1
|
Larue AEM, Atlasi Y. The epigenetic landscape in intestinal stem cells and its deregulation in colorectal cancer. Stem Cells 2024; 42:509-525. [PMID: 38597726 PMCID: PMC11177158 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxae027] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in controlling gene expression and cellular plasticity in both normal physiology and pathophysiological conditions. These mechanisms are particularly important in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, both in embryonic development and within adult tissues. A prime example of this finely tuned epigenetic control is observed in the gastrointestinal lining, where the small intestine undergoes renewal approximately every 3-5 days. How various epigenetic mechanisms modulate chromatin functions in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) is currently an active area of research. In this review, we discuss the main epigenetic mechanisms that control ISC differentiation under normal homeostasis. Furthermore, we explore the dysregulation of these mechanisms in the context of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. By outlining the main epigenetic mechanisms contributing to CRC, we highlight the recent therapeutics development and future directions for colorectal cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axelle E M Larue
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - Yaser Atlasi
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iyer AS, Shaik MR, Raufman JP, Xie G. The Roles of Zinc Finger Proteins in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10249. [PMID: 37373394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210249] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite colorectal cancer remaining a leading worldwide cause of cancer-related death, there remains a paucity of effective treatments for advanced disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of colorectal cancer include altered cell signaling and cell cycle regulation that may result from epigenetic modifications of gene expression and function. Acting as important transcriptional regulators of normal biological processes, zinc finger proteins also play key roles in regulating the cellular mechanisms underlying colorectal neoplasia. These actions impact cell differentiation and proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, homeostasis, senescence, and maintenance of stemness. With the goal of highlighting promising points of therapeutic intervention, we review the oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of zinc finger proteins with respect to colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya S Iyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andrews G, Fan K, Pratt HE, Phalke N, Karlsson EK, Lindblad-Toh K, Gazal S, Moore JE, Weng Z, Andrews G, Armstrong JC, Bianchi M, Birren BW, Bredemeyer KR, Breit AM, Christmas MJ, Clawson H, Damas J, Di Palma F, Diekhans M, Dong MX, Eizirik E, Fan K, Fanter C, Foley NM, Forsberg-Nilsson K, Garcia CJ, Gatesy J, Gazal S, Genereux DP, Goodman L, Grimshaw J, Halsey MK, Harris AJ, Hickey G, Hiller M, Hindle AG, Hubley RM, Hughes GM, Johnson J, Juan D, Kaplow IM, Karlsson EK, Keough KC, Kirilenko B, Koepfli KP, Korstian JM, Kowalczyk A, Kozyrev SV, Lawler AJ, Lawless C, Lehmann T, Levesque DL, Lewin HA, Li X, Lind A, Lindblad-Toh K, Mackay-Smith A, Marinescu VD, Marques-Bonet T, Mason VC, Meadows JRS, Meyer WK, Moore JE, Moreira LR, Moreno-Santillan DD, Morrill KM, Muntané G, Murphy WJ, Navarro A, Nweeia M, Ortmann S, Osmanski A, Paten B, Paulat NS, Pfenning AR, Phan BN, Pollard KS, Pratt HE, Ray DA, Reilly SK, Rosen JR, Ruf I, Ryan L, Ryder OA, Sabeti PC, Schäffer DE, Serres A, Shapiro B, Smit AFA, Springer M, Srinivasan C, Steiner C, Storer JM, Sullivan KAM, Sullivan PF, Sundström E, Supple MA, Swofford R, Talbot JE, Teeling E, Turner-Maier J, Valenzuela A, Wagner F, Wallerman O, Wang C, Wang J, Weng Z, Wilder AP, Wirthlin ME, Xue JR, Zhang X. Mammalian evolution of human cis-regulatory elements and transcription factor binding sites. Science 2023; 380:eabn7930. [PMID: 37104580 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn7930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the regulatory landscape of the human genome is a long-standing objective of modern biology. Using the reference-free alignment across 241 mammalian genomes produced by the Zoonomia Consortium, we charted evolutionary trajectories for 0.92 million human candidate cis-regulatory elements (cCREs) and 15.6 million human transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). We identified 439,461 cCREs and 2,024,062 TFBSs under evolutionary constraint. Genes near constrained elements perform fundamental cellular processes, whereas genes near primate-specific elements are involved in environmental interaction, including odor perception and immune response. About 20% of TFBSs are transposable element-derived and exhibit intricate patterns of gains and losses during primate evolution whereas sequence variants associated with complex traits are enriched in constrained TFBSs. Our annotations illuminate the regulatory functions of the human genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Andrews
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kaili Fan
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Henry E Pratt
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nishigandha Phalke
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kerstin Lindblad-Toh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, 75132 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Steven Gazal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jill E Moore
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fuertes G, Del Valle‐Pérez B, Pastor J, Andrades E, Peña R, García de Herreros A, Duñach M. Noncanonical Wnt signaling promotes colon tumor growth, chemoresistance and tumor fibroblast activation. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e54895. [PMID: 36704936 PMCID: PMC10074097 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colon tumors of the mesenchymal subtype have the lowest overall survival. Snail1 is essential for the acquisition of this phenotype, characterized by increased tumor stemness and invasion, and high resistance to chemotherapy. Here, we find that Snail1 expression in colon tumor cells is dependent on an autocrine noncanonical Wnt pathway. Accordingly, depletion of Ror2, the co-receptor for noncanonical Wnts such as Wnt5a, potently decreases Snail1 expression. Wnt5a, Ror2, and Snail1 participate in a self-stimulatory feedback loop since Wnt5a increases its own synthesis in a Ror2- and Snail1-dependent fashion. This Wnt5a/Ror2/Snail1 axis controls tumor invasion, chemoresistance, and formation of tumor spheres. It also stimulates TGFβ synthesis; consequently, tumor cells expressing Snail1 are more efficient in activating cancer-associated fibroblasts than the corresponding controls. Ror2 downmodulation or inhibition of the Wnt5a pathway decreases Snail1 expression in primary colon tumor cells and their ability to form tumors and liver metastases. Finally, the expression of SNAI1, ROR2, and WNT5A correlates in human colon and other tumors. These results identify inhibition of the noncanonical Wnt pathway as a putative colon tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Fuertes
