1
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Yang Y, Gao F, Ren L, Ren N, Pan J, Xu Q. Functions and mechanisms of RNA m 6A regulators in breast cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:86. [PMID: 39054967 PMCID: PMC11299767 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5674] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a major malignant tumor in females and the incidence rate of BC has increased worldwide in recent years. N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) is a methylation modification that occurs extensively in eukaryotic RNA. The abnormal expression of m6A and related regulatory proteins can activate or inhibit certain signal pathways or oncogenes, thus affecting the proliferation, metastasis and prognosis of BC. Numerous studies have shown that m6A regulator disorder exists in BC, and this disorder can be reversed. Therefore, m6A is predicted as a potential therapeutic target for BC. However, the molecular mechanism of m6A RNA methylation regulating the occurrence and development of BC has not been comprehensively elucidated. In this review article, the functions of various m6A regulators and the specific mechanisms of certain regulators of the progress of BC were summarized. Furthermore, the dual role of RNA methylation in tumor progression was discussed, concluding that RNA methylation can not only lead to tumorigenesis but at times give rise to inhibition of tumor formation. In addition, further comprehensive analysis on mechanisms of m6A regulators in BC is conducive to screening effective potential targets and formulating targeted treatment strategies, which will provide new methods for the prevention and treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibei Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Urology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Lanqi Ren
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, P.R. China
| | - Ning Ren
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Pan
- Fourth Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310051, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoping Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Cancer Center, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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2
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Ren C, Cao Z, Liu Y, Wang R, Lin C, Wang Z. Medicinal chemistry aspects of fat mass and obesity associated protein: structure, function and inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2024:1-22. [PMID: 39101588 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2380245] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Adiposity and obesity-related proteins (FTO), the earliest identified mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) demethylases, are known to play crucial roles in several biological processes. Therefore, FTO is a promising target for anticancer treatment. Understanding the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of FTO targets can serve as guidelines for drug development. Despite significant efforts to develop FTO inhibitors, no specific small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical trials so far. In this manuscript, we review the relationship between FTO and various cancers, the small-molecule inhibitors developed against FTO targets from the perspective of medicinal chemistry and other fields, and describe their structural optimization process and structure-activity relationship, providing clues for their future development direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhi Cao
- Medical Quality Control & Evaluation Department, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Congcong Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zishu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
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3
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Esmaeili N, Bakheet A, Tse W, Liu S, Han X. Interaction of the intestinal cytokines-JAKs-STAT3 and 5 axes with RNA N6-methyladenosine to promote chronic inflammation-induced colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1352845. [PMID: 39136000 PMCID: PMC11317299 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1352845] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers, with a high mortality rate worldwide. Mounting evidence indicates that mRNA modifications are crucial in RNA metabolism, transcription, processing, splicing, degradation, and translation. Studies show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is mammalians' most common epi-transcriptomic modification. It has been demonstrated that m6A is involved in cancer formation, progression, invasion, and metastasis, suggesting it could be a potential biomarker for CRC diagnosis and developing therapeutics. Cytokines, growth factors, and hormones function in JAK/STAT3/5 signaling pathway, and they could regulate the intestinal response to infection, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Reports show that the JAK/STAT3/5 pathway is involved in CRC development. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/5 (STAT3, STAT5) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the context of tissue types. Also, epigenetic modifications and mutations could alter the balance between pro-oncogenic and tumor suppressor activities of the STAT3/5 signaling pathway. Thus, exploring the interaction of cytokines-JAKs-STAT3 and/or STAT5 with mRNA m6A is of great interest. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics and functions of m6A and JAKs-STAT3/5 and their relationship with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardana Esmaeili
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ahmed Bakheet
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - William Tse
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Shujun Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Xiaonan Han
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Cleveland, OH, United States
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4
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An TY, Hu QM, Ni P, Hua YQ, Wang D, Duan GC, Chen SY, Jia B. N6-methyladenosine modification of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α regulates Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer via the PI3K/AKT pathway. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:3270-3283. [PMID: 39072157 PMCID: PMC11271789 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i7.3270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is implicated in the development of gastric cancer (GC). The tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, where hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays a key role as a transcription factor, but the mechanisms underlying H. pylori-induced HIF-1α expression and carcinogenesis remain unclear. AIM To explore the underlying mechanism of H. pylori-induced HIF-1α expression in promoting the malignant biological behavior of gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). METHODS The study was conducted with human GES-1 cells in vitro. Relative protein levels of methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14), HIF-1α, main proteins of the PI3K/AKT pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, and invasion indicators were detected by Western blot. Relative mRNA levels of METTL14 and HIF-1α were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. mRNA stability was evaluated using actinomycin D, and the interaction between METTL14 and HIF-1α was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay and wound healing assay, respectively. RESULTS H. pylori promoted HIF-1α expression and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. Notably, METTL14 was downregulated in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosal epithelial cells and positively regulated HIF-1α expression. Functional experiments showed that the overexpression of HIF-1α or knockdown of METTL14 enhanced the activity of the PI3K/AKT pathway, thereby driving a series of malignant transformation, such as EMT and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. By contrast, the knockdown of HIF-1α or overexpression of METTL14 had an opposite effect. CONCLUSION H. pylori-induced underexpression of METTL14 promotes the translation of HIF-1α and accelerates tumor progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. These results provide novel insights into the carcinogenesis of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yan An
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Quan-Man Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Peng Ni
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Yan-Qiao Hua
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Guang-Cai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Shuai-Yin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Bin Jia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
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5
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Wu S, Li C, Zhou H, Yang Y, Liang N, Fu Y, Luo Q, Zhan Y. The regulatory mechanism of m6A modification in gastric cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:283. [PMID: 39009956 PMCID: PMC11250764 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) exerts a significant role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. Gastric cancer (GC), originating from the mucosal epithelium in the digestive tract, is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death around the world. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the specific mechanism of tumorigenesis of GC. As we all know, m6A modification as the most common RNA modification, is involved in the modification of mRNA and ncRNA at the post-transcriptional level, which played a regulatory role in various biological processes. As identified by numerous studies, the m6A modification are able to influence the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of GC. What's more, m6A modification are associated with EMT, drug resistance, and aerobic glycolysis in GC. m6A related-ncRNAs may be a valuable biomarker used by the prediction of GC diagnosis in the future. This review summarizes the role of m6A modification in the mechanism of gastric cancer, with the aim of identifying biological progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Chunming Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Hanghao Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Intersection of Xinpu Street and Xinlong Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Na Liang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yue Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qingqing Luo
- Department of Physiology, Zunyi Medical University, No. 6 Xuefu West Street, Xinpu New District, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - YaLi Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, No. 149 Dalian Street, Huichuan District, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
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6
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Zeng X, Lu Y, Zeng T, Liu W, Huang W, Yu T, Tang X, Huang P, Li B, Wei H. RNA demethylase FTO participates in malignant progression of gastric cancer by regulating SP1-AURKB-ATM pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:800. [PMID: 38956367 PMCID: PMC11220007 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the 5th most prevalent cancer and the 4th primary cancer-associated mortality globally. As the first identified m6A demethylase for removing RNA methylation modification, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) plays instrumental roles in cancer development. Therefore, we study the biological functions and oncogenic mechanisms of FTO in GC tumorigenesis and progression. In our study, FTO expression is obviously upregulated in GC tissues and cells. The upregulation of FTO is associated with advanced nerve invasion, tumor size, and LNM, as well as the poor prognosis in GC patients, and promoted GC cell viability, colony formation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, FTO targeted specificity protein 1 and Aurora Kinase B, resulting in the phosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated and P38 and dephosphorylation of P53. In conclusion, the m6A demethylase FTO promotes GC tumorigenesis and progression by regulating the SP1-AURKB-ATM pathway, which may highlight the potential of FTO as a diagnostic biomarker for GC patients' therapy response and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Taohui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Weicai Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Xuerui Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Panpan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China.
