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Rajan AAN, Hutchins EJ. Post-transcriptional regulation as a conserved driver of neural crest and cancer-cell migration. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 89:102400. [PMID: 39032482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Cells have evolved mechanisms to migrate for diverse biological functions. A process frequently deployed during metazoan cell migration is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, adherent epithelial cells undergo coordinated cellular transitions to mesenchymalize and reduce their intercellular attachments. This is achieved via tightly regulated changes in gene expression, which modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion to allow movement. The acquisition of motility and invasive properties following EMT allows some mesenchymal cells to migrate through complex environments to form tissues during embryogenesis; however, these processes may also be leveraged by cancer cells, which often co-opt these endogenous programs to metastasize. Post-transcriptional regulation is now emerging as a major conserved mechanism by which cells modulate EMT and migration, which we discuss here in the context of vertebrate development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Arul Nambi Rajan
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica J Hutchins
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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2
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Cordani M, Dando I, Ambrosini G, González-Menéndez P. Signaling, cancer cell plasticity, and intratumor heterogeneity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:255. [PMID: 38702718 PMCID: PMC11067149 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01643-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer's complexity is in part due to the presence of intratumor heterogeneity and the dynamic nature of cancer cell plasticity, which create substantial obstacles in effective cancer management. Variability within a tumor arises from the existence of diverse populations of cancer cells, impacting the progression, spread, and resistance to treatments. At the core of this variability is the concept of cellular plasticity - the intrinsic ability of cancer cells to alter their molecular and cellular identity in reaction to environmental and genetic changes. This adaptability is a cornerstone of cancer's persistence and progression, making it a formidable target for treatments. Emerging studies have emphasized the critical role of such plasticity in fostering tumor diversity, which in turn influences the course of the disease and the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies. The transformative nature of cancer involves a network of signal transduction pathways, notably those that drive the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metabolic remodeling, shaping the evolutionary path of cancer cells. Despite advancements, our understanding of the precise molecular machinations and signaling networks driving these changes is still evolving, underscoring the necessity for further research. This editorial presents a series entitled "Signaling Cancer Cell Plasticity and Intratumor Heterogeneity" in Cell Communication and Signaling, dedicated to unraveling these complex processes and proposing new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy.
| | - Pedro González-Menéndez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, Julián Claveria 6, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, 33011, Spain.
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Takihira S, Yamada D, Osone T, Takao T, Sakaguchi M, Hakozaki M, Itano T, Nakata E, Fujiwara T, Kunisada T, Ozaki T, Takarada T. PRRX1-TOP2A interaction is a malignancy-promoting factor in human malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1493-1504. [PMID: 38448751 PMCID: PMC11058259 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02632-8] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paired related-homeobox 1 (PRRX1) is a transcription factor in the regulation of developmental morphogenetic processes. There is growing evidence that PRRX1 is highly expressed in certain cancers and is critically involved in human survival prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism of PRRX1 in cancer malignancy remains to be elucidated. METHODS PRRX1 expression in human Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) samples was detected immunohistochemically to evaluate survival prognosis. MPNST models with PRRX1 gene knockdown or overexpression were constructed in vitro and the phenotype of MPNST cells was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis combined with co-immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, RNA-seq and structural prediction were used to identify proteins interacting with PRRX1. RESULTS High expression of PRRX1 was associated with a poor prognosis for MPNST. PRRX1 knockdown suppressed the tumorigenic potential. PRRX1 overexpressed in MPNSTs directly interacts with topoisomerase 2 A (TOP2A) to cooperatively promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increase expression of tumour malignancy-related gene sets including mTORC1, KRAS and SRC signalling pathways. Etoposide, a TOP2A inhibitor used in the treatment of MPNST, may exhibit one of its anticancer effects by inhibiting the PRRX1-TOP2A interaction. CONCLUSION Targeting the PRRX1-TOP2A interaction in malignant tumours with high PRRX1 expression might provide a novel tumour-selective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Takihira
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamada
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Osone
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tomoka Takao
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masakiyo Sakaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Michiyuki Hakozaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takuto Itano
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakata
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fujiwara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kunisada
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Ozaki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takarada
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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Newton AH, Smith CA. Resolving the mechanisms underlying epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of the lateral plate mesoderm. Genesis 2024; 62:e23531. [PMID: 37443419 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23531] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Formation of the vertebrate limb buds begins with a localized epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the somatic lateral plate mesoderm (LPM). While the processes that drive proliferation and outgrowth of the limb mesenchyme are well established, the fundamental mechanisms that precede this process and initiate EMT are less understood. In this review, we outline putative drivers of EMT of the LPM, drawing from analyses across a range of vertebrates and developmental models. We detail the expression patterns of key EMT transcriptional regulators in the somatic LPM of the presumptive limb fields, and their potential role in producing a mesenchymal cell fate. These include a putative cooperative role between the EMT inducers PRRX1 and TWIST1, supported by evidence in zebrafish and chicken models but unconfirmed data from mice. As such, additional functional data are required to definitively determine the mechanisms that initiate and drive EMT of the somatic LPM, a critical transition preceding formation of the limb bud mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel H Newton
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Celià-Terrassa T, Kang Y. How important is EMT for cancer metastasis? PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002487. [PMID: 38324529 PMCID: PMC10849258 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biological phenomenon of cellular plasticity initially reported in embryonic development, has been increasingly recognized for its importance in cancer progression and metastasis. Despite tremendous progress being made in the past 2 decades in our understanding of the molecular mechanism and functional importance of EMT in cancer, there are several mysteries around EMT that remain unresolved. In this Unsolved Mystery, we focus on the variety of EMT types in metastasis, cooperative and collective EMT behaviors, spatiotemporal characterization of EMT, and strategies of therapeutically targeting EMT. We also highlight new technical advances that will facilitate the efforts to elucidate the unsolved mysteries of EMT in metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, New Jersey, United States of America
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6
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Guzman-Espinoza M, Kim M, Ow C, Hutchins EJ. "Beyond transcription: How post-transcriptional mechanisms drive neural crest EMT". Genesis 2024; 62:e23553. [PMID: 37735882 PMCID: PMC10954587 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23553] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest is a stem cell population that originates from the ectoderm during the initial steps of nervous system development. Neural crest cells delaminate from the neuroepithelium by undergoing a spatiotemporally regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that proceeds in a coordinated wave head-to-tail to exit from the neural tube. While much is known about the transcriptional programs and membrane changes that promote EMT, there are additional levels of gene expression control that neural crest cells exert at the level of RNA to control EMT and migration. Yet, the role of post-transcriptional regulation, and how it drives and contributes to neural crest EMT, is not well understood. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances in our understanding of the role of post-transcriptional regulation during neural crest EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Guzman-Espinoza
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Minyoung Kim
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Ow
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica J. Hutchins
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Hadpech S, Thongboonkerd V. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in kidney fibrosis. Genesis 2024; 62:e23529. [PMID: 37345818 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23529] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process contributing to kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. This process is characterized by decreased epithelial phenotypes/markers and increased mesenchymal phenotypes/markers. Tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are commonly susceptible to EMT by various stimuli, for example, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cellular communication network factor 2, angiotensin-II, fibroblast growth factor-2, oncostatin M, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasmin, interleukin-1β, and reactive oxygen species. Similarly, glomerular podocytes can undergo EMT via these stimuli and by high glucose condition in diabetic kidney disease. EMT of TECs and podocytes leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, respectively. Signaling pathways involved in EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis are diverse and complex. TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are the major venues triggering EMT in TECs and podocytes. These two pathways thus serve as the major therapeutic targets against EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis. To date, a number of EMT inhibitors have been identified and characterized. As expected, the majority of these EMT inhibitors affect TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to kidney fibrosis, these EMT-targeted antifibrotic inhibitors are expected to be effective for treatment against fibrosis in other organs/tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarat Hadpech
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Thongboonkerd
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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8
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Lozano-Velasco E, Inácio JM, Sousa I, Guimarães AR, Franco D, Moura G, Belo JA. miRNAs in Heart Development and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1673. [PMID: 38338950 PMCID: PMC10855082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031673] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. They include conditions such as myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and congenital heart defects. CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, new medical interventions that aim to prevent, treat, or manage CVDs are of prime importance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and play important roles in various biological processes, including cardiac development, function, and disease. Moreover, miRNAs can also act as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In order to identify and characterize miRNAs and their target genes, scientists take advantage of computational tools such as bioinformatic algorithms, which can also assist in analyzing miRNA expression profiles, functions, and interactions in different cardiac conditions. Indeed, the combination of miRNA research and bioinformatic algorithms has opened new avenues for understanding and treating CVDs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of miRNAs in cardiac development and CVDs, discuss the challenges and opportunities, and provide some examples of recent bioinformatics for miRNA research in cardiovascular biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (D.F.)
