1
|
Chen L, Kong C. SIRT2-dependent DKK1 deacetylation aggravates polycystic ovary syndrome by targeting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2353733. [PMID: 38818662 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2353733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic and endocrine condition in females of reproductive age. This work was to discover the underlying role of Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) and its putative regulating mechanism in P COS. METHODS Mice recieved dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) injection to establish the in vivo P COS model.Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed for histological analysis. RT-qP CR and Western blotting were used to detect gene and protein expression. CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were applied to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunoprecipitation (IP) were applied to assess association between DKK1 and SIRT2. RESULTS In this work, DKK1 is downregulated in P COS rats. It was revealed that DKK1 knockdown induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in KGN cells, whereas DKK1 overexpression had exactly the opposite effects. In addition, DKK1 deactivates the T GF-β1/SMad3 signaling pathway, thereby controlling KGN cell proliferation and apoptosis. Besides, SIRT2 inhibition reversed the impact of DKK1 overexpression on KGN cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, SIRT2 downregulated DKK1 expression by deacetylating DKK1 in KGN cells. DISCUSSION Altogether, we concluded that SIRT2-induced deacetylation of DKK1 triggers T GF-β1/Smad3 hyperactivation, thereby inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of KGN cells. The above results indicated that DKK1 might function as a latent target for P COS treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Meng Research Institute, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Changzhou, Jiangsu,China
| | - Caixia Kong
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Faccio R, Lee S, Ricci B, Tran J, Ye J, Clever D, Eul E, Wang J, Wong P, Ma C, Fehniger T. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived Dickkopf-1 suppresses NK cell cytotoxicity in breast cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4202878. [PMID: 38659818 PMCID: PMC11042392 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4202878/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is poorly immunogenic, hence able to evade T cell recognition and respond poorly to immune checkpoint blockade. Breast cancer cells can also evade NK cell-mediated immune surveillance, but the mechanism remains enigmatic. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a Wnt/b-catenin inhibitor, whose levels are increased in breast cancer patients and correlate with reduced overall survival. DKK1 is expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in orthotopic breast tumors and patient samples, and at higher levels by bone cells. While bone-derived DKK1 contributes to the systemic elevation of DKK1 in tumor-bearing mice, CAFs represent the primary source of DKK1 at the tumor site. Systemic or bone-specific DKK1 targeting reduces primary tumor growth. Intriguingly, specific deletion of CAF-derived DKK1 also limits breast cancer progression, regardless of its elevated levels in circulation and in the bone. DKK1 does not support tumor proliferation directly but rather suppresses the activation and tumoricidal activity of NK cells. Importantly, increased DKK1 levels and reduced number of cytotoxic NK cells are detected in breast cancer patients with progressive bone metastases compared to those with stable disease. Our findings indicate that DKK1 creates a tumor-supporting environment through the suppression of NK cells in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jiayu Ye
- Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang J, Li Q, Liang F, Du X, Song P, Wu T, Chen R, Lin X, Liu Q, Hu H, Han P, Huang X. Dickkopf-1 drives perineural invasion via PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in head and neck squamous cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e518. [PMID: 38525111 PMCID: PMC10959454 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) leads to the poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cancer (HNSCC) patients, but the mechanism of PNI remains unclear. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a secretory protein in the Wnt signaling pathway, was found indeed upregulated in HNSCC cells and tissues. Higher expression of DKK1 was statistically relevant to T stage, N stage, PNI, and poor prognosis of HNSCC. DKK1 overexpression enhanced the migration abilities of cancer cells. Moreover, DKK1-overexpressing cancer cells promoted cancer cells invasion of peripheral nerves in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DKK1 could promote the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The migration abilities of neuroblastoma cells, which were enhanced by DKK1-overexpressing HNSCC cell lines, could be reversed by an inhibitor of Akt (MK2206). The association of DKK1 with PNI was also confirmed in HNSCC samples. Variables, including T stage, N stage, DKK1 expression, and PNI, were used to establish a nomogram to predict the survival probability and disease-free probability at 3 and 5 years. In summary, DKK1 can promote the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in tumor cells and then could induce neuritogenesis and facilitate PNI. MK2206 may be a potential therapeutic target drug for HNSCC patients with PNI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Qianying Li
