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Sheng S, Chen B, Xu R, Han Y, Mao D, Chen Y, Li C, Su W, Hu X, Zhao Q, Lowe S, Huang Y, Shao W, Yao Y. A prognostic model for Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated liver hepatocellular carcinoma: strengthening the connection through initial biological experiments. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:10. [PMID: 38515119 PMCID: PMC10956344 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00569-4] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown that Schistosoma japonicum infection correlates with an increased risk of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, data regarding the role of this infection in LIHC oncogenesis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection. METHODS By examining chronic liver disease as a mediator, we identified the genes contributing to Schistosoma japonicum infection and LIHC. We selected 15 key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and random survival forest models. Consensus clustering revealed two subgroups with distinct prognoses. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Cox regression identified six prognostic DEGs, forming an Schistosoma japonicum infection-associated signature for strong prognosis prediction. This signature, which is an independent LIHC risk factor, was significantly correlated with clinical variables. Four DEGs, including BMI1, were selected based on their protein expression levels in cancerous and normal tissues. We confirmed BMI1's role in LIHC using Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse models and molecular experiments. RESULTS We identified a series of DEGs that mediate schistosomiasis, the parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection, and hepatocarcinogenesis, and constructed a suitable prognostic model. We analyzed the mechanisms by which these DEGs regulate disease and present the differences in prognosis between the different genotypes. Finally, we verified our findings using molecular biology experiments. CONCLUSION Bioinformatics and molecular biology analyses confirmed a relationship between schistosomiasis and liver hepatocellular cancer. Furthermore, we validated the role of a potential oncoprotein factor that may be associated with infection and carcinogenesis. These findings enhance our understanding of Schistosoma japonicum infection's role in LIHC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Sheng
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Bangjie Chen
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ruiyao Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yanxun Han
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Deshen Mao
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuerong Chen
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Conghan Li
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenzhuo Su
- Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xinyang Hu
- First Clinical Medical College (First Affiliated Hospital), Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Scott Lowe
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO, 64106, USA
| | - Yuting Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Kohyanagi N, Kitamura N, Ikeda S, Shibutani S, Sato K, Ohama T. PP2A inhibitor SET promotes mTORC1 and Bmi1 signaling through Akt activation and maintains the colony-formation ability of cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105584. [PMID: 38141761 PMCID: PMC10826185 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an essential tumor suppressor, with its activity often hindered in cancer cells by endogenous PP2A inhibitory proteins like SE translocation (SET). SET/PP2A axis plays a pivotal role in the colony-formation ability of cancer cells and the stabilization of c-Myc and E2F1 proteins implicated in this process. However, in osteosarcoma cell line HOS, SET knock-down (KD) suppresses the colony-formation ability without affecting c-Myc and E2F1. This study aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism through which SET enhances the colony-formation ability of HOS cells and determine if it is generalized to other cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis unveiled that SET KD suppressed mTORC1 signaling. SET KD inhibited Akt phosphorylation, an upstream kinase for mTORC1. PP2A inhibitor blocked SET KD-mediated decrease in phosphorylation of Akt and a mTORC1 substrate p70S6K. A constitutively active Akt restored decreased colony-formation ability by SET KD, indicating the SET/PP2A/Akt/mTORC1 axis. Additionally, enrichment analysis highlighted that Bmi-1, a polycomb group protein, is affected by SET KD. SET KD decreased Bmi-1 protein by Akt inhibition but not by mTORC1 inhibition, and exogenous Bmi-1 expression rescued the reduced colony formation by SET KD. Four out of eight cancer cell lines exhibited decreased Bmi-1 by SET KD. Further analysis of these cell lines revealed that Myc activity plays a role in SET KD-mediated Bmi-1 degradation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of SET-regulated colony-formation ability, which involved Akt-mediated activation of mTORC1/p70S6K and Bmi-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kohyanagi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Nao Kitamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shunta Ikeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shusaku Shibutani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koichi Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Yamaguchi University Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan.