| | - Hulai Wei
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China.
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7
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Ren M, Pan H, Zhou X, Yu M, Ji F. KIAA1429 promotes gastric cancer progression by destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m 6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. J Transl Med 2024; 22:584. [PMID: 38902717 PMCID: PMC11191263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05375-5] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KIAA1429, a regulatory subunit of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase complex, has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, the role of KIAA1429 in gastric cancer (GC) and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of KIAA1429 in GC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The expression patterns and clinical relevance of KIAA1429 in GC were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and bioinformatic analysis. In vitro and in vivo loss- and gain-of-function assays, m6A dot blot assays, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq), RNA-seq, MeRIP-qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to investigate the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of KIAA1429 in GC. RESULTS Both the mRNA and protein expression of KIAA1429 were greater in GC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. High KIAA1429 expression correlated positively with poor prognosis in GC patients. KIAA1429 not only promoted GC cell proliferation, colony formation, G2/M cell cycle transition, migration, and invasion in vitro but also enhanced GC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, KIAA1429 increased the m6A level of RASD1 mRNA and enhanced its stability in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner, thereby upregulating its expression. RASD1 knockdown partially rescued the KIAA1429 knockdown-induced impairment of pro‑oncogenic ability in GC cells. The expression levels of KIAA1429 and RASD1 were negatively correlated in GC tissues. CONCLUSIONS KIAA1429 plays a pro‑oncogenic role in GC by downregulating RASD1 expression through destabilizing RASD1 mRNA in an m6A-YTHDF2-dependent manner. KIAA1429 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Ren
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanghai Pan
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mosang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Pomaville M, Chennakesavalu M, Wang P, Jiang Z, Sun HL, Ren P, Borchert R, Gupta V, Ye C, Ge R, Zhu Z, Brodnik M, Zhong Y, Moore K, Salwen H, George RE, Krajewska M, Chlenski A, Applebaum MA, He C, Cohn SL. Small-molecule inhibition of the METTL3/METTL14 complex suppresses neuroblastoma tumor growth and promotes differentiation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114165. [PMID: 38691450 PMCID: PMC11181463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114165] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is an important regulator of gene expression. m6A is deposited by a methyltransferase complex that includes methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14). High levels of METTL3/METTL14 drive the growth of many types of adult cancer, and METTL3/METTL14 inhibitors are emerging as new anticancer agents. However, little is known about the m6A epitranscriptome or the role of the METTL3/METTL14 complex in neuroblastoma, a common pediatric cancer. Here, we show that METTL3 knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition with the small molecule STM2457 leads to reduced neuroblastoma cell proliferation and increased differentiation. These changes in neuroblastoma phenotype are associated with decreased m6A deposition on transcripts involved in nervous system development and neuronal differentiation, with increased stability of target mRNAs. In preclinical studies, STM2457 treatment suppresses the growth of neuroblastoma tumors in vivo. Together, these results support the potential of METTL3/METTL14 complex inhibition as a therapeutic strategy against neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pomaville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Pingluan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhiwei Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Peizhe Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ryan Borchert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Varsha Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ruiqi Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhongyu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mallory Brodnik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yuhao Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kelley Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Helen Salwen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Malgorzata Krajewska
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alexandre Chlenski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mark A Applebaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Il 60637 USA
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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9
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Guo J, Zhao L, Duan M, Yang Z, Zhao H, Liu B, Wang Y, Deng L, Wang C, Jiang X, Jiang X. Demethylases in tumors and the tumor microenvironment: Key modifiers of N 6-methyladenosine methylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116479. [PMID: 38537580 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116479] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation modifications are widespread in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) the most common among them. Demethylases, including Fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) and AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), are important in maintaining the balance between RNA methylation and demethylation. Recent studies have clearly shown that demethylases affect the biological functions of tumors by regulating their m6A levels. However, their effects are complicated, and even opposite results have appeared in different articles. Here, we summarize the complex regulatory networks of demethylases, including the most important and common pathways, to clarify the role of demethylases in tumors. In addition, we describe the relationships between demethylases and the tumor microenvironment, and introduce their regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we discuss evaluation of demethylases for tumor diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the clinical application of demethylase inhibitors, providing a strong basis for their large-scale clinical application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchen Guo
- Departmentof Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Shenyang Anorectal Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110002, China
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Baiming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Liping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110002, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, China.
