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Runa F, Ortiz-Soto G, de Barros NR, Kelber JA. Targeting SMAD-Dependent Signaling: Considerations in Epithelial and Mesenchymal Solid Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:326. [PMID: 38543112 PMCID: PMC10975212 DOI: 10.3390/ph17030326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SMADs are the canonical intracellular effector proteins of the TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β). SMADs translocate from plasma membrane receptors to the nucleus regulated by many SMAD-interacting proteins through phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications that govern their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and subsequent transcriptional activity. The signaling pathway of TGF-β/SMAD exhibits both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting phenotypes in epithelial-derived solid tumors. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β/SMAD signaling presents significant challenges for the development of effective cancer therapies. Here, we review preclinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of inhibitors targeting major SMAD-regulating and/or -interacting proteins, particularly enzymes that may play important roles in epithelial or mesenchymal compartments within solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Runa
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Department of Biology, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
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2
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Du Y, Li H, Wang Y, He Y, Li G. DLX1 acts as a novel prognostic biomarker involved in immune cell infiltration and tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16823. [PMID: 38317839 PMCID: PMC10840498 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16823] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The biological function of distal-less homeobox 1 (DLX1) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear, despite a growing body of evidence that DLX1 is involved in the initiation and progression of various tumors. Methods This study explored and confirmed the prognostic and immunologic roles of DLX1 in LUAD via bioinformatic analysis and cellular functional validation. MethSurv was used to analyze the DNA methylation levels of DLX1 and the prognostic value of CpG islands. DLX1 mutation rates and prognoses between patients with and without the mutated DLX1 gene were analyzed by cBioPortal. Finally, cellular functional assays were used to investigate the effect of DLX1 on LUAD cells. Results Our results showed that DLX1 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD. High DLX1 expression or promoter methylation was associated with worse prognosis, which confirmed DLX1 as an independent prognostic factor in LUAD. The level of multiple immune cell infiltration was significantly associated with DLX1 expression. Genes in the high DLX1 expression group were mainly enriched in cell cycle checkpoint, DNA replication, DNA repair, Fceri-mediated MAPK activation, TP53 activity regulation, and MET activation of PTK2-regulated signaling pathways. Cellular functional assays showed that the knockdown of DLX1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells. Conclusion Our study identified DLX1 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, and a promising therapeutic target in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- School of Clinical Oncology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Heng Li
- School of Clinical Oncology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Clinical Oncology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yunyan He
- School of Clinical Oncology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Gaofeng Li
- School of Clinical Oncology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Müller-Dott S, Tsirvouli E, Vazquez M, Ramirez Flores R, Badia-i-Mompel P, Fallegger R, Türei D, Lægreid A, Saez-Rodriguez J. Expanding the coverage of regulons from high-confidence prior knowledge for accurate estimation of transcription factor activities. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:10934-10949. [PMID: 37843125 PMCID: PMC10639077 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene regulation plays a critical role in the cellular processes that underlie human health and disease. The regulatory relationship between transcription factors (TFs), key regulators of gene expression, and their target genes, the so called TF regulons, can be coupled with computational algorithms to estimate the activity of TFs. However, to interpret these findings accurately, regulons of high reliability and coverage are needed. In this study, we present and evaluate a collection of regulons created using the CollecTRI meta-resource containing signed TF-gene interactions for 1186 TFs. In this context, we introduce a workflow to integrate information from multiple resources and assign the sign of regulation to TF-gene interactions that could be applied to other comprehensive knowledge bases. We find that the signed CollecTRI-derived regulons outperform other public collections of regulatory interactions in accurately inferring changes in TF activities in perturbation experiments. Furthermore, we showcase the value of the regulons by examining TF activity profiles in three different cancer types and exploring TF activities at the level of single-cells. Overall, the CollecTRI-derived TF regulons enable the accurate and comprehensive estimation of TF activities and thereby help to interpret transcriptomics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Müller-Dott
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eirini Tsirvouli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Ricardo O Ramirez Flores
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pau Badia-i-Mompel
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robin Fallegger
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dénes Türei
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Lægreid
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Julio Saez-Rodriguez
- Heidelberg University, Faculty of Medicine, and Heidelberg University Hospital, Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Bioquant, Heidelberg, Germany
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4
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Pouliou M, Koutsi MA, Champezou L, Giannopoulou AI, Vatsellas G, Piperi C, Agelopoulos M. MYCN Amplifications and Metabolic Rewiring in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4803. [PMID: 37835497 PMCID: PMC10571721 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease caused by (epi)genomic and gene expression abnormalities and characterized by metabolic phenotypes that are substantially different from the normal phenotypes of the tissues of origin. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the key features of tumors, including those established in the human nervous system. In this work, we emphasize a well-known cancerous genomic alteration: the amplification of MYCN and its downstream effects in neuroblastoma phenotype evolution. Herein, we extend our previous computational biology investigations by conducting an integrative workflow applied to published genomics datasets and comprehensively assess the impact of MYCN amplification in the upregulation of metabolism-related transcription factor (TF)-encoding genes in neuroblastoma cells. The results obtained first emphasized overexpressed TFs, and subsequently those committed in metabolic cellular processes, as validated by gene ontology analyses (GOs) and literature curation. Several genes encoding for those TFs were investigated at the mechanistic and regulatory levels by conducting further omics-based computational biology assessments applied on published ChIP-seq datasets retrieved from MYCN-amplified- and MYCN-enforced-overexpression within in vivo systems of study. Hence, we approached the mechanistic interrelationship between amplified MYCN and overexpression of metabolism-related TFs in neuroblastoma and showed that many are direct targets of MYCN in an amplification-inducible fashion. These results illuminate how MYCN executes its regulatory underpinnings on metabolic processes in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialena Pouliou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Marianna A. Koutsi
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Lydia Champezou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Angeliki-Ioanna Giannopoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street Bldg 16, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Giannis Vatsellas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street Bldg 16, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Marios Agelopoulos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou St., 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.P.); (M.A.K.); (L.C.); (G.V.)
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Khan MA, Khan P, Ahmad A, Fatima M, Nasser MW. FOXM1: A small fox that makes more tracks for cancer progression and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:1-15. [PMID: 36958703 PMCID: PMC10199453 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable for the modulation of various signaling pathways associated with normal cell homeostasis and disease conditions. Among cancer-related TFs, FOXM1 is a critical molecule that regulates multiple aspects of cancer cells, including growth, metastasis, recurrence, and stem cell features. FOXM1 also impact the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancer types. Recent advances in cancer research strengthen the cancer-specific role of FOXM1, providing a rationale to target FOXM1 for developing targeted therapies. This review compiles the recent studies describing the pivotal role of FOXM1 in promoting metastasis of various cancer types. It also implicates the contribution of FOXM1 in the modulation of chemotherapeutic resistance, antitumor immune response/immunotherapies, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors of FOXM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Aatiya Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Chen YC, Li DB, Wang DL, Peng H. Comprehensive analysis of distal-less homeobox family gene expression in colon cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1019-1035. [PMID: 37389108 PMCID: PMC10302991 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i6.1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distal-less homeobox (DLX) gene family plays an important role in the development of several tumors. However, the expression pattern, prognostic and diagnostic value, possible regulatory mechanisms, and the relationship between DLX family genes and immune infiltration in colon cancer have not been systematically reported.