| | - José Manuel Inácio
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Inês Sousa
- Genome Medicine Lab, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (I.S.); (A.R.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Ana Rita Guimarães
- Genome Medicine Lab, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (I.S.); (A.R.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (D.F.)
| | - Gabriela Moura
- Genome Medicine Lab, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute for Biomedicine–iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (I.S.); (A.R.G.); (G.M.)
| | - José António Belo
- Stem Cells and Development Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal;
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9
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García de Herreros A. Dual role of Snail1 as transcriptional repressor and activator. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189037. [PMID: 38043804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189037] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Snail1 transcriptional factor plays a key role in the control of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a process that remodels tumor cells increasing their invasion and chemo-resistance as well as reprograms their metabolism and provides stemness properties. During this transition, Snail1 acts as a transcriptional repressor and, as growing evidences have demonstrated, also as a direct activator of mesenchymal genes. In this review, I describe the different proteins that interact with Snail1 and are responsible for these two different functions on gene expression; I focus on the transcriptional factors that associate to Snail1 in their target promoters, both activated and repressed. I also present working models for Snail1 action both as repressor and activator and raise some issues that still need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada al CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
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10
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Gong M, Guo Y, Dong H, Wu W, Wu F, Lu F. Trigonelline inhibits tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transformation in diabetic kidney disease via targeting Smad7. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115747. [PMID: 37864898 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115747] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes. Inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTCs) can slow down renal fibrosis. Trigonelline (TRL), an alkaloid isolated from the fenugreek, has demonstrated therapeutic effects on diabetes and its complications. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms for the effects of TRL are still obscure. The present study was aimed to evaluate the treatment of TRL against DKD and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS The db/db mice were used as a spontaneous model of DKD and TRL solution was administered by daily gavage for 8 weeks. Indicators associated with glucose metabolism, renal function and urinary albumin were tested. Renal fibrosis in diabetic mice was evaluated by histopathological staining. Kidney transcriptomics was performed after confirming therapeutic effects of TRL on DKD mice. Molecular biology techniques and in vitro experiments were utilized for final mechanism verification. RESULTS Biochemical tests revealed that TRL ameliorated renal damage and reduced microalbuminuria in DKD mice. TRL exhibited a protective effect on PTCs, effectively mitigating tubular EMT and renal fibrosis in diabetic kidneys. Transcriptomics analysis indicated that TRL may target Smad7, an inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling, to alleviate fibrosis. Furthermore, in vitro experiments validated that silencing Smad7 abolished the therapeutic effect of TRL. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that TRL can alleviate tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in db/db mice by upregulating Smad7 in PTCs, suggesting that TRL is a promising medicine against DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Gong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujin Guo
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuer Lu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Yang J, Liao Y, Wang B, Cui L, Yu X, Wu F, Zhang Y, Liu R, Yao Y. EDARADD promotes colon cancer progression by suppressing E3 ligase Trim21-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of Snail. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216427. [PMID: 37838280 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216427] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cell migration, specifically epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), serves as a key contributor to treatment failure in colon cancer patients. However, the limited comprehension of its genetic and biological aspects presents challenges for its investigation. EDAR-associated death domain (EDARADD), an important TNFR superfamily member, is elevated in colon cancer. However, it remains unclear about the exact role of EDARADD in the progression of colon cancer metastasis. In this study, we initially demonstrated that both protein and mRNA levels of EDDARADD are elevated in colon cancer tissues and cells, associated with reduced overall survival. Furthermore, functional experiments demonstrated that EDARADD promotes colon cancer cell proliferation and participates in EMT both in vitro and vivo. Mechanistically, Co-IP verified EDARADD could stabilize Snail1 by interacting with E3 ubiquitin ligase Trim21 to inhibit ubiquitination of Snail1. Interestingly, RNA-seq and ubiquitination assay revealed EDARADD's dual downregulation of Trim21 expression at the translational level via Cul1-mediated ubiquitin degradation, and at the transcriptional level through PPARa regulation. Moreover, EDARADD activates NF-κB signaling and experiences feedback transcriptional regulation by p65. In conclusion, this study highlights the signal pathway of EDARADD-PPARa-Trim21-Snail1-EMT and a feedback regulation of NF-κB signaling on EDARADD, which indicated EDARADD as an emerging therapeutic target for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yuanyu Liao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bojun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Luying Cui
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xuefan Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, 150080, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150000, China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150080, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150080, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, 150080, China.
| | - Ruiqi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Yuanfei Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150080, China; Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, 150080, China.
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Fazilaty H, Basler K. Reactivation of embryonic genetic programs in tissue regeneration and disease. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1792-1806. [PMID: 37904052 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic genetic programs are reactivated in response to various types of tissue damage, providing cell plasticity for tissue regeneration or disease progression. In acute conditions, these programs remedy the damage and then halt to allow a return to homeostasis. In chronic situations, including inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancer, prolonged activation of embryonic programs leads to disease progression and tissue deterioration. Induction of progenitor identity and cell plasticity, for example, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, are critical outcomes of reactivated embryonic programs. In this Review, we describe molecular players governing reactivated embryonic genetic programs, their role during disease progression, their similarities and differences and lineage reversion in pathology and discuss associated therapeutics and drug-resistance mechanisms across many organs. We also discuss the diversity of reactivated programs in different disease contexts. A comprehensive overview of commonalities between development and disease will provide better understanding of the biology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Fazilaty
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Hu B, Gao J, Shi J, Wen P, Guo W, Zhang S. m 6 A reader YTHDF3 triggers the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through the YTHDF3/m 6 A-EGFR/STAT3 axis and EMT. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1599-1614. [PMID: 37449789 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23602] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of tumor-related deaths worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) mediates RNA metabolism in tumor biology. However, the regulatory role of YTHDF3, an m6 A reader, in HCC progression and its underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the oncogenic effect of YTHDF3 on HCC progression via the epigenetic regulation of m6 A-modified mRNAs. The expression levels of YTHDF3 in HCC tissues and matched adjacent liver tissues were detected using western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The function of YTHDF3 in HCC progression and its underlying mechanisms have been studied both in vitro and in vivo. YTHDF3 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues than in paracancerous liver tissues. YTHDF3 was also significantly upregulated in HCC with microvascular invasion (MVI) compared to that in HCC without MVI. YTHDF3 overexpression facilitated the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the YTHDF3 knockdown resulted in an inverse trend. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 enhanced the translation and stability of the m6 A-modified epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA, which activated the downstream EGFR/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) oncogenic pathways. YTHDF3 enhanced the stability and translation of m6 A-modified EGFR mRNA and stimulated HCC progression via the YTHDF3/m6 A-EGFR/STAT3 and EMT pathways. These findings reveal that YTHDF3 plays a significant role in regulating HCC progression, suggesting a promising and novel target for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jihua Shi
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Peihao Wen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Organ Transplantation Centre, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory for Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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14
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Yoon Y, Yoo CR, Kim EC, Han J, Yoon K. STAC1 is required for glioblastoma cell invasion and survival. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 674:75-82. [PMID: 37413708 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.089] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor with poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving GBM tumorigenesis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the role of STAC1, a gene belonging to the SH3 and cysteine-rich domain family, in glioblastoma cell invasion and survival. Computational analyses of patient samples reveal that STAC1 expression is elevated in GBM tissues, and higher STAC1 expression is associated with lower overall survival rates. Consistently, we find that overexpression of STAC1 in glioblastoma cells enhances invasion, while knockdown of STAC1 reduces invasion and the expression of genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). STAC1 depletion also induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. Furthermore, we show that STAC1 regulates AKT and calcium channel signaling in glioblastoma cells. Collectively, our study provides valuable insights into the pathogenic roles of STAC1 in GBM and highlights its potential as a promising target for the treatment of high-grade glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngik Yoon
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Chae Rin Yoo
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Eun Chae Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Jaehwan Han
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea
| | - Keejung Yoon
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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15
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Park H. Unraveling the Molecular Puzzle: Exploring Gene Networks across Diverse EMT Status of Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12784. [PMID: 37628965 PMCID: PMC10454379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612784] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding complex disease mechanisms requires a comprehensive understanding of the gene regulatory networks, as complex diseases are often characterized by the dysregulation and dysfunction of molecular networks, rather than abnormalities in single genes. Specifically, the exploration of cell line-specific gene networks can provide essential clues for precision medicine, as this methodology can uncover molecular interplays specific to particular cell line statuses, such as drug sensitivity, cancer progression, etc. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of computational strategies for cell line-specific gene network analysis: (1) cell line-specific gene regulatory network estimation and analysis of gene networks under varying epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) statuses of cell lines; and (2) an explainable artificial intelligence approach for interpreting the estimated massive multiple EMT-status-specific gene networks. The objective of this review is to help readers grasp the concept of computational network biology, which holds significant implications for precision medicine by offering crucial clues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heewon Park