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Li H, Zhu YZ, Xu L, Han T, Luan J, Li X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Liu Q, Kong X, Zou C, Su L, Hou Y, Chen X, Chen L, Wang R, Xu Z, Zhao M. Exploring new frontiers: cell surface vimentin as an emerging marker for circulating tumor cells and a promising therapeutic target in advanced gastric Cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:129. [PMID: 38685125 PMCID: PMC11059585 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03043-6] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold immense promise in guiding treatment strategies for advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, their clinical impact has been limited due to challenges in identifying epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-CTCs using conventional methods. METHODS To bridge this knowledge gap, we established a detection platform for CTCs based on the distinctive biomarker cell surface vimentin (CSV). A prospective study involving 127 GC patients was conducted, comparing CTCs enumeration using both EpCAM and CSV. This approach enabled the detection of both regular and EMT-CTCs, providing a comprehensive analysis. Spiking assays and WES were employed to verify the reliability of this marker and technique. To explore the potential inducer of CSV+CTCs formation, a combination of Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics, m6A RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR), single-base elongation- and ligation-based qPCR amplification method (SELECT) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were utilized to screen and confirm the potential target gene. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of CSV expression regulation and its role in GC metastasis. RESULTS Our findings revealed the potential of CSV in predicting therapeutic responses and long-term prognosis for advanced GC patients. Additionally, compared to the conventional EpCAM-based CTCs detection method, the CSV-specific positive selection CTCs assay was significantly better for evaluating the therapeutic response and prognosis in advanced GC patients and successfully predicted disease progression 14.25 months earlier than radiology evaluation. Apart from its excellent role as a detection marker, CSV emerges as a promising therapeutic target for attenuating GC metastasis. It was found that fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO) could act as a potential catalyst for CSV+CTCs formation, and its impact on the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA decay through m6A modification. The activation of IGF-I/IGF-IR signaling enhanced the translocation of vimentin from the cytoplasm to the cell surface through phosphorylation of vimentin at serine 39 (S39). In a GC mouse model, the simultaneous inhibition of CSV and blockade of the IGF-IR pathway yielded promising outcomes. CONCLUSION In summary, leveraging CSV as a universal CTCs marker represents a significant breakthrough in advancing personalized medicine for patients with advanced GC. This research not only paves the way for tailored therapeutic strategies but also underscores the pivotal role of CSV in enhancing GC management, opening new frontiers for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heming Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China.
- Guangdong Association of Clinical Trials (GACT), Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group (CTONG) and Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Translational Medicine in Lung Cancer, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Yang-Zhuangzhuang Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiasi Luan
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiuge Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangyu Kong
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Chunpu Zou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lin Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yifei Hou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command Training Base for Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China
| | - Zihang Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rd., Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Mingfang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No.155 Nanjingbei Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, People's Republic of China.
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Wei H, Li W, Yang M, Fang Q, Nian J, Huang Y, Wei Q, Huang Z, Liu G, Xu Z, Hu A, Pu J. METTL3/16-mediated m 6A modification of ZNNT1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating ZNNT1/osteopontin/S100A9 positive feedback loop-mediated crosstalk between macrophages and tumour cells. Clin Immunol 2024; 261:109924. [PMID: 38310994 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109924] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages are the major components of tumour microenvironment, which play critical roles in tumour development. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) also contributes to tumour progression. However, the potential roles of m6A in modulating macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are poorly understood. Here, we identified ZNNT1 as an HCC-related m6A modification target, which was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis of HCC. METTL3 and METTL16-mediated m6A modification contributed to ZNNT1 upregulation through stabilizing ZNNT1 transcript. ZNNT1 exerted oncogenic roles in HCC. Furthermore, ZNNT1 recruited and induced M2 polarization of macrophages via up-regulating osteopontin (OPN) expression and secretion. M2 Macrophages-recruited by ZNNT1-overexpressed HCC cells secreted S100A9, which further upregulated ZNNT1 expression in HCC cells via AGER/NF-κB signaling. Thus, this study demonstrates that m6A modification activated the ZNNT1/OPN/S100A9 positive feedback loop, which promoted macrophages recruitment and M2 polarization, and enhanced malignant features of HCC cells. m6A modification-triggered ZNNT1/OPN/S100A9 feedback loop represents potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Quan Fang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jiahui Nian
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Youguan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zihua Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Guoman Liu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zuoming Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Anbin Hu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China; The Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center for Hepatobiliary Diseases, No. 18 Zhongshan two Road, Baise 533000, China.
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12
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Wu X, Zeng M, Wei Y, Lu R, Huang Z, Huang L, Huang Y, Lu Y, Li W, Wei H, Pu J. METTL3 and METTL14-mediated N 6-methyladenosine modification of SREBF2-AS1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression and sorafenib resistance through DNA demethylation of SREBF2. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6155. [PMID: 38486042 PMCID: PMC10940719 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55932-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most prevalent epitranscriptomic modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) shows important roles in a variety of diseases through regulating the processing, stability and translation of target RNAs. However, the potential contributions of m6A to RNA functions are unclear. Here, we identified a functional and prognosis-related m6A-modified RNA SREBF2-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of SREBF2-AS1 and SREBF2 in HCC tissues and cells was measured by RT-qPCR. m6A modification level of SREBF2-AS1 was measured by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay. The roles of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC progression and sorafenib resistance were investigated by proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and cell viability assays. The regulatory mechanisms of SREBF2-AS1 on SREBF2 were investigated by Chromatin isolation by RNA purification, RNA immunoprecipitation, CUT&RUN, and bisulfite DNA sequencing assays. Our findings showed that the expression of SREBF2-AS1 was increased in HCC tissues and cells, and positively correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. m6A modification level of SREBF2-AS1 was also increased in HCC and positively correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. METTL3 and METTL14-induced m6A modification upregulated SREBF2-AS1 expression through increasing SREBF2-AS1 transcript stability. Functional assays showed that only m6A-modified, but not non-modified SREBF2-AS1 promoted HCC progression and sorafenib resistance. Mechanistic investigations revealed that m6A-modified SREBF2-AS1 bound and recruited m6A reader FXR1 and DNA 5-methylcytosine dioxygenase TET1 to SREBF2 promoter, leading to DNA demethylation at SREBF2 promoter and the upregulation of SREBF2 transcription. Functional rescue assays showed that SREBF2 was the critical mediator of the oncogenic roles of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC. Together, this study showed that m6A-modified SREBF2-AS1 exerted oncogenic roles in HCC through inducing DNA demethylation and transcriptional activation of SREBF2, and suggested m6A-modified SREBF2-AS1 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Min Zeng
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yunyu Wei
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Rongzhou Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Huamei Wei
- Clinical Pathological Diagnosis and Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China.
- Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Baise, China.
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Yang Q, Vafaei S, Falahati A, Khosh A, Bariani MV, Omran MM, Bai T, Siblini H, Ali M, He C, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Bromodomain-Containing Protein 9 Regulates Signaling Pathways and Reprograms the Epigenome in Immortalized Human Uterine Fibroid Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:905. [PMID: 38255982 PMCID: PMC10815284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins (BRDs) are involved in many biological processes, most notably epigenetic regulation of transcription, and BRD dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including tumorigenesis. However, the role of BRDs in the pathogenesis of uterine fibroids (UFs) is entirely unknown. The present study aimed to determine the expression pattern of BRD9 in UFs and matched myometrium and further assess the impact of a BRD9 inhibitor on UF phenotype and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic changes. Our studies demonstrated that the levels of BRD9 were significantly upregulated in UFs compared to matched myometrium, suggesting that the aberrant BRD expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of UFs. We then evaluated the potential roles of BRD9 using its specific inhibitor, I-BRD9. Targeted inhibition of BRD9 suppressed UF tumorigenesis with increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, decreased cell proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition in UF cells. The latter is the key hallmark of UFs. Unbiased transcriptomic profiling coupled with downstream bioinformatics analysis further and extensively demonstrated that targeted inhibition of BRD9 impacted the cell cycle- and ECM-related biological pathways and reprogrammed the UF cell epigenome and epitranscriptome in UFs. Taken together, our studies support the critical role of BRD9 in UF cells and the strong interconnection between BRD9 and other pathways controlling the UF progression. Targeted inhibition of BRDs might provide a non-hormonal treatment option for this most common benign tumor in women of reproductive age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Ali Falahati
- DNA GTx LAB, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai 505262, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Maria Victoria Bariani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
- Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Tao Bai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Hiba Siblini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
| | - Chuan He
- Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.V.B.); (M.M.O.); (H.S.); (M.A.); (A.A.-H.)
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14
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Wang Z, Li H, Cai H, Liang J, Jiang Y, Song F, Hou C, Hou J. FTO Sensitizes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Ferroptosis via Suppressing ACSL3 and GPX4. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16339. [PMID: 38003537 PMCID: PMC10671523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216339] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a newly established form of regulated cell death characterized by intracellular lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation that may be a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, the function and therapeutic value of ferroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain inadequately understood. In the present study, we investigated the biological role of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) in ferroptosis in the context of OSCC. We found that OSCC had greater potential for ferroptosis, and FTO is associated with ferroptosis. Furthermore, higher FTO expression sensitized OSCC cells to ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, FTO suppressed the expression of anti-ferroptotic factors, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 3 (ACSL3) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), by demethylating the m6A modification on the mRNA of ACSL3 and GPX4 and decreasing their stability. Taken together, our findings revealed that FTO promotes ferroptosis through ACSL3 and GPX4 regulation. Thus, ferroptosis activation in OSCC with high FTO levels may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongshi Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianfeng Liang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yaoqi Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Fan Song
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chen Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (Z.W.); (H.L.); (H.C.); (J.L.); (Y.J.); (F.S.); (C.H.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Wei H, Huang L, Lu Q, Huang Z, Huang Y, Xu Z, Li W, Pu J. N 6-Methyladenosine-Modified LEAWBIH Drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression through Epigenetically Activating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1991-2007. [PMID: 37954496 PMCID: PMC10637240 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s433070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays an important role in regulating RNA maturation, stability, and translation. Thus, m6A modification is involved in various pathophysiological processes including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the direct contribution of m6A modifications to RNA function in HCC remains unclear. Here, we identified LEAWBIH (long non-coding RNA epigenetically activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling in HCC) as an m6A-modified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and investigated the effects of m6A on the function of LEAWBIH in HCC. Methods Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the gene expression in tissues and cells. The level of m6A modification was detected using a methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay and single-base elongation- and ligation-based qPCR amplification method. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the Glo cell viability and CCK-8 assays. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell migration and invasion assays. The mechanisms of m6A modified LEAWBIH were investigated using chromatin isolation by RNA purification, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Results LEAWBIH was highly expressed and correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. LEAWBIH was identified as a m6A-modified transcript. m6A modification increased LEAWBIH transcript stability. The m6A modification level of LEAWBIH was increased in HCC, and a high m6A modification level of LEAWBIH predicted poor survival. LEAWBIH promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in an m6A modification-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations revealed that m6A-modified LEAWBIH activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. m6A-modified LEAWBIH binds to the m6A reader YTHDC1, which further interacts with and recruits H3K9me2 demethylase KDM3B to CTNNB1 promoter, leading to H3K9me2 demethylation and CTNNB1 transcription activation. Functional rescue assays showed that blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling abolished the role of LEAWBIH in HCC. Conclusion m6A-modified LEAWBIH exerts oncogenic effects in HCC by epigenetically activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, highlighting m6A-modified LEAWBIH as a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuoming Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
- Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatobiliary Disease, Baise, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Wei H, Yang J, Lu R, Huang Y, Huang Z, Huang L, Zeng M, Wei Y, Xu Z, Li W, Pu J. m 6A modification of AC026356.1 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the IGF2BP1-IL11 axis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19124. [PMID: 37926706 PMCID: PMC10625930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45449-w] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common RNA modification in eukaryotic RNAs. Although the important roles of m6A in RNA fate have been revealed, the potential contribution of m6A to RNA function in various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is still unclear. In this study, we identified a novel m6A-modified RNA AC026356.1. We found that AC026356.1 was increased in HCC tissues and cell lines. High expression of AC026356.1 was correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. m6A modification level of AC026356.1 was also increased in HCC and more significantly correlated with poor survival of HCC patients. Functional assays showed that m6A-modified AC026356.1 promoted HCC cellular proliferation, migration, and liver metastasis. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that AC026356.1 activated IL11/STAT3 signaling. Mechanistic investigation showed that m6A-modified AC026356.1 bound to IGF2BP1. The interaction between m6A-modified AC026356.1 and IGF2BP1 promoted the binding of IL11 mRNA to IGF2BP1, leading to increased IL11 mRNA stability and IL11 secretion. Functional rescue assays showed that depletion of IL11 reversed the oncogenic roles of AC026356.1. These findings revealed the potential influences of m6A modification on RNA biological functions and suggested that targeting m6A modification may be a novel strategy for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Wei
- Clinical Pathological Diagnosis and Research Centre, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jinhun Yang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Rongzhou Lu
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Min Zeng
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yunyu Wei
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zuoming Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, No. 18 Zhongshan Two Road, Baise, 533000, China.