AIM We aimed to comprehensively analyze the biological role of the DLX gene family in the pathogenesis of colon cancer.
METHODS Colon cancer tissue and normal colon tissue samples were collected from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Wilcoxon rank sum test and t-test were used to assess DLX gene family expression between colon cancer tissue and unpaired normal colon tissue. cBioPortal was used to analyze DLX gene family variants. R software was used to analyze DLX gene expression in colon cancer and the relationship between DLX gene family expression and clinical features and correlation heat map. The survival package and Cox regression module were used to assess the prognostic value of the DLX gene family. The pROC package was used to analyze the diagnostic value of the DLX gene family. R software was used to analyze the possible regulatory mechanisms of DLX gene family members and related genes. The GSVA package was used to analyze the relationship between the DLX gene family and immune infiltration. The ggplot2, the survminer package, and the clusterProfiler package were used for visualization.
RESULTS DLX1/2/3/4/5 were significantly aberrantly expressed in colon cancer patients. The expression of DLX genes were associated with M stage, pathologic stage, primary therapy outcome, residual tumor, lymphatic invasion, T stage, N stage, age, perineural invasion, and history of colon polyps. DLX5 was independently correlated with the prognosis of colon cancer in multivariate analysis. DLX1/2/3/4/5/6 were involved in the development and progression of colon cancer by participating in immune infiltration and associated pathways, including the Hippo signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, several signaling pathways regulating the pluripotency of stem cells, and Staphylococcus aureus infection.
CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest a possible role for the DLX gene family as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Cheng Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Endoscopic Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dong-Bing Li
- Department of Medicine, ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Dong-Liang Wang
- Department of Medicine, ChosenMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 100176, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of General Surgery (Anorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, Guangdong Province, China
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Wang J, Tao L, Liu Y, Liu H, Shen X, Tao L. Identification and validation of DLX4 as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:146. [PMID: 36936018 PMCID: PMC10018244 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13732] [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: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a lethal cancer, and biomarkers for exact diagnosis and predicting prognosis are urgently needed. The present study aimed to determine the roles of distal-less homeobox (DLX) family genes in ccRCC. The clinicopathological and mRNA expression data of patients with ccRCC were derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox hazard analyses, in addition to receiver operator characteristic curves were used to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic values. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to quantify the infiltration levels of immune cells. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression levels of DLX4 in tumor and adjacent tissue; the results demonstrated that DLX4 was highly expressed in ccRCC tissues compared with normal renal tissues. Furthermore, DLX4 expression was associated with tumor stage and grade. High proportions of males, advanced pathological stage, higher tumor grade and T, N and M stage were also observed in the high DLX4 expression group. Patients with the high DLX4 expression levels tended to have lower overall survival and disease-free survival rates compared with those with low DLX4 expression. DLX4 expression also showed favorable diagnostic efficiency in ccRCC patients. Based on functional enrichment analysis, cell cycle related pathways, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, glycolysis and inflammatory response were associated with the expression levels of DLX4. Furthermore, DLX4 expression was revealed to be associated with tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Overall, the expression level of DLX4 may be considered a novel prognostic indicator in ccRCC and a specific diagnostic biomarker for patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Liangjun Tao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yingqing Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Heqian Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Shen
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
| | - Lingsong Tao
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Lingsong Tao, Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu, 259 JiuHuaShan Avenue, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, P.R. China, E-mail:
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Hu H, Yin Y, Jiang B, Feng Z, Cai T, Wu S. Cuproptosis signature and PLCD3 predicts immune infiltration and drug responses in osteosarcoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1156455. [PMID: 37007130 PMCID: PMC10060837 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1156455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a cancer that is frequently found in children and adolescents and has made little improvement in terms of prognosis in recent years. A recently discovered type of programmed cell death called cuproptosis is mediated by copper ions and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The expression patterns, roles, and prognostic and predictive capabilities of the cuproptosis regulating genes were investigated in this work. TARGET and GEO provided transcriptional profiling of OS. To find different cuproptosis gene expression patterns, consensus clustering was used. To identify hub genes linked to cuproptosis, differential expression (DE) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used. Cox regression and Random Survival Forest were used to build an evaluation model for prognosis. For various clusters/subgroups, GSVA, mRNAsi, and other immune infiltration experiments were carried out. The drug-responsive study was carried out by the Oncopredict algorithm. Cuproptosis genes displayed two unique patterns of expression, and high expression of FDX1 was associated with a poor outcome in OS patients. The TCA cycle and other tumor-promoting pathways were validated by the functional study, and activation of the cuproptosis genes may also be connected with immunosuppressive state. The robust survival prediction ability of a five-gene prognostic model was verified. This rating method also took stemness and immunosuppressive characteristics into account. Additionally, it can be associated with a higher sensitivity to medications that block PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling as well as numerous chemoresistances. U2OS cell migration and proliferation may be encouraged by PLCD3. The relevance of PLCD3 in immunotherapy prediction was verified. The prognostic significance, expressing patterns, and functions of cuproptosis in OS were revealed in this work on a preliminary basis. The cuproptosis-related scoring model worked well for predicting prognosis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuesong Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Binbin Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhennan Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ting Cai, ; Song Wu,
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ting Cai, ; Song Wu,
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A novel metabolism-related prognostic gene development and validation in gastric cancer. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:447-459. [PMID: 36168087 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02958-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of metabolism-related alterations in the development of gastric cancer (GC) is increasingly recognized. The present study aimed to identify metabolism-related genes to facilitate prognosis of GC patients. METHODS Gene expression datasets and clinical information of GC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. We scored the enrichment of human metabolism-related pathways (n = 86) in GC samples by GSV, constructed prognostic risk models using LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis, combined with clinical information to construct a nomogram, and finally cis score algorithm to analyze the abundance of immune-related cells in different subtypes. We used Weka software to screen for prognosis-related marker genes and finally validated the expression of the selected genes in clinical cancer patient tissues. RESULTS We identified that two GC metabolism-related signatures were strongly associated with OS and the levels of immune cell infiltration. Moreover, a survival prediction model for GC was established based on six GC metabolism-related genes. Time-dependent ROC analysis showed good stability of the risk prediction scoring model. The model was successfully validated in an independent ACRG cohort, and the expression trends of key genes were also verified in the GC tissues of patients. DLX1, LTBP2, FGFR1 and MMP2 were highly expressed in the cluster with poorer prognosis while SLC13A2 and SLCO1B3 were highly expressed in the cluster with better prognosis. CONCLUSIONS We identified a risk predictive score model based on six metabolism-related genes related to survival, which may serve as prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets for GC.
