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Talia M, Cirillo F, Spinelli A, Zicarelli A, Scordamaglia D, Muglia L, De Rosis S, Rigiracciolo DC, Filippelli G, Perrotta ID, Davoli M, De Rosa R, Macirella R, Brunelli E, Miglietta AM, Nardo B, Tosoni D, Pece S, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. The Ephrin tyrosine kinase a3 (EphA3) is a novel mediator of RAGE-prompted motility of breast cancer cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:164. [PMID: 37434266 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor for advanced glycation-end products (RAGE) and its ligands have been implicated in obesity and associated inflammatory processes as well as in metabolic alterations like diabetes. In addition, RAGE-mediated signaling has been reported to contribute to the metastatic progression of breast cancer (BC), although mechanistic insights are still required. Here, we provide novel findings regarding the transcriptomic landscape and the molecular events through which RAGE may prompt aggressive features in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC. METHODS MCF7 and T47D BC cells stably overexpressing human RAGE were used as a model system to evaluate important changes like cell protrusions, migration, invasion and colony formation both in vitro through scanning electron microscopy, clonogenic, migration and invasion assays and in vivo through zebrafish xenografts experiments. The whole transcriptome of RAGE-overexpressing BC cells was screened by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Thereafter, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses allowed the prediction of potential functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Flow cytometry, real time-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and western blot assays were performed to investigate the molecular network involved in the regulation of a novel RAGE target gene namely EphA3. The clinical significance of EphA3 was explored in the TCGA cohort of patients through the survivALL package, whereas the pro-migratory role of EphA3 signaling was ascertained in both BC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Statistical analysis was performed by t-tests. RESULTS RNA-seq findings and GSEA analysis revealed that RAGE overexpression leads to a motility-related gene signature in ER-positive BC cells. Accordingly, we found that RAGE-overexpressing BC cells exhibit long filopodia-like membrane protrusions as well as an enhanced dissemination potential, as determined by the diverse experimental assays. Mechanistically, we established for the first time that EphA3 signaling may act as a physical mediator of BC cells and CAFs motility through both homotypic and heterotypic interactions. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that RAGE up-regulation leads to migratory ability in ER-positive BC cells. Noteworthy, our findings suggest that EphA3 may be considered as a novel RAGE target gene facilitating BC invasion and scattering from the primary tumor mass. Overall, the current results may provide useful insights for more comprehensive therapeutic approaches in BC, particularly in obese and diabetic patients that are characterized by high RAGE levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Asia Spinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Zicarelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Rosis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | | | - Ida Daniela Perrotta
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Mariano Davoli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosanna De Rosa
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rachele Macirella
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Elvira Brunelli
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Miglietta
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Bruno Nardo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
- Breast and General Surgery Unit, Regional Hospital Cosenza, 87100, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Tosoni
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pece
- European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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Lang L, Chen F, Li Y, Shay C, Yang F, Dan H, Chen ZG, Saba NF, Teng Y. Adaptive c-Met-PLXDC2 Signaling Axis Mediates Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity to Confer Radioresistance-associated Aggressiveness in Head and Neck Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:659-671. [PMID: 37089864 PMCID: PMC10114932 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy plays an essential role in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), yet radioresistance remains a major barrier to therapeutic efficacy. A better understanding of the predominant pathways determining radiotherapy response could help develop mechanism-informed therapies to improve cancer management. Here we report that radioresistant HNSCC cells exhibit increased tumor aggressiveness. Using unbiased proteome profiler antibody arrays, we identify that upregulation of c-Met phosphorylation is one of the critical mechanisms for radioresistance in HNSCC cells. We further uncover that radioresistance-associated HNSCC aggressiveness is effectively exacerbated by c-Met but is suppressed by its genetic knockdown and pharmacologic inactivation. Mechanistically, the resulting upregulation of c-Met promotes elevated expression of plexin domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) through activating ERK1/2-ELK1 signaling, which in turn modulates cancer cell plasticity by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction and enrichment of the cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation, leading to resistance of HNSCC cells to radiotherapy. Depletion of PLXDC2 overcomes c-Met-mediated radioresistance through reversing the EMT progress and blunting the self-renewal capacity of CSCs. Therapeutically, the addition of SU11274, a selective and potent c-Met inhibitor, to radiation induces tumor shrinkage and limits tumor metastasis to lymph nodes in an orthotopic mouse model. Collectively, these significant findings not only demonstrate a novel mechanism underpinning radioresistance-associated aggressiveness but also provide a possible therapeutic strategy to target radioresistance in patients with HNSCC. Significance This work provides novel insights into c-Met-PLXDC2 signaling in radioresistance-associated aggressiveness and suggests a new mechanism-informed therapeutic strategy to overcome failure of radiotherapy in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Lang
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Fanghui Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Chloe Shay
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory, University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hancai Dan
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zhuo G Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Wang W, Rana PS, Markovic V, Sossey-Alaoui K. The WAVE3/β-catenin oncogenic signaling regulates chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:31. [PMID: 36949468 PMCID: PMC10035207 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01634-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic breast cancer is responsible for the death of the majority of breast cancer patients. In fact, metastatic BC is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the USA and worldwide. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks expression of hormone receptors (ER-α and PR) and ErbB2/HER2, is especially lethal due to its highly metastatic behavior, propensity to recur rapidly, and for its resistance to standard of care therapies, through mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. WAVE3 has been established as a promoter of TNBC development and metastatic progression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms whereby WAVE3 promotes therapy-resistance and cancer stemness in TNBC, through the regulation of β-catenin stabilization. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset was used to assess the expression of WAVE3 and β-catenin in breast cancer tumors. Kaplan-Meier Plotter analysis was used to correlate expression of WAVE3 and β-catenin with breast cancer patients' survival probability. MTT assay was used to quantify cell survival. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, 2D and 3D tumorsphere growth and invasion assays, Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, Semi-quantitative and real-time quantitative PCR analyses were applied to study the WAVE3/β-catenin oncogenic signaling in TNBC. Tumor xenograft assays were used to study the role of WAVE3 in mediating chemotherapy resistance of TNBC tumors. RESULTS Genetic inactivation of WAVE3 in combination of chemotherapy resulted in inhibition of 2D growth and 3D tumorsphere formation and invasion of TNBC cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In addition, while re-expression of phospho-active WAVE3 in the WAVE3-deficient TNBC cells restored the oncogenic activity of WAVE3, re-expression of phospho-mutant WAVE3 did not. Further studies revealed that dual blocking of WAVE3 expression or phosphorylation in combination with chemotherapy treatment inhibited the activity and expression and stabilization of β-catenin. Most importantly, the combination of WAVE3-deficiency or WAVE3-phospho-deficiency and chemotherapy suppressed the oncogenic behavior of chemoresistant TNBC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION We identified a novel WAVE3/β-catenin oncogenic signaling axis that modulates chemoresistance of TNBC. This study suggests that a targeted therapeutic strategy against WAVE3 could be effective for the treatment of chemoresistant TNBC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Priyanka S Rana
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Vesna Markovic
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA
| | - Khalid Sossey-Alaoui
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44016, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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A Regulatory Loop Involving miR-200c and NF-κB Modulates Mortalin Expression and Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity in an Ovarian Cancer Cell Line Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315300. [PMID: 36499626 PMCID: PMC9737914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is currently the most lethal gynecological cancer. At present, primary debulking surgery combined with platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment strategy for ovarian cancer. Although cisplatin-based chemotherapy has greatly improved the prognosis of patients, the subsequent primary or acquired drug resistance of cancer cells has become an obstacle to a favorable prognosis. Mortalin is a chaperone that plays an important role in multiple cellular and biological processes. Our previous studies have found that mortalin is associated with the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells and their resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. In this study, microRNA (miR)-200b/c downregulated mortalin expression and inhibited the proliferation and migration of the paired cisplatin-sensitive (A2780S) and cisplatin-resistant (A2780CP) epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. Moreover, miR-200c increased the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin treatment by regulating mortalin levels. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB directly regulated mortalin and miR-200b/c expression levels, while NF-κB and miR-200b/c jointly regulated the expression of mortalin. The combination of cisplatin and miR-200c significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects on ovarian cancer in vivo, suggesting that miR-200c may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian cancer.
