1
|
Eshraghi R, Sadati S, Bahrami A, Mirjalili SR, Farrokhian A, Mahjoubin-Tehran M, Mirzaei H. Unveiling the role of long non-coding RNA MALAT1: a comprehensive review on myocardial infarction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1429858. [PMID: 39171328 PMCID: PMC11335503 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1429858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) stands at top global causes of death in developed countries, owing mostly to atherosclerotic plaque growth and endothelial injury-induced reduction in coronary blood flow. While early reperfusion techniques have improved outcomes, long-term treatment continues to be difficult. The function of lncRNAs extends to regulating gene expression in various conditions, both physiological and pathological, such as cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research is to extensively evaluate the significance of the lncRNA called Metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) in the development and management of MI. According to research, MALAT1 is implicated in processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. This investigation examines recent research examining the effects of MALAT1 on heart function and its potential as a mean of diagnosis and treatment for post- MI complications and ischemic reperfusion injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reza Eshraghi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Sina Sadati
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ashkan Bahrami
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mirjalili
- Yazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Research Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Farrokhian
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mahjoubin-Tehran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin J, Liu P, Sun K, Jiang L, Liu Y, Huang Y, Liu J, Shi M, Zhang J, Wang T, Shen B. Comprehensive analysis of KLF family reveals KLF6 as a promising prognostic and immune biomarker in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:177. [PMID: 38773440 PMCID: PMC11106939 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03369-3] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest tumors worldwide, with extremely aggressive and complicated biology. Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) encode a series of transcriptional regulatory proteins and play crucial roles in a variety of processes, including tumor cell differentiation and proliferation. However, the potential biological functions and possible pathways of KLFs in the progression of PDAC remain elusive. METHODS We systematically evaluated the transcriptional variations and expression patterns of KLFs in pancreatic cancer from the UCSC Xena. Based on difference analysis, the non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) algorithm was utilized to identify the immune characteristics and clinical significance of two different subtypes. The multivariate Cox regression was used to construct the risk model and then explore the differences in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and drug sensitivity between high and low groups. Through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we screened KLF6 and further investigated its biological functions in pancreatic cancer and pan-cancer. RESULTS The KLFs exhibited differential expression and mutations in the transcriptomic profile of PDAC. According to the expression of KLFs, patients were classified into two distinct subtypes, each exhibiting significant differences in prognosis and TIME. Moreover, the KLF signature was developed using univariate Cox and Lasso regression, which proved to be a reliable and effective prognostic model. Furthermore, the KLF_Score was closely associated with immune infiltration, response to immunotherapy, and drug sensitivity and we screened small molecule compounds targeting prognostic genes separately. Through scRNA-seq analysis, KLF6 was selected to further demonstrate its role in the malignance of PC in vitro. Finally, pan-cancer analysis emphasized the biological significance of KLF6 in multiple types of tumors and its clinical utility in assessing cancer prognosis. CONCLUSION This study elucidated the pivotal role of KLF family genes in the malignant development of PC through comprehensive analysis and revealed that KLF6 would be a novel diagnostic biomolecule marker and potential therapeutic target for PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengyi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keyan Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxi Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yishu Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Neoplasms Translational Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Pancreatic Neoplasms, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shu G, Lei X, Li G, Zhang T, Wang C, Song A, Yu H, Wang X, Deng X. Ergothioneine suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation via promoting Foxa3-dependent potentiation of the Hint1/Smad7 cascade and improves CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Food Funct 2023; 14:10591-10604. [PMID: 37955610 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03643j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a bioactive compound derived from certain edible mushrooms. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is critically involved in the etiology of liver fibrosis (LF). Here, we report that in LX-2 HSCs, EGT upregulates the expression of Hint1 and Smad7 and suppresses their activation provoked by TGFβ1. The EGT-triggered inhibition of HSC activation is abolished by knocking down the expression of Hint1. Overexpression of Hint1 increases Smad7 and represses TGFβ1-provoked activation of LX-2 HSCs. In silico predictions unveiled that in the promoter region of the human Hint1 gene, there are two conserved cis-acting elements that have the potential to interact with the transcription factor Foxa3 termed hFBS1 and hFBS2, respectively. The knockdown of Foxa3 obviously declined Hint1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Transfection of Foxa3 or EGT treatment increased the activity of the luciferase reporter driven by the Hint1 promoter in an hFBS2-dependent manner. The knockdown of Foxa3 eliminated EGT-mediated upregulation of Hint1 promoter activity. Additionally, EGT triggered the nuclear translocation of Foxa3 without obviously affecting its expression level. Molecular docking analysis showed that EGT has the potential to directly interact with the Foxa3 protein. Moreover, Foxa3 played a critical role in EGT-mediated hepatoprotection. EGT modulated the Foxa3/Hint1/Smad7 signaling in mouse primary HSCs and inhibited their activation. The gavage of EGT considerably relieved CCl4-induced LF in mice. Our data provide new insights into the anti-LF activity of EGT. Mechanistically, EGT triggers the nuclear translocation of Foxa3 in HSCs, which promotes Hint1 transcription and subsequently elevates Smad7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiao Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Guangqiong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Chuo Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Anning Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Huifan Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee C, Cho S, Jeong D. Inhibition of miR-25 Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis by Restoring Krüppel-like Factor 4 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12434. [PMID: 37569807 PMCID: PMC10418969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an adaptive response to various pathological insults, including hypertension. However, sustained hypertrophy can cause impaired calcium regulation, cardiac dysfunction, and remodeling, accompanied by cardiac fibrosis. Our previous study identified miR-25 as a regulator of SERCA2a, and found that the inhibition of miR-25 improved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis by restoring SERCA2a expression in a murine heart failure model. However, the precise mechanism underlying the reduction in fibrosis following miR-25 inhibition remains unclear. Therefore, we postulate that miR-25 may have additional targets that contribute to regulating cardiac fibrosis. Using in silico analysis, Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was identified as an additional target of miR-25. Further experiments confirmed that KLF4 was directly targeted by miR-25 and that its expression was reduced by long-term treatment with Angiotensin II, a major hypertrophic inducer. Subsequently, treatment with an miR-25 inhibitor alleviated the cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammation induced by Angiotensin II (Ang II). These findings indicate that inhibiting miR-25 not only enhances calcium cycling and cardiac function via SERCA2a restoration but also reduces fibrosis by restoring KLF4 expression. Therefore, targeting miR-25 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating hypertensive heart diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dongtak Jeong
- Department of Medicinal & Life Science, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University-ERICA, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea; (C.L.); (S.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zeng L, Zhu Y, Moreno CS, Wan Y. New insights into KLFs and SOXs in cancer pathogenesis, stemness, and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:29-44. [PMID: 36806560 PMCID: PMC10023514 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of cancer therapies, the success of most treatments has been impeded by drug resistance. The crucial role of tumor cell plasticity has emerged recently in cancer progression, cancer stemness and eventually drug resistance. Cell plasticity drives tumor cells to reversibly convert their cell identity, analogous to differentiation and dedifferentiation, to adapt to drug treatment. This phenotypical switch is driven by alteration of the transcriptome. Several pluripotent factors from the KLF and SOX families are closely associated with cancer pathogenesis and have been revealed to regulate tumor cell plasticity. In this review, we particularly summarize recent studies about KLF4, KLF5 and SOX factors in cancer development and evolution, focusing on their roles in cancer initiation, invasion, tumor hierarchy and heterogeneity, and lineage plasticity. In addition, we discuss the various regulation of these transcription factors and related cutting-edge drug development approaches that could be used to drug "undruggable" transcription factors, such as PROTAC and PPI targeting, for targeted cancer therapy. Advanced knowledge could pave the way for the development of novel drugs that target transcriptional regulation and could improve the outcome of cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Yueming Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Carlos S Moreno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Department of Hematology and oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chałaśkiewicz K, Karaś K, Zakłos-Szyda M, Karwaciak I, Pastwińska J, Koziołkiewicz M, Ratajewski M. Trichostatin a inhibits expression of the human SLC2A5 gene via SNAI1/SNAI2 transcription factors and sensitizes colon cancer cells to platinum compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175728. [PMID: 37062501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175728] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
GLUT5, a key protein encoded by the SLC2A5 gene, is involved in the uptake of fructose from the intestine. Currently, with the increased consumption of this sugar and the associated increased incidence of obesity, diabetes and cancer, GLUT5 may represent an important molecular target in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of the SNAI1 and SNAI2 transcription factors in cells expressing high levels of SLC2A5 mRNA reduced SLC2A5 gene expression. Furthermore, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, which induces SNAI1 and SNAI2 expression, inhibits SLC2A5/GLUT5 expression and sensitizes colon cancer cells to cisplatin and oxaliplatin. This finding might have potential relevance for the development of therapeutic treatments aimed at modulating fructose transport or genes involved in this process for use with certain cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chałaśkiewicz
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland; Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Kaja Karaś
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zakłos-Szyda
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Iwona Karwaciak
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Joanna Pastwińska
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maria Koziołkiewicz
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Ratajewski
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodowa 106, 93-232, Lodz, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
He Z, He J, Xie K. KLF4 transcription factor in tumorigenesis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:118. [PMID: 37031197 PMCID: PMC10082813 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like transcriptional factor is important in maintaining cellular functions. Deletion of Krüppel-like transcriptional factor usually causes abnormal embryonic development and even embryonic death. KLF4 is a prominent member of this family, and embryonic deletion of KLF4 leads to alterations in skin permeability and postnatal death. In addition to its important role in embryo development, it also plays a critical role in inflammation and malignancy. It has been investigated that KLF4 has a regulatory role in a variety of cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, hepatocellular, ovarian, esophageal, bladder and brain cancer. However, the role of KLF4 in tumorigenesis is complex, which may link to its unique structure with both transcriptional activation and transcriptional repression domains, and to the regulation of its upstream and downstream signaling molecules. In this review, we will summarize the structural and functional aspects of KLF4, with a focus on KLF4 as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target in different types of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong He