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Mo Y, Leung LL, Mak CSL, Wang X, Chan WS, Hui LMN, Tang HWM, Siu MKY, Sharma R, Xu D, Tsui SKW, Ngan HYS, Yung MMH, Chan KKL, Chan DW. Tumor-secreted exosomal miR-141 activates tumor-stroma interactions and controls premetastatic niche formation in ovarian cancer metastasis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:4. [PMID: 36624516 PMCID: PMC9827705 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01703-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic colonization is one of the critical steps in tumor metastasis. A pre-metastatic niche is required for metastatic colonization and is determined by tumor-stroma interactions, yet the mechanistic underpinnings remain incompletely understood. METHODS PCR-based miRNome profiling, qPCR, immunofluorescent analyses evaluated the expression of exosomal miR-141 and cell-to-cell communication. LC-MS/MS proteomic profiling and Dual-Luciferase analyses identified YAP1 as the direct target of miR-141. Human cytokine profiling, ChIP, luciferase reporter assays, and subcellular fractionation analyses confirmed YAP1 in modulating GROα production. A series of in vitro tumorigenic assays, an ex vivo model and Yap1 stromal conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model demonstrated the roles of miR-141/YAP1/GROα/CXCR1/2 signaling cascade. RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPRi systems were used for gene silencing. Blood sera, OvCa tumor tissue samples, and tissue array were included for clinical correlations. RESULTS Hsa-miR-141-3p (miR-141), an exosomal miRNA, is highly secreted by ovarian cancer cells and reprograms stromal fibroblasts into proinflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), facilitating metastatic colonization. A mechanistic study showed that miR-141 targeted YAP1, a critical effector of the Hippo pathway, reducing the nuclear YAP1/TAZ ratio and enhancing GROα production from stromal fibroblasts. Stromal-specific knockout (cKO) of Yap1 in murine models shaped the GROα-enriched microenvironment, facilitating in vivo tumor colonization, but this effect was reversed after Cxcr1/2 depletion in OvCa cells. The YAP1/GROα correlation was demonstrated in clinical samples, highlighting the clinical relevance of this research and providing a potential therapeutic intervention for impeding premetastatic niche formation and metastatic progression of ovarian cancers. CONCLUSIONS This study uncovers miR-141 as an OvCa-derived exosomal microRNA mediating the tumor-stroma interactions and the formation of tumor-promoting stromal niche through activating YAP1/GROα/CXCRs signaling cascade, providing new insight into therapy for OvCa patients with peritoneal metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Mo
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Leanne L. Leung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Celia S. L. Mak
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Xueyu Wang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Wai-Sun Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Lynn M. N. Hui
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hermit W. M. Tang
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Michelle K. Y. Siu
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Centre for PanorOmic Sciences Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Dakang Xu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Stephen K. W. Tsui
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kong, China
| | - Hextan Y. S. Ngan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Mingo M. H. Yung
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Karen K. L. Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - David W. Chan
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kong, China ,grid.511521.3School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172 China
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11
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Zhang Z, Xue ST, Gao Y, Li Y, Zhou Z, Wang J, Li Z, Liu Z. Small molecule targeting FOXM1 DNA binding domain exhibits anti-tumor activity in ovarian cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:280. [PMID: 35680842 PMCID: PMC9184618 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 is a potent oncogenic transcription factor essential for cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance. FOXM1 regulatory network is a major predictor of adverse outcomes in various human cancers. Inhibition of FOXM1 transcription factor function is a potential strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, we performed structure-based in silico screening to discover small molecules targeting the FOXM1 DNA-binding domain (DBD). Compound XST-20 was identified to effectively suppress FOXM1 transcriptional activities and inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation. XST-20 directly interacts with the FOXM1 DNA-binding domain determined by SPR assay. Furthermore, XST-20 was found to significantly reduce the colony-forming efficiency and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our study provides a lead compound of FOXM1 inhibitor which may serve as a potential targeted therapy agent for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Tu Xue
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ziying Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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12
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Zhao C, Li Y, Qiu C, Chen J, Wu H, Wang Q, Ma X, Song K, Kong B. Splicing Factor DDX23, Transcriptionally Activated by E2F1, Promotes Ovarian Cancer Progression by Regulating FOXM1. Front Oncol 2021; 11:749144. [PMID: 34966670 PMCID: PMC8710544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.749144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma remains the most lethal gynecological carcinoma. Abnormal expression of splicing factors is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. The DEAD-box RNA helicases are important members of the splicing factor family. However, their role in the occurrence and progression of ovarian cancer is still unclear. In this study, we identified DEAD-box helicase 23 (DDX23) as a key DEAD-box RNA helicase in ovarian cancer using bioinformatics methods. We determined that DDX23 was upregulated in ovarian cancer and its high expression predicted poor prognosis. Functional assays indicated that DDX23 silencing significantly impeded cell proliferation/invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis showed that DDX23 was involved in mRNA processing in ovarian cancer cells. Specifically, DDX23 regulated the mRNA processing of FOXM1. DDX23 silencing reduced the production of FOXM1C, the major oncogenic transcript of FOXM1 in ovarian cancer, thereby decreasing the FOXM1 protein expression and attenuating the malignant progression of ovarian cancer. Rescue assays indicated that FOXM1 was a key executor in DDX23-induced malignant phenotype of ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we confirmed that DDX23 was transcriptionally activated by the transcription factor (TF) E2F1 in ovarian cancer using luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that high DDX23 expression is involved in malignant behavior of ovarian cancer and DDX23 may become a potential target for precision therapy of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuman Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyue Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Gynecology Oncology Key Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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13
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Cell Type-Specific Role of RNA Nuclease SMG6 in Neurogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123365. [PMID: 34943873 PMCID: PMC8699217 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
SMG6 is an endonuclease, which cleaves mRNAs during nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), thereby regulating gene expression and controling mRNA quality. SMG6 has been shown as a differentiation license factor of totipotent embryonic stem cells. To investigate whether it controls the differentiation of lineage-specific pluripotent progenitor cells, we inactivated Smg6 in murine embryonic neural stem cells. Nestin-Cre-mediated deletion of Smg6 in mouse neuroprogenitor cells (NPCs) caused perinatal lethality. Mutant mice brains showed normal structure at E14.5 but great reduction of the cortical NPCs and late-born cortical neurons during later stages of neurogenesis (i.e., E18.5). Smg6 inactivation led to dramatic cell death in ganglionic eminence (GE) and a reduction of interneurons at E14.5. Interestingly, neurosphere assays showed self-renewal defects specifically in interneuron progenitors but not in cortical NPCs. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the interneuron differentiation regulators Dlx1 and Dlx2 were reduced after Smg6 deletion. Intriguingly, when Smg6 was deleted specifically in cortical and hippocampal progenitors, the mutant mice were viable and showed normal size and architecture of the cortex at E18.5. Thus, SMG6 regulates cell fate in a cell type-specific manner and is more important for neuroprogenitors originating from the GE than for progenitors from the cortex.