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 02844, Republic of Korea
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16
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Lines CL, McGrath MJ, Dorwart T, Conn CS. The integrated stress response in cancer progression: a force for plasticity and resistance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1206561. [PMID: 37601686 PMCID: PMC10435748 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1206561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During their quest for growth, adaptation, and survival, cancer cells create a favorable environment through the manipulation of normal cellular mechanisms. They increase anabolic processes, including protein synthesis, to facilitate uncontrolled proliferation and deplete the tumor microenvironment of resources. As a dynamic adaptation to the self-imposed oncogenic stress, cancer cells promptly hijack translational control to alter gene expression. Rewiring the cellular proteome shifts the phenotypic balance between growth and adaptation to promote therapeutic resistance and cancer cell survival. The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key translational program activated by oncogenic stress that is utilized to fine-tune protein synthesis and adjust to environmental barriers. Here, we focus on the role of ISR signaling for driving cancer progression. We highlight mechanisms of regulation for distinct mRNA translation downstream of the ISR, expand on oncogenic signaling utilizing the ISR in response to environmental stresses, and pinpoint the impact this has for cancer cell plasticity during resistance to therapy. There is an ongoing need for innovative drug targets in cancer treatment, and modulating ISR activity may provide a unique avenue for clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Crystal S. Conn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Sample RA, Nogueira MF, Mitra RD, Puram SV. Epigenetic regulation of hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal cell states in cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:2237-2248. [PMID: 37344626 PMCID: PMC10578205 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02749-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process by which cells lose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal phenotypes. In cancer, EMT is thought to drive tumor invasion and metastasis. Recent efforts to understand EMT biology have uncovered that cells undergoing EMT attain a spectrum of intermediate "hybrid E/M" states, which exist along an epithelial-mesenchymal continuum. Here, we summarize recent studies characterizing the epigenetic drivers of hybrid E/M states. We focus on the histone-modification writers, erasers, and readers that assist or oppose the canonical hybrid E/M transcription factors that modulate hybrid E/M state transitions. We also examine the role of chromatin remodelers and DNA methylation in hybrid E/M states. Finally, we highlight the challenges of targeting hybrid E/M pharmacologically, and we propose future directions that might reveal the specific and targetable mechanisms by which hybrid E/M drives metastasis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reilly A Sample
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marina F Nogueira
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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18
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Goud TJ. Epigenetic and Long-Term Effects of Nicotine on Biology, Behavior, and Health. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106741. [PMID: 37149116 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco and nicotine use are associated with disease susceptibility and progression. Health challenges associated with nicotine and smoking include developmental delays, addiction, mental health and behavioral changes, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that nicotine-associated epigenetic changes may mediate or moderate the development and progression of a myriad of negative health outcomes. In addition, nicotine exposure may confer increased lifelong susceptibility to disease and mental health challenges through alteration of epigenetic signaling. This review examines the relationship between nicotine exposure (and smoking), epigenetic changes, and maladaptive outcomes that include developmental disorders, addiction, mental health challenges, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Overall, findings support the contention that nicotine (or smoking) associated altered epigenetic signaling is a contributing factor to disease and health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Goud
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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19
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Necroptosis Induced by Delta-Tocotrienol Overcomes Docetaxel Chemoresistance in Prostate Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054923. [PMID: 36902362 PMCID: PMC10003232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054923] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the fifth cause of cancer death in men. Currently, chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancers, including PCa, mainly inhibit tumor growth by apoptosis induction. However, defects in apoptotic cellular responses frequently lead to drug resistance, which is the main cause of chemotherapy failure. For this reason, trigger non-apoptotic cell death might represent an alternative approach to prevent drug resistance in cancer. Several agents, including natural compounds, have been shown to induce necroptosis in human cancer cells. In this study we evaluated the involvement of necroptosis in anticancer activity of delta-tocotrienol (δ-TT) in PCa cells (DU145 and PC3). Combination therapy is one tool used to overcome therapeutic resistance and drug toxicity. Evaluating the combined effect of δ-TT and docetaxel (DTX), we found that δ-TT potentiates DTX cytotoxicity in DU145 cells. Moreover, δ-TT induces cell death in DU145 cells that have developed DTX resistance (DU-DXR) activating necroptosis. Taken together, obtained data indicate the ability of δ-TT to induce necroptosis in both DU145, PC3 and DU-DXR cell lines. Furthermore, the ability of δ-TT to induce necroptotic cell death may represent a promising therapeutical approach to overcome DTX chemoresistance in PCa.
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20
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Shi Y, Tao M, Chen H, Ma X, Wang Y, Hu Y, Zhou X, Li J, Cui B, Qiu A, Zhuang S, Liu N. Ubiquitin-specific protease 11 promotes partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by deubiquitinating the epidermal growth factor receptor during kidney fibrosis. Kidney Int 2023; 103:544-564. [PMID: 36581018 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) is believed to be related to tumor progression. However, few studies have reported the biological function and clinical importance of USP11 in kidney fibrosis. Here, we demonstrated USP11 was highly upregulated in the kidneys from patients with chronic kidney disease and correlated positively with fibrotic lesion but negatively with kidney function. Conditional USP11 deletion or pharmacologic inhibition with Mitoxantrone attenuated pathological lesions and improved kidney function in both hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN)- and folic acid (FA)-induced mouse models of kidney fibrosis. Mechanistically, by RNA sequencing, USP11 was found to be involved in nuclear gene transcription of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). USP11 co-immunoprecipitated and co-stained with extra-nuclear EGFR and deubiquitinated and protected EGFR from proteasome-dependent degradation. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of USP11 facilitated EGFR degradation and abated augmentation of TGF-β1 and downstream signaling. This consequently alleviated the partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition, G2/M arrest and aberrant secretome of profibrogenic and proinflammatory factors in uric acid-stimulated tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, USP11 deletion had anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory kidney effects in the murine HN and FA models. Thus, our study provides evidence supporting USP11 as a promising target for minimizing kidney fibrosis and that inhibition of USP11 has potential to be an effective strategy for patients with chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfeng Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinqing Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andong Qiu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Chakraborti S, Karmakar A, Guha R, Ngan C, Kumar Das R, Whitaker N. Induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in HPV16 E6/E7 oncogene transfected C33A cell line. Tissue Cell 2023; 82:102041. [PMID: 36827821 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102041] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the induction of EMT by HPV16 in the C33A cell line. Expression of β-catenin, EMT-transcription factors (EMT-TFs), and c-myc in the nuclei of HPV16 E6/E7 oncogene transfected and non-transfected C33A cells were investigated through immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Microphotographs of β-catenin, c-myc, and DAPI-stained nuclei were processed and analyzed by Python and ImageJ respectively. Microphotographs of immunocytochemically stained transfected and control cells were then processed and analyzed with the help of ImageJ and Python programming. The intensity and the integrated density of β-catenin were computed at the cell membrane area as well as the cytoplasmic area along with the integrated density of c-myc and Renyi entropy of DAPI-stained nuclei was quantified by ImageJ software. Python programming was implemented to determine the total percentage of white pixels depicting the presence of β-catenin in the cytoplasmic area of cells. The signal of β-catenin at the cytoplasmic area was found significantly higher in transfected samples which implies the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. The expression of the c-myc protein was found significantly higher in transfected cells along with significantly higher nuclear entropy. RT-PCR result shows two folds of up-regulation of EMT-TFs Snail1, Twist1, and Zeb2 and down-regulation of Snail2 and Twist2. The study concludes that HPV16 E6/E7 oncogene can induce EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourangshu Chakraborti
- Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Aparajita Karmakar
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Riana Guha
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Christopher Ngan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raunak Kumar Das
- Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India; School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Noel Whitaker
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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22
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microRNAs Associated with Gemcitabine Resistance via EMT, TME, and Drug Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041230. [PMID: 36831572 PMCID: PMC9953943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041230] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research, pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with an extremely poor prognosis. The difficulty in early detection and chemoresistance to therapeutic agents are major clinical concerns. To improve prognosis, novel biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies for chemoresistance are urgently needed. microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the development, progression, and metastasis of several cancers. During the last few decades, the association between pancreatic cancer and miRNAs has been extensively elucidated, with several miRNAs found to be correlated with patient prognosis. Moreover, recent evidence has revealed that miRNAs are intimately involved in gemcitabine sensitivity and resistance through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and drug metabolism. Gemcitabine is the gold standard drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, but gemcitabine resistance develops easily after chemotherapy initiation. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the gemcitabine resistance mechanisms associated with aberrantly expressed miRNAs in pancreatic cancer, especially focusing on the mechanisms associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, and metabolism. This novel evidence of gemcitabine resistance will drive further research to elucidate the mechanisms of chemoresistance and improve patient outcomes.
