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de Pellegars-Malhortie A, Picque Lasorsa L, Mazard T, Granier F, Prévostel C. Why Is Wnt/β-Catenin Not Yet Targeted in Routine Cancer Care? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:949. [PMID: 39065798 PMCID: PMC11279613 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, the still limited number of therapeutic options is an obstacle towards increasing the cancer cure rate. In recent years, many efforts were put forth to develop therapeutics that selectively target different components of the oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These include small molecule inhibitors, antibodies, and more recently, gene-based approaches. Although some of them showed promising outcomes in clinical trials, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is still not targeted in routine clinical practice for cancer management. As for most anticancer treatments, a critical limitation to the use of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors is their therapeutic index, i.e., the difficulty of combining effective anticancer activity with acceptable toxicity. Protecting healthy tissues from the effects of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors is a major issue due to the vital role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in adult tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of clinical trials on Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, examine their anti-tumor activity and associated adverse events, and explore strategies under development to improve the benefit/risk profile of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auriane de Pellegars-Malhortie
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Laurence Picque Lasorsa
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Thibault Mazard
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
- Medical Oncology Department, ICM, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Corinne Prévostel
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
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Yang J, Tang C, Li C, Li X, Yang W. Construction of an immune-related gene prognostic model with experimental validation and analysis of immune cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:297. [PMID: 38751753 PMCID: PMC11094586 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a correlation between tumors and immunity with the degree of immune cell infiltration in tumors being closely related to tumor growth and progression. Therefore, the present study identified immune-related prognostic genes and evaluated the immune infiltration level in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study performed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Gene Ontology, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analyses on differential immune-associated genes. A risk model was created and validated using six immune-related prognostic genes. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to assess the prognostic gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Immune cell infiltration in LUAD was analyzed using the CIBERSORT method. Single sample GSEA was used to compare Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores between high and low-risk groups and to assess the activation of thirteen immune-related pathways. Multifactor Cox proportional hazards model analysis identified six prognostic risk genes (S100A16, FURIN, FGF2, LGR4, TNFRSF11A and VIPR1) to construct a risk model. The survival and receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that patients with higher risk scores had lower overall survival rates. The expression levels of prognostic genes S100A16, FURIN, LGR4, TNFRSF11A and VIPR1 were significantly increased in LUAD. B cells naive, plasma cells, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells follicular helper, T cells regulatory, NK cells activated, macrophages M1, macrophages M2, and Dendritic cells resting cells showed elevated expression in LUAD. The prognostic genes were differentially associated with individual immune cells. Immune-related function scores, such as those for antigen presenting cell (APC) co-stimulation, APC co-inhibition, check-point, Cytolytic-activity, chemokine receptor, parainflammation, major histocompatibility complex-class-I, type-I-IFN-reponse and T-cell-co-inhibition, were higher in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group. Furthermore, the TIDE score of the high-risk group was significantly lower than the low-risk group. This immune-related gene prognostic model has the potential to predict the prognosis of LUAD patients, supporting the development of a personalized clinical diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Yang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Laboratory Medicine, Dehong Prefecture People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Mangshi, Yunnan 678400, P.R. China
| | - Chao Tang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Chengxia Li
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Xuesen Li
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Wenli Yang
- Institute for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
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Rao X, Zhang Z, Pu Y, Han G, Gong H, Hu H, Ji Q, Liu N. RSPO3 induced by Helicobacter pylori extracts promotes gastric cancer stem cell properties through the GNG7/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7092. [PMID: 38581123 PMCID: PMC10997846 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7092] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) accounts for the majority of gastric cancer (GC) cases globally. The present study found that H. pylori promoted GC stem cell (CSC)-like properties, therefore, the regulatory mechanism of how H. pylori promotes GC stemness was explored. METHODS Spheroid-formation experiments were performed to explore the self-renewal capacity of GC cells. The expression of R-spondin 3 (RSPO3), Nanog homeobox, organic cation/carnitine transporter-4 (OCT-4), SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX-2), CD44, Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, β-catenin, and G protein subunit gamma 7 (GNG7) were detected by RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence. Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed to identify proteins interacting with RSPO3. Lentivirus-based RNA interference constructed short hairpin (sh)-RSPO3 GC cells. Small interfering RNA transfection was performed to inhibit GNG7. The in vivo mechanism was verified using a tumor peritoneal seeding model in nude mice. RESULTS H. pylori extracts promoted a CSC-like phenotype in GC cells and elevated the expression of RSPO3. RSPO3 knockdown significantly reduced the CSC-like properties induced by H. pylori. Previous studies have demonstrated that RSPO3 potentiates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, but the inhibitor of Wnt cannot diminish the RSPO3-induced activation of β-catenin. CoIP and LC-MS/MS revealed that GNG7 is one of the transmembrane proteins interacting with RSPO3, and it was confirmed that RSPO3 directly interacted with GNG7. Recombinant RSPO3 protein increased the phosphorylation level of Akt and GSK-3β, and the expression of β-catenin in GC cells, but this regulatory effect of RSPO3 could be blocked by GNG7 knockdown. Of note, GNG7 suppression could diminish the promoting effect of RSPO3 to CSC-like properties. In addition, RSPO3 suppression inhibited MKN45 tumor peritoneal seeding in vivo. IHC staining also showed that RSPO3, CD44, OCT-4, and SOX-2 were elevated in H. pylori GC tissues. CONCLUSION RSPO3 enhanced the stemness of H. pylori extracts-infected GC cells through the GNG7/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwu Rao
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Postdoctoral Research Station of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhipeng Zhang
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Postdoctoral Research Station of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Yunzhou Pu
- Department of OncologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Han
- Department of OncologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hangjun Gong
- Department of GastroenterologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of GastroenterologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qing Ji
- Department of OncologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ningning Liu
- Department of OncologyShuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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Bi Y, Zhang L, Song Y, Sun L, Mulholland MW, Yin Y, Zhang W. Rspo2-LGR4 exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2024; 47:352-365. [PMID: 37437654 PMCID: PMC10863972 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) plays an important role in stem cell differentiation, organ development and cancer. Whether LGR4 affects the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the role of LGR4 in HCC. METHODS Clinical samples of HCC were collected to assess the expression of LGR4 and its correlation with patients' clinical characteristics. The expression level of LGR4 in HCC cells was altered by pharmacological and genetic methods, and the role of LGR4 in HCC progression was analyzed by in vivo and in vitro assays. HCC was induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in wild-type and LGR4 deficient mice, the effect of LGR4 on HCC was examined by histopathological evaluation and biochemical assays. RESULTS LGR4 expression was up-regulated in HCC samples, and its expression level was positively correlated with tumor size, microvascular invasion (MVI), TNM stage and pathological differentiation grade of HCC patients. In the mouse HCC model induced by DEN+CCl4, knockdown of LGR4 effectively inhibited the progression of HCC. Silencing of LGR4 inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, stem cell-like properties and Warburg effect of HCC cells. These phenotypes were promoted by R-spondin2 (Rspo2), an endogenous ligand for LGR4. Rspo2 markedly increased the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, whereas IWR-1, an inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, reversed its effect. Deficiency of LGR4 significantly reduced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and the expression of its downstream target genes cyclinD1 and c-Myc. CONCLUSIONS LGR4 promotes HCC progression via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghui Bi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yan Song
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Michael W Mulholland
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Xu QF, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Liu D, Wei J, Jiang L, Liu YJ, Zhu XY. Increased R-spondin 3 contributes to aerobic exercise-induced protection against renal vascular endothelial hyperpermeability and acute kidney injury. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e14036. [PMID: 37607126 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM Exercise training exerts protective effects against sepsis-associated multiple organ dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether aerobic exercise protected against sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) via modulating R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) expression. METHODS To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI, LPS (20 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected after six weeks of treadmill training. To investigate the role of RSPO3 in LPS-induced AKI, wild-type (WT) or inducible endothelial cell-specific RSPO3 knockout (RSPO3EC-/- ) mice were intraperitoneally injected with 12 mg/kg LPS. RSPO3 was intraperitoneally injected 30 min before LPS treatment. RESULTS Aerobic exercise-trained mice were more resistant to LPS-induced body weight loss and hypothermia and had a significant higher survival rate than sedentary mice exposed to LPS. Exercise training restored the LPS-induced decreases in serum and renal RSPO3 levels. Exercise or RSPO3 attenuated, whereas inducible endothelial cell-specific RSPO3 knockout exacerbated LPS-induced renal glycocalyx loss, endothelial hyperpermeability, inflammation, and AKI. Bioinformatics analysis results revealed significant increases in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in kidney tissues of mice exposed to sepsis or endotoxaemia, which was validated in renal tissue from LPS-exposed mice and LPS-treated human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Both RSPO3 and MMPs inhibitor restored LPS-induced downregulation of tight junction protein, adherens junction protein, and glycocalyx components, thus ameliorating LPS-induced endothelial leakage. Exercise or RSPO3 reversed LPS-induced upregulation of MMPs in renal tissues. CONCLUSION Increased renal expression of RSPO3 contributes to aerobic exercise-induced protection against LPS-induced renal endothelial hyperpermeability and AKI by suppressing MMPs-mediated disruption of glycocalyx and tight and adherens junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Feng Xu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wei