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The Stress-Inducible BCL2A1 Is Required for Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Progression in the Peritoneal Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184577. [PMID: 34572804 PMCID: PMC8469659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that hypoxia plays a critical role in governing the transcoelomic metastasis of ovarian cancer. Hence, targeting hypoxia may be a promising approach to prevent the metastasis of ovarian cancer. Here, we report that BCL2A1, a BCL2 family member, acts as a hypoxia-inducible gene for promoting tumor progression in ovarian cancer peritoneal metastases. We demonstrated that BCL2A1 was induced not only by hypoxia but also other physiological stresses through NF-κB signaling and then was gradually reduced by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in ascites-derived ovarian cancer cells. The upregulated BCL2A1 was frequently found in advanced metastatic ovarian cancer cells, suggesting its clinical relevance in ovarian cancer metastatic progression. Functionally, BCL2A1 enhanced the foci formation ability of ovarian cancer cells in a stress-conditioned medium, colony formation in an ex vivo omental tumor model, and tumor dissemination in vivo. Under stress conditions, BCL2A1 accumulated and colocalized with mitochondria to suppress intrinsic cell apoptosis by interacting with the BH3-only subfamily BCL2 members HRK/BAD/BID in ovarian cancer cells. These findings indicate that BCL2A1 is an early response factor that maintains the survival of ovarian cancer cells in the harsh tumor microenvironment.
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15
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Tan GG, Xu C, Zhong WK, Wang CY. miR-184 delays cell proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer by directly suppressing DLX1. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1163. [PMID: 34504608 PMCID: PMC8393589 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of previous studies have reported that dysregulated miR-184 expression is associated with the development of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR-184 in prostate cancer (PC) and the mechanism underlying its effects. Data from human tumor tissue samples were collected from The CEancer Genome Atlas to determine the expression levels of miR-184 and DLX1. The miR-184 mimic and pcDNA3.1-DLX1 plasmid were utilized to induce overexpression of miR-184 and DLX1 in Du145 cells, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to examine the effects of miR-184 on the aggressiveness of PC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to investigate the association between miR-184 and DLX1, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were utilized to determine the mRNA and protein levels. miR-184 expression was found to be downregulated whereas DLX1 was upregulated in PC tissues compared with normal prostate tissues. Cell propagation, migration and invasion were all inhibited by miR-184 upregulation in Du145 cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the association between miR-184 and DLX1. The inhibitory effect of miR-184 mimic on cell behaviors was reversed by upregulation of DLX1. These findings suggest that miR-184 plays a beneficial role in suppressing the tumorigenesis of PC by directly targeting DLX1, and it may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Geng Tan
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Urology, Yanzhou People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Kang Zhong
- Operating Room Department, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Yun Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272011, P.R. China
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16
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Li Q, Xu K, Tian J, Lu Z, Pu J. MiR-129-5p/DLX1 signalling axis mediates functions of prostate cancer during malignant progression. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14230. [PMID: 34472106 DOI: 10.1111/and.14230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We mainly corroborated the potential mechanism of DLX1 and miR-129-5p in prostate cancer cells. DLX1 was upregulated in cancer cells according to qRT-PCR assay. We evaluated the functional changes of the transfected cells via Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay and wound healing assay. DLX1 was confirmed as a cancer promoter. In addition, qRT-PCR showed down-regulated miR-129-5p expression in prostate cancer. We further used dual-luciferase reporter detection to elucidate the targeting between these two genes. The inhibition of miR-129-5p on tumour was verified. Besides, co-transfection of oe-DLX1 and miR-129-5p mimics attenuated this inhibition. These data demonstrated functions of DLX1/miR-129-5p axis in prostate cancer: miR-129-5p hindered the biological functions of cancer cells via inhibiting DLX1 expression. We provide a novel biomarker for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Urology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Urology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Jianguo Tian
- Department of Urology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Zhicheng Lu
- Department of Urology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Jianming Pu
- Department of Urology, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
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17
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Li H, Zhao J, Shi X. GPBAR1 Promotes Proliferation of Serous Ovarian Cancer by Inducing Smad4 Ubiquitination. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 29:519-526. [PMID: 33605573 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal malignancy of all female cancers and lacks an effective prognostic biomarker. Serous ovarian cancer (SOC) is the most common OC histologic type. The expression and function of bile acid receptor, G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (GPBAR1), in tumor progression remains controversial, and its clinical significance in SOC is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our study, we detected the expression of GPBAR1 in SOCs and normal ovarian tissues with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry to detect its expression pattern. Moreover, the prognostic significance of GPBAR1 was investigated with univariate and multivariate analyses. The function of GPBAR1 in regulating SOC proliferation was studied and the underlying mechanism was investigated with experiments in vitro. RESULTS GPBAR1 was overexpressed in SOCs compared with the normal ovarian tissues. In the 166 SOCs, subsets with low and high GPBAR1 accounted for 57.23% and 42.77%, respectively. Moreover, our results suggested that GPBAR1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis and can be considered as an independent prognostic biomarker. With experiments in vitro, we suggested that GPBAR1 promoted SOC proliferation by increasing Smad4 ubiquitination, which required the involvement of GPBAR1-induced ERK phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS GPBAR1 was overexpressed in SOC and predicted the poor prognosis of SOC. We showed that GPBAR1 promoted SOC proliferation by activating ERK and ubiquitining Smad4. Our results suggested that GPBAR1 was a supplement to better classify SOC on the basis of the molecular profile and that GPBAR1 may be a potential drug target of SOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Gynecology, Women & Children's Health Care Hospital of Linyi
| | - Juanhong Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Medical College, Linyi, Shandong
| | - Xiaoyan Shi
- Department of Gynecology, Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital, Yan'an, Shanxi, China
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18
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Liu C, Barger CJ, Karpf AR. FOXM1: A Multifunctional Oncoprotein and Emerging Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3065. [PMID: 34205406 PMCID: PMC8235333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a member of the conserved forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family. Over the last two decades, FOXM1 has emerged as a multifunctional oncoprotein and a robust biomarker of poor prognosis in many human malignancies. In this review article, we address the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of regulation and oncogenic functions of FOXM1, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer. FOXM1 and its associated oncogenic transcriptional signature are enriched in >85% of ovarian cancer cases and FOXM1 expression and activity can be enhanced by a plethora of genomic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. As a master transcriptional regulator, FOXM1 promotes critical oncogenic phenotypes in ovarian cancer, including: (1) cell proliferation, (2) invasion and metastasis, (3) chemotherapy resistance, (4) cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, (5) genomic instability, and (6) altered cellular metabolism. We additionally discuss the evidence for FOXM1 as a cancer biomarker, describe the rationale for FOXM1 as a cancer therapeutic target, and provide an overview of therapeutic strategies used to target FOXM1 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68918-6805, USA; (C.L.); (C.J.B.)