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Faya Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Pan Song
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Taowei Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Renhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Breast DiseasesShantou Central HospitalShantouChina
| | - Qinglian Liu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hai Hu
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgerySun Yat‐sen Memorial HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene RegulationGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhu L, Wang L, Liu D, Chen C, Mo K, Lan X, Liu J, Huang Y, Guo D, Huang H, Li M, Guo H, Tan J, Zhang K, Ji J, Yuan J, Ouyang H. Single-cell transcriptomics implicates the FEZ1-DKK1 axis in the regulation of corneal epithelial cell proliferation and senescence. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13433. [PMID: 36851859 PMCID: PMC10472519 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13433] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSC) represent the source of corneal epithelium renewal. LSC proliferation and differentiation are essential for corneal homeostasis, however, the regulatory mechanism remains largely unexplored. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and discovered proliferation heterogeneity as well as spontaneously differentiated and senescent cell subgroups in multiply passaged primary LSC. Fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) were identified as two significant regulators of LSC proliferation and senescence. These two factors were mainly expressed in undifferentiated corneal epithelial cells (CECs). Knocking down the expression of either FEZ1 or DKK1 reduced cell division and caused cell cycle arrest. We observed that DKK1 acted as a downstream target of FEZ1 in LSC and that exogenous DKK1 protein partially prevented growth arrest and senescence upon FEZ1 suppression in vitro. In a mouse model of corneal injury, DKK1 also rescued the corneal epithelium after recovery was inhibited by FEZ1 suppression. Hence, the FEZ1-DKK1 axis was required for CEC proliferation and the juvenile state and can potentially be targeted as a therapeutic strategy for promoting recovery after corneal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Dongmei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Chaoqun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Kunlun Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Xihong Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Jiafeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Dianlei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Huaxing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Mingsen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Huizhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Jieying Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Kang Zhang
- Center for Biomedicine and Innovations, Faculty of MedicineMacau University of Science and TechnologyChina
| | - Jianping Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Jin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| | - Hong Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science|GuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li X, Gao W, Zhang Y. FOXM1 promotes TGF-β2-induced injury of human lens epithelial cells by up regulating VEGFA expression. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2023; 261:2547-2555. [PMID: 37079092 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06065-6] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether Fork head box protein M1 (FOXM1) is involved in TGF-β2-induced injury of human lens epithelial cells and its related mechanism. METHODS Human lens epithelium samples from cataract patients and healthy controls were collected. A cellular epithelial injury model was established by treating HLE-B3 cells with TGF-β2. QPCR, immunoblot assays were performed to detect the levels of FOXM1 in human cataract samples and the lens epithelial injury cell model. FOXM1 siRNA and pcDNA3.1-FOXM1 plasmids were transfected into the cells to knockdown and overexpress FOXM1, respectively. MTT and wound closure and transwell assays were performed to analyze cell proliferation and migration in HLE-B3 cells. Immunoblot assays were also conducted to detect the effects of FOXM1 on EMT, VEGFA and MAPK/ERK signaling. RESULTS We found high expression of FOXM1 in lens tissues of cataract patients. Silencing of FOXM1 in TGF-β2-induced HLE-B3 cells suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and the EMT process. Mechanistically, we found that downregulation of FOXM1 inhibited the VEGFA/MAPK signaling pathway in TGF-β2-induced HLE-B3 cells. CONCLUSION FOXM1 promoted TGF-β2-induced injury of human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) by promoting VEGFA expression. FOXM1 could be a potential drug target for the treatment of ocular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kashgar Prefecture Second People's Hospital, Kashgar, 844000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kashgar Prefecture Second People's Hospital, Kashgar, 844000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yanlai Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu X, Li F, Xie W, Gong B, Fu B, Chen W, Zhou L, Luo L. A novel oxidative stress-related genes signature associated with clinical prognosis and