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- The South China University of Technology Comprehensive Cancer Center, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Guangzhou First People's Hospital, South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Keping Xie
- Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- The South China University of Technology Comprehensive Cancer Center, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen D, Zhu Q, Li T, Fan X, Lou Y, Zhang Y, Huang K, Sun H. KLF4 loss in hepatocellular carcinoma: Improving prognostic prediction and correlating immune infiltrates. Front Genet 2023; 14:1106952. [PMID: 36936440 PMCID: PMC10017851 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1106952] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although the molecular mechanisms of Krüpple-like factor 4 (KLF4) as a tumor suppressor in HCC tumorigenesis have been thoroughly examined, its clinical application in terms of precise prognostication and its influence on tumor immune microenvironment in patients with HCC require further investigation. Methods: Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to validate KLF4 expressions in a tissue microarray (TMA) containing HCC samples. Using Cox regression models, independent prognostic factors were identified and employed in the development of nomograms. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the superiority of the nomograms. GO and KEGG pathway analyses were applied to the functional study of KLF4. The GSVA program explored the link between KLF4 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and CAMOIP was used to construct KLF4 expression immune scores. Changes in immune-related gene markers were also investigated in relation to KLF4 expression. The association between immune cell infiltration and KLF4 expression was validated by IHC in TMA. Results: HCC was reported to have a notable depletion of KLF4. The absence of KLF4 was associated with advanced clinicopathological characteristics of HCC and predicted a bad prognosis for patients. Nomograms constructed using KLF4 expression, tumor differentiation, and TNM stage provided a more accurate prognostic assessment of HCC patients than TNM stage alone. KLF4 expression was associated with immunological-related functions, infiltration of macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and other immune cells, and elevation of immune checkpoints. Higher levels of CD8+ T cells and macrophage infiltration are associated with increased KLF4 expression in HCC TMA. Conclusion: KLF4 loss in HCC is a prognostic biomarker that influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiewen Li
- Institution for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuhui Fan
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Lou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kejie Huang
- College of Information Science Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongcheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao J, Kong Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wang Q. Mechanism of Kruppel-Like Factor 4 in Pyroptosis of Nasal Mucosal Epithelial Cells in Mice With Allergic Rhinitis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2023; 37:337-347. [PMID: 36799547 DOI: 10.1177/19458924221148568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic nasal inflammation, characterized by nasal epithelial dysfunction. Gene therapy targeting transcription factors is a promising strategy for quenching allergic inflammation, including AR. OBJECTIVE This study sought to probe the mechanism of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in pyroptosis of nasal mucosal epithelial cells (NEpCs) in AR mice and provide targets for AR treatment. METHODS AR mouse models were established using sensitization with ovalbumin, followed by injection with short hairpin RNA KLF4 (sh-KLF4). AR symptoms were assessed by the times of sneezing and nose rubbing, hematoxylin-eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Levels of KLF4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, and N-terminal domain (GSDMD-N) in nasal mucosal tissues were determined by Western blot assay, and levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in nasal lavage fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The binding of KLF4 to the NLRP3 promoter was verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assays. The functional rescue experiment was performed with oe-NLRP3 and sh-KLF4 in AR mice. RESULTS KLF4 was upregulated in nasal mucosal tissues of AR mice. KLF4 inhibition reduced the times of sneezing and nose rubbing, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia in nasal mucosal tissues, and levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18. KLF4 was enriched on the NLRP3 promoter and improved NLRP3 expression. NLRP3 overexpression reversed the inhibition of sh-KLF4 on pyroptosis of NEpCs in AR mice. CONCLUSION KLF4 bound to the NLRP3 promoter and promoted pyroptosis of NEpCs in AR mice via activating NLRP3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoli Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shanxi children's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qingfeng Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shanxi children's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shanxi children's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanting Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Second Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Key Research Laboratory of Airway Neuroimmunology, Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qinxue Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shanxi children's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang R, Yu W, Zhu T, Lin F, Hua C, Ru L, Guo P, Wan X, Xue G, Guo Z, Han S, Lv K, Zhang G, Ge H, Guo W, Xu L, Deng W. MED27 plays a tumor-promoting role in breast cancer progression by targeting KLF4. Cancer Sci 2023. [PMID: 36786527 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15757] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mediator complex usually cooperates with transcription factors to be involved in RNA polymerase II-mediated gene transcription. As one component of this complex, MED27 has been reported in our previous studies to promote thyroid cancer and melanoma progression. However, the precise function of MED27 in breast cancer development remains poorly understood. Here, we found that MED27 was more highly expressed in breast cancer samples than in normal tissues, especially in triple-negative breast cancer, and its expression level was elevated with the increase in pathological stage. MED27 knockdown in triple-negative breast cancer cells inhibited cancer cell metastasis and stemness maintenance, which was accompanied by downregulation of the expression of EMT- and stem traits-associated proteins, and vice versa in non-triple-negative breast cancer. Furthermore, MED27 knockdown sensitized breast cancer cells to epirubicin treatment by inducing cellular apoptosis and reducing tumorsphere-forming ability. Based on RNA-seq, we identified KLF4 as the possible downstream target of MED27. KLF4 overexpression reversed the MED27 silencing-mediated arrest of cellular metastasis and stemness maintenance capacity in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MED27 transcriptionally regulated KLF4 by binding to its promoter region at positions -156 to +177. Collectively, our study not only demonstrated the tumor-promoting role of MED27 in breast cancer progression by transcriptionally targeting KLF4, but also suggested the possibility of developing the MED27/KLF4 signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruozhu Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wendan Yu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tianhua Zhu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyu Hua
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Liyuan Ru
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ping Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyu Wan
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guoqing Xue
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ziyue Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilong Han
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kuan Lv
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guohui Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hanxiao Ge
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell & The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Recent Advancements in Molecular Therapeutics for Corneal Scar Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203310. [PMID: 36291182 PMCID: PMC9600986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of corneal wound healing is complex and induces scar formation. Corneal scarring is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The fibrotic healing of a major ocular wound disrupts the highly organized fibrillar collagen arrangement of the corneal stroma, rendering it opaque. The process of regaining this organized extracellular matrix (ECM) arrangement of the stromal layer to restore corneal transparency is complicated. The surface retention capacity of ocular drugs is poor, and there is a large gap between suitable corneal donors and clinical requirements. Therefore, a more efficient way of treating corneal scarring is needed. The eight major classes of interventions targeted as therapeutic tools for healing scarred corneas include those based on exosomes, targeted gene therapy, microRNAs, recombinant viral vectors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, bioactive molecules, growth factors, and nanotechnology. This review highlights the recent advancements in molecular therapeutics to restore a cornea without scarring. It also provides a scope to overcome the limitations of present studies and perform robust clinical research using these strategies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen W, Wang H, Lu Y, Huang Y, Xuan Y, Li X, Guo T, Wang C, Lai D, Wu S, Zhao W, Mai H, Li H, Wang B, Ma X, Zhang X. GTSE1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis by attenuating of KLF4 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 102:1011-1022. [PMID: 36775416 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-022-00797-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and is characterized by a poor prognosis. Although G2- and S -phase expressed-1 (GTSE1) is known to be involved in the progression and metastasis of various cancers, its significance and mechanism in ccRCC remain unknown. In the present study, we found that GTSE1 was overexpressed in ccRCC tissues, especially in metastatic samples. Moreover, high GTSE1 expression was positively correlated with higher pT stage, tumor size, clinical stage, and WHO/ISUP grade and worse prognosis. And GTSE1 expression served as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS). In addition, GTSE1 knockdown inhibited ccRCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. GTSE1 was crucial for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ccRCC. Mechanistically, GTSE1 depletion could upregulate the expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), which acts as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC. Downregulation of KLF4 effectively rescued the inhibitory effect induced by GTSE1 knockdown and reversed the EMT process. Overall, our results revealed that GTSE1 served as an oncogene regulating EMT through KLF4 in ccRCC, and that GTSE1 could also serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and may represent a promising therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weihao Chen
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yongliang Lu
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yundong Xuan
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Xiubin Li
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
- Department of Paediatrics, the Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chenfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Dong Lai
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Shengpan Wu
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wenlei Zhao
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Haixing Mai
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Hongzhao Li
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xie CF, Feng KL, Wang JN, Luo R, Fang CK, Zhang Y, Shen CP, Zhong C. Jianpi Huayu decoction inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 294:115360. [PMID: 35568116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jianpi Huayu decoction (JHD) is a traditional Chinese medicinal preparation used to treat a variety of malignant tumors including HCC, although the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Exosomes in the tumor microenvironment mediate intercellular signaling among cancer cells, but precise contributions to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression are still elusive. AIM OF THE STUDY In this work, the main objective was to examine the mechanisms underlying anti-tumor effects of JHD and the potential contributions of exosomal signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS LC-MS/MS was used for quality control of JDH preparation, while nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting were used for verification of exosomes. In vitro assays included CCK8, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the effects of JHD on HCC cells and the molecular mechanism. Furthermore, the effects of JHD on subcutaneous tumor model of nude mice were also determined. RESULTS JHD inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cultured HCC cells. Further, exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells promoted the migration, invasion and EMT of other cultured HCC cells, while exosomes isolated from EMT-induced HCC cells after JHD treatment had little effect. In addition, JHD reduced the expression of exosomal miR-23a-3p in cultured HCC cells. miR-23a-3p was significantly up-regulated in tumor compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues of patients with HCC. HCC patients with high miR-23a-3p expression had poor overall survival after hepatectomy. Meanwhile, miR-23a-3p enhanced HCC cell proliferation, EMT, and expression of Smad signaling proteins. More importantly, overexpression of miR-23a-3p can reverse the inhibition of EMT and Smad signaling pathway caused by JHD treatment. In vivo assays, treatment with JHD also reduced the growth of HCC-derived tumors in nude mice, reduced the expression of miR-23a-3p in serum exosomes and the level of EMT in tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS the antitumor effects of JHD on HCC are mediated at least in part by inhibition of EMT due to downregulation of exosome-mediated intercellular miR-23a-3p transfer and subsequent blockade of Smad signaling. Disrupting this exosomal miR-23a-3p/Smad signaling pathway may be an effective treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Feng Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of General Surgery, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, 545001, Liuzhou, China