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19
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Wang J, Xie S, Liu J, Li T, Wang W, Xie Z. MicroRNA-4429 suppresses proliferation of prostate cancer cells by targeting distal-less homeobox 1 and inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. BMC Urol 2021; 21:40. [PMID: 33740948 PMCID: PMC7980590 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-021-00810-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play multiple roles in human cancers through regulating mRNAs and distinct pathways. This paper focused on the functions of miR-4429 in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and the molecules involved. Methods Expression of miR-4429 in PCa tissues and cells was determined. Upregulation of miR-4429 was introduced in PCa cells to examine its role in the malignant behaviors of cells. The putative target mRNA of miR-4429 involved in PCa progression was predicted from a bioinformatic system and validated through luciferase assays. Overexpression of distal-less homeobox 1 (DLX1) was further induced in cells to validate its implication in miR-4429-mediated events. The activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway was determined. Results miR-4429 was poorly expressed in PCa tissues and cells. Artificial upregulation of miR-4429 significantly reduced proliferation, growth, invasion, migration and resistance to death of cancer cells and inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. DLX1 mRNA was found as a target of miR-4429. Upregulation of DLX1 restored the malignant behaviors of PCa cells which were initially suppressed by miR-4429, and it activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Conclusion Our study highlights that miR-4429 inhibits the growth of PCa cells by down-regulating DLX1 and inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This finding may offer novel insights into PCa treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12894-021-00810-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguo Wang
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Xie
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanrong Wang
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziping Xie
- Department of Andrology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 39 Chaoyang Middle Road, Maojian District, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Nameki R, Chang H, Reddy J, Corona RI, Lawrenson K. Transcription factors in epithelial ovarian cancer: histotype-specific drivers and novel therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107722. [PMID: 33137377 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are major contributors to cancer risk and somatic development. In preclinical and clinical studies, direct or indirect inhibition of TF-mediated oncogenic gene expression profiles have proven to be effective in many tumor types, highlighting this group of proteins as valuable therapeutic targets. In spite of this, our understanding of TFs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is relatively limited. EOC is a heterogeneous disease composed of five major histologic subtypes; high-grade serous, low-grade serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous. Each histology is associated with unique clinical etiologies, sensitivity to therapies, and molecular signatures - including diverse transcriptional regulatory programs. While some TFs are shared across EOC subtypes, a set of TFs are expressed in a histotype-specific manner and likely explain part of the histologic diversity of EOC subtypes. Targeting TFs present with unique opportunities for development of novel precision medicine strategies for ovarian cancer. This article reviews the critical TFs in EOC subtypes and highlights the potential of exploiting TFs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robbin Nameki
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heidi Chang
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Reddy
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rosario I Corona
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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21
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Li Y, Guo H, Wang Z, Bu H, Wang S, Wang H, Fang H, Liu Z, Kong B. Cyclin F and KIF20A, FOXM1 target genes, increase proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112212. [PMID: 32771525 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression of FOXM1 is observed in a variety of human malignancies. The downstream target genes of FOXM1 involved in tumorigenesis and development are not fully elucidated in ovarian cancer. Here, we identified Cyclin F, a substrate recognition subunit of SCF (Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein) complex, and Kinesin Family Member 20A (KIF20A) were transcriptionally regulated by FOXM1 in ovarian cancer. Accordingly, Cyclin F and KIF20A were commonly overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Functionally, forced expression of Cyclin F or KIF20A significantly enhanced while knockdown of them decreased proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Importantly, high levels of Cyclin F and KIF20A correlated with poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Our findings indicate that Cyclin F and KIF20A are functional targets of FOXM1 which might be potential drug targets in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Li
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Haiyang Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hualei Bu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Shourong Wang
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Haiyan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jinhua Hospital of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321000, China
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
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22
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Yao Y, Zhang Z, Kong F, Mao Z, Niu Z, Li C, Chen A. Smad4 induces cell death in HO-8910 and SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cell lines via PI3K-mTOR involvement. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:777-784. [PMID: 32276544 PMCID: PMC7273890 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220916709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This study investigated the effect and mechanism of Smad4 in ovarian carcinoma (OC) cell viability and demonstrated that Smad4 acted as a tumor suppressor in OC, which may contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying OC occurrence and progression. Smad4 expression was decreased in the OC specimens, but Smad4 recovery in the OC cell lines impaired the survival and viability of OC cells by increasing autophagy and apoptosis. Further investigation showed that Smad4 interacted with the P85 subunit of PI3K and caused deactivation of the PI3K/mTOR pathway. Therefore, Smad4 could be considered as a target in cancer therapy due to its regulatory effect in OC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Yao
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Cell Biology & Genetics Department, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanmao Kong
- Henan Road Community Health Service Center, Qingdao 266021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Mao
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyuan Niu
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiping Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, People’s Republic of China
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Bai P, Li W, Wan Z, Xiao Y, Xiao W, Wang X, Wu Z, Zhang K, Wang Y, Chen B, Xing J, Wang T. miR-489-3p Inhibits Prostate Cancer Progression by Targeting DLX1. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:2719-2729. [PMID: 32368149 PMCID: PMC7185642 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s239796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Prostate cancer (PCa) is the third most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. DLX1 belongs to the DLX homeobox family and exhibits antitumor activity in many kinds of tumors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the progression of cancer. However, whether miRNAs affect the development of PCa by targeting DLX1 has not been determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-489-3p in the regulation of DLX1 expression and PCa progression and to provide a potential therapeutic target for PCa treatment. Methods and Materials The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to analyze the divergent expression of DLX1 in carcinomas and adjacent normal tissues. The expression level of DLX1 in malignant and normal prostate cells was also measured using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether miR-489-3p directly targets DLX1. We transfected 22Rv1 and DU145 cells with miR-489-3p mimics to overexpress miR-489-3p and then evaluated its effect on cellular function. MTT, EdU, colony formation and cell cycle assays were used to evaluate cell growth. JC-1 and ROS assays with flow cytometry were performed to indirectly analyze apoptosis. Transwell assays were conducted to investigate metastasis. Results The expression level of DLX1 was upregulated in both PCa tissues and cell lines. MiR-489-3p directly targeted DLX1 and downregulated its expression. Overexpression of miR-489-3p significantly suppressed cell growth. MiR-489-3p induced apoptosis through mitochondrial function impairment. Overexpression of miR-489-3p also inhibited cell migration and invasion. DLX1 overexpression reversed the above effects induced by miR-489-3p. Conclusion We identified the involvement of the miR-489-3p/DLX1 pathway in PCa for the first time. In this pathway, miR-489-3p acts as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating the expression of DLX1. MiR-489-3p may be a potential therapeutic target for PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peide Bai