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Qasim M, Ricks-Santi LJ, Naab TJ, Rajack F, Beyene D, Abbas M, Kassim OO, Copeland RL, Kanaan Y. Inverse Correlation of KISS1 and KISS1R Expression in Triple-negative Breast Carcinomas from African American Women. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:673-682. [PMID: 36316037 PMCID: PMC9620443 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The kisspeptin 1 (KISS1) gene encodes a precursor polypeptide which after proteolysis forms the kisspeptin-10 (KISS1) protein. KISS1, retains maximum physiological activity when it binds to its receptor (KISS1R), allowing KISS1 to effectively function as a suppressor of metastasis in melanomas and other types of cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of KISS1 and KISS1R in breast carcinomas from African American (AA) women and correlate their association with clinicopathological features, including breast cancer subtypes, and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tissue microarrays were constructed from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical blocks from 216 AA patients. KISS1 and KISS1R expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Univariate analysis was used to determine the association between the expression of KISS1 and KISS1R, and clinicopathological characteristics. Pearson correlation was also determined between immunohistochemical H-scores, tumor size, and the number of positive lymph nodes. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall and disease-free survival were plotted, and log-rank tests were performed to compare estimates among groups. RESULTS KISS1 protein expression was found to be higher in receptor-negative and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared to other subtypes (p<0.001). However, KISS1R expression was higher in non-TNBC tumors compared to other subtypes (p<0.001). Higher KISS1R expression was marginally negatively correlated with tumor size (p=0.077), and positively correlated with lymph-node positivity (p=0.056), and disease-free survival (p=0.092). CONCLUSION Our study showed a significant inverse correlation between KISS1 and KISS1R in TNBC. This investigation implicates a role for KISS1 and KISS1R in the pathogenesis of TNBCs in AA women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Qasim
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Luisel J Ricks-Santi
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Tammey J Naab
- Department of Pathology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Fareed Rajack
- Department of Pathology, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Desta Beyene
- Howard University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Muneer Abbas
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Olakunle O Kassim
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Robert L Copeland
- Howard University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A
| | - Yasmine Kanaan
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A.;
- Howard University Cancer Center, Washington, DC, U.S.A
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Limaye AJ, Whittaker MK, Bendzunas GN, Cowell JK, Kennedy EJ. Targeting the WASF3 complex to suppress metastasis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106302. [PMID: 35691539 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family members (WASF) regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, which plays an instrumental role in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF1/2/3 forms a hetero-pentameric complex with CYFIP1/2, NCKAP1/1 L, Abi1/2/3 and BRK1 called the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC), which cooperatively regulates actin nucleation by WASF1/2/3. Activation of the WRC enables actin networking and provides the mechanical force required for the formation of lamellipodia and invadopodia. Although the WRC drives cell motility essential for several routine physiological functions, its aberrant deployment is observed in cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF3 expression is correlated with metastatic potential in several cancers and inversely correlates with overall progression-free survival. Therefore, disruption of the WRC may serve as a novel strategy for targeting metastasis. Given the complexity involved in the formation of the WRC which is largely comprised of large protein-protein interfaces, there are currently no inhibitors for WASF3. However, several constrained peptide mimics of the various protein-protein interaction interfaces within the WRC were found to successfully disrupt WASF3-mediated migration and invasion. This review explores the role of the WASF3 WRC in driving metastasis and how it may be selectively targeted for suppression of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya J Limaye
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Matthew K Whittaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - George N Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, 240W. Green St, Athens, GA 30602, United States.
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Limaye AJ, Bendzunas GN, Whittaker MK, LeClair TJ, Helton LG, Kennedy EJ. In Silico Optimized Stapled Peptides Targeting WASF3 in Breast Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:570-576. [PMID: 35450347 PMCID: PMC9014496 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family (WASF) members regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics, and WASF3 is directly associated with breast cancer metastasis and invasion. WASF3 forms a heteropentameric complex with CYFIP, NCKAP, ABI, and BRK1, called the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC), which cooperatively regulates actin nucleation by WASF3. Since aberrant deployment of the WRC is observed in cancer metastasis and invasion, its disruption provides a novel avenue for targeting motility in breast cancer cells. Here, we report the development of a second generation WASF3 mimetic peptide, WAHMIS-2, which was designed using a combination of structure-guided design, homology modeling, and in silico optimization to disrupt binding of WASF3 to the WRC. WAHMIS-2 was found to permeate cells and inhibit cell motility, invasion, and MMP9 expression with greater potency than its predecessor, WAHM1. Targeted disruption of WASF3 from the WRC may serve as a useful strategy for suppression of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya J. Limaye
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - George N. Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Matthew K. Whittaker
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Timothy J. LeClair
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Leah G. Helton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
| | - Eileen J. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, United States
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8
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Cao HJ, Zhou W, Xian XL, Sun SJ, Ding PJ, Tian CY, Tian FL, Jiang CH, Fu TT, Zhao S, Dai JY. A Mixture of Baicalein, Wogonin, and Oroxylin-A Inhibits EMT in the A549 Cell Line via the PI3K/AKT-TWIST1-Glycolysis Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:821485. [PMID: 35222014 PMCID: PMC8864075 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.821485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a worldwide disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate, which is most derived from its metastasis. Some studies show that the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process promotes lung cancer cell migration and invasion, leading to NSCLC metastasis. Total flavonoid aglycones extract (TFAE) isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis was reported to inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis. In this study, we found that baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin-A were the active compounds of TFAE. After reconstructing with these three compounds [baicalein (65.8%), wogonin (21.2%), and oroxylin-A (13.0%)], the reconstructed TFAE (reTFAE) inhibited the EMT process of A549 cells. Then, bioinformatic technology was employed to elucidate the potential pharmacodynamic mechanism network of reTFAE. We identified the relationship between reTFAE and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, with TWIST1 as the key protein. LY294002, the inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and knock-down TWIST1 could significantly enhance the efficacy of reTFAE, with increasing expression of epithelial markers and decreasing expression of mesenchymal markers in A549 cells at the same time. Furthermore, stable isotope dimethyl-labeled proteomics technology was conducted to complement the follow-up mechanism that the EMT-inhibition process may be realized through the glycolysis pathway. In conclusion, we claim that TWIST1-targeted flavonoids could provide a new strategy to inhibit EMT progress for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Cao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Le Xian
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shu-Jun Sun
- School of Biology and Food Engineering, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, China
| | - Pei-Jie Ding
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Chun-Yu Tian
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fu-Ling Tian
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Chun-Hua Jiang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ting-Ting Fu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shu Zhao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jian-Ye Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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9
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Teng Y, Loveless R, Benson EM, Sun L, Shull AY, Shay C. SHOX2 cooperates with STAT3 to promote breast cancer metastasis through the transcriptional activation of WASF3. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:274. [PMID: 34465361 PMCID: PMC8406721 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02083-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is most often the root cause of cancer-related death. Human short stature homeobox 2 (SHOX2), a homeodomain transcription factor, is a novel inducer of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells, though its exact role and underlying mechanisms in metastasis are not well understood. METHODS TCGA analysis was performed to identify the clinical relevance of SHOX2 in breast cancer. Gene depletion was achieved by short hairpin RNA and small interfering RNA. Molecular regulations and alterations were assessed by Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with qPCR (ChIP-qPCR), and ChIP/re-ChIP. The impact of SHOX2 signaling on tumor growth and metastasis was evaluated in orthotopic breast tumor mice. RESULTS The expression level of SHOX2 is strongly associated with poor distant metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients and inactivation of SHOX2 suppresses breast tumor growth and metastasis in mice. In breast cancer cells, SHOX2 directly activates Wiskott-Aldridge syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3), a metastasis-promoting gene, at the transcriptional level, leading to a significant increase in metastatic potential. Mechanistically, SHOX2 activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and recruits it to the WASF3 promoter, where STAT3 cooperates with SHOX2 to form a functional immunocomplex to promote WASF3 transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells. WASF3 knockdown abrogates SHOX2-induced metastasis, but not SHOX2-dependent tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide a critical link between the SHOX2-STAT3-WASF3 signaling axis and metastasis and suggest that the targeting of this signaling node may represent a valuable alternative strategy for combating breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Dr, GA, 30322, Atlanta, USA.
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | - Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Elayne M Benson
- Department of Biology, Presbyterian College, 29325, Clinton, SC, USA
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 30912, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Austin Y Shull
- Department of Biology, Presbyterian College, 29325, Clinton, SC, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Emory Children's Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 30322, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Kansakar U, Wang W, Markovic V, Sossey-Alaoui K. Phosphorylation of the proline-rich domain of WAVE3 drives its oncogenic activity in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3868. [PMID: 33594155 PMCID: PMC7887190 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins, such as tyrosine phosphorylation, plays a major role in driving the oncogenic activity of oncogenes. WAVE3 (WASF3), an adaptor and actin cytoskeleton remodeling protein, contributes to cell migration, cancer cell invasion, and metastasis. WAVE3 plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), in part through the regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Several studies have shown that WAVE3 tyrosine phosphorylation is required for its oncogenic activity. Moreover, our recent study showed that the proline rich domain (PRD) of WAVE3 is required for maintenance of the CSC niche in breast cancer by regulating the nuclear translocation of the CSC-specific nuclear transcription factor YB1. Here, we show that the PRD domain of WAVE3 and its phosphorylation are essential for driving the oncogenic activity of WAVE3. We show that phosphorylation of WAVE3 PRD is essential for migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that phosphorylation of the WAVE3 PRD is essential for interaction between WAVE3 and YB1. Loss of PRD phosphorylation inhibits such interaction and the YB1-mediated activation of expression of CSC markers, as well as the WAVE3 mediated activation of EMT. Together, our study identifies a novel role of WAVE3 and its PRD domain in the regulation of the invasion metastasis cascade in BC that is independent of the known function of WAVE3 as an actin cytoskeleton remodeling protein through the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vesna Markovic
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Khalid Sossey-Alaoui
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, MetroHealth, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, R457, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.
