hENT1 and hCNT3 compared to parental cells, which were further affected in cells with aberrant O-glycosylation. Taken together, our results indicate that MUC4 enhances the malignant properties and gemcitabine resistance in PDAC tumors that aberrantly overexpress truncated O-glycans via altering ErbB/AKT signaling cascades and expression of nucleoside transporters, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Sagar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Pramila D Leiphrakpam
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Divya Thomas
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Kyle L McAndrews
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Thomas C Caffrey
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Benjamin J Swanson
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Hans H Wandall
- Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Prakash Radhakrishnan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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15
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Klingen TA, Chen Y, Aas H, Wik E, Akslen LA. Fibulin-2 expression associates with vascular invasion and patient survival in breast cancer. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249767. [PMID: 33836007 PMCID: PMC8034712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal elastosis is related to good prognosis in breast cancer and fibulin-2 helps to stabilize elastic fibers in basement membranes. Here, we examined the level of perivascular fibulin-2 expression in relation to elastosis content, vascular invasion, molecular subtypes, tumour detection mode, and patient prognosis in breast cancer. We performed a population based retrospective study of invasive breast cancers from the Norwegian Breast Screening Program (Vestfold County, 2004–2009) including 200 screen-detected and 82 interval cancers. Perivascular fibulin-2 staining was semi-quantitatively graded based on immunohistochemistry (1–3) and dichotomized as high expression (grade 2–3) and low expression (grade 1). Elastosis content was graded on a 4-tiered scale and dichotomized as high (score 3) and low (score 0–2) expression, whereas lymphatic (LVI) and blood vessel invasion (BVI) were recorded as absent or present by immunohistochemistry. High perivascular fibulin-2 expression was strongly related to stromal elastosis (p<0.001), and inversely associated with BVI and LVI (p<0.001 for both). High fibulin-2 was associated with luminal breast cancer subgroups (p<0.001) and inversely with interval cancers compared with screen-detected tumours (p<0.001). By univariate analysis, low perivascular fibulin-2 was associated with reduced recurrence-free survival (p = 0.002) and disease specific survival (p = 0.019). Low perivascular fibulin-2 expression was strongly related to vascular invasion, low stromal elastosis, non-luminal breast cancer subtypes, interval presentation, and adverse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor A. Klingen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Ying Chen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Aas
- Department of Surgery, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Wik
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (LAA); (EW)
| | - Lars A. Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Pathology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (LAA); (EW)
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16
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Abstract
A dynamic mucosal layer shields the epithelial cells lining the body cavities and is made up of high molecular weight, heavily glycosylated, multidomain proteins called mucins. Mucins, broadly grouped into transmembrane and secreted mucins, are the first responders to any mechanical or chemical insult to the epithelia and help maintain tissue homeostasis. However, their intrinsic properties to protect and repair the epithelia are exploited during oncogenic processes, where mucins are metamorphosed to aid the tumor cells in their malignant journey. Diverse domains, like the variable number tandem repeats (VNTR), sea urchin sperm protein enterokinase and agrin (SEA), adhesion-associated domain (AMOP), nidogen-like domain (NIDO), epidermal growth factor-like domain (EGF), and von Willebrand factor type D domain (vWD) on mucins, including MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC16, have been shown to facilitate cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions, and cell-autonomous signaling to promote tumorigenesis and distant dissemination of tumor cells. Several obstacles have limited the study of mucins, including technical difficulties in working with these huge glycoproteins, the dearth of scientific tools, and lack of animal models; thus, the tissue-dependent and domain-specific roles of mucins during mucosal protection, chronic inflammation, tumorigenesis, and hematological dissemination of malignant cells are still unclear. Future studies should try to integrate information on the rheological, molecular, and biological characteristics of mucins to comprehensively delineate their pathophysiological role and evaluate their suitability as targets in future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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17
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Li WM, Chan TC, Huang SKH, Wu WJ, Ke HL, Liang PI, Wei YC, Shiue YL, Li CF. Prognostic Utility of FBLN2 Expression in Patients With Urothelial Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:570340. [PMID: 33194662 PMCID: PMC7659889 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.570340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling plays an essential role in urothelial carcinoma (UC) invasiveness and metastasis. Focusing on the ECM structural constituent (GO: 0005201), we recognized a significant upregulation of the fibulin 2 gene (FBLN2) during UC progression in a published UC transcriptome (GSE31684). Thus, we aimed to investigate the roles of FBLN2 expression and its prognostic value in upper urinary tract UC (UTUC) and urinary bladder UC (UBUC) in our large, well-characterized cohort. Patients and Methods: Clinicopathological data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded UC tissues were analyzed retrospectively. We determined FBLN2 expression using immunohistochemical staining assessed by H-scores. FBLN2 expression correlated with clinicopathological features and patient outcomes, including metastasis-free survival (MFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier estimates of DSS and MFS, and the Cox proportional hazards model. We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to clarify the functional significance of dysregulated FBLN2 in UC. Results: Data from 295 UBUC and 340 UTUC patients were available for the final evaluation. Pearson's chi-square test showed that high FBLN2 immunoexpression significantly correlated with adverse pathologic variables, such as advanced pathologic tumor stage, high histological grade, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and increased mitotic rate (all p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated associations of high FBLN2 expression with worse DSS (p < 0.001) and MFS (p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified high FBLN2 expression as an independent predictive risk factor for DSS [hazard ratio (HR) in UBUC, 2.306, p = 0.014; in UTUC, 2.561, p = 0.012] and MFS (HR in UBUC, 2.493, p = 0.001; in UTUC, 2.837, p = 0.001). IPA demonstrated that multiple signaling pathways were enriched, including the oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. Conclusion: High FBLN2 expression was associated with adverse pathologic features and worse oncological outcomes and may serve as a prognostic biomarker for UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ming Li
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Ministry of Health and Welfare Pingtung Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Ti-Chun Chan
- Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | - Wen-Jeng Wu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Lung Ke
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Peir-In Liang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Wei
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yow-Ling Shiue
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,National Cancer Research Institute, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
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18
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Ye XR, Pan DB, Wang LF. Expression of miR-145-3p in hepatocellular cancer and its regulatory effect on growth of hepatocellular cancer cells. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2020; 28:827-833. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v28.i17.827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND miR-145-3p can play a tumor suppressive role in head and neck cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and other tumors, while its expression and role in liver cancer are not clear.
AIM To investigate the expression of miR-145-3p in hepatocellular cancer and its regulatory role in the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular cancer cells.
