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Patterson MR, Cogan JA, Cassidy R, Theobald DA, Wang M, Scarth JA, Anene CA, Whitehouse A, Morgan EL, Macdonald A. The Hippo pathway transcription factors YAP and TAZ play HPV-type dependent roles in cervical cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5809. [PMID: 38987584 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49965-9] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause most cervical cancers and an increasing number of anogenital and oral carcinomas, with most cases caused by HPV16 or HPV18. HPV hijacks host signalling pathways to promote carcinogenesis. Understanding these interactions could permit identification of much-needed therapeutics for HPV-driven malignancies. The Hippo signalling pathway is important in HPV+ cancers, with the downstream effector YAP playing a pro-oncogenic role. In contrast, the significance of its paralogue TAZ remains largely uncharacterised in these cancers. We demonstrate that TAZ is dysregulated in a HPV-type dependent manner by a distinct mechanism to that of YAP and controls proliferation via alternative cellular targets. Analysis of cervical cancer cell lines and patient biopsies revealed that TAZ expression was only significantly increased in HPV18+ and HPV18-like cells and TAZ knockdown reduced proliferation, migration and invasion only in HPV18+ cells. RNA-sequencing of HPV18+ cervical cells revealed that YAP and TAZ have distinct targets, suggesting they promote carcinogenesis by different mechanisms. Thus, in HPV18+ cancers, YAP and TAZ play non-redundant roles. This analysis identified TOGARAM2 as a previously uncharacterised TAZ target and demonstrates its role as a key effector of TAZ-mediated proliferation, migration and invasion in HPV18+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Patterson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Joseph A Cogan
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rosa Cassidy
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Daisy A Theobald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - James A Scarth
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Chinedu A Anene
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Biomedical Science Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Adrian Whitehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ethan L Morgan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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2
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Sarwar F, Ashhad S, Vimal A, Vishvakarma R. Small molecule inhibitors of the VEGF and tyrosine kinase for the treatment of cervical cancer. Med Oncol 2024; 41:199. [PMID: 38985225 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02446-x] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer accounts for most deaths due to cancer in women, majorly in developing nations. The culprit behind this disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV) which accounts for more than 90% of cervical cancer cases. The viral strains produce proteins that favor the knocking down of the apoptosis process and continuous growth of cells in the cervix leading to tumor growth. Proangiogenic growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, and other endothelial growth factors (EGF), are secreted by tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment, which further advances the development of cancer. The extracellular domain of receptor tyrosine kinases is employed by ligands (like VEGF and EGF) to engage and activate them by inducing receptor dimerization, which facilitates the cascade impact of these factors. The tyrosine kinase domains of each receptor autophosphorylate each other, activating the receptor and initiating signaling cascades that promote angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and survival of endothelial cells. Cancer cells benefit from its modified signaling pathways, which cause oncogenic activation. Upon early cervical cancer detection, the second-line therapy strategy involves blocking the signaling pathways with VEGF and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This review paper highlights the genesis of cervical cancer and combating it using VEGF and tyrosine kinase inhibitors by delving into the details of the currently available inhibitors. Further, we have discussed the inhibitor molecules that are currently in various phases of clinical trials. This paper will surely enhance the understanding of cervical cancer and its treatment approaches and what further interventions can be done to alleviate the disease currently serving as a major health burden in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Sarwar
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Samreen Ashhad
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Archana Vimal
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India.
| | - Reena Vishvakarma
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India.
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3
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Patterson MR, Meijers AS, Ryder EL, Wootton LM, Scarth JA, Evans D, Turner AL, Wasson CW, Darell JE, Theobald DA, Cogan JA, James CD, Wang M, Ladbury JE, Morgan IM, Samson A, Morgan EL, Macdonald A. E7-mediated repression of miR-203 promotes LASP1-dependent proliferation in HPV-positive cervical cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:2184-2198. [PMID: 38789663 PMCID: PMC11226402 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03067-4] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a major cause of malignancy, contributing to ~5% of all human cancers worldwide, including most cervical cancer cases and a growing number of anogenital and oral cancers. The major HPV viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, manipulate many host cellular pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival, predisposing infected cells to malignant transformation. Despite the availability of highly effective vaccines, there are still no specific anti-viral therapies targeting HPV or treatments for HPV-associated cancers. As such, a better understanding of viral-host interactions may allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we demonstrate that the actin-binding protein LASP1 is upregulated in cervical cancer and significantly correlates with a poorer overall survival. In HPV positive cervical cancer, LASP1 depletion significantly inhibited the oncogenic phenotype in vitro, whilst having minimal effects in HPV negative cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the LASP1 SH3 domain is essential for LASP1-mediated oncogenicity in these cells. Mechanistically, we show that HPV E7 regulates LASP1 at the post-transcriptional level by repressing the expression of miR-203, which negatively regulates LASP1 mRNA levels by binding to its 3'UTR. Finally, we demonstrate that LASP1 expression is required for the growth of HPV positive cervical cancer cells in an in vivo tumourigenicity model. Together, these data demonstrate that HPV induces LASP1 expression to promote proliferation and survival in cervical cancer, thus identifying a potential therapeutic target in these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Patterson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aniek S Meijers
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma L Ryder
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - James A Scarth
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Debra Evans
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amy L Turner
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Christopher W Wasson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, St-James University Teaching Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Janne E Darell
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Daisy A Theobald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Joseph A Cogan
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Claire D James