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Liu ZT, Shen JT, Lei YJ, Huang YC, Zhao GQ, Zheng CH, Wang X, Wang YT, Chen L, Li ZX, Li SZ, Liao J, Yu TD. Molecular subtyping based on immune cell marker genes predicts prognosis and therapeutic response in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1141. [PMID: 38001428 PMCID: PMC10668343 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lung adenocarcinoma (LA) is one of the most common malignancies and is responsible for the greatest number of tumor-related deaths. Our research aimed to explore the molecular subtype signatures of LA to clarify the correlation among the immune microenvironment, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic response. METHODS The LA immune cell marker genes (LICMGs) identified by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis were used to discriminate the molecular subtypes and homologous immune and metabolic traits of GSE72094 LA cases. In addition, the model-building genes were identified from 1441 LICMGs by Cox-regression analysis, and a LA immune difference score (LIDscore) was developed to quantify individual differences in each patient, thereby predicting prognosis and susceptibility to immunotherapy and chemotherapy of LA patients. RESULTS Patients of the GSE72094 cohort were divided into two distinct molecular subtypes based on LICMGs: immune activating subtype (Cluster-C1) and metabolically activating subtype (cluster-C2). The two molecular subtypes have distinct characteristics regarding prognosis, clinicopathology, genomics, immune microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy. Among the LICMGs, LGR4, GOLM1, CYP24A1, SFTPB, COL1A1, HLA-DQA1, MS4A7, PPARG, and IL7R were enrolled to construct a LIDscore model. Low-LIDscore patients had a higher survival rate due to abundant immune cell infiltration, activated immunity, and lower genetic variation, but probably the higher levels of Treg cells in the immune microenvironment lead to immune cell dysfunction and promote tumor immune escape, thus decreasing the responsiveness to immunotherapy compared with that of the high-LIDscore patients. Overall, high-LIDscore patients had a higher responsiveness to immunotherapy and a higher sensitivity to chemotherapy than the low-LIDscore group. CONCLUSIONS Molecular subtypes based on LICMGs provided a promising strategy for predicting patient prognosis, biological characteristics, and immune microenvironment features. In addition, they helped identify the patients most likely to benefit from immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Tao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Ting Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Jie Lei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yun-Chao Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guang-Qiang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Cheng-Hong Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Tian Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of PET/CT Center, Cancer Center of Yunnan Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shou-Zhuo Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ting-Dong Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
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Wu G, Wang D, Xiong F, Liu W, Wang Q, Chen J, Wang B, Chen Y. Upregulation of RSPO3 via targeted promoter DNA demethylation inhibits the progression of cholangiocarcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:177. [PMID: 37932819 PMCID: PMC10629118 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01592-9] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) refers to a collection of malignant tumors that develop from the biliary epithelium. Extensive clinical evidence and epidemiological observations indicate a concerning increase in both the incidence and mortality rates of CCA. Surgical resection is currently the sole available cure for CCA. However, it is unfortunate that only a fraction of patients has access to surgery at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, there is a high incidence of cancer recurrence after resection, and systemic treatments have limited efficacy. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers for CCA-targeted molecular therapy remains a crucial task in oncology research. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that low expression of RSPO3 was associated with poorer survival rates in patients with CCA. We found that the RSPO3 promoter DNA was hypermethylated in CCA, which was correlated with the low expression of RSPO3. The expression of RSPO3 was influenced by the balance between the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a and the DNA demethylase TET1 in CCA. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that targeting RSPO3 promoter DNA methylation using dCas9DNMT3a promoted tumorigenicity of CCA, while targeted RSPO3 promoter DNA demethylation using dCas9TET1CD inhibited CCA tumorigenicity. Additionally, in our primary CCA model, knockdown of Rspo3 promoted CCA progression, whereas overexpression of Rspo3 inhibited CCA progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that increased methylation and decreased expression of RSPO3 may indicate a poor prognosis in CCA. Restoring RSPO3 expression by targeting promoter DNA demethylation could offer insights for precise treatment of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
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Yi Z, Ma T, Liu J, Tie W, Li Y, Bai J, Li L, Zhang L. LGR4 promotes tumorigenesis by activating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in multiple myeloma. Cell Signal 2023; 110:110814. [PMID: 37473901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematologic malignancy that remains incurable. Although accumulating evidence suggests that the leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) plays a biological function in a variety of cancers, its biological function and molecular mechanisms in MM are unclear. In the present study, we found that LGR4 was significantly upregulated in MM tissues and cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that knockdown of LGR4 significantly inhibited proliferation of MM cells, promoted apoptosis and arrested cell cycle in G1. Overexpression showed the opposite effect. Mechanistic studies revealed that LGR4 could interact with TGF-β1 and regulate TGF-β1 expression, thereby activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and promoting MM progression. LGR4 may be a potential new target for MM diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Yi
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China; Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Pediatrics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenting Tie
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.
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Toh Y, Wu L, Park S, Wang A, Tu J, Yu W, Zuo M, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. LGR4 and LGR5 form distinct homodimers that only LGR4 complexes with RNF43/ZNRF3 to provide high affinity binding of R-spondin ligands. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10796. [PMID: 37402772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
LGR4 and LGR5 are two homologous receptors that potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to R-spondin (RSPO) ligands. The RSPO and LGR4 complex binds to and inhibits activities of two related E3 ubiquitin ligases, RNF43 and ZNRF3, and thus protects Wnt receptors from the E3 ligase-mediated degradation. The RSPO and LGR5 complex, however, does not interact with the E3 ligases, and the structural basis of this difference remained unknown. Here we examined the affinities of monovalent and bivalent RSPO ligands in binding to LGR4, RNF43/ZNRF3, and LGR5 in whole cells and found unique features among the receptors and E3 ligases. Monovalent RSPO2 furin domain had much lower affinity in binding to LGR4 or RNF43/ZNRF3 than the bivalent form. In contrast, monovalent and bivalent forms had nearly identical affinity in binding to LGR5. Co-expression of ZNRF3 with LGR4 led to much higher binding affinity of the monovalent form whereas co-expression of ZNRF3 with LGR5 had no effect on the affinity. These results suggest that LGR4 and RNF43/ZNRF3 form a 2:2 dimer that accommodates bivalent binding of RSPO whereas LGR5 forms a homodimer that does not. Structural models are proposed to illustrate how RSPOs bind to LGR4, RNF43/ZNRF3, and LGR5 in whole cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukimatsu Toh
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Soohyun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Allison Wang
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianghua Tu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mingxin Zuo
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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10
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Zakharova VV, Magnitov MD, Del Maestro L, Ulianov SV, Glentis A, Uyanik B, Williart A, Karpukhina A, Demidov O, Joliot V, Vassetzky Y, Mège RM, Piel M, Razin S, Ait-Si-Ali S. SETDB1 fuels the lung cancer phenotype by modulating epigenome, 3D genome organization and chromatin mechanical properties. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4389-4413. [PMID: 35474385 PMCID: PMC9071401 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Imbalance in the finely orchestrated system of chromatin-modifying enzymes is a hallmark of many pathologies such as cancers, since causing the affection of the epigenome and transcriptional reprogramming. Here, we demonstrate that a loss-of-function mutation (LOF) of the major histone lysine methyltransferase SETDB1 possessing oncogenic activity in lung cancer cells leads to broad changes in the overall architecture and mechanical properties of the nucleus through genome-wide redistribution of heterochromatin, which perturbs chromatin spatial compartmentalization. Together with the enforced activation of the epithelial expression program, cytoskeleton remodeling, reduced proliferation rate and restricted cellular migration, this leads to the reversed oncogenic potential of lung adenocarcinoma cells. These results emphasize an essential role of chromatin architecture in the determination of oncogenic programs and illustrate a relationship between gene expression, epigenome, 3D genome and nuclear mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlada V Zakharova
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate (EDC) department, UMR7216, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Mikhail D Magnitov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Laurence Del Maestro
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate (EDC) department, UMR7216, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Sergey V Ulianov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow 119334, Russia,Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Alexandros Glentis
- Institute Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Burhan Uyanik
- INSERM UMR1231, LipSTIC, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté F-21000, Dijon, France
| | - Alice Williart
- Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Anna Karpukhina
- UMR9018, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy; 94805 Villejuif, France,Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Demidov
- INSERM UMR1231, LipSTIC, University of Burgundy Franche-Comté F-21000, Dijon, France,Institute of Cytology, RAS, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia,NTU Sirius, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Veronique Joliot
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate (EDC) department, UMR7216, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Yegor S Vassetzky
- UMR9018, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy; 94805 Villejuif, France,Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - René-Marc Mège
- Institute Jacques Monod, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Piel
- Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR 144, 75248 Paris, France
| | - Sergey V Razin
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Sergey V. Razin. Tel: +7 499 135 3092;
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11
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Computing microRNA-gene interaction networks in pan-cancer using miRDriver. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3717. [PMID: 35260634 PMCID: PMC8904490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07628-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA copy number aberrated regions in cancer are known to harbor cancer driver genes and the short non-coding RNA molecules, i.e., microRNAs. In this study, we integrated the multi-omics datasets such as copy number aberration, DNA methylation, gene and microRNA expression to identify the signature microRNA-gene associations from frequently aberrated DNA regions across pan-cancer utilizing a LASSO-based regression approach. We studied 7294 patient samples associated with eighteen different cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified several cancer-specific and common microRNA-gene interactions enriched in experimentally validated microRNA-target interactions. We highlighted several oncogenic and tumor suppressor microRNAs that were cancer-specific and common in several cancer types. Our method substantially outperformed the five state-of-art methods in selecting significantly known microRNA-gene interactions in multiple cancer types. Several microRNAs and genes were found to be associated with tumor survival and progression. Selected target genes were found to be significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways, cancer hallmark and Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Furthermore, subtype-specific potential gene signatures were discovered in multiple cancer types.