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23
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Wang F, Zhao H, Yin L, Zhang W, Tang Y, Wang X, Huang C. The paired-related homeobox protein 1 promotes cardiac fibrosis via the Twist1-Prrx1-tenascin-C loop. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:167-177. [PMID: 36273425 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathology in the advanced stage of cardiovascular diseases, which leads to cardiac systolic and diastolic dysfunction. It is important to prevent cardiac fibrosis during myocardial injury. The transcription factor Prrx1 is involved in cancer-associated fibrosis and other organ fibrosis. However, the role and mechanism of Prrx1 in cardiac fibrosis deserves further exploration. We identified that overexpressed Prrx1 promoted the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts, and transform cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in vitro. We demonstrated that the expression of Prrx1 is upregulated in TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts. And silencing Prrx1 could attenuate cardiac fibrosis induced by TGF-β1 in vitro. In addition, a Twist1-paired-related homeobox 1 (Prrx1)-tenascin-C (TNC) positive feedback loop (PFL) combined with Twist1, Prrx1, and TNC activated fibroblasts, which was the mechanism the Prrx1 in cardiac fibrosis. In conclusion, our findings showed that the deficiency of Prrx1 attenuated cardiac fibrosis in vitro and reveal a novel Twist1-Prrx1-TNC PFL in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanhong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Congxin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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24
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Biswas S, Clawson W, Levin M. Learning in Transcriptional Network Models: Computational Discovery of Pathway-Level Memory and Effective Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010285. [PMID: 36613729 PMCID: PMC9820177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Trainability, in any substrate, refers to the ability to change future behavior based on past experiences. An understanding of such capacity within biological cells and tissues would enable a particularly powerful set of methods for prediction and control of their behavior through specific patterns of stimuli. This top-down mode of control (as an alternative to bottom-up modification of hardware) has been extensively exploited by computer science and the behavioral sciences; in biology however, it is usually reserved for organism-level behavior in animals with brains, such as training animals towards a desired response. Exciting work in the field of basal cognition has begun to reveal degrees and forms of unconventional memory in non-neural tissues and even in subcellular biochemical dynamics. Here, we characterize biological gene regulatory circuit models and protein pathways and find them capable of several different kinds of memory. We extend prior results on learning in binary transcriptional networks to continuous models and identify specific interventions (regimes of stimulation, as opposed to network rewiring) that abolish undesirable network behavior such as drug pharmacoresistance and drug sensitization. We also explore the stability of created memories by assessing their long-term behavior and find that most memories do not decay over long time periods. Additionally, we find that the memory properties are quite robust to noise; surprisingly, in many cases noise actually increases memory potential. We examine various network properties associated with these behaviors and find that no one network property is indicative of memory. Random networks do not show similar memory behavior as models of biological processes, indicating that generic network dynamics are not solely responsible for trainability. Rational control of dynamic pathway function using stimuli derived from computational models opens the door to empirical studies of proto-cognitive capacities in unconventional embodiments and suggests numerous possible applications in biomedicine, where behavior shaping of pathway responses stand as a potential alternative to gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surama Biswas
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Information Technology, Meghnad Saha Institute of Technology, Kolkata 700150, India
| | - Wesley Clawson
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-627-6161
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25
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Zhong L, Tan W, Yang Q, Zou Z, Zhou R, Huang Y, Qiu Z, Zheng K, Huang Z. PRRX1 promotes colorectal cancer stemness and chemoresistance via the JAK2/STAT3 axis by targeting IL-6. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:2989-3008. [PMID: 36636075 PMCID: PMC9830354 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-1137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stemness acquirement is one of the hallmarks of cancer and the major reason for the chemoresistance and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous research has revealed the stimulatory role of paired related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) on CRC metastasis. However, the role of PRRX1 in stemness acquirement and chemoresistance of CRC is still not clear. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed to investigate the relationship between PRRX1 expression and multiple clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. The functional effects of PRRX1 on stemness and chemoresistance of CRC cells were validated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and JASPAR software were performed to predict the underlying mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, immunofluorescence, and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the PRRX1-mediated signaling and its downstream factors. Results The expression of PRRX1 was up-regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines compared to normal epithelial tissues and cell lines. High expression of PRRX1 was tightly associated with the metastasis, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis of CRC patients. Additionally, PRRX1 significantly promoted the proliferation, viability, stemness, and chemoresistance of CRC cells, as well as the activation of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/JAK2/STAT3 axis. Inhibiting the expression of IL-6 dramatically eliminated the effects of PRRX1 on CRC cell stemness and chemoresistance. Conclusions PRRX1 plays a vital role in the stemness and chemoresistance of CRC cells via JAK2/STAT3 signaling by targeting IL-6. Further, PRRX1 may be a valid biomarker for predicting the effect of chemotherapy and prognosis of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longzhu Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China;,Department of General Surgery, Liwan Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanlin Tan
- Department of Pathology, Cancer center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianqiong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaowei Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongsheng Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghua Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kehong Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonghai Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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27
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Mitchell AV, Wu J, Meng F, Dong L, Block CJ, Song WM, Zhang B, Li J, Wu G. DDR2 coordinates EMT and metabolic reprogramming as a shared effector of FOXQ1 and SNAI1. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1388-1403. [PMID: 36713812 PMCID: PMC9881645 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
While multiple transcription factors (TFs) have been recognized to drive epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer, their interdependence and context-dependent functions are poorly understood. In this study, we show that FOXQ1 and SNAI1 act as independent TFs within the EMT program with a shared ability to upregulate common EMT TFs without reciprocally impacting the expression of one another. Despite this independence, human mammary epithelial cells (HMLE) with ectopic expression of either FOXQ1 or SNAI1 share a common gene set that is enriched for a DDR2 coexpression signature. Further analysis identified DDR2 as the most upregulated receptor tyrosine kinase and a shared downstream effector of FOXQ1 and SNAI1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Alteration of DDR2 expression in either FOXQ1 or SNAI1 driven EMT models or in TNBC cells resulted in a profound change of cell motility without significantly impacting EMT marker expression, cell morphology, or the stem cell population. Lastly, we demonstrated that knockdown of DDR2 in the FOXQ1-driven EMT model and TNBC cell line significantly altered the global metabolic profile, including glutamine-glutamate and Aspartic acid recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison V. Mitchell
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jason Wu
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Biology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Fanyan Meng
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University and Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lun Dong
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - C. James Block
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Won-min Song
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jing Li
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Guojun Wu
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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28
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Epigenetic factor competition reshapes the EMT landscape. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210844119. [PMID: 36215492 PMCID: PMC9586264 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210844119] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of and transitions between distinct phenotypes in isogenic cells can be attributed to the intricate interplay of epigenetic marks, external signals, and gene-regulatory elements. These elements include chromatin remodelers, histone modifiers, transcription factors, and regulatory RNAs. Mathematical models known as gene-regulatory networks (GRNs) are an increasingly important tool to unravel the workings of such complex networks. In such models, epigenetic factors are usually proposed to act on the chromatin regions directly involved in the expression of relevant genes. However, it has been well-established that these factors operate globally and compete with each other for targets genome-wide. Therefore, a perturbation of the activity of a regulator can redistribute epigenetic marks across the genome and modulate the levels of competing regulators. In this paper, we propose a conceptual and mathematical modeling framework that incorporates both local and global competition effects between antagonistic epigenetic regulators, in addition to local transcription factors, and show the counterintuitive consequences of such interactions. We apply our approach to recent experimental findings on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We show that it can explain the puzzling experimental data, as well as provide verifiable predictions.
