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Li Y, Guo Y, Chen F, Cui Y, Chen X, Shi G. Male breast cancer differs from female breast cancer in molecular features that affect prognoses and drug responses. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101980. [PMID: 38701649 PMCID: PMC11088352 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101980] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare malignancy with a worse prognosis than female breast cancer (FBC). Current MBC treatment strategies are based on those for FBC. However, molecular differences between MBC and FBC with respect to prognosis and drug responses remain unclear. METHODS After controlling for confounding factors with propensity score matching (PSM), differences between MBC and FBC were comprehensively analyzed using many types of data: survival, immune microenvironments, sex hormone responses, drug sensitivity, transcriptomes, genomes, epigenomes, and proteomes. RESULTS Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were both worse for MBC than for FBC. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in numerous cancer-related functions and pathways, with SPAG16 and STOX1 being as the most important prognosis-related mRNAs for MBC. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and transcription factor (TF)-mRNA regulatory networks contain potential prognostic genes. Nine genes had higher mutation frequencies in MBC than in FBC. MBC shows a comparatively poor response to immunotherapy, with five proteins that promote breast cancer progression being highly expressed in MBC. MBC may be more responsive than FBC to estrogen. We detected six United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutic target genes as being differentially expressed between MBC and FBC. CONCLUSION The poor prognosis of MBC compared to FBC is due to numerous molecular differences and resulting drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Li
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150081, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150081, China; Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital, Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030013, China
| | - Fengzhi Chen
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150081, China
| | - Yuqing Cui
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150081, China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150001, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150001, China.
| | - Guangyue Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150081, China.
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2
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Yang J, Fan LY, Shi KY. Integrated Single-cell and Transcriptome Sequencing Analyses Identified PREX1 as an Immune-related Prognostic Biomarker for Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1559-1574. [PMID: 38903921 PMCID: PMC11186429 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.94812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: PtdIns (3,4,5) P3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (PREX1), also known as PREX1, a member of the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rac-GEF) family. Studies have suggested that PREX1 plays a role in mediating oncogenic pathway activation and controlling various biological mechanisms in different types of cancer, including liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). However, the function of PREX1 in the pathogenesis of LIHC and its potential role on immunological regulation is not clearly elucidated. Methods: The expression level and the clinical role of PREX1 in LIHC was analyzed based on database from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), TNM plotter and University of Alabama Cancer Database (UALCAN). We investigated the relationship between PREX1 and immunity in LIHC by TISIDB, CIBERSORT and single cell analysis. Immunotherapy responses were assessed by the immunophenoscores (IPS). Moreover, biological functional assays were performed to further investigate the roles of PREX1 in liver cancer cell lines. Results: Higher expression of PREX1 in LIHC tissues than in normal liver tissues was found based on public datasets. Further analysis revealed that PREX1 was associated with worse clinical characteristics and dismal prognosis. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that PREX1 participated in immune-related pathways. Through CIBERSORT and single cell analysis, we found a remarkable correlation between the expression of PREX1 and various immune cells, especially macrophages. In addition, high PREX1 expression was found to be associated with a stronger response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, in vitro assays indicated that depletion of PREX1 can suppress invasion and proliferation of LIHC cells. Conclusion: Elevated expression of PREX1 indicates poor prognosis, influences immune modulation and predicts sensitivity of immunosuppression therapy in LIHC. Our results suggested that PREX1 may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, offering new treatment options for LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Lin-Yin Fan
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Kai-Yuan Shi
- Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging & Interventional Therapy, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
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3