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Wan
- Xiang'an Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujuan Xiao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Xiao
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuegang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhun Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfeng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinchun Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Urinary Tract Tumors and Calculi, Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
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24
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MiR-346-5p promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by targeting FBXL2 and activating the β-catenin signaling pathway. Life Sci 2020; 244:117300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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25
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Abstract
Introduction: FOXM1 is one of the most frequently overexpressed proteins in human solid cancers. Here, we discuss novel direct targets of FOXM1 as well as new pathways involving FOXM1, through which this protein exerts its oncogenic activity.Areas covered: We give a detailed review of FOXM1 transcriptional targets involved in 16 different types of human cancer as published in the literature in the last 5 years. We also discuss a novel positive feedback loop between FOXM1 and AKT - both well-established master regulators of cancer.Expert opinion: Despite the discovery of several FOXM1 inhibitors over the years (by our team and others), their therapeutic use is limited by their adverse off-target effects.Newly-discovered proteins regulated by FOXM1 present a promising alternative approach to target its pro-cancer activity. In addition, targeting regulating proteins that take part in the positive feedback loop between FOXM1/AKT has the double advantage of suppressing both, and can lead to developing novel anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Borhani
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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26
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Wang R, Wu Y, Yu J, Yang G, Yi H, Xu B. Plasma Messenger RNAs Identified Through Bioinformatics Analysis are Novel, Non-Invasive Prostate Cancer Biomarkers. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:541-548. [PMID: 32021296 PMCID: PMC6974148 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s221276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To identify new biomarkers of prostate cancer (PCa) for the diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods Existing microarray data of PCa tissues in the Oncomine database were analyzed and candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that may be novel and noninvasive biomarkers were obtained. On this basis, plasma mRNA was extracted from PCa patients and healthy donors. Furthermore, plasma mRNA expression of DEGs was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Finally, the diagnostic power of the biomarkers was evaluated in comparison to the clinical characteristics of the patients. Results In this study, the top five significantly overexpressed mRNA (AMACR, PPP1R14b, PCA3, DLX1, and RPL22L1) and the top five significantly underexpressed mRNA (DUOX1, EFS, GSTP1, S100A16, and NCRNA00087) were selected for further validation in PCa patients and healthy donors by qRT-PCR. The results showed that AMACR, DLX1, PCA3, DUOX1, and GSTP1 mRNA were stably amplified in plasma. Additionally, DLX1, PCA3, DUOX1, and GSTP1 mRNA expression was significantly different between PCa circulating free mRNA samples and healthy donors. These mRNAs may be useful biomarkers for PCa diagnosis. Conclusion Analysis of the expression of genes in the Oncomine database showed that DLX1, PCA3, and DUOX1 expressions have a cancer specific pattern in PCa. Collectively, DLX1, PCA3, and DUOX1 may be useful candidate biomarkers for PCa diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingzi Wu
- TCM Department,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, People's Republic of China.,The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Gynecology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Yi
- Department of Prosthodontics, College of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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27
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Yuan T, Chen Z, Yan F, Qian M, Luo H, Ye S, Cao J, Ying M, Dai X, Gai R, Yang B, He Q, Zhu H. Deubiquitinating enzyme USP10 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through deubiquitinating and stabilizing Smad4 protein. Mol Oncol 2019; 14:197-210. [PMID: 31721429 PMCID: PMC6944132 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most prevalent life-threatening cancers, and the high mortality rate is largely due to the metastasis. The sustained activation of Smad4 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is closely associated with advanced HCC metastasis. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying the aberrant activation of Smad4 and TGF-β pathway remains elusive. In this study, using a functional screen of USPs siRNA library, we identified ubiquitin-specific proteases USP10 as a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that sustains the protein level of Smad4 and activates TGF-β signaling. Further analysis showed that USP10 directly interacts with Smad4 and stabilizes it through the cleavage of its proteolytic ubiquitination, thus promoting HCC metastasis. The suppression of USP10 by either shRNAs or catalytic inhibitor Spautin-1 significantly inhibited the migration of HCC cells, whereas the reconstitution of Smad4 was able to efficiently rescue this defect. Overall, our study not only uncovers the regulatory effect of USP10 on the protein abundance of Smad4, but also indicates that USP10 could be regarded as a potential intervention target for the metastatic HCC in Smad4-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yuan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zibo Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangjie Yan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meijia Qian
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Song Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji Cao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meidan Ying
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Dai
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renhua Gai
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Sun B, Fan Y, Yang A, Liang L, Cao J. MicroRNA-539 functions as a tumour suppressor in prostate cancer via the TGF-β/Smad4 signalling pathway by down-regulating DLX1. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:5934-5948. [PMID: 31298493 PMCID: PMC6714137 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related death in males, primarily due to its metastatic potential. The present study aims to identify the expression of microRNA‐539 (miR‐539) in PCa and further investigate its functional relevance in PCa progression both in vitro and in vivo. Initially, microarray analysis was conducted to obtain the differentially expressed gene candidates and the regulatory miRNAs, after which the possible interaction between the two was determined. Next, ectopic expression and knock‐down of the levels of miR‐539 were performed in PCa cells to identify the functional role of miR‐539 in PCa pathogenesis, followed by the measurement of E‐cadherin, vimentin, Smad4, c‐Myc, Snail1 and SLUG expression, as well as proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells. Finally, tumour growth was evaluated in nude mice through in vivo experiments. The results found that miR‐539 was down‐regulated and DLX1 was up‐regulated in PCa tissues and cells. miR‐539 was also found to target and negatively regulate DLX1 expression, which resulted in the inhibition of the TGF‐β/Smad4 signalling pathway. Moreover, the up‐regulation of miR‐539 or DLX1 gene silencing led to the inhibition of PCa cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and tumour growth, accompanied by increased E‐cadherin expression and decreased expression of vimentin, Smad4, c‐Myc, Snail1 and SLUG. In conclusion, the overexpression of miR‐539‐mediated DLX1 inhibition could potentially impede EMT, proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells through the blockade of the TGF‐β/Smad4 signalling pathway, highlighting a potential miR‐539/DLX1/TGF‐β/Smad4 regulatory axis in the treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baogang Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Fan
- Bidding Office, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Aijun Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Lunan Liang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
| | - Jinghe Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, P.R. China
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29
