1
|
Liu C, Chen J, Cong Y, Chen K, Li H, He Q, Chen L, Song Y, Xing Y. PROX1 drives neuroendocrine plasticity and liver metastases in prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217068. [PMID: 38901665 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217068] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
With the widespread use of anti-androgen therapy, such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, the incidence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is increasing. NEPC is a lethal form of prostate cancer (PCa), with a median overall survival of less than one year after diagnosis. In addition to the common bone metastases seen in PCa, NEPC exhibits characteristics of visceral metastases, notably liver metastasis, which serves as an indicator of a poor prognosis clinically. Key factors driving the neuroendocrine plasticity of PCa have been identified, yet the underlying mechanism behind liver metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we identified PROX1 as a driver of neuroendocrine plasticity in PCa, responsible for promoting liver metastases. Mechanistically, anti-androgen therapy alleviates transcriptional inhibition of PROX1. Subsequently, elevated PROX1 levels drive both neuroendocrine plasticity and liver-specific transcriptional reprogramming, promoting liver metastases. Moreover, liver metastases in PCa induced by PROX1 depend on reprogrammed lipid metabolism, a disruption that effectively reduces the formation of liver metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Yukun Cong
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingliu He
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yarong Song
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yifei Xing
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jasim SA, Salahdin OD, Malathi H, Sharma N, Rab SO, Aminov Z, Pramanik A, Mohammed IH, Jawad MA, Gabel BC. Targeting Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) and Related Drug Resistance by Small Interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01423-5. [PMID: 39060914 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01423-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence after curative therapy and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells' resistance to conventional therapies is the reasons for the worse clinical results of HCC patients. A tiny population of cancer cells with a strong potential for self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenesis has been identified as cancer stem cells (CSCs). The discovery of CSC surface markers and the separation of CSC subpopulations from HCC cells have been made possible by recent developments in the study of hepatic (liver) CSCs. Hepatic CSC surface markers include epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM), CD133, CD90, CD13, CD44, OV-6, ALDH, and K19. CSCs have a significant influence on the development of cancer, invasiveness, self-renewal, metastasis, and drug resistance in HCC, and thus provide a therapeutic chance to treat HCC and avoid its recurrence. Therefore, it is essential to develop treatment approaches that specifically and effectively target hepatic stem cells. Given this, one potential treatment approach is to use particular small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target CSC, disrupting their behavior and microenvironment as well as changing their epigenetic state. The characteristics of CSCs in HCC are outlined in this study, along with new treatment approaches based on siRNA that may be used to target hepatic CSCs and overcome HCC resistance to traditional therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - H Malathi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to be University, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Neha Sharma
- Chandigarh Pharmacy College, Chandigarh group of Colleges, Jhanjeri, 140307, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Safia Obaidur Rab
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zafar Aminov
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare management, Samarkand State Medical University, 18 Amir Temur Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Division of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Israa Hussein Mohammed
- College of nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Abed Jawad
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Benien C Gabel
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical laboratory technique college, the Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Samant C, Kale R, Pai KSR, Nandakumar K, Bhonde M. Role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer drug resistance: Insights into molecular aspects of major solid tumors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 729:150348. [PMID: 38986260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Adaptive resistance to conventional and targeted therapies remains one of the major obstacles in the effective management of cancer. Aberrant activation of key signaling mechanisms plays a pivotal role in modulating resistance to drugs. An evolutionarily conserved Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of the signaling cascades which regulate resistance to drugs. Elevated Wnt signaling confers resistance to anticancer therapies, either through direct activation of its target genes or via indirect mechanisms and crosstalk over other signaling pathways. Involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer hallmarks like inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of invasion and metastasis and cancer stem cell maintenance makes this pathway a potential target to exploit for addressing drug resistance. Accumulating evidences suggest a critical role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in imparting resistance across multiple cancers including PDAC, NSCLC, TNBC, etc. Here we present a comprehensive assessment of how Wnt/β-catenin pathway mediates cancer drug resistance in majority of the solid tumors. We take a deep dive into the Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated modulation of cellular and downstream molecular mechanisms and their impact on cancer resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charudatt Samant
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ramesh Kale
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| | - K Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnadas Nandakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mandar Bhonde
- Department of Pharmacology, Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), Lupin Limited, Survey No. 46A/47A, Village Nande, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, 412115, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao Z, Cui T, Wei F, Zhou Z, Sun Y, Gao C, Xu X, Zhang H. Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma: pathogenic role and therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1367364. [PMID: 38634048 PMCID: PMC11022604 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1367364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignant liver tumor and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway involved in several biological processes, including the improper regulation that leads to the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. New studies have found that abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is a major cause of HCC tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapy. New perspectives and approaches to treating HCC will arise from understanding this pathway. This article offers a thorough analysis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway's function and its therapeutic implications in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Zhao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tenglu Cui
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Radiotherapy Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Zhou
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chaofeng Gao
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huihan Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- The Second General Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen T, Xiao Z, Liu X, Wang T, Wang Y, Ye F, Su J, Yao X, Xiong L, Yang DH. Natural products for combating multidrug resistance in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107099. [PMID: 38342327 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently develop resistance to chemotherapeutic therapies and targeted drugs, which has been a significant challenge in cancer management. With the growing advances in technologies in isolation and identification of natural products, the potential of natural products in combating cancer multidrug resistance has received substantial attention. Importantly, natural products can impact multiple targets, which can be valuable in overcoming drug resistance from different perspectives. In the current review, we will describe the well-established mechanisms underlying multidrug resistance, and introduce natural products that could target these multidrug resistant mechanisms. Specifically, we will discuss natural compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, baicalein, chrysin and more, and their potential roles in combating multidrug resistance. This review article aims to provide a systematic summary of recent advances of natural products in combating cancer drug resistance, and will provide rationales for novel drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhicheng Xiao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Tingfang Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Juan Su
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xuan Yao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Liyan Xiong
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NY 11501, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Long G, Wu Z, Wang D, Mi X, Hu K, Zhou L, Tang J. UCHL3 inhibits ferroptosis by stabilizing β-catenin and maintains stem-like properties of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:162-173. [PMID: 38092274 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic liver cancer. Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin activation is closely related to the progression of cancer. Nevertheless, the mechanism that sustains the abnormal expression of β-catenin in HCC has yet to be identified. In this study, we find that UCHL3 is overexpressed in HCC tissues and correlated with β-catenin protein level. High expression of UCHL3 is associated with poor prognosis. UCHL3 knockdown markedly reduces the protein level of β-catenin in HCC cells. TOP-luciferase activity and β-catenin target genes expression are also decreased upon UCHL3 depletion. We find that the ARM domain of β-catenin is required for the interaction with UCHL3. UCHL3 increases β-catenin protein stability via removing K48-specific poly-ubiquitin chains from β-catenin protein. Furthermore, the depletion of UCHL3 induces ferroptosis and hinders the growth, invasion, and stem cell properties of HCC cells. These impacts could be restored by the overexpression of β-catenin. In addition, the UCHL3 inhibitor TCID inhibits the aggressive phenotype of HCC through the degradation of β-catenin. In general, our results indicates that UCHL3 increases the stability of β-catenin, which in turn facilitates tumorigenesis of HCC, suggesting that targeting UCHL3 may be a promising approach for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zheyu Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong, China