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29
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Islam MS, Morshed MR, Babu G, Khan MA. The role of inflammations and EMT in carcinogenesis. ADVANCES IN CANCER BIOLOGY - METASTASIS 2022; 5:100055. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adcanc.2022.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
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30
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Newton AH, Williams SM, Major AT, Smith CA. Cell lineage specification and signalling pathway use during development of the lateral plate mesoderm and forelimb mesenchyme. Development 2022; 149:276597. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) is a transient tissue that produces a diverse range of differentiated structures, including the limbs. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive early LPM specification and development are poorly understood. In this study, we use single-cell transcriptomics to define the cell-fate decisions directing LPM specification, subdivision and early initiation of the forelimb mesenchyme in chicken embryos. We establish a transcriptional atlas and global cell-cell signalling interactions in progenitor, transitional and mature cell types throughout the developing forelimb field. During LPM subdivision, somatic and splanchnic LPM fate is achieved through activation of lineage-specific gene modules. During the earliest stages of limb initiation, we identify activation of TWIST1 in the somatic LPM as a putative driver of limb bud epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we define a new role for BMP signalling during early limb development, revealing that it is necessary for inducing a somatic LPM fate and initiation of limb outgrowth, potentially through activation of TBX5. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying LPM development, somatic LPM fate choice and early initiation of the vertebrate limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel H. Newton
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University 1 , Victoria , Australia
- BioScience 4, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne 2 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Sarah M. Williams
- Monash University 3 Monash Bioinformatics Platform , , Victoria , Australia
- Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation, University of Queensland 4 , Queensland , Australia
| | - Andrew T. Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University 1 , Victoria , Australia
| | - Craig A. Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University 1 , Victoria , Australia
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31
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Park JH, Feroze AH, Emerson SN, Mihalas AB, Keene CD, Cimino PJ, de Lomana ALG, Kannan K, Wu WJ, Turkarslan S, Baliga NS, Patel AP. A single-cell based precision medicine approach using glioblastoma patient-specific models. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:55. [PMID: 35941215 PMCID: PMC9360428 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a heterogeneous tumor made up of cell states that evolve over time. Here, we modeled tumor evolutionary trajectories during standard-of-care treatment using multi-omic single-cell analysis of a primary tumor sample, corresponding mouse xenografts subjected to standard of care therapy, and recurrent tumor at autopsy. We mined the multi-omic data with single-cell SYstems Genetics Network AnaLysis (scSYGNAL) to identify a network of 52 regulators that mediate treatment-induced shifts in xenograft tumor-cell states that were also reflected in recurrence. By integrating scSYGNAL-derived regulatory network information with transcription factor accessibility deviations derived from single-cell ATAC-seq data, we developed consensus networks that modulate cell state transitions across subpopulations of primary and recurrent tumor cells. Finally, by matching targeted therapies to active regulatory networks underlying tumor evolutionary trajectories, we provide a framework for applying single-cell-based precision medicine approaches to an individual patient in a concurrent, adjuvant, or recurrent setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdullah H Feroze
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel N Emerson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anca B Mihalas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrick J Cimino
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Wei-Ju Wu
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Nitin S Baliga
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Departments of Microbiology, Biology, and Molecular Engineering Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Anoop P Patel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman-Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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32
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The Role of MicroRNA in the Regulation of Tumor Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition. Cells 2022; 11:cells11131981. [PMID: 35805066 PMCID: PMC9265548 DOI: 10.3390/cells11131981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Consistently, the high metastasis of cancer cells is the bottleneck in the process of tumor treatment. In this process of metastasis, a pivotal role is executed by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation was first proposed to occur during embryonic development. Later, its important role in explaining embryonic developmental processes was widely reported. Recently, EMT and its intermediate state were also identified as crucial drivers in tumor progression with the gradual deepening of research. To gain insights into the potential mechanism, increasing attention has been focused on the EMT-related transcription factors. Correspondingly, miRNAs target transcription factors to control the EMT process of tumor cells in different types of cancers, while there are still many exciting and challenging questions about the phenomenon of microRNA regulation of cancer EMT. We describe the relevant mechanisms of miRNAs regulating EMT, and trace the regulatory roles and functions of major EMT-related transcription factors, including Snail, Twist, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox (ZEB), and other families. In addition, on the basis of the complex regulatory network, we hope that the exploration of the regulatory relationship of non-transcription factors will provide a better understanding of EMT and cancer metastasis. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during diverse disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Here, we summarize the recent progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.
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33
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Yang B, Bao W, Chen B, Song D. Single_cell_GRN: gene regulatory network identification based on supervised learning method and Single-cell RNA-seq data. BioData Min 2022; 15:13. [PMID: 35690842 PMCID: PMC9188720 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-022-00297-8] [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: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA-seq overcomes the shortcomings of conventional transcriptome sequencing technology and could provide a powerful tool for distinguishing the transcriptome characteristics of various cell types in biological tissues, and comprehensively revealing the heterogeneity of gene expression between cells. Many Intelligent Computing methods have been presented to infer gene regulatory network (GRN) with single-cell RNA-seq data. In this paper, we investigate the performances of seven classifiers including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), Naive Bayesian (NB), GBDT, logical regression (LR), decision tree (DT) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) for solving the binary classification problems of GRN inference with single-cell RNA-seq data (Single_cell_GRN). In SVM, three different kernel functions (linear, polynomial and radial basis function) are utilized, respectively. Three real single-cell RNA-seq datasets from mouse and human are utilized. The experiment results prove that in most cases supervised learning methods (SVM, RF, NB, GBDT, LR, DT and KNN) perform better than unsupervised learning method (GENIE3) in terms of AUC. SVM, RF and KNN have the better performances than other four classifiers. In SVM, linear and polynomial kernels are more fit to model single-cell RNA-seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China
| | - Wenzheng Bao
- School of Information and Electrical Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, 221018, China.
| | - Baitong Chen
- Xuzhou First People's Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Dan Song
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, China.
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Beyond Genetics: Metastasis as an Adaptive Response in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116271. [PMID: 35682953 PMCID: PMC9181003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic disease represents the primary cause of breast cancer (BC) mortality, yet it is still one of the most enigmatic processes in the biology of this tumor. Metastatic progression includes distinct phases: invasion, intravasation, hematogenous dissemination, extravasation and seeding at distant sites, micro-metastasis formation and metastatic outgrowth. Whole-genome sequencing analyses of primary BC and metastases revealed that BC metastatization is a non-genetically selected trait, rather the result of transcriptional and metabolic adaptation to the unfavorable microenvironmental conditions which cancer cells are exposed to (e.g., hypoxia, low nutrients, endoplasmic reticulum stress and chemotherapy administration). In this regard, the latest multi-omics analyses unveiled intra-tumor phenotypic heterogeneity, which determines the polyclonal nature of breast tumors and constitutes a challenge for clinicians, correlating with patient poor prognosis. The present work reviews BC classification and epidemiology, focusing on the impact of metastatic disease on patient prognosis and survival, while describing general principles and current in vitro/in vivo models of the BC metastatic cascade. The authors address here both genetic and phenotypic intrinsic heterogeneity of breast tumors, reporting the latest studies that support the role of the latter in metastatic spreading. Finally, the review illustrates the mechanisms underlying adaptive stress responses during BC metastatic progression.
