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Hu R, Cao Y, Wang Y, Zhao T, Yang K, Fan M, Guan M, Hou Y, Ying J, Ma X, Deng N, Sun X, Zhang Y, Zhang X. TMEM120B strengthens breast cancer cell stemness and accelerates chemotherapy resistance via β1-integrin/FAK-TAZ-mTOR signaling axis by binding to MYH9. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:48. [PMID: 38504374 PMCID: PMC10949598 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01802-z] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer stem cell (CSC) expansion results in tumor progression and chemoresistance; however, the modulation of CSC pluripotency remains unexplored. Transmembrane protein 120B (TMEM120B) is a newly discovered protein expressed in human tissues, especially in malignant tissues; however, its role in CSC expansion has not been studied. This study aimed to determine the role of TMEM120B in transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ)-mediated CSC expansion and chemotherapy resistance. METHODS Both bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to examine expression patterns of TMEM120B in lung, breast, gastric, colon, and ovarian cancers. Clinicopathological factors and overall survival were also evaluated. Next, colony formation assay, MTT assay, EdU assay, transwell assay, wound healing assay, flow cytometric analysis, sphere formation assay, western blotting analysis, mouse xenograft model analysis, RNA-sequencing assay, immunofluorescence assay, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were performed to investigate the effect of TMEM120B interaction on proliferation, invasion, stemness, chemotherapy sensitivity, and integrin/FAK/TAZ/mTOR activation. Further, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, GST pull-down assay, and immunoprecipitation assays were performed to evaluate the interactions between TMEM120B, myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), and CUL9. RESULTS TMEM120B expression was elevated in lung, breast, gastric, colon, and ovarian cancers. TMEM120B expression positively correlated with advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis. Overexpression of TMEM120B promoted breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness by activating TAZ-mTOR signaling. TMEM120B directly bound to the coil-coil domain of MYH9, which accelerated the assembly of focal adhesions (FAs) and facilitated the translocation of TAZ. Furthermore, TMEM120B stabilized MYH9 by preventing its degradation by CUL9 in a ubiquitin-dependent manner. Overexpression of TMEM120B enhanced resistance to docetaxel and doxorubicin. Conversely, overexpression of TMEM120B-∆CCD delayed the formation of FAs, suppressed TAZ-mTOR signaling, and abrogated chemotherapy resistance. TMEM120B expression was elevated in breast cancer patients with poor treatment outcomes (Miller/Payne grades 1-2) than in those with better outcomes (Miller/Payne grades 3-5). CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that TMEM120B bound to and stabilized MYH9 by preventing its degradation. This interaction activated the β1-integrin/FAK-TAZ-mTOR signaling axis, maintaining stemness and accelerating chemotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Hu
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaibo Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingwei Fan
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Mengyao Guan
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Yuekang Hou
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Jiao Ying
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China
| | - Xiaowen Ma
- Second Department of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Deng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China.
| | - Xiupeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, China.
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Huang H, Gu J, Kuang X, Yu Y, Rao B, Fang S, Lu J, Qiu F. An integrative pan-cancer analysis of WWC family genes and functional validation in lung cancer. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111034. [PMID: 38190957 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111034] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The WW and C2 domain containing (WWC) protein family functions as scaffolds regulating cell proliferation and organ growth control through the Hippo signaling pathway. However, their pan-cancer dysregulation and mechanistic roles in signaling transduction have remained unclear. We performed integrated pan-cancer analyses of WWC family gene expression using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) across 33 different cancer types. Prognostic relevance was evaluated by survival analyses. WWC genetic alterations, DNA methylation, pathway activities, drug response, and tumor immunology were analyzed using online databases. Furthermore, we examined the functional roles of WWCs in lung cancer cells. We observed aberrant WWC expression in various cancers, which associated with patient prognosis. WWC hypermethylation occurred in many cancers and exhibited negative correlation with expression, alongside mutations linked to poor outcomes. Pathway analysis implicated WWCs as Hippo pathway scaffolds, while drug sensitivity analysis suggested associations with diverse chemotherapies. Additionally, pan-cancer analyses elucidated vital immunomodulatory roles for WWC through heterogeneous correlations with immune cell infiltrates, checkpoint molecules, tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability, and chemokine pathways across cancers. Experimentally, WWCs suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while enhancing apoptosis and paclitaxel chemosensitivity. Mechanistically, WWCs bound large tumor suppressor 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) kinases to stimulate phosphorylation cascades, thereby inhibiting nuclear translocation of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) oncoprotein. Taken together, our multi-omics characterization provides comprehensive evidence for WWCs as putative tumor suppressors across cancers via Hippo pathway modulation. WWCs may serve as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Huang
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Jiaji Gu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Xinjie Kuang
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Yonghui Yu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Boqi Rao
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Shenying Fang
- The fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510799, PR China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China
| | - Fuman Qiu
- State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, 1 Xinzao Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, PR China.