| | - Xingyu Mi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Jianing Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Yuan Z, Li Z, He X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Su J, Wu X, Li M, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Zhao Y, Shen J, Yi T, Xiao Z. Key oncogenic signaling pathways affecting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma: basic principles and recent advances. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354313. [PMID: 38426090 PMCID: PMC10902128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks first among primary liver cancers, and its mortality rate exhibits a consistent annual increase. The treatment of HCC has witnessed a significant surge in recent years, with the emergence of targeted immune therapy as an adjunct to early surgical resection. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has shown promising results in other types of solid tumors. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intricate interactions between different types of TILs and their impact on HCC, elucidate strategies for targeting neoantigens through TILs, and address the challenges encountered in TIL therapies along with potential solutions. Furthermore, this article specifically examines the impact of oncogenic signaling pathways activation within the HCC tumor microenvironment on the infiltration dynamics of TILs. Additionally, a concise overview is provided regarding TIL preparation techniques and an update on clinical trials investigating TIL-based immunotherapy in solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zijun Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhengbo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Longmatan District People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyu He
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Su
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Cell Therapy and Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang HL, Li N, Dong L, Ma HX, Yang MC. Prox1 Suppresses Proliferation and Drug Resistance of Retinoblastoma Cells via Targeting Notch1. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:223-231. [PMID: 38277016 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Retinoblastoma (RB) is a prevalent type of eye cancer in youngsters. Prospero homeobox 1 (Prox1) is a homeobox transcriptional repressor and downstream target of the proneural gene that is relevant in lymphatic, hepatocyte, pancreatic, heart, lens, retinal, and cancer cells. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of Prox1 in RB cell proliferation and drug resistance, as well as to explore the underlying Notch1 mechanism. METHODS Human RB cell lines (SO-RB50 and Y79) and a primary human retinal microvascular endothelial cell line (ACBRI-181) were used in this study. The expression of Prox1 and Notch1 mRNA and protein in RB cells was detected using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed after Prox1 overexpression using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and the MTS assay. Drug-resistant cell lines (SO-RB50/vincristine) were generated and treated with Prox1 to investigate the role of Prox1 in drug resistance. We employed pcDNA-Notch1 to overexpress Notch1 to confirm the role of Notch1 in the protective function of Prox1. Finally, a xenograft model was constructed to assess the effect of Prox1 on RB in vivo. RESULTS Prox1 was significantly downregulated in RB cells. Overexpression of Prox1 effectively decreased RB cell growth while increasing the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to vincristine. Notch1 was involved in Prox1's regulatory effects. Notch1 was identified as a target gene of Prox1, which was found to be upregulated in RB cells and repressed by increased Prox1 expression. When pcDNA-Notch1 was transfected, the effect of Prox1 overexpression on RB was removed. Furthermore, by downregulating Notch1, Prox1 overexpression slowed tumor development and increased vincristine sensitivity in vivo. CONCLUSION These data show that Prox1 decreased RB cell proliferation and drug resistance by targeting Notch1, implying that Prox1 could be a potential therapeutic target for RB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Hong-Xia Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Mo-Chi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li G, Zhu L, Guo M, Wang D, Meng M, Zhong Y, Zhang Z, Lin Y, Liu C, Wang J, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Cao Y, Xia Z, Qiu J, Li Y, Liu S, Chen H, Liu W, Han Y, Zheng M, Ma X, Xu L. Characterisation of forkhead box protein A3 as a key transcription factor for hepatocyte regeneration. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100906. [PMID: 38023606 PMCID: PMC10679869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after injury, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a member of the forkhead box family, plays important roles in endoplasmic reticulum stress sensing, and lipid and glucose homoeostasis, yet its functions in liver regeneration are unknown. Methods Here, we explored whether Foxa3 regulates liver regeneration via acute and chronic liver injury mice models. We further characterised the molecular mechanism by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and rescue experiments in vivo and in vitro. Then, we assessed the impact of Foxa3 pharmacological activation on progression and termination of liver regeneration. Finally, we confirmed the Foxa3-Cebpb axis in human liver samples. Results Foxa3 is dominantly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and is induced upon partial hepatectomy (PH) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Foxa3 deficiency in mice decreased cyclin gene levels and delayed liver regeneration after PH, or acute or chronic i.p. CCl4 injection. Conversely, hepatocyte-specific Foxa3 overexpression accelerated hepatocytes proliferation and attenuated liver damage in an CCl4-induced acute model. Mechanistically, Foxa3 directly regulates Cebpb transcription, which is involved in hepatocyte division and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Of note, Cebpb overexpression in livers of Foxa3-deficient mice rescued their defects in cell proliferation and regeneration upon CCl4 treatment. In addition, pharmacological induction of Foxa3 via cardamonin speeded up hepatocyte proliferation after PH, without interfering with liver regeneration termination. Finally, Cebpb and Ki67 levels had a positive correlation with Foxa3 expression in human chronic disease livers. Conclusions These data characterise Foxa3 as a vital regulator of liver regeneration, which may represent an essential factor to maintain liver mass after liver injury by governing Cebpb transcription. Impact and Implications Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after chemical insults or hepatectomy, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, via in vitro and in vivo models and analysis, we demonstrated that Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a Forkhead box family member, maintained normal liver regeneration progression by governing Cebpb transcription and proposed cardamonin as a lead compound to induce Foxa3 and accelerate liver repair, which signified that FOXA3 may be a potential therapeutic target for further preclinical study on treating liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingwei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiyao Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinzhao Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caizhi Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yahui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhirui Xia
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Qiu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyue Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinran Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Precision Optics, Chongqing Institute of East China Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ishan M, Wang Z, Zhao P, Yao Y, Stice SL, Wells L, Mishina Y, Liu HX. Taste papilla cell differentiation requires the regulation of secretory protein production by ALK3-BMP signaling in the tongue mesenchyme. Development 2023; 150:dev201838. [PMID: 37680190 PMCID: PMC10560570 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Taste papillae are specialized organs, each of which comprises an epithelial wall hosting taste buds and a core of mesenchymal tissue. In the present study, we report that during early taste papilla development in mouse embryos, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling mediated by type 1 receptor ALK3 in the tongue mesenchyme is required for epithelial Wnt/β-catenin activity and taste papilla differentiation. Mesenchyme-specific knockout (cKO) of Alk3 using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre resulted in an absence of taste papillae at E12.0. Biochemical and cell differentiation analyses demonstrated that mesenchymal ALK3-BMP signaling governed the production of previously unappreciated secretory proteins, i.e. it suppressed those that inhibit and facilitated those that promote taste papilla differentiation. Bulk RNA-sequencing analysis revealed many more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tongue epithelium than in the mesenchyme in Alk3 cKO versus control. Moreover, we detected downregulated epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling and found that taste papilla development in the Alk3 cKO was rescued by the GSK3β inhibitor LiCl, but not by Wnt3a. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the requirement of tongue mesenchyme in taste papilla cell differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ishan
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zhonghou Wang
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Peng Zhao
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yao Yao
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Lance Wells
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yuji Mishina