immunotherapy responses in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1184841. [PMID: 37601683 PMCID: PMC10435754 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1184841] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. We aimed to develop a prognostic signature using oxidative stress-related genes (ORGs) to predict clinical outcome and provide light on the immunotherapy responses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods The information of ccRCC patients were collected from the TCGA and the E-MTAB-1980 datasets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were conducted to screen out overall survival (OS)-related genes. Then, an ORGs risk signature was built by multivariate Cox regression analyses. The performance of the risk signature was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival. The ssGSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms were performed to evaluate immune infiltration status. Finally, immunotherapy responses was analyzed based on expression of several immune checkpoints. Results A prognostic 9-gene signature with ABCB1, AGER, E2F1, FOXM1, HADH, ISG15, KCNMA1, PLG, and TEK. The patients in the high risk group had apparently poor survival (TCGA: p < 0.001; E-MTAB-1980: p < 0.001). The AUC of the signature was 0.81 at 1 year, 0.76 at 3 years, and 0.78 at 5 years in the TCGA, respectively, and was 0.8 at 1 year, 0.82 at 3 years, and 0.83 at 5 years in the E-MTAB-1980, respectively. Independent prognostic analysis proved the stable clinical prognostic value of the signature (TCGA cohort: HR = 1.188, 95% CI =1.142-1.236, p < 0.001; E-MTAB-1980 cohort: HR =1.877, 95% CI= 1.377-2.588, p < 0.001). Clinical features correlation analysis proved that patients in the high risk group were more likely to have a larger range of clinical tumor progression. The ssGSEA and CIBERSORT analysis indicated that immune infiltration status were significantly different between two risk groups. Finally, we found that patients in the high risk group tended to respond more actively to immunotherapy. Conclusion We developed a robust prognostic signature based on ORGs, which may contribute to predict survival and guide personalize immunotherapy of individuals with ccRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenjie Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Binbin Gong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bin Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weimin Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Libo Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lianmin Luo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Khan MA, Khan P, Ahmad A, Fatima M, Nasser MW. FOXM1: A small fox that makes more tracks for cancer progression and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:1-15. [PMID: 36958703 PMCID: PMC10199453 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable for the modulation of various signaling pathways associated with normal cell homeostasis and disease conditions. Among cancer-related TFs, FOXM1 is a critical molecule that regulates multiple aspects of cancer cells, including growth, metastasis, recurrence, and stem cell features. FOXM1 also impact the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancer types. Recent advances in cancer research strengthen the cancer-specific role of FOXM1, providing a rationale to target FOXM1 for developing targeted therapies. This review compiles the recent studies describing the pivotal role of FOXM1 in promoting metastasis of various cancer types. It also implicates the contribution of FOXM1 in the modulation of chemotherapeutic resistance, antitumor immune response/immunotherapies, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors of FOXM1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Aatiya Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Iguchi K, Sada R, Matsumoto S, Kimura H, Zen Y, Akita M, Gon H, Fukumoto T, Kikuchi A. DKK1-CKAP4 signal axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:2063-2077. [PMID: 36718957 PMCID: PMC10154837 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent malignant liver neoplasm. Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis of HCC patients remains poor. Cytoskeleton-associated membrane protein 4 (CKAP4) is a receptor of the glycosylated secretory protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and the DKK1-CKAP4 axis is activated in pancreatic, lung, and esophageal cancer cells. Expression of DKK1 and CKAP4 has been examined in HCC in independent studies that yielded contradictory results. In this study, the relationship between the DKK1-CKAP4 axis and HCC was comprehensively examined. In 412 HCC cases, patients whose tumors were positive for both DKK1 and CKAP4 had a poor prognosis compared to those who were positive for only one of these markers or negative for both. Deletion of either DKK1 or CKAP4 inhibited HCC cell growth. In contrast to WT DKK1, DKK1 lacking the CKAP4 binding region did not rescue the phenotypes caused by DKK1 depletion, suggesting that binding of DKK1 to CKAP4 is required for HCC cell proliferation. Anti-CKAP4 Ab inhibited HCC growth, and its antitumor effect was clearly enhanced when combined with lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor. These results indicate that simultaneous expression of DKK1 and CKAP4 is involved in the aggressiveness of HCC, and that the combination of anti-CKAP4 Ab and other therapeutics including lenvatinib could represent a promising strategy for treating advanced HCC.