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Ma X, Fan M, Yang K, Wang Y, Hu R, Guan M, Hou Y, Ying J, Deng N, Li Q, Jiang G, Zhang Y, Zhang X. ZNF500 abolishes breast cancer proliferation and sensitizes chemotherapy by stabilizing P53 via competing with MDM2. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4237-4251. [PMID: 37700392 PMCID: PMC10637072 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15947] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger protein 500 (ZNF500) has an unknown expression pattern and biological function in human tissues. Our study revealed that the ZNF500 mRNA and protein levels were higher in breast cancer tissues than those in their normal counterparts. However, ZNF500 expression was negatively correlated with advanced TNM stage (p = 0.018), positive lymph node metastasis (p = 0.014), and a poor prognosis (p < 0.001). ZNF500 overexpression abolished in vivo and in vitro breast cancer cell proliferation by activating the p53-p21-E2F4 signaling axis and directly interacting with p53 via its C2H2 domain. This may prevent ubiquitination of p53 in a manner that is competitive to MDM2, thus stabilizing p53. When ZNF500-∆C2H2 was overexpressed, the suppressed proliferation of breast cancer cells was neutralized in vitro and in vivo. In human breast cancer tissues, ZNF500 expression was positively correlated with p53 (p = 0.022) and E2F4 (p = 0.004) expression. ZNF500 expression was significantly lower in patients with Miller/Payne Grade 1-2 than in those with Miller/Payne Grade 3-5 (p = 0.012). ZNF500 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and sensitizes cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Ma
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Second Department of Clinical MedicineChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Mingwei Fan
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Kaibo Yang
- Department of OphthalmologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of AnesthesiologyThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Ran Hu
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Mengyao Guan
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yuekang Hou
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Jiao Ying
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Ning Deng
- Department of Breast SurgeryCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangChina
| | - Qingchang Li
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Guiyang Jiang
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of PathologyCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangChina
| | - Xiupeng Zhang
- Department of PathologyCollege of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Deciphering the role of Hippo pathway in lung cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 243:154339. [PMID: 36736143 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154339] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hippo pathway has been initially recognized as a regulatory mechanism for modulation of organ size in fruitfly. Subsequently, its involvement in the regulation of homeostasis and tumorigenesis has been identified. This pathway contains some tumor suppressor genes such as hippo (hpo) and warts (wts), as well as a number of oncogenic ones such as yorkie (yki). Recent studies have shown participation of Hippo pathway in the lung carcinogenesis. This pathway can affect lung cancer via different mechanisms. The interaction between some miRNAs and Hippo pathway is a possible mechanism for carcinogenic processes. Moreover, some other types of non-coding RNAs including PVT1, SFTA1P, NSCLCAT1 and circ_0067741 are implicated in this process. Besides, anti-cancer effects of gallic acid, icotinib hydrochloride, curcumin, ginsenoside Rg3, cryptotanshinone, nitidine chloride, cucurbitacin E, erlotinib, verteporfin, sophoridine, cisplatin and verteporfin in lung cancer are mediated through modulation of Hippo pathway. Here, we summarize the results of recent studies that investigated the role of Hippo signaling in the progression of lung cancer, the impact of non-coding RNAs on this pathway and the effects of anti-cancer agents on Hippo signaling in the context of lung cancer.
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Wei Z, Chen J, Zuo F, Guo J, Sun X, Liu D, Liu C. Traditional Chinese Medicine has great potential as candidate drugs for lung cancer: A review. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 300:115748. [PMID: 36162545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE With high mortality and morbidity rates, lung cancer (LC) has become one of the major threats to human health. The treatment strategies for LC currently face issues, such as drug resistance and body tolerance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by novel pharmacological mechanisms, low toxicity, and limited side effects. TCM includes a substantial number of biologically active ingredients, several of which are effective monomeric agents against LC. An increasing number of researchers are focusing their efforts on the discovery of active anti-cancer ingredients in TCM. AIM OF THE REVIEW In this review, we summarized the anti-LC mechanisms of five types of TCM monomeric compounds. Our goal is to provide research ideas for the identification of new prospective medication candidates for the treatment of LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected reports on the anti-LC effects of TCM monomers from web databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Europe PubMed Central. Among the keywords used were "lung cancer," "traditional Chinese medicine," "pharmacology," and their combinations thereof. Then, we systematically summarized the anti-LC efficacy and related mechanisms of TCM monomers. RESULTS Based on the available literature, this paper reviewed the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of five types of TCM monomers on LC. The characteristics of TCM monomers include the capabilities to suppress the tumor cell cycle, inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, promote autophagy, inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and enhance efficacy or reduce drug resistance when combined with cytotoxic agents and other methods to arrest the progression of LC and prolong the survival of patients. CONCLUSIONS TCM contains numerous flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and other active compounds that are effective against LC. Given their chemical structure and pharmacological properties, these monomers are suitable as candidate drugs for the treatment of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, 635000, PR China.
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, 635000, PR China
| | - Fang Zuo
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Julie Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, 635000, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, 635000, PR China
| | - Deming Liu
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Dermatology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Integrative Dermatology Research, Key Laboratory of External Therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Eczema, Department of Dermatology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400011, PR China.
| | - Conghai Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, 635000, PR China.