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11
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Loveless R, Teng Y. Targeting WASF3 Signaling in Metastatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020836. [PMID: 33467681 PMCID: PMC7830529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that cancer metastasis is regulated by specific genetic pathways independent of those controlling tumorigenesis and cancer growth. WASF3, a Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein family member, appears to play a major role not only in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics but also in cancer cell invasion/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted that WASF3 is a master regulator and acts as a pivotal scaffolding protein, bringing the various components of metastatic signaling complexes together both spatially and temporally. Herein, targeting WASF3 at the levels of transcription, protein stability, and phosphorylation holds great promise for metastasis suppression, regardless of the diverse genetic backgrounds associated with tumor development. This review focuses on the critical and distinct contributions of WASF3 in the regulation of signal pathways promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +17064465611; Fax: +17067219415
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12
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Lang L, Loveless R, Teng Y. Emerging Links between Control of Mitochondrial Protein ATAD3A and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7917. [PMID: 33113782 PMCID: PMC7663417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spanning from the mitochondria's outer surface to the inner membrane, the nuclear-encoded protein ATAD3A maintains vital roles in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, homeostasis, metabolism, and interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum. Recently, elevated levels of ATAD3A have been reported in several types of cancer and to be tightly correlated with cancer development and progression, including increased cancer cell potential of proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the current review, we reveal ATAD3A as the link between mitochondrial functions and cancer biology and the accumulating evidence presenting ATAD3A as an attractive target for the development of novel cancer therapy to inhibit aberrant cancer metabolism and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Lang
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Reid Loveless
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (L.L.); (R.L.)
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (L.L.); (R.L.)
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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13
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Wang W, Kansakar U, Markovic V, Wang B, Sossey-Alaoui K. WAVE3 phosphorylation regulates the interplay between PI3K, TGF-β, and EGF signaling pathways in breast cancer. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:87. [PMID: 33012785 PMCID: PMC7533250 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-00272-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both TGF-β and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways are known activators of various intracellular pathways that regulate critical cellular functions, including cancer cell survival and proliferation. The interplay between these two oncogenic pathways plays a major role in promoting the initiation, growth, and progression of tumors, including breast cancers. The molecular underpinning of the inter-relationship between these pathways is, however, not fully understood, as is the role of WAVE3 phosphorylation in the regulation of tumor growth and progression. WAVE3 has been established as a major driver of the invasion–metastasis cascade in breast cancer and other tumors of epithelial origin. WAVE3 phosphorylation downstream of PI3K was also shown to regulate cell migration. Here we show that, in addition to PI3K, WAVE3 tyrosine phosphorylation can also be achieved downstream of TGF-β and EGF and that WAVE3 tyrosine phosphorylation is required for its oncogenic activity. Our in vitro analyses found loss of WAVE3 phosphorylation to significantly inhibit cell migration, as well as tumorsphere growth and invasion. In mouse models for breast cancer, loss of WAVE3 phosphorylation inhibited tumor growth of two aggressive breast cancer cell lines of triple-negative subtype. More importantly, we found that WAVE3 phosphorylation is also required for the activation of PI3K, TGF-β, and EGF signaling and their respective downstream effectors. Therefore, our study identified a novel function for WAVE3 in the regulation of breast cancer development and progression through the modulation of a positive feedback loop between WAVE3 and PI3K-TGF-β-EGF signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vesna Markovic
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bingcheng Wang
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Khalid Sossey-Alaoui
- Department of Medicine, Rammelkamp Center for Research, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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14
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Zhu N, Zhao M, Song Y, Ding L, Ni Y. The KiSS-1/GPR54 system: Essential roles in physiological homeostasis and cancer biology. Genes Dis 2020; 9:28-40. [PMID: 35005105 PMCID: PMC8720660 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
KiSS-1, first identified as an anti-metastasis gene in melanoma, encodes C-terminally amidated peptide products, including kisspeptin-145, kisspeptin-54, kisspeptin-14, kisspeptin-13 and kisspeptin-10. These products are endogenous ligands coupled to G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54)/hOT7T175/AXOR12. To date, the regulatory activities of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system, such as puberty initiation, antitumor metastasis, fertility in adulthood, hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) feedback, and trophoblast invasion, have been investigated intensively. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that KiSS-1 played a key role in reproduction and served as a promising biomarker relative to the diagnosis, identification of therapeutic targets and prognosis in various carcinomas, while few studies have systematically summarized its subjective factors and concluded the functions of KiSS-1/GPR54 signaling in physiology homeostasis and cancer biology. In this review, we retrospectively summarized the regulators of the KiSS-1/GPR54 system in different animal models and reviewed its functions according to physiological homeostasis regulations and above all, cancer biology, which provided us with a profound understanding of applying the KiSS-1/GPR54 system into medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Zhu
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Mengxiang Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yuxian Song
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Liang Ding
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
| | - Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory of Stomatology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
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15
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Reduced Kiss‑1 expression is associated with clinical aggressive feature of gastric cancer patients and promotes migration and invasion in gastric cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1149-1157. [PMID: 32705229 PMCID: PMC7388581 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) causes high morbidity and mortality in patients largely due to its invasion and metastasis. Kiss‑1 has been shown to be a metastasis suppressor in various malignancies. However, its clinical significance and biological functions in GC have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study investigated the association between Kiss‑1 expression and its methylation status and clinicopathological features in GC. Kiss‑1 expression was reduced in GC and its low expression was associated with poor histological grade, lymph node metastasis and TNM III+IV stage. Kiss‑1 overexpression in AGS GC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Kiss‑1 knockdown promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HGC‑27 cells. In summary, the data demonstrated that a low expression of Kiss‑1 played a suppressive role for the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells. Its expression and methylation levels were associated with the clinical progression of GC. Thus, Kiss‑1 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker as well as a new target for the treatment of GC.
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16
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Shibuya N, Kakeji Y, Shimono Y. MicroRNA-93 targets WASF3 and functions as a metastasis suppressor in breast cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2093-2103. [PMID: 32307765 PMCID: PMC7293106 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells with cancer stem cell (CSC) properties initiate both primary tumor formation and metastases at distant sites. Acquisition of CSC properties is highly associated with epigenetic alterations, including those mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs). We have previously established the breast cancer patient‐derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse model in which CSC marker CD44+ cancer cells formed spontaneous microscopic metastases in the liver. In this PDX mouse, we found that the expression levels of 3 miRNAs (miR‐25, miR‐93, and miR‐106b) in the miR‐106b‐25 cluster were much lower in the CD44+ human cancer cells metastasized to the liver than those at the primary site. Constitutive overexpression of miR‐93 suppressed invasive ability and 3D‐organoid formation capacity of breast cancer cells in vitro and significantly suppressed their metastatic ability to the liver in vivo. Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3), a regulator of both cytoskeleton remodeling and CSC properties, was identified as a functional target of miR‐93: overexpression of miR‐93 reduced the protein level of WASF3 in breast cancer cells and WASF3 rescued the miR‐93‐mediated suppression of breast cancer cell invasion. These findings suggest that miR‐93 functions as a metastasis suppressor by suppressing both invasion ability and CSC properties in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Shibuya
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kakeji
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yohei Shimono
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
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17
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Harihar S, Ray S, Narayanan S, Santhoshkumar A, Ly T, Welch DR. Role of the tumor microenvironment in regulating the anti-metastatic effect of KISS1. Clin Exp Metastasis 2020; 37:209-223. [PMID: 32088827 PMCID: PMC7339126 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-020-10030-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
KISS1, a metastasis suppressor gene, has been shown to block metastasis without affecting primary tumor formation. Loss of KISS1 leads to invasion and metastasis in multiple cancers, which is the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. The discovery of KISS1 has provided a ray of hope for early clinical diagnosis and for designing effective treatments targeting metastatic cancer. However, this goal requires greater holistic understanding of its mechanism of action. In this review, we go back into history and highlight some key developments, from the discovery of KISS1 to its role in regulating multiple physiological processes including cancer. We discuss key emerging roles for KISS1, specifically interactions with tissue microenvironment to promote dormancy and regulation of tumor cell metabolism, acknowledged as some of the key players in tumor progression and metastasis. We finally discuss strategies whereby KISS1 might be exploited clinically to treat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitaram Harihar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Srijit Ray
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Samyukta Narayanan
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Anirudh Santhoshkumar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Thuc Ly
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- The University Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Danny R Welch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
- The University Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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18
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Peng F, Xiong L, Peng C. (-)-Sativan Inhibits Tumor Development and Regulates miR-200c/PD-L1 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:251. [PMID: 32231566 PMCID: PMC7082844 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells could convert epithelial-like cells to mesenchymal-like cells, resulting in the increased capacity of migration and invasion of cancer cells, and is an essential step in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) development. Recent reports exert that these EMT-activated TNBC cells are more resistant to immune attacks, with high levels of programmed death ligand1 (PD-L1). Hence, it is worthwhile to find an effective approach in inhibiting EMT-activated TNBC cells. (-)-Sativan (SA) is a naturally isolated isoflavane and could be isolated from Spatholobus suberectus, a common traditional Chinese medicine used for breast cancer treatment. It was the first time that SA exerted anti-cancer effects on breast cancer cells, according to our study. In this study, SA displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of TNBC cells by inducing apoptosis. SA increased Bax expression, and decreased Bcl-2 protein levels. SA inhibited cell migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells. SA could decrease N-cadherin, Snail, Vimentin, and PD-L1 expression. SA increased miR-200c expression, and decreased PD-L1 expression. Luciferase assay showed that miR-200c directly targeted PD-L1. SA promoted tumor cell susceptibility to CTL-mediated lysis. Further study confirmed that SA could inhibit PD-L1 expression and EMT by up-regulating miR-200c. In vivo results displayed that SA could also inhibit tumor volumes and weights. These findings indicate that SA exerts an inhibitory effect on TNBC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor gtrowth, and partly provide evidence for the anti-breast cancer effect of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn in TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Peng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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19
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Nie Y, Liang X, Liu S, Guo F, Fang N, Zhou F. WASF3 Knockdown Sensitizes Gastric Cancer Cells to Oxaliplatin by Inhibiting ATG12-Mediated Autophagy. Am J Med Sci 2020; 359:287-295. [PMID: 32359534 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors, usually resulting in metastasis, and therapies for advanced gastric cancer remain limited. Drug resistance is the main reason for chemotherapeutic failure in gastric cancer. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (WASF3) is required for invasion and metastasis of different cancers. However, there has been little study of WASF3 expression involvement in gastric cancer. In this study, we explored the role of WASF3 in the sensitivity of gastric cancer to oxaliplatin, and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We silenced WASF3 using WASF3-siRNA in MGC803 cells. Then, CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay were performed to study the effect of WASF3 silencing on proliferation, migration, invasiveness and apoptosis of MGC803 cells. Moreover, we evaluated the potential mechanism in vitro to determine the sensitization to oxaliplatin induced by WASF3. RESULTS WASF3 silencing by small interfering RNA inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of gastric cancer cells. We also observed that WASF3 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis and enhanced oxaliplatin sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensitization to oxaliplatin induced by WASF3 knockdown depended on the inhibition of Atg12-mediated autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis demonstrates WASF3 targeting is a new potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Nie
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sanhe Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Fang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuxiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Wuhan, China.