METHODS The expression levels of miR-145-3p in liver cancer tissues, paracancer tissues, liver cell lines (Hep3B, Huh-7, HepG2, and SMMC-7721), and the normal liver cell line L-02 were detected by RT-qPCR. After transfection of Hep3B cells with miR-145-3p mimic and miR-145-3p inhibitor, the cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of mucin4 (MUC4) were detected by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL assay, and Western blot, respectively. The target gene of miR-145-3p was identified by luciferase reporter assay. pcDNA-MUC4 was transfected into miR-145-3p mimic-transfected cells, and cell viability and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays, respectively.
RESULTS miR-145-3p was lowly expressed in hepatocellular cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-145-3p inhibited cell proliferation and transition from G0/G1 phase to S phase, promoted apoptosis, and decreased MUC4 expression, while knockdown of miR-145-3p had the opposite effect. MUC4 was identified to be a target gene of miR-145-3p. Overexpression of MUC4 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-145-3p mimic on cell survival.
CONCLUSION miR-145-3p is lowly expressed in hepatocellular cancer, and its expression is negatively correlated with T stage. Overexpression of miR-145-3p can inhibit the survival and growth of hepatocellular cancer cells, while knockdown of miR-145-3p can promote the survival and growth of hepatocellular cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Rong Ye
- Department of Trauma, Acute Abdomen and Hernia Surgery, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - De-Biao Pan
- Department of hepatobiliary Surgery, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Li-Fu Wang
- Department of Trauma, Acute Abdomen and Hernia Surgery, Lishui City People's Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
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19
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Zhang X, Duan L, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Yang X, Zhang C. Correlation of Fibulin-2 expression with proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1945-1951. [PMID: 32724439 PMCID: PMC7377204 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression level of Fibulin-2 gene in breast cancer cells was evaluated to explore the impact of Fibulin-2 gene on the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231, BT483, MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells were cultured in vitro. Then, expression of Fibulin-2 in cells was upregulated and downregulated using ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) and lentiviral transfection techniques, respectively. Thereafter, expression levels of Fibulin-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein were measured via quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was applied to detect the proliferation ability, and wound healing assay was performed to determine the effect of transfection on the metastatic capacity of cells. The influence of transfection on the invasive ability of breast cancer cells was detected through Transwell chamber assay. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells did not express Fibulin-2, while BT483 and SK-BR-3 cells expressed Fibulin-2. Expression of Fibulin-2 mRNA and protein in SK-BR-3 Fibulin-2 siRNA group was significantly lower than that in SK-BR-3 NC siRNA group 48 h after transfection (P<0.01), while the expression of Fibulin-2 mRNA and protein in MDA-MB-231 Fibulin-2 lentiviral transfection (LAP) group was significantly higher than that in MDA-MB-231 NC LAP group. Compared with the MDA-MB-231 NC LAP group, the cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability of MDA-MB-231 Fibulin-2 LAP group were weakened. The tumor volume and weight of the MDA-MB-231 Fibulin-2 LAP group were significantly lower than those of the MDA-MB-231 NC LAP group. Low expression of Fibulin-2 is able to promote proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, and can reduce the rate of tumor growth in nude mice. Therefore, Fibulin-2 may be a potential therapeutic target and an indicator of prognosis for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiliang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Lian Duan
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Yuxing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Huibin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Chaojun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
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20
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Zou J, Chen S, Li Y, Zeng L, Lian G, Li J, Chen S, Huang K, Chen Y. Nanoparticles modified by triple single chain antibodies for MRI examination and targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:4473-4490. [PMID: 32031201 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr04976b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Precise diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are superior magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, while antibodies are significant immunotherapy reagents. Herein, we firstly generated a novel nanocomposite combining triple single chain antibodies (scAbs) and IONPs for the detection and treatment of PDAC. METHODS Triple scAbs (scAbMUC4, scAbCEACAM6, scFvCD44v6, MCC triple scAbs) were conjugated to the surface of polyethylene glycol modified IONPs (IONPs-PEG), forming the IONPs-PEG-MCC triple scAbs nanocomposite. Characterization of the nanocomposite was performed, and its cytotoxicity, specificity, and apoptosis induction were evaluated. In vivo MRI study and anti-pancreatic cancer effect assessment were performed in tumor-bearing nude mice. RESULTS The size of the IONPs-PEG-MCC triple scAbs nanocomposite was about 23.6 nm. The nanocomposite was non-toxic to normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells, and could specifically bind to and be internalized by MUC4/CEACAM6/CD44v6-expressing PDAC cells. With an r2 relaxivity of 104.2 mM-1 s-1, the IONPs-PEG-MCC triple scAbs nanocomposite could significantly shorten the MRI T2-weighted signal intensity both in vitro and in vivo. The IONPs-PEG-MCC triple scAbs nanocomposite also showed a favorable anti-pancreatic cancer effect. CONCLUSION In the present study, the IONPs-PEG-MCC triple scAbs nanocomposite was firstly confirmed as a bi-functional nanocomposite in both MRI and treatment, providing its critical clinical transformation potential in PDAC detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmao Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120 China.