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Mendoza V, Hinck CS, de la Fuente-León RL, Hinck AP, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J, López-Casillas F. Betaglycan sustains HGF/Met signaling in lung cancer and endothelial cells promoting cell migration and tumor growth. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30520. [PMID: 38756586 PMCID: PMC11096750 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30520] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent HGF/Met signaling drives tumor growth and dissemination. Proteoglycans within the tumor microenvironment might control HGF availability and signaling by affecting its accessibility to Met (HGF receptor), likely defining whether acute or sustained HGF/Met signaling cues take place. Given that betaglycan (BG, also known as type III TGFβ receptor or TGFBR3), a multi-faceted proteoglycan TGFβ co-receptor, can be found within the tumor microenvironment, we addressed its hypothetical role in oncogenic HGF signaling. We found that HGF/Met promotes lung cancer and endothelial cells migration via PI3K and mTOR. This effect was enhanced by recombinant soluble betaglycan (solBG) via a mechanism attributable to its glycosaminoglycan chains, as a mutant without them did not modulate HGF effects. Moreover, soluble betaglycan extended the effect of HGF-induced phosphorylation of Met, Akt, and Erk, and membrane recruitment of the RhoGEF P-Rex1. Data-mining analysis of lung cancer patient datasets revealed a significant correlation between high MET receptor, HGF, and PREX1 expression and reduced patient survival. Soluble betaglycan showed biochemical interaction with HGF and, together, they increased tumor growth in immunocompetent mice. In conclusion, the oncogenic properties of the HGF/Met pathway are enhanced and sustained by GAG-containing soluble betaglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentín Mendoza
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cynthia S. Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Andrew P. Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Fernando López-Casillas
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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4
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Edwards CM, Kane JF, Smith JA, Grant DM, Johnson JA, Diaz MAH, Vecchi LA, Bracey KM, Omokehinde TN, Fontana JR, Karno BA, Scott HT, Vogel CJ, Lowery JW, Martin TJ, Johnson RW. PTHrP intracrine actions divergently influence breast cancer growth through p27 and LIFR. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:34. [PMID: 38409028 PMCID: PMC10897994 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP) in breast cancer remains controversial, with reports of PTHrP inhibiting or promoting primary tumor growth in preclinical studies. Here, we provide insight into these conflicting findings by assessing the role of specific biological domains of PTHrP in tumor progression through stable expression of PTHrP (-36-139aa) or truncated forms with deletion of the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) alone or in combination with the C-terminus. Although the full-length PTHrP molecule (-36-139aa) did not alter tumorigenesis, PTHrP lacking the NLS alone accelerated primary tumor growth by downregulating p27, while PTHrP lacking the NLS and C-terminus repressed tumor growth through p27 induction driven by the tumor suppressor leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR). Induction of p27 by PTHrP lacking the NLS and C-terminus persisted in bone disseminated cells, but did not prevent metastatic outgrowth, in contrast to the primary tumor site. These data suggest that the PTHrP NLS functions as a tumor suppressor, while the PTHrP C-terminus may act as an oncogenic switch to promote tumor progression through differential regulation of p27 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Edwards
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jeremy F Kane
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jailyn A Smith
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Déja M Grant
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jasmine A Johnson
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Maria A Hernandez Diaz
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lawrence A Vecchi
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kai M Bracey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Program in Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tolu N Omokehinde
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Joseph R Fontana
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Breelyn A Karno
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Halee T Scott
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Carolina J Vogel
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Bone and Muscle Research Group, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jonathan W Lowery
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Bone and Muscle Research Group, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Academic Affairs, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - T John Martin
- Bone Cell Biology and Disease Unit, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachelle W Johnson
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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5