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20
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MicroRNA-182-5p regulates hedgehog signaling pathway and chemosensitivity of cisplatin-resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells via targeting GLI2. Cancer Lett 2020; 469:266-276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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21
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Qin H, Lu S, Thangaraju M, Cowell JK. Wasf3 Deficiency Reveals Involvement in Metastasis in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:2450-2458. [PMID: 31542393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The WASF3 gene has been implicated in cancer cell movement, invasion, and metastasis by regulating genetic pathways important in these processes. Invasion and metastasis assays, however, are largely centered on xenograft models in immune-compromised mice. To facilitate analysis of the role of WASF3 in the spontaneous development of cancer cell metastasis, we generated a Wasf3 null strain by deleting exons 4 and 5, which encode essential motifs for Wasf3 function. On exposure to cre-recombinase a stop codon is generated immediately downstream in exon 6. Using a cytomegalovirus (CMV)-cre strain, Wasf3 constitutively was inactivated, which led to viable mice with no visible morphologic or behavioral abnormalities. There was no abnormal development or function of the mouse mammary gland in the Wasf3 null mice and brain development was normal. In the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-driven polyoma middle-T oncogene strain, which shows early onset breast cancer development and metastasis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 3 (Wasf3) is up-regulated in metastatic lesions. When this oncogene was introduced onto the Wasf3-null background, although metastasis was observed in these mice, there was a reduction in the number and size of metastatic lesions in the lungs. These data provide evidence for a role in WASF3 in the development of metastasis in a spontaneous model of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Sumin Lu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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22
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Stathaki M, Stamatiou ME, Magioris G, Simantiris S, Syrigos N, Dourakis S, Koutsilieris M, Armakolas A. The role of kisspeptin system in cancer biology. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 142:130-140. [PMID: 31401420 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptins are a family of neuropeptides that are known to be critical in puberty initiation and ovulation. Apart from that kisspeptin derived peptides (KPs) are also known for their antimetastatic activities in several malignancies. Herein we report recent evidence of the role of kisspeptins in cancer biology and we examine the prospective of targeting the kisspeptin pathways leading to a better prognosis in patients with malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Stathaki
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Evanthia Stamatiou
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - George Magioris
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Simantiris
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Syrigos
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Dourakis
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine Hippokration General Hospital Athens Greece, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodestrian University of Athens, Greece.
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23
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Nie Y, Hu S, Liu S, Fang N, Guo F, Yang L, Liang X. WASF3 expression correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Future Oncol 2019; 15:1605-1615. [PMID: 31038356 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: WASF3 has been shown to be required for invasion and metastasis in different cancers, this study is to explore the prognostic value of WASF3 in gastric cancer. Materials & methods: The coexpression of WASF3 and E-cadherin in gastric cancer patients and cells were evaluated. Results: WASF3 was overexpressed and the expression of E-cadherin was decreased in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues (p < 0.001). WASF3 expression is associated with decreased expression of E-cadherin (p = 0.002). Patients with WASF3-positive expression had a poorer prognosis. The multivariate analysis showed that WASF3 expression is an independent prognostic factor related to overall survival (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrates that WASF3 expression correlates with poor outcomes and is a potential prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Sanhe Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Na Fang
- Department of Pathology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Hubei Cancer Hospital, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430079, PR China
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24
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Bahiraee A, Ebrahimi R, Halabian R, Aghabozorgi AS, Amani J. The role of inflammation and its related microRNAs in breast cancer: A narrative review. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19480-19493. [PMID: 31025369 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is recognized as the most common type of cancer among women with a high rate of mortality all over the world. Over the past years, growing attention has been regarded to realize more about the mechanisms underlying the disease process. It is revealed that the progression of breast cancer may be strongly linked to chronic inflammation owing to the role of inflammatory factors in genetic instability and subsequent cancer predisposition. Although the association between breast cancer and inflammatory pathways has been well-defined now, only recent evidence pointed towards the inflammation-related microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets involved in the crosstalk of multiple pathways during breast cancer development. Moreover, the practical interactions between these miRNAs and inflammatory factors are also a little characterized. In this review, we intended to describe the effects of predominant inflammatory pathways such as cytokines, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and nuclear factor kappa B in association with tumor promoting and tumor suppressing miRNAs on breast cancer progression. Providing new studies in the field of combining biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring breast cancer are very important. Notably, understanding the underlying mechanisms of miRNAs as a possible link between inflammation and tumorigenesis may offer a novel insight for combating this epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Bahiraee
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Ebrahimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirsaeed Sabeti Aghabozorgi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Mollaei H, Safaralizadeh R, Rostami Z. MicroRNA replacement therapy in cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:12369-12384. [PMID: 30605237 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent progress in cancer management approaches, the mortality rate of cancer is still growing and there are lots of challenges in the clinics in terms of novel therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are regulatory small noncoding RNAs and are already confirmed to have a great role in regulating gene expression level by targeting multiple molecules that affect cell physiology and disease development. Recently, miRNAs have been introduced as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Regulatory potential of tumor suppressor miRNAs, which enables regulation of entire signaling networks within the cells, makes them an interesting option for developing cancer therapeutics. In this regard, over recent decades, scientists have aimed at developing powerful and safe targeting approaches to restore these suppressive miRNAs in cancerous cells. The present review summarizes the function of miRNAs in tumor development and presents recent findings on how miRNAs have served as therapeutic agents against cancer, with a special focus on tumor suppressor miRNAs (mimics). Moreover, the latest investigations on the therapeutic strategies of miRNA delivery have been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Mollaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Rostami
- Department of Immunology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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26
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Zhao X, Lang L, He L, Gao L, Chyan D, Xiong Y, Li H, Peng H, Teng Y. Intracellular reduction in ATP levels contributes to CYT997-induced suppression of metastasis of head and neck squamous carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:1174-1182. [PMID: 30450674 PMCID: PMC6349165 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has steadily increased over the past decade. However, treatment options for metastatic HNSCC are often limited and the 5‐year survival rate has remained static. Therefore, the development and assessment of more efficient but less toxic therapeutic strategies is an unmet need for treatment of more extensive HNSCC. Here, we report that CYT997, a novel microtubule‐disrupting agent, exerts strong activity in inhibiting HNSCC cell invasion and metastasis. The loss of invasion capacity by CYT997 was accompanied by an associated increase in cell adhesion and the reversal of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Increased expression of E‐cadherin protein and decreased expression of Vimentin protein became evident in HNSCC cells following CYT997 exposure, which were consistently observed in HNSCC xenografts from the mice receiving CYT997. Moreover, the capacity of invasive HNSCC cells to form pulmonary metastases was significantly blocked with CYT997 treatment, indicating that the diminishment of EMT traits contributes to CYT997‐suppressed metastasis. Intriguingly, CYT997 impaired intracellular ATP levels in HNSCC cells, at least in part, through its inhibitory effect on the mitochondrial protein IF1. The addition of ATP attenuated CYT997‐induced suppression of cell invasion, coupled with down‐regulation of E‐Cadherin and up‐regulation of Vimentin. These findings support a critical role of ATP levels in cell invasion and metastasis under the influence of CYT997. Collectively, our data unveil the mechanism involved in mediating CYT997 action, and provide preclinical rationale for possible clinical application of CYT997 as a novel therapeutic strategy against aggressive HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Liwei Lang
