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Roy ME, Veilleux C, Paquin A, Gagnon A, Annabi B. Transcriptional regulation of CYR61 and CTGF by LM98: a synthetic YAP-TEAD inhibitor that targets in-vitro vasculogenic mimicry in glioblastoma cells. Anticancer Drugs 2024:00001813-990000000-00294. [PMID: 38900643 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly angiogenic malignancy of the central nervous system that resists standard antiangiogenic therapy, in part because of an alternative process to angiogenesis termed vasculogenic mimicry. Intricately linked to GBM, dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway leads to overexpression of YAP/TEAD and several downstream effectors involved in therapy resistance. Little is known about whether vasculogenic mimicry and the Hippo pathway intersect in the GBM chemoresistance phenotype. This study seeks to investigate the expression patterns of Hippo pathway regulators within clinically annotated GBM samples, examining their involvement in vitro regarding vasculogenic mimicry. In addition, it aims to assess the potential for pharmacological targeting of this pathway. In-silico analysis of the Hippo signaling members YAP1, TEAD1, AXL, NF2, CTGF, and CYR61 transcript levels in low-grade GBM and GBM tumor tissues was done by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. Gene expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR from human U87, U118, U138, and U251 brain cancer cell lines and in clinically annotated brain tumor cDNA arrays. Transient gene silencing was performed with specific small interfering RNA. Vasculogenic mimicry was assessed using a Cultrex matrix, and three-dimensional capillary-like structures were analyzed with Wimasis. CYR61 and CTGF transcript levels were elevated in GBM tissues and were further induced when in-vitro vasculogenic mimicry was assessed. Silencing of CYR61 and CTGF, or treatment with a small-molecule TEAD inhibitor LM98 derived from flufenamic acid, inhibited vasculogenic mimicry. Silencing of SNAI1 and FOXC2 also altered vasculogenic mimicry and reduced CYR61/CTGF levels. Pharmacological targeting of the Hippo pathway inhibits in-vitro vasculogenic mimicry. Unraveling the connections between the Hippo pathway and vasculogenic mimicry may pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexis Paquin
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Médicinale, Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Gagnon
- Laboratoire de Chimie Organique et Médicinale, Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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2
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Devarasou S, Kang M, Shin JH. Biophysical perspectives to understanding cancer-associated fibroblasts. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021507. [PMID: 38855445 PMCID: PMC11161195 DOI: 10.1063/5.0199024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The understanding of cancer has evolved significantly, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) now recognized as a critical factor influencing the onset and progression of the disease. This broader perspective challenges the traditional view that cancer is primarily caused by mutations, instead emphasizing the dynamic interaction between different cell types and physicochemical factors within the TME. Among these factors, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) command attention for their profound influence on tumor behavior and patient prognoses. Despite their recognized importance, the biophysical and mechanical interactions of CAFs within the TME remain elusive. This review examines the distinctive physical characteristics of CAFs, their morphological attributes, and mechanical interactions within the TME. We discuss the impact of mechanotransduction on CAF function and highlight how these cells communicate mechanically with neighboring cancer cells, thereby shaping the path of tumor development and progression. By concentrating on the biomechanical regulation of CAFs, this review aims to deepen our understanding of their role in the TME and to illuminate new biomechanical-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayadineshraj Devarasou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minwoo Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jennifer H. Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
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3
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Beyrami M, Khodadadi I, Tavilani H, Razavi ANE, Karimi J. Uncovering the relationship between YAP/ WWTR1 (TAZ) genes expression and LncRNAs of SNHG15, HCP5 and LINC01433 in breast cancer tissues. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155286. [PMID: 38599044 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In spite of the decrease in breast cancer (BC) death rates, it has remained a significant public health concern. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to breast cancer development and progression by enhancing cancerous cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration. Investigating the connection between specific lncRNAs (SNHG15, HCP5, and LINC01433) and YAP and WWTR1, and the impact of these lncRNAs on the expression of YAP and WWTR1 proteins in the Hippo pathway, may offer valuable understanding for BC diagnosis and treatment. Forty BC tissue samples were acquired from the Tumor Bank and utilized for RNA and protein extraction. Real-time PCR and western blotting techniques were performed to assess the gene and protein expressions, respectively. Correlations between variables and their associations with clinicopathological features in BC were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test. Additionally, the analysis of the GEO database was utilized to validate the findings. In cancerous tissue, the up-regulation of YAP, WWTR1, HCP5, SNHG15, and Linc01433 at both the mRNA and protein levels corresponds to the findings in GEO datasets. A significant association was found between YAP and histological grade, while WWTR1 showed a correlation with family history and HER-2. The distinct and notable expression of YAP, WWTR1, SNHG15, HCP5, and Linc01433 in BC tissues, together with the results of combined ROC curve analysis derived from our finding and GEO database suggest that a combined panel of these 5 RNAs may have great potential in predicting of BC and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Beyrami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Iraj Khodadadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Heidar Tavilani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amir Nader Emami Razavi
- Iran National Tumor Bank, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Jamshid Karimi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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4
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Shu B, Zhou Y, Lei G, Peng Y, Ding C, Li Z, He C. TRIM21 is critical in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma growth and response to therapy by altering the MST1/YAP pathway. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1476-1491. [PMID: 38475938 PMCID: PMC11093211 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16134] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Despite efforts being made in last two decades in cancer diagnosis and treatment, the 5-year survival rate of liver cancer remains extremely low. TRIM21 participates in cancer metabolism, glycolysis, immunity, chemosensitivity and metastasis by targeting various substrates for ubiquitination. TRIM21 serves as a prognosis marker for human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism by which TRIM21 regulates HCC tumorigenesis and progression remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that TRIM21 protein levels were elevated in human HCC. Elevated TRIM21 expression was associated with HCC progression and poor survival. Knockdown of TRIM21 in HCC cell lines significantly impaired cell growth and metastasis and enhanced sorafenib-induced toxicity. Mechanistically, we found that knockdown of TRIM21 resulted in cytosolic translocation and inactivation of YAP. At the molecular level, we further identified that TRIM21 interacted and induced ubiquitination of MST1, which resulted in MST1 degradation and YAP activation. Knockdown of MST1 or overexpression of YAP reversed TRIM21 knockdown-induced impairment of HCC growth and chemosensitivity. Taken together, the current study demonstrates a novel mechanism that regulates the Hippo pathway and reveals TRM21 as a critical factor that promotes growth and chemoresistance in human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yingxia Zhou
- Department of Surgical Operation, The Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Guoqiong Lei
- Department of NeurosurgeryBrain Hospital of Hunan Province (The Second People's Hospital of Human Province)ChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Cong Ding
- Department of PharmacyHunan Normal University School of MedicineChangshaHunanChina
| | - Zhuan Li
- Department of PharmacyHunan Normal University School of MedicineChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chao He
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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5
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Chitluri KK, Emerson IA. The importance of protein domain mutations in cancer therapy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27655. [PMID: 38509890 PMCID: PMC10950675 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that is caused by multiple genetic factors. Researchers have been studying protein domain mutations to understand how they affect the progression and treatment of cancer. These mutations can significantly impact the development and spread of cancer by changing the protein structure, function, and signalling pathways. As a result, there is a growing interest in how these mutations can be used as prognostic indicators for cancer prognosis. Recent studies have shown that protein domain mutations can provide valuable information about the severity of the disease and the patient's response to treatment. They may also be used to predict the response and resistance to targeted therapy in cancer treatment. The clinical implications of protein domain mutations in cancer are significant, and they are regarded as essential biomarkers in oncology. However, additional techniques and approaches are required to characterize changes in protein domains and predict their functional effects. Machine learning and other computational tools offer promising solutions to this challenge, enabling the prediction of the impact of mutations on protein structure and function. Such predictions can aid in the clinical interpretation of genetic information. Furthermore, the development of genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 has made it possible to validate the functional significance of mutants more efficiently and accurately. In conclusion, protein domain mutations hold great promise as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in cancer. Overall, considerable research is still needed to better define genetic and molecular heterogeneity and to resolve the challenges that remain, so that their full potential can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Chitluri