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hong-Xiang Liu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tang J, Long G, Xiao L, Zhou L. USP8 positively regulates hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and confers ferroptosis resistance through β-catenin stabilization. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:360. [PMID: 37311739 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05747-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic carcinoma, which is a growing public health problem worldwide. One of the main genetic alterations in HCC is the deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, activation of β-catenin is associated with the progression of HCC. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel modulators in controlling β-catenin ubiquitination and stability. USP8 was overexpressed in HCC tissues and correlated with β-catenin protein level. High expression of USP8 indicated poor prognosis of HCC patients. USP8 depletion significantly decreased β-catenin protein level, β-catenin target genes expression and TOP-luciferase activity in HCC cells. Further mechanistic study revealed that the USP domain of USP8 interacted with the ARM domain of β-catenin. USP8 stabilized β-catenin protein via inhibiting K48-specific poly-ubiquitination process on β-catenin protein. In addition, USP8 depletion inhibited the proliferation, invasion and stemness of HCC cells and conferred ferroptosis resistance, which effects could be further rescued by β-catenin overexpression. In addition, the USP8 inhibitor DUB-IN-3 inhibited the aggressive phenotype and promoted ferroptosis of HCC cells through degradation of β-catenin. Thus, our study demonstrated that USP8 activated the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling through a post-translational mechanism of β-catenin. High expression of USP8 promoted the progression and inhibited ferroptosis of HCC. Targeting the USP8 may serve as a promising strategy for patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ishan M, Wang Z, Zhao P, Yao Y, Stice S, Wells L, Mishina Y, Liu HX. Taste papilla cell differentiation requires tongue mesenchyme via ALK3-BMP signaling to regulate the production of secretory proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535414. [PMID: 37066397 PMCID: PMC10103976 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Taste papillae are specialized organs each of which is comprised of an epithelial wall hosting taste buds and a core of mesenchymal tissue. In the present study, we report that during the early stages of embryonic development, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling mediated by type 1 receptor ALK3 in the tongue mesenchyme is required for the epithelial Wnt/β-catenin activity and taste papilla cell differentiation. Mesenchyme-specific knockout ( cKO ) of Alk3 using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre resulted in an absence of taste papillae at E12.0. Biochemical and cell differentiation analyses demonstrated that mesenchymal ALK3-BMP signaling governs the production of previously unappreciated secretory proteins, i.e., suppresses those that inhibiting and facilitates those promoting taste cell differentiation. Bulk RNA-Sequencing analysis revealed many more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tongue epithelium than in the mesenchyme in Alk3 cKO vs control. Moreover, we detected a down-regulated epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and taste papilla development in the Alk3 cKO was rescued by GSK3β inhibitor LiCl, but not Wnt3a. Our findings demonstrate for the first time the requirement of tongue mesenchyme in taste papilla cell differentiation. Summary statement This is the first set of data to implicate the requirement of tongue mesenchyme in taste papilla cell differentiation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang Y, Luo M, Wang F, Tong Y, Li L, Shu Y, Qiao K, Zhang L, Yan G, Liu J, Ji H, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Gao WQ, Liu Y. AMPK induces degradation of the transcriptional repressor PROX1 impairing branched amino acid metabolism and tumourigenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7215. [PMID: 36433955 PMCID: PMC9700865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34747-y] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell metabolic plasticity is essential for tumour progression and therapeutic responses, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify Prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) as a crucial factor for tumour metabolic plasticity. Notably, PROX1 is reduced by glucose starvation or AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and is elevated in liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-deficient tumours. Furthermore, the Ser79 phosphorylation of PROX1 by AMPK enhances the recruitment of CUL4-DDB1 ubiquitin ligase to promote PROX1 degradation. Downregulation of PROX1 activates branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) degradation through mediating epigenetic modifications and inhibits mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. Importantly, PROX1 deficiency or Ser79 phosphorylation in liver tumour shows therapeutic resistance to metformin. Clinically, the AMPK-PROX1 axis in human cancers is important for patient clinical outcomes. Collectively, our results demonstrate that deficiency of the LKB1-AMPK axis in cancers reactivates PROX1 to sustain intracellular BCAA pools, resulting in enhanced mTOR signalling, and facilitating tumourigenesis and aggressiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Laboratory Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjun Luo
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Tong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linfeng Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Qiao
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoquan Yan
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbin Ji
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Youhua Xie
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ,grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Children’s Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonglong Zhang
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Central Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med-X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bian R, Zhao J, Yao Z, Cai Y, Shou C, Lou D, Zhou L, Qian Y. Knockdown of Obg-like ATPase 1 enhances sorafenib sensitivity by inhibition of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:1255-1265. [PMID: 35837205 PMCID: PMC9274060 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To clarify the molecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), conducive to developing an effective HCC therapy. Owing to the severe drug resistance, the clinical use of sorafenib, which is approved for HCC treatment, is limited. The precise molecular mechanisms of sorafenib drug resistance remain unclear. In the current work, we evaluated the role of Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) in sorafenib resistance in HCC. METHODS The survival of HCC patients between OLA1 expression and sorafenib treatment was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. Cell viability was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Cell death was detected by propidium iodide (PI) and trypan blue staining. The mRNA and protein levels were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot (WB), respectively. RESULTS We found that OLA1 was highly correlated with sorafenib resistance of HCC through a public database. Further study showed that knockdown of OLA1 enhanced cell proliferation inhibition and cell death induced by sorafenib, along with a reduction of proliferation-associated proteins (c-Myc and cyclin D1) and increase of apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP) in HCC cells. In addition, knockdown of OLA1 reduced the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin. CONCLUSIONS Our results proved that OLA1 can be a potential target to enhance sorafenib sensitivity in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Bian
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jinkai Zhao
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zhongcai Yao
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yajun Cai
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Chenting Shou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Dayong Lou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Liqin Zhou
- Medication Department, Zhuji People’s Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qian
- Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
Collapse
|
17
|
Thomas A, Slade KS, Blaheta RA, Markowitsch SD, Stenzel P, Tagscherer KE, Roth W, Schindeldecker M, Michaelis M, Rothweiler F, Cinatl J, Dotzauer R, Vakhrusheva O, Albersen M, Haferkamp A, Juengel E, Cinatl J, Tsaur I. Value of c-MET and Associated Signaling Elements for Predicting Outcomes and Targeted Therapy in Penile Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071683. [PMID: 35406455 PMCID: PMC8997038 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary No relevant improvement in patient outcomes could be achieved in the last decade in metastasized penile cancer due to insufficient identification of molecular hubs crucial for tumor evolution. We investigated the potential of the cellular receptor c-MET and selected other proteins linked to its activity to predict outcomes and for exploitation in targeted treatment. Assessing tumor tissue as well as primary cells both naïve and resistant to systemic drugs, we illustrate the most promising role of c-MET. Indeed, its elevated expression was strongly associated with inferior tumor-related survival. Moreover, its upregulation in treatment-resistant cell lines compared to naïve cells was observed. Treating cell lines with the c-MET inhibitors cabozantinib and tivantinib mediated an effective decrease in cell growth, while the first agent was more efficacious in the naïve cells and the second agent in the resistant cells. Therefore, c-MET blockade warrants further investigation in the setting of metastasized penile cancer. Abstract Whereas the lack of biomarkers in penile cancer (PeCa) impedes the development of efficacious treatment protocols, preliminary evidence suggests that c-MET and associated signaling elements may be dysregulated in this disorder. In the following study, we investigated whether c-MET and associated key molecular elements may have prognostic and therapeutic utility in PeCa. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from therapy-naïve patients with invasive PeCa was used for tissue microarray (TMA) analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the expression of the proteins c-MET, PPARg, β-catenin, snail, survivin, and n-MYC. In total, 94 PeCa patients with available tumor tissue were included. The median age was 64.9 years. High-grade tumors were present in 23.4%, and high-risk HPV was detected in 25.5%. The median follow-up was 32.5 months. High expression of snail was associated with HPV-positive tumors. Expression of β-catenin was inversely associated with grading. In both univariate COX regression analysis and the log-rank test, an increased expression of PPARg and c-MET was predictive of inferior disease-specific survival (DSS). Moreover, in multivariate analysis, a higher expression of c-MET was independently associated with worse DSS. Blocking c-MET with cabozantinib and tivantinib induced a significant decrease in viability in the primary PeCa cell line UKF-PeC3 isolated from the tumor tissue as well as in cisplatin- and osimertinib-resistant sublines. Strikingly, a higher sensitivity to tivantinib could be detected in the latter, pointing to the promising option of utilizing this agent in the second-line treatment setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Thomas
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6131-172312; Fax: +49-6131-173827
| | - Kimberly Sue Slade
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Roman A. Blaheta
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Sascha D. Markowitsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Philipp Stenzel
- Department of Pathology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.); (K.E.T.); (W.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Katrin E. Tagscherer
- Department of Pathology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.); (K.E.T.); (W.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Department of Pathology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.); (K.E.T.); (W.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Mario Schindeldecker
- Department of Pathology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.); (K.E.T.); (W.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Industrial Biotechnology Centre, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Florian Rothweiler
- Institute of Medical Virology, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.R.); (J.C.); (J.C.J.)
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jaroslav Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.R.); (J.C.); (J.C.J.)
| | - Robert Dotzauer
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, 28046 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Eva Juengel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (F.R.); (J.C.); (J.C.J.)