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Leilei He
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - David Chyan
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Yuanping Xiong
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Honglin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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27
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Zhao X, Xu F, Dominguez NP, Xiong Y, Xiong Z, Peng H, Shay C, Teng Y. FGFR4 provides the conduit to facilitate FGF19 signaling in breast cancer progression. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1616-1625. [PMID: 30074276 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although genetic amplification and overexpression of the fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) gene are found in human breast cancer, mechanisms that contribute to such functional alterations remain elusive. We report here that high expression of FGF19 is associated with the aggressive malignant behavior and poor survival outcome of breast cancer patients. FGF19 is particularly highly expressed in luminal molecular subtype of breast tumors and its expression levels are positively associated with its secretion levels from breast cancer cells. Genetic knockout of FGF19 significantly induces repression of breast tumor progression and metastasis in either an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer or an experimental metastasis model. The FGF19 specific receptor, FGFR4, can be activated and subsequently upregulate AKT signaling in breast cancer cell upon FGF19, which is critical for oncogenic role of FGF19. Inactivation of FGFR4 by its inhibitor BLU9931 significantly attenuates FGF19-induced tumor-promoting activity, suggesting interruption of FGFR4 function is sufficient to affect FGF19-driven breast cancer. Overall, these insights support the idea that targeting FGFR4 in breast cancer cells overexpressing FGF19 may represent an effective strategy to suppress cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Faliang Xu
- Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Nestor P Dominguez
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Yuanping Xiong
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Zhongxun Xiong
- Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chloe Shay
- The Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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28
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Lang L, Shay C, Xiong Y, Thakkar P, Chemmalakuzhy R, Wang X, Teng Y. Combating head and neck cancer metastases by targeting Src using multifunctional nanoparticle-based saracatinib. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:85. [PMID: 29925404 PMCID: PMC6011403 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0623-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most important challenges in cancer treatment. Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated as a key promoter in tumor progression and metastasis of HNSCC. However, Src therapy for HNSCC is limited by lack of efficient in vivo delivery and underlying mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS Src knockdown cells were achieved by lentiviral-mediated interference. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and Transwell assays. Protein levels were determined by Western blot and/or immunohistochemistry. The Src inhibitor saracatinib was loaded into self-assembling nanoparticles by the solvent evaporation method. An experimental metastasis mouse model was generated to investigate the drug efficacy in metastasis. RESULTS Blockade of Src kinase activity by saracatinib effectively suppressed invasion and metastasis of HNSCC. Mechanistic assessment of the drug effects in HNSCC cells showed that saracatinib induced suppression of Src-dependent invasion/metastasis through downregulating the expression levels of Vimentin and Snail proteins. In tests in mice, saracatinib loaded into the novel multifunctional nanoparticles exhibited superior effects on suppression of HNSCC metastasis compared with the free drug, which is mainly attributed to highly specific and efficient tumor-targeted drug delivery system. CONCLUSIONS These findings and advances are of great importance to the development of Src-targeted nanomedicine as a more effective therapy for metastatic HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Lang
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Children’s Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Yuanping Xiong
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Parth Thakkar
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Ron Chemmalakuzhy
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
| | - Xuli Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA USA
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912 USA
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29
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Guo R, Hao G, Bao Y, Xiao J, Zhan X, Shi X, Luo L, Zhou J, Chen Q, Wei X. MiR-200a negatively regulates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of peritoneal mesothelial cells by targeting ZEB1/2 expression. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 314:F1087-F1095. [PMID: 29357421 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00566.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells was recognized as the key process of peritoneal fibrosis, which is a major cause of peritoneal failure related to peritoneal dialysis (PD), mechanisms underlying these processes remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that miR-200a was significantly downregulated in peritoneal tissues with fibrosis in a rat model of PD. In vitro, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced EMT, identified by de novo expression of α-smooth muscle actin and a loss of E-cadherin in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), was associated with downregulation of miR-200a but upregulation of zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1/2 (ZEB1/2), suggesting a close link between miR-200a and ZEB1/2 in TGF-β1-induced EMT. It was further demonstrated that miR-200a was able to bind to the 3′UTR of ZEB1/2, and overexpression of miR-200a blocked TGF-β1-induced upregulation of ZEB1/2 and, therefore, inhibited EMT and collagen expression. In contrast, overexpression ZEB1/2 blocked miR-200a inhibition of EMT and collagen expression in HMPCs. In conclusion, miR-200a could negatively regulate TGF-β1-induced EMT by targeting ZEB1/2 in peritoneal mesothelial cells. Blockade of EMT in HPMCS indicates the therapeutic potential of miR-200a as a treatment for peritoneal fibrosis associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runsheng Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guojun Hao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital/Zhongshan Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Bao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaojiang Zhan
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xintian Shi
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Laimin Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinkai Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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30
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Functional Role of Non-Coding RNAs during Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:ncrna4020014. [PMID: 29843425 PMCID: PMC6027143 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key biological process involved in a multitude of developmental and pathological events. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cell-to-cell contacts and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, leading to filopodia formation and the progressive up-regulation of a mesenchymal gene expression pattern enabling cell migration. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is already observed in early embryonic stages such as gastrulation, when the epiblast undergoes an EMT process and therefore leads to the formation of the third embryonic layer, the mesoderm. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is pivotal in multiple embryonic processes, such as for example during cardiovascular system development, as valve primordia are formed and the cardiac jelly is progressively invaded by endocardium-derived mesenchyme or as the external cardiac cell layer is established, i.e., the epicardium and cells detached migrate into the embryonic myocardial to form the cardiac fibrous skeleton and the coronary vasculature. Strikingly, the most important biological event in which EMT is pivotal is cancer development and metastasis. Over the last years, understanding of the transcriptional regulatory networks involved in EMT has greatly advanced. Several transcriptional factors such as Snail, Slug, Twist, Zeb1 and Zeb2 have been reported to play fundamental roles in EMT, leading in most cases to transcriptional repression of cell⁻cell interacting proteins such as ZO-1 and cadherins and activation of cytoskeletal markers such as vimentin. In recent years, a fundamental role for non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and more recently long non-coding RNAs, has been identified in normal tissue development and homeostasis as well as in several oncogenic processes. In this study, we will provide a state-of-the-art review of the functional roles of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs, in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in both developmental and pathological EMT.