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, CEB, Facultat de MedicinaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
- Programa de Recerca en CàncerInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSICBarcelonaSpain
| | - Beatriz Del Valle‐Pérez
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, CEB, Facultat de MedicinaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
- Programa de Recerca en CàncerInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSICBarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la VidaUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Javier Pastor
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, CEB, Facultat de MedicinaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
- Programa de Recerca en CàncerInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSICBarcelonaSpain
| | - Evelyn Andrades
- Departament de DermatologiaHospital del MarBarcelonaSpain
- Grup de Malalties Inflamatòries i Neoplàsiques DermatològiquesInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Raúl Peña
- Programa de Recerca en CàncerInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSICBarcelonaSpain
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en CàncerInstitut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat Associada al CSICBarcelonaSpain
- Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la VidaUniversitat Pompeu FabraBarcelonaSpain
| | - Mireia Duñach
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, CEB, Facultat de MedicinaUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Antón-García P, Haghighi EB, Rose K, Vladimirov G, Boerries M, Hecht A. TGFβ1-Induced EMT in the MCF10A Mammary Epithelial Cell Line Model Is Executed Independently of SNAIL1 and ZEB1 but Relies on JUNB-Coordinated Transcriptional Regulation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:558. [PMID: 36672507 PMCID: PMC9856774 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) fosters cancer cell invasion and metastasis, the main cause of cancer-related mortality. Growing evidence that SNAIL and ZEB transcription factors, typically portrayed as master regulators of EMT, may be dispensable for this process, led us to re-investigate its mechanistic underpinnings. For this, we used an unbiased computational approach that integrated time-resolved analyses of chromatin structure and differential gene expression, to predict transcriptional regulators of TGFβ1-inducible EMT in the MCF10A mammary epithelial cell line model. Bioinformatic analyses indicated comparatively minor contributions of SNAIL proteins and ZEB1 to TGFβ1-induced EMT, whereas the AP-1 subunit JUNB was anticipated to have a much larger impact. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss-of-function studies confirmed that TGFβ1-induced EMT proceeded independently of SNAIL proteins and ZEB1. In contrast, JUNB was necessary and sufficient for EMT in MCF10A cells, but not in A549 lung cancer cells, indicating cell-type-specificity of JUNB EMT-regulatory capacity. Nonetheless, the JUNB-dependence of EMT-associated transcriptional reprogramming in MCF10A cells allowed to define a gene expression signature which was regulated by TGFβ1 in diverse cellular backgrounds, showed positively correlated expression with TGFβ signaling in multiple cancer transcriptomes, and was predictive of patient survival in several cancer types. Altogether, our findings provide novel mechanistic insights into the context-dependent control of TGFβ1-driven EMT and thereby may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Antón-García
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elham Bavafaye Haghighi
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Rose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Vladimirov
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecht
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tsirigoti C, Ali MM, Maturi V, Heldin CH, Moustakas A. Loss of SNAI1 induces cellular plasticity in invasive triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:832. [PMID: 36171192 PMCID: PMC9519755 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05280-z] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor SNAI1 mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition, fibroblast activation and controls inter-tissue migration. High SNAI1 expression characterizes metastatic triple-negative breast carcinomas, and its knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 uncovered an epithelio-mesenchymal phenotype accompanied by reduced signaling by the cytokine TGFβ. The SNAI1 knockout cells exhibited plasticity in differentiation, drifting towards the luminal phenotype, gained stemness potential and could differentiate into acinar mammospheres in 3D culture. Loss of SNAI1 de-repressed the transcription factor FOXA1, a pioneering factor of mammary luminal progenitors. FOXA1 induced a specific gene program, including the androgen receptor (AR). Inhibiting AR via a specific antagonist regenerated the basal phenotype and blocked acinar differentiation. Thus, loss of SNAI1 in the context of triple-negative breast carcinoma cells promotes an intermediary luminal progenitor phenotype that gains differentiation plasticity based on the dual transcriptional action of FOXA1 and AR. This function of SNAI1 provides means to separate cell invasiveness from progenitor cell de-differentiation as independent cellular programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Tsirigoti
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mohamad Moustafa Ali
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Varun Maturi
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Pharmacy, Drug Delivery, Uppsala University, SE-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Han JH, Kim YK, Kim H, Lee J, Oh MJ, Kim SB, Kim M, Kim KH, Yoon HJ, Lee MS, Minna JD, White MA, Kim HS. Snail acetylation by autophagy-derived acetyl-coenzyme A promotes invasion and metastasis of KRAS-LKB1 co-mutated lung cancer cells. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:716-749. [PMID: 35838183 PMCID: PMC9395322 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Autophagy is elevated in metastatic tumors and is often associated with active epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the extent to which EMT is dependent on autophagy is largely unknown. This study aimed to identify the mechanisms by which autophagy facilitates EMT. Methods We employed a liquid chromatography‐based metabolomic approach with kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) gene co‐mutated (KL) cells that represent an autophagy/EMT‐coactivated invasive lung cancer subtype for the identification of metabolites linked to autophagy‐driven EMT activation. Molecular mechanisms of autophagy‐driven EMT activation were further investigated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), Western blotting analysis, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, and metabolite assays. The effects of chemical and genetic perturbations on autophagic flux were assessed by two orthogonal approaches: microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 (LC3) turnover analysis by Western blotting and monomeric red fluorescent protein‐green fluorescent protein (mRFP‐GFP)‐LC3 tandem fluorescent protein quenching assay. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) activity was measured by coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation (CLEAR) motif‐driven luciferase reporter assay. Experimental metastasis (tail vein injection) mouse models were used to evaluate the impact of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CAMKK2) or ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitors on lung metastasis using IVIS luciferase imaging system. Results We found that autophagy in KL cancer cells increased acetyl‐coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA), which facilitated the acetylation and stabilization of the EMT‐inducing transcription factor Snail. The autophagy/acetyl‐CoA/acetyl‐Snail axis was further validated in tumor tissues and in autophagy‐activated pancreatic cancer cells. TFEB acetylation in KL cancer cells sustained pro‐metastatic autophagy in a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)‐independent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of this axis via CAMKK2 inhibitors or ACLY inhibitors consistently reduced the metastatic capacity of KL cancer cells in vivo. Conclusions This study demonstrates that autophagy‐derived acetyl‐CoA promotes Snail acetylation and thereby facilitates invasion and metastasis of KRAS‐LKB1 co‐mutated lung cancer cells and that inhibition of the autophagy/acetyl‐CoA/acetyl‐Snail axis using CAMKK2 or ACLY inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic strategy to suppress metastasis of KL lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jang Hee Han
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Department of Medical Science, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Yong Keon Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hakhyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jooyoung Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Checkmate Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, 07207, Korea
| | - Myung Joon Oh
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sang Bum Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Minjee Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kook Hwan Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun Ju Yoon
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Myung-Shik Lee
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Michael A White
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390, USA
| | - Hyun Seok Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea.,Checkmate Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, 07207, Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fan B, Zhang Q, Wang N, Wang G. LncRNAs, the Molecules Involved in Communications With Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811374. [PMID: 35155247 PMCID: PMC8829571 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cells (CRCSCs) can actively self-renew, as well as having multidirectional differentiation and tumor regeneration abilities. Because the high functional activities of CRCSCs are associated with low cure rates in patients with colorectal cancer, efforts have sought to determine the function and regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs. To date, however, the potential regulatory mechanisms of CRCSCs remain incompletely understood. Many non-coding genes are involved in tumor invasion and spread through their regulation of CRCSCs, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) being important non-coding RNAs. LncRNAs may be involved in the colorectal cancer development and drug resistance through their regulation of CRCSCs. This review systematically evaluates the latest research on the ability of lncRNAs to regulate CRCSC signaling pathways and the involvement of these lncRNAs in colorectal cancer promotion and suppression. The regulatory network of lncRNAs in the CRCSC signaling pathway has been determined. Further analysis of the potential clinical applications of lncRNAs as novel clinical diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer may provide new ideas and protocols for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Fan
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Guiyu Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Canonical TGFβ signaling induces collective invasion in colorectal carcinogenesis through a Snail1- and Zeb1-independent partial EMT. Oncogene 2022; 41:1492-1506. [PMID: 35075245 PMCID: PMC8897192 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02190-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Local invasion is the initial step towards metastasis, the main cause of cancer mortality. In human colorectal cancer (CRC), malignant cells predominantly invade as cohesive collectives and may undergo partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) at the invasive front. How this particular mode of stromal infiltration is generated is unknown. Here we investigated the impact of oncogenic transformation and the microenvironment on tumor cell invasion using genetically engineered organoids as CRC models. We found that inactivation of the Apc tumor suppressor combined with expression of oncogenic KrasG12D and dominant-negative Trp53R172H did not cell-autonomously induce invasion in vitro. However, oncogenic transformation primed organoids for activation of a collective invasion program upon exposure to the prototypical microenvironmental factor TGFβ1. Execution of this program co-depended on a permissive extracellular matrix which was further actively remodeled by invading organoids. Although organoids shed some epithelial properties particularly at the invasive edge, TGFβ1-stimulated organoids largely maintained epithelial gene expression while additionally implementing a mesenchymal transcription pattern, resulting in a pEMT phenotype that did not progress to a fully mesenchymal state. Notably, while TGFβ1 induced pEMT and promoted collective invasion, it abrogated self-renewal capacity of TKA organoids which correlated with the downregulation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) marker genes. Mechanistically, induction of the non-progressive pEMT required canonical TGFβ signaling mediated by Smad transcription factors (TFs), whereas the EMT master regulators Snail1 and Zeb1 were dispensable. Gene expression profiling provided further evidence for pEMT of TGFβ1-treated organoids and showed that their transcriptomes resemble those of human poor prognosis CMS4 cancers which likewise exhibit pEMT features. We propose that collective invasion in colorectal carcinogenesis is triggered by microenvironmental stimuli through activation of a novel, transcription-mediated form of non-progressive pEMT independently of classical EMT regulators.