Collapse
Grants
- 16H06374 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- 18975691 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- 18K06956 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- 21K07121 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- 20K16330 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- 22K15511 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan
- Ichiro Kanehara Foundation of the Promotion of Medical Science and Medical Care
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)
- 18cm0106132h0001 Project for Cancer Research And Therapeutic Evolution (P-CREATE) from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and development, AMED
- 20cm0106152h0002 Project for Cancer Research And Therapeutic Evolution (P-CREATE) from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and development, AMED
- 22am0401003h0004 Science and Technology Platform Program for Advanced Biological Medicine from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and development, AMED
- 22ym0126039h0002 Translational Research Program from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and development, AMED
- Yasuda Memorial Foundation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Iguchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Department of PathologyThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Yoh Zen
- Division of Diagnostic PathologyKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Masayuki Akita
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Hidetoshi Gon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Takumi Fukumoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryKobe University Graduate School of MedicineKobeJapan
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Center of Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yao CY, Gao ZX, Hou LL, Fang D. DKK1 promotes NUAK1 transcriptional expression through the activation Akt in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:383-393. [PMID: 36480792 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NUAK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in several cancers. Although NUAK1 is frequently overexpressed at the transcript level in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the actual role of NUAK1 and the mechanism of its overexpression in HCC has yet to be reported. In the present study, we found that NUAK1 expression was significantly increased in human HCC tumor tissues. Overexpression of NUAK1 dramatically enhanced HCC cells proliferation and migration in vitro. Stable induction of NUAK1 expression promoted tumor growth and tumor metastases to the lungs in the subcutaneous xenograft models and intravenous metastasis models. At the cellular level, enforced expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) activated the Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the mRNA and protein expression of NUAK1 in HCC cells. By contrast, depletion of DKK1 was found to attenuate the mRNA and protein expression of NUAK1. In the subcutaneous xenograft models, stable induction of DKK1 expression not only accelerated tumor growth but also increased p-Akt and NUAK1 expression; whereas knockdown of DKK1 inhibited tumor growth, p-Akt and NUAK1 expression. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of 20 HCC clinical samples showed that the expression level of NUAK1 was positively correlated with DKK1 and p-Akt. Taken together, we provide the first evidence that DKK1 promotes NUAK1 transcriptional expression via the activation Akt in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yan Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Li-Li Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Quality and Technique Supervision, Inspection and Testing Center of Xuchang City, Xuchang, China
| | - Dong Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang RH, Qin J, Cao JL, Zhang MZ, Li YY, Wang MQ, Fang D, Xie SQ. Dickkopf-1 drives tumor immune evasion by inducing PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115378. [PMID: 36513141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important to improve the response rate to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Here, we show that DKK1 expression is positively associated with PD-L1 expression and inversely correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration in human HCC tumor specimens. In a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, overexpression of DKK1 significantly promotes tumor growth, tumoral PD-L1 expression, but reduces tumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration; whereas knockdown of DKK1 has opposite effects. Moreover, enforced expression of DKK1 dramatically promotes PD-L1 expression, Akt activation, β-catenin phosphorylation and total protein expression in HCC cells. By contrast, knockdown of DKK1 inhibits all, relative to controls. In addition, CKAP4 depletion, Akt inhibition, or β-catenin depletion remarkably abrogates DKK1 overexpression-induced transcriptional expression of PD-L1 in HCC cells. Reconstituted expression of the active Akt1 largely increased PD-L1 transcriptional expression in HCC cells. Similarly, expression of WT β-catenin, but not the phosphorylation-defective β-catenin S552A mutant, significantly promotes PD-L1 expression. Correlation analysis of human HCC tumor specimens further revealed that DKK1 and PD-L1 expression were positively correlated with p-β-catenin expression. Together, our findings revealed that DKK1 promotes PD-L1 expression through the activation of Akt/β-catenin signaling, providing a potential strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Han Yang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jia Qin
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jin-Lan Cao