| | - Kun-Liang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ji-Nan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Chong-Kai Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Chuang-Peng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| | - Chong Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xiang X, Ohshiro K, Zaidi S, Yang X, Bhowmick K, Vegesna AK, Bernstein D, Crawford JM, Mishra B, Latham PS, Gough NR, Rao S, Mishra L. Impaired reciprocal regulation between SIRT6 and TGF-β signaling in fatty liver. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22335. [PMID: 35506565 PMCID: PMC11288617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101518r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling contributes to fibrotic liver disease and hepatocellular cancer (HCC), both of which are associated with fatty liver disease. SIRT6 limits fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β signaling through deacetylating SMAD2 and SMAD3 and limits lipogenesis by inhibiting SREBP1 and SREBP2 activity. Here, we showed that, compared to wild-type mice, high-fat diet-induced fatty liver is worse in TGF-β signaling-deficient mice (SPTBN1+/- ) and the mutant mice had reduced SIRT6 abundance in the liver. Therefore, we hypothesized that altered reciprocal regulation between TGF-β signaling and SIRT6 contributes to these liver pathologies. We found that deficiency in SMAD3 or SPTBN1 reduced SIRT6 mRNA and protein abundance and impaired TGF-β induction of SIRT6 transcripts, and that SMAD3 bound to the SIRT6 promoter, suggesting that an SMAD3-SPTBN1 pathway mediated the induction of SIRT6 in response to TGF-β. Overexpression of SIRT6 in HCC cells reduced the expression of TGF-β-induced genes, consistent with the suppressive role of SIRT6 on TGF-β signaling. Manipulation of SIRT6 abundance in HCC cells altered sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) activity and overexpression of SIRT6 reduced the amount of acetylated SPTBN1 and the abundance of both SMAD3 and SPTBN1. Furthermore, induction of SREBP target genes in response to SIRT6 overexpression was impaired in SPTBN1 heterozygous cells. Thus, we identified a regulatory loop between SIRT6 and SPTBN1 that represents a potential mechanism for susceptibility to fatty liver in the presence of dysfunctional TGF-β signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Xiang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Kazufumi Ohshiro
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Sobia Zaidi
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Xiaochun Yang
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Krishanu Bhowmick
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Anil K. Vegesna
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
| | - David Bernstein
- Division of Hepatology, Northwell Health and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - James M Crawford
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Bibhuti Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Neurology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Patricia S. Latham
- Department of Pathology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Nancy R. Gough
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Shuyun Rao
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- The Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Surgery, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shu G, Dai C, Yusuf A, Sun H, Deng X. Limonin relieves TGF-β-induced hepatocyte EMT and hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in mice via upregulating Smad7 and subsequent suppression of TGF-β/Smad cascade. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 107:109039. [PMID: 35533902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process as a result of intrahepatic deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) both play important roles in the etiology of liver fibrosis. Here, we found that limonin repressed transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β)-induced EMT in AML-12 hepatocytes and activation of LX-2 HSCs. In both kinds of cells, limonin suppressed TGF-β-provoked Smad2/3 C-terminal phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation. Transcription of Smad2/3-downstream genes was in turn reduced. However, limonin exerted few effects on Smad2/3 phosphorylation at linker region. Mechanistically, limonin increased Smad7 at mRNA level in both AML-12 and LX-2 cells. Knockdown of Smad7 abrogated inhibitory effects of limonin on TGF-β-induced EMT in AML-12 cells and activation of LX-2 cells. Further studies revealed that limonin alleviated mouse liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. In livers of model mice, limonin upregulated Smad7 and declined C-terminal phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3. Transcription of Smad2/3-responsive genes was also attenuated. Our findings indicated that limonin inhibits TGF-β-induced EMT of hepatocytes and activation of HSCs in vitro and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Upregulated Smad7 which suppresses Smad2/3-dependent gene transcription is implicated in the hepatoprotective activity of limonin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenxi Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Arslan Yusuf
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Feng KL, Diao N, Zhou ZW, Fang CK, Wang JN, Zhang Y, Luo R, Zhong C. CircFGGY Inhibits Cell Growth, Invasion and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Regulating the miR-545-3p/Smad7 Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:850708. [PMID: 35592246 PMCID: PMC9110866 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.850708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in the progression of HCC. However, the role of the newly identified circFGGY (hsa_circ_0006633) in the development and progression of HCC has not been explored. In this study, we found that circFGGY was significantly downregulated in tumor compared with that in adjacent normal liver tissues of patients with HCC. HCC patients with low circFGGY expression had poor overall survival after hepatectomy. Moreover, it was found that circFGGY could inhibit the proliferation, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, circFGGY promoted the expression of Smad7, a well-known suppressor of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway. In addition, miR-545-3p, a tumor promoter targeting both circFGGY and Smad7, suppressed the upregulation of Smad7 caused by circFGGY overexpression. Collectively, our data revealed that circFGGY inhibits the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells by sponging miR-545-3p and promote the expression of Smad7, indicating that circFGGY functions as a tumor suppressor and could be a prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Liang Feng
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Diao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhai-Wen Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong-Kai Fang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Nan Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Luo
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chong Zhong,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Luo X, Zhang Y, Meng Y, Ji M, Wang Y. Prognostic significance of KLF4 in solid tumours: an updated meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:181. [PMID: 35177016 PMCID: PMC8851789 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor predominantly expressed in terminally differentiated epithelial tissues. Many studies have shown that KLF4 has various mechanisms in different tumours; however, the prognostic role of KLF4 remains unclear. Methods and results We searched the relevant literature that evaluated the prognostic value of KLF4 in different cancers, and the original survival data were obtained from the text, tables or Kaplan–Meier curves for both comparative groups. Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis, and a total of 10 malignant tumours were involved. The expression of KLF4 was not associated with the prognosis for overall survival (hazard ratio(HR)0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–1.13, P = 0.28), disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival/metastasis-free survival (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.52–1.44, P = 0.58) or disease-specific survival (HR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.44–2.87, P = 0.8). Conclusion This study showed that the expression of KLF4 was not related to the prognosis of the tumours that were included in the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease. Beijing Digestive Disease Center. Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease., Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Fangshan District, Beijing, 102400, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease. Beijing Digestive Disease Center. Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease., Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ming Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease. Beijing Digestive Disease Center. Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease., Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University. National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease. Beijing Digestive Disease Center. Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease., Beijing, 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Y, Wu J, Liu R, Zhang Y, Li X. Extracellular vesicles: catching the light of intercellular communication in fibrotic liver diseases. Theranostics 2022; 12:6955-6971. [PMID: 36276639 PMCID: PMC9576620 DOI: 10.7150/thno.77256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of fibrotic liver diseases resulting from different etiologies has become a major global problem for public health. Fibrotic liver diseases represent a redundant accumulation of extracellular matrix, dysregulation of immune homeostasis and angiogenesis, which eventually contribute to the progression of cirrhosis and liver malignancies. The concerted actions among liver cells including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and other immune cells are essential for the outcome of liver fibrosis. Recently, a growing body of literature has highlighted that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical mediators of intercellular communication among different liver cells either in local or distant microenvironments, coordinating a variety of systemic pathological and physiological processes. Despite the increasing interests in this field, there are still relatively few studies to classify the contents and functions of EVs in intercellular transmission during hepatic fibrogenesis. This review aims to summarize the latest findings with regards to the cargo loading, release, and uptake of EVs in different liver cells and clarify the significant roles of EVs played in fibrotic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jianzhi Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yinhao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- ✉ Corresponding author: Xiaojiaoyang Li, Ph.D., School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible wound healing process following liver injury. Although this process is necessary for maintaining liver integrity, severe excessive extracellular matrix accumulation (ECM) could lead to permanent scar formation and destroy the liver structure. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies show that most antifibrotic therapies focus on the apoptosis of HSCs and the prevention of HSC activation. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a substantial role in HSC activation and are likely to be biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. This review summarizes and discusses the previously reported ncRNAs, including the microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, highlighting their regulatory roles and interactions in the signaling pathways that regulate HSC activation in hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhong C, Lin Z, Ke L, Shi P, Li S, Huang L, Lin X, Yao H. Recent Research Progress (2015-2021) and Perspectives on the Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Tanshinone IIA. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:778847. [PMID: 34819867 PMCID: PMC8606659 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.778847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is an important characteristic component and active ingredient in Salvia miltiorrhiza, and its various aspects of research are constantly being updated to explore its potential application. In this paper, we review the recent progress on pharmacological activities and the therapeutic mechanisms of Tan IIA according to literature during the years 2015-2021. Tan IIA shows multiple pharmacological effects, including anticarcinogenic, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, urinary, digestive, and motor systems activities. Tan IIA modulates multi-targets referring to Nrf2, AMPK, GSK-3β, EGFR, CD36, HO-1, NOX4, Beclin-1, TLR4, TNF-α, STAT3, Caspase-3, and bcl-2 proteins and multi-pathways including NF-κB, SIRT1/PGC1α, MAPK, SREBP-2/Pcsk9, Wnt, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, TGF-β/Smad and Hippo/YAP pathways, etc., which directly or indirectly influence disease course. Further, with the reported targets, the potential effects and possible mechanisms of Tan IIA against diseases were predicted by bioinformatic analysis. This paper provides new insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Tan IIA against diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zuan Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liyuan Ke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Peiying Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource and Bee Products, College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoguang Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liying Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Nano Biomedical Technology of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Higher Educational Key Laboratory for Nano Biomedical Technology of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Drug Target Discovery and Structural and Functional Research, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dimitrakopoulos C, Hindupur SK, Colombi M, Liko D, Ng CKY, Piscuoglio S, Behr J, Moore AL, Singer J, Ruscheweyh HJ, Matter MS, Mossmann D, Terracciano LM, Hall MN, Beerenwinkel N. Multi-omics data integration reveals novel drug targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:592. [PMID: 34348664 PMCID: PMC8340535 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07876-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic aberrations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are well known, but the functional consequences of such aberrations remain poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we explored the effect of defined genetic changes on the transcriptome, proteome and phosphoproteome in twelve tumors from an mTOR-driven hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Using Network-based Integration of multi-omiCS data (NetICS), we detected 74 'mediators' that relay via molecular interactions the effects of genetic and miRNA expression changes. The detected mediators account for the effects of oncogenic mTOR signaling on the transcriptome, proteome and phosphoproteome. We confirmed the dysregulation of the mediators YAP1, GRB2, SIRT1, HDAC4 and LIS1 in human HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that targeting pathways such as YAP1 or GRB2 signaling and pathways regulating global histone acetylation could be beneficial in treating HCC with hyperactive mTOR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Dimitrakopoulos