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Qin YF, Zhou ZY, Fu HW, Lin HM, Xu LB, Wu WR, Liu C, Xu XL, Zhang R. Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Promotes Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Regulating MicroRNA-203a. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:118-129. [PMID: 36406317 PMCID: PMC9647105 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients with persistent positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), even with a low HBV-DNA load, have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than those without HBV infection. Given that tumor stemness has a critical role in the occurrence and maintenance of neoplasms, this study aimed to explore whether HBsAg affects biological function and stemness of HCC by regulating microRNA, and to explore underlying mechanisms. METHODS We screened out miR-203a, the most significant down-regulated microRNA in the microarray analysis of HBsAg-positive samples and focused on that miRNA in the ensuing study. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments were performed to assess its regulatory function. The effect of miR-203a on stemness and the possible correlation with BMI1 were analyzed in this study. RESULTS MiR-203a was significantly down-regulated in HBsAg-positive HCC with the sharpest decrease shown in microarray analysis. The negative correlation between miR-203a and HBsAg expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR after stimulation or overexpression/knockdown of HBsAg in cells. We demonstrated the function of miR-203a in inhibiting HCC cell proliferation, migration, clonogenic capacity, and tumor development in vivo. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-203a remarkably increases the sensitivity of tumor cells to 5-FU treatment and decreases the proportion of HCC cells with stem markers. In concordance with our study, the survival analysis of both The Cancer Genome Atlas database and samples in our center indicated a worse prognosis in patients with low level of miR-203a. We also found that BMI1, a gene maintains the self-renewal capacity of stem cells, showed a significant negative correlation with miR-203a in HCC specimen (p<0.001). Similarly, opposite BMI1 changes after overexpression/knockdown of miR-203a were also confirmed in vitro. Dual luciferase reporting assay suggested that miR-203a may regulate BMI1 expression by direct binding. CONCLUSIONS HBsAg may promote the development of HCC and tumor stemness by inhibiting miR-203a, resulting in poor prognosis. miR-203a may serve as a crucial treatment target in HBsAg-positive HCC. More explicit mechanistic studies and animal experiments need to be conducted as a next step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fei Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zi-Yu Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hou-Wei Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao-Ming Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei-Bo Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Rui Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Correspondence to: Xiao-Lin Xu, Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China. E-mail: . Rui Zhang, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3335-093. Tel: +86-20-34070133, Fax: +86-20-3407109, E-mail:
| | - Rui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Correspondence to: Xiao-Lin Xu, Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China. E-mail: . Rui Zhang, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3335-093. Tel: +86-20-34070133, Fax: +86-20-3407109, E-mail:
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Zhang Z, Wu W, Jiao H, Chen Y, Ji X, Cao J, Yin F, Yin W. Squalene epoxidase promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development by activating STRAP transcription and TGF-β/SMAD signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 180:1562-1581. [PMID: 36581319 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is a key enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, but growing evidence also reveals that SQLE is abnormally expressed in some types of malignant tumours, even though the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Bioinformatics analysis and RNA sequencing were applied to detect differentially expressed genes in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MTT, colony formation, AnnexinV-FITC/PI, EdU, wound healing, transwell, western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, F-actin, RNA-sequencing, dual-luciferase reporters, and H&E staining were used to investigate the pharmacological effects and possible mechanisms of SQLE. KEY RESULTS SQLE expression was specifically elevated in HCC, correlating with poor clinical outcomes. SQLE significantly promoted HCC growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and functional experiments revealed that the protumourigenic effect of SQLE on HCC was closely related to the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling, but the stimulatory effect of SQLE on TGF-β/SMAD signalling and HCC development is critically dependent on STRAP. SQLE expression is well correlated with STRAP in HCC, and further, to amplify TGF-β/SMAD signalling, SQLE even transcriptionally increased STRAP gene expression mediated by AP-2α. Finally, as a chemical inhibitor of SQLE, NB-598 markedly inhibited HCC cell growth and tumour development. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, SQLE serves as a novel oncogene in HCC development by activating TGF-β/SMAD signalling. Targeting SQLE could be useful in drug development and therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui Zhang
- The State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Organ Transplantation Center, Southern District, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China
| | - Hao Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, China
| | - Yuzhong Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaojun Ji
- Department of Innovation, Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangzhou Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Yin