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21
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Liberelle M, Jonckheere N, Melnyk P, Van Seuningen I, Lebègue N. EGF-Containing Membrane-Bound Mucins: A Hidden ErbB2 Targeting Pathway? J Med Chem 2020; 63:5074-5088. [PMID: 32027502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-bound mucins belong to a heterogeneous family of large O-glycoproteins involved in numerous cancers and inflammatory diseases of the epithelium. Some of them are also involved in protein-protein interactions, with receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2, and fundamental and clinical data showed that these complexes have a detrimental impact on cancer outcome, thus raising interest in therapeutic targeting. This paper aims to demonstrate that MUC3, MUC4, MUC12, MUC13, and MUC17 have a common evolutionary origin and share a common structural organization with EGF-like and SEA domains. Theoretical structure-function relationship analysis of the conserved domains indicated that the studied membrane-bound mucins share common biological properties along with potential specific functions. Finally, the potential druggability of these complexes is discussed, revealing ErbB2-related pathways of cell signaling to be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Liberelle
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Jonckheere
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR-S 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Patricia Melnyk
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR-S 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Lebègue
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
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22
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Reynolds IS, Fichtner M, McNamara DA, Kay EW, Prehn JHM, Burke JP. Mucin glycoproteins block apoptosis; promote invasion, proliferation, and migration; and cause chemoresistance through diverse pathways in epithelial cancers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:237-257. [PMID: 30680581 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09781-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of mucin glycoproteins has been demonstrated in many epithelial-derived cancers. The significance of this overexpression remains uncertain. The aim of this paper was to define the association of mucin glycoproteins with apoptosis, cell growth, invasion, migration, adhesion, and clonogenicity in vitro as well as tumor growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis in vivo in epithelial-derived cancers by performing a systematic review of all published data. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify all papers that evaluated the association between mucin glycoproteins with apoptosis, cell growth, invasion, migration, adhesion, and clonogenicity in vitro as well as tumor growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis in vivo in epithelial-derived cancers. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to. Results of individual studies were extracted and pooled together based on the organ in which the cancer was derived from. The initial search revealed 2031 papers, of which 90 were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. The studies included details on MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC13, and MUC16. The majority of studies evaluated MUC1. MUC1 overexpression was consistently associated with resistance to apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. There was also evidence that overexpression of MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC13, and MUC16 conferred resistance to apoptosis in epithelial-derived cancers. The overexpression of mucin glycoproteins is associated with resistance to apoptosis in numerous epithelial cancers. They cause resistance through diverse signaling pathways. Targeting the expression of mucin glycoproteins represents a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of epithelial-derived cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Reynolds
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael Fichtner
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Deborah A McNamara
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elaine W Kay
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John P Burke
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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23
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Abstract
Fibulin-2, an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expressed in normal epithelia, is a kind of fibulin which is associated with basement membranes (BM) and elastic ECM fibers. The role of fibulin-2 has been recognized as an oncogene. The upregulation of fibulin-2 correlates with cancer development and progression. Furthermore, the upregulation of fibulin has been detected in ovarian cancer and stomach adenocarcinoma. However, the downregulation of fibulin has been detected in different intestinal and respiratory tumor cells. Additional studies have revealed that the role of fibulin-2 in carcinogenesis is context dependent and is caused by the interaction of fibulin proteins such as cell surface receptors and other ECM proteins, including integrins and syndecans. The present study summarizes the role of fibulin in carcinogenesis and its underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayue Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Dengcheng Hui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoling Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yueyang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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24
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Fontanil T, Mohamedi Y, Cobo T, Cal S, Obaya ÁJ. Novel Associations Within the Tumor Microenvironment: Fibulins Meet ADAMTSs. Front Oncol 2019; 9:796. [PMID: 31508361 PMCID: PMC6714394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of tissue homeostasis in any organism is a very complex and delicate process in which numerous factors intervene. Cellular homeostasis not only depends on intrinsic factors but also relies on external factors that compose the microenvironment or cellular niche. Thus, extracellular matrix (ECM) components play a very important role in maintaining cell survival and behavior, and alterations in the ECM composition can lead to different pathologies. Fibulins and ADAMTS metalloproteases play crucial roles in the upkeep and function of the ECM in different tissues. In fact, members of both of these families of secreted multidomain proteins can interact with numerous other ECM components and thus shape or regulate the molecular environment. Individual members of both families have been implicated in tumor-related processes by exhibiting either pro- or antitumor properties. Recent studies have shown both an important relation among members of both families and their participation in several pathologies, including cardiogenesis or cancer. In this review, we summarize the associations among fibulins and ADAMTSs and the effects elicited by those interactions on cellular behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Órdoñez, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yamina Mohamedi
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Santiago Cal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Álvaro J Obaya
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Fisiología, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
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25
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Avsar M, Tambas M, Yalniz Z, Akdeniz D, Tuncer SB, Kilic S, Sukruoglu Erdogan O, Ciftci R, Dagoglu N, Vatansever S, Yazici H. The expression level of fibulin-2 in the circulating RNA (ctRNA) of epithelial tumor cells of peripheral blood and tumor tissue of patients with metastatic lung cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:4001-4008. [PMID: 31069614 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04846-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Fibulins are a recently discovered family of extracellular matrix proteins. In this study, expression levels of the fibulin-2 (FBLN2) gene and its role in the formation of different metastatic foci were investigated in lung cancer patients. We analyzed 106 lung cancer patients and eight paraffin-embedded tissues, and 27 ethnical-, age- and sex-matched healthy controls for expression levels of the FBLN2 gene. cDNAs obtained from the enriched epithelial cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes and tumor tissues of patients were amplified with specific primers for the target FBLN2 gene and HPRT1 housekeeping gene using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. FBLN2 gene expression levels of the enriched epithelial cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes were found to be decreased approximately twofold in all subsets of patients compared to healthy controls. Our results indicate a significant difference between patient subgroups and controls [F(4.124) = 14.846, p0.05] among patient subgroups: bone metastases versus non-metastatic groups (p = 0.997), bone versus brain metastases (p = 0994), bone metastases versus two primary tumors (p = 0.999), brain metastases versus two primary tumors (p = 0.999), brain metastases versus non-metastatic (p = 0.755), non-metastatic versus two primary tumors (p = 0.996), non-metastatic versus all other metastatic patients (p = 0.731). Moreover, we found a 50-fold upregulation of FBLN2 gene expression in paraffin-embedded tissues compared with the enriched epithelial cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients. In the study, the enriched epithelial cells of peripheral blood lymphocytes of decreased FBLN2 expression was found to be correlated with metastasis. The fibulin-2 molecules might induce the metastatic potential through interaction with the other molecules in the microenvironment, nevertheless, it is needed further research whether the importance of FBLN2 on lung cancer oncogenesis and as a biomarker for metastatic lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukaddes Avsar
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Makbule Tambas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zubeyde Yalniz
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Demet Akdeniz
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seref Bugra Tuncer
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seda Kilic
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozge Sukruoglu Erdogan
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rumeysa Ciftci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nergiz Dagoglu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezai Vatansever
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hulya Yazici
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Capa - Fatih, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey.