Collapse
|
11
|
Transcription factor c-Myb: novel prognostic factor in osteosarcoma. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:375-390. [PMID: 34994868 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10145-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor c-Myb is an oncoprotein promoting cell proliferation and survival when aberrantly activated/expressed, thus contributing to malignant transformation. Overexpression of c-Myb has been found in leukemias, breast, colon and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Recent studies revealed its expression also in osteosarcoma cell lines and suggested its functional importance during bone development. However, the relevance of c-Myb in control of osteosarcoma progression remains unknown. A retrospective clinical study was carried out to assess a relationship between c-Myb expression in archival osteosarcoma tissues and prognosis in a cohort of high-grade osteosarcoma patients. In addition, MYB was depleted in metastatic osteosarcoma cell lines SAOS-2 LM5 and 143B and their growth, chemosensitivity, migration and metastatic activity were determined. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that high c-Myb expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival in the cohort and metastatic progression in young patients. Increased level of c-Myb was detected in metastatic osteosarcoma cell lines and its depletion suppressed their growth, colony-forming capacity, migration and chemoresistance in vitro in a cell line-dependent manner. MYB knock-out resulted in reduced metastatic activity of both SAOS-2 LM5 and 143B cell lines in immunodeficient mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the c-Myb-driven functional programs enriched for genes involved in the regulation of cell growth, stress response, cell adhesion and cell differentiation/morphogenesis. Wnt signaling pathway was identified as c-Myb target in osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, we identified c-Myb as a negative prognostic factor in osteosarcoma and showed its involvement in the regulation of osteosarcoma cell growth, chemosensitivity, migration and metastatic activity.
Collapse
|
12
|
Frey P, Devisme A, Rose K, Schrempp M, Freihen V, Andrieux G, Boerries M, Hecht A. SMAD4 mutations do not preclude epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2021; 41:824-837. [PMID: 34857888 PMCID: PMC8816731 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily signaling is a prime inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) that foster cancer cell invasion and metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Yet, TGFβ signaling is frequently inactivated in human tumor entities including colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) with a high proportion of mutations incapacitating SMAD4, which codes for a transcription factor (TF) central to canonical TGFβ and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Beyond its role in initiating EMT, SMAD4 was reported to crucially contribute to subsequent gene regulatory events during EMT execution. It is therefore widely assumed that SMAD4-mutant (SMAD4mut) cancer cells are unable to undergo EMT. Here, we scrutinized this notion and probed for potential SMAD4-independent EMT execution using SMAD4mut CRC cell lines. We show that SMAD4mut cells exhibit morphological changes, become invasive, and regulate EMT marker genes upon induction of the EMT-TF SNAIL1. Furthermore, SNAIL1-induced EMT in SMAD4mut cells was found to be entirely independent of TGFβ/BMP receptor activity. Global assessment of the SNAIL1-dependent transcriptome confirmed the manifestation of an EMT gene regulatory program in SMAD4mut cells highly related to established EMT signatures. Finally, analyses of human tumor transcriptomes showed that SMAD4 mutations are not underrepresented in mesenchymal tumor samples and that expression patterns of EMT-associated genes are similar in SMAD4mut and SMAD4 wild-type (SMAD4wt) cases. Altogether, our findings suggest that alternative TFs take over the gene regulatory functions of SMAD4 downstream of EMT-TFs, arguing for considerable plasticity of gene regulatory networks operating in EMT execution. Further, they establish that EMT is not categorically precluded in SMAD4mut tumors, which is relevant for their diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Frey
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Antoine Devisme
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Rose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Monika Schrempp
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vivien Freihen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, Germany, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecht
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang Y, Feng M, Bai L, Liao W, Zhou K, Zhang M, Wu Q, Wen F, Lei W, Zhang P, Zhang N, Huang J, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis of EMT-related genes and lncRNAs in the prognosis, immunity, and drug treatment of colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2021; 19:391. [PMID: 34526059 PMCID: PMC8444417 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EMT is an important biological process in the mechanism of tumor invasion and metastasis. However, there are still many unknowns about the specific mechanism of EMT in tumor. At present, a comprehensive analysis of EMT-related genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still lacking. METHODS All the data were downloaded from public databases including TCGA database (488 tumor samples and 52 normal samples) as the training set and the GEO database (GSE40967 including 566 tumor samples and 19 normal samples, GSE12945 including 62 tumor samples, GSE17536 including 177 tumor samples, GSE17537 including 55 tumor samples) as the validation sets. One hundred and sixty-six EMT-related genes (EMT-RDGs) were selected from the Molecular Signatures Database. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the correlation between EMT-RDGs and CRC prognosis, metastasis, drug efficacy, and immunity. RESULTS We finally obtained nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs (FGF8, NOG, PHLDB2, SIX2, SNAI1, TBX5, TIAM1, TWIST1, TCF15) through differential expression analysis, Unicox and Lasso regression analysis, and then constructed a risk prognosis model. There were significant differences in clinical characteristics, 22 immune cells, and immune functions between the high-risk and low-risk groups and the different states of the nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs. The methylation level and mutation status of nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs all affect their regulation of EMT. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was also constructed by the methylation sites of nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs. In addition, the expression of FGF8, PHLDB2, SIX2, and SNAIL was higher and the expression level of NOG and TWIST1 was lower in the non-metastasis CRC group. Nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs also affected the drug treatment response of CRC. CONCLUSIONS Targeting these nine prognostic-related EMT-RDGs can regulate CRC metastasis and immune, which is beneficial for the prognosis of CRC patients, improve drug sensitivity in CRC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingyang Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - LiangLiang Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiting Liao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kexun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengxi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanting Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,West China Biomedical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, No. 37, GuoXue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xie Z, Wang Q, Hu S. Coordination of PRKCA/PRKCA-AS1 interplay facilitates DNA methyltransferase 1 recruitment on DNA methylation to affect protein kinase C alpha transcription in mitral valve of rheumatic heart disease. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5904-5915. [PMID: 34482802 PMCID: PMC8806685 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1971482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, mitral valve tissues from three mitral stenosis patients with RHD by valve replacement and two healthy donors were harvested and conducted DNA methylation signature on PRKCA by MeDIP-qPCR. The presence of hypomethylated CpG islands at promoter and 5' terminal of PRKCA was observed in RHD accompanied with highly expressed PRKCA and down-regulated antisense long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PRKCA-AS1 compared to health control. Furthermore, the enrichments of DNMT1/3A/3B on PRKCA were detected by ChIP-qPCR assay in vivo and in human cardiomyocyte AC16 and RL-14 cells exposed to TNF-α in vitro, and both demonstrated that DNMT1 substantially contributed to DNA methylation. Additionally, PRKCA-AS1 was further determined to bind with promoter of PRKCA via 5' terminal and interact with DNMT1 via 3' terminal. Taken together, our results illuminated a novel regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation on regulating PRKCA transcription through lncRNA PRKCA-AS1, and shed light on the molecular pathogenesis of RHD occurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zan Xie
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai City, China
| | - Qianli Wang
- Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai City, China
| | - Shaojuan Hu
- Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai City, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sakuma K, Sasaki E, Hosoda W, Komori K, Shimizu Y, Yatabe Y, Aoki M. MYB mediates downregulation of the colorectal cancer metastasis suppressor heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L-like during epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3846-3855. [PMID: 34286904 PMCID: PMC8409424 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L-like (HNRNPLL), a suppressor of colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis, is transcriptionally downregulated when CRC cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we show that decrease of MYB mediates the downregulation of HNRNPLL during EMT. The promoter activity was attributed to a region from -273 to -10 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site identified by 5'-RACE analysis, and the region contained potential binding sites for MYB and SP1. Luciferase reporter gene assays and knockdown or knockout experiments for genes encoding the MYB family proteins, MYB, MYBL1, and MYBL2, revealed that MYB was responsible for approximately half of the promoter activity. On the other hand, treatment with mithramycin A, an inhibitor for SP1 and SP3, suppressed the promoter activity and their additive contribution was confirmed by knockout experiments. The expression level of MYB was reduced on EMT while that of SP1 and SP3 was unchanged, suggesting that the downregulation of HNRNPLL during EMT was mediated by the decrease of MYB expression while SP1 and SP3 determine the basal transcription level of HNRNPLL. Histopathological analysis confirmed the accumulation of MYB-downregulated cancer cells at the invasion front of clinical CRC tissues. These results provide an insight into the molecular mechanism underlying CRC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Sakuma
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
| | - Eiichi Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Molecular DiagnosticsAichi Cancer Center HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Waki Hosoda
- Department of Pathology and Molecular DiagnosticsAichi Cancer Center HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Koji Komori
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryAichi Cancer Center HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryAichi Cancer Center HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Yasushi Yatabe
- Department of Diagnostic PathologyNational Cancer Center HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Masahiro Aoki
- Division of PathophysiologyAichi Cancer Center Research InstituteNagoyaJapan
- Department of Cancer PhysiologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Q, Cheng M, Fan Z, Jin Q, Cao P, Zhou G. Identification of Cancer Cell Stemness-Associated Long Noncoding RNAs for Predicting Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:1087-1100. [PMID: 34096799 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial contributors to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and are involved in the stemness regulation of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). However, cancer cell stemness-associated lncRNAs and their relevance in prediction of clinical prognosis remain largely unexplored. In this study, through the transcriptome-wide screen, we identified a total of 136 LCSC-associated lncRNAs. We evaluated the prognostic value of these lncRNAs and optimally established an 11-lncRNA (including AC008622.2, AC015908.3, AC020915.2, AC025176.1, AC026356.2, AC099850.3, CYTOR, DDX11-AS1, HTR2A-AS1, LINC02870, and SNHG3) prognostic risk model. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk score is an independent prognostic predictor for HCC patients, which outperforms the traditional clinical pathological factors. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that the high-risk score reflects the alteration of pathways involved in cell cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolism. Furthermore, functional studies on SNHG12, the leading candidate of the risk lncRNAs, revealed that knockdown of SNHG12 reduces the abilities of HCC cells stemness, proliferation, migration, and invasion. In summary, we constructed a prognostic risk model based on 11 LCSC-associated lncRNAs, which might be a promising prognostic predictor for HCC patients and highlight the involvement of lncRNAs in LCSC-associated treatment strategy in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang City, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Min Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, China