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland.,Present address: Roche, PTD Biologics Europe, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sravanth Kumar Hindupur
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Present address: Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Disease Area Oncology, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Colombi
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dritan Liko
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte K Y Ng
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Salvatore Piscuoglio
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedicine, Visceral Surgery Research Laboratory, Clarunis, Basel, Switzerland.,Clarunis Universitäres Bauchzentrum Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Behr
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ariane L Moore
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Singer
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans-Joachim Ruscheweyh
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias S Matter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Mossmann
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael N Hall
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058, Basel, Switzerland. .,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li Y, Wang Q, Wang D, Fu W. KLF7 Promotes Gastric Carcinogenesis Through Regulation of ANTXR1. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:5547-5557. [PMID: 34285576 PMCID: PMC8285236 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s308071] [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: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Elucidating the mechanism of gastric cancer progression is of great importance for the discovery of new therapy targets against gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the function of Kruppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) in gastric cancer. METHODS qPCR and Western blot were performed to determine the expression of ANTXR1 after KLF7 inhibition. CCK-8, colony formation, apoptosis analysis, cell cycle analysis and transwell assay were performed to determine KLF7 functions in cellular proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle. Tumour xenograft experiments were performed to examine cell growth in vivo. RESULTS The results showed that KLF7 was upregulated in gastric cancer. The proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells were suppressed by depletion of KLF7. In vivo tumour progression was also attenuated following the downregulation of KLF7. Meanwhile, overexpression of KLF7 promoted the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. The results of the mechanistic analysis showed that KLF7 promoted gastric carcinogenesis via upregulation of ANTXR cell adhesion molecule 1 (ANTXR1). CONCLUSION Therefore, this study may provide a theoretical foundation for further clinical therapy of gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingdong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - DongWei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: DongWei Wang Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, No. 348, Dexiang Street, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, 154002, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-0454-8605850 Email
| | - Weihua Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China,Weihua Fu Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, No. 154, Anshan Road, Tianjin, 300052, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +022-60363901 Email
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang H, Song X, Liao H, Wang P, Zhang Y, Che L, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Cigliano A, Ament C, Superville D, Ribback S, Reeves M, Pes GM, Liang B, Wu H, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Zeng Y, Chen X. Overexpression of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 7 Activates the Yes-Associated Protein/NOTCH Cascade and Promotes Liver Carcinogenesis in Mice and Humans. Hepatology 2021; 74:248-263. [PMID: 33368437 PMCID: PMC8222417 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) 7 is an antagonist of TGF-β signaling. In the present investigation, we sought to determine the relevance of SMAD7 in liver carcinogenesis using in vitro and in vivo approaches. APPROACH AND RESULTS We found that SMAD7 is up-regulated in a subset of human HCC samples with poor prognosis. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that SMAD7 expression correlates with activated yes-associated protein (YAP)/NOTCH pathway and cholangiocellular signature genes in HCCs. These findings were substantiated in human HCC cell lines. In vivo, overexpression of Smad7 alone was unable to initiate HCC development, but it significantly accelerated c-Myc/myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1)-induced mouse HCC formation. Consistent with human HCC data, c-Myc/MCL1/Smad7 liver tumors exhibited an increased cholangiocellular gene expression along with Yap/Notch activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Intriguingly, blocking of the Notch signaling did not affect c-Myc/MCL1/Smad7-induced hepatocarcinogenesis while preventing cholangiocellular signature expression and EMT, whereas ablation of Yap abolished c-Myc/MCL1/Smad7-driven HCC formation. In mice overexpressing a myristoylated/activated form of AKT, coexpression of SMAD7 accelerated carcinogenesis and switched the phenotype from HCC to intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) lesions. In human iCCA, SMAD7 expression was robustly up-regulated, especially in the most aggressive tumors, and directly correlated with the levels of YAP/NOTCH targets as well as cholangiocellular and EMT markers. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicate that SMAD7 contributes to liver carcinogenesis by activating the YAP/NOTCH signaling cascade and inducing a cholangiocellular and EMT signature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xinhua Song
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Haotian Liao
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Li Che
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology II, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Cindy Ament
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daphne Superville
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Ribback
- Institute of Pathology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Melissa Reeves
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Giovanni M. Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical, and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Binyong Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Yong Zeng
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yang H, Park D, Ryu J, Park T. USP11 degrades KLF4 via its deubiquitinase activity in liver diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6976-6987. [PMID: 34114341 PMCID: PMC8278108 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc‐finger containing DNA‐binding transcription factor involved in tumorigenesis and acts as a tumour suppressor or an oncogene depending on the tissue. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), KLF4 has been considered as a tumour suppressor, although the mechanism underlying its action remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified the ubiquitin‐specific peptidase USP11 as a KLF4‐interacting deubiquitinating enzyme using a proteomic approach. USP11 destabilizes KLF4 through the removal of K63‐dependent polyubiquitination, thereby inhibiting KLF4 expression. We also provide mechanistic insights into KLF4 degradation and show that USP11 depletion inhibits growth and chemoresistance of HCC cells by enhancing KLF4 stability. Importantly, lipid content was reduced and genes involved in fatty acid metabolism were down‐regulated in an in vitro steatosis conditions upon USP11 knockout. Finally, elevated USP11 and reduced KLF4 levels were detected both in a hepatic steatosis in vitro model and in public clinical data of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and HCC patients. Collectively, these findings suggest that USP11, as KLF4‐binding partner, is an important mediator of hepatic tumorigenesis that functions via degradation of KLF4 and is a potential treatment target for liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heeyoung Yang
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Daeui Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jeongho Ryu
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Tamina Park
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Korea.,Department of Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiang F, Zhu Z, Zhang M, Wang J, Chen Z, Li X, Zhang T, Gu Q, Wu R, Kang X. 3,3'-Diindolylmethane Enhances Paclitaxel Sensitivity by Suppressing DNMT1-Mediated KLF4 Methylation in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:627856. [PMID: 34150611 PMCID: PMC8209418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.627856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of breast cancer, but drug resistance seriously limits its clinical use. The aim of the present work was to explore the effect of 3,3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) on PTX sensitivity and its possible mechanism in breast cancer. The expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in breast cancer tissues were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The methylation of KLF4 was evaluated by the MassARRAY platform. The lentivirus carrying KLF4 and DNMT1 gene or shRNA targeting DNMT1 were used to overexpress KLF4 or knockdown DNMT1 in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells and the role of KLF4 and DNMT1 in regulation of PTX sensitivity was investigated. The effect of PTX on inhibiting the proliferation of MCF-7 and T47D cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell apoptosis. The expression of mRNA and protein was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Our data showed that the expression of DNMT1 was increased, and the methylation level of CpG sites (−148 bp) in the KLF4 promoter was increased while the KLF4 expression was significantly decreased in breast cancer tissues. Overexpression of KLF4 increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DNMT1 increased the methylation of the KLF4 promoter and decrease the expression of KLF4. Knockdown of DNMT1 increased the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DIM enhanced the PTX sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells, decreased the expression of DNMT1 and the methylation level of KLF4 promoter, thus increasing the level of KLF4. Furthermore, overexpression of DNMT1 attenuated the effect of DIM on the regulation of PTX sensitivity. Collectively, our data indicated that DNMT1-mediated hypermethylation of KLF4 promoter leads to downregulation of KLF4 in breast cancer. The level of KLF4 is correlated with the sensitivity of MCF-7 and T47D cells to PTX. DIM could enhance the antitumor efficacy of PTX on MCF-7 and T47D cells by regulating DNMT1 and KLF4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Xiang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zixi Chen
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Kang
- Laboratory Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Expression and function of Smad7 in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1209-1220. [PMID: 34059951 PMCID: PMC8367892 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a critical role in the pathological processes of various diseases. However, the signaling mechanism of TGF-β in the pathological response remains largely unclear. In this review, we discuss advances in research of Smad7, a member of the I-Smads family and a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling, and mainly review the expression and its function in diseases. Smad7 inhibits the activation of the NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways and plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Specifically, Smad7 can not only attenuate growth inhibition, fibrosis, apoptosis, inflammation, and inflammatory T cell differentiation, but also promotes epithelial cells migration or disease development. In this review, we aim to summarize the various biological functions of Smad7 in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancers, and kidney diseases, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of Smad7.