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26
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Banerjee K, Gautam SK, Kshirsagar P, Ross KA, Spagnol G, Sorgen P, Wannemuehler MJ, Narasimhan B, Solheim JC, Kumar S, Batra SK, Jain M. Amphiphilic polyanhydride-based recombinant MUC4β-nanovaccine activates dendritic cells. Genes Cancer 2019; 10:52-62. [PMID: 31258832 PMCID: PMC6584211 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucin 4 (MUC4) is a high molecular weight glycoprotein that is differentially overexpressed in pancreatic cancer (PC), functionally contributes to disease progression, and correlates with poor survival. Further, due to its aberrant glycosylation and extensive splicing, MUC4 is a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated the utility of amphiphilic polyanhydride nanoparticles as a useful platform for the development of protein-based prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In the present study, we encapsulated purified recombinant human MUC4-beta (MUC4β) protein in polyanhydride (20:80 CPTEG:CPH) nanoparticles (MUC4β-nanovaccine) and evaluated its ability to activate dendritic cells and induce adaptive immunity. Immature dendritic cells when pulsed with MUC4β-nanovaccine exhibited significant increase in the surface expressions of MHC I and MHC II and costimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86), as well as, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-12) as compared to cells exposed to MUC4β alone or MUC4β mixed with blank nanoparticles (MUC4β+NP). Following immunization, as compared to the other formulations, MUC4β-nanovaccine elicited higher IgG2b to IgG1 ratio of anti-MUC4β-antibodies suggesting a predominantly Th1-like class switching. Thus, our findings demonstrate MUC4β-nanovaccine as a novel platform for PC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Prakash Kshirsagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kathleen A Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Gaelle Spagnol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Paul Sorgen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael J Wannemuehler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joyce C Solheim
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
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27
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Fibulin-2 is required for basement membrane integrity of mammary epithelium. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14139. [PMID: 30237579 PMCID: PMC6148073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32507-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein which has been associated with tissue development and remodelling. In the mouse mammary gland, FBLN2 can be detected during ductal morphogenesis in cap cells and myoepithelial cells at puberty and early pregnancy, respectively. In an attempt to assign its function, we knocked down Fbln2 in the mouse mammary epithelial cell line EpH4. FBLN2 reduction led to an increase in the size of spheroidal structures when compared to scrambled control shRNA-transduced cells plated on Matrigel matrix. This phenotype was associated with a disruption of the collagen IV sheath around the epithelial spheroids and downregulation of integrin β1, suggesting a role for FBLN2 in stabilizing the basement membrane (BM). In contrast to mice, in normal adult human breast tissue, FBLN2 was detected in ductal stroma, and in the interlobular stroma, but was not detectable within the lobular regions. In tissue sections of 65 breast cancers FBLN2 staining was lost around malignant cells with retained staining in the neighbouring histologically normal tissue margins. These results are consistent with a role of FBLN2 in mammary epithelial BM stability, and that its down-regulation in breast cancer is associated with loss of the BM and early invasion.
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28
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Jahan R, Macha MA, Rachagani S, Das S, Smith LM, Kaur S, Batra SK. Axed MUC4 (MUC4/X) aggravates pancreatic malignant phenotype by activating integrin-β1/FAK/ERK pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2538-2549. [PMID: 29777904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is evolving as an eminent player of oncogenic signaling for tumor development and progression. Mucin 4 (MUC4), a type I membrane-bound mucin, is differentially expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) and plays a critical role in its progression and metastasis. However, the molecular implications of MUC4 splice variants during disease pathogenesis remain obscure. The present study delineates the pathological and molecular significance of a unique splice variant of MUC4, MUC4/X, which lacks the largest exon 2, along with exon 3. Exon 2 encodes for the highly glycosylated tandem repeat (TR) domain of MUC4 and its absence creates MUC4/X, which is devoid of TR. Expression analysis from PC clinical samples revealed significant upregulation of MUC4/X in PC tissues with most differential expression in poorly differentiated tumors. In vitro studies suggest that overexpression of MUC4/X in wild-type-MUC4 (WT-MUC4) null PC cell lines markedly enhanced PC cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Furthermore, MUC4/X overexpression leads to an increase in the tumorigenic potential of PC cells in orthotopic transplantation studies. In line with these findings, doxycycline-induced expression of MUC4/X in an endogenous WT-MUC4 expressing PC cell line (Capan-1) also displayed enhanced cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion to ECM, compared to WT-MUC4 alone, emphasizing its direct involvement in the aggressive behavior of PC cells. Investigation into the molecular mechanism suggested that MUC4/X facilitated PC tumorigenesis via integrin-β1/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Overall, these findings revealed the novel role of MUC4/X in promoting and sustaining the oncogenic features of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Jahan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Srustidhar Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE-68198, USA.
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29
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Zhu Y, Zhang JJ, Peng YP, Liu X, Xie KL, Tang J, Jiang KR, Gao WT, Tian L, Zhang K, Xu ZK, Miao Y. NIDO, AMOP and vWD domains of MUC4 play synergic role in MUC4 mediated signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 8:10385-10399. [PMID: 28060749 PMCID: PMC5354666 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MUC4 mucin is well known as an important potential target to overcome pancreatic cancer. Three unique domains (NIDO, AMOP, and vWD) with unclear roles only present in MUC4 but are not found in other membrane-bound mucins. Our previous studies first reported that its splice variant, MUC4/Y can be a model of MUC4 (MUC4 gene fragment is more than 30KB, too huge to clone and eukaryotic express) in pancreatic cancer. More importantly, based on MUC4/Y with the appropriate length of gene sequence, it is easy to construct the unique domain-lacking models of MUC4/Y (MUC4) for research. The present study focuses on investigation of the respective role of the unique NIDO, AMOP, and vWD domain or their synergistic effect on MUC4(MUC4/Y)-mediated functions and mechanisms by series of in vitro assays, sequence-based transcriptome analysis, validation of qRT-PCR & Western blot, and systematic comparative analysis. Our results demonstrate: 1) NIDO, AMOP, and vWD domain or their synergy play significant roles on MUC4/Y-mediated malignant function of pancreatic cancer, downstream of molecule mechanisms, particularly MUC4/Y-triggered malignancy-related positive feedback loops, respectively. 2) The synergistic roles of three unique domains on MUC4/Y-mediated functions and mechanisms are more prominent than the respective domain because the synergy of three domain plays the more remarkable effects on MUC4/Y-mediated signaling hub. Thus, to improve reversed effects of domain-lacking and break the synergism of domains will contribute to block MUC4/Y(MUC4) triggering various oncogenic signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Peng Peng
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Liu
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun-Ling Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Bozhou, Bozhou, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui-Rong Jiang
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tao Gao
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Tian
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ze-Kuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Miao
- Pancreas Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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30
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Dhanisha SS, Guruvayoorappan C, Drishya S, Abeesh P. Mucins: Structural diversity, biosynthesis, its role in pathogenesis and as possible therapeutic targets. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 122:98-122. [PMID: 29458795 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucins are the main structural components of mucus that create a selective protective barrier for epithelial surface and also execute wide range of other physiological functions. Mucins can be classified into two types, namely secreted mucins and membrane bounded mucins. Alterations in mucin expression or glycosylation and mislocalization have been seen in various types of pathological conditions such as cancers, inflammatory bowel disease and ocular disease, which highlight the importance of mucin in maintaining homeostasis. Hence mucins can be used as attractive target for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we discuss in detail about the structural diversity of mucins; their biosynthesis; its role in pathogenesis; regulation and as possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Sulekha Dhanisha
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India
| | - Chandrasekharan Guruvayoorappan
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India.