- Dr. Petra Joh-Forschungshaus, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medicine Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (K.S.S.); (R.A.B.); (S.D.M.); (R.D.); (O.V.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (I.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu C, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Chen X. β-Catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:154515. [PMID: 35166233 PMCID: PMC8843739 DOI: 10.1172/jci154515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the main genetic alterations in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Comprehensive genomic analyses have revealed that gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin, and loss-of-function mutation of AXIN1 occur in approximately 35% of human HCC samples. Human HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway demonstrate unique gene expression patterns and pathological features. Activated Wnt/β-catenin synergizes with multiple signaling cascades to drive HCC formation, and it functions through its downstream effectors. Therefore, strategies targeting Wnt/β-catenin have been pursued as possible therapeutics against HCC. Here, we review the genetic alterations and oncogenic roles of aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling during hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the implication of this pathway in HCC diagnosis, classification, and personalized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kwon S, Ban K, Hong YK, Sung JS, Choi I. PROX1, a Key Mediator of the Anti-Proliferative Effect of Rapamycin on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030446. [PMID: 35159256 PMCID: PMC8834064 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The MTOR signal is known to be activated in various cancer cells including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of MTOR, has been widely used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplant patients, and its clinical application has been recently expanded to cancer therapy. In this study, the anti-proliferative effect of rapamycin was investigated in four different HCC cell lines. Rapamycin effectively inhibited the proliferation of Huh7 or Hep3B, but not that of HepG2 or SNU3160 cells. Interestingly, rapamycin increased Prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1) expression at the protein level, but did not affect its transcript in Huh7 as well as Hep3B cells. Moreover, immunoprecipitation assays showed that PROX1 ubiquitination was downregulated by rapamycin. Furthermore, PROX1 over-expression or siRNA knock-down in Huh7 and Hep3B cells reduced or increased proliferation, respectively. The effect of PROX1 over-expression on the sensitivity to rapamycin was not synergistic, but the effect of MTOR inhibition on cell proliferation was diminished by PROX1 siRNA. Finally, Huh7 cells were inoculated into the flanks of nude mice and rapamycin was injected daily for 14 days. The xenograft volume was decreased and PROX1 expression was increased by rapamycin. These results indicate that PROX1 plays a key role in the anti-proliferative effect of rapamycin and suggest that the increased PROX1 by MTOR inhibition can be used as a useful marker for predicting whether HCC cells can be affected by rapamycin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sora Kwon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Korea;
| | - Kiwon Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Soutern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Jung-Suk Sung
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea;
| | - Inho Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hoseo University, Asan 31499, Korea;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Eurola A, Ristimäki A, Mustonen H, Nurmi AM, Hagström J, Kallio P, Alitalo K, Haglund C, Seppänen H. β-catenin plus PROX1 immunostaining stratifies disease progression and patient survival in neoadjuvant-treated pancreatic cancer. Tumour Biol 2022; 44:69-84. [PMID: 35786664 DOI: 10.3233/tub-211581] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the transcription factor PROX1. The role of β-catenin and PROX1 in pancreatic cancer is ambiguous, as some studies have associated their expression with tumor regression and some with tumor progression. OBJECTIVE We have investigated their expression in surgically treated pancreatic cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), and patients treated upfront with surgery (US). We furthermore compared the expression of β-catenin and PROX1 between patients who had a good or poor response to NAT. METHODS We evaluated β-catenin and PROX1 expression through immunohistochemistry in 88 neoadjuvant and 144 upfront surgery patients by scoring the intensity of the immunopositivity as 0-3, corresponding to negative, weak, moderate, or strong. We developed a six-tier grading scheme for the neoadjuvant responses by analyzing the remaining tumor cells in surgical specimen histological sections. RESULTS Strong β-catenin immunopositivity associated with improved survival in the patients with good NAT-response (≤10% residual tumor cells) (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.26 95%, confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.88 p = 0.030). Additionally, the combined moderate β-catenin and PROX1 expression associated with improved survival (HR 0.20 95% CI 0.05-0-76 p = 0.018) among the good responders. Among the patients with a poor NAT-response (> 10% residual tumor cells), both strong β-catenin immunopositivity and strong combined β-catenin and PROX1 associated with shorter survival (HR 2.03 95% CI 1.16-3.55 p = 0.013, and HR 3.1 95% CI 1.08-8.94 p = 0.03, respectively). PROX1 alone was not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS Strong β-catenin immunopositivity and combined strong or moderate β-catenin and PROX1 immunopositivity associated with improved survival among the good NAT-responders and worse survival among the poor NAT-responders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Eurola
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics (ATG), Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Mustonen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna-Maria Nurmi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pauliina Kallio
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Seppänen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hu X, Yuan G, Li Q, Huang J, Cheng X, Chen J. DEAH-box polypeptide 32 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activating the β-catenin pathway. Ann Med 2021; 53:437-447. [PMID: 33729094 PMCID: PMC7971220 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2021.1898674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is refractory cancer with high morbidity and high mortality. DEAH-box polypeptide 32 (DHX32) was upregulated in several types of malignancies and predicted poor prognosis. Herein, we investigated the role of DHX32 in HCC progression. METHODS The expression of DHX32, β-catenin, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related makers were determined by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR assays. Cell proliferation was tested by EdU cell proliferation assay. The effect of DHX32 and β-catenin on cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing and Traswell invasion assays. Tumour xenografts were performed to determine the effect of DHX32 on HCC tumour growth. RESULTS High level of DHX32 expression was associated with reduced overall survival in HCC patients. DHX32 expression was upregulated in human HCC cells and ectopic expression of DHX32 induced EMT, promoted the mobility and proliferation of HCC cells, and enhanced tumour growth in vivo. Silencing DHX32 reversed EMT, inhibited the malignancy behaviors of HCC cells, and suppressed tumour growth. Mechanistically, silencing DHX32 decreased the expression of β-cateninin in nucleus and β-catenin siRNA abrogated DHX32-mediated HCC progression. CONCLUSION DHX32 was an attractive regulator of HCC progression and indicated DHX32 canserve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zheng Y, Wang Y, Mai R, Liu L, Zhu Z, Cao Y. Circ_0007534 Silencing Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion and Induces the Apoptosis of Glioma Cells Partly Through Down-Regulating PROX1 Via Elevating miR-22-3p Level. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:2819-2832. [PMID: 34536179 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01150-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is a common malignant brain neoplasm. The role and mechanism of circular RNA 0,007,534 (circ_0007534) in glioma progression were investigated in this study. The expression of circ_0007534, microRNA-22-3p (miR-22-3p) and prospero homeobox protein 1 (PROX1) messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities were analyzed by colony formation assay, transwell migration assay and transwell invasion assay. Cell apoptosis was assessed through measuring the activity of Caspase-3 using the Caspase-3 kit and the apoptosis rate using flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target interaction between miR-22-3p and circ_0007534 or PROX1. The protein level of PROX1 was examined by Western blot assay. Animal studies were conducted to analyze the influence of circ_0007534 interference on xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0007534 was highly expressed in glioma tissues and cell lines relative to that in normal tissues and NHA cell line. Circ_0007534 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and motility while induced the apoptosis of glioma cells. Circ_0007534 negatively regulated miR-22-3p level through targeting it in glioma cells. Circ_0007534 interference-induced influences in glioma cells were partly overturned by the silencing of miR-22-3p. PROX1 was a target of miR-22-3p, and circ_0007534 interference-mediated effects in glioma cells were largely diminished by the overexpression of PROX1. Circ_0007534 interference restrained glioma development in vivo. Circ_0007534 aggravated glioma progression through elevating PROX1 expression via targeting miR-22-3p, which provided new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), No. 118, Longjing Second Road, Xin'an Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518101, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of General Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongkang Mai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), No. 118, Longjing Second Road, Xin'an Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518101, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), No. 118, Longjing Second Road, Xin'an Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518101, China
| | - Zifeng Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), No. 118, Longjing Second Road, Xin'an Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518101, China
| | - Yiyao Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), No. 118, Longjing Second Road, Xin'an Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, 518101, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hao X, Luo W, Qiu X. The association of transcription factor Prox1 with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer. Open Life Sci 2021; 16:602-610. [PMID: 34183992 PMCID: PMC8218550 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2021-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The current study investigates the effect of transcription factor Prox1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of lung cancer. Methods Lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H446 cells) were transfected with Prox1NAD and siRNA, respectively. Thus, the A549 and H446 cells overexpressed Prox1 after transfection of Prox1NAD plasmids, and A549 and H446 cells have low expression of Prox1 after transfection with siRNA. Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were used to detect Prox1 mRNA and protein expression in cells. Plate clone formation experiments and MTT experiments were used to detect cell proliferation. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Rho family-related proteins in cells. Results Compared to untransfected wild-type A549 and H446 that served as blank controls, the expression level of Prox1mRNA and protein in A549 and H446 cells overexpressing Prox1 after plasmid transfection was high, while the expression level of Prox1mRNA and protein in A549 and H446 cells with low expression of Prox1 after siRNA transfection was low. With the increase of Prox1 expression, the expression of RhoA and RhoC increased, while the expression of RhoB decreased. Conclusion The finding of this study may provide a new approach for the treatment of lung cancer using targeted gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Hao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.,Department of Blood Transfusion, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xueshan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jiang Y, Han Q, Zhao H, Zhang J. The Mechanisms of HBV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:435-450. [PMID: 34046368 PMCID: PMC8147889 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s307962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is its major pathogenic factor. Over the past decades, it has been confirmed that HBV infection could promote disease progression through a variety of mechanisms, ultimately leading to the malignant transformation of liver cells. Many factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC), including HBV gene integration, genomic instability caused by mutation, and activation of cancer-promoting signaling pathways. As research in the progression of HBV-HCC progresses, the role of many new mechanisms, such as epigenetics, exosomes, autophagy, metabolic regulation, and immune suppression, is also being continuously explored. The occurrence of HBV-HCC is a complex process caused by interactions across multiple genes and multiple steps, where the synergistic effects of various cancer-promoting mechanisms accelerate the process of disease evolution from inflammation to tumorigenesis. In this review, we aim to provide a brief overview of the mechanisms involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-HCC, which may contribute to a better understanding of the role of HBV in the occurrence and development of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kaltezioti V, Foskolou IP, Lavigne MD, Ninou E, Tsampoula M, Fousteri M, Margarity M, Politis PK. Prox1 inhibits neurite outgrowth during central nervous system development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3443-3465. [PMID: 33247761 PMCID: PMC11072475 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During central nervous system (CNS) development, proper and timely induction of neurite elongation is critical for generating functional, mature neurons, and neuronal networks. Despite the wealth of information on the action of extracellular cues, little is known about the intrinsic gene regulatory factors that control this developmental decision. Here, we report the identification of Prox1, a homeobox transcription factor, as a key player in inhibiting neurite elongation. Although Prox1 promotes acquisition of early neuronal identity and is expressed in nascent post-mitotic neurons, it is heavily down-regulated in the majority of terminally differentiated neurons, indicating a regulatory role in delaying neurite outgrowth in newly formed neurons. Consistently, we show that Prox1 is sufficient to inhibit neurite extension in mouse and human neuroblastoma cell lines. More importantly, Prox1 overexpression suppresses neurite elongation in primary neuronal cultures as well as in the developing mouse brain, while Prox1 knock-down promotes neurite outgrowth. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq analysis reveals that Prox1 affects critical pathways for neuronal maturation and neurite extension. Interestingly, Prox1 strongly inhibits many components of Ca2+ signaling pathway, an important mediator of neurite extension and neuronal maturation. In accordance, Prox1 represses Ca2+ entry upon KCl-mediated depolarization and reduces CREB phosphorylation. These observations suggest that Prox1 acts as a potent suppressor of neurite outgrowth by inhibiting Ca2+ signaling pathway. This action may provide the appropriate time window for nascent neurons to find the correct position in the CNS prior to initiation of neurites and axon elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthieu D Lavigne
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Fousteri
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Marigoula Margarity
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26500, Rio Achaias, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Deldar Abad Paskeh M, Mirzaei S, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Sethi G. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1415-1444. [PMID: 34858888 PMCID: PMC8630469 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s336858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence: Sepideh Mirzaei Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran Email
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Gautam Sethi Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Email
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bian J, Dannappel M, Wan C, Firestein R. Transcriptional Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092125. [PMID: 32961708 PMCID: PMC7564852 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway exerts integral roles in embryogenesis and adult homeostasis. Aberrant activation of the pathway is implicated in growth-associated diseases and cancers, especially as a key driver in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Loss or inactivation of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) results in constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is considered as an initiating event in the development of CRC. Increased Wnt/β-catenin signaling is observed in virtually all CRC patients, underscoring the importance of this pathway for therapeutic intervention. Prior studies have deciphered the regulatory networks required for the cytoplasmic stabilisation or degradation of the Wnt pathway effector, β-catenin. However, the mechanism whereby nuclear β-catenin drives or inhibits expression of Wnt target genes is more diverse and less well characterised. Here, we describe a brief synopsis of the core canonical Wnt pathway components, set the spotlight on nuclear mediators and highlight the emerging role of chromatin regulators as modulators of β-catenin-dependent transcription activity and oncogenic output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Bian
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Marius Dannappel
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Chunhua Wan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; (J.B.); (M.D.); (C.W.)
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Vishnoi K, Viswakarma N, Rana A, Rana B. Transcription Factors in Cancer Development and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020. [PMID: 32824207 DOI: 10.339/cancers12082296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process and requires constitutive expression/activation of transcription factors (TFs) for growth and survival. Many of the TFs reported so far are critical for carcinogenesis. These include pro-inflammatory TFs, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-controlling TFs, pluripotency TFs upregulated in cancer stem-like cells, and the nuclear receptors (NRs). Some of those, including HIFs, Myc, ETS-1, and β-catenin, are multifunctional and may regulate multiple other TFs involved in various pro-oncogenic events, including proliferation, survival, metabolism, invasion, and metastasis. High expression of some TFs is also correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, constituting a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Considering the pivotal role of TFs in cancer, there is an urgent need to develop strategies targeting them. Targeting TFs, in combination with other chemotherapeutics, could emerge as a better strategy to target cancer. So far, targeting NRs have shown promising results in improving survival. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the TFs that play a central role in cancer progression, which could be potential therapeutic candidates for developing specific inhibitors. Here, we also discuss the efforts made to target some of those TFs, including NRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Vishnoi K, Viswakarma N, Rana A, Rana B. Transcription Factors in Cancer Development and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082296. [PMID: 32824207 PMCID: PMC7464564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step process and requires constitutive expression/activation of transcription factors (TFs) for growth and survival. Many of the TFs reported so far are critical for carcinogenesis. These include pro-inflammatory TFs, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-controlling TFs, pluripotency TFs upregulated in cancer stem-like cells, and the nuclear receptors (NRs). Some of those, including HIFs, Myc, ETS-1, and β-catenin, are multifunctional and may regulate multiple other TFs involved in various pro-oncogenic events, including proliferation, survival, metabolism, invasion, and metastasis. High expression of some TFs is also correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, constituting a significant challenge in cancer treatment. Considering the pivotal role of TFs in cancer, there is an urgent need to develop strategies targeting them. Targeting TFs, in combination with other chemotherapeutics, could emerge as a better strategy to target cancer. So far, targeting NRs have shown promising results in improving survival. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the TFs that play a central role in cancer progression, which could be potential therapeutic candidates for developing specific inhibitors. Here, we also discuss the efforts made to target some of those TFs, including NRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.V.); (N.V.); (A.R.)
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.V.); (N.V.); (A.R.)
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.V.); (N.V.); (A.R.)
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.V.); (N.V.); (A.R.)
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chen QF, Shi F, Huang T, Huang C, Shen L, Wu P, Li W. ASTN1 is associated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma, and inhibits the migratory and invasive capacity of liver cancer via the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1425-1440. [PMID: 32945491 PMCID: PMC7448461 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrotactin 1 (ASTN1) is known to serve a physiological role in neuronal migration; however its role in liver cancer remains to be determined. In the present study, ASTN1 levels were lower in liver cancer tissues compared with those in matching normal tissue. ASTN1 levels were negatively associated with microscopic vascular invasion, advanced clinical stage and a less favorable prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, ASTN1 overexpression in a liver cancer cell line reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of the cells. Based on bioinformatics analysis, ASTN1 levels were negatively associated with the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, ASTN1 downregulated the protein expression levels of β-catenin, T-cell factor (TCF)1, TCF4, Jun proto-oncogene (C-jun), Myc proto-oncogene (C-myc), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels, indicative of suppression of Wnt signaling. Furthermore, XAV939-induced Wnt signaling suppression reversed the ASTN1-mediated inhibition of invasion and migration in cells. Overexpression of ASTN1 in xenografts reduced cancer development as well as Wnt signaling. TIMER analysis showed that ASTN1 expression was negatively correlated with B cell, macrophage and neutrophil infiltrating levels in HCC. Together, the results of the present study showed that ASTN1 reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of liver cancer cells, potentially served as a candidate biomarker for diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of HCC, and was associated with immune infiltration. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of action of ASTN1 may facilitate the development of novel strategies for prevention and treatment of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Feng Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Chaoyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lujun Shen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Peihong Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Wang Li
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat‑sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tian H, Zhu X, Lv Y, Jiao Y, Wang G. Glucometabolic Reprogramming in the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Microenvironment: Cause and Effect. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:5957-5974. [PMID: 32765096 PMCID: PMC7381782 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s258196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor that exhibits glucometabolic reprogramming, with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Usually, HCC is not discovered until an advanced stage. Sorafenib is almost the only drug that is effective at treating advanced HCC, and promising metabolism-related therapeutic targets of HCC are urgently needed. The “Warburg effect” illustrates that tumor cells tend to choose aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is closely related to the features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The HCC microenvironment consists of hypoxia, acidosis and immune suppression, and contributes to tumor glycolysis. In turn, the glycolysis of the tumor aggravates hypoxia, acidosis and immune suppression, and leads to tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis. In 2017, a mechanism underlying the effects of gluconeogenesis on inhibiting glycolysis and blockading HCC progression was proposed. Treating HCC by increasing gluconeogenesis has attracted increasing attention from scientists, but few articles have summarized it. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms associated with the TME, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis and the current treatments for HCC. We believe that a treatment combination of sorafenib with TME improvement and/or anti-Warburg therapies will set the trend of advanced HCC therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huining Tian
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - You Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The Impact of Transcription Factor Prospero Homeobox 1 on the Regulation of Thyroid Cancer Malignancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093220. [PMID: 32370142 PMCID: PMC7247360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) is continuously expressed in the lymphatic endothelial cells, playing an essential role in their differentiation. Many reports have shown that PROX1 is implicated in cancer development and acts as an oncoprotein or suppressor in a tissue-dependent manner. Additionally, the PROX1 expression in many types of tumors has prognostic significance and is associated with patient outcomes. In our previous experimental studies, we showed that PROX1 is present in the thyroid cancer (THC) cells of different origins and has a high impact on follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) phenotypes, regulating migration, invasion, focal adhesion, cytoskeleton reorganization, and angiogenesis. Herein, we discuss the PROX1 transcript and protein structures, the expression pattern of PROX1 in THC specimens, and its epigenetic regulation. Next, we emphasize the biological processes and genes regulated by PROX1 in CGTH-W-1 cells, derived from squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland. Finally, we discuss the interaction of PROX1 with other lymphatic factors. In our review, we aimed to highlight the importance of vascular molecules in cancer development and provide an update on the functionality of PROX1 in THC biology regulation.