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12
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Yang L, Wang J, Gong X, Fan Q, Yang X, Cui Y, Gao X, Li L, Sun X, Li Y, Wang Y. Emerging Roles for LGR4 in Organ Development, Energy Metabolism and Carcinogenesis. Front Genet 2022; 12:728827. [PMID: 35140734 PMCID: PMC8819683 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.728827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) belonging to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family, had various regulatory roles at multiple cellular types and numerous targeting sites, and aberrant LGR4 signaling played crucial roles in diseases and carcinogenesis. On the basis of these facts, LGR4 may become an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases and tumors. However, a comprehensive investigation of its functions and applications was still lacking. Hence, this paper provided an overview of the molecular characteristics and signaling mechanisms of LGR4, its involvement in multiple organ development and participation in the modulation of immunology related diseases, metabolic diseases, and oxidative stress damage along with cancer progression. Given that GPCRs accounted for almost a third of current clinical drug targets, the in-depth understanding of the sophisticated connections of LGR4 and its ligands would not only enrich their regulatory networks, but also shed new light on designing novel molecular targeted drugs and small molecule blockers for revolutionizing the treatment of various diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodi Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Fan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxia Cui
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhong Li, ; Yudong Wang,
| | - Yudong Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhong Li, ; Yudong Wang,
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13
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Ter Steege EJ, Bakker ERM. The role of R-spondin proteins in cancer biology. Oncogene 2021; 40:6469-6478. [PMID: 34663878 PMCID: PMC8616751 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
R-spondin (RSPO) proteins constitute a family of four secreted glycoproteins (RSPO1-4) that have appeared as multipotent signaling ligands. The best-known molecular function of RSPOs lie within their capacity to agonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As RSPOs act upon cognate receptors LGR4/5/6 that are typically expressed by stem cells and progenitor cells, RSPO proteins importantly potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling especially within these proliferative stem cell compartments. Since multiple organs express LGR4/5/6 receptors and RSPO ligands within their stem cell niches, RSPOs can exert an influential role in stem cell regulation throughout the body. Inherently, over the last decade a multitude of reports implicated the deregulation of RSPOs in cancer development. First, RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions with concomitant enhanced expression have been identified in colon cancer patients, and proposed as an alternative driver of Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation that earmarks cancer in the colorectal tract. Moreover, the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 overactivation has been demonstrated in the mouse intestine. As a paradigm organ in this field, most of current knowledge about RSPOs in cancer is derived from studies in the intestinal tract. However, RSPO gene fusions as well as enhanced RSPO expression have been reported in multiple additional cancer types, affecting different organs that involve divergent stem cell hierarchies. Importantly, the emerging oncogenic role of RSPO and its potential clinical utility as a therapeutic target have been recognized and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This review provides a survey of current knowledge on the role of RSPOs in cancer biology, addressing the different organs implicated, and of efforts made to explore intervention opportunities in cancer cases with RSPO overrepresentation, including the potential utilization of RSPO as novel therapeutic target itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Ter Steege
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elvira R M Bakker
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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14
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Cui J, Toh Y, Park S, Yu W, Tu J, Wu L, Li L, Jacob J, Pan S, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. Drug Conjugates of Antagonistic R-Spondin 4 Mutant for Simultaneous Targeting of Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing G Protein-Coupled Receptors 4/5/6 for Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12572-12581. [PMID: 34406767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
LGR4-6 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors 4, 5, and 6) are three related receptors with an upregulated expression in gastrointestinal cancers to various extents, and LGR5 is enriched in cancer stem cells. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting LGR5 showed a robust antitumor effect in vivo but could not eradicate tumors due to plasticity of LGR5-positive cancer cells. As LGR5-negative cancer cells often express LGR4 or LGR6 or both, we reasoned that simultaneous targeting of all three LGRs may provide a more effective approach. R-spondins (RSPOs) bind to LGR4-6 with high affinity and potentiate Wnt signaling. We identified an RSPO4 furin domain mutant (Q65R) that retains potent LGR binding but no longer potentiates Wnt signaling. Drug conjugates of a peptibody comprising the RSPO4 mutant and IgG1-Fc showed potent cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines expressing any LGR in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo without inducing intestinal enlargement or other adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cui
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Yukimatsu Toh
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Soohyun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jianghua Tu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ling Wu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Li Li
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Joan Jacob
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sheng Pan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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15
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Wei T, Lambert PF. Role of IQGAP1 in Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3940. [PMID: 34439095 PMCID: PMC8391515 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffolding proteins can play important roles in cell signaling transduction. IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) influences many cellular activities by scaffolding multiple key signaling pathways, including ones involved in carcinogenesis. Two decades of studies provide evidence that IQGAP1 plays an essential role in promoting cancer development. IQGAP1 is overexpressed in many types of cancer, and its overexpression in cancer is associated with lower survival of the cancer patient. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the oncogenic roles of IQGAP1. We start by describing the major cancer-related signaling pathways scaffolded by IQGAP1 and their associated cellular activities. We then describe clinical and molecular evidence for the contribution of IQGAP1 in different types of cancers. In the end, we review recent evidence implicating IQGAP1 in tumor-related immune responses. Given the critical role of IQGAP1 in carcinoma development, anti-tumor therapies targeting IQGAP1 or its associated signaling pathways could be beneficial for patients with many types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
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16
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Wang Z, Wang Y, Ma X, Dang C. RSPO2 silence inhibits tumorigenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by ZNRF3/Hedgehog-Gli1 signal pathway. Life Sci 2021; 282:119817. [PMID: 34273374 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
R-spondins 2 (RSPO2) protein is a member of RSPO family which plays an essential role in stem cell survival, development and tumorigenicity. There has several evidence suggested that RSPO2 involved in breast, gastric, liver and colorectal cancer. However, the specific function and mechanism of RSPO2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remain unknown. In the present study, we first observed that RSPO2 expression was elevated in NPC cell lines SUNE-6-10B, SUNE-5-8F, and CNE-1 compared with the normal laryngeal epithelia cell line NP69. Knockdown of RSPO2 significantly inhibits SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cell survival and proliferation by using CCK-8 assay and Edu assay, respectively. Further studies verified that RSPO2 silence suppressed migration and invasion of SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cells. Further studies suggested that RSPO2 silence suppressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related protein E-cadherin expression and promoted Vimentin and N-cadherin expression both in SUNE-6-10B and CNE-1 cells. Molecular mechanism explorations showed that RSPO2 deletion increased ZNRF3 expression and inhibited Gli1 expression. Additionally, knockdown ZNRF3 expression or overexpression Gli1 both reversed the effects of RSPO2 silence on NPC growth and metastasis. Finally, RSPO2 depletion was impaired NPC tumor growth in vivo animal experiments. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that RSPO2 silence inhibits the tumorigenesis of NPC via ZNRF3/Hedgehog-Gli1 signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhongWei Wang
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - YaLi Wang
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - XiuLong Ma
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - ChengXue Dang
- Tumor Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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17
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The Role of LGR4 (GPR48) in Normal and Cancer Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094690. [PMID: 33946652 PMCID: PMC8125670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a receptor that belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors that can be activated by R-spondins (RSPOs), Norrin, circLGR4, and the ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANKL) ligands to regulate signaling pathways in normal and pathological processes. LGR4 is widely expressed in different tissues where it has multiple functions such as tissue development and maintenance. LGR4 mainly acts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In cancer, LGR4 participates in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that LGR4 is essential for the regulation of the cancer stem cell population by controlling self-renewal and regulating stem cell properties. This review summarizes the function of LGR4 and its ligands in normal and malignant processes.
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18
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Little DW, Dumontet T, LaPensee CR, Hammer GD. β-catenin in adrenal zonation and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111120. [PMID: 33338548 PMCID: PMC8006471 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a critical mediator of the development and maintenance of several tissues. The adrenal cortex is highly dependent upon Wnt/β-catenin signaling for proper zonation and endocrine function. Adrenocortical cells emerge in the peripheral capsule and subcapsular cortex of the gland as progenitor cells that centripetally differentiate into steroid hormone-producing cells of three functionally distinct concentric zones that respond robustly to various endocrine stimuli. Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates adrenocortical progenitor cell fate and tissue renewal to maintain the gland throughout life. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to various adrenal disorders of steroid production and growth that range from hypofunction and hypoplasia to hyperfunction, hyperplasia, benign adrenocortical adenomas, and malignant adrenocortical carcinomas. Great strides have been made in defining the molecular underpinnings of adrenocortical homeostasis and disease, including the interplay between the capsule and cortex, critical components involved in maintaining the adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling gradient, and new targets in adrenal cancer. This review seeks to examine these and other recent advancements in understanding adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and how this knowledge can inform therapeutic options for adrenal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Christopher R LaPensee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, USA; Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Joshi H, Vastrad B, Joshi N, Vastrad C, Tengli A, Kotturshetti I. Identification of Key Pathways and Genes in Obesity Using Bioinformatics Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:628907. [PMID: 34248836 PMCID: PMC8264660 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.628907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an excess accumulation of body fat. Its progression rate has remained high in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to diagnose important differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated in its development, which may be used as novel biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for obesity. The gene expression profile of E-MTAB-6728 was downloaded from the database. After screening DEGs in each ArrayExpress dataset, we further used the robust rank aggregation method to diagnose 876 significant DEGs including 438 up regulated and 438 down regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed. These DEGs were shown to be significantly enriched in different obesity related pathways and GO functions. Then protein-protein interaction network, target genes - miRNA regulatory network and target genes - TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed. The module analysis was performed based on the whole PPI network. We finally filtered out STAT3, CORO1C, SERPINH1, MVP, ITGB5, PCM1, SIRT1, EEF1G, PTEN and RPS2 hub genes. Hub genes were validated by ICH analysis, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis and RT-PCR. Finally a molecular docking study was performed to find small drug molecules. The robust DEGs linked with the development of obesity were screened through the expression profile, and integrated bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Our study provides reliable molecular biomarkers for screening and diagnosis, prognosis as well as novel therapeutic targets for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Joshi
- Department of Endocrinology, Endocrine and Diabetes Care Center, Hubbali, India
| | - Basavaraj Vastrad
- Department of Biochemistry, Basaveshwar College of Pharmacy, Gadag, India
| | - Nidhi Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur, India
| | - Chanabasayya Vastrad
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Chanabasava Nilaya, Bharthinagar, Dharwad, India
- *Correspondence: Chanabasayya Vastrad,
| | - Anandkumar Tengli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru and JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India
| | - Iranna Kotturshetti
- Department of Ayurveda, Rajiv Gandhi Education Society`s Ayurvedic Medical College, Ron, India
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20
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Kleeman SO, Leedham SJ. Not All Wnt Activation Is Equal: Ligand-Dependent versus Ligand-Independent Wnt Activation in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3355. [PMID: 33202731 PMCID: PMC7697568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is ubiquitously activated in colorectal tumors and driver mutations are identified in genes such as APC, CTNNB1, RNF43 and R-spondin (RSPO2/3). Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and CTNNB1 mutations lead to downstream constitutive activation (ligand-independent), while RNF43 and RSPO mutations require exogenous Wnt ligand to activate signaling (ligand-dependent). Here, we present evidence that these mutations are not equivalent and that ligand-dependent and ligand-independent tumors differ in terms of underlying Wnt biology, molecular pathogenesis, morphology and prognosis. These non-overlapping characteristics can be harnessed to develop biomarkers and targeted treatments for ligand-dependent tumors, including porcupine inhibitors, anti-RSPO3 antibodies and asparaginase. There is emerging evidence that these therapies may synergize with immunotherapy in ligand-dependent tumors. In summary, we propose that ligand-dependent tumors are an underappreciated separate disease entity in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam O. Kleeman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA;
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Simon J. Leedham
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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21
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Gu H, Tu H, Liu L, Liu T, Liu Z, Zhang W, Liu J. RSPO3 is a marker candidate for predicting tumor aggressiveness in ovarian cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1351. [PMID: 33313096 PMCID: PMC7723610 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer, a highly aggressive and heterogeneous gynecological malignancy that has long been difficult for physicians to identify and treat, requires more effective and precise molecular targets. R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) is a secreted protein that plays a tumorigenic role in several human cancers. However, the functional contribution and prognostic role of RSPO3 in ovarian cancer remain unclear. Methods RSPO3 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was assessed using western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry, and its relationships to clinicopathological parameters were investigated using the data of 179 ovarian cancer patients. RSPO3’s biological function was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Matrigel transwell assay in RSPO3-knockdown and RSPO3-overexpression ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3. The possible biological processes associated with RSPO3 were identified using functional enrichment analysis based on the transcriptome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian cancer cohort and our experimental cells, and further verified using western blotting and immunofluorescence in the ovarian cancer cell model. Results The RSPO3 mRNA and protein levels were both upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues. High RSPO3 expression was correlated with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced tumor stage. Survival analysis showed that RSPO3 is an independent prognostic marker in ovarian cancer. Moreover, in vitro RSPO3 knockdown significantly inhibited the invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells, while overexpression significantly promoted it. Using transcriptome sequencing and pathway validation experiments, we demonstrated for the first time that RSPO3 promotes ovarian cancer invasiveness through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while the common Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was not involved. Conclusions RSPO3 plays a definite oncogenic role and promotes tumor aggressiveness in ovarian cancer, which may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Gu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Tu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Zhang D, Iwabuchi S, Baba T, Hashimoto SI, Mukaida N, Sasaki SI. Involvement of a Transcription factor, Nfe2, in Breast Cancer Metastasis to Bone. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103003. [PMID: 33081224 PMCID: PMC7602858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is frequently complicated by bone metastasis, which deteriorates the life expectancy of this patient cohort. In order to develop a novel type of therapy for bone metastasis, we established 4T1.3 clone with a high capacity to metastasize to bone after orthotopic injection, from a murine TNBC cell line, 4T1.0. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying a high growth ability of 4T1.3 in a bone cavity, we searched for a novel candidate molecule with a focus on a transcription factor whose expression was selectively enhanced in a bone cavity. Comprehensive gene expression analysis detected enhanced Nfe2 mRNA expression in 4T1.3 grown in a bone cavity, compared with in vitro culture conditions. Moreover, Nfe2 gene transduction into 4T1.0 cells enhanced their capability to form intraosseous tumors. Moreover, Nfe2 shRNA treatment reduced tumor formation arising from intraosseous injection of 4T1.3 clone as well as another mouse TNBC-derived TS/A.3 clone with an augmented intraosseous tumor formation ability. Furthermore, NFE2 expression was associated with in vitro growth advantages of these TNBC cell lines under hypoxic condition, which mimics the bone microenvironment, as well as Wnt pathway activation. These observations suggest that NFE2 can potentially contribute to breast cancer cell survival in the bone microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Division of Molecular Bioregulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; (D.Z.); (T.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Sadahiro Iwabuchi
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (S.I.); (S.-i.H.)