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31
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Cai Y, Li J, Zhang Z, Chen J, Zhu Y, Li R, Chen J, Gao L, Liu R, Teng Y. Zbtb38 is a novel target for spinal cord injury. Oncotarget 2018; 8:45356-45366. [PMID: 28514761 PMCID: PMC5542192 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is currently incurable since treatments applied to clinic are limited to minimizing secondary complications and the mechanisms of injury-induced spinal cord damage are poorly understood. Zbtb38, also called CIBZ, is highly expressed in spinal cord and it functions as a negative regulator in SCI-induced apoptosis. We show here that Zbtb38 is downregulated under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which promotes ER stress-associated apoptosis in human bone marrow neuroblastoma cells. In the traumatic SCI mice, ER stress presented in injured spinal cord induced repression of Zbtb38 expression and triggered Zbtb38-mediated apoptosis. ChIP-QPCR analysis revealed that ATF4, an ER-stress inducible transcription factor, directly activated Zbtb38 transcription by binding to the Zbtb38 promoter. However, this binding was significantly reduced following SCI, leading to a sharp decrease in Zbtb38 expression. Restoring Zbtb38 function in injured spinal cord by injection of lentivirus containing Zbtb38 into SCI mice, significantly alleviated secondary damage of spinal cord with decreased ER stress-associated apoptosis and partially recovered spinal cord functions. These findings demonstrate that restoration of Zbtb38 expression can reduce secondary tissue damage after SCI, and suggest that a therapeutic strategy for targeting Zbtb38 may promote functional recovery of spinal cord for patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Zongmeng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Yangzi Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Rui Li
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Rong Liu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.,Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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32
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Xie X, Tang SC, Cai Y, Pi W, Deng L, Wu G, Chavanieu A, Teng Y. Suppression of breast cancer metastasis through the inactivation of ADP-ribosylation factor 1. Oncotarget 2018; 7:58111-58120. [PMID: 27517156 PMCID: PMC5295416 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death in breast cancer patients, which is controlled by specific sets of genes. Targeting these genes may provide a means to delay cancer progression and allow local treatment to be more effective. We report for the first time that ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) is the most amplified gene in ARF gene family in breast cancer, and high-level amplification of ARF1 is associated with increased mRNA expression and poor outcomes of patients with breast cancer. Knockdown of ARF1 leads to significant suppression of migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. Using the orthotopic xenograft model in NSG mice, we demonstrate that loss of ARF1 expression in breast cancer cells inhibits pulmonary metastasis. The zebrafish-metastasis model confirms that the ARF1 gene depletion suppresses breast cancer cells to metastatic disseminate throughout fish body, indicating that ARF1 is a very compelling target to limit metastasis. ARF1 function largely dependents on its activation and LM11, a cell-active inhibitor that specifically inhibits ARF1 activation through targeting the ARF1-GDP/ARNO complex at the Golgi, significantly impairs metastatic capability of breast cancer cell in zebrafish. These findings underline the importance of ARF1 in promoting metastasis and suggest that LM11 that inhibits ARF1 activation may represent a potential therapeutic approach to prevent or treat breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiayang Xie
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shou-Ching Tang
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yafei Cai
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wenhu Pi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Libin Deng
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Guangyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Alain Chavanieu
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, France
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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33
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Hu T, Chong Y, Qin H, Kitamura E, Chang CS, Silva J, Ren M, Cowell JK. The miR-17/92 cluster is involved in the molecular etiology of the SCLL syndrome driven by the BCR-FGFR1 chimeric kinase. Oncogene 2018; 37:1926-1938. [PMID: 29367757 PMCID: PMC5889328 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have pathogenic roles in the development of a variety of leukemias. Here we identify miRNAs that have important roles in the development of B lymphomas resulting from the expression of the chimeric BCR-FGFR1 kinase. The miR-17/92 cluster was particularly implicated and forced expression resulted in increased cell proliferation, while inhibiting its function using miRNA sponges reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis. Cells treated with the potent BGJ389 FGFR1 inhibitor led to miR-17/92 downregulation, suggesting regulation by FGFR1. Transient luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR detection of endogenous miR-17/92 expression in stable transduced cell lines demonstrated that BCR-FGFR1 can regulate miR-17/92 expression. This positive association of miR-17/92 with BCR-FGFR1 was also confirmed in primary mouse SCLL tissues and primary human CLL samples. miR-17/92 promotes cell proliferation and survival by targeting CDKN1A and PTEN in B-lymphoma cell lines and primary tumors. An inverse correlation in expression levels was seen between miR-17/92 and both CDKN1A and PTEN in two cohorts of CLL patients. Finally, in vivo engraftment studies demonstrated that manipulation of miR-17/92 was sufficient to affect BCR-FGFR1-driven leukemogenesis. Overall, our results define miR-17/92 as a downstream effector of FGFR1 in BCR-FGFR1-driven B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiang Hu
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yating Chong
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eiko Kitamura
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jeane Silva
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mingqiang Ren
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA. .,Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Shen ZL, Wang B, Jiang KW, Ye CX, Cheng C, Yan YC, Zhang JZ, Yang Y, Gao ZD, Ye YJ, Wang S. Downregulation of miR-199b is associated with distant metastasis in colorectal cancer via activation of SIRT1 and inhibition of CREB/KISS1 signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:35092-105. [PMID: 27145368 PMCID: PMC5085212 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of distant metastasis cascade is a multistep and complicated process, frequently leading to a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Recently, growing evidence has indicated that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, by comparing the miRNA expression profiles of CRC tissues and corresponding hepatic metastasis tissues, we established the downregulation of miR-199b in CRC metastasis tissues. The decrease in miR-199b expression was significantly correlated to late TNM stage and distant metastasis. Moreover, Kaplan–Meier curves showed that CRC patients with high expression level of miR-199b had a longer median survival. Functional assays results indicated that the restoration of miR-199b considerably reduced cell invasion and migration in vitro and in vivo, and increased the sensitivity to 5-FU and oxaliplatin. Further dual-luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that SIRT1 was the direct target of miR-199b in CRC. The expression of miR-199b was inversely correlated with SIRT1 in CRC specimens. SIRT1 knockdown produced effects on biological behavior that were similar to those of miR-199b overexpression. Furthermore, through Human Tumor Metastasis PCR Array we discovered KISS1 was one of the downstream targets of SIRT1. Silencing of SIRT1 upregulated KISS1 expression by enhancing the acetylation of the transcription factor CREB. The latter was further activated via binding to the promoter of KISS1 to induce transcription. Thus, we concluded that miR-199b regulates SIRT1/CREB/KISS1 signaling pathway and might serve as a prognosis marker or a novel therapeutic target for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Long Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ke-Wei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Chun-Xiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei, 063000, PR China
| | - Yi-Chao Yan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ji-Zhun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Zhi-Dong Gao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ying-Jiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
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35
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Shen ZL, Wang B, Jiang KW, Ye CX, Cheng C, Yan YC, Zhang JZ, Yang Y, Gao ZD, Ye YJ, Wang S. Downregulation of miR-199b is associated with distant metastasis in colorectal cancer via activation of SIRT1 and inhibition of CREB/KISS1 signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:49156-49168. [PMID: 27203385 PMCID: PMC5226498 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface CD24 has previously been described, together with CD44 and ESA, for the characterization of putative cancer stem cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most fatal of all solid tumors. CD24 has a variety of biological functions including the regulation of invasiveness and cell proliferation, depending on the tumor entity and subcellular localization. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) expressing oncogenic KrasG12D recapitulate the human disease and develop PDAC. In this study we investigate the function of CD24 using GEMM of endogenous PDAC and a model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. We found that (i) CD24 expression was upregulated in murine and human PDAC and during acute pancreatitis (ii) CD24 was expressed exclusively in differentiated PDAC, whereas CD24 absence was associated with undifferentiated tumors and (iii) membranous CD24 expression determines tumor subpopulations with an epithelial phenotype in grafted models. In addition, we show that CD24 protein is stabilized in response to WNT activation and that overexpression of CD24 in pancreatic cancer cells upregulated β-catenin expression augmenting an epithelial, non-metastatic signature. Our results support a positive feedback model according to which (i) WNT activation and subsequent β-catenin dephosphorylation stabilize CD24 protein expression, and (ii) sustained CD24 expression upregulates β-catenin expression. Eventually, membranous CD24 augments the epithelial phenotype of pancreatic tumors. Thus we link the WNT/β-catenin pathway with the regulation of CD24 in the context of PDAC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Long Shen
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ke-Wei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Chun-Xiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei, 063000, PR China
| | - Yi-Chao Yan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ji-Zhun Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Zhi-Dong Gao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Ying-Jiang Ye
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China.,Laboratory of Surgical Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, PR China
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36
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Bian X, Liang Z, Feng A, Salgado E, Shim H. HDAC inhibitor suppresses proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells through regulation of miR-200c targeting CRKL. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 147:30-37. [PMID: 29155146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to effectively induce the inhibition of proliferation and migration in breast cancer, the anticancer mechanism remains poorly understood. Our studies show that miR-200c was significantly downregulated in breast cancer cell lines compared to normal cell lines and inversely correlated with the levels of class IIa HDACs and CRKL. HDAC inhibitors and the ectopic expression of miR-200c as tumor suppressors inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of breast cancer cells by downregulating CRKL. These results indicate that the anticancer mechanism of HDAC inhibitor was realized partially by regulating miR-200c via CRKL targeting. Our findings suggest that the HDAC-miR200c-CRKL signaling axis could be a novel diagnostic marker and potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehai Bian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA; Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Surgical Translational Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongxing Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA.
| | - Amber Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA
| | - Eric Salgado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA
| | - Hyunsuk Shim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta GA30322, USA.