| | - Zhijuan Fan
- Clinical Lab of Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pengbo Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Gangqiao Zhou
- Medical College of Guizhou University, Guiyang City, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yastrebova MA, Khamidullina AI, Tatarskiy VV, Scherbakov AM. Snail-Family Proteins: Role in Carcinogenesis and Prospects for Antitumor Therapy. Acta Naturae 2021; 13:76-90. [PMID: 33959388 PMCID: PMC8084295 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The review analyzes Snail family proteins, which are transcription factors involved in the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells. We describe the structure of these proteins, their post-translational modification, and the mechanisms of Snail-dependent regulation of genes. The role of Snail proteins in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis is analyzed. Furthermore, we focus on EMT signaling mechanisms involving Snail proteins. Next, we dissect Snail signaling in hypoxia, a condition that complicates anticancer treatment. Finally, we offer classes of chemical compounds capable of down-regulating the transcriptional activity of Snails. Given the important role of Snail proteins in cancer biology and the potential for pharmacological inhibition, Snail family proteins may be considered promising as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Yastrebova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - A. I. Khamidullina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
| | - V. V. Tatarskiy
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334 Russia
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478 Russia
| | - A. M. Scherbakov
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, 115478 Russia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Guerrero-Martínez JA, Ceballos-Chávez M, Koehler F, Peiró S, Reyes JC. TGFβ promotes widespread enhancer chromatin opening and operates on genomic regulatory domains. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6196. [PMID: 33273453 PMCID: PMC7713251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway controls transcription by regulating enhancer activity. How TGFβ-regulated enhancers are selected and what chromatin changes are associated with TGFβ-dependent enhancers regulation are still unclear. Here we report that TGFβ treatment triggers fast and widespread increase in chromatin accessibility in about 80% of the enhancers of normal mouse mammary epithelial-gland cells, irrespective of whether they are activated, repressed or not regulated by TGFβ. This enhancer opening depends on both the canonical and non-canonical TGFβ pathways. Most TGFβ-regulated genes are located around enhancers regulated in the same way, often creating domains of several co-regulated genes that we term TGFβ regulatory domains (TRD). CRISPR-mediated inactivation of enhancers within TRDs impairs TGFβ-dependent regulation of all co-regulated genes, demonstrating that enhancer targeting is more promiscuous than previously anticipated. The area of TRD influence is restricted by topologically associating domains (TADs) borders, causing a bias towards co-regulation within TADs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Guerrero-Martínez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Avenida Americo Vespucio 24, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - María Ceballos-Chávez
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Avenida Americo Vespucio 24, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Florian Koehler
- Division of Epigenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Peiró
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose C Reyes
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide (CSIC-USE-UPO), Avenida Americo Vespucio 24, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Radiosensitivity-Related Genes and Clinical Characteristics of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1705867. [PMID: 33299859 PMCID: PMC7704138 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1705867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Materials and Methods Clinicopathological data of 185 patients with NPC treated at Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University between January 2013 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. SPSS statistical software was used to analyze the clinicopathological data related to radiotherapy efficacy. Three patients who achieved complete remission and three with disease progression after CRT were selected. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened via mRNA microarray analysis of primary diagnostic endoscopy specimens. Results The peripheral blood leukocyte count, platelet count, and EBV-DNA copy number in NPC patients who were resistant to radiotherapy were higher than those in NPC patients who were sensitive to radiotherapy. The RobustRankAggreg (RRA) analysis method identified 392 DEGs, and the 66 most closely related genes among the DEGs were identified from the PPI network. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that screening for DEGs and pathways in NPC using integrated in silico analyses can help identify a series of genetic and clinical signatures for NPC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wen B, Jung HJ, Chen L, Saeed F, Knepper MA. NGS-Integrator: An efficient tool for combining multiple NGS data tracks using minimum Bayes' factors. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:806. [PMID: 33213365 PMCID: PMC7678096 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is widely used for genome-wide identification and quantification of DNA elements involved in the regulation of gene transcription. Studies that generate multiple high-throughput NGS datasets require data integration methods for two general tasks: 1) generation of genome-wide data tracks representing an aggregate of multiple replicates of the same experiment; and 2) combination of tracks from different experimental types that provide complementary information regarding the location of genomic features such as enhancers. RESULTS NGS-Integrator is a Java-based command line application, facilitating efficient integration of multiple genome-wide NGS datasets. NGS-Integrator first transforms all input data tracks using the complement of the minimum Bayes' factor so that all values are expressed in the range [0,1] representing the probability of a true signal given the background noise. Then, NGS-Integrator calculates the joint probability for every genomic position to create an integrated track. We provide examples using real NGS data generated in our laboratory and from the mouse ENCODE database. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that NGS-Integrator is both time- and memory-efficient. Our examples show that NGS-Integrator can integrate information to facilitate downstream analyses that identify functional regulatory domains along the genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Wen