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35
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Gan Y, Hu X, Zou G, Yan C, Xu G. Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks From Single-Cell Transcriptomic Data Using Bidirectional RNN. Front Oncol 2022; 12:899825. [PMID: 35692809 PMCID: PMC9178250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.899825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate inference of gene regulatory rules is critical to understanding cellular processes. Existing computational methods usually decompose the inference of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) into multiple subproblems, rather than detecting potential causal relationships simultaneously, which limits the application to data with a small number of genes. Here, we propose BiRGRN, a novel computational algorithm for inferring GRNs from time-series single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data. BiRGRN utilizes a bidirectional recurrent neural network to infer GRNs. The recurrent neural network is a complex deep neural network that can capture complex, non-linear, and dynamic relationships among variables. It maps neurons to genes, and maps the connections between neural network layers to the regulatory relationship between genes, providing an intuitive solution to model GRNs with biological closeness and mathematical flexibility. Based on the deep network, we transform the inference of GRNs into a regression problem, using the gene expression data at previous time points to predict the gene expression data at the later time point. Furthermore, we adopt two strategies to improve the accuracy and stability of the algorithm. Specifically, we utilize a bidirectional structure to integrate the forward and reverse inference results and exploit an incomplete set of prior knowledge to filter out some candidate inferences of low confidence. BiRGRN is applied to four simulated datasets and three real scRNA-seq datasets to verify the proposed method. We perform comprehensive comparisons between our proposed method with other state-of-the-art techniques. These experimental results indicate that BiRGRN is capable of inferring GRN simultaneously from time-series scRNA-seq data. Our method BiRGRN is implemented in Python using the TensorFlow machine-learning library, and it is freely available at https://gitee.com/DHUDBLab/bi-rgrn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanglan Gan
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Hu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guobing Zou
- School of Computer Engineering and Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cairong Yan
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangwei Xu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Donghua University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guangwei Xu,
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36
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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Discoidin domain receptor 1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma migration via the AKT/snail signaling axis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7275-7286. [PMID: 35562515 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a member of receptor tyrosine kinase, has been implicated in tumor progression. However, the function and underlying mechanism of DDR1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression is unclear. Thus, we explored the molecular regulatory mechanism of DDR1 in the migration of LUAD. METHODS Transwell assays, wound healing assays and xenograft tumor assays were performed to study the function of DDR1 in the progression of LUAD. Immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression levels of genes. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays were performed to detect the interaction between DDR1 and AKT. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays were used to determine the expression level of proteins in cells and tissues, respectively. RESULTS DDR1 expression was significantly higher in LUAD tissues than in normal lung tissues, and the level of DDR1 was inversely correlated with prognosis in patients. We found that DDR1 promoted the migration and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro. Furthermore, ectopic expression of DDR1 in LUAD cells altered EMT-related markers expression. Importantly, the DDR1 protein interacted with AKT and phosphorylated AKT. The AKT inhibitor MK2206 interrupted Snail upregulation in DDR1-overexpressing LUAD cells. Finally, our study revealed that depletion of DDR1 attenuated LUAD cell migration in a tumor xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSION Our findings uncovered that a high abundance of DDR1 increased the migration and invasion capability of LUAD cells via the AKT/Snail signaling axis and indicated that DDR1 could be a potential target for treating LUAD.
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Rodriguez-Tirado C, Kale N, Carlini MJ, Shrivastava N, Rodrigues AA, Khalil B, Bravo-Cordero JJ, Alexander M, Ji J, Hong Y, Behbod F, Sosa MS. NR2F1 is a barrier to dissemination of early stage breast cancer cells. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2313-2326. [PMID: 35471456 PMCID: PMC9203932 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can disseminate during very early and sometimes asymptomatic stages of tumor progression. Though biological barriers to tumorigenesis have been identified and characterized, the mechanisms that limit early dissemination remain largely unknown. We report here that the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F1/COUP-TF1 serves as a barrier to early dissemination. NR2F1 expression was decreased in patient ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) samples. High-resolution intravital imaging of HER2+ early stage cancer cells revealed that loss of function of NR2F1 increased in vivo dissemination and was accompanied by decreased E-cadherin expression, activation of WNT-dependent β-catenin signaling, disorganized laminin 5 deposition, and increased expression of EMT genes such as TWIST1, ZEB1, and PRRX1. Furthermore, downregulation of NR2F1 promoted a hybrid luminal/basal phenotype. NR2F1 expression was positively regulated by p38α signaling and repressed by HER2 and WNT4 pathways. Lastly, early cancer cells with NR2F1LOW/PRRX1HIGH staining were observed in DCIS samples. Together, these findings reveal the existence of an inhibitory mechanism of dissemination regulated by NR2F1 in early stage breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nupura Kale
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Bassem Khalil
- Western Atlantic University School of Medicine, Plantation, FL, United States
| | - Jose J Bravo-Cordero
- Icahn School of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Melissa Alexander
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,, NY, United States
| | - Jiayi Ji
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York,, NY, United States
| | - Yan Hong
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Genome-wide CRISPR screen identifies PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS as regulators of distinct EMT trajectories that contribute differentially to metastasis. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:554-564. [PMID: 35411083 PMCID: PMC9037576 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00877-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs operate within carcinoma
cells in which they generate phenotypes associated with malignant progression.
In their various manifestations, EMT programs enable epithelial cells to enter
into a series of intermediate states arrayed along the E-M phenotypic spectrum.
At present, we lack a coherent understanding of how carcinoma cells control
their entrance into and continued residence in these various states, and which
of these states favor the process of metastasis. Here, we characterize a layer
of EMT-regulating machinery that governs E-M plasticity (EMP). This machinery
consists of two chromatin-modifying complexes, PRC2 and KMT2D-COMPASS, that
operate as critical regulators to maintain a stable epithelial state.
Interestingly, loss of these two complexes unlocks two distinct EMT
trajectories. Dysfunction of PRC2, but not KMT2D-COMPASS, yields a
quasi-mesenchymal state that is associated with highly metastatic capabilities
and poor survival of breast cancer patients, suggesting great caution should be
applied when PRC2 inhibitors are evaluated clinically in certain patient
cohorts. These observations identify epigenetic factors that regulate E-M
plasticity, determine specific intermediate EMT states and, as a direct
consequence, govern the metastatic ability of carcinoma cells.
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40
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Gallenga CE, Franco E, Adamo GG, Violanti SS, Tassinari P, Tognon M, Perri P. Genetic Basis and Molecular Mechanisms of Uveal Melanoma Metastasis: A Focus on Prognosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828112. [PMID: 35480119 PMCID: PMC9037634 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most frequently found primary intraocular tumor, although it accounts for only 5% of all melanomas. Despite novel systemic therapies, patient survival has remained poor. Indeed, almost half of UM patients develop metastases from micro-metastases which were undetectable at diagnosis. Genetic analysis is crucial for metastatic risk prediction, as well as for patient management and follow-up. Several prognostic parameters have been explored, including tumor location, basal dimension and thickness, histopathologic cell type, vascular mimicry patterns, and infiltrating lymphocytes. Herein, the Authors review the available literature concerning cytogenetic prognostic markers and biochemical pathways correlated to UM metastasis development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Franco
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ginevra Giovanna Adamo
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, Sant’Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sara Silvia Violanti
- Department of Head and Neck, Section of Ophthalmology, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy
| | - Paolo Tassinari
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Section of Ophthalmology, Sant’Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Perri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Ophthalmology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Tsubakihara Y, Ohata Y, Okita Y, Younis S, Eriksson J, Sellin ME, Ren J, Ten Dijke P, Miyazono K, Hikita A, Imamura T, Kato M, Heldin CH, Moustakas A. TGFβ selects for pro-stemness over pro-invasive phenotypes during cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:2330-2354. [PMID: 35348275 PMCID: PMC9208077 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13215] [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: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which correlates with stemness and invasiveness. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is induced by TGFβ withdrawal and correlates with metastatic colonization. Whether TGFβ promotes stemness and invasiveness simultaneously via EMT remains unclear. We established a breast cancer cell model expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the E-cadherin promoter. In 2D cultures, TGFβ induced EMT, generating RFPlow cells with a mesenchymal transcriptome, and regained RFP, with an epithelial transcriptome, after MET induced by TGFβ withdrawal. RFPlow cells generated robust mammospheres, with epithelio-mesenchymal cell surface features. Mammospheres that were forced to adhere generated migratory cells, devoid of RFP, a phenotype which was inhibited by a TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor. Further stimulation of RFPlow mammospheres with TGFβ suppressed the generation of motile cells, but enhanced mammosphere growth. Accordingly, mammary fat-pad-transplanted mammospheres, in the absence of exogenous TGFβ treatment, established lung metastases with evident MET (RFPhigh cells). In contrast, TGFβ-treated mammospheres revealed high tumor-initiating capacity, but limited metastatic potential. Thus, the biological context of partial EMT and MET allows TGFβ to differentiate between pro-stemness and pro-invasive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Tsubakihara
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.,Dept. of Experimental Pathology and Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yae Ohata
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yukari Okita
- Dept. of Experimental Pathology and Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shady Younis
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden.,Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jens Eriksson
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael E Sellin
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jiang Ren
- Dept. of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Dept. of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Dept. of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsuhiko Hikita
- Div. of Tissue Engineering, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takeshi Imamura
- Dept. of Molecular Medicine for Pathogenesis, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Mitsuyasu Kato
- Dept. of Experimental Pathology and Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Box 582, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, SE-75123, Uppsala, Sweden
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Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: why so many regulators? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:182. [PMID: 35278142 PMCID: PMC8918127 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic transition between epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cell states has been a focus for extensive investigation for decades, reflective of the importance of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) through development, in the adult, and the contributing role EMT has to pathologies including metastasis and fibrosis. Not surprisingly, regulation of the complex genetic networks that underlie EMT have been attributed to multiple transcription factors and microRNAs. What is surprising, however, are the sheer number of different regulators (hundreds of transcription factors and microRNAs) for which critical roles have been described. This review seeks not to collate these studies, but to provide a perspective on the fundamental question of whether it is really feasible that so many regulators play important roles and if so, what does this tell us about EMT and more generally, the genetic machinery that controls complex biological processes.