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Wang Y, Hu Y, Wang M, Wang M, Xu Y. The Role of Breast Cancer Cells in Bone Metastasis: Suitable Seeds for Nourishing Soil. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024; 22:28-43. [PMID: 38206556 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00849-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review was to describe the characteristics of breast cancer cells prone to developing bone metastasis and determine how they are regulated by the bone microenvironment. RECENT FINDINGS The bone is a site of frequent breast cancer metastasis. Bone metastasis accounts for 70% of advanced breast cancer cases and remains incurable. It can lead to skeletal-related events, such as bone fracture and pain, and seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Breast cancer cells escape from the primary lesion and spread to the bone marrow in the early stages. They can then enter the dormant state and restore tumourigenicity after several years to develop overt metastasis. In the last few years, an increasing number of studies have reported on the factors promoting bone metastasis of breast cancer cells, both at the primary and metastatic sites. Identifying factors associated with bone metastasis aids in the early recognition of bone metastasis tendency. How to target these factors and minimize the side effects on the bone remains to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiou Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Outpatient, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mozhi Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Mengshen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Gao X, Lin X, Lin M, Lan Y, Wang Y, Wu R, Li J, Huang C, Zhong D. Silencing Rac1 and Prex1 Inhibit Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Gastric Cancer Cells Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1. THE TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF TURKISH SOCIETY OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2023; 34:975-981. [PMID: 37434402 PMCID: PMC10543419 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2023.23108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Transforming growth factor-beta can influence tumor cells, causing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and enhancing their invasion and metastasis ability. Rac1 protein could be used as an independent tumor diagnostic marker and survival predictor. Prex1 is closely related to cell metastasis. In this study, the impact of silencing Rac1 and Prex1 on transforming growth factor-beta 1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells MGC-803 and MKN45 was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS MGC-803 and MKN45 cells received recombinant transforming growth factor-beta 1 (rTGF-β1) treatments at various concentrations. Cell Counting Kit-8 kit was used to determine cell viability. Rac1 and Prex1 interference vectors were transfected into the rTGF-β1-treated MGC-803 and MKN45 cells. Cell apoptosis and migration were detected by flow cytometry and scratch test, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and PDLIM2 expression levels. RESULTS The rTGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) could promote MGC-803 and MKN45 cell viability. Silencing Rac1 and Prex1 could increase E-cadherin and PDLIM2 expression, decrease N-cadherin and vimentin expression, inhibit cell viability and migration, and promote apoptosis in rTGF-β1-treated MGC-803 and MKN45 cells. CONCLUSIONS Silencing Rac1 and Prex1 could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reduce cell viability and migration, and promote apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Mengxin Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yanqin Lan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Riping Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Junde Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuanyong Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dongta Zhong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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7
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, García-Jiménez I, Vázquez-Prado J. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases (RhoGEFs) as oncogenic effectors and strategic therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 109:110749. [PMID: 37290677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells dynamically adjust their shape to adhere, invade, migrate, and expand to generate secondary tumors. Inherent to these processes is the constant assembly and disassembly of cytoskeletal supramolecular structures. The subcellular places where cytoskeletal polymers are built and reorganized are defined by the activation of Rho GTPases. These molecular switches directly respond to signaling cascades integrated by Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which are sophisticated multidomain proteins that control morphological behavior of cancer and stromal cells in response to cell-cell interactions, tumor-secreted factors and actions of oncogenic proteins within the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells, including fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells, and even projections of neuronal cells, adjust their shapes and move into growing tumoral masses, building tumor-induced structures that eventually serve as metastatic routes. Here we review the role of RhoGEFs in metastatic cancer. They are highly diverse proteins with common catalytic modules that select among a variety of homologous Rho GTPases enabling them to load GTP, acquiring an active conformation that stimulates effectors controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Therefore, due to their strategic position in oncogenic signaling cascades, and their structural diversity flanking common catalytic modules, RhoGEFs possess unique characteristics that make them conceptual targets of antimetastatic precision therapies. Preclinical proof of concept, demonstrating the antimetastatic effect of inhibiting either expression or activity of βPix (ARHGEF7), P-Rex1, Vav1, ARHGEF17, and Dock1, among others, is emerging.