- The State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Fu Y, Yang K, Wu K, Wang H, Li Q, Zhang F, Yang K, Yao Q, Ma X, Deng Y, Zhang J, Liu C, Qu K. Identification of hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes based on PcG-related genes and biological relevance with cancer cells. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:184. [PMID: 36566204 PMCID: PMC9790136 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01393-6] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extensive heterogeneous disease where epigenetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a group of subunits constituting various macro-molecular machines to regulate the epigenetic landscape, which contributes to cancer phenotype and has the potential to develop a molecular classification of HCC. RESULTS Here, based on multi-omics data analysis of DNA methylation, mRNA expression, and copy number of PcG-related genes, we established an epigenetic classification system of HCC, which divides the HCC patients into two subgroups with significantly different outcomes. Comparing these two epigenetic subgroups, we identified different metabolic features, which were related to epigenetic regulation of polycomb-repressive complex 1/2 (PRC1/2). Furthermore, we experimentally proved that inhibition of PcG complexes enhanced the lipid metabolism and reduced the capacity of HCC cells against glucose shortage. In addition, we validated the low chemotherapy sensitivity of HCC in Group A and found inhibition of PRC1/2 promoted HCC cells' sensitivity to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we found that aberrant upregulation of CBX2 in Group A and upregulation of CBX2 were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Furthermore, we found that manipulation of CBX2 affected the levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. CONTRIBUTIONS Our study provided a novel molecular classification system based on PcG-related genes data and experimentally validated the biological features of HCC in two subgroups. Our founding supported the polycomb complex targeting strategy to inhibit HCC progression where CBX2 could be a feasible therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Fu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kaibo Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kunjin Wu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Hai Wang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qinglin Li
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Fengping Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kun Yang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Qing Yao
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaohua Ma
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Yujie Deng
- grid.417295.c0000 0004 1799 374XDepartment of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Chang Liu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China ,grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Surgical Intensive Care Units, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Kai Qu
- grid.452438.c0000 0004 1760 8119Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710061 Shaanxi China
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Liu J, Jiang Y, Huang H, Xu J, Wu Y, Wang Q, Zhu Y, Zheng B, Shen C, Qian W, Shen J. BMI-1 promotes breast cancer proliferation and metastasis through different mechanisms in different subtypes. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:449-462. [PMID: 36285479 PMCID: PMC9899611 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15623] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is among the most common malignant cancers in women. B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (BMI-1) is a transcriptional repressor that has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis, the cell cycle, and stem cell maintenance. In our study, increased expression of BMI-1 was found in both human triple negative breast cancer and luminal A-type breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues. We also found that knockdown of BMI-1 significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanistic research demonstrated that BMI-1 directly bound to the promoter region of CDKN2D/BRCA1 and inhibited its transcription in MCF-7/MDA-MB-231. More importantly, we discovered that knockdown of CDKN2D/BRCA1 could promote cell proliferation and migration after repression by PTC-209. Our results reveal that BMI-1 transcriptionally suppressed BRCA1 in TNBC cell lines whereas, in luminal A cell lines, CDKN2D was the target gene. This provides a reference for the precise treatment of different types of breast cancer in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐yan Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yan‐nan Jiang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jin‐fu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and EmbryologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ying‐hui Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal HospitalSuzhouChina
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal HospitalSuzhouChina
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and GeneticsThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and GeneticsThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Wei‐feng Qian
- Department of Breast and Thyroid SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryThe Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal HospitalSuzhouChina
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Wang Q, Wu Y, Lin M, Wang G, Liu J, Xie M, Zheng B, Shen C, Shen J. BMI1 promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and metastasis by repressing the transcription of SIK1. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:136. [PMID: 35346195 PMCID: PMC8961961 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02552-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant tumor of bone, and the clinical efficacy of current treatments and associated survival rates need to be further improved by employing novel therapeutic strategies. Although various studies have shown that BMI1 protein is universally upregulated in OS cells and tissues, its specific role and underlying mechanism have not yet been fully explored.
Methods
Expression of BMI1 protein in OS cells was detected by western blot. The effect of BMI1 on proliferation and migration of OS cells (143B and U-2OS cell lines) was investigated in vitro using CCK-8, colony formation and transwell assays, and in vivo using subcutaneous tumorigenesis and lung metastasis assays in xenograft nude mice. Expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins was detected by immunofluorescence imaging. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using ENCODE databases to predict downstream targets of BMI1. SIK1 mRNA expression in osteosarcoma cells was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qPCR). Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) was used to investigate expression of BMI1-associated, RING1B-associated, H2AK119ub-associated and H3K4me3-associated DNA at the putative binding region of BMI1 on the SIK1 promoter in OS cells.