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhong FJ, Sun B, Cao MM, Xu C, Li YM, Yang LY. STMN2 mediates nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and enhances TGFβ signaling by destabilizing microtubules to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2021; 506:128-141. [PMID: 33705863 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis remains the major obstacle of improving the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical to cancer metastasis. Successful induction of EMT requires dramatic cytoskeleton rearrangement. However, the significance of microtubule (MT), one of the core components of cell cytoskeleton, in this process remains largely unknown. Here we revealed that STMN2, an important MT dynamics regulator, is barely expressed in normal live tissues but markedly up-regulated in HCCs, especially in those with early recurrence. High STMN2 expression correlates with aggressive clinicopathological features and predicts poor prognosis of HCC patients. STMN2 overexpression in HCC cells promotes EMT, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, whereas STMN2 knockdown has opposite results. Mechanistically, STMN2 modulates MTs disassembly, disrupts MT-Smad complex, and facilitates release from MT network, phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 even independent of TGFβ stimulation, thereby enhancing TGFβ signaling. Collectively, STMN2 orchestrates MT disassembly to facilitate EMT via TGF-β signaling, providing a novel insight into the mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis. STMN2 is a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Jing Zhong
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Mo-Mo Cao
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Ming Li
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Lian-Yue Yang
- Liver Cancer Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ingruber J, Savic D, Steinbichler TB, Sprung S, Fleischer F, Glueckert R, Schweigl G, Skvortsova II, Riechelmann H, Dudás J. KLF4, Slug and EMT in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030539. [PMID: 33802627 PMCID: PMC7998447 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is clinically relevant in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We hypothesized that EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs) and an anti-EMT factor, Krüppel-like-factor-4 (KLF4) regulate EMT in HNSCC. Ten control mucosa and 37 HNSCC tissue samples and three HNSCC cell lines were included for investigation of EMT-TFs, KLF4 and vimentin at mRNA and protein levels. Slug gene expression was significantly higher, whereas, KLF4 gene expression was significantly lower in HNSCC than in normal mucosa. In the majority of HNSCC samples, there was a significant negative correlation between KLF4 and Slug gene expression. Slug gene expression was significantly higher in human papilloma virus (HPV) negative HNSCC, and in tumor samples with irregular p53 gene sequence. Transforming-growth-factor-beta-1 (TGF- β1) contributed to downregulation of KLF4 and upregulation of Slug. Two possible regulatory pathways could be suggested: (1) EMT-factors induced pathway, where TGF-β1 induced Slug together with vimentin, and KLF4 was down regulated at the same time; (2) p53 mutations contributed to upregulation and stabilization of Slug, where also KLF4 could co-exist with EMT-TFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ingruber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Dragana Savic
- Laboratory for Experimental and Translational Research on Radiation Oncology (EXTRO-Lab), Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (D.S.); (I.-I.S.)
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teresa Bernadette Steinbichler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Susanne Sprung
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Felix Fleischer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
- Department of Restorative and Operative Dentistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Gabriele Schweigl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
| | - Ira-Ida Skvortsova
- Laboratory for Experimental and Translational Research on Radiation Oncology (EXTRO-Lab), Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (D.S.); (I.-I.S.)
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Riechelmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
| | - József Dudás
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, University Hospital of Tyrol, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.I.); (T.B.S.); (F.F.); (R.G.); (G.S.); (H.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-5048-2475
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Recent Discoveries on the Involvement of Krüppel-Like Factor 4 in the Most Common Cancer Types. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228843. [PMID: 33266506 PMCID: PMC7700188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor highly conserved in evolution. It is particularly well known for its role in inducing pluripotent stem cells. In addition, KLF4 plays many roles in cancer. The results of most studies suggest that KLF4 is a tumor suppressor. However, the functioning of KLF4 is regulated at many levels. These include regulation of transcription, alternative splicing, miRNA, post-translational modifications, subcellular localization, protein stability and interactions with other molecules. Simple experiments aimed at assaying transcript levels or protein levels fail to address this complexity and thus may deliver misleading results. Tumor subtypes are also important; for example, in prostate cancer KLF4 is highly expressed in indolent tumors where it impedes tumor progression, while it is absent from aggressive prostate tumors. KLF4 is important in regulating response to many known drugs, and it also plays a role in tumor microenvironment. More and more information is available about upstream regulators, downstream targets and signaling pathways associated with the involvement of KLF4 in cancer. Furthermore, KLF4 performs critical function in the overall regulation of tissue homeostasis, cellular integrity, and progression towards malignancy. Here we summarize and analyze the latest findings concerning this fascinating transcription factor.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang K, Zhang M, Luo Z, Wen Z, Yan X. The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:497-512. [PMID: 33339765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kegui Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Meiping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, 330031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sun N, Zhong X, Wang S, Zeng K, Sun H, Sun G, Zou R, Liu W, Liu W, Lin L, Song H, Lv C, Wang C, Zhao Y. ATXN7L3 positively regulates SMAD7 transcription in hepatocellular carcinoma with growth inhibitory function. EBioMedicine 2020; 62:103108. [PMID: 33186807 PMCID: PMC7670205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with unmet need for the pharmacological therapy. The functions of ATXN7L3 in HCC progression are not known. Methods RNA sequence, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to detect gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to detect possible mechanisms. Immunohistochemical stain was performed to examine the protein expression. Colony formation, cell growth curve and xenograft tumor experiments were performed to examine cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Findings ATXN7L3 functions as a coactivator for ERα-mediated transactivation in HCC cells, thereby contributing to enhanced SMAD7 transcription. ATXN7L3 is recruited to the promoter regions of SMAD7 gene, thereby regulating histone H2B ubiquitination level, to enhance the transcription of SMAD7. A series of genes regulated by ATXN7L3 were identified. Moreover, ATXN7L3 participates in suppression of tumor growth. In addition, ATXN7L3 is lower expressed in HCC samples, and the lower expression of ATXN7L3 positively correlates with poor clinical outcome in patients with HCC. Interpretation This study demonstrated that ATXN7L3 is a novel regulator of SMAD7 transcription, subsequently participating in inhibition of tumor growth in HCC, which provides an insight to support a previously unknown role of ATXN7L3 in HCC progression. Fund This work was funded by 973 Program Grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2013CB945201), National Natural Science Foundation of China (31871286, 81872015, 31701102, 81702800, 81902889), Foundation for Special Professor of Liaoning Province, Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (No.20180530072); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2019M651164).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Xinping Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110001, China
| | - Shengli Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Kai Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Hongmiao Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Ge Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Renlong Zou
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Wensu Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Huijuan Song
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Chi Lv
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China.
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology, Key laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110122, China; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province 110001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
de Ceuninck van Capelle C, Spit M, Ten Dijke P. Current perspectives on inhibitory SMAD7 in health and disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:691-715. [PMID: 33081543 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1828260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family members play an extensive role in cellular communication that orchestrates both early development and adult tissue homeostasis. Aberrant TGF-β family signaling is associated with a pathological outcome in numerous diseases, and in-depth understanding of molecular and cellular processes could result in therapeutic benefit for patients. Canonical TGF-β signaling is mediated by receptor-regulated SMADs (R-SMADs), a single co-mediator SMAD (Co-SMAD), and inhibitory SMADs (I-SMADs). SMAD7, one of the I-SMADs, is an essential negative regulator of the pleiotropic TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways. In a negative feedback loop, SMAD7 inhibits TGF-β signaling by providing competition for TGF-β type-1 receptor (TβRI), blocking phosphorylation and activation of SMAD2. Moreover, SMAD7 recruits E3 ubiquitin SMURF ligases to the type I receptor to promote ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. In addition to its role in TGF-β and BMP signaling, SMAD7 is regulated by and implicated in a variety of other signaling pathways and functions as a mediator of crosstalk. This review is focused on SMAD7, its function in TGF-β and BMP signaling, and its role as a downstream integrator and crosstalk mediator. This crucial signaling molecule is tightly regulated by various mechanisms. We provide an overview of the ways by which SMAD7 is regulated, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs). Finally, we discuss its role in diseases, such as cancer, fibrosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maureen Spit
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Long-Term Helicobacter pylori Infection Switches Gastric Epithelium Reprogramming Towards Cancer Stem Cell-Related Differentiation Program in Hp-Activated Gastric Fibroblast-TGFβ Dependent Manner. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8101519. [PMID: 33023180 PMCID: PMC7599721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (Hp)-induced inflammatory reaction leads to a persistent disturbance of gastric mucosa and chronic gastritis evidenced by deregulation of tissue self-renewal and local fibrosis with the crucial role of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in this process. As we reported before, Hp activated gastric fibroblasts into cells possessing cancer-associated fibroblast properties (CAFs), which secreted factors responsible for EMT process initiation in normal gastric epithelial RGM1 cells. Here, we showed that the long-term incubation of RGM1 cells in the presence of Hp-activated gastric fibroblast (Hp-AGF) secretome induced their shift towards plastic LGR5+/Oct4high/Sox-2high/c-Mychigh/Klf4low phenotype (l.t.EMT+RGM1 cells), while Hp-non-infected gastric fibroblast (GF) secretome prompted a permanent epithelial–myofibroblast transition (EMyoT) of RGM1 cells favoring LGR−/Oct4high/Sox2low/c-Myclow/Klf4high phenotype (l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells). TGFβ1 rich secretome from Hp-reprogrammed fibroblasts prompted phenotypic plasticity and EMT of gastric epithelium, inducing pro-neoplastic expansion of post-EMT cells in the presence of low TGFβR1 and TGFβR2 activity. In turn, TGFβR1 activity along with GF-induced TGFβR2 activation in l.t.EMT−RGM1 cells prompted their stromal phenotype. Collectively, our data show that infected and non-infected gastric fibroblast secretome induces alternative differentiation programs in gastric epithelium at least partially dependent on TGFβ signaling. Hp infection-activated fibroblasts can switch gastric epithelium microevolution towards cancer stem cell-related differentiation program that can potentially initiate gastric neoplasm.