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Song-Qiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu K, Zhang K, Ma J, Yang Q, Yang G, Zong T, Wang G, Yan B, Shengxia J, Chen C, Wang L, Wang H. CKAP4-mediated activation of FOXM1 via phosphorylation pathways regulates malignant behavior of glioblastoma cells. Transl Oncol 2023; 29:101628. [PMID: 36701930 PMCID: PMC9883288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101628] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CKAP4 (Cytoskeleton Associated Protein 4) has been reported as an important regulator of carcinogenesis. A great deal of uncertainty still surrounds the possible molecular mechanism of CKAP4 involvement in GBM. We aimed to specifically elucidate the putative role of CKAP4 in the development of GBM. METHODS We identified divergent proteomics landscapes of GBM and adjacent normal tissues using mass spectrometry-based label-free quantification. Bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) led to the identification of CKAP4 as a hub gene. Based on the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas data, we characterized the elevated expression of CKAP4 in GBM and developed a prognostic model. The influence of CKAP4 on malignant behavior of GBM was detected in vitro and vivo, as well as its downstream target and signaling pathways. RESULTS The prognosis model displayed accuracy and reliability for the probability of survival of patients with gliomas. CKAP4 knockdown remarkably reduced the malignant potential of GBM cells, whereas its overexpression reversed these effects in GBM cells and xenograft mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that overexpression of CKAP4 leads to increased FOXM1 (Forkhead Box M1) expression in conjunction with an increased level of AKT and ERK phosphorylation. Inhibition of both pathways had synergistic effects, resulting in greater effectiveness of inhibition. CKAP4 could reverse the deregulation of FOXM1 triggered by inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to reveal a CKAP4-FOXM1 signaling cascade that contributes to the malignant phenotype of GBMs. The CKAP4-based prognostic model would facilitate individualized treatment decisions for glioma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Xu
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kaiqian Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiying Ma
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qianqian Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ge Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tingting Zong
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China,Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Shaanxi Province, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jule Shengxia
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Huijuan Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China,Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ye X, Liu J, Quan R, Lu Y, Zhang J. DKK1 affects survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by inducing resistance to radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2023; 181:109485. [PMID: 36690301 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved to treat various types of tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). However, most HNSC patients do not respond to ICIs. Radioimmunotherapy has been proposed to enhance the immune response rate in HNSC. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a secreted protein, plays important roles in the Wnt signaling pathways. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of DKK1 on radioimmunotherapy in HNSC. METHODS We collected the gene expression profile and clinical information of HNSC patients from TCGA and GEO databases. The immune cell infiltration and immune score were assessed using R package CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE. The level of related pathways and biological processes were analyzed by GSEA. The signature scores of gene sets of interest were calculated by GSVA. We also performed cell viability and apoptosis assay, and clonogenic assay to investigate the radiation sensitivity of HSC-3 cells and CNE-2 cells after silencing DKK1 by siRNA. RESULTS We found DKK1 was significantly higher expressed in HNSC, and closely correlated with patients' survival time, especially the patients who received radiotherapy. DKK1-knockdown HSC-3 cells or CNE-2 cells showed a decrease in cell viability and colony formation, and an increase in apoptotic rate after radiation. DKK1high tumors showed a more immunosuppressive microenvironment with lower infiltration of T cells and higher infiltration of marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). CONCLUSION Our data show that DKK1 can affect both radiotherapy and immunotherapy in HNSC, suggesting that DKK1 can be a potential target for radioimmunology in HNSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ye
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rencui Quan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shi T, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Song X, Wang H, Zhou X, Liang K, Luo Y, Che K, Wang X, Pan Y, Liu F, Yang J, Liu Q, Yu L, Liu B, Wei J. DKK1 Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion and Impedes Anti-PD-1 Treatment by Inducing Immunosuppressive Macrophages in Gastric Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1506-1524. [PMID: 36206576 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have key functions in promoting a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immune evasion, which largely limit treatment effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in different cancers, including gastric cancer. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is associated with tumor progression and has been shown to negatively regulate antitumor immunity, but the impact of DKK1 on the TIME remains incompletely understood. Here, we found that tumoral DKK1 expression is closely associated with worse survival and a suppressive TIME in gastric cancer patients. Results from in vitro coculture assays suggested that DKK1 induces macrophages to become immunosuppressive, thereby inhibiting antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. In vivo DKK1 blockade in syngeneic gastric cancer mouse models reprogramed TAMs to restore the immune activity in the TIME and triggered significant tumor regression. DKK1 blockade also directly reduced the growth of human gastric cancer tumors with high DKK1 expression in a xenograft model. Mechanistically, DKK1 interacted with cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) on the macrophage surface and activated downstream PI3K-AKT signaling, which contributed to immune suppression. TAM reprogramming by DKK1 blockade also augmented the efficacy of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade in gastric cancer models. Therefore, our study provides novel insights into the role of DKK1 on tumor-intrinsic, innate, and adaptive antitumor immunity modulation and suggests that DKK1 is a promising immunotherapeutic target for enhanced PD-1 blockade therapy in gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yipeng Zhang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueru Song
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hanbing Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kaijie Liang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Keying Che
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfeng Pan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- Pathology Department, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ju Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhao H, Cheng Y, Kalra A, Ma K, Zheng Y, Ziman B, Tressler C, Glunde K, Shin EJ, Ngamruengphong S, Khashab M, Singh V, Anders RA, Jit S, Wyhs N, Chen W, Li X, Lin DC, Meltzer SJ. Generation and multiomic profiling of a TP53/CDKN2A double-knockout gastroesophageal junction organoid model. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabq6146. [PMID: 36449602 PMCID: PMC10026384 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes tumor protein p53 (TP53) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) occurs early during gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumorigenesis. However, because of a paucity of GEJ-specific disease models, cancer-promoting consequences of TP53 and CDKN2A inactivation at the GEJ have not been characterized. Here, we report the development of a wild-type primary human GEJ organoid model and a CRISPR-edited transformed GEJ organoid model. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated TP53 and CDKN2A knockout (TP53/CDKN2AKO) in GEJ organoids induced morphologic dysplasia and proneoplastic features in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Lipidomic profiling identified several platelet-activating factors (PTAFs) among the most up-regulated lipids in CRISPR-edited organoids. PTAF/PTAF receptor (PTAFR) abrogation by siRNA knockdown or a pharmacologic inhibitor (WEB2086) reduced proliferation and other proneoplastic features of TP53/CDKN2AKO GEJ organoids in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. In addition, murine xenografts of Eso26, an established human esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line, were suppressed by WEB2086. Mechanistically, TP53/CDKN2A dual inactivation disrupted both the transcriptome and the DNA methylome, likely mediated by key transcription factors, particularly forkhead box M1 (FOXM1). FOXM1 activated PTAFR transcription by binding to the PTAFR promoter, further amplifying the PTAF-PTAFR pathway. Together, these studies established a robust model system for investigating early GEJ neoplastic events, identified crucial metabolic and epigenomic changes occurring during GEJ model tumorigenesis, and revealed a potential cancer therapeutic strategy. This work provides insights into proneoplastic mechanisms associated with TP53/CDKN2A inactivation in early GEJ neoplasia, which may facilitate early diagnosis and prevention of GEJ neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhao
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yulan Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Andrew Kalra
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ke Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA 19136, USA
| | - Yueyuan Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Benjamin Ziman
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Caitlin Tressler
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kristine Glunde
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Division of Cancer Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Eun Ji Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Saowanee Ngamruengphong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Mouen Khashab
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Vikesh Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert A. Anders
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Simran Jit
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nicolas Wyhs
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - De-Chen Lin