| | - Tomohisa Baba
- Division of Molecular Bioregulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; (D.Z.); (T.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Shin-ichi Hashimoto
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan; (S.I.); (S.-i.H.)
| | - Naofumi Mukaida
- Division of Molecular Bioregulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; (D.Z.); (T.B.); (N.M.)
| | - So-ichiro Sasaki
- Division of Molecular Bioregulation, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; (D.Z.); (T.B.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-76-674-6736
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23
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Wang H, Wang MS, Wang Y, Huang YQ, Shi JP, Ding ZL, Wang WJ. Prognostic value of immune related genes in lung adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:259. [PMID: 32989393 PMCID: PMC7517630 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rates of all cancers in China. Immune-related genes and immune infiltrating lymphocytes are involved in tumor growth, and in the past decade, immunotherapy has become increasingly important in the treatment of lung cancer. Using the edgeR package, differentially expressed genes and immune-related genes (DEIRGs) were identified in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Functional enrichment analysis of DEIRGs was performed using Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. Survival-associated immune-related genes (IRGs) were selected using univariate Cox regression analysis and the prognostic model was assessed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Overall, 273 DEIRGs were identified in LUAD, and KEGG pathway analysis of IRGs showed that ‘cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction’ was the most significantly enriched pathway. Furthermore, six survival associated IRGs were screened to establish a prognostic model; patients in the high risk score group had less favorable survival times, and the prognostic model was negatively associated with B cell infiltration. The present study established a prognostic model using analysis of survival-related immune-related genes, which were associated with B cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jining Cancer Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272011, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Sen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272011, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Qing Huang
- Department of General Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Shi
- Department of Radio-Oncology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Liang Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jie Wang
- Department of Radio-Oncology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215001, P.R. China
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24
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Jin YR, Han XH, Nishimori K, Ben-Avraham D, Oh YJ, Shim JW, Yoon JK. Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Activated by WNT9b and RSPO2 Cooperation Regulates Facial Morphogenesis in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:264. [PMID: 32457899 PMCID: PMC7225269 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The R-spondin (RSPO) family of proteins potentiate canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling and may provide a mechanism to fine-tune the strength of canonical WNT signaling. Although several in vitro studies have clearly demonstrated the potentiation of canonical WNT signaling by RSPOs, whether this potentiation actually occurs in normal development and tissue function in vivo still remains poorly understood. Here, we provide clear evidence of the potentiation of canonical WNT signaling by RSPO during mouse facial development by analyzing compound Wnt9b and Rspo2 gene knockout mice and utilizing ex vivo facial explants. Wnt9b;Rspo2 double mutant mice display facial defects and dysregulated gene expression pattern that are significantly more severe than and different from those of Wnt9b or Rspo2 null mutant mice. Furthermore, we found suggestive evidence that the LGR4/5/6 family of the RSPO receptors may play less critical roles in WNT9b:RSPO2 cooperation. Our results suggest that RSPO-induced cooperation is a key mechanism for fine-tuning canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling in mouse facial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ri Jin
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States
| | - Xiang Hua Han
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Dan Ben-Avraham
- Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Mantoux Institute for Bioinformatics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Youn Jeong Oh
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Jae-Won Shim
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Jeong Kyo Yoon
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
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25
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Tocci JM, Felcher CM, García Solá ME, Kordon EC. R-spondin-mediated WNT signaling potentiation in mammary and breast cancer development. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1546-1559. [PMID: 32233118 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mammary gland is a secretory organ, which develops as a network of growing epithelial ducts composed of luminal and basal cells that invade the surrounding adipose tissue through a series of developmental cycles. Mammary stem cells (MaSCs) maintain an accurate tissue homeostasis, and their proliferation and cell fate determination are regulated by multiple hormones and local factors. The WNT pathway plays a critical role in controlling the enormous tissue expansion and remodeling during mammary gland development through the maintenance and differentiation of MaSCs, and its deregulation has been implicated in breast cancer (BC) initiation and progression. The R-spondins (RSPOs) are four secreted proteins that strongly enhance target cell sensitivity to WNT ligands. Moreover, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) 4-6 are considered obligate high-affinity receptors for RSPOs and have been described as stem cell markers. Importantly, elevated RSPO expression has been recently identified in several tumor types from patients, including BC, and it has been reported that they play a significant role in mammary tumor progression in experimental models. In this review, exploring our present knowledge, we summarize the role of the RSPO-LGR axis as a WNT-enhancing signaling cascade in the MaSC compartment and during the normal and neoplastic mammary gland development. In addition, we include an updated expression profile of the RSPOs and their action mediators at the cell membrane, the LGRs, and the ubiquitin-ligases ZNRF3/RNF43, in different BC subtypes. Finally and based on these data, we discuss the significance of tumor-associated alterations of these proteins and their potential use as molecular targets for detection and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Tocci
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla M Felcher
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín E García Solá
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edith C Kordon
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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26
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Ren X, Xia W, Xu P, Shen H, Dai X, Liu M, Shi Y, Ye X, Dang Y. Lgr4 Deletion Delays the Hair Cycle and Inhibits the Activation of Hair Follicle Stem Cells. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:1706-1712.e4. [PMID: 32035093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It is known that LGR4 plays an important role in hair follicle (HF) development, but the impact of LGR4 on the hair cycle is still unclear. In this study, we have found that K14-Cre-mediated skin epithelia-specific deletion of Lgr4 results in delayed anagen entry during the physiological hair cycle and compromised HF regeneration upon transplantation. We show that, although Lgr4 deletion does not appear to affect the number of quiescent HF stem cells, it leads to reduced numbers of LGR5+ and actively proliferating stem cells in the HFs. Moreover, LGR4-deficient HFs show molecular changes consistent with decreased mTOR and Wnt signaling but upregulated BMP signaling. Importantly, the reactivation of the protein kinase B pathway by injecting the protein kinase B activator SC79 in Lgr4-/- mice can effectively reverse the hair cycle delay. Together, these data suggest that LGR4 promotes the normal hair cycle by activating HF stem cells and by influencing the activities of multiple signaling pathways that are known to regulate HF stem cells. Our study also implicates LGR4 as a potential target for treating hair disorder in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weili Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Dai
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiyun Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongyan Dang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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27
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Hou Q, Han S, Yang L, Chen S, Chen J, Ma N, Wang C, Tang J, Chen X, Chen F, Dong XDE, Tu L. The Interplay of MicroRNA-34a, LGR4, EMT-Associated Factors, and MMP2 in Regulating Uveal Melanoma Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 60:4503-4510. [PMID: 31661551 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been implicated in many biological processes. It is downregulated in uveal melanoma, and introduction of miR-34a inhibits the proliferation and migration of uveal melanoma cells. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a novel target of miR-34a identified first in retinal pigment epithelial cells. In this study, we sought to evaluate the interaction of miR-34a and LGR4 in uveal melanoma and its downstream mechanisms. Methods The expression of LGR4, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated factors, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in uveal melanoma cells was assessed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis. MicroRNA-34a mimic molecules, LGR4 small interfering RNA (siRNA), or MMP2-specific siRNA were transiently transfected into uveal melanoma cells. In vitro scratch and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the migratory and invasive potential of the resultant uveal melanoma cells. Results LGR4 is upregulated in uveal melanoma cells. Introduction of miR-34a significantly decreased the expression level of LGR4. Transfection with miR-34a or knockdown of LGR4 attenuated the aggressiveness of uveal melanoma cells. In addition, there was a decrease in the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, vimentin, and Snail following miR-34a introduction or knockdown of LGR4. Finally, MMP2 was found to be a downstream effector for miR-34a and LGR4 that regulates the migration and invasion of uveal melanoma cells. Conclusions MicroRNA-34a negatively controls LGR4, thereby inhibiting the migration and invasion of uveal melanoma cells. Ultimately, both miR-34a and LGR4 impact the aggressiveness of uveal melanoma with alterations in the markers of the EMT. MMP2 is a downstream effector that influences the metastasis seen with uveal melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hou
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuxian Han
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengwen Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junxiu Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Ma
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiajia Tang
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Da Eric Dong
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States
| | - LiLi Tu
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,State Key Laboratory of Optometry, Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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28
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Yu H, Zhao F, Li J, Zhu K, Lin H, Pan Z, Zhu M, Yao M, Yan M. TBX2 Identified as a Potential Predictor of Bone Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma via Integrated Bioinformatics Analyses and Verification of Functional Assay. J Cancer 2020; 11:388-402. [PMID: 31897234 PMCID: PMC6930436 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Bone metastasis from patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is a very serious complication. To better understand the molecular mechanism, our current study sheds light on identification of hub genes mediating bone metastatic spread by combining bioinformatic analysis with functional verification. Methods: First, we downloaded a lung adenocarcinoma dataset (GSE76194) from Gene Expression Omnibus, analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through Limma package in R software and constructed a protein-protein interaction network. Based on that preliminary data, we further performed modular and topological analysis using Cystoscope to obtain biological connected genes. Through literature searching and performing mRNA expression analysis on the other independent public dataset (GSE10799), we finally focused on TBX2. Functional effects of TBX2 were performed in tumorigenicity assays including migration and invasion assays, cell proliferation assay, and cell cycle assay. In addition, mechanically, we found enriched pathways related to bone metastasis using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and validated our results by western blot. Result: A total of 1132 significant genes were sorted initially. We selected common significant genes (log FC>2; p<0.01) from both the biological network data and microarray data. In total, 44 such genes were identified. we found TBX2, along with 10 other genes, to be reported with relevance to bone metastasis in other cancer types. Moreover, TBX2 showed significantly higher expression levels in patients that were found positive for metastasis to bone marrow compared to patients that did not exhibit this type of metastasis in the other separated cohort (GSE10799). Thus, we finally focused on TBX2. We found that TBX2 had detectable expression in LAC cell lines and silencing endogenous TBX2 expression in A549 and H1299 cell lines markedly suppressed migration and invasion, cell proliferation and arrested cell-cycle. Pathway enrichment analyses suggested that TBX2 drove LAC oncogenesis and metastasis through various pathways with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) figuring prominently in the bone metastatic group, which was evidenced by western blot. Conclusion: Collectively, TBX2 plays as a potential predictor of bone metastasis from LAC, yielding a better promise view towards "driver" gene responsible for bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kechao Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hechun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxia Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Tu J, Park S, Yu W, Zhang S, Wu L, Carmon K, Liu QJ. The most common RNF43 mutant G659Vfs*41 is fully functional in inhibiting Wnt signaling and unlikely to play a role in tumorigenesis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18557. [PMID: 31811196 PMCID: PMC6898356 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF43 is an E3 ligase that inhibits Wnt signaling by ubiquitinating Wnt receptors for degradation. It is mutated in various cancer types with the most recurrent mutation being the frameshift G659Vfs*41 with frequencies of ~5-8% in colon, stomach and endometrial cancers. This mutation, a deletion of G in a 7-G repeat, has been assumed to encode an inactive enzyme that would lead to increased Wnt signaling and drive tumorigenesis, yet no functional characterization has been reported. We analyzed the distribution of G659Vfs*41 and its association with other cancer gene mutations, and found that the mutation occurred nearly exclusively in tumors with low expression of the DNA mismatch repair gene MLH1. Mutant RNF43-G659Vfs*41 was no different from wild type RNF43 in expression, stability, localization, R-spondin binding, and inhibition of Wnt signaling. No dominant negative activity of the mutant was observed. Colon tumors with RNF43-G659Vfs*41 had low Wnt/β-catenin signaling and were frequently mutated in BRAF. A colon cancer cell line with RNF43-G659Vfs*41 and BRAF-V600E mutations was sensitive to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings suggest that the frequent occurrence of RNF43-G659Vfs*41 may result from error-prone replication of the 7-G repeat in MLH1-deficient tumors and that the mutation itself does not inactivate enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghua Tu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Soohyun Park