Results
Using both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, we found that BMI1 promotes OS cell proliferation and metastasis. The tumor suppressor SIK1 was identified as the direct target gene of BMI1 in OS cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that SIK1 could inhibit proliferation and migration of OS cells. Inhibition of SIK1 largely rescued the altered phenotypes of BMI1-deficient OS cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that BMI1 directly binds to the promoter region of SIK1 in a complex with RING1B to promote monoubiquitination of histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub) and inhibit H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), resulting in inhibition of SIK1 transcription. We therefore suggest that BMI1 promotes OS cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting SIK1.
Conclusions
Our results reveal a novel molecular mechanism of OS development promoted by BMI1 and provides a new potential target for OS treatment.
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Yuan W, Zhang M, Wang C, Li B, Li L, Ye F, Xu C. Resveratrol attenuates HFD-induced hepatic lipotoxicity by up-regulating Bmi-1 expression. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:96-105. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040940. [PMID: 35205692 PMCID: PMC8870127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.
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Wang R, Fan H, Sun M, Lv Z, Yi W. Roles of BMI1 in the Initiation, Progression, and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338211070689. [PMID: 35072573 PMCID: PMC8793120 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211070689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer has high rates of morbidity and mortality, and its treatment is a global health challenge. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of all primary liver cancer cases. B-lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (BMI1) has been identified as a proto-oncogene, which contributes to the initiation and progression of many malignant tumors. BMI1 expression is upregulated in HCC, and it influences the occurrence and development of HCC by various mechanisms, such as the INK4a/ARF locus, NF-κB signaling pathway, and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In addition, the expression of BMI1 is related to prognosis and recurrence of HCC. Hence, there is clear evidence that BMI1 is a novel and valid therapeutic target for HCC. Accordingly, the development of therapeutic strategies targeting BMI1 has been a focus of recent research, providing new directions for HCC treatment. This review summarizes the role of BMI1 in the occurrence and treatment of HCC, which will provide a basis for using BMI1 as a potential target for the development of therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Wang
- 278245Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengwei Fan
- 535219The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Navy Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Sun
- 278245Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongwei Lv
- 278245Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanwan Yi
- 278245Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Wu ZH, Yang DL, Wang L, Liu J. Epigenetic and Immune-Cell Infiltration Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:793343. [PMID: 34925377 PMCID: PMC8674919 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.793343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetics regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetics targeted chemotherapeutic approach can be used to overcome treatment resistance and low response rate in HCC. However, a comprehensive review of genomic data was carried out to determine the role of epigenesis in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell-infiltration characteristics in HCC is still insufficient. Methods The association between epigenetic-related genes (ERGs), inflammatory response-related genes (IRRGs) and CRISPR genes was determined by merging genomic and CRISPR data. Further, characteristics of immune-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment was evaluated. Results Nine differentially expressed genes (ANP32B, ASF1A, BCORL1, BMI1, BUB1, CBX2, CBX3, CDK1, and CDK5) were shown to be independent prognostic factors based on lasso regression in the TCGA-LIHC and ICGC databases. In addition, the results showed significant differences in expression of PDCD-1 (PD-1) and CTLA4 between the high- and low-epigenetic score groups. The CTRP and PRISM-derived drug response data yielded four CTRP-derived compounds (SB-743921, GSK461364, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel) and two PRISM-derived compounds (dolastatin-10 and LY2606368). Patients with high ERGs benefited more from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy than patients with low ERGs. In addition, the high ERGs subgroup had a higher T cell exclusion score, while the low ERGs subgroup had a higher T cell dysfunction. However, there was no difference in microsatellite instability (MSI) score among the two subgroups. Further, genome-wide CRISPR-based loss-of function screening derived from DepMap was conducted to determine key genes leading to HCC development and progression. In total, 640 genes were identified to be essential for survival in HCC cell lines. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network demonstrated that IRRGs PSEN1 was linked to most ERGs and CRISPR genes such as CDK1, TOP2A, CBX2 and CBX3. Conclusion Epigenetic alterations of cancer-related genes in the tumor microenvironment play a major role in carcinogenesis. This study showed that epigenetic-related novel biomarkers could be useful in predicting prognosis, clinical diagnosis, and management in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng-Hong Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong-Liang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Liao R, Liu L, Zhou J, Wei X, Huang P. Current Molecular Biology and Therapeutic Strategy Status and Prospects for circRNAs in HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:697747. [PMID: 34277444 PMCID: PMC8284075 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.697747] [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: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly classified noncoding RNA (ncRNA) members with a covalently closed continuous loop structure that are involved in immune responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and play important biological roles in the occurrence and pathogenesis of HCC progression. The roles of circRNAs in HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) have gained increasing attention. Substantial evidence has revealed that both tissue and circulating circRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. So far, at least four circRNA/miRNA regulatory axes such as circRNA_101764/miR-181, circRNA_100338/miR-141-3p, circ-ARL3/miR-1305, circ-ATP5H/miR-138-5p, and several circulating circRNAs were reported to be associated with HBV-HCC development. Notably, TGF/SMAD, JAK/STAT, Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways may play pivotal roles in this HBV-driven HCC via several circRNAs. Moreover, in non-HBV HCC patients or HCC patients partially infected by HBV, numerous circRNAs have been identified to be important regulators impacting the malignant biological behavior of HCC. Furthermore, the role of circRNAs in HCC drug resistance has become a focus of research with the aim of reversing chemoresistance and immune resistance. Herein, we review the molecular biology of circRNAs in HBV-HCC and their potential in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The People's Rongchang Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xufu Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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LncAY controls BMI1 expression and activates BMI1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Life Sci 2021; 280:119748. [PMID: 34174322 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. Long non-coding RNAs as master gene regulators play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the significance of lncRNAs and their regulatory mechanisms in HCC are largely unknown. Our study was to define the role of lncAY (long noncoding RNA AY927503) in HCC. METHODS Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation qPCR combined with bioinformatics were used to identify the m6A modification of lncAY. qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to identify the expression of the lncAY/YTHDF2/BMI1/Wnt axis in HCC tissues and cell lines. Gain- and loss-of functions of lncAY and BMI1 were implemented to confirm their roles in the behaviors of HCC cells. RESULTS Our findings suggested that m6A-modified lncAY expression relied on m6A "reader" protein YTHDF2. LncAY upregulated BMI1 expression in HCC cells and a notably positive relevance is evident between lncAY and BMI1 expression in TCGA HCC datasets. BMI1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and patients with higher BMI1 expression had a poor clinical prognosis. Besides, GSEA analysis showed remarkable enrichment of high BMI1 expression in gene sets associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Rescue results revealed that BMI1 reversed the suppressive effects of lncAY depletion in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our work suggested that lncAY might elevate BMI1 expression and further activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. BMI1 reverses the suppressive effects of lncAY depletion in HCC cells. Collectively, our work uncovers a novel undefined regulatory signaling pathway, namely lncAY/BMI1/Wnt/β-catenin axis, involved in liver cancer progression.
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14
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Yu J, Wu Y, Li H, Zhou H, Shen C, Gao T, Lin M, Dai X, Ou J, Liu M, Huang X, Zheng B, Sun F. BMI1 Drives Steroidogenesis Through Epigenetically Repressing the p38 MAPK Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:665089. [PMID: 33928089 PMCID: PMC8076678 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.665089] [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: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone biosynthesis progressively decreases in aging males primarily as a result of functional changes to Leydig cells. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying steroidogenesis remain largely unclear. Using gene knock-out approaches, we and others have recently identified Bmi1 as an anti-aging gene. Herein, we investigate the role of BMI1 in steroidogenesis using mouse MLTC-1 and primary Leydig cells. We show that BMI1 can positively regulate testosterone production. Mechanistically, in addition to its known role in antioxidant activity, we also report that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is activated, and testosterone levels reduced, in BMI1-deficient cells; however, the silencing of the p38 MAPK pathway restores testosterone production. Furthermore, we reveal that BMI1 directly binds to the promoter region of Map3k3, an upstream activator of p38, thereby modulating its chromatin status and repressing its expression. Consequently, this results in the inhibition of the p38 MAPK pathway and the promotion of steroidogenesis. Our study uncovered a novel epigenetic mechanism in steroidogenesis involving BMI1-mediated gene silencing and provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Meng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuliang Dai
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Jian Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meiling Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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15