Collapse
|
34
|
Luk ST, Ng KY, Zhou L, Tong M, Wong TL, Yu H, Lo CM, Man K, Guan XY, Lee TK, Ma S. Deficiency in Embryonic Stem Cell Marker Reduced Expression 1 Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 6-Dependent p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling to Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology 2020; 72:183-197. [PMID: 31680287 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Embryonic stem-cell-related transcription factors are central to the establishment and maintenance of stemness and pluripotency, and their altered expression plays key roles in tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a malignancy with no effective treatment. Here, we report on the embryonic stem cell marker, reduced expression 1 (REX1; also known as zinc finger protein 42), to be selectively down-regulated in HCC tumors. APPROACH AND RESULTS Deficiency of REX1 in HCC was attributed to a combination of hypermethylation at its promoter as well as histone modification by methylation and acetylation. Clinically, hypermethylation of REX1 was closely associated with neoplastic transition and advanced tumor stage in humans. Functionally, silencing of REX1 potentiated the tumor-initiating and metastasis potential of HCC cell lines and xenografted tumors. Lentivirus-mediated Rex1 ablation in liver of male immunocompetent mice with HCC, induced by hydrodynamic tail vein injection of proto-oncogenes, enhanced HCC development. Transcriptome profiling studies revealed REX1 deficiency in HCC cells to be enriched with genes implicated in focal adhesion and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. From this lead, we subsequently found REX1 to bind to the promoter region of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK6), thereby obstructing its transcription, resulting in altered p38 MAPK signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our work describes a critical repressive function of REX1 in maintenance of HCC cells by regulating MKK6 binding and p38 MAPK signaling. REX1 deficiency induced enhancement of p38 MAPK signaling, leading to F-actin reorganization and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated oxidative stress response, which collectively contributed to enhanced stemness and metastatic capabilities of HCC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steve T Luk
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kai-Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tin-Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huajian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Hong Kong
| | - Chung-Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Terence K Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Li Y, Tu S, Zeng Y, Zhang C, Deng T, Luo W, Lian L, Chen L, Xiong X, Yan X. KLF2 inhibits TGF-β-mediated cancer cell motility in hepatocellular carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:485-494. [PMID: 32318691 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Feedback regulation plays a pivotal role in determining the intensity and duration of TGF-β signaling and subsequently affecting the pathophysiological roles of TGF-β, including those in liver malignancy. KLF2, a member of the Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family transcription factors, has been implicated in impeding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we found that TGF-β stimulates the expression of KLF2 gene in several HCC cell lines. KLF2 protein is able to inhibit TGF-β/Smad signaling in HCC cells as assessed by luciferase reporter assay. Further studies indicated that KLF2 inhibits the transcriptional activity of Smad2/3 and Smad4 and ameliorates TGF-β-induced target gene expression, therefore creating a novel negative feedback loop in TGF-β signaling. Functionally, stably expression of KLF2 in HCCLM3 cells attenuated TGF-β-induced cancer cell motility in wound-healing and transwell assays by interfering with TGF-β-mediated upregulation of MMP2. Together, our results revealed that KLF2 protein has a tumor-suppressive function in HCC through a negative feedback loop over TGF-β signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yining Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuo Tu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Tian Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Weicheng Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Lingyan Lian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Ling Chen
- The Health Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiangyang Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
A Novel Function for KLF4 in Modulating the De-differentiation of EpCAM -/CD133 - nonStem Cells into EpCAM +/CD133 + Liver Cancer Stem Cells in HCC Cell Line HuH7. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051198. [PMID: 32408542 PMCID: PMC7290717 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex and heterogeneous nature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hampers the identification of effective therapeutic strategies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a fraction of cells within tumors with the ability to self-renew and differentiate, and thus significantly contribute to the formation and maintenance of heterogeneous tumor mass. Increasing evidence indicates high plasticity in tumor cells, suggesting that non-CSCs could acquire stem cell properties through de-differentiation or reprogramming processes. In this paper, we reveal KLF4 as a transcription factor that can induce a CSC-like phenotype in non-CSCs through upregulating the EpCAM and E-CAD expression. Our studies indicated that KLF4 could directly bind to the promoter of EpCAM and increase the number of EpCAM+/CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) in the HuH7 HCC cell line. When KLF4 was overexpressed in EpCAM−/CD133− non-stem cells, the expressions of hepatic stem/progenitor cell genes such as CK19, EpCAM and LGR5 were significantly increased. KLF4 overexpressing non-stem cells exhibited greater cell viability upon sorafenib treatment, while the cell migration and invasion capabilities of these cells were suppressed. Importantly, we detected an increased membranous expression and colocalization of β-CAT, E-CAD and EpCAM in the KLF4-overexpressing EpCAM−/CD133− non-stem cells, suggesting that this complex might be required for the cancer stem cell phenotype. Moreover, our in vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that with a KLF4 overexpression, EpCAM−/CD133− non-stem cells attained an in vivo tumor forming ability comparable to EpCAM+/CD133+ LCSCs, and the tumor specimens from KLF4-overexpressing xenografts had increased levels of both the KLF4 and EpCAM proteins. Additionally, we identified a correlation between the KLF4 and EpCAM protein expressions in human HCC tissues independent of the tumor stage and differentiation status. Collectively, our data suggest a novel function for KLF4 in modulating the de-differentiation of tumor cells and the induction of EpCAM+/CD133+ LCSCs in HuH7 HCC cells.
Collapse
|
37
|
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: A Mechanism that Fuels Cancer Radio/Chemoresistance. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020428. [PMID: 32059478 PMCID: PMC7072371 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression, cancer cell invasion, and therapy resistance. EMT is regulated by transcription factors such as the protein products of the SNAI gene family, which inhibits the expression of epithelial genes. Several signaling pathways, such as TGF-beta1, IL-6, Akt, and Erk1/2, trigger EMT responses. Besides regulatory transcription factors, RNA molecules without protein translation, micro RNAs, and long non-coding RNAs also assist in the initialization of the EMT gene cluster. A challenging novel aspect of EMT research is the investigation of the interplay between tumor microenvironments and EMT. Several microenvironmental factors, including fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, as well as inflammatory, immune, and endothelial cells, induce EMT in tumor cells. EMT tumor cells change their adverse microenvironment into a tumor friendly neighborhood, loaded with stromal regulatory T cells, exhausted CD8+ T cells, and M2 (protumor) macrophages. Several EMT inhibitory mechanisms are instrumental in reversing EMT or targeting EMT cells. Currently, these mechanisms are also significant for clinical use.