Collapse
|
33
|
Stone TW. Dependence and Guidance Receptors-DCC and Neogenin-In Partial EMT and the Actions of Serine Proteases. Front Oncol 2020; 10:94. [PMID: 32117748 PMCID: PMC7010924 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is an important concept in understanding the processes of oncogenesis, especially with respect to the relationship between cell proliferation and metastatic properties such as spontaneous cell motility, chemotaxic migration and tissue invasion. EMT is now recognized as a more complex phenomenon than an all-or-nothing event, in which different components of the EMT may have distinct roles in the physio-pathological regulation of cell function and which may in turn depend on differential interactions with cell constituents and metabolic products. This mini-review summarizes recent work on the induction of cancer properties in parallel with the presence of EMT activities in the presence of serine proteases, with the focus on those tumor suppressors known as "dependence" receptors such as neogenin and Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC). It is concluded that various forms of partial EMT should be given more detailed investigation and consideration as the results could have valuable implications for the development of disease-specific and patient-specific therapies.
Collapse
|
34
|
Liu Y, Tao S, Liao L, Li Y, Li H, Li Z, Lin L, Wan X, Yang X, Chen L. TRIM25 promotes the cell survival and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma through targeting Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Nat Commun 2020; 11:348. [PMID: 31953436 PMCID: PMC6969153 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells often exhibit augmented capacity to maintain endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis under adverse conditions, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. Here, through the evaluation of all human TRIM proteins, we find that TRIM25 is significantly induced upon ER stress. Upregulation of TRIM25 ameliorates oxidative stress, promotes ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and reduces IRE1 signaling in the UPR pathway. In contrast, depletion of TRIM25 leads to ER stress and attenuates tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TRIM25 directly targets Keap1 by ubiquitination and degradation. This leads to Nrf2 activation, which bolsters anti-oxidant defense and cell survival. TRIM25 expression is positively associated with Nrf2 expression and negatively with Keap1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenografts and specimens. Moreover, high TRIM25 expression correlates with poor patient survival in HCC. These findings reveal TRIM25 as a regulator of ER homeostasis and a potential target for tumor therapy. The unfolded protein response allows tumour cells to adapt to ER stress, and aberrant activation of Nrf2 confers cancer progression. Here, the authors show that TRIM25 is induced during ER stress and promotes tumour cell survival by targeting Keap1 for degradation, leading to Nrf2 activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Liu
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.,Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shishi Tao
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Liao
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Hongchang Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Zhihuan Li
- Dongguan Enlife Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Zheshang Building, #430 Dongguan Ave., Dongguan, Guangdong, 523000, China
| | - Lilong Lin
- Dongguan Enlife Stem Cell Biotechnology Institute, Zheshang Building, #430 Dongguan Ave., Dongguan, Guangdong, 523000, China
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Liang Chen
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cha B, Geng X, Mahamud MR, Zhang JY, Chen L, Kim W, Jho EH, Kim Y, Choi D, Dixon JB, Chen H, Hong YK, Olson L, Kim TH, Merrill BJ, Davis MJ, Srinivasan RS. Complementary Wnt Sources Regulate Lymphatic Vascular Development via PROX1-Dependent Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Cell Rep 2019; 25:571-584.e5. [PMID: 30332639 PMCID: PMC6264919 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is necessary for lymphatic vascular development. Oscillatory shear stress (OSS) enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to induce expression of the lymphedema-associated transcription factors GATA2 and FOXC2. However, the mechanisms by which OSS regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling and GATA2 and FOXC2 expression are unknown. We show that OSS activates autocrine Wnt/β-catenin signaling in LECs in vitro. Tissue-specific deletion of Wntless, which is required for the secretion of Wnt ligands, reveals that LECs and vascular smooth muscle cells are complementary sources of Wnt ligands that regulate lymphatic vascular development in vivo. Further, the LEC master transcription factor PROX1 forms a complex with β-catenin and the TCF/LEF transcription factor TCF7L1 to enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promote FOXC2 and GATA2 expression in LECs. Thus, our work defines Wnt sources, reveals that PROX1 directs cell fate by acting as a Wnt signaling component, and dissects the mechanisms of PROX1 and Wnt synergy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boksik Cha
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Xin Geng
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Md Riaj Mahamud
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jenny Y Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Wantae Kim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Deajeon, Korea
| | - Eek-Hoon Jho
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeunhee Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Dongwon Choi
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Brandon Dixon
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lorin Olson
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Systems Biology, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Bradley J Merrill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - R Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Forkhead box (FOX) G1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma epithelial-Mesenchymal transition by activating Wnt signal through forming T-cell factor-4/Beta-catenin/FOXG1 complex. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:475. [PMID: 31771611 PMCID: PMC6880489 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1433-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1) is a member of the Fox transcription factor family involved in regulation of many cancers. However, the role of FOXG1 in hepatocellular carcinogenesisis largely unclear. The present study aimed at examining the biological function and underlying mechanism of FOXG1 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor metastasis as well as its clinical significance. Methods Levels of FOXG1 were determined by immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analysis in HCC cell lines and human HCC samples. The effect of FOXG1 on cancer cell invasion and metastasis was investigated in vitro and in vivo in either FOXG1-silenced or overexpressing human HCC cell lines. Immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the interaction of FOXG1, β-catenin, TCF4 and the effect on Wnt target-gene promoters. Results In human HCC, the level of FOXG1 progressively increased from surrounding non tumorous livers to HCC, reaching the highest levels in metastatic HCC. Furthermore, expression levels of FOXG1 directly correlated with cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. In FOXG1-overexpressing cells, FOXG1 promotes the stabilization and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin by directly binding to β-catenin and it associates with the lymphoid enhancer factor/T cell factor proteins (LEF/TCFs) on Wnt responsive enhancers (WREs) in chromatin. Conclusions The results show that FOXG1 plays a key role in mediating cancer cell metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC cells and predicts HCC prognosis after surgery. Targeting FOXG1 may provide a new approach for therapeutic treatment in the future.
Collapse
|
37
|
Dong C, Zhang X, Liu K, Li B, Chao Z, Jiang A, Li R, Li P, Liu H, Wu W. Comprehensive Analysis of Porcine Prox1 Gene and Its Relationship with Meat Quality Traits. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100744. [PMID: 31569476 PMCID: PMC6826434 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prox1 is involved in muscle fiber conversion, adult-onset obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, information regarding porcine Prox1 and its relationship with meat quality traits is still unknown. In this study, we characterized the full-length cDNA and proximal promoter of two transcript variants of porcine Prox1. Moreover, Prox1 was expressed abundantly in the skeletal muscle and its expression was higher in the soleus muscle than that in the biceps femoris muscle. Its expression pattern in the high and low meat color (redness) value a* groups was similar to that of myoglobin and MyHC I, but opposed to that of MyHC IIB. Importantly, there was a significant positive correlation between Prox1 expression and meat color (redness) value a* (r = 0.3845, p = 0.0394), and a significant negative correlation between Prox1 expression and drip loss (r = -0.4204, p = 0.0232), as well as the ratio of MyHC IIB to MyHC I expression (r = -0.3871, p = 0.0380). In addition, we found that the polymorphisms of three closely linked SNPs in Prox1 promoter 1 were significantly associated with pH24h in a pig population. Taken together, our data provide valuable insights into the characteristics of porcine Prox1 and indicate that Prox1 is a promising candidate gene affecting meat quality traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Dong
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Xiying Zhang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Kaiqing Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Bojiang Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
| | - Zhe Chao
- Institute of Animal Sciences & Veterinary, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Haikou 571100, China.