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8
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Zhang M, Ding Y, Hu S, Li F, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Qi M, Ni H, Fang S, Chen Q. Transcriptomics and systems network-based molecular mechanism of herbal formula Huosu-Yangwei inhibited gastric cancer in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116674. [PMID: 37277085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The efficacy of the herbal formula Huosu-Yangwei (HSYW) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer and chronic atrophic gastritis with precancerous lesions has been reported in clinical trials. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibition of gastric tumor are not well-understood. AIM OF THE STUDY Combined with transcriptomics and systems network-based molecular mechanism to explore the potential circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network of HSYW in the treatment of gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animal experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of HSYW on tumor growth in vivo. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was implemented to identify the differentially expressed (DE) genes. Predictive miRNA targets and mRNA were used to construct circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to verify the accuracy of the proposed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. Additionally, the differentially expressed target proteins between gastric cancer (GC) and normal patients were assessed using data from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and HPA (The Human Protein Atlas) databases. RESULTS We demonstrate HSYW significantly inhibits tumor growth of N87 cell-bearing Balb/c mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the existence of 119 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and 200 DE mRNAs between HSYW-treated and model mice. By associating predicted circRNA-miRNA pairs and miRNA-mRNA pairs, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (CMM) network. Furthermore, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed using the differential expressed mRNAs. Consequently, the reconstructed core CMM network and qRT-PCR validation indicated that 4 circRNAs, 5 miRNAs and 6 mRNAs could potentially serve as biomarkers to assess the therapeutic effects of HSYW-treated N87-bearing Balb/c mice. The TCGA and HPA databases also demonstrated that mRNA KLF15 and PREX1 had substantial differences between gastric cancer (GC) and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS By combining the experimental and bioinformatics analysis, this study confirms that the circRNA_00240/hsa-miR-642a-5p/KLF15 and circRNA_07980/hsa-miR-766-3p/PREX1 pathways play critical roles in HSYW-treated gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Yujie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Fulong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - Mei Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
| | - HongMei Ni
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Shengquan Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
| | - Qilong Chen
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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9
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Beltrán-Navarro YM, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. P-Rex1 Signaling Hub in Lower Grade Glioma Patients, Found by In Silico Data Mining, Correlates With Reduced Survival and Augmented Immune Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:922025. [PMID: 35875157 PMCID: PMC9300953 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.922025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematic analysis of tumor transcriptomes, combined with deep genome sequencing and detailed clinical assessment of hundreds of patients, constitutes a powerful strategy aimed to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to guide personalized treatments. Oncogenic signaling cascades are integrated by multidomain effector proteins such as P-Rex1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rac GTPase (RacGEF), known to promote metastatic dissemination of cancer cells. We hypothesized that patients with high P-Rex1 expression and reduced survival might be characterized by a particular set of signaling proteins co-expressed with this effector of cell migration as a central component of a putative signaling hub indicative of poor prognosis. High P-Rex1 expression correlated with reduced survival of TCGA Lower Grade Glioma (LGG) patients. Thus, guided by PREX1 expression, we searched for signaling partners of this RacGEF by applying a systematic unbiased in silico data mining strategy. We identified 30 putative signaling partners that also correlated with reduced patient survival. These included GPCRs such as CXCR3, GPR82, FZD6, as well as MAP3K1, MAP2K3, NEK8, DYRK3 and RPS6KA3 kinases, and PTPN2 and PTPN22 phosphatases, among other transcripts of signaling proteins and phospho-substrates. This PREX1 signaling hub signature correlated with increased risk of shorter survival of LGG patients from independent datasets and coincided with immune and endothelial transcriptomic signatures, indicating that myeloid infiltration and tumor angiogenesis might contribute to worsen brain tumor pathology. In conclusion, P-Rex1 and its putative signaling partners in LGG are indicative of a signaling landscape of the tumor microenvironment that correlates with poor prognosis and might guide the characterization of signaling targets leading the eventual development of immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José Vázquez-Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: José Vázquez-Prado,