- Bioinformatics Programming Lab, Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, TN, 632014, India
| | - Isaac Arnold Emerson
- Bioinformatics Programming Lab, Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, TN, 632014, India
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Zou H, Luo J, Guo Y, Deng L, Zeng L, Pan Y, Li P. Tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated YAP1-TFAP2A interactions coordinate transcription and trastuzumab resistance in HER2+ breast cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101051. [PMID: 38219531 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101051] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Trastuzumab resistance in HER2+ breast cancer (BC) is the major reason leading to poor prognosis of BC patients. Oncogenic gene overexpression or aberrant activation of tyrosine kinase SRC is identified to be the key modulator of trastuzumab response. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms underlying SRC activation-associated trastuzumab resistance remain poorly understood. In the present study, we discover that SRC-mediated YAP1 tyrosine phosphorylation facilitates its interaction with transcription factor AP-2 alpha (activating enhancer binding protein 2 alpha, TFAP2A), which in turn promotes YAP1/TEAD-TFAP2A (YTT) complex-associated transcriptional outputs, thereby conferring trastuzumab resistance in HER2+ BC. Inhibition of SRC kinase activity or disruption of YTT complex sensitizes cells to trastuzumab treatment in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we also identify YTT complex co-occupies the regulatory regions of a series of genes related to trastuzumab resistance and directly regulates their transcriptions, including EGFR, HER2, H19 and CTGF. Moreover, YTT-mediated transcriptional regulation is coordinated by SRC kinase activity. Taken together, our study reveals that SRC-mediated YTT complex formation and transcriptions are responsible for multiple mechanisms associated with trastuzumab resistance. Therefore, targeting HER2 signaling in combination with the inhibition of YTT-associated transcriptional outputs could serve as the treatment strategy to overcome trastuzumab resistance caused by SRC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Zou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Luo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Yibo Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Leli Zeng
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihang Pan
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong, China.
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7
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Benedetti A, Turco C, Gallo E, Daralioti T, Sacconi A, Pulito C, Donzelli S, Tito C, Dragonetti M, Perracchio L, Blandino G, Fazi F, Fontemaggi G. ID4-dependent secretion of VEGFA enhances the invasion capability of breast cancer cells and activates YAP/TAZ via integrin β3-VEGFR2 interaction. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:113. [PMID: 38321003 PMCID: PMC10847507 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06491-2] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of breast cancer cell communication underlying cell spreading and metastasis formation is fundamental for developing new therapies. ID4 is a proto-oncogene overexpressed in the basal-like subtype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it promotes angiogenesis, cancer stem cells, and BRACA1 misfunction. Here, we show that ID4 expression in BC cells correlates with the activation of motility pathways and promotes the production of VEGFA, which stimulates the interaction of VEGFR2 and integrin β3 in a paracrine fashion. This interaction induces the downstream focal adhesion pathway favoring migration, invasion, and stress fiber formation. Furthermore, ID4/ VEGFA/ VEGFR2/ integrin β3 signaling stimulates the nuclear translocation and activation of the Hippo pathway member's YAP and TAZ, two critical executors for cancer initiation and progression. Our study provides new insights into the oncogenic roles of ID4 in tumor cell migration and YAP/TAZ pathway activation, suggesting VEGFA/ VEGFR2/ integrin β3 axis as a potential target for BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Benedetti
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Turco
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Gallo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Theodora Daralioti
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Donzelli
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Tito
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Dragonetti
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Perracchio