- Guangxi Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Baise, China.
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Ren X, Tang X, Huang T, Hu Z, Wang Y, Zhou Y. FTO plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal cancer and may be a target for immunotherapy: an updated review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1241357. [PMID: 37916161 PMCID: PMC10616962 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1241357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancer is a common malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, developing novel effective markers and therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal cancer is currently a challenging and popular topic in oncology research. Accumulating studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine is the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotes. N6-methyladenosine plays an essential role in regulating RNA expression and metabolism, including splicing, translation, stability, decay, and transport. FTO, the earliest demethylase discovered to maintain the balance of N6-adenosine methylation, is abnormally expressed in many tumors. In this review, we discuss the molecular structure and substrate selectivity of FTO. we focus on the role of FTO in gastrointestinal tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, immune microenvironment, and its molecular mechanisms. We also discuss its potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqing Ren
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Huang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zenan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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18
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Tan C, Huang Y, Huang Z, Ning Y, Huang L, Wu X, Lu Y, Wei H, Pu J. N 6-Methyladenosine-Modified ATP8B1-AS1 Exerts Oncogenic Roles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Epigenetically Activating MYC. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1479-1495. [PMID: 37701563 PMCID: PMC10493143 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s415318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has shown critical roles in regulating mRNA fate. Non-coding RNAs also have important roles in various diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the potential influences of m6A modification on non-coding RNAs are still unclear. In this study, we identified a novel m6A-modified ATP8B1-AS1 and aimed to investigate the effects of m6A on the expression and role of ATP8B1-AS1 in HCC. Methods qPCR was performed to measure the expression of related genes. The correlation between gene expression and prognosis was analyzed using public database. m6A modification level was measured using MeRIP and single-base elongation- and ligation-based qPCR amplification method. The roles of ATP8B1-AS1 in HCC were investigated using in vitro and in vivo functional assays. The mechanisms underlying the roles of ATP8B1-AS1 were investigated by ChIRP and ChIP assays. Results ATP8B1-AS1 is highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High expression of ATP8B1-AS1 is correlated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. ATP8B1-AS1 is m6A modified and the 792 site of ATP8B1-AS1 is identified as an m6A modification site. m6A modification increases the stability of ATP8B1-AS1 transcript. m6A modification level of ATP8B1-AS1 is increased in HCC tissues and cell lines, and correlated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. ATP8B1-AS1 promotes HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which were abolished by the mutation of m6A-modified 792 site. Mechanistic investigation revealed that m6A-modified ATP8B1-AS1 interacts with and recruits m6A reader YTHDC1 and histone demethylase KDM3B to MYC promoter region, leading to the reduction of H3K9me2 level at MYC promoter region and activation of MYC transcription. Functional rescue assays showed that depletion of MYC largely abolished the oncogenic roles of ATP8B1-AS1. Conclusion m6A modification level of ATP8B1-AS1 is increased and correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. m6A-modified ATP8B1-AS1 exerts oncogenic roles in HCC via epigenetically activating MYC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanjia Ning
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizheng Huang
- Graduate College of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianjian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huamei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Jin Z, Liu Y. The m6A reader YTHDC1-mediated lncRNA CTBP1-AS2 m6A modification accelerates cholangiocarcinoma progression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19816. [PMID: 37809459 PMCID: PMC10559219 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a serious malignancy originating from the bile ducts and the second most common primary liver cancer. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a functional lncRNA that plays an important role in human cancers. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of CTBP1-AS2 in CCA remain unknown. Purpose In this study, we investigated the functional role and mechanism of long-stranded non-coding RNA (lncRNA) C-terminal binding protein 1 antisense RNA 2 (CTBP1-AS2) in CCA progression. Result In the present study, the bioinformatics analysis revealed that YTHDC1 and CTBP1-AS2 were significantly upregulated, and it was confirmed in cholangiocarcinoma tissues from CCA patients. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that knockdown of YTHDC1 or lncRNA CTBP1-AS2 inhibited CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion, blocked the cell cycle in G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis of CCA cells. In addition, lncRNA CTBP1-AS2-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation levels were significantly elevated in cholangiocarcinoma tissues, whereas knockdown of YTHDC1 resulted in a significant down-regulation of m6A methylation levels by lncRNA CTBP1-AS2. Conclusion Our results suggest that YTHDC1 affects cholangiocarcinoma progression by modifying the lncRNA CTBP1-AS2 m6A, and CTBP1-AS2 may be a promising therapeutic target for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
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20
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Ding SQ, Zhang XP, Pei JP, Bai X, Ma JJ, Zhang CD, Dai DQ. Role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in gastric cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:241. [PMID: 37443100 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is the most prevalent internal modification of mammalian messenger RNA. The m6A modification affects multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, splicing, export, stability, and translation through the reversible regulation of methyltransferases (Writers), demethylases (Erasers), and recognition binding proteins (Readers). Accumulating evidence indicates that altered m6A levels are associated with a variety of human cancers. Recently, dysregulation of m6A methylation was shown to be involved in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC) through various pathways. Thus, elucidating the relationship between m6A and the pathogenesis of GC has important clinical implications for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of GC patients. In this review, we evaluate the potential role and clinical significance of m6A-related proteins which function in GC in an m6A-dependent manner. We discuss current issues regarding m6A-targeted inhibition of GC, explore new methods for GC diagnosis and prognosis, consider new targets for GC treatment, and provide a reasonable outlook for the future of GC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue-Ping Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun-Peng Pei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Jin-Jie Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Chun-Dong Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Qiu Dai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China.