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Liu S, Liu LH, Hu WW, Wang M. Long noncoding RNA TUG1 regulates the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma through sponging miR-524-5p to mediate DLX1 expression as a competitive endogenous RNA. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:20206-20216. [PMID: 30980391 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerts a potential regulatory role in tumorigenesis. LncRNA TUG1 expression remains high in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues. However, its biological mechanism in OSCC remains unknown. In this study, TUG1 expression in OSCC cells was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Proliferative and migratory potentials of OSCC cells were determined by Cell Counting Kit 8, 5-Ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU), and Transwell assay, respectively. We identified the potential target of TUG1 through bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Furthermore, their interaction and functions in regulating the development of OSCC were clarified by western blot and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Our results demonstrated a high expression of TUG1 in OSCC cells. Overexpression of TUG1 markedly accelerated proliferative and migratory potentials of OSCC cells. Besides, TUG1 could positively regulate the expression of distal-less homeobox 1 (DLX1) by competing with miR-524-5p. These results indicated that TUG1 participated in the development of OSCC as a competing endogenous RNA to competitively bind to miR-524-5p and thus mediate DLX1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hong Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei-Wei Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
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30
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Ahmadi A, Najafi M, Farhood B, Mortezaee K. Transforming growth factor-β signaling: Tumorigenesis and targeting for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:12173-12187. [PMID: 30537043 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a multitasking cytokine such that its aberrant expression is related to cancer progression and metastasis. TGF-β is produced by a variety of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and it is responsible for regulation of the activity of cells within this milieu. TGF-β is a main inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, and metastasis during cancer progression. TGF-β exerts most of its functions by acting on TβRI and TβRII receptors in canonical (Smad-dependent) or noncanonical (Smad-independent) pathways. Members of mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and nuclear factor κβ are involved in the non-Smad TGF-β pathway. TGF-β acts by complex signaling, and deletion in one of the effectors in this pathway may influence the outcome in a diverse way by taking even an antitumor role. The stage and the type of tumor (contextual cues from cancer cells and/or the TME) and the concentration of TGF-β are other important factors determining the fate of cancer (progression or repression). There are a number of ways for targeting TGF-β signaling in cancer, among them the special focus is on TβRII suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Departments of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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31
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Jin C, Liu Z, Li Y, Bu H, Wang Y, Xu Y, Qiu C, Yan S, Yuan C, Li R, Diao N, Zhang Z, Wang X, Liu L, Kong B. PCNA-associated factor P15PAF, targeted by FOXM1, predicts poor prognosis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:2973-2984. [PMID: 30129654 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengjuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; 650 XinSongjiang Road, Shanghai People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Department of Cell Biology; Shandong University School of Medicine; 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Hualei Bu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Cunzhong Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Rongrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Nannan Diao
- Institute of Diagnostics, School of Medicine; Shandong University; 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Xiangxiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Lidong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
| | - Beihua Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Qilu Hospital, Shandong University; 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan China
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Mishra R, Haldar S, Placencio V, Madhav A, Rohena-Rivera K, Agarwal P, Duong F, Angara B, Tripathi M, Liu Z, Gottlieb RA, Wagner S, Posadas EM, Bhowmick NA. Stromal epigenetic alterations drive metabolic and neuroendocrine prostate cancer reprogramming. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4472-4484. [PMID: 30047926 PMCID: PMC6159981 DOI: 10.1172/jci99397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is an androgen-dependent disease subject to interactions between the tumor epithelium and its microenvironment. Here, we found that epigenetic changes in prostatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) initiated a cascade of stromal-epithelial interactions. This facilitated lethal prostate cancer growth and development of resistance to androgen signaling deprivation therapy (ADT). We identified a Ras inhibitor, RASAL3, as epigenetically silenced in human prostatic CAF, leading to oncogenic Ras activity driving macropinocytosis-mediated glutamine synthesis. Interestingly, ADT further promoted RASAL3 epigenetic silencing and glutamine secretion by prostatic fibroblasts. In an orthotopic xenograft model, subsequent inhibition of macropinocytosis and glutamine transport resulted in antitumor effects. Stromal glutamine served as a source of energy through anaplerosis and as a mediator of neuroendocrine differentiation for prostate adenocarcinoma. Antagonizing the uptake of glutamine restored sensitivity to ADT in a castration-resistant xenograft model. In validating these findings, we found that prostate cancer patients on ADT with therapeutic resistance had elevated blood glutamine levels compared with those with therapeutically responsive disease (odds ratio = 7.451, P = 0.02). Identification of epigenetic regulation of Ras activity in prostatic CAF revealed RASAL3 as a sensor for metabolic and neuroendocrine reprogramming in prostate cancer patients failing ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anisha Madhav
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberta A. Gottlieb
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shawn Wagner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Neil A. Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Research, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Raja N, Russell CM, George AK. Urinary markers aiding in the detection and risk stratification of prostate cancer. Transl Androl Urol 2018; 7:S436-S442. [PMID: 30363496 PMCID: PMC6178315 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2018.07.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of existing and promising urinary biomarkers for the detection and prognostication of prostate cancer (PCa). A number of novel urinary biomarkers have been introduced into the clinical space, which in combination with clinical variables, have demonstrated an increased ability to select patients for biopsy and identify men at risk of harboring clinically significant PCa. Though a number of assays require further validation, initial data is promising and forthcoming results will ultimately determine their clinical utility and commercial availability. For the past 30 years, first-line screening for PCa has relied on measurement of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the results from a digital rectal exam (DRE). A large body of evidence from the last 3 decades indicates that these screening methods are problematic, and often inadequate for detecting clinically significant PCa. Extensive efforts have recently been made to identify and commercialize novel PCa biomarkers for more effective detection of PCa, either alone or in combination with current screening methods. This review article highlights problems with current screening standards, and discusses 6 urinary biomarker assays in terms of their ability to detect and risk-stratify PCa: prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3), TMPRSS2-ERG, second chromosome locus associated with prostate-1 (SChLAP1), ExoDx, SelectMDx, and Michigan Prostate Score (MiPS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Raja
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Arvin K. George
- Department of Urology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Su J, Huang YH, Cui X, Wang X, Zhang X, Lei Y, Xu J, Lin X, Chen K, Lv J, Goodell MA, Li W. Homeobox oncogene activation by pan-cancer DNA hypermethylation. Genome Biol 2018; 19:108. [PMID: 30097071 PMCID: PMC6085761 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers have long been recognized to be not only genetically but also epigenetically distinct from their tissues of origin. Although genetic alterations underlying oncogene upregulation have been well studied, to what extent epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, can also induce oncogene expression remains unknown. RESULTS Here, through pan-cancer analysis of 4174 genome-wide profiles, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data from 30 normal tissues and 35 solid tumors, we discover a strong correlation between gene-body hypermethylation of DNA methylation canyons, defined as broad under-methylated regions, and overexpression of approximately 43% of homeobox genes, many of which are also oncogenes. To gain insights into the cause-and-effect relationship, we use a newly developed dCas9-SunTag-DNMT3A system to methylate genomic sites of interest. The locus-specific hypermethylation of gene-body canyon, but not promoter, of homeobox oncogene DLX1, can directly increase its gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Our pan-cancer analysis followed by functional validation reveals DNA hypermethylation as a novel epigenetic mechanism for homeobox oncogene upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China.