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Xu R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Wang K, Chen Z, Zheng J, Zhang T, Tong P, Qian Y, Yang W. Activating transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif by (R)-PFI-2 attenuates osteoclastogenesis and prevents ovariectomized-induced osteoporosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115964. [PMID: 38049011 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115964] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive osteoclast activation is a leading cause of osteoporosis. Therefore, identifying molecular targets and relevant pharmaceuticals that inhibit osteoclastogenesis is of substantial clinical importance. Prior research has indicated that transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) impedes the process of osteoclastogenesis by engaging the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, thereby suggesting TAZ activation as a potential therapeutic approach to treat osteoporosis. (R)-PFI-2 is a novel selective inhibitor of SETD7 methyltransferase activity, which prevents the nuclear translocation of YAP, a homolog of TAZ. Therefore, we hypothesized that (R)-PFI-2 could be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of osteoporosis. To test this hypothesis and explore the underlying mechanism, we first examined the impact of (R)-PFI-2 on osteoclastogenesis in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) in vitro. (R)-PFI-2 treatment inhibited TAZ phosphorylation induced by NF-κB, thereby enhancing its nuclear localization, protein expression, and activation in BMMs. Moreover, (R)-PFI-2-induced TAZ activation inhibited osteoclast formation in a dose-dependent manner, which involved inhibition of osteoclastogenesis through the TAZ and downstream NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, (R)-PFI-2 inhibited osteoclastogenesis and prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo in a mouse model. Overall, our findings suggest that TAZ activation by (R)-PFI-2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents osteoporosis, indicating an effective strategy for treating osteoclast-induced osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjian Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000, China; Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Kelei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Zhuolin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Jiewen Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Tan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province 312000, China
| | - Peijian Tong
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Yu Qian
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province 325000, China; Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Wanlei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
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Jin S, Tsunematsu T, Horiguchi T, Mouri Y, Shao W, Miyoshi K, Hagita H, Sarubo M, Fujiwara N, Qi G, Ishimaru N, Kudo Y. Involvement of the OTUB1-YAP1 axis in driving malignant behaviors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:22156-22169. [PMID: 37986681 PMCID: PMC10757095 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6735] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is vital for the development of effective treatment strategies. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which regulate ubiquitin-dependent pathways, are potential targets for cancer therapy because of their structural advantages. Here we aimed to identify a potential target for HNSCC treatment among DUBs. METHODS A screening process was conducted using RNA sequencing data and clinical information from HNSCC patients in the TCGA database. A panel of 88 DUBs was analyzed to identify those associated with poor prognosis. Subsequently, HNSCC cells were modified to overexpress specific DUBs, and their effects on cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated. In vivo experiments were performed to validate the findings. RESULTS In HNSCC patients, USP10, USP14, OTUB1, and STAMBP among the screened DUBs were associated with a poor prognosis. Among them, OTUB1 showed the most aggressive characteristics in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, OTUB1 regulated the stability and nuclear localization of YAP1, a substrate involved in cell proliferation and invasion. Notably, OTUB1 expression exhibited a positive correlation with the HNSCC-YAP score in HNSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the critical role of OTUB1 in HNSCC progression via modulating YAP1. Targeting the OTUB1-YAP1 axis holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjian Jin
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Takaaki Tsunematsu
- Department of Oral Molecular PathologyTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Taigo Horiguchi
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Yasuhiro Mouri
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Wenhua Shao
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Keiko Miyoshi
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Hiroko Hagita
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Motoharu Sarubo
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Natsumi Fujiwara
- Department of Oral Healthcare ManagementTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Guangying Qi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental RegulationGuilin Medical UniversityGuilinChina
| | - Naozumi Ishimaru
- Department of Oral Molecular PathologyTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
| | - Yasusei Kudo
- Department of Oral BioscienceTokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushimaJapan
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10