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hyun Jun Jung
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lihe Chen
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fahad Saeed
- School of Computing and Information Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mark A Knepper
- Epithelial Systems Biology Laboratory, Systems Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang T, Chen WC, Shi PC, Liu MR, Jiang T, Song H, Wang JQ, Fan RZ, Pei DS, Song J. Long noncoding RNA MAPKAPK5-AS1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by cis-regulating the nearby gene MK5 and acting as a let-7f-1-3p sponge. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:139. [PMID: 32690100 PMCID: PMC7370515 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01633-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered critical regulators in cancers; however, the clinical significance and mechanisms of MAPKAPK5-AS1 (hereinafter referred to as MK5-AS1) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain mostly unknown. METHODS In this study, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blotting were utilized to detect the levels of MK5-AS1, let-7f-1-3p and MK5 (MAPK activated protein kinase 5) in CRC tissues and cell lines. The biological functions of MK5-AS1, let-7f-1-3p and MK5 in CRC cells were explored using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation and transwell assays. The potential mechanisms of MK5-AS1 were evaluated by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), dual luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and bioinformatics analysis. The effects of MK5-AS1 and MK5 on CRC were investigated by a xenotransplantation model. RESULTS We confirmed that MK5-AS1 was significantly increased in CRC tissues. Knockdown of MK5-AS1 suppressed cell migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited lung metastasis in mice. Mechanistically, MK5-AS1 regulated SNAI1 expression by sponging let-7f-1-3p and cis-regulated the adjacent gene MK5. Moreover, MK5-AS1 recruited RBM4 and eIF4A1 to promote the translation of MK5. Our study verified that MK5 promoted the phosphorylation of c-Jun, which activated the transcription of SNAI1 by directly binding to its promoter. CONCLUSIONS MK5-AS1 cis-regulated the nearby gene MK5 and acted as a let-7f-1-3p sponge, playing a vital role in CRC tumorigenesis. This study could provide novel insights into molecular therapeutic targets of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Wei-Cong Chen
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Pei-Cong Shi
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Man-Ru Liu
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Tao Jiang
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Hu Song
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Rui-Zhi Fan
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jun Song
- grid.413389.4Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Institute of Digestive Diseases of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002 Jiangsu Province China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wang W, Tang X, Qu H, He Q. Translation regulatory long non-coding RNA 1 represents a potential prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:4077-4087. [PMID: 32391108 PMCID: PMC7204641 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted a lot of attention for their role in the development, progression and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little is known on the clinical significance of the translation regulatory lncRNA 1 (TRERNA1) in CRC. The present study aimed to explore the clinical value of TRERNA1 in patients with CRC. A total of 89 cancer-associated lncRNA genes were analyzed using the RT2 lncRNA PCR array Human Cancer PathwayFinder. Following the PCR array, reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR was conducted to identify the differential expression of TRERNA1 between 130 CRC and corresponding non-tumorous adjacent tissues. Additionally, the association between TRERNA1 expression and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Furthermore, TRERNA1 expression was knocked down via small interfering RNAs. The results of the PCR array and RT-qPCR revealed that TRERNA1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with in adjacent normal tissues. TRERNA1 upregulation was positively associated with distant metastasis, perineural invasion, TNM stage, node metastasis stage and tumor diameter. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with higher TRERNA1 expression had a shorter overall survival (OS) time and a less favorable prognosis compared with those in the low TRERNA1 expression group. Knockdown of TRERNA1 inhibited invasion and metastasis of CRC cells via regulating Snail expression. In conclusion, TRERNA1 expression was upregulated in CRC tissues. High expression levels of TRERNA1 may be associated with poor OS times, a less favorable prognosis and lymph node metastasis in patients with CRC. TRERNA1 may therefore serve as a useful and novel biomarker for CRC lymph node metastasis and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China.,Department of General Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Hui Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Qingsi He