| | - Aiwen Jiang
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Rongyang Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Pinghua Li
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Honglin Liu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Wangjun Wu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jiang Y, Han QJ, Zhang J. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanisms of progression and immunotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3151-3167. [PMID: 31333308 PMCID: PMC6626719 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common. With extensive studies, an increasing number of molecular mechanisms that promote HCC are being discovered. Surgical resection is still the most effective treatment for patients with early HCC. However, early detection and treatment are difficult for most HCC patients, and the postoperative recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor clinical prognosis of HCC. Although immunotherapy takes longer than conventional chemotherapy to produce therapeutic effects, it persists for longer. In recent years, the emergence of many new immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, has given new hope for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sun X, Huang T, Zhang C, Zhang S, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Liu Z. Long non-coding RNA LINC00968 reduces cell proliferation and migration and angiogenesis in breast cancer through up-regulation of PROX1 by reducing hsa-miR-423-5p. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1908-1924. [PMID: 31213129 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1632641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a common invasive malignancy in women with unclear etiology. A recent study suggested that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC00968 had a tumor-promoting effect in cancer. However, the role of LINC00968 in BC remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the present study to determine the effect of LINC00968 in BC and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The expression of LINC00968 and hsa-miR-423-5p in BC tissues and cells was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine the relationship among LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p. Gain- and loss-function approaches were utilized to examine the effects of LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p on cell proliferation, migration, tube formation in vitro; and tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Results: LINC00968 expression reduced while hsa-miR-423-5p increased in BC tissues relative to adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of LINC00968 was observed to inhibit BC cell proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo through inhibition of hsa-miR-423-5p. And hsa-miR-423-5p mediated BC cellular functions and tumor growth through down-regulating PROX1. LINC00968 was identified as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate PROX1 by downregulating hsa-miR-423-5p. More importantly, it was found that LINC00968 increased PROX1 expression in vivo in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Taken together, this study suggests that LINC00968 inhibits the progression of BC through impeding hsa-miR-423-5p-mediated PROX1 inhibition. LINC00968 may be a potential therapeutic target for BC therapy that warrants further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianfu Sun
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Chengjuan Zhang
- b Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Shengze Zhang
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Saglietti C, La Rosa S, Sykiotis GP, Letovanec I, Bulliard JL, Piana S, Mermod M, Petrova T, Uccella S, Sessa F, Bongiovanni M. Expression of Prox1 in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Is Associated with Chromogranin A and Calcitonin Expression and with Ki67 Proliferative Index, but Not with Prognosis. Endocr Pathol 2019; 30:138-145. [PMID: 31001799 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-019-9576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been shown to express Prospero homeobox protein 1 (Prox1), a transcription factor whose expression is altered in a variety of human cancers. We conducted a retrospective study on a series of 32 patients with MTC to test the correlation of Prox1 expression in MTC with clinicopathological features and to evaluate its prognostic significance. Correlation of Prox1 immunohistochemical expression with tumor size, proliferative index (Ki67), and calcitonin and CEA serum levels prior to surgery was tested for significant correlations. The difference in Prox1 and Ki67 immunohistochemical expression according to the immunohistochemical staining intensity of CEA, chromogranin A, and calcitonin was tested using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and linear regression analysis. The prognostic value of Prox1 and Ki67 for our patient cohort was assessed by Kaplan-Meier log rank survival analysis. We demonstrated a positive correlation between Prox1 expression and Ki67 index. Prox1 also showed significant difference in expression according to chromogranin A and calcitonin immunohistochemical expression, with higher Prox1 expression in tumors with stronger chromogranin A or calcitonin staining. Prox1 expression did not correlate with PFS or OS based on Kaplan-Meier log rank survival analysis. In conclusion, Prox1 expression in MTC is positively correlated with Ki67 and with the immunohistochemical expression of chromogranin A and calcitonin. However, the present study does not support a role for Prox1 in MTC prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Saglietti
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 25, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 25, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerasimos P Sykiotis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Igor Letovanec
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 25, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Luc Bulliard
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maxime Mermod
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tatiana Petrova
- Department of Oncology, CHUV and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Division of Experimental Pathology, CHUV and Swiss Institute for Cancer Research, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Uccella
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fausto Sessa
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Massimo Bongiovanni
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 25, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rudzińska M, Grzanka M, Stachurska A, Mikula M, Paczkowska K, Stępień T, Paziewska A, Ostrowski J, Czarnocka B. Molecular Signature of Prospero Homeobox 1 (PROX1) in Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092212. [PMID: 31060342 PMCID: PMC6539481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) transcription factor is a product of one of the lymphangiogenesis master genes. It has also been suggested to play a role in carcinogenesis, although its precise role in tumour development and metastasis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to gain more knowledge on the PROX1 function in thyroid tumorigenesis. Follicular thyroid cancer-derived cells—CGTH-W-1—were transfected with PROX1-siRNA (small interfering RNA) and their proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and motility were then analysed. The transcriptional signature of PROX1 depletion was determined using RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and the expression of relevant genes was further validated using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot and immunocytochemistry. PROX1 depletion resulted in a decreased cell motility, with both migratory and invasive potential being significantly reduced. The cell morphology was also affected, while the other studied cancer-related cell characteristics were not significantly altered. RNA-seq analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of transcripts encoding genes involved in both motility and cytoskeleton organization. Our transcriptional analysis of PROX1-depleted follicular thyroid carcinoma cells followed by functional and phenotypical analyses provide, for the first time, evidence that PROX1 plays an important role in the metastasis of thyroid cancer cells by regulating genes involved in focal adhesion and cytoskeleton organization in tumour cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rudzińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Grzanka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Stachurska
- Department of Immunohematology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Mikula
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Paczkowska
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Stępień
- Clinic of Endocrinological and General Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 93-513 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Paziewska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jerzy Ostrowski
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Czarnocka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Homeobox Genes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050621. [PMID: 31058850 PMCID: PMC6562709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths each year. It involves a multi-step progression and is strongly associated with chronic inflammation induced by the intake of environmental toxins and/or viral infections (i.e., hepatitis B and C viruses). Although several genetic dysregulations are considered to be involved in disease progression, the detailed regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Homeobox genes that encode transcription factors with homeodomains control cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis in embryonic development. Recently, more aberrant expressions of Homeobox genes were found in a wide variety of human cancer, including HCC. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence related to the role of Homeobox genes in the development of HCC. The objective is to determine the roles of this conserved transcription factor family and its potential use as a therapeutic target in future investigations.