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Tian Z, Xu C, He W, Lin Z, Zhang W, Tao K, Ding R, Zhang X, Dou K. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP19 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression through stabilizing YAP. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216439. [PMID: 37832781 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216439] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and yes-associated protein (YAP) is one of the major factors of the Hippo pathway. However, the mechanism of abnormal YAP activation in HCC has not been well elucidated. Here, we screened a Deubiquitinating enzymes' (DUB) siRNA library targeting DUBs, and identified Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 19 (USP19) as a specific deubiquitinating enzyme of YAP in HCC, which could stabilize YAP at K76 and K90 sites via removing the K48- and K11-linked ubiquitin chains. USP19 knockdown decreased the expression of YAP protein and its target gene (CTGF, CYR61, ANKRD1) expression. Through substantial in vivo and in vitro experiments, we prove that USP19 facilities the proliferation and migration of HCC. More importantly, we found that USP19 was upregulated in HCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. In general, our research revealed a novel post-translational mechanism between USP19 and YAP in HCC, suggesting that USP19 may be a pivotal therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weixiang He
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhibin Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China; Chinese Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Western Resources and Modern Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Kofler M, Kapus A. Nuclear Import and Export of YAP and TAZ. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4956. [PMID: 37894323 PMCID: PMC10605228 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204956] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and its paralog Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) are major regulators of gene transcription/expression, primarily controlled by the Hippo pathway and the cytoskeleton. Integrating an array of chemical and mechanical signals, they impact growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Accordingly, they also play key roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Their activity is primarily regulated by their localization, that is, Hippo pathway- and/or cytoskeleton-controlled cytosolic or nuclear sequestration. While many details of such prevailing retention models have been elucidated, much less is known about their actual nuclear traffic: import and export. Although their size is not far from the cutoff for passive diffusion through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and they do not contain any classic nuclear localization (NLS) or nuclear export signal (NES), evidence has been accumulating that their shuttling involves mediated and thus regulatable/targetable processes. The aim of this review is to summarize emerging information/concepts about their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, encompassing the relevant structural requirements (NLS, NES), nuclear transport receptors (NTRs, karyophererins), and NPC components, along with the potential transport mechanisms and their regulation. While dissecting retention vs. transport is often challenging, the emerging picture suggests that YAP/TAZ shuttles across the NPC via multiple, non-exclusive, mediated mechanisms, constituting a novel and intriguing facet of YAP/TAZ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada;
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
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Pal A, Gonzalez-Malerva L, Eaton S, Xu C, Zhang Y, Grief D, Sakala L, Nwekwo L, Zeng J, Christensen G, Gupta C, Streitwieser E, Singharoy A, Park JG, LaBaer J. Multidimensional quantitative phenotypic and molecular analysis reveals neomorphic behaviors of p53 missense mutants. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:78. [PMID: 37773066 PMCID: PMC10541912 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00582-7] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene occur in >80% of the triple-negative or basal-like breast cancer. To test whether neomorphic functions of specific TP53 missense mutations contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity, we characterized phenotypes of non-transformed MCF10A-derived cell lines expressing the ten most common missense mutant p53 proteins and observed a wide spectrum of phenotypic changes in cell survival, resistance to apoptosis and anoikis, cell migration, invasion and 3D mammosphere architecture. The p53 mutants R248W, R273C, R248Q, and Y220C are the most aggressive while G245S and Y234C are the least, which correlates with survival rates of basal-like breast cancer patients. Interestingly, a crucial amino acid difference at one position-R273C vs. R273H-has drastic changes on cellular phenotype. RNA-Seq and ChIP-Seq analyses show distinct DNA binding properties of different p53 mutants, yielding heterogeneous transcriptomics profiles, and MD simulation provided structural basis of differential DNA binding of different p53 mutants. Integrative statistical and machine-learning-based pathway analysis on gene expression profiles with phenotype vectors across the mutant cell lines identifies quantitative association of multiple pathways including the Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathway with phenotypic aggressiveness. Further, comparative analyses of large transcriptomics datasets on breast cancer cell lines and tumors suggest that dysregulation of the Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathway plays a key role in driving the cellular phenotypes towards basal-like in the presence of more aggressive p53 mutants. Overall, our study describes distinct gain-of-function impacts on protein functions, transcriptional profiles, and cellular behaviors of different p53 missense mutants, which contribute to clinical phenotypic heterogeneity of triple-negative breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasuya Pal