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Liu Y, He E, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Chen S, Wu X, Zeng Y, Leng P. WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2) as an oncogene in breast cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects-a narrative review. Gland Surg 2022; 11:1984-2002. [PMID: 36654949 PMCID: PMC9841001 DOI: 10.21037/gs-22-716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective WW domain binding protein 2 (WBP2), considered an emerging breast cancer gene, functions as a binding partner for WW domain proteins. The WBP2 gene is involved in mediating the malignant development and clinical drug resistance of breast cancer, but its potential mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of WBP2 in breast cancer, which will help to provide new methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Methods The PubMed database was searched using the terms "WW Domain Binding Protein 2" or "WBP2", "breast cancer" or "breast neoplasms" or "human cancer" from January 1997 through August 2022. Through the screening and evaluation of titles and abstracts, about 120 English articles were included in this study. Key Content and Findings By describing the multiple regulatory functions of WBP2 at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, and summarizing how WBP2 as a key node crosstalks multiple signaling pathways, we reveal the ability of WBP2 to promote breast cancer malignant progression. In different subtypes of breast cancer, the mechanism of WBP2-mediated drug resistance is related to estrogen receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 2 status, and hormones may be an essential factor in WBP2-mediated drug resistance. In addition, we discuss the application prospects of WBP2 in targeted therapy and immunotherapy and propose therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer by jointly targeting WBP2 and its related molecules. This provides a theoretical basis for the innovation of breast cancer targeted drugs. Conclusions WBP2 is a promising target for breast cancer therapy. Nuclear WBP2, as the main functional form of WBP2 after its activation, is a meaningful indicator for the diagnosis and prediction of breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Enping He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ya’an People’s Hospital, Ya’an, China
| | - Yitong Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingshuang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Youqing Zeng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Leng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Lim YX, Lin H, Seah SH, Lim YP. Reciprocal Regulation of Hippo and WBP2 Signalling-Implications in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113130. [PMID: 34831354 PMCID: PMC8625973 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health problem. The delineation of molecular mechanisms pertinent to cancer initiation and development has spurred cancer therapy in the form of precision medicine. The Hippo signalling pathway is a tumour suppressor pathway implicated in a multitude of cancers. Elucidation of the Hippo pathway has revealed an increasing number of regulators that are implicated, some being potential therapeutic targets for cancer interventions. WW domain-binding protein 2 (WBP2) is an oncogenic transcriptional co-factor that interacts, amongst others, with two other transcriptional co-activators, YAP and TAZ, in the Hippo pathway. WBP2 was recently discovered to modulate the upstream Hippo signalling components by associating with LATS2 and WWC3. Exacerbating the complexity of the WBP2/Hippo network, WBP2 itself is reciprocally regulated by Hippo-mediated microRNA biogenesis, contributing to a positive feedback loop that further drives carcinogenesis. Here, we summarise the biological mechanisms of WBP2/Hippo reciprocal regulation and propose therapeutic strategies to overcome Hippo defects in cancers through targeting WBP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Xinyi Lim
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Hexian Lin
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Sock Hong Seah
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore; (Y.X.L.); (H.L.); (S.H.S.)
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Yoon Pin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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Lim YX, Lin H, Chu T, Lim YP. WBP2 promotes BTRC mRNA stability to drive migration and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer via NF-κB activation. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:422-446. [PMID: 34197030 PMCID: PMC8763649 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
WW‐domain‐binding protein 2 (WBP2) is an oncogene that drives breast carcinogenesis through regulating Wnt, estrogen receptor (ER), and Hippo signaling. Recent studies have identified neoteric modes of action of WBP2 other than its widely recognized function as a transcriptional coactivator. Here, we identified a previously unexplored role of WBP2 in inflammatory signaling in breast cancer via an integrated proteogenomic analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Invasive Carcinoma (TCGA BRCA) dataset. WBP2 was shown to enhance the migration and invasion in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells especially under tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) stimulation. Molecularly, WBP2 potentiates TNF‐α‐induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) transcriptional activity and nuclear localization through aggrandizing ubiquitin‐mediated proteasomal degradation of its upstream inhibitor, NF‐κB inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA; also known as IκBα). We further demonstrate that WBP2 induces mRNA stability of beta‐transducin repeat‐containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC), which targets IκBα for ubiquitination and degradation. Disruption of IκBα rescued the impaired migratory and invasive phenotypes in WBP2‐silenced cells, while loss of BTRC ameliorated WBP2‐driven migration and invasion. Clinically, the WBP2‐BTRC‐IκBα signaling axis correlates with poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. Our findings reveal a pivotal mechanism of WBP2 in modulating BTRC‐IκBα‐NF‐κB pathway to promote TNBC aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Xinyi Lim
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hexian Lin
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tinghine Chu
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Yoon Pin Lim
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,National University Cancer Institute, Singapore City, Singapore
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