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10
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Omokehinde T, Jotte A, Johnson RW. gp130 Cytokines Activate Novel Signaling Pathways and Alter Bone Dissemination in ER+ Breast Cancer Cells. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:185-201. [PMID: 34477239 PMCID: PMC8828687 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer cells frequently home to the bone marrow, where they encounter signals that promote survival and quiescence or stimulate their proliferation. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokines signal through the co-receptor glycoprotein130 (gp130) and are abundantly secreted within the bone microenvironment. Breast cancer cell expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor (LIFR)/STAT3 signaling promotes tumor dormancy in the bone, but it is unclear which, if any of the cytokines that signal through LIFR, including LIF, oncostatin M (OSM), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), promote tumor dormancy and which signaling pathways are induced. We first confirmed that LIF, OSM, and CNTF and their receptor components were expressed across a panel of breast cancer cell lines, although expression was lower in estrogen receptor-negative (ER- ) bone metastatic clones compared with parental cell lines. In estrogen receptor-positive (ER+ ) cells, OSM robustly stimulated phosphorylation of known gp130 signaling targets STAT3, ERK, and AKT, while CNTF activated STAT3 signaling. In ER- breast cancer cells, OSM alone stimulated AKT and ERK signaling. Overexpression of OSM, but not CNTF, reduced dormancy gene expression and increased ER+ breast cancer bone dissemination. Reverse-phase protein array revealed distinct and overlapping pathways stimulated by OSM, LIF, and CNTF with known roles in breast cancer progression and metastasis. In breast cancer patients, downregulation of the cytokines or receptors was associated with reduced relapse-free survival, but OSM was significantly elevated in patients with invasive disease and distant metastasis. Together these data indicate that the gp130 cytokines induce multiple signaling cascades in breast cancer cells, with a potential pro-tumorigenic role for OSM and pro-dormancy role for CNTF. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolu Omokehinde
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alec Jotte
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachelle W Johnson
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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11
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Fang SQ, Liu YH, Zhao KP, Zhang HX, Wang HW, Deng YH, Zhou YX, Ge GB, Ni HM, Chen QL. Transcriptional profiling and network pharmacology analysis identify the potential biomarkers from Chinese herbal formula Huosu Yangwei Formula treated gastric cancer in vivo. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:944-953. [PMID: 34961592 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(22)60154-7] [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: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Huosu Yangwei (HSYW) Formula is a traditioanl Chinese herbal medicine that has been extensively used to treat chronic atrophic gastritis, precancerous lesions of gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer. However, the effective compounds of HSYW and its related anti-tumor mechanisms are not completely understood. In the current study, 160 ingredients of HSYW were identified and 64 effective compounds were screened by the ADMET evaluation. Furthermore, 64 effective compounds and 2579 potential targets were mapped based on public databases. Animal experiments demonstrated that HSYW significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Transcriptional profiles revealed that 81 mRNAs were differentially expressed in HSYW-treated N87-bearing Balb/c mice. Network pharmacology and PPI network showed that 12 core genes acted as potential markers to evaluate the curative effects of HSYW. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR results suggested that HSYW might regulate the mRNA expression of DNAJB4, CALD, AKR1C1, CST1, CASP1, PREX1, SOCS3 and PRDM1 against tumor growth in N87-bearing Balb/c mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Quan Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yue-Han Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kun-Peng Zhao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui-Xing Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yu-Hai Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong-Mei Ni