- Cancer Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110032, Shenyang, China.
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21
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Wang X, Li X, Yang P, Qin X, Yu J, Cheng Y, Zhang G, Tang L. The differences in biological behavior and gene expression characteristics between pure and mixed early gastric signet ring cell carcinomas. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:815-822. [PMID: 36529637 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biological behavior of signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) in early gastric cancer (EGC) is not well understood. AIMS We aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic and prognostic differences, and explore differences in the gene expression characteristics between pure early SRCC and mixed early SRCC. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 1707 EGC patients. We also conducted a meta-analysis to compare biological behavior in pure SRCC and mixed SRCC. We explored gene expression levels of N6-methyadenosine (m6A) regulators in pure SRCC and mixed SRCC. RESULTS Compared with pure SRCC, mixed SRCC was associated with an increased risk of submucosal invasion, perineural invasion, LVI and LNM. LNM was more common in mixed SRCC than with pure SRCC who met the indications for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) (16.67% vs 2.78%). There was no difference in the overall survival between pure SRCC and mixed SRCC in EGCs (P=0.10). Expression of m6A regulators WTAP, FTO and VIRMA was significantly higher in mixed SRCC than that in pure SRCC (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Mixed SRCC displayed more aggressive biological behavior than pure SRCC in EGC. WTAP, FTO and VIRMA were expressed at significantly different levels in the two types of EGC, and may have important roles in the observed differences in biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 29 Xinglong Lane, Tianning District, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 29 Xinglong Lane, Tianning District, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Xiangrong Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 29 Xinglong Lane, Tianning District, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 29 Xinglong Lane, Tianning District, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Yuqing Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Liming Tang
- Department of General surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China.
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22
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Li M, Wu X, Li G, Lv G, Wang S. FTO Promotes the Stemness of Gastric Cancer Cells. DNA Cell Biol 2023. [PMID: 37229595 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The full name of the FTO gene is fat mass and obesity-associated gene. In recent years, it has also been found that FTO is involved in m6A demethylation and regulates the progression of multiple cancers, including gastric cancer. The cancer stem cell theory argues that cancer stem cells are key factors in cancer metastasis, and inhibiting the expression of stemness genes is a good method to inhibit metastasis of gastric cancer. Currently, the role of the FTO gene in regulating stemness of gastric cancer cells is still unclear. By analyzing public databases, it was discovered that FTO gene expression was increased in gastric cancer, and high expression of FTO was associated with poor prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. After gastric cancer stem cells were isolated, it was found that FTO protein expression was increased in gastric cancer stem cells; stemness of gastric cancer cells was reduced after the FTO gene knockdown; subcutaneous tumors of nude mice were smaller than those of the control group after FTO knockdown; and stemness of gastric cancer cells was enhanced after FTO was overexpressed by plasmid. By reviewing additional literature and experimental validation, we found that SOX2 may be the factor by which FTO promotes the stemness of gastric cancer cells. Therefore, it was concluded that FTO could promote the stemness of gastric cancer cells, and targeting FTO may be a potential therapeutic approach for patients with metastatic gastric cancer. CTR number: TOP-IACUC-2021-0123.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research, Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Cancer Institute of Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research, Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Cancer Institute of Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoqing Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shubin Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research, Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Cancer Institute of Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
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23
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Zhu X, Zhou C, Zhao S, Zheng Z. Role of m6A methylation in retinal diseases. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109489. [PMID: 37084873 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109489] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Retinal diseases remain among the leading causes of visual impairment in developed countries, despite great efforts in prevention and early intervention. Due to the limited efficacy of current retinal therapies, novel therapeutic methods are urgently required. Over the past two decades, advances in next-generation sequencing technology have facilitated research on RNA modifications, which can elucidate the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms to disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), formed by methylation of adenosine at the N6-position, is the most widely studied RNA modification and plays an important role in RNA metabolism. It is dynamically regulated by writers (methyltransferases) and erasers (demethylases), and recognized by readers (m6A binding proteins). Although the discovery of m6A methylation can be traced back to the 1970s, its regulatory roles in retinal diseases are rarely appreciated. Here, we provide an overview of m6A methylation, and discuss its effects and possible mechanisms on retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Furthermore, we highlight potential agents targeting m6A methylation for retinal disease treatment and discuss the limitations and challenges of research in the field of m6A methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Chuandi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Shuzhi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China; National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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24
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Gui S, Wang Q, Bao L, He X, Wang Z, Liu L, Wu L, Zhao Y, Zhou J, Xie Y. Effects of Helicobacter pylori on the expression of the FTO gene and its biological role in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:143. [PMID: 36909372 PMCID: PMC9996366 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is a primary risk factor for gastric cancer. The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is associated with the development and progression of various cancer types such as glioma, leukemia, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Hp infection on the expression of FTO and its roles in gastric cancer. It was found that the expression levels of both FTO mRNA and protein were significantly increased in Hp-infected human gastric mucosal epithelial cells and Mongolian gerbil gastric tissues. The expression of FTO in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in para-cancer tissues. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas demonstrated that FTO expression in gastric cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. Patient survival rate was significantly decreased in patients with high expression levels of FTO. It was also demonstrated that FTO expression was associated with several pathological parameters, such as tumor stage, metastasis stage and the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage. The FTO gene was positively correlated with 16,601 genes in gastric cancer and negatively correlated with 3,623 genes. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that FTO was significantly enriched in the regulation of gene expression and oxidative RNA demethylase activity, and it was associated with components such as the RNA N6-methyladenosine methyltransferase complex and nuclear speckle. In addition, knockdown of the FTO gene inhibited the migration and invasion of Hp-infected cells. In conclusion, the data suggests that Hp infection leads to upregulation of the FTO gene, which may be related to patient survival rate, tumor staging and other pathological parameters of patients with gastric cancer. It also suggests that FTO promotes proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of Hp-induced gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Gui
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Qinrong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Liya Bao
- Hepatitis Laboratory, Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng He
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Zhengrong Wang