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- The School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Laura Gonzalez-Malerva
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Seron Eaton
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Chenxi Xu
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Yining Zhang
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Dustin Grief
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Lydia Sakala
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- The School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Lilian Nwekwo
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
- The School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Jia Zeng
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Grant Christensen
- The School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Chitrak Gupta
- The Biodesign Center for Structural Discovery, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Ellen Streitwieser
- The Biodesign Center for Structural Discovery, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Abhishek Singharoy
- The Biodesign Center for Structural Discovery, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Jin G Park
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Joshua LaBaer
- The Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
- The School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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13
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Bertagnin C, Messa L, Pavan M, Celegato M, Sturlese M, Mercorelli B, Moro S, Loregian A. A small molecule targeting the interaction between human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein and cellular phosphatase PTPN14 exerts antitumoral activity in cervical cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216331. [PMID: 37532093 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216331] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers still represent a major health issue for worldwide population and lack specific therapeutic regimens. Despite substantial advancements in anti-HPV vaccination, the incidence of HPV-related cancers remains high, thus there is an urgent need for specific anti-HPV drugs. The HPV E7 oncoprotein is a major driver of carcinogenesis that acts by inducing the degradation of several host factors. A target is represented by the cellular phosphatase PTPN14 and its E7-mediated degradation was shown to be crucial in HPV oncogenesis. Here, by exploiting the crystal structure of E7 bound to PTPN14, we performed an in silico screening of small-molecule compounds targeting the C-terminal CR3 domain of E7 involved in the interaction with PTPN14. We discovered a compound able to inhibit the E7/PTPN14 interaction in vitro and to rescue PTPN14 levels in cells, leading to a reduction in viability, proliferation, migration, and cancer-stem cell potential of HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, as a consequence of PTPN14 rescue, treatment of cancer cells with this compound altered the Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling and downstream signaling. Notably, this compound was active against cervical cancer cells transformed by different high-risk (HR)-HPV genotypes indicating a potential broad-spectrum activity. Overall, our study reports the first-in-class inhibitor of E7/PTPN14 interaction and provides the proof-of-principle that pharmacological inhibition of this interaction by small-molecule compounds could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for the development of novel antitumoral drugs specific for HPV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Liu C, Song Y, Li D, Wang B. Regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by the Hippo Pathway: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110586. [PMID: 37393838 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is a dynamic and complex ecosystem consisting of immune cells, stromal cells, and tumor cells. It plays a crucial role in shaping cancer progression and treatment outcomes. Notably, tumor-associated immune cells are key regulators within the TIME, influencing immune responses and therapeutic efficacy. The Hippo pathway is a critical signaling pathway involved in the TIME and cancer progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the Hippo pathway's role in the TIME, focusing on its interactions with immune cells and their implications in cancer biology and therapy. Specifically, we discuss the involvement of the Hippo pathway in regulating T-cell function, macrophage polarization, B-cell differentiation, MDSC activity, and dendritic cell-mediated immune responses. Furthermore, we explore its influence on PD-L1 expression in lymphocytes and its potential as a therapeutic target. While recent progress has been made in understanding the Hippo pathway's molecular mechanisms, challenges remain in deciphering its context-dependent effects in different cancers and identifying predictive biomarkers for targeted therapies. By elucidating the intricate crosstalk between the Hippo pathway and the TME, we aim to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Yang Song
- Geriatrics Center, Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, P.R. China.
| | - DeMing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, PR China.
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