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kendra Carmon
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825, Pressler St., Houston, Texas, USA.
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Chen Z, Zhou L, Chen L, Xiong M, Kazobinka G, Pang Z, Hou T. RSPO3 promotes the aggressiveness of bladder cancer via Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Carcinogenesis 2019; 40:360-369. [PMID: 30329043 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) is a secreted protein that associates directly with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, its functional contribution and prognostic value in human bladder cancer remain unclear. Here, we showed that RSPO3 is upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells, and high expression of RSPO3 correlates with advanced clinicopathological features, poor prognosis and disease progression in bladder cancer patients. Furthermore, we observed that ectopic expression or knockdown of RSPO3 profoundly promoted or inhibited, respectively, the invasive ability of bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, RSPO3 promoted bladder cancer progression via mediating the Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog signaling pathways. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that RSPO3 exhibited a tumor-promoting effect in bladder cancer cells through activation of Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Thus, RSPO3 may be served as a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijie Zhou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
| | - Ming Xiong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
| | - Gallina Kazobinka
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
| | - Zili Pang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
| | - Teng Hou
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan HB, China
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31
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Wu J, Li X, Li D, Ren X, Li Y, Herter EK, Qian M, Toma MA, Wintler AM, Sérézal IG, Rollman O, Ståhle M, Wikstrom JD, Ye X, Landén NX. MicroRNA-34 Family Enhances Wound Inflammation by Targeting LGR4. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:465-476.e11. [PMID: 31376385 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.07.694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Venous ulcers are the most common type of human chronic nonhealing wounds and are stalled in a constant and excessive inflammatory state. The molecular mechanisms underlying the chronic wound inflammation remain elusive. Moreover, little is known about the role of regulatory RNAs, such as microRNAs, in the pathogenesis of venous ulcers. We found that both microRNA (miR)-34a and miR-34c were upregulated in the wound-edge epidermal keratinocytes of venous ulcers compared with normal wounds or the skin. In keratinocytes, miR-34a and miR-34c promoted inflammatory chemokine and cytokine production. In wounds of wild-type mice, miR-34a-mimic treatment enhanced inflammation and delayed healing. To further explore how miR-34 functions, LGR4 was identified as a direct target mediating the proinflammatory function of miR-34a and miR-34c. Interestingly, impaired wound closure with enhanced inflammation was also observed in Lgr4 knockout mice. Mechanistically, the miR-34-LGR4 axis regulated GSK-3β-induced p65 serine 468 phosphorylation, changing the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, the miR-34-LGR4 axis was shown to regulate keratinocyte inflammatory response, the deregulation of which may play a pathological role in venous ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmin Wu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Xi Li
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dongqing Li
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaolin Ren
- Institute of Biomedical Science and School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijuan Li
- Institute of Biomedical Science and School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Eva K Herter
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mengyao Qian
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Maria-Alexandra Toma
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna-Maria Wintler
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irène Gallais Sérézal
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Rollman
- Department of Dermatology, Academic University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mona Ståhle
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jakob D Wikstrom
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Xiyun Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Science and School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ning Xu Landén
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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32
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Xu CF, Liu YJ, Wang Y, Mao YF, Xu DF, Dong WW, Zhu XY, Jiang L. Downregulation of R-Spondin1 Contributes to Mechanical Stretch-Induced Lung Injury. Crit Care Med 2019; 47:e587-e596. [PMID: 31205087 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000003767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The R-spondin family attenuates tissue damage via tightening endothelium and preventing vascular leakage. This study aims to investigate whether R-spondins protect against mechanical stretch-induced endothelial dysfunction and lung injury and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. DESIGN Randomized controlled study. SETTING University research laboratory. SUBJECTS Patients scheduled to undergo surgery with mechanical ventilation support. Adult male Institute of Cancer Research mice. Primary cultured mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. INTERVENTIONS Patients underwent a surgical procedure with mechanical ventilation support of 3 hours or more. Mice were subjected to mechanical ventilation (6 or 30 mL/kg) for 0.5-4 hours. Another group of mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide, and 12 hours later subjected to mechanical ventilation (10 mL/kg) for 4 hours. Mouse lung vascular endothelial cells were subjected to cyclic stretch for 4 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS R-spondin1 were downregulated in both surgical patients and experimental animals exposed to mechanical ventilation. Intratracheal instillation of R-spondin1 attenuated, whereas knockdown of pulmonary R-spondin1 exacerbated ventilator-induced lung injury and mechanical stretch-induced lung vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of R-spondin1 was mediated through the leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. We identified apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 as the intracellular signaling protein interacted with leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5. R-spondin1 treatment decreased the interaction of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 with p53 while increased the binding of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 to leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5, therefore resulting in inactivation of p53-mediated proapoptotic pathway in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical ventilation leads to down-regulation of R-spondin1. R-spondin1 may enhance the interaction of leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 and apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2, thus inactivating p53-mediated proapoptotic pathway in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. R-spondin1 may have clinical benefit in alleviating mechanical ventilator-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Fan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Fei Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dun-Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Wen Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Zhang L, Song Y, Ling Z, Li Y, Ren X, Yang J, Wang Z, Xia J, Zhang W, Cheng B. R-spondin 2-LGR4 system regulates growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stem-like properties of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. EBioMedicine 2019; 44:275-288. [PMID: 31097406 PMCID: PMC6603804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background R-spondins (Rspo) and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGR) play important roles in development, stem cells survival, and tumorigenicity by activating Wnt signaling pathway. Whether R-spondins-LGR signaling affects the progression of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remain unknown. This study aims to uncover the role of R-spodin2/LGR4 in tongue SCC (TSCC). Methods The expression of Rspo2 in TSCC specimens and its correlation with TSCC clinical outcome were evaluated. Levels of Rspo2 or LGR4 were altered by pharmacological and genetic approaches, and the effects on TSCC progression were assessed. Findings Aberrantly high levels of Rspo2 were detected in TSCC specimens. Its levels were closely related with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and survival rate in patients with tongue SCC. Exogenous Rspo2 or overexpression of Rspo2 promoted growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like properties in SCC both in vivo and in vitro. Silence of Rspo2 abolished these phenotypes. LGR4 was functionally upregulated by Rspo2 in TSCC. Overexpression of Rspo2 increased, whereas Rspo2 silencing decreased the expression of LGR4, leading to subsequent phosphorylation of LRP6 and nuclear translocation of β-catenin in TSCC cell lines. This nuclear translocation of β-catenin was associated with a significant alteration in TCF-1, a downstream nuclear transcription factor of β-catenin, as well as its target genes: CD44, CyclinD1 and c-Myc. Interpretation Rspo2-LGR4 system regulates growth, migration and invasion, EMT and stem-like properties of TSCC via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Rspo2 and LGR4 are aberrantly expressed in TSCC. Rspo2-LGR4 up-regulates growth, migration and invasion, EMT and stem-like properties of TSCC. Rspo2-LGR4 regulates TSCC progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yan Song
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zihang Ling
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xianyue Ren
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Mesci A, Lucien F, Huang X, Wang EH, Shin D, Meringer M, Hoey C, Ray J, Boutros PC, Leong HS, Liu SK. RSPO3 is a prognostic biomarker and mediator of invasiveness in prostate cancer. J Transl Med 2019; 17:125. [PMID: 30987640 PMCID: PMC6466739 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While prostate cancer can often manifest as an indolent disease, the development of locally-advanced or metastatic disease can cause significant morbidity or mortality. Elucidation of molecular mechanisms contributing to disease progression is crucial for more accurate prognostication and effective treatments. R-Spondin 3 (RSPO3) is a protein previously implicated in the progression of colorectal and lung cancers. However, a role for RSPO3 in prostate cancer prognosis and behaviour has not been explored. Methods We compare the relative levels of RSPO3 expression between normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer in two independent patient cohorts (Taylor and GSE70768—Cambridge). We also examine the association of biochemical relapse with RSPO3 levels in these cohorts. For elucidation of the biological effect of RSPO3, we use siRNA technology to reduce the levels of RSPO3 in established prostate cancer cell lines, and perform in vitro proliferation, invasion, western blotting for EMT markers and clonogenic survival assays for radiation resistance. Furthermore, we show consequences of RSPO3 knockdown in an established chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay model of metastasis. Results RSPO3 levels are lower in prostate cancer than normal prostate, with a tendency for further loss in metastatic disease. Patients with lower RSPO3 expression have lower rates of biochemical relapse-free survival. SiRNA-mediated loss of RSPO3 results in no change to clonogenic survival and a lower proliferative rate, but increased invasiveness in vitro with induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Consistent with these results, lower RSPO3 expression translates to greater metastatic capacity in the CAM assay. Together, our preclinical findings identify a role of RSPO3 downregulation in prostate cancer invasiveness, and provide a potential explanation for how RSPO3 functions as a positive prognostic marker in prostate cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1878-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruz Mesci
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Xiaoyong Huang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric H Wang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Shin
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Meringer
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christianne Hoey
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica Ray
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hon S Leong
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stanley K Liu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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35
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Inhibitory Effect of MiR-449b on Cancer Cell Growth and Invasion through LGR4 in Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma. Curr Med Sci 2018; 38:582-589. [PMID: 30128865 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-018-1917-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Previous studies have shown that microRNA-449b (miR-449b) functions as a tumor suppressor in many cancers. However, the role of miR-449b in NSCLC is still unknown. In the present study, miR-449b was significantly downregulated in NSCLC samples and cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 3'-UTR region of leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) mRNA had putative complementary sequences to miR-449b,which was further confirmed by the luciferase assay. Western blotting showed that restoration of miR-449b in NSCLC cells decreased the expression of LGR4. Interestingly, over-expression of miR-449b inhibited growth and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro. Furthermore, ectopic expression of LGR4 reversed miR-449b-suppressed proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. Therefore, the data of the present study demonstrate that miR-449b inhibits tumor cell growth and invasion by targeting LGR4 in NSCLC.