- School of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Qi-Long Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China; Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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12
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Edwards CM, Clements ME, Vecchi LA, Johnson JA, Johnson RW. HDAC inhibitors stimulate LIFR when it is repressed by hypoxia or PTHrP in breast cancer. J Bone Oncol 2021; 31:100407. [PMID: 34934614 PMCID: PMC8661052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2021.100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells frequently disseminate to the bone marrow, where they either induce osteolysis or enter a dormant state. Downregulation of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), a known breast tumor suppressor, enables otherwise dormant MCF7 human breast cancer cells to become aggressively osteolytic. Hypoxia (low oxygen tensions), which may develop in tumors as a pathological response to the metabolic demands of the proliferating cells and as a physiological state in the bone, downregulates LIFR in breast cancer cells independent of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling. However, the mechanism by which LIFR is repressed in hypoxia is unknown. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors stimulate LIFR by increasing histone acetylation in the proximal promoter and induce a dormancy phenotype in breast cancer cells inoculated into the mammary fat pad. We therefore aimed to determine whether hypoxia alters histone acetylation in the LIFR promoter, and whether HDAC inhibitors effectively stimulate LIFR in breast cancer cells residing in hypoxic microenvironments. Herein, we confirmed that disseminated MCF7 cells became hypoxic in the bone and that hypoxia increased the epigenetic transcriptional repressor H3K9me3 in the distal LIFR promoter while H3K9ac, which promotes transcription, was significantly reduced. Furthermore, HDAC inhibitor treatment rescued hypoxic repression and dramatically increased expression of LIFR, p38β, and p21, which regulate tumor dormancy. In a second model of LIFR repression, in which parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) suppresses LIFR expression, we found that PTHrP binds to the distal LIFR promoter, and that PTHrP suppression of LIFR protein is similarly reversed by HDAC inhibitor treatment. Together, these data suggest that HDAC inhibitors stimulate LIFR regardless of the way it is repressed by the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M. Edwards
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Miranda E. Clements
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lawrence A. Vecchi
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jasmine A. Johnson
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rachelle W. Johnson
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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13
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García-Jiménez I, Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Del-Río-Robles JE, Castillo-Kauil A, Beltrán-Navarro YM, García-Román J, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. Gβγ mediates activation of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF17 that promotes metastatic lung cancer progression. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101440. [PMID: 34808208 PMCID: PMC8703085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic lung cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. Dissemination of cancer cells can be facilitated by various agonists within the tumor microenvironment, including by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). We postulate that Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which integrate signaling cues driving cell migration, are critical effectors in metastatic cancer. Specifically, we addressed the hypothetical role of ARHGEF17, a RhoGEF, as a potential effector of Gβγ in metastatic lung cancer cells responding to LPA. Here, we show that ARHGEF17, originally identified as a tumor endothelial marker, is involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination of lung cancer cells in an immunocompetent murine model. Gene expression–based analysis of lung cancer datasets showed that increased levels of ARHGEF17 correlated with reduced survival of patients with advanced-stage tumors. Cellular assays also revealed that this RhoGEF participates in the invasive and migratory responses elicited by Gi protein–coupled LPA receptors via the Gβγ subunit complex. We demonstrate that this signaling heterodimer promoted ARHGEF17 recruitment to the cell periphery and actin fibers. Moreover, Gβγ allosterically activates ARHGEF17 by the removal of inhibitory intramolecular restrictions. Taken together, our results indicate that ARHGEF17 may be a valid potential target in the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.