| | - Sudarsanan Drishya
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India
| | - Prathapan Abeesh
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, Thiruvananthapuram 695011, Kerala, India
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31
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Kumar S, Cruz E, Joshi S, Patel A, Jahan R, Batra SK, Jain M. Genetic variants of mucins: unexplored conundrum. Carcinogenesis 2017; 38:671-679. [PMID: 27838635 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative gene splicing, occurring ubiquitously in multicellular organisms can produce several protein isoforms with putatively different functions. The enormously extended genomic structure of mucin genes characterized by the presence of multiple exons encoding various domains may result in functionally diverse repertoire of mucin proteins due to alternative splicing. Splice variants (Svs) and mutations in mucin genes have been observed in various cancers and shown to participate in cancer progression and metastasis. Although several mucin Svs have been identified, their potential functions remain largely unexplored with the exception of the Svs of MUC1 and MUC4. A few studies have examined the expression of MUC1 and MUC4 Svs in cancer and indicated their potential involvement in promoting cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, angiogenesis and inflammation. Herein we review the current understanding of mucin Svs in cancer and inflammation and discuss the potential impact of splicing in generating a functionally diverse repertoire of mucin gene products. We also performed mutational analysis of mucin genes across five major cancer types in International Cancer Genome Consortium database and found unequal mutational rates across the panel of cancer-associated mucins. Although the functional role of mucins in the pathobiology of various malignancies and their utility as diagnostic and therapeutic targets remain undisputed, these attributes need to be reevaluated in light of the potentially unique functions of disease-specific genetic variants of mucins. Thus, the expressional and functional characterization of the genetic variants of mucins may provide avenues to fully exploit their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Eric Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | | | - Asish Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Rahat Jahan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.,Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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32
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Fontanil T, Álvarez-Teijeiro S, Villaronga MÁ, Mohamedi Y, Solares L, Moncada-Pazos A, Vega JA, García-Suárez O, Pérez-Basterrechea M, García-Pedrero JM, Obaya AJ, Cal S. Cleavage of Fibulin-2 by the aggrecanases ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 contributes to the tumorigenic potential of breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:13716-13729. [PMID: 28099917 PMCID: PMC5355132 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibulin-2 participates in the assembly of extracellular matrix components through interactions with multiple ligands and promotes contacts between cells and their surrounding environment. Consequently, identification of processes that could lead to an altered Fibulin-2 could have a major impact not only in the maintenance of tissue architecture and morphogenesis but also in pathological situations including cancer. Herein, we have investigated the ability of the secreted metalloproteases ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 to digest Fibulin-2. Using in vitro approaches and cultured breast cancer cell lines we demonstrate that Fibulin-2 is a better substrate for ADAMTS-5 than it is for ADAMTS-4. Moreover, Fibulin-2 degradation is associated to an enhancement of the invasive potential of T47D, MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells. We have also found that conditioned medium from MCF-7 cells that simultaneously overexpress Fibulin-2 and ADAMTS-5 significantly induced the migratory and invasive ability of normal breast fibroblasts using 3D collagen matrices. Immunohistochemical analysis highlights the close proximity or partial overlap of both Fibulin-2 and ADAMTS-5 in breast tumor samples. Additionally, proteolytic products derived from a potential degradation of Fibulin-2 by ADAMTS-5 were also identified in these samples. Finally, we also show that the cleavage of Fibulin-2 by ADAMTS-5 is counteracted by ADAMTS-12, a metalloprotease that interacts with Fibulin-2. Overall, our results provide direct evidence indicating that Fibulin-2 is a novel substrate of ADAMTS-5 and that this proteolysis could alter the cellular microenvironment affecting the balance between protumor and antitumor effects associated to both Fibulin-2 and the ADAMTSs metalloproteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Saúl Álvarez-Teijeiro
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Villaronga
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yamina Mohamedi
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Laura Solares
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Angela Moncada-Pazos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - José A Vega
- Department of Morphology and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Department of Morphology and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-Basterrechea
- Unidad de Trasplantes, Terapia Celular y Medicina Regenerativa, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, and CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro J Obaya
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Funcional, Area de Fisiología, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Santiago Cal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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Li D, Guo J, Wang S, Zhu L, Shen Z. Identification of novel methylated targets in colorectal cancer by microarray analysis and construction of co-expression network. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:2643-2648. [PMID: 28928808 PMCID: PMC5588160 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate novel methylated targets in colorectal cancer (CRC). The mRNA expression profiles of GSE32323 in 17 cancer and non-cancerous tissues from CRC patients, as well as expression profiles of 5 CRC cell lines prior and subsequent to 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 5 CRC cell lines prior and subsequent to 5-aza-dC treatment were combined with the CRC-specific gene expression profiling array data. Context likelihood of relatedness algorithm was used to construct the co-expression network of CRC-specific gene expression profile. A sub-network of identified reverse-overlapped DEGs was selected and underwent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway Analysis. A total of 6 reverse-overlapped DEGs were identified. This present study verified fibulin 2 (FBLN2) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory inhibitor subunit 14A (PPP1R14A) to be downregulated in the CRC tissue sample but upregulated in CRC cell lines following 5-aza-dC treatment. The identified reverse-overlapped DEGs were enriched in tumor-associated signaling pathways, including cellular tumor antigen p53, cell cycle and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway. A total of 2 silenced genes with abnormal methylation in CRC were identified, including FBLN2 and PPP1R14A. The reverse-overlapped DEGs were enriched in p53, cell cycle and NLR signaling pathways, indicating that reverse-overlapped DEGs, particularly FBLN2 and PPP1R14A, may be important tumor suppressors and that these reverse-overlapped DEGs are inactivated by methylation in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Jialin Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Liangchen Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
| | - Zugang Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, P.R. China
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Gautam SK, Kumar S, Cannon A, Hall B, Bhatia R, Nasser MW, Mahapatra S, Batra SK, Jain M. MUC4 mucin- a therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:657-669. [PMID: 28460571 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1323880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by mucin overexpression. MUC4 is the most differentially overexpressed membrane-bound mucin that plays a functional role in disease progression and therapy resistance. Area covered: We describe the clinicopathological significance of MUC4, summarize mechanisms contributing to its deregulated expression, review preclinical studies aimed at inhibiting MUC4, and discuss how MUC4 overexpression provides opportunities for developing targeted therapies. Finally, we discuss the challenges for developing MUC4-based therapeutics, and identify areas where efforts should be directed to effectively exploit MUC4 as a therapeutic target for PC. Expert opinion: Studies demonstrating that abrogation of MUC4 expression reduces proliferation and metastasis of PC cells and enhances sensitivity to therapeutic agents affirm its utility as a therapeutic target. Emerging evidence also supports the suitability of MUC4 as a potential immunotherapy target. However, these studies have been limited to in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo approaches using xenograft tumors in immunodeficient murine models. For translational relevance, MUC4-targeted therapies should be evaluated in murine models with intact immune system and accurate tumor microenvironment. Additionally, future studies evaluating MUC4 as a target for immunotherapy must entail characterization of immune response in PC patients and investigate its association with immunosuppression and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra K Gautam
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Andrew Cannon
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Bradley Hall
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,b Department of Surgery , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Rakesh Bhatia
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,d Department of Pediatrics , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,c Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
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35
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Functional Consequences of Differential O-glycosylation of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 (Downstream Effects on Signaling). Biomolecules 2016; 6:biom6030034. [PMID: 27483328 PMCID: PMC5039420 DOI: 10.3390/biom6030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is one of the most abundant post-translational modifications that occur within the cell. Under normal physiological conditions, O-linked glycosylation of extracellular proteins is critical for both structure and function. During the progression of cancer, however, the expression of aberrant and truncated glycans is commonly observed. Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins that contain numerous sites of O-glycosylation within their extracellular domains. Transmembrane mucins also play a functional role in monitoring the surrounding microenvironment and transducing these signals into the cell. In cancer, these mucins often take on an oncogenic role and promote a number of pro-tumorigenic effects, including pro-survival, migratory, and invasive behaviors. Within this review, we highlight both the processes involved in the expression of aberrant glycan structures on mucins, as well as the potential downstream impacts on cellular signaling.