Collapse
|
38
|
Li N, Fan X, Wang X, Zhang X, Zhang K, Han Q, Lv Y, Liu Z. Genetic association of polymorphisms at the intergenic region between PRDM1 and ATG5 with hepatitis B virus infection in Han Chinese patients. J Med Virol 2019; 92:1198-1205. [PMID: 31729038 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is related to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the interplay between the virus and host immune response leads to different outcomes of the infection. PR domain zinc finger protein 1 (PRDM1) and autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) are involved in immune response and HBV infection. An intergenic region between PRDM1 and ATG5 (PRDM1-ATG5 region) has been identified, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this region were shown to be involved in immune regulation. This study investigated the functionally relevant rs548234, rs6937876, and rs6568431 polymorphisms at the PRDM1-ATG5 region in a Han Chinese population (403 patients with chronic HBV infection [171 chronic hepatitis, 119 cirrhosis, and 113 HCC], 70 infection resolvers, and 196 healthy controls). The frequencies of the rs6568431 allele A in HBV patients (P = .005) and genotype CA in infection resolvers (P = .005) were significantly higher than in healthy controls. In the dominant model, HCC patients had significantly higher frequencies of rs548234 genotypes CC + TC than cirrhosis patients (P = .009). Rs548234 was an independent factor for HCC in comparison with either cirrhosis (P = .005) or all chronic HBV infection without HCC (P = .018). Functional annotation showed evidence of the role of the SNPs in gene regulation. In conclusion, through this study it is revealed for the first time that rs6568431 may be associated with susceptibility to HBV infection and that rs548234 may be associated with HCC risk in chronic HBV infection, supporting the presence of HBV-related disease-causing regulatory polymorphisms in the PRDM1-ATG5 intergenic region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiude Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoge Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qunying Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhengwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ma L, Jiang H, Xu X, Zhang C, Niu Y, Wang Z, Tao Y, Li Y, Cai F, Zhang X, Wang X, Yu Y. Tanshinone IIA mediates SMAD7-YAP interaction to inhibit liver cancer growth by inactivating the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:9719-9737. [PMID: 31711043 PMCID: PMC6874425 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA (TanIIA)-an active constituent of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant-is known to have blood circulation promotion and anti-tumor properties. Tan IIA can induce tumor cell death and inhibit tumor growth. However, the functions and underling molecular mechanisms of Tan IIA action on human liver cancer cells remain poorly understand. In this study, we found that Tanshinone IIA mediates SMAD7-YAP interaction to induce liver cancer cell apoptosis and inhibit cell growth and migration by inactivating the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Our findings showed that the Tan IIA-SMAD7-YAP regulatory network might be an effective strategy for liver cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China.,Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Hongyuan Jiang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Xin Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Niu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Zhixian Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Tao
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Feng Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Xinghe Wang
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
| | - Yongchun Yu
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China.,Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Contextual Regulation of TGF-β Signaling in Liver Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101235. [PMID: 31614569 PMCID: PMC6829617 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related death worldwide. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that signals through membrane receptors and intracellular Smad proteins, which enter the nucleus upon receptor activation and act as transcription factors. TGF-β inhibits liver tumorigenesis in the early stage by inducing cytostasis and apoptosis, but promotes malignant progression in more advanced stages by enhancing cancer cell survival, EMT, migration, invasion and finally metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the multi-faceted roles of TGF-β in liver cancer has become a persistent pursuit during the last two decades. Contextual regulation fine-tunes the robustness, duration and plasticity of TGF-β signaling, yielding versatile albeit specific responses. This involves multiple feedback and feed-forward regulatory loops and also the interplay between Smad signaling and non-Smad pathways. This review summarizes the known regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in liver cancer, and how they channel, skew and even switch the actions of TGF-β during cancer progression.
Collapse
|
41
|
Fujimoto S, Hayashi R, Hara S, Sasamoto Y, Harrington J, Tsujikawa M, Nishida K. KLF4 prevents epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human corneal epithelial cells via endogenous TGF-β2 suppression. Regen Ther 2019; 11:249-257. [PMID: 31538102 PMCID: PMC6745437 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is considered one of the Yamanaka factors, and recently, we and others have shown that KLF4 is one of the transcription factors essential for reprogramming non-human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) into HCECs. Since epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) suppression is vital for homeostasis of HCECs via regulation of transcription factors, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether KLF4 prevents EMT in HCECs and to elucidate the underlying mechanism within the canonical TGF-β signalling pathway, which is involved in corneal epithelial wound healing. Methods HCECs were collected from cadaver donors and cultivated. We generated KLF4-knockdown (KD) HCECs using siRNA transfection and analysed morphology, gene or protein expression, and endogenous TGF-β secretion. KLF4 was overexpressed using lentiviral KLF4 expression vectors and underwent protein expression analyses after TGF-β2 treatment. Results KLF4-KD HCECs showed a fibroblastic morphology, downregulation of the epithelial markers, keratin 12 and keratin 14, and upregulation of the mesenchymal markers, fibronectin 1, vimentin, N-cadherin, and SLUG. Although E-cadherin expression remained unchanged in KLF4-KD HCECs, immunocytochemical analysis showed that E-cadherin–positive adherens junctions decreased in KLF4-KD HCECs as well as the decreased total protein levels of E-cadherin analysed by immunoblotting. Moreover, within the TGF-β canonical signalling pathway, TGF-β2 secretion by HCECs increased up to 5 folds, and several TGF-β–associated markers (TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFBR1, and TGFBR2) were significantly upregulated up to 6 folds in the KLF4-KD HCECs. SMAD2/3, the main signal transduction molecules of the TGF-β signalling pathway, were found to be localised in the nucleus of KLF4-KD HCECs. When KLF4 was overexpressed, cultivated HCECs showed upregulation of epithelial markers, keratin 14 and E-cadherin, indicating the contributory role of KLF4 in the homeostasis of human corneal epithelium in vivo. In addition, KLF4 overexpression in HCECs resulted in decreased SMAD2 phosphorylation and altered nuclear localisation of SMAD2/3, even after TGF-β2 treatment. Conclusions These results show that KLF4 prevents EMT in HCECs and suggest a novel role of KLF4 as an endogenous TGF-β2 suppressor in the human corneal epithelium, thus highlighting the potential of KLF4 to prevent EMT and subsequent corneal fibrotic scar formation by attenuating TGF-β signalling. KLF4 inhibited EMT within corneal epithelia. TGF-β expression of human corneal epithelial cells is regulated by KLF4. KLF4 prevented phosphorylation and nuclear localisation of SMAD2. KLF4 may be an important transcription factor in wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Fujimoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Hayashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Stem Cells and Applied Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Susumu Hara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Stem Cells and Applied Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Sasamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Division of Genetics, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jodie Harrington
- Department of Stem Cells and Applied Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK
| | - Motokazu Tsujikawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Division of Health Sciences, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Li XM, Kim SJ, Hong DK, Jung KE, Choi CW, Seo YJ, Lee JH, Lee Y, Kim CD. KLF4 suppresses the tumor activity of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells via the regulation of SMAD signaling and SOX2 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:1110-1115. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
43
|
Chen J, Zhang L, Ma S, Lu G, Wang D. The aberrant expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in hepatocellular carcinoma and their clinical significance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:3653-3661. [PMID: 31934216 PMCID: PMC6949830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) is involved in the progression and metastasis of various cancers. Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a key transcriptional factor of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that is involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a tumor suppressor that can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressions and clinical significance of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We analyzed the expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 in 153 HCC specimens and their corresponding control specimens. The patients' clinicopathological and follow-up data were also collected. RESULTS The rates of positive expression of MACC1 and ZEB1 were significantly higher in the HCC specimens than in the control specimens, and their expressions were positively associated with the number of tumors, grades of differentiation, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. Inversely, the rate of positive expression of KLF4 was significantly lower in the HCC specimens than it was in the control specimens, and its expression was negatively correlated with the number of tumors, grades of differentiation, LNM, and TNM stages. The patients who expressed MACC1 or ZEB1 had a reduced overall survival (OS) when compared with patients not expressing these proteins. However, the patients who expressed KLF4 had an increased OS when compared with patients who did not show any KLF4 expression. A multivariate analysis indicated that the expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 and tumor size, LNM, as well as the TNM stages were independent, prognostic factors for HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, positive expressions of MACC1, ZEB1, and KLF4 should be correlated with the duration of OS in patients with HCC and considered promising prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityNo. 800, Zhihuai Road, Bengbu 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Liangjie Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityNo. 800, Zhihuai Road, Bengbu 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Shasha Ma
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityNo. 800, Zhihuai Road, Bengbu 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guoyu Lu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityNo. 800, Zhihuai Road, Bengbu 233003, Anhui Province, China
| | - Danna Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical UniversityNo. 800, Zhihuai Road, Bengbu 233003, Anhui Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tiwari A, Swamynathan S, Alexander N, Gnalian J, Tian S, Kinchington PR, Swamynathan SK. KLF4 Regulates Corneal Epithelial Cell Cycle Progression by Suppressing Canonical TGF-β Signaling and Upregulating CDK Inhibitors P16 and P27. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:731-740. [PMID: 30786277 PMCID: PMC6383833 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) promotes corneal epithelial (CE) cell fate while suppressing mesenchymal properties. TGF-β plays a crucial role in cell differentiation and development, and if dysregulated, it induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). As KLF4 and TGF-β regulate each other in a context-dependent manner, we evaluated the role of the crosstalk between KLF4 and TGF-β-signaling in CE homeostasis. Methods We used spatiotemporally regulated ablation of Klf4 within the adult mouse CE in ternary transgenic Klf4Δ/ΔCE (Klf4LoxP/LoxP/ Krt12rtTA/rtTA/ Tet-O-Cre) mice and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown or lentiviral vector-mediated overexpression of KLF4 in human corneal limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells to evaluate the crosstalk between KLF4 and TGF-β-signaling components. Expression of TGF-β signaling components and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors was quantified by quantitative PCR, immunoblots, and/or immunofluorescent staining. Results CE-specific ablation of Klf4 resulted in (1) upregulation of TGF-β1, -β2, -βR1, and -βR2; (2) downregulation of inhibitory Smad7; (3) hyperphosphorylation of Smad2/3; (4) elevated nuclear localization of phospho-Smad2/3 and Smad4; and (5) downregulation of CDK inhibitors p16 and p27. Consistently, shRNA-mediated knockdown of KLF4 in HCLE cells resulted in upregulation of TGF-β1 and -β2, hyperphosphorylation and nuclear localization of SMAD2/3, downregulation of SMAD7, and elevated SMAD4 nuclear localization. Furthermore, overexpression of KLF4 in HCLE cells resulted in downregulation of TGF-β1, -βR1, and -βR2 and upregulation of SMAD7, p16, and p27. Conclusions Collectively, these results demonstrate that KLF4 regulates CE cell cycle progression by suppressing canonical TGF-β signaling and overcomes the undesirable concomitant decrease in TGF-β–dependent CDK inhibitors p16 and p27 expression by directly upregulating them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Tiwari