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14
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Clements ME, Holtslander L, Edwards C, Todd V, Dooyema SDR, Bullock K, Bergdorf K, Zahnow CA, Connolly RM, Johnson RW. HDAC inhibitors induce LIFR expression and promote a dormancy phenotype in breast cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:5314-5326. [PMID: 34247191 PMCID: PMC8403155 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in breast cancer treatment, residual disease driven by dormant tumor cells continues to be a significant clinical problem. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) promotes a dormancy phenotype in breast cancer cells and LIFR loss is correlated with poor patient survival. Herein, we demonstrate that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), which are in phase III clinical trials for breast cancer, epigenetically induced LIFR and activated a pro-dormancy program in breast cancer cells. HDACi slowed breast cancer cell proliferation and reduced primary tumor growth. Primary breast tumors from HDACi-treated patients had increased LIFR levels and reduced proliferation rates compared to pre-treatment levels. Recent Phase II clinical trial data studying entinostat and azacitidine in metastatic breast cancer revealed that induction of several pro-dormancy genes post-treatment was associated with prolonged patient survival. Together, these findings suggest HDACi as a potential therapeutic avenue to promote dormancy, prevent recurrence, and improve patient outcomes in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda E Clements
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lauren Holtslander
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Courtney Edwards
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vera Todd
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel D R Dooyema
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kennady Bullock
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kensey Bergdorf
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia A Zahnow
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roisin M Connolly
- Cancer Research@UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachelle W Johnson
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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15
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Cheng JN, Frye JB, Whitman SA, Kunihiro AG, Brickey JA, Funk JL. Osteolytic effects of tumoral estrogen signaling in an estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer bone metastasis model. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2021; 7:17. [PMID: 34790880 PMCID: PMC8594878 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2021.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Estrogen receptor α-positive (ER+) subtypes of breast cancer have the greatest predilection for forming osteolytic bone metastases (BMETs). Because tumor-derived factors mediate osteolysis, a possible role for tumoral ERα signaling in driving ER+ BMET osteolysis was queried using an estrogen (E2)-dependent ER+ breast cancer BMET model. METHODS Female athymic Foxn1nu mice were inoculated with human ER+ MCF-7 breast cancer cells via the left cardiac ventricle post-E2 pellet placement, and age- and dose-dependent E2 effects on osteolytic ER+ BMET progression, as well as direct bone effects of E2, were determined. RESULTS Osteolytic BMETs, which did not form in the absence of E2 supplementation, occurred with the same frequency in young (5-week-old) vs. skeletally mature (16-week-old) E2 (0.72 mg)-treated mice, but were larger in young mice where anabolic bone effects of E2 were greater. However, in mice of a single age and across a range of E2 doses, anabolic E2 bone effects were constant, while osteolytic ER+ BMET lesion incidence and size increased in an E2-dose-dependent fashion. Osteoclasts in ER+ tumor-bearing (but not tumor-naive) mice increased in an E2-dose dependent fashion at the bone-tumor interface, while histologic tumor size and proliferation did not vary with E2 dose. E2-inducible tumoral secretion of the osteolytic factor parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) was dose-dependent and mediated by ERα, with significantly greater levels of secretion from ER+ BMET-derived tumor cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest that tumoral ERα signaling may contribute to ER+ BMET-associated osteolysis, potentially explaining the greater predilection for ER+ tumors to form clinically-evident osteolytic BMETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N. Cheng
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Frye
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Susan A. Whitman
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Andrew G. Kunihiro
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Julia A. Brickey
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Janet L. Funk
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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16
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Abstract
Despite the decline in death rate from breast cancer and recent advances in targeted therapies and combinations for the treatment of metastatic disease, metastatic breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-associated death in U.S. women. The invasion-metastasis cascade involves a number of steps and multitudes of proteins and signaling molecules. The pathways include invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, infiltration into a distant site to form a metastatic niche, and micrometastasis formation in a new environment. Each of these processes is regulated by changes in gene expression. Noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis by post-transcriptional regulation of target gene expression. miRNAs can stimulate oncogenesis (oncomiRs), inhibit tumor growth (tumor suppressors or miRsupps), and regulate gene targets in metastasis (metastamiRs). The goal of this review is to summarize some of the key miRNAs that regulate genes and pathways involved in metastatic breast cancer with an emphasis on estrogen receptor α (ERα+) breast cancer. We reviewed the identity, regulation, human breast tumor expression, and reported prognostic significance of miRNAs that have been documented to directly target key genes in pathways, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributing to the metastatic cascade. We critically evaluated the evidence for metastamiRs and their targets and miRNA regulation of metastasis suppressor genes in breast cancer progression and metastasis. It is clear that our understanding of miRNA regulation of targets in metastasis is incomplete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J Petri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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17