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Lozano-Velasco E, Garcia-Padilla C, del Mar Muñoz-Gallardo M, Martinez-Amaro FJ, Caño-Carrillo S, Castillo-Casas JM, Sanchez-Fernandez C, Aranega AE, Franco D. Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Molecular Determinants during Cardiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052839. [PMID: 35269981 PMCID: PMC8911333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular development is initiated soon after gastrulation as bilateral precardiac mesoderm is progressively symmetrically determined at both sides of the developing embryo. The precardiac mesoderm subsequently fused at the embryonic midline constituting an embryonic linear heart tube. As development progress, the embryonic heart displays the first sign of left-right asymmetric morphology by the invariably rightward looping of the initial heart tube and prospective embryonic ventricular and atrial chambers emerged. As cardiac development progresses, the atrial and ventricular chambers enlarged and distinct left and right compartments emerge as consequence of the formation of the interatrial and interventricular septa, respectively. The last steps of cardiac morphogenesis are represented by the completion of atrial and ventricular septation, resulting in the configuration of a double circuitry with distinct systemic and pulmonary chambers, each of them with distinct inlets and outlets connections. Over the last decade, our understanding of the contribution of multiple growth factor signaling cascades such as Tgf-beta, Bmp and Wnt signaling as well as of transcriptional regulators to cardiac morphogenesis have greatly enlarged. Recently, a novel layer of complexity has emerged with the discovery of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and lncRNAs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review of the contribution of non-coding RNAs during cardiac development. microRNAs and lncRNAs have been reported to functional modulate all stages of cardiac morphogenesis, spanning from lateral plate mesoderm formation to outflow tract septation, by modulating major growth factor signaling pathways as well as those transcriptional regulators involved in cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Lozano-Velasco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18007 Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Garcia-Padilla
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Maria del Mar Muñoz-Gallardo
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Francisco Jose Martinez-Amaro
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Sheila Caño-Carrillo
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Juan Manuel Castillo-Casas
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
| | - Cristina Sanchez-Fernandez
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18007 Granada, Spain
| | - Amelia E. Aranega
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18007 Granada, Spain
| | - Diego Franco
- Cardiovascular Development Group, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaen, Spain; (E.L.-V.); (C.G.-P.); (M.d.M.M.-G.); (F.J.M.-A.); (S.C.-C.); (J.M.C.-C.); (C.S.-F.); (A.E.A.)
- Fundación Medina, 18007 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Loxl3 Promotes Melanoma Progression and Dissemination Influencing Cell Plasticity and Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051200. [PMID: 35267510 PMCID: PMC8909883 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Malignant melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer due to its aggressive clinical behavior and therapeutic resistance. A comprehensive knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying melanoma progression is urgently needed to improve the survival of melanoma patients. Phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells has emerged as a key process in melanomagenesis and therapy resistance. This phenotypic plasticity is sustained by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT)-like program that favors multiple intermediate states and allows adaptation to changing microenvironments along melanoma progression. Given the essential role of lysyl oxidase-like 3 (LOXL3) in human melanoma cell survival and its contribution to EMT, we generated mice with conditional melanocyte-specific targeting of Loxl3, concomitant to Braf activation and Pten deletion. Our results supported a key role of Loxl3 for melanoma progression, metastatic dissemination, and genomic stability, and supported its contribution to melanoma phenotypic plasticity by modulating the expression of several EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). Abstract Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor causing most skin cancer-related deaths. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression and therapeutic evasion is still an unmet need for melanoma patients. Progression of skin melanoma and its dissemination to local or distant organs relies on phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells, orchestrated by EMT-TFs and microphthalmia-associated TF (MITF). Recently, melanoma phenotypic switching has been proposed to uphold context-dependent intermediate cell states benefitting malignancy. LOXL3 (lysyl oxidase-like 3) promotes EMT and has a key role in human melanoma cell survival and maintenance of genomic integrity. To further understand the role of Loxl3 in melanoma, we generated a conditional Loxl3-knockout (KO) melanoma mouse model in the context of BrafV600E-activating mutation and Pten loss. Melanocyte-Loxl3 deletion increased melanoma latency, decreased tumor growth, and reduced lymph node metastatic dissemination. Complementary in vitro and in vivo studies in mouse melanoma cells confirmed Loxl3’s contribution to melanoma progression and metastasis, in part by modulating phenotypic switching through Snail1 and Prrx1 EMT-TFs. Importantly, a novel LOXL3-SNAIL1-PRRX1 axis was identified in human melanoma, plausibly relevant to melanoma cellular plasticity. These data reinforced the value of LOXL3 as a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Carrasco-Garcia E, Lopez L, Moncho-Amor V, Carazo F, Aldaz P, Collado M, Bell D, Gaafar A, Karamitopoulou E, Tzankov A, Hidalgo M, Rubio Á, Serrano M, Lawrie CH, Lovell-Badge R, Matheu A. SOX9 Triggers Different Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition States to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040916. [PMID: 35205666 PMCID: PMC8870732 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancers are lethal types of cancer. A majority of patients progress to an advanced and metastatic disease, which remains a major clinical problem. Therefore, it is crucial to identify critical regulators to help predict the disease progression and to develop more efficacious therapeutic approaches. In this work we found that an increased expression of the developmental factor SOX9 is associated with metastasis, a poor prognosis and resistance to therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients and in cell cultures. We also found that this effect is at least in part due to the ability of SOX9 to regulate the activity of stem cell factors, such as BMI1, in addition to those involved in EMT and metastasis. Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers mainly due to spatial obstacles to complete resection, early metastasis and therapy resistance. The molecular events accompanying PDAC progression remain poorly understood. SOX9 is required for maintaining the pancreatic ductal identity and it is involved in the initiation of pancreatic cancer. In addition, SOX9 is a transcription factor linked to stem cell activity and is commonly overexpressed in solid cancers. It cooperates with Snail/Slug to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during neural development and in diseases such as organ fibrosis or different types of cancer. Methods: We investigated the roles of SOX9 in pancreatic tumor cell plasticity, metastatic dissemination and chemoresistance using pancreatic cancer cell lines as well as mouse embryo fibroblasts. In addition, we characterized the clinical relevance of SOX9 in pancreatic cancer using human biopsies. Results: Gain- and loss-of-function of SOX9 in PDAC cells revealed that high levels of SOX9 increased migration and invasion, and promoted EMT and metastatic dissemination, whilst SOX9 silencing resulted in metastasis inhibition, along with a phenotypic reversion to epithelial features and loss of stemness potential. In both contexts, EMT factors were not altered. Moreover, high levels of SOX9 promoted resistance to gemcitabine. In contrast, overexpression of SOX9 was sufficient to promote metastatic potential in K-Ras transformed MEFs, triggering EMT associated with Snail/Slug activity. In clinical samples, SOX9 expression was analyzed in 198 PDAC cases by immunohistochemistry and in 53 patient derived xenografts (PDXs). SOX9 was overexpressed in primary adenocarcinomas and particularly in metastases. Notably, SOX9 expression correlated with high vimentin and low E-cadherin expression. Conclusions: Our results indicate that SOX9 facilitates PDAC progression and metastasis by triggering stemness and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefania Carrasco-Garcia
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (L.L.); (V.M.-A.); (P.A.)