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Guo J, Deng N, Xu Y, Li L, Kuang D, Li M, Li X, Xu Z, Xiang M, Xu C. Bmi1 drives the formation and development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma independent of Ink4A/Arf repression. Pharmacol Res 2021; 164:105365. [PMID: 33307220 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are the most prevalent types of primary liver cancer. Compared with HCC, for which several drugs have been approved, ICC is associated with shorter survival, and no drug has been approved for this type. Previously, we reported that Bmi1 drives HCC and is required for HCC development and growth. However, whether Bmi1 plays a critical role in ICC is not clear, although it reportedly is highly expressed in ICC. Therefore, we investigated its role in ICC. Here, we report that Bmi1 promotes ICC initiation and progression independent of the Ink4A/Arf pathway, a canonical downstream pathway of Bmi1. We found that Bmi1 is overexpressed in human ICC. Co-expression of Bmi1 and NRas induced ICC formation in mice. Knockdown or inactivation of Bmi1 inhibited ICC growth in vitro. Liver-specific knockout or inactivation of Bmi1 remarkably suppressed ICC tumor formation and development in vivo. Mechanistically, no correlation between Bmi1 and Ink4A/Arf levels was found in mouse and human ICC tissues. Together, our data indicate that Bmi1 functions as an oncogene independent of repression of the Ink4A/Arf locus in ICC and that it can serve as a target for ICC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Nan Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yong Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong Kuang
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022. China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The 960th Hospital of the PLA, Jinan, 250031, China
| | - Zhong Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chuanrui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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16
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Zhang B, Liu Z, Cao K, Shan W, Liu J, Wen Q, Wang R. Circ-SPECC1 modulates TGFβ2 and autophagy under oxidative stress by sponging miR-33a to promote hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis. Cancer Med 2020; 9:5999-6008. [PMID: 32627938 PMCID: PMC7433841 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3219] [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: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in the pathogenesis and development of multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms of circ-SPECC1 in HCC remain poorly understood. In our study, we found that circ-SPECC1 was apparently downregulated in H2 O2 -treated HCC cells. Additionally, knockdown of circ-SPECC1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of HCC cells under H2 O2 treatment. Moreover, circ-SPECC1 inhibited miR-33a expression by direct interaction, and miR-33a inhibitor partially reversed the effect of circ-SPECC1 knockdown on proliferation and apoptosis of H2 O2 -treated HCC cells. Furthermore, TGFβ2 was demonstrated to be a target gene of miR-33a and TGFβ2 overexpression rescued the phenotypes of HCC cells attenuated by miR-33a mimics. Meanwhile, autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) abrogated the effect of miR-33a mimics on proliferation and apoptosis of H2 O2 -treated HCC cells. Finally, knockdown of circ-SPECC1 hindered tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that circ-SPECC1 regulated TGFβ2 and autophagy to promote HCC tumorigenesis under oxidative stress via miR-33a. These findings might provide potential treatment strategies for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Zhiyi Liu
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Kuan Cao
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Wengang Shan
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Quan Wen
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Renhao Wang
- Institute of Digestive DiseasesXuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
- Department of General SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhouJiangsuChina
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Gao T, Lin M, Shao B, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Chen X, Zhao D, Dai X, Shen C, Cheng H, Yang S, Li H, Zheng B, Zhong X, Yu J, Chen L, Huang X. BMI1 promotes steroidogenesis through maintaining redox homeostasis in mouse MLTC-1 and primary Leydig cells. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:1884-1898. [PMID: 32594840 PMCID: PMC7469621 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1779471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In males, aging is accompanied by decline in serum testosterone levels due to impairment of testicular Leydig cells. The polycomb protein BMI1 has recently been identified as an anti-aging factor. In our previous study, BMI1 null mice showed decreased serum testosterone and Leydig cell population, excessive oxidative stress and p16/p19 signaling activation. However, a cause-and-effect relationship between phenotypes and pathways was not investigated. Here, we used the rescue approach to study the role of oxidative stress or p16/p19 in BMI1-mediated steroidogenesis. Our results revealed that treatment with antioxidant NAC, but not down-regulation of p16/p19, largely rescued cell senescence, DNA damage and steroidogenesis in BMI1-deficient mouse MLTC-1 and primary Leydig cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates that BMI1 orchestrates steroidogenesis mainly through maintaining redox homeostasis, and thus, BMI1 may be a novel and potential therapeutic target for treatment of hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Gao
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, China
| | - Meng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
| | - Binbin Shao
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital , Nanjing, China
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital , Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiuliang Dai
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, China
| | - Cong Shen
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Cheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China
| | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Suzhou, China
| | - Xingming Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics , Guangdong, China.,Department of Reproductive Immunity and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province , Guangdong, China.,Department of Reproductive Immunity and Genetics, Family Planning Special Hospital of Guangdong Province , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang, China
| | - Li Chen
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Changzhou Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Changzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing, China
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