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37
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Imani S, Wei C, Cheng J, Khan MA, Fu S, Yang L, Tania M, Zhang X, Xiao X, Zhang X, Fu J. MicroRNA-34a targets epithelial to mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs) and inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21362-21379. [PMID: 28423483 PMCID: PMC5400590 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) plays an essential role against tumorigenesis and progression of cancer metastasis. Here, we analyzed the expression, targets and functional effects of miR-34a on epithelial to mesenchymal transition-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), such as TWIST1, SLUG and ZEB1/2, and an EMT-inducing protein NOTCH1 in breast cancer (BC) cell migration and invasion and its correlation with tumorigenesis and clinical outcomes. Expression of miR-34a is downregulated in human metastatic breast cancers (MBC) compared to normal breast tissues and is negatively correlated with clinicopathological features of MBC patients. Ectopic expression of miR-34a in MBC cell-line BT-549 significantly inhibits cell migration and invasion, but exhibits no clear effect on BC cell growth. We found that miR-34a is able to inactivate EMT signaling pathway with mediatory of NOTCH1, TWIST1, and ZEB1 upon 3′-UTR activity in MBC cell lines, but has no inhibitory effects on SLUG and ZEB2. Furthermore, we investigated the synergistic effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) and miR-34a together on the expression of EMT-associated proteins. Results showed that co-delivery of miR-34a and TQ is able to inactivate EMT signaling pathway by directly targeting TWIST1 and ZEB1 in BT-549 cell line, indicating that they might be a promising therapeutic combination against breast cancer metastasis. Epigenetic inactivation of the EMT-TFs/miR-34a pathway can potentially alter the equilibrium of these regulations, facilitating EMT and metastasis in BC. Altogether, our findings suggest that miR-34a alone could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for MBC, and together with TQ, their therapeutic potential is synergistically enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah Medical Sciences University (BMSU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Chunli Wei
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Shangyi Fu
- The Honors College, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luquan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mousumi Tania
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, Red-Green Computing Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiuli Xiao
- Pathology Department, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianning Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjiang Fu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Precision Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
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38
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Teng Y, Zhao H, Gao L, Zhang W, Shull AY, Shay C. FGF19 Protects Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Activation of FGFR4-GSK3β-Nrf2 Signaling. Cancer Res 2017; 77:6215-6225. [PMID: 28951455 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in tumor cells, an event that can promote progression, but it is unknown how tumor cells adapt to this stress. In this study, we show that the fibroblast growth factor FGF19, a gene frequently amplified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), facilitates a survival response to ER stress. Levels of FGF19 expression were increased in stressed HCC cells in culture and in a mouse xenograft model. Induction of ER stress required the transcription factor ATF4, which directly bound the FGF19 promoter. In cells where ER stress was induced, FGF19 overexpression promoted HCC cell survival and increased resistance to apoptosis, whereas FGF19 silencing counteracted these effects. Mechanistic investigations implicated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) in regulating nuclear accumulation of the stress-regulated transcription factor Nrf2 activated by FGF19. Our findings show how FGF19 provides a cytoprotective role against ER stress by activating a FGFR4-GSK3β-Nrf2 signaling cascade, with implications for targeting this signaling node as a candidate therapeutic regimen for HCC management. Cancer Res; 77(22); 6215-25. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia. .,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Huakan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.,Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Wenfa Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Austin Y Shull
- Department of Biology, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
| | - Chloe Shay
- Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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39
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Cowell JK, Teng Y, Bendzunas NG, Ara R, Arbab AS, Kennedy EJ. Suppression of Breast Cancer Metastasis Using Stapled Peptides Targeting the WASF Regulatory Complex. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2017; 10:1179064417713197. [PMID: 28680267 PMCID: PMC5480654 DOI: 10.1177/1179064417713197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The WASF3 gene facilitates the metastatic phenotype, and its inactivation leads to suppression of invasion and metastasis regardless of the genetic background of the cancer cell. This reliance on WASF3 to facilitate metastasis suggests that targeting its function could serve as an effective strategy to suppress metastasis. WASF3 stability and function are regulated by the WASF Regulatory Complex (WRC) of proteins, particularly CYFIP1 and NCKAP1. Knockdown of these proteins in vitro leads to disruption of the WRC and suppression of invasion. We have used mouse xenograft models of breast cancer metastasis to assess whether targeting the WRC complex suppresses metastasis in vivo. Stapled peptides targeting the WASF3-CYFIP1 interface (WAHM1) and the CYFIP1-NCKAP1 interface (WANT3) suppress the development of lung and liver metastases. Targeting these critical protein-protein interactions, therefore, could potentially be developed into a therapeutic strategy to control cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - N George Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Roxan Ara
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ali S Arbab
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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40
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Teng Y, Cai Y, Pi W, Gao L, Shay C. Augmentation of the anticancer activity of CYT997 in human prostate cancer by inhibiting Src activity. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:118. [PMID: 28606127 PMCID: PMC5469135 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0485-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormalities of tubulin polymerization and microtubule assembly are often seen in cancer, which make them very suitable targets for the development of therapeutic approach against rapidly dividing and aggressive cancer cells. CYT997 is a novel microtubule-disrupting agent with anticancer activity in multiple cancer types including prostate cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of CYT997 in prostate cancer have not been well characterized. Methods Src knockdown cells were achieved by lentiviral-mediated interference. The drug effects on cell proliferation were measured by MTS. The drug effects on cell viability and death were determined by Cell Titer-Glo® Luminescent cell viability kit and flow cytometry with Zombie Aqua™ staining. The drug effects on apoptosis were assessed by Cell Death Detection Elisa kit and Western blot with a cleaved PARP antibody. The drug effects on cell invasion were examined by Matrigel-coated Boyden chambers. Oxidative stress was detected by DCFH-DA staining and electrochemical biosensor. Mouse models generated by subcutaneous or intracardiac injection were used to investigate the in vivo drug efficacy in tumor growth and metastasis. Results CYT997 effectively inhibited proliferation, survival, and invasion of prostate cancer cells via blocking multiple oncogenic signaling cascades but not the Src pathway. Inhibition of Src expression by small hairpin RNA or inactivation of Src by dasatinib increased the CYT997-induced cytotoxicity of in vitro. Moreover, the combination of dasatinib and CYT997 exhibited a superior inhibitory effect on tumor growth and metastasis compared with either of the drugs alone. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that blockage of Src augments the anticancer effect of CYT997 on prostate cancer and suggest that co-treatment of dasatinib and CYT997 may represent an effective therapeutic regimen for limiting prostate cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-017-0485-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA. .,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yafei Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenhu Pi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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41
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Feigin ME, Garvin T, Bailey P, Waddell N, Chang DK, Kelley DR, Shuai S, Gallinger S, McPherson JD, Grimmond SM, Khurana E, Stein LD, Biankin AV, Schatz MC, Tuveson DA. Recurrent noncoding regulatory mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Nat Genet 2017; 49:825-833. [PMID: 28481342 PMCID: PMC5659388 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The contributions of coding mutations to tumorigenesis are relatively well known; however, little is known about somatic alterations in noncoding DNA. Here we describe GECCO (Genomic Enrichment Computational Clustering Operation) to analyze somatic noncoding alterations in 308 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAs) and identify commonly mutated regulatory regions. We find recurrent noncoding mutations to be enriched in PDA pathways, including axon guidance and cell adhesion, and newly identified processes, including transcription and homeobox genes. We identified mutations in protein binding sites correlating with differential expression of proximal genes and experimentally validated effects of mutations on expression. We developed an expression modulation score that quantifies the strength of gene regulation imposed by each class of regulatory elements, and found the strongest elements were most frequently mutated, suggesting a selective advantage. Our detailed single-cancer analysis of noncoding alterations identifies regulatory mutations as candidates for diagnostic and prognostic markers, and suggests new mechanisms for tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Feigin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Tyler Garvin
- Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Peter Bailey
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicola Waddell
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Centre for Medical Genomics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David K Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David R Kelley
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shimin Shuai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Gallinger
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John D McPherson
- Genome Technologies Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean M Grimmond
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Queensland Centre for Medical Genomics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ekta Khurana
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lincoln D Stein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Informatics and Biocomputing, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Michael C Schatz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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42
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Teng Y, Ngoka L, Cowell JK. Promotion of invasion by mutant RAS is dependent on activation of the WASF3 metastasis promoter gene. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2017; 56:493-500. [PMID: 28233357 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis represents an end stage in the evolution of cancer progression and has been related to specific genetic pathways. Overexpression of mutant RAS in particular appears to promote invasion and metastasis, although exactly how this occurs has not been well characterized. It was previously showed that activation of the WASF3 protein regulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics that promote invasion. In this report, how WASF3 overexpression interacts with mutant RAS to increase invasion and metastasis was investigated. The ability of RAS to promote invasion and metastasis was shown to be dependent on WASF3 activation in a PI3K and AKT dependent manner. Proteomics analysis demonstrates the presence of AKT in the WASF3 immunocomplex which is enhanced by overexpression of mutant RAS. During these processes activation of ERK1/2 is not affected by loss of WASF3 expression. Analysis of the relative involvement of p85 and p110 in the WASF3 complex demonstrates that mutant RAS promotes dissociation of p85 promoting activation of p110. These studies provide a deeper understanding of the critical role for WASF3 in facilitating increased invasion potential in cancer cells expressing mutant RAS and supports the idea that targeting WASF3 in metastatic cells overexpressing RAS may be used to suppress invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- The Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lambert Ngoka
- The Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - John K Cowell
- The Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Matak D, Brodaczewska KK, Lipiec M, Szymanski Ł, Szczylik C, Czarnecka AM. Colony, hanging drop, and methylcellulose three dimensional hypoxic growth optimization of renal cell carcinoma cell lines. Cytotechnology 2017; 69:565-578. [PMID: 28321776 PMCID: PMC5507837 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-016-0063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of the common urologic malignancies, comprising 3% of all human neoplasms, and the incidence of kidney cancer is rising annually. We need new approaches to target tumor cells that are resistant to current therapies and that give rise to recurrence and treatment failure. In this study, we focused on low oxygen tension and three-dimensional (3D) cell culture incorporation to develop a new RCC growth model. We used the hanging drop and colony formation methods, which are common in 3D culture, as well as a unique methylcellulose (MC) method. For the experiments, we used human primary RCC cell lines, metastatic RCC cell lines, human kidney cancer stem cells, and human healthy epithelial cells. In the hanging drop assay, we verified the potential of various cell lines to create solid aggregates in hypoxic and normoxic conditions. With the semi-soft agar method, we also determined the ability of various cell lines to create colonies under different oxygen conditions. Different cell behavior observed in the MC method versus the hanging drop and colony formation assays suggests that these three assays may be useful to test various cell properties. However, MC seems to be a particularly valuable alternative for 3D cell culture, as its higher efficiency of aggregate formation and serum independency are of interest in different areas of cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Matak
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland.,School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudia K Brodaczewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Lipiec
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Pharmacy with Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szymanski
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland.,Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Microwave Safety, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cezary Szczylik
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna M Czarnecka
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, Military Institute of Medicine, Szaserow 128, 04-141, Warsaw, Poland.