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36
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Tan B, Shi X, Zhang J, Qin J, Zhang N, Ren H, Qian M, Siwko S, Carmon K, Liu Q, Han H, Du B, Liu M. Inhibition of Rspo-Lgr4 Facilitates Checkpoint Blockade Therapy by Switching Macrophage Polarization. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4929-4942. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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37
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Park S, Cui J, Yu W, Wu L, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. Differential activities and mechanisms of the four R-spondins in potentiating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9759-9769. [PMID: 29752411 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The four R-spondins (RSPO1-4) strongly potentiate Wnt signaling and play critical roles in normal development, adult stem cell survival, and cancer development and aggressiveness. All four RSPOs have been suggested to potentiate Wnt signaling by binding to three related receptors, i.e. leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors 4, 5, and 6 (LGR4/5/6), and then inducing the clearance of two E3 ubiquitin ligases (RNF43 and ZNRF3) that otherwise would ubiquitinate Wnt receptors for degradation. Here, we show that RSPO1-4 have differential dependence on LGRs in potentiating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and that RSPO2 can enhance this pathway without any LGR. LGR4 knockout (LGR4KO) in HEK293 cells completely abrogated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling response to RSPO1 and RSPO4 and strongly impaired the response to RSPO3. RSPO2, however, retained robust activity albeit with decreased potency. Complete rescue of RSPO1-4 activity in LGR4KO cells required the seven-transmembrane domain of LGR4. Furthermore, an RSPO2 mutant with normal binding affinity to ZNRF3 but no or little binding to LGR4 or LGR5 still potentiated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro, supported the growth of intestinal organoids ex vivo, and stimulated intestinal crypt growth in vivo Mechanistically, RSPO2 could increase Wnt receptor levels in the absence of any LGR without affecting ZNRF3 endocytosis and stability. These findings suggest that RSPO1-4 use distinct mechanisms in regulating Wnt and other signaling pathways, which have important implications for understanding the pleiotropic functions of RSPOs and LGRs in both normal and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Park
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Jie Cui
- Wntrix, Inc., Houston, Texas 77021
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Ling Wu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
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38
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Tocci JM, Felcher CM, García Solá ME, Goddio MV, Zimberlin MN, Rubinstein N, Srebrow A, Coso OA, Abba MC, Meiss RP, Kordon EC. R-spondin3 Is Associated with Basal-Progenitor Behavior in Normal and Tumor Mammary Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4497-4511. [PMID: 29748375 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
R-spondin3 (RSPO3) is a member of a family of secreted proteins that enhance Wnt signaling pathways in diverse processes, including cancer. However, the role of RSPO3 in mammary gland and breast cancer development remains unclear. In this study, we show that RSPO3 is expressed in the basal stem cell-enriched compartment of normal mouse mammary glands but is absent from committed mature luminal cells in which exogenous RSPO3 impairs lactogenic differentiation. RSPO3 knockdown in basal-like mouse mammary tumor cells reduced canonical Wnt signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like features, migration capacity, and tumor formation in vivo Conversely, RSPO3 overexpression, which was associated with some LGR and RUNX factors, highly correlated with the basal-like subtype among patients with breast cancer. Thus, we identified RSPO3 as a novel key modulator of breast cancer development and a potential target for treatment of basal-like breast cancers.Significance: These findings identify RSPO3 as a potential therapetuic target in basal-like breast cancers.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/16/4497/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(16); 4497-511. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M Tocci
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla M Felcher
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín E García Solá
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Goddio
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Noel Zimberlin
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Rubinstein
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anabella Srebrow
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar A Coso
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín C Abba
- Basic and Applied Immunological Research Center, School of Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Roberto P Meiss
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Oncology Studies, National Academy of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edith C Kordon
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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39
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Yue Z, Yuan Z, Zeng L, Wang Y, Lai L, Li J, Sun P, Xue X, Qi J, Yang Z, Zheng Y, Fang Y, Li D, Siwko S, Li Y, Luo J, Liu M. LGR4 modulates breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and cancer stem cells. FASEB J 2017; 32:2422-2437. [PMID: 29269400 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700897r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The fourth member of the leucine-rich repeat-containing GPCR family (LGR4, frequently referred to as GPR48) and its cognate ligands, R-spondins (RSPOs) play crucial roles in the development of multiple organs as well as the survival of adult stem cells by activation of canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt/β-catenin signaling acts to regulate breast cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms determining its spatiotemporal regulation are largely unknown. In this study, we identified LGR4 as a master controller of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated breast cancer tumorigenesis, metastasis, and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance. LGR4 expression in breast tumors correlated with poor prognosis. Either Lgr4 haploinsufficiency or mammary-specific deletion inhibited mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)- PyMT- and MMTV- Wnt1-driven mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, LGR4 down-regulation decreased in vitro migration and in vivo xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis. Furthermore, Lgr4 deletion in MMTV- Wnt1 tumor cells or knockdown in human breast cancer cells decreased the number of functional CSCs by ∼90%. Canonical Wnt signaling was impaired in LGR4-deficient breast cancer cells, and LGR4 knockdown resulted in increased E-cadherin and decreased expression of N-cadherin and snail transcription factor -2 ( SNAI2) (also called SLUG), implicating LGR4 in regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings support a crucial role of the Wnt signaling component LGR4 in breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and breast CSCs.-Yue, Z., Yuan, Z., Zeng, L., Wang, Y., Lai, L., Li, J., Sun, P., Xue, X., Qi, J., Yang, Z., Zheng, Y., Fang, Y., Li, D., Siwko, S., Li, Y., Luo, J., Liu, M. LGR4 modulates breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Yue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengjin Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Li Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Li
- East China Normal University Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiwen Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengfeng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yansen Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanzhang Fang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jian Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
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40
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Kang YE, Kim JM, Kim KS, Chang JY, Jung M, Lee J, Yi S, Kim HW, Kim JT, Lee K, Choi MJ, Kang SK, Lee SE, Yi HS, Koo BS, Shong M. Upregulation of RSPO2-GPR48/LGR4 signaling in papillary thyroid carcinoma contributes to tumor progression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114980-114994. [PMID: 29383135 PMCID: PMC5777747 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathway involving the R-spondins and its cognate receptor, GPR48/LGR4, is crucial in development and carcinogenesis. However, the functional implications of the R-spondin-GPR48/LGR4 pathway in thyroid remain to be identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of R-spondin-GPR48/LGR4 signaling in papillary thyroid carcinomas. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 214 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The role of GPR48/LGR4 in proliferation and migration was examined in thyroid cancer cell lines. R-spondin 2, and GPR48/LGR4 were expressed at significantly higher levels in thyroid cancer than in normal controls. Elevated GPR48/LGR4 expression was significantly associated with tumor size (P=0.049), lymph node metastasis (P=0.004), recurrence (P=0.037), and the BRAFV600E mutation (P=0.003). Moreover, high GPR48/LGR4 expression was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis (P=0.027) and the BRAFV600E mutation (P=0.009). in vitro assays demonstrated that elevated expression of GPR48/LGR4 promoted proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cells, whereas downregulation of GPR48/LGR4 decreased proliferation and migration by inhibition of the β-catenin pathway. Moreover, treatment of thyroid cancer cells with exogenous R-spondin 2 induced activation of the β-catenin pathway through GPR48/LGR4. The R-spondin 2-GPR48/LGR4 signaling axis also induced the phosphorylation of ERK, as well as phosphorylation of LRP6 and serine 9 of GSK3β. Our findings demonstrate that upregulation of the R-spondin 2-GPR48/LGR4 pathway contributes to tumor aggressiveness in papillary thyroid carcinoma by promoting ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that this pathway represents a novel therapeutic target for treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yea Eun Kang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, South Korea
| | - Jin-Man Kim
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Koon Soon Kim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Young Chang
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingyu Jung
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Junguee Lee
- Department of Pathology, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon 34943, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinae Yi
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Woo Kim
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Tae Kim
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Choi
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kang
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Eun Lee
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon-Seung Yi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, South Korea
| | - Bon Seok Koo
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Shong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, South Korea.,Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
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41
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Zhang N, Huang H, Tan B, Wei Y, Xiong Q, Yan Y, Hou L, Wu N, Siwko S, Cimarelli A, Xu J, Han H, Qian M, Liu M, Du B. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 facilitates vesicular stomatitis virus infection by binding vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:16527-16538. [PMID: 28842478 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.802090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and rabies and Chandipura viruses belong to the Rhabdovirus family. VSV is a common laboratory virus to study viral evolution and host immune responses to viral infection, and recombinant VSV-based vectors have been widely used for viral oncolysis, vaccination, and gene therapy. Although the tropism of VSV is broad, and its envelope glycoprotein G is often used for pseudotyping other viruses, the host cellular components involved in VSV infection remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the host protein leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (Lgr4) is essential for VSV and VSV-G pseudotyped lentivirus (VSVG-LV) to infect susceptible cells. Accordingly, Lgr4-deficient mice had dramatically decreased VSV levels in the olfactory bulb. Furthermore, Lgr4 knockdown in RAW 264.7 cells also significantly suppressed VSV infection, and Lgr4 overexpression in RAW 264.7 cells enhanced VSV infection. Interestingly, only VSV infection relied on Lgr4, whereas infections with Newcastle disease virus, influenza A virus (A/WSN/33), and herpes simplex virus were unaffected by Lgr4 status. Of note, assays of virus entry, cell ELISA, immunoprecipitation, and surface plasmon resonance indicated that VSV bound susceptible cells via the Lgr4 extracellular domain. Pretreating cells with an Lgr4 antibody, soluble LGR4 extracellular domain, or R-spondin 1 blocked VSV infection by competitively inhibiting VSV binding to Lgr4. Taken together, the identification of Lgr4 as a VSV-specific host factor provides important insights into understanding VSV entry and its pathogenesis and lays the foundation for VSV-based gene therapy and viral oncolytic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Hongjun Huang