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36
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Tang J, Zhu Y, Xie K, Zhang X, Zhi X, Wang W, Li Z, Zhang Q, Wang L, Wang J, Xu Z. The role of the AMOP domain in MUC4/Y-promoted tumour angiogenesis and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:91. [PMID: 27287498 PMCID: PMC4902942 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MUC4 is a high molecular weight membrane protein that is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) and is associated with the development and progression of this disease. However, the exact mechanisms through which MUC4 domains promote these biological processes have rarely been studied, partly because of its high molecular weight, difficulty to overexpress it. Here, we use MUC4/Y, one of the MUC4 transcript variants, as a model molecule to investigate the AMOP-domain of MUC4(MUC/Y). METHODS We used cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation assays in vitro to explore the abilities of AMOP domain in PC. In vivo, the matrigel plug assay, orthotopic implantation and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to check the results we observed in vitro. Finally, we discovered the underlying mechanism through western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS We found that MUC4/Y overexpression could enhance the angiogenic and metastatic properties of PC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. However, the deletion of AMOP domain could cutback these phenomena. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that mice injected with MUC4/Y overexpressed cells had shorter survival time, compared with empty-vector-transfected cells (MUC4/Y-EV), or cells expressing MUC4/Y without the AMOP domain (MUC4/Y-AMOP(△)). Our data also showed that overexpression of MUC4/Y could activate NOTCH3 signaling, increasing the expression of downstream genes: VEGF-A, MMP-9 and ANG-2. CONCLUSIONS The AMOP domain had an important role in MUC4/Y (MUC4)-mediated tumour angiogenesis and metastasis of PC cells; and the NOTCH3 signaling was involved. These findings provided new insights into PC therapies. Our study also supplies a new method to study other high molecular membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kunling Xie
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of General Surgery, the People's Hospital of Bozhou, Bozhou, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of General Surgery, Huai'an People's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical College, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhi
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linjun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiwei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Abstract
CA19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9, also called cancer antigen 19-9 or sialylated Lewis a antigen) is the most commonly used and best validated serum tumor marker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis in symptomatic patients and for monitoring therapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Normally synthesized by normal human pancreatic and biliary ductal cells and by gastric, colon, endometrial and salivary epithelia, CA 19-9 is present in small amounts in serum, and can be over expressed in several benign gastrointestinal disorders. Importantly, it exhibits a dramatic increase in its plasmatic levels during neoplastic disease. However, several critical aspects for its clinical use, such as false negative results in subjects with Lewis (a-b-) genotype and false positive elevation, occasional and transient, in patients with benign diseases, together with its poor positive predictive value (72.3 %), do not make it a good cancer-specific marker and renders it impotent as a screening tool. In the last years a large number of putative biomarkers for pancreatic cancer have been proposed, most of which is lacking of large scale validation. In addition, none of these has showed to possess the requisite sensitivity/specificity to be introduced in clinical use. Therefore, although with important limitations we well-know, CA 19-9 continues being the only pancreatic cancer marker actually in clinical use.
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38
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Das S, Rachagani S, Torres-Gonzalez MP, Lakshmanan I, Majhi PD, Smith LM, Wagner KU, Batra SK. Carboxyl-terminal domain of MUC16 imparts tumorigenic and metastatic functions through nuclear translocation of JAK2 to pancreatic cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:5772-87. [PMID: 25691062 PMCID: PMC4467401 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MUC16 (CA125) is a type-I transmembrane glycoprotein that is up-regulated in multiple cancers including pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the existence and role of carboxyl-terminal MUC16 generated following its cleavage in PC is unknown. Our previous study using a systematic dual-epitope tagged domain deletion approach of carboxyl-terminal MUC16 has demonstrated the generation of a 17-kDa cleaved MUC16 (MUC16-Cter). Here, we demonstrate the functional significance of MUC16-Cter in PC using the dual-epitope tagged version (N-terminal FLAG- and C-terminal HA-tag) of 114 carboxyl-terminal residues of MUC16 (F114HA). In vitro analyses using F114HA transfected MiaPaCa-2 and T3M4 cells showed enhanced proliferation, motility and increased accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase with apoptosis resistance, a feature associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). This was supported by enrichment of ALDH+ CSCs along with enhanced drug-resistance. Mechanistically, we demonstrate a novel function of MUC16-Cter that promotes nuclear translocation of JAK2 resulting in phosphorylation of Histone-3 up-regulating stemness-specific genes LMO2 and NANOG. Jak2 dependence was demonstrated using Jak2+/+ and Jak2−/− cells. Using eGFP-Luciferase labeled cells, we demonstrate enhanced tumorigenic and metastatic potential of MUC16-Cter in vivo. Taken together, we demonstrate that MUC16-Cter mediated enrichment of CSCs is partly responsible for tumorigenic, metastatic and drug-resistant properties of PC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srustidhar Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maria P Torres-Gonzalez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Prabin D Majhi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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39
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Pai P, Rachagani S, Dhawan P, Batra SK. Mucins and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in gastrointestinal cancers: an unholy nexus. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:223-32. [PMID: 26762229 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is indispensable for embryonic development, maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis and repair of epithelial injury. Unsurprisingly, aberrations in this pathway occur frequently in many cancers and often result in increased nuclear β-catenin. While mutations in key pathway members, such as β-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli, are early and frequent occurrences in most colorectal cancers (CRC), mutations in canonical pathway members are rare in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Instead, in the majority of PDACs, indirect mechanisms such as promoter methylation, increased ligand secretion and decreased pathway inhibitor secretion work in concert to promote aberrant cytosolic/nuclear localization of β-catenin. Concomitant with alterations in β-catenin localization, changes in mucin expression and localization have been documented in multiple malignancies. Indeed, numerous studies over the years suggest an intricate and mutually regulatory relationship between mucins (MUCs) and β-catenin. In the current review, we summarize several studies that describe the relationship between mucins and β-catenin in gastrointestinal malignancies, with particular emphasis upon colorectal and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Pai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center