Collapse
|
43
|
McNair K, Forrest CM, Vincenten MCJ, Darlington LG, Stone TW. Serine protease modulation of Dependence Receptors and EMT protein expression. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 20:349-367. [PMID: 30403907 PMCID: PMC6370372 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1529109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the tumour suppressor Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) and the related protein neogenin is reduced by the mammalian serine protease chymotrypsin or the bacterial serine protease subtilisin, with increased cell migration. The present work examines whether these actions are associated with changes in the expression of cadherins, β-catenin and vimentin, established markers of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) which has been linked with cell migration and tumour metastasis. The results confirm the depletion of DCC and neogenin and show that chymotrypsin and subtilisin also reduce expression of β-catenin in acutely prepared tissue sections but not in human mammary adenocarcinoma MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in normal media, or primary normal human breast cells. A loss of β-catenin was also seen in low serum media but transfecting cells with a dcc-containing plasmid induced resistance. E-cadherin was not consistently affected but vimentin was induced by low serum-containing media and was increased by serine proteases in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in parallel with increased wound closure. Vimentin might contribute to the promotion of cell migration. The results suggest that changes in EMT proteins depend on the cells or tissues concerned and do not parallel the expression of DCC and neogenin. The increased cell migration induced by serine proteases is not consistently associated with the expression of the EMT proteins implying either that the increased migration may be independent of EMT or supporting the view that EMT is not itself consistently related to migration. (241).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara McNair
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Caroline M. Forrest
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria C. J. Vincenten
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Trevor W. Stone
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- The Kennedy Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen J, Li L, Zhou Z, Yu S, Li Y, Gao Y. FAPP2 promotes tumor cell growth in human colon cancer through activation of Wnt signaling. Exp Cell Res 2018; 374:12-18. [PMID: 30408464 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate adaptor protein-2 (FAPP2) is well-known to function as a cytoplasmic lipid transfer protein during vesicle maturation. However, the expression and role of FAPP2 in tumor remain elusive. In this study, data from immunohistochemical assays displayed that FAPP2 was remarkably upregulated (57.8%) in 90 cases of colon cancer samples in contrast to their corresponding adjacent tissues. Disruption of FAPP2 by CRISPR/Cas9 technique in colon cancer cells led to an attenuated effect on cell growth analyzed by CCK8 and colony formation assays. Meanwhile, the tumorigenicity of FAPP2 downregulated cells also decreased in nude mice model. Accordantly, CCK8 assays also indicated that FAPP2 overexpression could promote colon cancer cell growth. In addition, dual luciferase reporter assays and western blot analyses revealed that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was involved in the FAPP2-regulated tumor cell growth. These findings suggest that FAPP2 could act as an oncogene in the regulation of tumor growth and may provide a new therapeutic target for human colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingde Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Shijun Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kim YJ, Yoo JE, Jeon Y, Chong JU, Choi GH, Song DG, Jung SH, Oh BK, Park YN. Suppression of PROX1-mediated TERT expression in hepatitis B viral hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:3155-3168. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Joo Kim
- Natural Products Research Center; Korea Institute of Science and Technology; Gangneung South Korea
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Yoo
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Youngsic Jeon
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Jae Uk Chong
- Department of Surgery; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Gi Hong Choi
- Department of Surgery; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Dae-Geun Song
- Systems Biotechnology Research Center; Korea Institute of Science and Technology; Gangneung South Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Jung
- Natural Products Research Center; Korea Institute of Science and Technology; Gangneung South Korea
| | - Bong-Kyeong Oh
- Institute of Medical Science, Hanyang University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Young Nyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Xue Y, Jia X, Li L, Dong X, Ling J, Yuan J, Li Q. DDX5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis via Akt signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:2885-2891. [PMID: 30119889 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The DEAD-box-protein DDX5 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase and also acts as co-activator that contributes to progression and metastasis of various tumours. However, its expression as well as prognostic roles of DDX5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. In this study, we investigated clinical significance and biological functions of DDX5 in HCC. Our results suggested that DDX5 showed overexpression at both transcriptional and translational levels in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, DDX5 expression was demonstrated to be correlated with tumor size (p < 0.001), N stage (p = 0.013), M stage (p = 0.006), tumor differentiation (p < 0.001) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage (p = 0.001). Simultaneously, high DDX5 expression was found to be significantly correlated to worse outcome including Disease free survival (DFS) (p = 0.016) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.032) according to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In vitro studies, it suggested that knockdown of DDX5 suppressed HCC cells migration, invasion and epithelial -to- mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Depletion of DDX5 could promote HCC cells growth. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that PI3K/Akt signaling pathway obtained the highest enrichment. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of DDX5 decreased Akt as well as p-Akt (S473) expressions. Collectively, these findings suggested that DDX5 facilitated HCC cells growth via Akt signaling pathway. DDX5 played a crucial role in HCC proliferation and tumorigenesis and may be a novel prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xue
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xuebing Jia
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Lei Li
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiao Dong
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jing Ling
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jian Yuan
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China; Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias of the Ministry of Education of China, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China; Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Qi Li
- Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hallmarks of Cancer-Related Newly Prognostic Factors of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082413. [PMID: 30115834 PMCID: PMC6121568 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is the sixth leading malignancy worldwide. OSCC is an aggressive tumor and its prognosis has exhibited little improvement in the last three decades. Comprehensive elucidation of OSCC's molecular mechanism is imperative for early detection and treatment, improving patient survival. Based on broadly accepted notions, OSCC arises from multiple genetic alterations caused by chronic exposure to carcinogens. In 2011, research revealed 10 key alterations fundamental to cancer cell development: sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, avoiding immune destruction, activating invasion and metastasis, tumor-promoting inflammation, enabling replicative immortality, inducing angiogenesis, genome instability and mutation, resisting cell death, and deregulating energetics. This review describes molecular pathological findings on conventional and novel hallmarks of OSCC prognostic factors. In addition, the review summarizes the functions and roles of several molecules as novel OSCC prognosticators.
Collapse
|
48
|
Nguyen J, Jiao J, Smoot K, Watt GP, Zhao C, Song X, Stevenson HL, McCormick JB, Fisher-Hoch SP, Zhang J, Futreal PA, Beretta L. Toll-like receptor 4: a target for chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma in obesity and steatohepatitis. Oncotarget 2018; 9:29495-29507. [PMID: 30034633 PMCID: PMC6047684 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing. We aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of NAFLD-associated HCC and identify candidate targets for chemoprevention. Twenty HCC tumors, distant liver and matched tails from mice with hepatocyte-deletion of Pten (HepPten-) were subjected to whole-exome sequencing. A total of 162 genes with somatic non-synonymous single nucleotide variants or exonic small insertions and deletions in tumors were identified. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of these 162 genes, further identified Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, a key mediator of proinflammatory responses, and resatorvid, a TLR4 inhibitor, as the main causal networks of this dataset. Resatorvid treatment strongly prevented HCC development in these mice (p < 0.001). Remarkably, HCC patients with high tumoral TLR4 mRNA expression were more likely to be diagnosed with NAFLD and obese. TLR4 mRNA expression positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression in HCC tumors and the correlation was stronger in obese HCC patients. We have identified tumor mutation signatures and associated causal networks in NAFLD-associated HCC in HepPten- mice and further demonstrated the important role of TLR4 in promoting HCC development. This study also identified IL-6 and IL-10 as markers of TLR4 activation in HCC and subjects with NAFLD and obesity as the target population who would benefit from TLR4 inhibition treatment for HCC chemoprevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nguyen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jingjing Jiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Smoot
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gordon P Watt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in Brownsville, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xingzhi Song
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heather L Stevenson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph B McCormick
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in Brownsville, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Susan P Fisher-Hoch
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health in Brownsville, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Song J, Xie C, Jiang L, Wu G, Zhu J, Zhang S, Tang M, Song L, Li J. Transcription factor AP-4 promotes tumorigenic capability and activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:3571-3583. [PMID: 30026867 PMCID: PMC6037031 DOI: 10.7150/thno.25194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that the transcription factor activating enhancer-binding protein 4 (TFAP4) is upregulated and associated with an aggressive phenotype in several cancers. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the oncogenic role of TFAP4 remain largely unknown. Methods: TFAP4 expression levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and tissues were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the oncogenic function of TFAP4 in the tumor-initiating cell (TIC)-like phenotype and the tumorigenic capability of HCC cells. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR assays were performed to determine the underlying mechanism of TFAP4-mediated HCC aggressiveness. Results: TFAP4 was markedly upregulated in human HCC, and was associated with significantly poorer overall and relapse-free survival in patients with HCC. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of TFAP4 significantly enhanced, whereas silencing TFAP4 inhibited, the tumor sphere formation ability and proportion of side-population cells in HCC cells in vitro, and ectopic TFAP4 enhanced the tumorigenicity of HCC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TFAP4 played an important role in activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling by directly binding to the promoters of DVL1 (dishevelled segment polarity protein 1) and LEF1 (lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1). Conclusions: Our results provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying hyperactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC, as well the oncogenic ability of TFAP4 to enhance the tumor-forming ability of HCC cells.
Collapse
|
50
|
Hao Q, He L, Zhou J, Yuan Y, Ma X, Pang Z, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zhang C, Li M. A dimeric thymosin beta 4 with novel bio-activity protects post-ischemic cardiac function by accelerating vascular endothelial cell proliferation. Int J Cardiol 2018; 261:146-154. [PMID: 29550018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a 43-amino-acid peptide with protective properties in myocardium injury. Previously, we produced a recombinant human dimeric Tβ4 (DTβ4). Here, the cardioprotective effects of DTβ4 and the molecular mechanisms underlying its enhanced activity were investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Echocardiography measurements showed that the cardioprotective effect of DTβ4 in myocardial infarction mice was significantly higher than that of wild-type Tβ4. Corresponding in vitro analyses demonstrated that the enhanced cardioprotection provided by DTβ4 was largely due to increased stimulation of angiogenesis. HPLC analysis, western blotting and qRT-PCR indicated that the enhanced pro-angiogenesis activity of DTβ4 was independent of the protein half-life and the known downstream pathways of wild-type Tβ4. Transcriptome deep sequencing (RNA-seq), BrdU incorporation assays, flow cytometry analysis and RNA interference demonstrated that the enhanced angiogenic activity of DTβ4 depended on MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1)-induced proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, which has not been reported for wild-type Tβ4. Moreover, transcription factor activation screening, luciferase promoter reporter assay and immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that DTβ4 enhanced MALAT1 transcription by inhibiting the degradation of prospero-related homeobox 1 (PROX1). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential applications and the novel bioactivity of the Tβ4 dimer. Moreover, to construct the dimer represents a new method for production of bioactive peptides that may have novel activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hao
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Lei He
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Jiming Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, 153 Central Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Xiaowen Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Zhijun Pang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Weina Li
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China.
| | - Cun Zhang
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China.
| | - Meng Li
- Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China.
| |
Collapse
|