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Wenzhou Institute of Biomaterials and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Yung-Hsin Huang
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cui
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xinyu Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institution, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Yong Lei
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xueqiu Lin
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jie Lv
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Margaret A Goodell
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Biostatistics, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Downreguation of FoxM1 by miR-214 inhibits proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene Ther 2018; 25:312-319. [DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Sun Q, Zhao H, Zhang C, Hu T, Wu J, Lin X, Luo D, Wang C, Meng L, Xi L, Li K, Hu J, Ma D, Zhu T. Gene co-expression network reveals shared modules predictive of stage and grade in serous ovarian cancers. Oncotarget 2018; 8:42983-42996. [PMID: 28562334 PMCID: PMC5522121 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Serous ovarian cancer (SOC) is the most lethal gynecological cancer. Clinical studies have revealed an association between tumor stage and grade and clinical prognosis. Identification of meaningful clusters of co-expressed genes or representative biomarkers related to stage or grade may help to reveal mechanisms of tumorigenesis and cancer development, and aid in predicting SOC patient prognosis. We therefore performed a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and calculated module-trait correlations based on three public microarray datasets (GSE26193, GSE9891, and TCGA), which included 788 samples and 10402 genes. We detected four modules related to one or more clinical features significantly shared across all modeling datasets, and identified one stage-associated module and one grade-associated module. Our analysis showed that MMP2, COL3A1, COL1A2, FBN1, COL5A1, COL5A2, and AEBP1 are top hub genes related to stage, while CDK1, BUB1, BUB1B, BIRC5, AURKB, CENPA, and CDC20 are top hub genes related to grade. Gene and pathway enrichment analyses of the regulatory networks involving hub genes suggest that extracellular matrix interactions and mitotic signaling pathways are crucial determinants of tumor stage and grade. The relationships between gene expression modules and tumor stage or grade were validated in five independent datasets. These results could potentially be developed into a more objective scoring system to improve prediction of SOC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyue Zhao
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Hu
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianli Wu
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingguang Lin
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Danfeng Luo
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Changyu Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Meng
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xi
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kezhen Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junbo Hu
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Ghannam-Shahbari D, Jacob E, Kakun RR, Wasserman T, Korsensky L, Sternfeld O, Kagan J, Bublik DR, Aviel-Ronen S, Levanon K, Sabo E, Larisch S, Oren M, Hershkovitz D, Perets R. PAX8 activates a p53-p21-dependent pro-proliferative effect in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Oncogene 2018; 37:2213-2224. [PMID: 29379162 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
High grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common subtype of ovarian cancer and it is now widely accepted that this disease often originates from the fallopian tube epithelium. PAX8 is a fallopian tube lineage marker with an essential role in embryonal female genital tract development. In the adult fallopian tube, PAX8 is expressed in the fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell (FTSEC) and its expression is maintained through the process of FTSEC transformation to HGSC. We now report that PAX8 has a pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic role in HGSC. The tumor suppressor gene TP53 is mutated in close to 100% of HGSC; in the majority of cases, these are missense mutations that endow the mutant p53 protein with potential gain of function (GOF) oncogenic activities. We show that PAX8 positively regulates the expression of TP53 in HGSC and the pro-proliferative role of PAX8 is mediated by the GOF activity of mutant p53. Surprisingly, mutant p53 transcriptionally activates the expression of p21, which localizes to the cytoplasm of HGSC cells where it plays a non-canonical, pro-proliferative role. Together, our findings illustrate how TP53 mutations in HGSC subvert a normal regulatory pathway into a driver of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Ghannam-Shahbari
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Jacob
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Reli Rachel Kakun
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tanya Wasserman
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lina Korsensky
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofir Sternfeld
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Juliana Kagan
- Cell Death Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Debora Rosa Bublik
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sarit Aviel-Ronen
- Department of Pathology, The Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Keren Levanon
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, The Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Edmond Sabo
- Department of Pathology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sarit Larisch
- Cell Death Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Moshe Oren
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dov Hershkovitz
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Perets
- Clinical Research Institute at Rambam, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Liang M, Sun Y, Yang HL, Zhang B, Wen J, Shi BK. DLX1, a binding protein of beta-catenin, promoted the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 363:26-32. [PMID: 29317218 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have indicated the involvement of DLX1 in the progression of prostate cancer. However, the functions of DLX1 in the prostate cancer and the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we have shown that DLX1 was up-regulated in the prostate clinical samples. DLX1 promoted the growth, migration and colony formation of prostate cancer cells by activating beta-catenin/TCF signaling. DLX1 interacted with beta-catenin and enhanced the interaction between beta-catenin and TCF4. Taken together, this study demonstrated that DLX1 exerted the oncogenic roles on the prostate cancer by activating beta-catenin/TCF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Sun
- The Second People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huai-Liang Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ji Wen
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ben-Kang Shi
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Reproductive Medical Center, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China; The Second People's Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Nandi D, Cheema PS, Jaiswal N, Nag A. FoxM1: Repurposing an oncogene as a biomarker. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:74-84. [PMID: 28855104 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the biology of cancer, which has led to more comprehensive approaches for global gene expression profiling and genome-wide analysis. This has helped to determine more sophisticated prognostic and predictive signature markers for the prompt diagnosis and precise screening of cancer patients. In the search for novel biomarkers, there has been increased interest in FoxM1, an extensively studied transcription factor that encompasses most of the hallmarks of malignancy. Considering the attractive potential of this multifarious oncogene, FoxM1 has emerged as an important molecule implicated in initiation, development and progression of cancer. Bolstered with the skill to maneuver the proliferation signals, FoxM1 bestows resistance to contemporary anti-cancer therapy as well. This review sheds light on the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that implies that FoxM1 neoplastic functions can be used as a novel predictive, prognostic and therapeutic marker for different cancers. This assessment also highlights the key features of FoxM1 that can be effectively harnessed to establish FoxM1 as a strong biomarker in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeptashree Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pradeep Singh Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Neha Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Alo Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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MicroRNA-761 promotes the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-Fluorouracil through targeting FOXM1. Oncotarget 2017; 9:321-331. [PMID: 29416616 PMCID: PMC5787468 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy is a big challenge for treatment of patients with colorectal cancer; however; the mechanism underlying chemoresistance in colorectal cancer cell has not been elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are new players in the development of drug chemoresistance. In our study, we indicated that overexpression of miR-761 promoted the sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). miR-761 expression was downregulated in colorectal cancer cell lines and tissues. miR-761 expression was lower in patients with low grade than in patients with high grade. In additon, we showed that elevated expression of miR-761 suppressed colorectal cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle, colony formation and cell invasion. We identified that FOXM1 was a direct target gene of miR-761 in colorectal cancer cell. FOXM1 expression was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues compare to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. MiR-761 expression was negatively associated with the expression of FOXM1 in colorectal cancer tissues. Elevated expression of FOXM1 suppressed the sensitivity of miR-761-overexpressing HT29 cells to 5-FU. We also indicated that FOXM1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation, cycle and invasion of miR-761-overexpressing HT29 cells. These data suggested that miR-761 played a tumor suppressor miRNA in colorectal cancer progression and reduced miR-761 expression might be a major mechanism for 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer cell.
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