| | - Punita Dhawan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Pai P, Rachagani S, Lakshmanan I, Macha MA, Sheinin Y, Smith LM, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. The canonical Wnt pathway regulates the metastasis-promoting mucin MUC4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2015; 10:224-39. [PMID: 26526617 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signaling frequently occurs in pancreatic cancer (PC) and contributes to disease progression/metastases. Likewise, the transmembrane-mucin MUC4 is expressed de novo in early pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) and incrementally increases with PC progression, contributing to metastasis. To determine the mechanism of MUC4 upregulation in PC, we examined factors deregulated in early PC progression, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling. MUC4 promoter analysis revealed the presence of three putative TCF/LEF-binding sites, leading us to hypothesize that MUC4 can be regulated by β-catenin. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of rapid autopsy PC tissues showed a correlation between MUC4 and cytosolic/nuclear β-catenin expression. Knock down (KD) of β-catenin in CD18/HPAF and T3M4 cell lines resulted in decreased MUC4 transcript and protein. Three MUC4 promoter luciferase constructs, p3778, p3000, and p2700, were generated. The construct p3778, encompassing the entire MUC4 promoter, elicited increased luciferase activity in the presence of stabilized β-catenin. Mutation of the TCF/LEF site closest to the transcription start site (i.e., -2629/-2612) and furthest from the start site (i.e., -3425/-3408) reduced MUC4 promoter luciferase activity. Transfection with dominant negative TCF4 decreased MUC4 transcript and protein levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed enrichment of β-catenin on -2629/-2612 and -3425/-3408 of the MUC4 promoter in CD18/HPAF. Functionally, CD18/HPAF and T3M4 β-catenin KD cells showed decreased migration and decreased Vimentin, N-cadherin, and pERK1/2 expression. Tumorigenicity studies in athymic nude mice showed CD18/HPAF β-catenin KD cells significantly reduced primary tumor sizes and metastases compared to scrambled control cells. We show for the first time that β-catenin directly governs MUC4 in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Pai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Yuri Sheinin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Lynette M Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, UNMC College of Public Health, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198-4375, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198-5950, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Fontanil T, Rúa S, Llamazares M, Moncada-Pazos A, Quirós PM, García-Suárez O, Vega JA, Sasaki T, Mohamedi Y, Esteban MM, Obaya AJ, Cal S. Interaction between the ADAMTS-12 metalloprotease and fibulin-2 induces tumor-suppressive effects in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1253-64. [PMID: 24457941 PMCID: PMC4012729 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Balance between pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects may be affected by molecular interactions within tumor microenvironment. On this basis we searched for molecular partners of ADAMTS-12, a secreted metalloprotease that shows both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects. Using its spacer region as a bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified fibulin-2 as a potential ADAMTS-12-interacting protein. Fibulins are components of basement membranes and elastic matrix fibers in connective tissue. Besides this structural function, fibulins also play crucial roles in different biological events, including tumorigenesis. To examine the functional consequences of the ADAMTS-12/fibulin-2 interaction, we performed different in vitro assays using two breast cancer cell lines: the poorly invasive MCF-7 and the highly invasive MDA-MB-231. Overall our data indicate that this interaction promotes anti-tumor effects in breast cancer cells. To assess the in vivo relevance of this interaction, we induced tumors in nude mice using MCF-7 cells expressing both ADAMTS-12 and fibulin-2 that showed a remarkable growth deficiency. Additionally, we also found that ADAMTS-12 may elicit pro-tumor effects in the absence of fibulin-2. Immunohistochemical staining of breast cancer samples allowed the detection of both ADAMTS-12 and fibulin-2 in the connective tissue surrounding tumor area in less aggressive carcinomas. However, both proteins are hardly detected in more aggressive tumors. These data and survival analysis plots of breast cancer patients suggest that concomitant detection of ADAMTS-12 and fibulin-2 could be a good prognosis marker in breast cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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Missan DS, Chittur SV, DiPersio CM. Regulation of fibulin-2 gene expression by integrin α3β1 contributes to the invasive phenotype of transformed keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2418-2427. [PMID: 24694902 PMCID: PMC4134363 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The laminin-binding integrin α3β1 is highly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, where it regulates both cell-autonomous and paracrine functions that promote wound healing and skin tumorigenesis. However, the roles for α3β1 in regulating gene expression programs that control the behaviors of immortalized or transformed keratinocytes remain underexplored. In the current study, we used a microarray approach to identify genes that are regulated by α3β1 in immortalized keratinocytes. α3β1-Responsive genes included several genes that are involved in extracellular matrix proteolysis or remodeling, including fibulin-2 and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine. However, α3β1-dependent induction of specific target genes was influenced by the genetic lesion that triggered immortalization, as α3β1-dependent fibulin-2 expression occurred in cells immortalized by either SV40 large T antigen or p53-null mutation, whereas α3β1-dependent expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine occurred only in the former cells. Interestingly, quantitative PCR arrays did not reveal strong patterns of α3β1-dependent gene expression in freshly isolated primary keratinocytes, suggesting that this regulation is acquired during immortalization. p53-null keratinocytes transformed with oncogenic RasV12 retained α3β1-dependent fibulin-2 expression, and RNAi-mediated knockdown of fibulin-2 in these cells reduced invasion, although not their tumorigenic potential. These findings demonstrate a prominent role for α3β1 in immortalized/transformed keratinocytes in regulating fibulin-2 and other genes that promote matrix remodeling and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara S Missan
- Center for Cell Biology and Cancer Research, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sridar V Chittur
- Center for Functional Genomics, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - C Michael DiPersio
- Center for Cell Biology and Cancer Research, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA.