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Jianjiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Xie
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Minority Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
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25
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Okuno K, Watanabe S, Roy S, Kanda M, Tokunaga M, Kodera Y, Kinugasa Y, Goel A. A liquid biopsy signature for predicting early recurrence in patients with gastric cancer. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1105-1116. [PMID: 36631634 PMCID: PMC10006424 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02138-1] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) patients who experience recurrence within the first year following surgery (early recurrence [ER]) exhibit worse prognosis. Herein, we established a microRNA-based liquid biopsy assay to predict ER in GC patients. METHODS A comprehensive biomarker discovery was performed by analysing miRNA expression profiling in 271 primary GC tumours. Thereafter, the expression of these biomarkers was validated in 290 GC cases, which included 218 tissues and 72 pre-treatment sera, from two independent institutions. RESULTS A panel of 8 miRNAs was identified during the initial biomarker discovery, and this panel could robustly predict ER in a tissue-based clinical cohort (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.81). Furthermore, a model combining the miRNA panel, microsatellite instability (MSI) status and tumour size exhibited superior predictive performance (AUC: 0.86), and was defined as a Prediction of Early Recurrence in GC (PERGC) signature, which was successfully validated in another independent cohort (AUC: 0.82). Finally, the PERGC signature was translated into a liquid biopsy assay (AUC: 0.81), and a multivariate regression analysis revealed this signature to be an independent predictor for ER (odds ratio: 11.20). CONCLUSION We successfully established a miRNA-based liquid biopsy signature that robustly predicts the risk of ER in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Okuno
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Watanabe
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Souvick Roy
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Mitsuro Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masanori Tokunaga
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kinugasa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
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26
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Nishiwada S, Shimura T, Yamamura K, Nakagawa K, Nagai M, Nakamura K, Terai T, Yamada S, Fujii T, Kodera Y, Sho M, Goel A. Clinical significance and functional role of adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:321-330. [PMID: 36396823 PMCID: PMC9902480 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02057-1] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play crucial roles in tumour pathogenesis, however, their clinical significance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. METHODS We analysed 796 PDAC patients, including 331 from public data sets (TCGA, ICGC and GSE57495) and 465 from independent cohorts (training: n = 321, validation: n = 144). Using in-vitro studies, we confirmed the biological function of the candidate GPCRs. RESULTS Analysis of all 33 adhesion GPCRs, led to identify GPR115, as the only significant prognostic factor in all public data sets. The patients with high GPR115 expression exhibited significantly poorer prognosis for OS and RFS, in training (P < 0.01, P < 0.01) and validation cohort (P < 0.01, P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis indicated that GPR115 high expression was an independent prognostic factor in both cohorts (HR = 1.43; P = 0.01, HR = 2.55; P < 0.01). A risk-prediction model using Cox regression by incorporating GPR115 and clinicopathological factors accurately predicted 5-year survival following surgery. In addition, GPR115 silencing inhibited cell proliferation and migration in PDAC cells. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that GPR115 has important prognostic significance and functional role in tumour progression; providing a rationale that this may be a potential therapeutic target in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nishiwada
- Center for Gastrointestinal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Tadanobu Shimura
- Center for Gastrointestinal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kensuke Yamamura
- Center for Gastrointestinal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenji Nakagawa
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Minako Nagai
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kota Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Taichi Terai
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Suguru Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Fujii
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sho
- Department of Surgery, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Ajay Goel
- Center for Gastrointestinal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute and Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA, USA.
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
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Xu Z, Chen Q, Shu L, Zhang C, Liu W, Wang P. Expression profiles of m6A RNA methylation regulators, PD-L1 and immune infiltrates in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:970367. [PMID: 36003776 PMCID: PMC9393729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.970367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer and has a high death rate. Immunotherapy represented by PD-1 has brought hope for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Methylation of the m6A genes is linked to the onset and progression of numerous cancers, but there are few studies on gastric cancer. The main purpose of this study aims to analyze the relationship between m6A RNA methylation regulators, PD-L1, prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in gastric cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases were used to acquire transcriptomic data and clinical information from gastric cancer patients. The changes in m6A regulator expression levels in gastric cancer tissues and normal tissues were studied. Consensus clustering analysis was used to separate gastric cancer samples into two categories. We employed Least Absolute Shrinkage, Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and cBioPortal to analyze the m6A regulators, PD-L1 and TIME in gastric cancer. In gastric cancer tissues, the majority of m6A regulatory factors are considerably overexpressed. Two gastric cancer subgroups (Cluster1/2) based on consensus clustering of 21 m6A regulators. PD-L1 and PD-1 expression levels were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues, and they were significantly linked with METTL3, WTAP, HNRNPD, ZC3H7B, METTL14, FTO, PCIF1, HNRNPC, YTHDF1 and YTDHF2. Cluster1 showed a large increase in resting memory CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells, naïve B cells, active NK cells, and resting Mast cells. Cluster1 and Cluster2 were shown to be involved in numerous critical signaling pathways, including base excision repair, cell cycle, nucleotide excision repair, RNA degradation, and spliceosome pathways. Gastric cancer RiskScores based on prognostic factors have been found as independent prognostic indicators. The amount of tumor-infiltrating immune cells is dynamically affected by changes in the copy number of m6A methylation regulators associated with TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiyuan Xu, ; Peter Wang,
| | - Qiuli Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lilu Shu
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunye Zhang
- National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter Wang
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiyuan Xu, ; Peter Wang,
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28
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Jia J, Wu S, Jia Z, Wang C, Ju C, Sheng J, He F, Zhou M, He J. Novel insights into m 6A modification of coding and non-coding RNAs in tumor biology: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic significance. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4432-4451. [PMID: 35864970 PMCID: PMC9295064 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.73093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has revealed that m6A modification, the predominant RNA modification in eukaryotes, adds a novel layer of regulation to the gene expression. Dynamic and reversible m6A modification implements sophisticated and crucial functions in RNA metabolism, including generation, splicing, stability, and translation in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Furthermore, m6A modification plays a determining role in producing various m6A-labeling RNA outcomes, thereby affecting several functional processes, including tumorigenesis and progression. Herein, we highlighted current advances in m6A modification and the regulatory mechanisms underlying mRNAs and ncRNAs in distinct cancer stages. Meanwhile, we also focused on the therapeutic significance of m6A regulators in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlin Jia