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John E Ladbury
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Iain M Morgan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, USA
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, VCU, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Adel Samson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ethan L Morgan
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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4
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Zhang X, Yan W, Chen X, Li X, Yu B, Zhang Y, Ding B, Hu J, Liu H, Nie Y, Liu F, Zheng Y, Lu Y, Wang J, Wang S. Long-term 4-nonylphenol exposure drives cervical cell malignancy through MAPK-mediated ferroptosis inhibition. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 471:134371. [PMID: 38657513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
4-NP (4-nonylphenol), a prevalent environmental endocrine disruptor with estrogenic properties, is commonly detected in drinking water and food sources. It poses a significant risk of endocrine disruption, thereby influencing the onset and progression of diverse diseases, including tumorigenesis. However, its specific impact on cervical cancer remains to be fully elucidated. Our study focused on the biological effects of sustained exposure to low-dose 4-NP on human normal cervical epithelial cells (HcerEpic). After a continuous 30-week exposure to 4-NP, the treated cells exhibited a significant malignant transformation, whereas the solvent control group showed limited malignant phenotypes. Subsequent analyses of the metabolomic profiles of the transformed cells unveiled marked irregularities in glutathione metabolism and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Analyses of transcriptomic profiles revealed significant activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and suppression of ferroptosis processes in these cells. Furthermore, the expression of MT2A was significantly upregulated following 4-NP exposure. Knockdown of MT2A restored the aberrant activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, elevated antioxidant capacity, ferroptosis inhibition, and ultimately the development of malignant phenotypes that induced by 4-NP in the transformed cells. Mechanistically, MT2A increased cellular antioxidant capabilities and facilitated the removal of toxic iron ions by enhancing the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK MAPK pathways. The administration of activators and inhibitors of the MAPK pathway confirmed that the MAPK pathway mediated the 4-NP-induced suppression of ferroptosis and, ultimately, the malignant transformation of cervical epithelial cells. Overall, our findings elucidated a dynamic molecular transformation induced by prolonged exposure to 4-NP, and delineated comprehensive biological perspectives underlying 4-NP-induced cervical carcinogenesis. This offers novel theoretical underpinnings for the assessment of the carcinogenic risks associated with 4-NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuting Li
- School of Health Management and Basic Science, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingjia Yu
- School of Health Management and Basic Science, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haohan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yamei Nie
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiran Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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5
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Moon DO. Exploring the Role of Surface and Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels in Cancer: From Cellular Functions to Therapeutic Potentials. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2129. [PMID: 38396807 PMCID: PMC10888650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042129] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are found in plasma membranes and mitochondria. These channels are a type of ion channel that is regulated by the intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and other nucleotides. In cell membranes, they play a crucial role in linking metabolic activity to electrical activity, especially in tissues like the heart and pancreas. In mitochondria, KATP channels are involved in protecting cells against ischemic damage and regulating mitochondrial function. This review delves into the role of KATP channels in cancer biology, underscoring their critical function. Notably responsive to changes in cellular metabolism, KATP channels link metabolic states to electrical activity, a feature that becomes particularly significant in cancer cells. These cells, characterized by uncontrolled growth, necessitate unique metabolic and signaling pathways, differing fundamentally from normal cells. Our review explores the intricate roles of KATP channels in influencing the metabolic and ionic balance within cancerous cells, detailing their structural and operational mechanisms. We highlight the channels' impact on cancer cell survival, proliferation, and the potential of KATP channels as therapeutic targets in oncology. This includes the challenges in targeting these channels due to their widespread presence in various tissues and the need for personalized treatment strategies. By integrating molecular biology, physiology, and pharmacology perspectives, the review aims to enhance the understanding of cancer as a complex metabolic disease and to open new research and treatment avenues by focusing on KATP channels. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into the potential of KATP channels in developing innovative cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Oh Moon
- Department of Biology Education, Daegu University, 201, Daegudae-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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6
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Patterson MR, Meijers AS, Ryder EL, Scarth JA, Evans D, Turner AL, Wasson CW, Darell JE, Theobald D, Cogan J, James CD, Wang M, Ladbury JE, Morgan IM, Samson A, Morgan EL, Macdonald A. E7-mediated repression of miR-203 promotes LASP1-dependent proliferation in HPV-positive cervical cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574687. [PMID: 38293147 PMCID: PMC10827106 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a major cause of malignancy, contributing to ∼5% of all human cancers worldwide, including most cervical cancer cases and a growing number of ano-genital and oral cancers. The major HPV viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, manipulate many host cellular pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival, predisposing infected cells to malignant transformation. Despite the availability of highly effective vaccines, there are still no specific anti-viral therapies targeting HPV or treatments for HPV-associated cancers. As such, a better understanding of viral-host interactions may allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we demonstrate that the actin-binding protein LASP1 is upregulated in cervical cancer and significantly correlates with a poorer overall survival. In HPV positive cervical cancer, LASP1 depletion significantly inhibited proliferation in vitro , whilst having minimal effects in HPV negative cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, we show that the LASP1 SH3 domain is essential for LASP1-mediated proliferation in these cells. Mechanistically, we show that HPV E7 regulates LASP1 at the post-transcriptional level by repressing the expression of miR-203, which negatively regulated LASP1 mRNA levels by binding to its 3'UTR. Finally, we demonstrated that LASP1 expression is required for the growth of HPV positive cervical cancer cells in an in vivo tumourigenicity model. Together, these data demonstrate that HPV induces LASP1 expression to promote proliferation and survival role in cervical cancer, thus identifying a potential therapeutic target in these cancers.
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