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Kaur S, Kumar S, Momi N, Sasson AR, Batra SK. Mucins in pancreatic cancer and its microenvironment. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 10:607-20. [PMID: 23856888 PMCID: PMC3934431 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2013.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis owing to therapeutic resistance, frequent recurrence and the absence of treatment strategies that specifically target the tumour and its supporting stroma. Deregulated cell-surface proteins drive neoplastic transformations and are envisioned to mediate crosstalk between the tumour and its microenvironment. Emerging studies have elaborated on the role of mucins in diverse biological functions, including enhanced tumorigenicity, invasiveness, metastasis and drug resistance through their characteristic O-linked and N-linked oligosaccharides (glycans), extended structures and unique domains. Multiple mucin domains differentially interact and regulate different components of the tumour microenvironment. This Review discusses: the expression pattern of various mucins in the pancreas under healthy, inflammatory, and cancerous conditions; the context-dependent attributes of mucins that differ under healthy and pathological conditions; the contribution of the tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer development and/or progression; diagnostic and/or prognostic efficacy of mucins; and mucin-based therapeutic strategies. Overall, this information should help to delineate the intricacies of pancreatic cancer by exploring the family of mucins, which, through various mechanisms in both tumour cells and the microenvironment, worsen disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Navneet Momi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Aaron R. Sasson
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
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Ansari D, Urey C, Gundewar C, Bauden MP, Andersson R. Comparison of MUC4 expression in primary pancreatic cancer and paired lymph node metastases. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:1183-7. [PMID: 24047396 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2013.832368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE. Mucin 4 (MUC4) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but not in normal pancreatic tissue. MUC4 has a proposed role in pancreatic tumor progression and metastasis. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate MUC4 expression during PDAC metastasis by comparing the expression in the primary tumor and paired lymph node metastases from the same patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Surgical specimens from 17 cases of primary PDAC and paired lymph node metastases were immunohistochemically analyzed for MUC4 expression. The modified histochemical score (H-score) was used for staining assessment. RESULTS. Positive staining for MUC4 was detected in most primary and metastatic PDAC tumors (15/17 vs. 14/17). The concordance for MUC4 expression in primary tumors and corresponding lymph node metastases was 82%. In two cases, the primary tumor was MUC4-positive and the lymph node metastases were negative, while in one patient with a MUC4-negative primary tumor, the lymph node metastasis was positive. The distribution of H-score for expression of MUC4 significantly correlated (r = 0.615; p = 0.009) between primary tumors and paired metastatic lesions. CONCLUSIONS MUC4 was observed in both primary and matched metastatic tumors with a high level of concordance, suggesting that MUC4 expression is retained following PDAC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital , Lund , Sweden
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Baird BN, Schliekelman MJ, Ahn YH, Chen Y, Roybal JD, Gill BJ, Mishra DK, Erez B, O’Reilly M, Yang Y, Patel M, Liu X, Thilaganathan N, Larina IV, Dickinson ME, West JL, Gibbons DL, Liu DD, Kim MP, Hicks JM, Wistuba II, Hanash SM, Kurie JM. Fibulin-2 is a driver of malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67054. [PMID: 23785517 PMCID: PMC3677922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix of epithelial tumors undergoes structural remodeling during periods of uncontrolled growth, creating regional heterogeneity and torsional stress. How matrix integrity is maintained in the face of dynamic biophysical forces is largely undefined. Here we investigated the role of fibulin-2, a matrix glycoprotein that functions biomechanically as an inter-molecular clasp and thereby facilitates supra-molecular assembly. Fibulin-2 was abundant in the extracellular matrix of human lung adenocarcinomas and was highly expressed in tumor cell lines derived from mice that develop metastatic lung adenocarcinoma from co-expression of mutant K-ras and p53. Loss-of-function experiments in tumor cells revealed that fibulin-2 was required for tumor cells to grow and metastasize in syngeneic mice, a surprising finding given that other intra-tumoral cell types are known to secrete fibulin-2. However, tumor cells grew and metastasized equally well in Fbln2-null and -wild-type littermates, implying that malignant progression was dependent specifically upon tumor cell-derived fibulin-2, which could not be offset by other cellular sources of fibulin-2. Fibulin-2 deficiency impaired the ability of tumor cells to migrate and invade in Boyden chambers, to create a stiff extracellular matrix in mice, to cross-link secreted collagen, and to adhere to collagen. We conclude that fibulin-2 is a driver of malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma and plays an unexpected role in collagen cross-linking and tumor cell adherence to collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandi N. Baird
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Schliekelman
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yulong Chen
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jonathon D. Roybal
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bartley J. Gill
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dhruva K. Mishra
- Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Baruch Erez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael O’Reilly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mayuri Patel
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nishan Thilaganathan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Irina V. Larina
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. West
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Diane D. Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Min P. Kim
- Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - John M. Hicks
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samir M. Hanash
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Kurie
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mizejewski GJ. Review of the adenocarcinoma cell surface receptor for human alpha-fetoprotein; proposed identification of a widespread mucin as the tumor cell receptor. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:1317-36. [PMID: 23446764 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of a tumor cell receptor for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been sought in the field of medicine. The uptake and endocytosis of AFP by rat tumor cells in 1983 sparked a series of confirmatory reports which were extended to include multiple tumor types in rats, mice, and humans. The following year, French investigators characterized the binding properties of the AFP receptor but they did not purify and characterize the receptor. It was not until 1991-1992 that an AFP receptor was partially purified and characterized from both human monocytes and breast cancer cells. By 1993, monoclonal antibodies had been raised against the "AFP receptor" derived from breast cancer extracts with claims that the receptor was a widespread oncoprotein biomarker for cancer. To date, that receptor has yet to be identified due to its complex multimeric structure and carbohydrate composition. The present report will review the literature of the multiple AFP receptors previously including their cellular uptake, transmembrane passage, and partial biochemical characterization. . In addition, evidence derived from computer modeling, proteolytic/fragmentation cleavage patterns, domain structure analysis, and protein binding software analysis will be presented in a proposed identification of a widespread protein/gene family of transmembrane proteins which fits many, if not most, of the criteria attributed to the AFP receptor. The proposed receptor protein family is tentatively identified as an epithelial cell surface mucin constituting one (or more) of many classes of single-pass transmembrane proteins. Present data do not support the concept that the AFP receptor is a "universal" tumor receptor and/or biomarker, but rather a widespread mucin protein that functions primarily in protecting and lubricating epithelial mucosal layers, and engaging in signal transduction; the mucin only binds AFP as a molecule serving in a subordinate or ancillary function.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Mizejewski
- Wadsworth Center, Division of Translational Medicine, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, 12201, USA.
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