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Stephen J. Meltzer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Development and Validation of a Combined Ferroptosis and Immune Prognostic Model for Melanoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:1840361. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/1840361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background. Melanoma development and progression are significantly influenced by ferroptosis and the immune microenvironment. However, there are no reliable biomarkers for melanoma prognosis prediction based on ferroptosis and immunological response. Methods. Ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were retrieved from the FerrDb website. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were collected in the ImmPort dataset. The TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GSE65904 datasets both contained prognostic FRGs and IRGs. The model was created using multivariate Cox regression, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, and the analysis and comparison between the expression patterns of ferroptosis and immune cell infiltration were done. Last but not least, research was conducted to assess the expression and involvement of the genes in the comprehensive index of ferroptosis and immune (CIFI). Results. Two prognostic ferroptosis- and immune-related markers (PDGFRB and FOXM1) were utilized to develop a CIFI. In various datasets and patient subgroups, CIFI exhibits consistent predictive performance. The fact that CIFI is an independent prognostic factor for melanoma patients was revealed. Patients in the CIFI-high group further exhibited immune-suppressive characteristics and had elevated ferroptosis gene expression levels. The results of in vitro research point to the possibility that the PDGFRB and FOXM1 genes function as oncogenes in melanoma. Conclusion. In this study, a novel prognostic classifier for melanoma patients was developed and validated using ferroptosis and immune expression profiles.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zheng Y, Zhou Z, Wei R, Xiao C, Zhang H, Fan T, Zheng B, Li C, He J. The RNA-binding protein PCBP1 represses lung adenocarcinoma progression by stabilizing DKK1 mRNA and subsequently downregulating β-catenin. J Transl Med 2022; 20:343. [PMID: 35907982 PMCID: PMC9338556 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03552-y] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PolyC-RNA-binding protein 1 (PCBP1) functions as a tumour suppressor and RNA regulator that is downregulated in human cancers. Here, we aimed to reveal the biological function of PCBP1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods First, PCBP1 was identified as an important biomarker that maintains LUAD through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project screening and confirmed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Via colony formation, CCK8, IncuCyte cell proliferation, wound healing and Transwell assays, we confirmed that PCBP1 was closely related to the proliferation and migration of LUAD cells. The downstream gene DKK1 was discovered by RNA sequencing of PCBP1 knockdown cells. The underlying mechanisms were further investigated using western blot, qPCR, RIP, RNA pulldown and mRNA stability assays. Results We demonstrate that PCBP1 is downregulated in LUAD tumour tissues. The reduction in PCBP1 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the RNA-binding protein PCBP1 represses LUAD by stabilizing DKK1 mRNA. Subsequently, decreased expression of the DKK1 protein relieves the inhibitory effect on the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Taken together, these results show that PCBP1 acts as a tumour suppressor gene, inhibiting the tumorigenesis of LUAD. Conclusions We found that PCBP1 inhibits LUAD development by upregulating DKK1 to inactivate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our findings highlight the potential of PCBP1 as a promising therapeutic target. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03552-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Koch S. Regulation of Wnt Signaling by FOX Transcription Factors in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143446. [PMID: 34298659 PMCID: PMC8307807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is caused by a breakdown of cell-to-cell communication, which results in the unrestricted expansion of cells within a tissue. In many cases, tumor growth is maintained by the continuous activation of cell signaling programs that normally drive embryonic development and wound repair. In this review article, I discuss how one of the largest human protein families, namely FOX proteins, controls the activity of the Wnt pathway, a major regulatory signaling cascade in developing organisms and adult stem cells. Evidence suggests that there is considerable crosstalk between FOX proteins and the Wnt pathway, which contributes to cancer initiation and progression. A better understanding of FOX biology may therefore lead to the development of new targeted treatments for many types of cancer. Abstract Aberrant activation of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway is a hallmark of numerous types of cancer. However, in many cases, it is unclear how a chronically high Wnt signaling tone is maintained in the absence of activating pathway mutations. Forkhead box (FOX) family transcription factors are key regulators of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and there is mounting evidence that they act in part by fine-tuning the Wnt signaling output in a tissue-specific and context-dependent manner. Here, I review the diverse ways in which FOX transcription factors interact with the Wnt pathway, and how the ectopic reactivation of FOX proteins may affect Wnt signaling activity in various types of cancer. Many FOX transcription factors are partially functionally redundant and exhibit a highly restricted expression pattern, especially in adults. Thus, precision targeting of individual FOX proteins may lead to safe treatment options for Wnt-dependent cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Koch
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; ; Tel.: +46-132-829-69
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|