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Entangling Relation of Micro RNA-let7, miRNA-200 and miRNA-125 with Various Cancers. Pathol Oncol Res 2017; 23:707-715. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-016-0184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wang G, Fu Y, Liu G, Ye Y, Zhang X. miR-218 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and EMT of Gastric Cancer Cells by Targeting WASF3. Oncol Res 2016; 25:355-364. [PMID: 27642088 PMCID: PMC7841020 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14738114257367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in carcinogenesis. miR-218 is one of the most known miRNAs and has been demonstrated to inhibit progression in gastric cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not established. In this study, qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that miR-218 was downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines SGC7901 and BGC823 compared to that in normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1. MTT and wound scratch assays suggested that overexpression of miR-218 markedly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and EMT of gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, we proved that WASF3 was a direct target of miR-218 by luciferase reporter assay, and restoration of WASF3 expression impairs miR-218-induced inhibition of proliferation, migration, and EMT in gastric cancer cells SGC7901. In summary, our results demonstrated that miR-218 functions as one of the tumor-suppressive miRNAs and inhibits gastric cancer tumorigenesis by targeting WASF3. miR-218 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Teng Y, Qin H, Bahassan A, Bendzunas NG, Kennedy EJ, Cowell JK. The WASF3-NCKAP1-CYFIP1 Complex Is Essential for Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5133-42. [PMID: 27432794 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of the WASF3 gene suppresses invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. WASF3 function is regulated through a protein complex that includes the NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 proteins. Here, we report that silencing NCKAP1 destabilizes the WASF3 complex, resulting in a suppression of the invasive capacity of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells. In an in vivo model of spontaneous metastasis in immunocompromized mice, loss of NCKAP1 also suppresses metastasis. Activation of the WASF protein complex occurs through interaction with RAC1, and inactivation of NCKAP1 prevents the association of RAC1 with the WASF3 complex. Thus, WASF3 depends on NCKAP1 to promote invasion and metastasis. Here, we show that stapled peptides targeting the interface between NCKAP1 and CYFIP1 destabilize the WASF3 complex and suppress RAC1 binding, thereby suppressing invasion. Using a complex-disrupting compound identified in this study termed WANT3, our results offer a mechanistic proof of concept to target this interaction as a novel approach to inhibit breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 76(17); 5133-42. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia. Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | | | - N George Bendzunas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Eileen J Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
| | - John K Cowell
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Zhu Z, Chen W, Yin X, Lai J, Wang Q, Liang L, Wang W, Wang A, Zheng C. WAVE3 Induces EMT and Promotes Migration and Invasion in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2016; 61:1950-60. [PMID: 26971088 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein 3 (WAVE3) plays a critical role in cancer progression and metastasis. However, the specific role of WAVE3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has not been studied. AIMS This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of WAVE3 in the progression and metastasis of ICC. METHODS The expression of WAVE3 in ICC tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis was utilized to detect the expression of WAVE3 in ICC cells. A transwell assay was used to assess the potential for migration and invasion. The expression of WAVE3 in CC-LP-1 cells was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference. RESULTS The expression of WAVE3 in ICC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. The overall survival was lower in the subgroup of ICC patients with higher WAVE3 expression compared to the subgroup with a lower level of WAVE3 expression. WAVE3 expression was an adverse prognostic factor for ICC patients. CC-LP-1 cells expressed higher levels of WAVE3 protein compared to RBE cells and human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells, which correlated with greater migration and invasion capabilities compared with the RBE cells. After the transfection of CC-LP-1 cells with WAVE3 siRNA, the level of WAVE3 protein was significantly decreased, accompanied by a marked reduction in migration, invasion and proliferation. Moreover, after the knockdown of WAVE3 expression in CC-LP-1 cells, the protein levels of Slug and Vimentin were significantly decreased, while that of E-cadherin was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS WAVE3 may represent a new adverse prognostic factor for patients with ICC. This protein enhances migration and invasion capabilities in ICC, most likely through the induction of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zebin Zhu
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yin
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jiaming Lai
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lijian Liang
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anxun Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoxu Zheng
- Department of Pancreato-biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Wu H, Wang G, Wang Z, An S, Ye P, Luo S. A negative feedback loop between miR-200b and the nuclear factor-κB pathway via IKBKB/IKK-β in breast cancer cells. FEBS J 2016; 283:2259-71. [PMID: 26433127 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hewen Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Translational Imaging; Houston Methodist Hospital; TX USA
- Department of Internal Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
| | - Zhengwei Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
| | - Shan An
- Department of Critical Care Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
| | - Peijun Ye
- Department of Critical Care Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
| | - Suxia Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine; The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University; Jinshui Henan China
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Hillman Y, Mazkereth N, Farberov L, Shomron N, Fishelson Z. Regulation of Complement-Dependent Cytotoxicity by MicroRNAs miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-217. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:5156-65. [PMID: 27183614 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) known to regulate numerous biologic processes on complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) was investigated in K562 cells. The C5b-9 complex is the executioner of CDC. Cells protect themselves from CDC by C5b-9 elimination, a process involving the mitochondrial chaperone mortalin/GRP75. Potential miR-200 (b and c) and miR-217 regulatory sites were identified in mortalin mRNA. Overexpression of miR-200b/c or miR-217 lowered the expression of mortalin mRNA. miRNA inhibitors for miR-200b, miR-200c, or miR-217 enhanced mortalin mRNA level. Unexpectedly, these miRNA modulators had no significant effect on mortalin protein level. Metabolic labeling analysis demonstrated that, to compensate for reduction in mortalin mRNA level, the cells increased the rate of synthesis of mortalin protein. Cells overexpressing miR-200b/c or miR-217 showed reduced sensitivity to CDC, whereas inhibition of miR-200c and miR-217 enhanced cell death. miR-200b/c overexpression reduced C5b-9 binding and enhanced its release from the cells and promoted mortalin relocation to the plasma membrane. Inhibition of miR-200 (b and c) and miR-217 had no effect on the expression level of the membrane complement-regulatory proteins CD46, CD55, and CD59. However, overexpression of miR-200b/c or miR-217 enhanced expression of CD46 and CD55 (not of CD59). Overall, the data demonstrate miRNA regulation of cell sensitivity to CDC. We identified miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-217 as regulators of mortalin and, perhaps indirectly, of CD46 and CD55. Cell exposure to a sublytic dose of complement was shown to increase expression of miR-200 (b and c), suggesting that complement C5b-9 exerts a feedback-regulatory effect on these miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaron Hillman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Niv Mazkereth
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Luba Farberov
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zvi Fishelson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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WASF3 provides the conduit to facilitate invasion and metastasis in breast cancer cells through HER2/HER3 signaling. Oncogene 2016; 35:4633-40. [PMID: 26804171 PMCID: PMC4959990 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The WASF3 gene is overexpressed in high-grade breast cancer and promotes invasion and metastasis but does not affect proliferation. The HER2/ERBB2/NEU gene is also frequently overexpressed in breast cancer and has been shown to promote invasion and metastasis in these tumors. Here we show that WASF3 in present in the HER2 immunocomplex and suppression of WASF3 function leads to suppression of invasion even in the presence of HER2 expression. Overexpression of both HER2 and WASF3 in non-metastatic MCF7 breast cancer cells promotes invasion and metastasis more significantly than either gene alone. HER2 forms homodimers as well as heterodimers with other HER family members and we now show that the ability of WASF3 to promote invasion is highly dependent on the HER2/HER3 heterodimer. The engagement of WASF3 with the HER2/HER3 complex facilitates its phospho-activation and transcriptional upregulation, which is facilitated by HER2/HER3 activation of JAK/STAT signaling. In breast cancer cells overexpressing HER2, therefore, WASF3 is specifically required to facilitate the invasion/metastasis response. Targeting WASF3, therefore, could be a potential therapeutic approach to suppress metastasis of HER2-overexpressing breast tumors.
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