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Binghe Tan
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yinglei Wei
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qingqing Xiong
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yan Yan
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lili Hou
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Nannan Wu
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Andrea Cimarelli
- the CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon F69364, France.,the INSERM, U1111, 46 Allée d'Italie, Lyon, F69364, France.,the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 Allée d'Italie, Lyon F69364, France.,the CNRS, UMR5308, 46 Allée d'Italie, Lyon F69364, France.,the University of Lyon, Lyon I, UMS3444/US8 BioSciences Gerland, Lyon F69364, France
| | - Jianrong Xu
- the Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China, and
| | - Honghui Han
- Shanghai Bioray Laboratories Inc., Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Min Qian
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China, .,the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Bing Du
- From the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China,
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42
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Schindler AJ, Watanabe A, Howell SB. LGR5 and LGR6 in stem cell biology and ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1346-1355. [PMID: 29416699 PMCID: PMC5787443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays a fundamental role in patterning of the embryo and maintenance of stem cells in numerous epithelia. Epithelial stem cells are closeted in niches created by surrounding differentiated cells that express secreted Wnt and R-spondin proteins that influence proliferation rate and fate determination of stem cell daughters. R-spondins act through the LGR receptors to enhance Wnt signaling. This close association of stem cells with more differentiated regulatory cells expressing Wnt-pathway ligands is a feature replicated in all of the epithelial stem cell systems thus far examined. How the stem cell niche operates through these short-range interactions is best understood for the crypts of the gastrointestinal epithelium and skin. Less well understood are the stem cells that function in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and fallopian tube epithelium (FTE). While the cuboidal OSE appears to be made up of a single cell type, the cells of the FTE progress through a life cycle that involves differentiation into ciliated and secretory subtypes that are eventually shed into the lumen in a manner similar to the gastrointestinal epithelium. Available evidence suggests that high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) originates most often from stem cells in the FTE and that Wnt signaling augmented by LGR6 supports tumor development and progression. This review summarizes current information on LGR5 and LGR6 in the OSE and FTE and how their niches are organized relative to that of the gastrointestinal epithelium and skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Schindler
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arisa Watanabe
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stephen B Howell
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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43
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Carmon KS, Gong X, Yi J, Wu L, Thomas A, Moore CM, Masuho I, Timson DJ, Martemyanov KA, Liu QJ. LGR5 receptor promotes cell-cell adhesion in stem cells and colon cancer cells via the IQGAP1-Rac1 pathway. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:14989-15001. [PMID: 28739799 PMCID: PMC5592675 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.786798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein–coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a bona fide marker of adult stem cells in several epithelial tissues, most notably in the intestinal crypts, and is highly up-regulated in many colorectal, hepatocellular, and ovarian cancers. LGR5 activation by R-spondin (RSPO) ligands potentiates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro; however, deletion of LGR5 in stem cells has little or no effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling or cell proliferation in vivo. Remarkably, modulation of LGR5 expression has a major impact on the actin cytoskeletal structure and cell adhesion in the absence of RSPO stimulation, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that LGR5 interacts with IQ motif-containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), an effector of Rac1/CDC42 GTPases, in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell–cell adhesion. Specifically, LGR5 decreased levels of IQGAP1 phosphorylation at Ser-1441/1443, leading to increased binding of Rac1 to IQGAP1 and thus higher levels of cortical F-actin and enhanced cell–cell adhesion. LGR5 ablation in colon cancer cells and crypt stem cells resulted in loss of cortical F-actin, reduced cell–cell adhesion, and disrupted localization of adhesion-associated proteins. No evidence of LGR5 coupling to any of the four major subtypes of heterotrimeric G proteins was found. These findings suggest that LGR5 primarily functions via the IQGAP1–Rac1 pathway to strengthen cell–cell adhesion in normal adult crypt stem cells and colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra S Carmon
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Xing Gong
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jing Yi
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ling Wu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anthony Thomas
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Catherine M Moore
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Ikuo Masuho
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, and
| | - David J Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Ireland, United Kingdom.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kirill A Martemyanov
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, and
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030,
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44
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Dong X, Liao W, Zhang L, Tu X, Hu J, Chen T, Dai X, Xiong Y, Liang W, Ding C, Liu R, Dai J, Wang O, Lu L, Lu X. RSPO2 suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis by counteracting the Wnt5a/Fzd7-driven noncanonical Wnt pathway. Cancer Lett 2017; 402:153-165. [PMID: 28600110 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
R-spondins play critical roles in development, stem cell survival, and tumorigenicity by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling; however, the role of R-spondins in noncanonical Wnt signaling regulation remains largely unknown. We demonstrate here that R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) has an inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Reduced RSPO2 expression was associated with tumor metastasis and poor survival in CRC patients. The metastasis-suppressive activity of RSPO2 was independent of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway but dependent on the Fzd7-mediated noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway. The physical interaction of RSPO2 and Fzd7 increased the degradation of cell surface Fzd7 via ZNRF3-mediated ubiquitination, which led to the suppression of the downstream PKC/ERK signaling cascade. In late-stage metastatic cancer, Wnt5a promoted CRC cell migration by preventing degradation of Fzd7, and RSPO2 antagonized Wnt5a-driven noncanonical Wnt signaling activation and tumor cell migration by blocking the binding of Wnt5a to the Fzd7 receptor. Our study reveals a novel RSPO2/Wnt5a-competing noncanonical Wnt signaling mechanism that regulates cellular migration and invasion, and our data suggest that secreted RSPO2 protein could serve as a potential therapy for Wnt5a/Fzd7-driven aggressive CRC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wanqin Liao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xi Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, 317000, China
| | - Jin Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Tianke Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaowei Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Weicheng Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Chaodong Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Juji Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ouchen Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Liting Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xincheng Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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45
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Coussy F, Lallemand F, Vacher S, Schnitzler A, Chemlali W, Caly M, Nicolas A, Richon S, Meseure D, El Botty R, De-Plater L, Fuhrmann L, Dubois T, Roman-Roman S, Dangles-Marie V, Marangoni E, Bièche I. Clinical value of R-spondins in triple-negative and metaplastic breast cancers. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:1595-1603. [PMID: 28472820 PMCID: PMC5518860 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RSPO ligands, activators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, are overexpressed in different cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of RSPOs in breast cancer (BC). METHODS Expression of RSPO and markers of various cancer pathways were measured in breast tumours and cell lines by qRT-PCR. The effect of RSPO on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity was determined by luciferase assay, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. The effect of RSPO2 inhibition on proliferation was determined by using RSPO2 siRNAs. The effect of IWR-1, an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was examined on the growth of an RSPO2-positive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of metaplastic triple-negative BC. RESULTS We detected RSPO2 and RSPO4 overexpression levels in BC, particularly in triple-negative BC (TNBC), metaplastic BC, and triple-negative cell lines. Various mechanisms could account for this overexpression: presence of fusion transcripts involving RSPO, and amplification or hypomethylation of RSPO genes. Patients with RSPO2-overexpressing tumours have a poorer metastasis-free survival (P=3.6 × 10-4). RSPO2 and RSPO4 stimulate Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Inhibition of RSPO expression in a TN cell line inhibits cell growth, and IWR-1 significantly inhibits the growth of an RSPO2-overexpressing PDX. CONCLUSIONS RSPO overexpression could therefore be a new prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/chemistry
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/secondary
- Cell Proliferation
- Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Imides/therapeutic use
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/analysis
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Metaplasia/genetics
- Metaplasia/pathology
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Quinolines/therapeutic use
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- TATA-Box Binding Protein/genetics
- Thrombospondins/genetics
- Thrombospondins/metabolism
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/chemistry
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Wnt Signaling Pathway
- Wnt3A Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- F Coussy
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - F Lallemand
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - S Vacher
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - A Schnitzler
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - W Chemlali
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - M Caly
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - A Nicolas
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - S Richon
- CNRS, UMR 144, Research Center, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - D Meseure
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - R El Botty
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - L De-Plater
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - L Fuhrmann
- Department of Biopathology, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - T Dubois
- Breast Cancer Biology Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - S Roman-Roman
- Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - V Dangles-Marie
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris 75006, France
| | - E Marangoni
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, Paris 75005, France
| | - I Bièche
- Unit of pharmacogenomics, Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 26 rue d’Ulm, Paris 75005, France
- EA7331, University Paris Descartes, 4 avenue de l’observatoire, Paris 75006, France
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46