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wenzel J, Rose K, Haghighi EB, Lamprecht C, Rauen G, Freihen V, Kesselring R, Boerries M, Hecht A. Loss of the nuclear Wnt pathway effector TCF7L2 promotes migration and invasion of human colorectal cancer cells. Oncogene 2020; 39:3893-3909. [PMID: 32203164 PMCID: PMC7203011 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1259-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor TCF7L2 is indispensable for intestinal tissue homeostasis where it transmits mitogenic Wnt/β-Catenin signals in stem and progenitor cells, from which intestinal tumors arise. Yet, TCF7L2 belongs to the most frequently mutated genes in colorectal cancer (CRC), and tumor-suppressive functions of TCF7L2 were proposed. This apparent paradox warrants to clarify the role of TCF7L2 in colorectal carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated TCF7L2 dependence/independence of CRC cells and the cellular and molecular consequences of TCF7L2 loss-of-function. By genome editing we achieved complete TCF7L2 inactivation in several CRC cell lines without loss of viability, showing that CRC cells have widely lost the strict requirement for TCF7L2. TCF7L2 deficiency impaired G1/S progression, reminiscent of the physiological role of TCF7L2. In addition, TCF7L2-negative cells exhibited morphological changes, enhanced migration, invasion, and collagen adhesion, albeit the severity of the phenotypic alterations manifested in a cell-line-specific fashion. To provide a molecular framework for the observed cellular changes, we performed global transcriptome profiling and identified gene-regulatory networks in which TCF7L2 positively regulates the proto-oncogene MYC, while repressing the cell cycle inhibitors CDKN2C/CDKN2D. Consistent with its function in curbing cell motility and invasion, TCF7L2 directly suppresses the pro-metastatic transcription factor RUNX2 and impinges on the expression of cell adhesion molecules. Altogether, we conclude that the proliferation-stimulating activity of TCF7L2 persists in CRC cells. In addition, TCF7L2 acts as invasion suppressor. Despite its negative impact on cell cycle progression, TCF7L2 loss-of-function may thereby increase malignancy, which could explain why TCF7L2 is mutated in a sizeable fraction of colorectal tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janna Wenzel
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Rose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elham Bavafaye Haghighi
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Lamprecht
- Institute of Physics, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 3a, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technology (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gilles Rauen
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vivien Freihen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecht
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Canonical BMP Signaling Executes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Downstream of SNAIL1. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12041019. [PMID: 32326239 PMCID: PMC7226241 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12041019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal process in development and disease. In carcinogenesis, various signaling pathways are known to trigger EMT by inducing the expression of EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like SNAIL1, ultimately promoting invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. However, how EMT is executed downstream of EMT-TFs is incompletely understood. Here, using human colorectal cancer (CRC) and mammary cell line models of EMT, we demonstrate that SNAIL1 critically relies on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling for EMT execution. This activity requires the transcription factor SMAD4 common to BMP/TGFβ pathways, but is TGFβ signaling-independent. Further, we define a signature of BMP-dependent genes in the EMT-transcriptome, which orchestrate EMT-induced invasiveness, and are found to be regulated in human CRC transcriptomes and in developmental EMT processes. Collectively, our findings substantially augment the knowledge of mechanistic routes whereby EMT can be effectuated, which is relevant for the conceptual understanding and therapeutic targeting of EMT processes.
Collapse
|
25
|
Rubio K, Castillo-Negrete R, Barreto G. Non-coding RNAs and nuclear architecture during epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 70:109593. [PMID: 32135188 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. On the other hand, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common interstitial lung disease showing a prevalence of 20 new cases per 100,000 persons per year. Despite differences in cellular origin and pathological phenotypes, LC and IPF are lung diseases that share common features, including hyperproliferation of specific cell types in the lung, involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced activity of signaling pathways, such as tissue growth factor (TGFB), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), wingless secreted glycoprotein (WNT) signaling, among others. EMT is a process during which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and cell-cell adhesion, and acquire migratory and invasive properties to become mesenchymal cells. EMT involves numerous morphological hallmarks of hyperproliferative diseases, like cell plasticity, resistance to apoptosis, dedifferentiation and proliferation, thereby playing a central role during organ fibrosis and cancer progression. EMT was considered as an "all-or-none" process. In contrast to these outdated dichotomist interpretations, recent reports suggest that EMT occurs gradually involving different epithelial cell intermediate states with mesenchyme-like characteristics. These cell intermediate states of EMT differ from each other in their cell plasticity, invasiveness and metastatic potential, which in turn are induced by signals from their microenvironment. EMT is regulated by several transcription factors (TFs), which are members of prominent families of master regulators of transcription. In addition, there is increasing evidence for the important contribution of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) to EMT. In our review we highlight articles dissecting the function of different ncRNAs subtypes and nuclear architecture in cell intermediate states of EMT, as well as their involvement in LC and IPF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Rubio
- Brain and Lung Epigenetics (BLUE), Glycobiology, Cell Growth and Tissue Repair Research Unit (Gly-CRRET), Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France; Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Parkstraße 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Rafael Castillo-Negrete
- Brain and Lung Epigenetics (BLUE), Glycobiology, Cell Growth and Tissue Repair Research Unit (Gly-CRRET), Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France; Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Parkstraße 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Guillermo Barreto
- Brain and Lung Epigenetics (BLUE), Glycobiology, Cell Growth and Tissue Repair Research Unit (Gly-CRRET), Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France; Lung Cancer Epigenetic, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Parkstraße 1, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany; Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russian Federation; Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), The German Center of Lung Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, DZL), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|