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.C.-G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-943-006073 (E.C.-G. & A.M.); Fax: +34-943-006250 (E.C.-G. & A.M.)
| | - Lidia Lopez
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (L.L.); (V.M.-A.); (P.A.)
| | - Veronica Moncho-Amor
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (L.L.); (V.M.-A.); (P.A.)
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; (D.B.); (R.L.-B.)
| | - Fernando Carazo
- School of Engineering, University of Navarra, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain; (F.C.); (Á.R.)
| | - Paula Aldaz
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (L.L.); (V.M.-A.); (P.A.)
| | - Manuel Collado
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Xerencia de Xestión Integrada de Santiago (XXIS/SERGAS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Donald Bell
- The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; (D.B.); (R.L.-B.)
| | - Ayman Gaafar
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain;
| | | | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ángel Rubio
- School of Engineering, University of Navarra, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain; (F.C.); (Á.R.)
| | - Manuel Serrano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Charles H. Lawrie
- Molecular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain;
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Ander Matheu
- Cellular Oncology Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; (L.L.); (V.M.-A.); (P.A.)
- CIBER de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.C.-G.); (A.M.); Tel.: +34-943-006073 (E.C.-G. & A.M.); Fax: +34-943-006250 (E.C.-G. & A.M.)
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Li XJ, Morgan C, Goff LA, Doetzlhofer A. Follistatin promotes LIN28B-mediated supporting cell reprogramming and hair cell regeneration in the murine cochlea. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabj7651. [PMID: 35148175 PMCID: PMC8836811 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj7651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hair cell (HC) loss within the inner ear cochlea is a leading cause for deafness in humans. Before the onset of hearing, immature supporting cells (SCs) in neonatal mice have some limited capacity for HC regeneration. Here, we show that in organoid culture, transient activation of the progenitor-specific RNA binding protein LIN28B and Activin antagonist follistatin (FST) enhances regenerative competence of maturing/mature cochlear SCs by reprogramming them into progenitor-like cells. Transcriptome profiling and mechanistic studies reveal that LIN28B drives SC reprogramming, while FST is required to counterbalance hyperactivation of transforming growth factor-β-type signaling by LIN28B. Last, we show that LIN28B and FST coactivation enhances spontaneous cochlear HC regeneration in neonatal mice and that LIN28B may be part of an endogenous repair mechanism that primes SCs for HC regeneration. These findings indicate that SC dedifferentiation is critical for HC regeneration and identify LIN28B and FST as main regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Li
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Charles Morgan
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Loyal A. Goff
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- McKusick-Nathans Institute for Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Angelika Doetzlhofer
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Center for Hearing and Balance, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Nam MW, Kim CW, Choi KC. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Inducing Factors Involved in the Progression of Lung Cancers. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:213-220. [PMID: 35039464 PMCID: PMC9047489 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there have been advances in cancer therapy and surgical improvement, lung cancer has the lowest survival rate (19%) at all stages. This is because most patients are diagnosed with concurrent metastasis, which occurs due to numerous related reasons. Especially, lung cancer is one of the most common and malignant cancers in the world. Although there are advanced therapeutic strategies, lung cancer remains one of the main causes of cancer death. Recent work has proposed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the main cause of metastasis in most cases of human cancers including lung cancer. EMT involves the conversion of epithelial cells, wherein the cells lose their epithelial abilities and become mesenchymal cells involved in embryonic development, such as gastrulation and neural crest formation. In addition, recent research has indicated that EMT contributes to altering the cancer cells into cancer stem cells (CSCs). Although EMT is important in the developmental stages, this process also activates lung cancer progression, including complicated and diverse signaling pathways. Despite the numerous investigations on signaling pathways involved in the progression of lung cancer, this malignancy is considered critical for treatment. EMT in lung cancer involves many transcription factors and inducers, for example, Snail, TWIST, and ZEB are the master regulators of EMT. EMT-related factors and signaling pathways are involved in the progression of lung cancer, proposing new approaches to lung cancer therapy. In the current review, we highlight the signaling pathways implicated in lung cancer and elucidate the correlation of these pathways, indicating new insights to treat lung cancer and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Woo Nam
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Cho-Won Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
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48
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Dong B, Wu C, Huang L, Qi Y. Macrophage-Related SPP1 as a Potential Biomarker for Early Lymph Node Metastasis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:739358. [PMID: 34646827 PMCID: PMC8502925 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.739358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis is a major factor that affects prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In some cases, lymph node metastasis has already occurred when the primary tumors are still small (i.e., early T stages), however, relevant studies on early lymph node metastasis are limited, and effective biomarkers remain lacking. This study aimed to explore new molecular biomarker for early lymph node metastasis in LUAD using transcriptome sequencing and experimental validation. Here, we performed transcriptome sequencing on tissues from 16 matched patients with Stage-T1 LUAD (eight cases of lymph node metastasis and eight cases of non-metastasis), and verified the transcriptome profiles in TCGA, GSE68465, and GSE43580 cohorts. With the bioinformatics analysis, we identified a higher abundance of M0 macrophages in the metastatic group using the CIBERSORT algorithm and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis and the enrichment of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway was identified in patients with higher M0 infiltration levels. Subsequently, the EMT hallmark gene SPP1, encoding secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), was identified to be significantly correlated with macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization, and was determined to be a key risk indicator for early lymph node metastasis. Notably, SPP1 in the blood, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed a superior predictive capability for early lymph node metastasis [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.74]. Furthermore, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA, AC037441), negatively correlated with SPP1 and macrophage infiltration, had also been identified and validated to be involved in the regulation of early lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, we revealed the potential role of macrophages in lymph node metastasis and identified the macrophage-related gene SPP1 as a potential biomarker for early lymph node metastasis in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunli Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Wu C, Bian X, Zhang L, Hu Y, Wu Y, Pei T, Han X. Long noncoding RNA LINC00968 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma through targeting miR-22-5p/CDC14A axis. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:433. [PMID: 34603911 PMCID: PMC8440738 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02981-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a high aggressive human cancer which usually diagnosed at advanced stages. Accumulating evidences indicate that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial participants in LUAD progression. In the present study, we found that lncRNA LINC00968 was significantly down-regulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. LINC00968 level was positively correlated to survival rate, and negatively correlated to tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, tumor size and lymph node metastasis of LUAD patients. We over-expressed LINC00968 in LUAD cells using lentivirus, inhibited proliferation and cell cycle arrest at G1 phase were detected. LINC00968 over-expression also suppressed migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition. We further validated that LINC00968 localized in cytoplasm and acted as an upstream regulator of microRNA miR-22-5p, which was up-regulated in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Besides, elevated miR-22-5p expression abolished the effect of LINC00968 over-expression on LUAD progression including in vivo tumor growth. In addition, we first validated that cell division cycle 14A (CDC14A), which was down-regulated in LUAD tissues, was a downstream target of miR-22-5p. We over-expressed CDC14A in LUAD cells and miR-22-5p induced LUAD progression was partially reversed. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that LINC00968 inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD by sponging miR-22-5p and further restoring CDC14A. This novel regulatory axis might provide us with promising diagnostic and therapeutic target in LUAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of Medical Quality Management, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuzhao Bian
- Department of Medical Quality Management, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of Thoracic Hospital, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, No.777 Xitai Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Hu
- Medical College, Xijing University, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Medical Quality Management, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianli Pei
- Department of Medical Quality Management, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
| | - XinPeng Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of Thoracic Hospital, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, No.777 Xitai Road, Gaoxin District, Xi’an, 710100 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
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50
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Wang J, Chen H, Hu Z, Ma K, Wang H. Hesperetin regulates transforming growth factor-β1/Smads pathway to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition -mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cell. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:930-938. [PMID: 34016833 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hesperetin is an abundant flavonoid in citrus fruits, and be confirmed to possess a chemo-preventive effect on cancer. Migration and invasion are the main causes of death of cervical cancer patients, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can directly contribute to malignant phenotypes of tumor cells. The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of hesperetin on EMT-mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cells through transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads pathway. Cell viability, cell migration and invasion ability, and cell morphology were evaluated and monitored using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assays, Transwell assays and optical microscope, respectively. The change of EMT marker protein E-cadherin and N-cadherin was assessed by immunofluorescence assay, whereas the protein expression of EMT bio-marker and TGF-β1/Smads pathway were detected through western blot analysis. In conclusion, hesperetin can suppress EMT-mediated invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting abnormal activation of TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The study provides an experimental basis for the prevention of the invasion and migration of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University
| | - Han Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
| | | | - Kang Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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