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Hua Y, Ma X, Liu X, Yuan X, Qin H, Zhang X. Abnormal expression of mRNA, microRNA alteration and aberrant DNA methylation patterns in rectal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174461. [PMID: 28350845 PMCID: PMC5370119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) is a malignancy cancer with the high morbidity and motility worldwide. Our study aimed to explore the potential pathogenesis of READ through integrated analysis of gene expression profiling and DNA methylation data. Methods The miRNA, mRNA expression profiling and corresponding DNA methylation data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed mRNAs/ miRNAs/methylated regions (DEmRNA/DEmiRNAs) were identified in READ. The negatively correlation of DEmiRNA-DEmRNAs and DNA methylation-DEmRNAs were obtained. DEmRNAs expression was validated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and microarray expression profiling analyses. Results 1192 dysregulated DEmRNAs, 27 dysregulated DEmiRNAs and 6403 aberrant methylation CpG sites were screened in READ compared to normal controls. 1987 negative interaction pairs among 27 DEmiRNAs and 668 DEmRNAs were predicted. 446 genes with aberrant methylation were annotated. Eventually, 50 DEmRNAs (39 down- and 11 up-regulated DEmRNAs) with hypermethylation, synchronously negatively targeted by DEmiRNAs, were identified through the correlation analysis among 446 genes with aberrant methylation and 668 DEmRNAs. 50 DEmRNAs were significantly enriched in cAMP signaling pathway, circadian entrainment and glutamatergic synapse. The validation results of expression levels of DEmRNAs through qRT-PCR and microarray analyses were compatible with our study. Conclusion 7 genes of SORCS1, PDZRN4, LONRF2, CNGA3, HAND2, RSPO2 and GNAO1 with hypermethylation and negatively regulation by DEmiRNAs might contribute to the tumorigenesis of READ. Our work might provide valuable foundation for the READ in mechanism elucidation, early diagnosis and therapeutic target identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hua
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiukun Ma
- Department of Surgery, Sino-Singapore Eco-City Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianglong Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangfei Yuan
- Tianjin Institute of Integrative Medicine for Acute Abdominal Diseases, Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Xipeng Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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47
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Zhang M, Zhang P, Liu Y, Lv L, Zhang X, Liu H, Zhou Y. RSPO3-LGR4 Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation Of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Via ERK/FGF Signalling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42841. [PMID: 28220828 PMCID: PMC5318871 DOI: 10.1038/srep42841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The four R-spondins (RSPOs) and their three related receptors, LGR4, 5 and 6, have emerged as a major ligand-receptor system with critical roles in development and stem cell survival. However, the exact roles of the RSPO-LGR system in osteogenesis remain largely unknown. In the present study, we showed that RSPO3-shRNA increased the osteogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) significantly. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that RSPO3 is a negative regulator of ERK/FGF signalling. We confirmed that inhibition of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway blocked osteogenic differentiation in hASCs, and the increased osteogenic capacity observed after RSPO3 knockdown in hASCs was reversed by inhibition of ERK signalling. Further, silencing of LGR4 inhibited the activity of ERK signalling and osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. Most importantly, we found that loss of LGR4 abrogated RSPO3-regulated osteogenesis and RSPO3-induced ERK1/2 signalling inhibition. Collectively, our data show that ERK signalling works downstream of LGR4 and RSPO3 regulates osteoblastic differentiation of hASCs possibly via the LGR4-ERK signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yunsong Liu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Longwei Lv
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hao Liu
- National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhou
- Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.,National Engineering Lab for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
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48
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Zhang Y, He RQ, Dang YW, Zhang XL, Wang X, Huang SN, Huang WT, Jiang MT, Gan XN, Xie Y, Li P, Luo DZ, Chen G, Gan TQ. Comprehensive analysis of the long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS gene interaction regulatory network in NSCLC cells. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:89. [PMID: 27980454 PMCID: PMC5133743 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0366-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are related to different biological processes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the long noncoding RNA HOXA11-AS (HOXA11 antisense RNA) in NSCLC are unknown. Methods HOXA11-AS was knocked down in the NSCLC A549 cell line and a high throughput microarray assay was applied to detect changes in the gene profiles of the A549 cells. Bioinformatics analyses (gene ontology (GO), pathway, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and network analyses) were performed to investigate the potential pathways and networks of the differentially expressed genes. The molecular signatures database (MSigDB) was used to display the expression profiles of these differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, the relationships between the HOXA11-AS, de-regulated genes and clinical NSCLC parameters were verified by using NSCLC patient information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. In addition, the relationship between HOXA11-AS expression and clinical diagnostic value was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Among the differentially expressed genes, 277 and 80 genes were upregulated and downregulated in NSCLC, respectively (fold change ≥2.0, P < 0.05 and false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). According to the degree of the fold change, six upregulated and three downregulated genes were selected for further investigation. Only four genes (RSPO3, ADAMTS8, DMBT1, and DOCK8) were reported to be related with the development or progression of NSCLC based on a PubMed search. Among all possible pathways, three pathways (the PI3K-Akt, TGF-beta and Hippo signaling pathways) were the most likely to be involved in NSCLC development and progression. Furthermore, we found that HOXA11-AS was highly expressed in both lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma based on TCGA database. The ROC curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of HOXA11-AS was 0.727 (95% CI 0.663–0.790) for lung adenocarcinoma and 0.933 (95% CI 0.906–0.960) for squamous cell carcinoma patients. Additionally, the original data from TCGA verified that ADAMTS8, DMBT1 and DOCK8 were downregulated in both lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, whereas RSPO3 expression was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and downregulated in lung squamous cell carcinoma. For the other five genes (STMN2, SPINK6, TUSC3, LOC100128054, and C8orf22), we found that STMN2, TUSC3 and C8orf22 were upregulated in squamous cell carcinoma and that STMN2 and USC3 were upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, we compared the correlation between HOXA11-AS and de-regulated genes in NSCLC based on TCGA. The results showed that the HOXA11-AS expression was negatively correlated with DOCK8 in squamous cell carcinoma (r = −0.124, P = 0.048) and lung adenocarcinoma (r = −0.176, P = 0.005). In addition, RSPO3, ADAMTS8 and DOCK8 were related to overall survival and disease-free survival (all P < 0.05) of lung adenocarcinoma patients in TCGA. Conclusions Our results showed that the gene profiles were significantly changed after HOXA11-AS knock-down in NSCLC cells. We speculated that HOXA11-AS may play an important role in NSCLC development and progression by regulating the expression of various pathways and genes, especially DOCK8 and TGF-beta pathway. However, the exact mechanism should be verified by functional experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Wu Dang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 2 Sendai Street, Changchun, 130033 People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Ning Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Tong Jiang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ning Gan
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - You Xie
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Dian-Zhong Luo
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Qing Gan
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530021 People's Republic of China
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49
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Yamada HY, Kumar G, Zhang Y, Rubin E, Lightfoot S, Dai W, Rao CV. Systemic chromosome instability in Shugoshin-1 mice resulted in compromised glutathione pathway, activation of Wnt signaling and defects in immune system in the lung. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e256. [PMID: 27526110 PMCID: PMC5007830 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic error-mediated chromosome instability (CIN) can lead to aneuploidy, chromothripsis, DNA damage and/or whole chromosome gain/loss. CIN may prompt rapid accumulation of mutations and genomic alterations. Thus, CIN can promote carcinogenesis. This CIN process results from a mutation in certain genes or environmental challenge such as smoking, and is highly prevalent in various cancers, including lung cancer. A better understanding of the effects of CIN on carcinogenesis will lead to novel methods for cancer prevention and treatment. Previously Shugoshin-1 (Sgo1(-/+)) mice, a transgenic mouse model of CIN, showed mild proneness to spontaneous lung and liver cancers. In this study, adoptive (T/B-cell based) immunity-deficient RAG1(-/-) Sgo1(-/+) double mutant mice developed lung adenocarcinomas more aggressively than did Sgo1(-/+) or RAG1(-/-) mice, suggesting immune system involvement in CIN-mediated lung carcinogenesis. To identify molecular causes of the lung adenocarcinoma, we used systems biology approach, comparative RNAseq, to RAG1(-/-) and RAG1(-/-) Sgo1(-/+). The comparative RNAseq data and follow-up analyses in the lungs of naive Sgo1(-/+) mice demonstrate that, (i) glutathione is depleted, making the tissue vulnerable to oxidative stress, (ii) spontaneous DNA damage is increased, (iii) oncogenic Wnt signaling is activated, (iv) both major branches of the immune system are weakened through misregulations in signal mediators such as CD80 and calreticulin and (v) the actin cytoskeleton is misregulated. Overall, the results show multi-faceted roles of CIN in lung carcinoma development in Sgo1(-/+) mice. Our model presents various effects of CIN and will help to identify potential targets to prevent CIN-driven carcinogenesis in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Yamada
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - G Kumar
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - E Rubin
- Department of Pathology, OU Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - S Lightfoot
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - W Dai
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, Tuxedo, NY, USA
| | - C V Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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50
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Control of Wnt Receptor Turnover by R-spondin-ZNRF3/RNF43 Signaling Module and Its Dysregulation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8060054. [PMID: 27338477 PMCID: PMC4931619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8060054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is frequently found in various cancers, often through mutations of downstream components. Inhibiting β-catenin signaling in tumors with downstream pathway mutations remains challenging, due to a lack of favorable targets. On the other hand, targeting upstream components of the Wnt pathway is rather straightforward. However, it is difficult to identify tumors addicted to autocrine or paracrine Wnt signaling. Discovery of the R-spondin-ZNRF3/RNF43 signaling module and its genetic alterations in cancers represents a breakthrough in this area. Membrane E3 ligase ZNRF3 and RNF43 are critical negative feedback regulators of the Wnt pathway, which function through promoting ubiquitination and degradation of Wnt receptors. R-spondin proteins (RSPO1-4) serve as natural antagonists of ZNRF3/RNF43. To maintain strong and sustained Wnt/β-catenin signaling, cancers need to overcome ZNRF3/RNF43-mediated feedback inhibition. Indeed, mutations of RNF43/ZNRF3 and recurrent translocations of RSPO2/RSPO3 have recently been identified in various cancers. Significantly, genetic alterations in RNF43/ZNRF3/RSPO2/RSPO3 have shown promise as predictive biomarkers in pre-clinical models for the efficacy of upstream Wnt inhibitors. In this review, we will discuss the biology of the R-spondin-ZNRF3/RNF43 signaling module, cancer-associated alterations of this signaling module, and their value as biomarkers to identify Wnt-addicted tumors.
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