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Sudha Swamynathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nicholas Alexander
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - John Gnalian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Shenghe Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Paul R Kinchington
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Shivalingappa K Swamynathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sulaiman SA, Abu N, Ab-Mutalib NS, Low TY, Jamal R. Signatures of gene expression, DNA methylation and microRNAs of hepatocellular carcinoma with vascular invasion. Future Oncol 2019; 15:2603-2617. [PMID: 31339048 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Micro and macro vascular invasion (VI) are known as independent predictors of tumor recurrence and poor survival after surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to re-analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas of liver hepatocellular carcinoma datasets to identify the VI-expression signatures. Materials & methods: We filtered The Cancer Genome Atlas liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) datasets into three groups: no VI (NVI = 198); micro VI (MIVI = 89) and macro VI (MAVI = 16). We performed differential gene expression, methylation and microRNA analyses. Results & conclusion: We identified 12 differentially expressed genes and 55 differentially methylated genes in MAVI compared with no VI. The GPD1L gene appeared in all of the comparative analyses. Higher GPD1L expression was associated with VI and poor outcomes in the HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti A Sulaiman
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nadiah Abu
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurul-Syakima Ab-Mutalib
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rahman Jamal
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Jalan Yaa'cob Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chen X, Ding X, Wu Q, Qi J, Zhu M, Miao C. Monomethyltransferase SET8 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma growth by enhancing aerobic glycolysis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:312. [PMID: 30952833 PMCID: PMC6450876 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers worldwide. Despite such a public health importance, efficient therapeutic agents are still lacking for this malignancy. Most tumor cells use aerobic glycolysis to sustain anabolic growth, including HCC, and the preference of glycolysis often leads to a close association with poorer clinical outcomes. The histone methyltransferase SET8 plays crucial roles in controlling cell-cycle progression, transcription regulation, and tumorigenesis. However, it remains largely undefined whether SET8 affects the glucose metabolism in HCC. Here, we report that upregulation of SET8 is positively correlated with a poor survival rate in HCC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that SET8 deficiency conferred an impaired glucose metabolism phenotype and thus inhibited the progression of HCC tumors. By contrast, SET8 overexpression aggravated the glycolytic alterations and tumor progression. Mechanistically, SET8 directly binds to and inactivates KLF4, resulting in suppression of its downstream SIRT4. We also provided further evidence that mutations in SET8 failed to restrain the transactivation of SIRT4 by KLF4. Our data collectively uncover a novel mechanism of SET8 in mediating glycolytic metabolism in HCC cells and may provide a basis for targeting SET8 as a therapeutic strategy in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaowei Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qichao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Minmin Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Changhong Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Li L, Yu S, Wu Q, Dou N, Li Y, Gao Y. KLF4-Mediated CDH3 Upregulation Suppresses Human Hepatoma Cell Growth and Migration via GSK-3β Signaling. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:953-961. [PMID: 31182916 PMCID: PMC6535787 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.30857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
P-cadherin (CDH3), a classical cell adhesion molecule involved in tissue integrity and cell localization, has been implicated in many types of cancer. However, little is known about its function and regulatory mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we report that CDH3 was positively regulated by kr¨uppel-like transcription factor 4 (KLF4), which is a crucial tumor suppressor gene in HCC, at mRNA level in HCC cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that KLF4 directly bound to CDH3 promoter and transcriptionally activated CDH3 expression. Consistently, CDH3 expression was closely related with KLF4 expression in patients' samples and both proteins exhibited a downregulated expression pattern in cancer samples. Functionally, enforced CDH3 expression suppressed and silenced CDH3 expression promoted HCC cell growth and migration in vitro. Mechanistically, we observed that GSK-3β was regulated by CDH3 and may function as a possible downstream effector of CDH3. Knockdown of GSK-3β showed a similar phenotype with CDH3 silencing. Taken together, these findings establish the KLF4/CDH3/GSK-3β axis as an important regulatory mechanism in HCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Shijun Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ning Dou
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.,Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wang B, Xu X, Yang Z, Zhang L, Liu Y, Ma A, Xu G, Tang M, Jing T, Wu L, Liu Y. POH1 contributes to hyperactivation of TGF-β signaling and facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through deubiquitinating TGF-β receptors and caveolin-1. EBioMedicine 2019; 41:320-332. [PMID: 30745168 PMCID: PMC6441868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyper-activation of TGF-β signaling is critically involved in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the events that contribute to the dysregulation of TGF-β pathway in HCC, especially at the post-translational level, are not well understood. Methods Associations of deubiquitinase POH1 with TGF-β signaling activity and the outcomes of HCC patients were examined by data mining of online HCC datasets, immunohistochemistry analyses using human HCC specimens, spearman correlation and survival analyses. The effects of POH1 on the ubiquitination and stability of the TGF-β receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2) and the activation of downstream effectors were tested by western blotting. Primary mouse liver tissues from polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C)- treated Mx-Cre+, poh1f/f mice and control mice were used to detect the TGF-β receptors. The metastatic-related capabilities of HCC cells were studied in vitro and in mice. Findings Here we show that POH1 is a critical regulator of TGF-β signaling and promotes tumor metastasis. Integrative analyses of HCC subgroups classified with unsupervised transcriptome clustering of the TGF-β response, metastatic potential and outcomes, reveal that POH1 expression positively correlates with activities of TGF-β signaling in tumors and with malignant disease progression. Functionally, POH1 intensifies TGF-β signaling delivery and, as a consequence, promotes HCC cell metastatic properties both in vitro and in vivo. The expression of the TGF-β receptors was severely downregulated in POH1-deficient mouse hepatocytes. Mechanistically, POH1 deubiquitinates the TGF-β receptors and CAV1, therefore negatively regulates lysosome pathway-mediated turnover of TGF-β receptors. Conclusion Our study highlights the pathological significance of aberrantly expressed POH1 in TGF-β signaling hyperactivation and aggressive progression in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Aihui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guiqin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tiantian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yongzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dong X, Wang F, Xue Y, Lin Z, Song W, Yang N, Li Q. MicroRNA‑9‑5p downregulates Klf4 and influences the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the AKT signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:1417-1429. [PMID: 30664155 PMCID: PMC6365078 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) is a transcriptional factor involved in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms associated with the Klf4 gene as a tumor suppressor in HCC remain unclear. microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are a series of small non-coding RNAs that serve a vital role in regulating gene expression via their influence on protein translation and the associated degradation of mRNA. The mRNA expression levels of the miRNA, miR-9-5p, and Klf4 were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of Klf4, protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylated (p-)AKT, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were determined by western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm a direct interaction between miR-9-5p and the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) sequence of Klf4. Cell counting kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay and flow cytometric analysis were performed to evaluate the proliferative, migratory and apoptotic capabilities of the HCC cells. In the present study, miR-9-5p was revealed to be overexpressed in HCC as a novel upstream gene of Klf4. miR-9-5p expression was inversely associated with Klf4 expression in clinical samples. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a markedly poor prognosis of HCC in the miR-9-5p high-expression group. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-9-5p bound directly to the 3′-UTR of Klf4, which reduced the expression levels of Klf4. The miR-9-5p/Klf4 axis promoted HCC proliferation and migration, and inhibited HCC apoptosis. Furthermore, miR-9-5p upregulated the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio and activated AKT/mTOR signaling. Taken together, these data demonstrated that the miR-9-5p/Klf4 axis was able to promote HCC progression, which may occur via regulation of the AKT signaling pathway, highlighting a potential novel target in HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Dong
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Lin
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Weifeng Song
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yang
- The 5th Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200082, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wu G, Yuan S, Chen Z, Chen G, Fan Q, Dong H, Ye F, Li J, Zhu X. The KLF14 Transcription Factor Regulates Glycolysis by Downregulating LDHB in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:628-635. [PMID: 30745849 PMCID: PMC6367579 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.30652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Krüppel-like transcription factor 14 (KLF14) is a critical regulator of a wide array of biological processes. However, the role of KLF14 in colorectal cancer (CRC) isn't fully investigated. This study aimed to explore the clinicopathological significance and potential role of KLF14 in the carcinogenesis and progression of CRC. A tissue microarray consisting of 185 samples from stage I-III CRC patients was adopted to analyze the correlation between KLF14 expression and clinicopathological parameters, as well as overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The underlying mechanisms of altered KLF14 expression on glycolysis were studied using in vitro and patients' samples. The results showed that KLF14 expression was downregulated in CRC than their normal controls. Low KLF14 expression correlated with advanced T stage (P< 0.001) and N stage (P= 0.040), and larger tumor size (P= 0.008). Lost KLF14 expression implied shorter OS and DFS after colectomy in both univariate and multivariate survival analysis (P<0.05). Experimentally, restore KLF14 expression significantly decreased the rate of glycolysis both in vitro and in patients' sample. Mechanically, KLF14 regulated glycolysis by downregulating glycolytic enzyme LDHB. Collectively, KLF14 is a novel prognostic biomarker for survival in CRC, and downregulation of KLF14 in CRC prompts glycolysis by target LDHB. Hence, KLF14 could constitute potential prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets for CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guiyang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shichao Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zaiping Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guoping Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinghao Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hao Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fubo Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Li
- Departments of CyberKnife, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiongwen Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Medical School of Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang Province, China
| |
Collapse
|