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Suwen Wu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zimo Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Chenxi Ju
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jinxiu Sheng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Fucheng He
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Mingxia Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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Luo N, Fu M, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhu W, Yang F, Chen Z, Mei Q, Peng X, Shen L, Zhang Y, Li Q, Hu G. Prognostic Role of M6A-Associated Immune Genes and Cluster-Related Tumor Microenvironment Analysis: A Multi-Omics Practice in Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935135. [PMID: 35859893 PMCID: PMC9291731 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methylandrostenedione (m6A) methylation plays a very important role in the development of malignant tumors. The immune system is the key point in the progression of tumors, particularly in terms of tumor treatment and drug resistance. Tumor immunotherapy has now become a hot spot and a new approach for tumor treatment. However, as far as the stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is concerned, the in-depth research is still a gap in the m6A-associated immune markers. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases is extremely important for our research, where we obtained gene mutation, gene expression data and relevant clinical information of STAD patients. Firstly, the samples from GEO were used as external validation groups, while the TCGA samples were divided into a training group and an internal validation group randomly. Using the way of Single factor COX-LASSO- and multi-factor Cox to construct the prognostic model. Then, all samples were subjected to cluster analysis to generate high and low expression groups of immune gene. Meanwhile, we also collected the correlation between these types and tumor microenvironment. On this basis, a web version of the dynamic nomogram APP was developed. In addition, we performed microenvironmental correlation, copy number variation and mutation analyses for model genes. The prognostic model for STAD developed here demonstrated a very strong predictive ability. The results of cluster analysis manifested that the immune gene low expression group had lower survival rate and higher degree of immune infiltration. Therefore, the immune gene low expression group was associated with lower survival rates and a higher degree of immune infiltration. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that the potential mechanism might be related to the activation of immunosuppressive functions and multiple signaling pathways. Correspondingly, the web version of the dynamic nomogram APP produced by the DynNom package has successfully achieved rapid and accurate calculation of patient survival rates. Finally, the multi-omics analysis of model genes further enriched the research content. Interference of RAB19 was confirmed to facilitate migration of STAD cells in vitro, while its overexpression inhibited these features. The prognostic model for STAD constructed in this study is accurate and efficient based on multi-omics analysis and experimental validation. Additionally, the results of the correlation analysis between the tumor microenvironment and m6Ascore are the basics of further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanism in STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohong Peng
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lulu Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Zhang, ; Qianxia Li, ; Guangyuan Hu,
| | - Qianxia Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Zhang, ; Qianxia Li, ; Guangyuan Hu,
| | - Guangyuan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Zhang, ; Qianxia Li, ; Guangyuan Hu,
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30
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Dai YZ, Liu YD, Li J, Chen MT, Huang M, Wang F, Yang QS, Yuan JH, Sun SH. METTL16 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through downregulating RAB11B-AS1 in an m 6A-dependent manner. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:41. [PMID: 35596159 PMCID: PMC9123709 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00342-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular mechanisms driving hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. As one of the major epitranscriptomic modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays key roles in HCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression, roles, and mechanisms of action of the RNA methyltransferase methyltransferase-like protein 16 (METTL16) in HCC. METHODS The expression of METTL16 and RAB11B-AS1 was determined by RT-qPCR. The regulation of RAB11B-AS1 by METTL16 was investigated by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), methylated RIP (MeRIP), and RNA stability assays. In vitro and in vivo gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to investigate the roles of METTL16 and RAB11B-AS1. RESULTS METTL16 was upregulated in HCC, and its increased expression was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. METTL16 promoted HCC cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, repressed HCC cellular apoptosis, and promoted HCC tumoral growth in vivo. METTL16 directly bound long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) RAB11B-AS1, induced m6A modification of RAB11B-AS1, and decreased the stability of RAB11B-AS1 transcript, leading to the downregulation of RAB11B-AS1. Conversely to METTL16, RAB11B-AS1 is downregulated in HCC, and its decreased expression was correlated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Furthermore, the expression of RAB11B-AS1 was negatively correlated with METTL16 in HCC tissues. RAB11B-AS1 repressed HCC cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted HCC cellular apoptosis, and inhibited HCC tumoral growth in vivo. Functional rescue assays revealed that overexpression of RAB11B-AS1 reversed the oncogenic roles of METTL16 in HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the METTL16/RAB11B-AS1 regulatory axis in HCC, which represented novel targets for HCC prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Zhang Dai
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yong-da Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mei-Ting Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qing-Song Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 20043, China.
| | - Ji-Hang Yuan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Shu-Han Sun
- Department of Medical Genetics, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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31
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Deng LJ, Deng WQ, Fan SR, Chen MF, Qi M, Lyu WY, Qi Q, Tiwari AK, Chen JX, Zhang DM, Chen ZS. m6A modification: recent advances, anticancer targeted drug discovery and beyond. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:52. [PMID: 35164788 PMCID: PMC8842557 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAbnormal N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely associated with the occurrence, development, progression and prognosis of cancer, and aberrant m6A regulators have been identified as novel anticancer drug targets. Both traditional medicine-related approaches and modern drug discovery platforms have been used in an attempt to develop m6A-targeted drugs. Here, we provide an update of the latest findings on m6A modification and the critical roles of m6A modification in cancer progression, and we summarize rational sources for the discovery of m6A-targeted anticancer agents from traditional medicines and computer-based chemosynthetic compounds. This review highlights the potential agents targeting m6A modification for cancer treatment and proposes the advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) in the discovery of m6A-targeting anticancer drugs.
Graphical abstract
Three stages of m6A-targeting anticancer drug discovery: traditional medicine-based natural products, modern chemical modification or synthesis, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted approaches for the future.
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Abstract
The relationship between epitranscriptomics and malignant tumours has become a popular research topic in recent years. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common post-transcriptional modification in mammals, is involved in various physiological processes in different cancer types, including gastric cancer (GC). The incidence and mortality of GC have been increasing annually, especially in developing countries. Insights into the epitranscriptomic mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis could provide potential strategies for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of GC. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of RNA m6A modification; the functions of m6A regulators in GC; the functional crosstalk among m6A, messenger RNA, and noncoding RNA; and the promising application of m6A in the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitian Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
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