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Srijakotre N, Liu HJ, Nobis M, Man J, Yip HYK, Papa A, Abud HE, Anderson KI, Welch HCE, Tiganis T, Timpson P, McLean CA, Ooms LM, Mitchell CA. PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) promotes mammary tumor initiation and metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28056-28067. [PMID: 33097662 PMCID: PMC7668035 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006445117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rac-GEF, P-Rex1, activates Rac1 signaling downstream of G protein-coupled receptors and PI3K. Increased P-Rex1 expression promotes melanoma progression; however, its role in breast cancer is complex, with differing reports of the effect of its expression on disease outcome. To address this we analyzed human databases, undertook gene array expression analysis, and generated unique murine models of P-Rex1 gain or loss of function. Analysis of PREX1 mRNA expression in breast cancer cDNA arrays and a METABRIC cohort revealed that higher PREX1 mRNA in ER+ve/luminal tumors was associated with poor outcome in luminal B cancers. Prex1 deletion in MMTV-neu or MMTV-PyMT mice reduced Rac1 activation in vivo and improved survival. High level MMTV-driven transgenic PREX1 expression resulted in apicobasal polarity defects and increased mammary epithelial cell proliferation associated with hyperplasia and development of de novo mammary tumors. MMTV-PREX1 expression in MMTV-neu mice increased tumor initiation and enhanced metastasis in vivo, but had no effect on primary tumor growth. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 or MEK1/2 reduced P-Rex1-driven tumoroid formation and cell invasion. Therefore, P-Rex1 can act as an oncogene and cooperate with HER2/neu to enhance breast cancer initiation and metastasis, despite having no effect on primary tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuthasuda Srijakotre
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Heng-Jia Liu
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Joey Man
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hon Yan Kelvin Yip
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Helen E Abud
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kurt I Anderson
- Tumour Cell Migration, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, G611BD Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy, Francis Crick Institute, NW11AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi C E Welch
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Tiganis
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
| | - Lisa M Ooms
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christina A Mitchell
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
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18
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RAC1 as a Therapeutic Target in Malignant Melanoma. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:478-488. [PMID: 32460002 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases of the RAS and RHO families are related signaling proteins that, when activated by growth factors or by mutation, drive oncogenic processes. While activating mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS genes have long been recognized and occur in many types of cancer, similar mutations in RHO family genes, such as RAC1 and RHOA, have only recently been detected as the result of extensive cancer genome-sequencing efforts and are linked to a restricted set of malignancies. In this review, we focus on the role of RAC1 signaling in malignant melanoma, emphasizing recent advances that describe how this oncoprotein alters melanocyte proliferation and motility and how these findings might lead to new therapeutics in RAC1-mutant tumors.
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19
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Montagner M, Sahai E. In vitro Models of Breast Cancer Metastatic Dormancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:37. [PMID: 32195244 PMCID: PMC7062644 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed relapses at distant sites are a common clinical observation for certain types of cancers after removal of primary tumor, such as breast and prostate cancer. This evidence has been explained by postulating a long period during which disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) survive in a foreign environment without developing into overt metastasis. Because of the asymptomatic nature of this phenomenon, isolation, and analysis of disseminated dormant cancer cells from clinically disease-free patients is ethically and technically highly problematic and currently these data are largely limited to the bone marrow. That said, detecting, profiling and treating indolent metastatic lesions before the onset of relapse is the imperative. To overcome this major limitation many laboratories developed in vitro models of the metastatic niche for different organs and different types of cancers. In this review we focus specifically on in vitro models designed to study metastatic dormancy of breast cancer cells (BCCs). We provide an overview of the BCCs employed in the different organotypic systems and address the components of the metastatic microenvironment that have been shown to impact on the dormant phenotype: tissue architecture, stromal cells, biochemical environment, oxygen levels, cell density. A brief description of the organ-specific in vitro models for bone, liver, and lung is provided. Finally, we discuss the strategies employed so far for the validation of the different systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Montagner
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Erik Sahai
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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