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Heidari Horestani M, Atri Roozbahani G, Baniahmad A. The clock gene BHLHE40 and atypical CCNG2 control androgen-induced cellular senescence as a novel tumor suppressive pathway in prostate cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:174. [PMID: 38902772 PMCID: PMC11188219 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The androgen receptor (AR) is a drug target used to inhibit AR and prostate cancer (PCa) growth. Surprisingly, treatment with supraphysiological androgen level (SAL), used in bipolar androgen therapy, inhibits growth of PCa suggesting a tumor-suppressive activity by SAL. SAL was shown to induce cellular senescence in PCa. METHODS RNA-seq and transcriptome analysis, ChIP-seq, human 3D PCa spheroids, mouse xenografted castration-resistant PCa, knockdown and overexpression, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), translocation analysis, immune detection, qRT-PCR, protein-protein interaction modelling. RESULTS Here, mice xenografts with castration-resistant PCa tumors show that SAL inhibits cancer growth in vivo suggesting that SAL activates a tumor-suppressive mechanism. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq revealed the clock gene BHLHE40 is a novel direct AR target. Compared to adjacent human prostate tissues, the expression of BHLHE40 is reduced in PCa tumors and associated with reduced survival. Knockdown suggests that BHLHE40 mediates SAL-induced cellular senescence including tumor spheroids. Interestingly, a large overlap of differentially expressed gene sets was identified between BHLHE40 and SAL leading to the identification of four classes of SAL-BHLHE40 transcriptome landscapes. Co-IP and modelling suggest binding of BHLHE40 to AR and their co-translocation into nucleus by SAL treatment. Further, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq analysis indicate that the atypical tumor suppressive cyclin G2 emerged as a novel downstream target of BHLHE40 and a mediator of SAL-induced cellular senescence. CONCLUSIONS The data provide evidence of the tumor suppressive activity of SAL and a novel signaling by the AR-BHLHE40-CCNG2 axis for androgen-induced cellular senescence, linking circadian rhythm factor to androgen signaling as a novel tumor suppressive pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Golnaz Atri Roozbahani
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07740, Jena, Germany
| | - Aria Baniahmad
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07740, Jena, Germany.
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2
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer SG, Sudarshan K, Orellana EA, Ozcan KE, dos Santos AP, Low PS, Kasinski AL. Selective targeting of chemically modified miR-34a to prostate cancer using a small molecule ligand and an endosomal escape agent. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102193. [PMID: 38745855 PMCID: PMC11091501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Use of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) as anti-cancer agents is hindered by the lack of effective delivery vehicles, entrapment of the miRNA within endocytic compartments, and rapid degradation of miRNA by nucleases. To address these issues, we developed a miRNA delivery strategy that includes (1) a targeting ligand, (2) an endosomal escape agent, nigericin and (3) a chemically modified miRNA. The delivery ligand, DUPA (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxy propyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid), was selected based on its specificity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a receptor routinely upregulated in prostate cancer-one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. DUPA was conjugated to the tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-34a (DUPA-miR-34a) based on the ability of miR-34a to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. To mediate endosomal escape, nigericin was incorporated into the complex, resulting in DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a. Both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a specifically bound to, and were taken up by, PSMA-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. And while both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a downregulated miR-34a target genes, only DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a decreased cell proliferation in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Tumor growth was further reduced using a fully modified version of miR-34a that has significantly increased stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S. Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Esteban A. Orellana
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Kenan E. Ozcan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea P. dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S. Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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3
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Jian J, Wang X, Zhang J, Zhou C, Hou X, Huang Y, Hou J, Lin Y, Wei X. Molecular landscape for risk prediction and personalized therapeutics of castration-resistant prostate cancer: at a glance. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1360430. [PMID: 38887275 PMCID: PMC11180744 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1360430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is commonly occurred with high incidence in men worldwide, and many patients will be eventually suffered from the dilemma of castration-resistance with the time of disease progression. Castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) is an advanced subtype of PCa with heterogeneous carcinogenesis, resulting in poor prognosis and difficulties in therapy. Currently, disorders in androgen receptor (AR)-related signaling are widely acknowledged as the leading cause of CRPC development, and some non-AR-based strategies are also proposed for CRPC clinical analyses. The initiation of CRPC is a consequence of abnormal interaction and regulation among molecules and pathways at multi-biological levels. In this study, CRPC-associated genes, RNAs, proteins, and metabolites were manually collected and integrated by a comprehensive literature review, and they were functionally classified and compared based on the role during CRPC evolution, i.e., drivers, suppressors, and biomarkers, etc. Finally, translational perspectives for data-driven and artificial intelligence-powered CRPC systems biology analysis were discussed to highlight the significance of novel molecule-based approaches for CRPC precision medicine and holistic healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingang Jian
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin’an Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenchao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorui Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center for Systems Biology, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuedong Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Chen M, Zou C, Tian Y, Li W, Li Y, Zhang D. An integrated ceRNA network identifies miR-375 as an upregulated miRNA playing a tumor suppressive role in aggressive prostate cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:1594-1607. [PMID: 38565944 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03011-6] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among men worldwide. A number of genes have been implicated in prostate tumorigenesis, but the mechanisms underlying their dysregulation are still incompletely understood. Evidence has established the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) theory as a novel regulatory mechanism for post-transcriptional alterations. Yet, a comprehensive characterization of ceRNA network in PCa lacks. Here we utilize stringent in-silico methods to construct a large ceRNA network across different PCa stages, and provide experimental demonstration for the competing regulation among protumorigenic SEC23A, PHTF2, and their corresponding ceRNA pairs. Using machine learning, we establish a ceRNA-based signature (ceRNA_sig) predictive of androgen receptor (AR) activity, tumor aggressiveness, and patient outcomes. Importantly, we identify miR-375 as a key node in PCa ceRNA network, which is upregulated in PCa relative to normal tissues. Forced expression of miR-375 significantly inhibits, while its inhibition promotes, aggressive behaviors of both AR+ and AR- PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we show that miR-375 predominantly targets genes possessing oncogenic roles (e.g., proliferation, DNA repair, and metastasis), and thus release targets with tumor suppressive functions. This action model well clarifies why an upregulated miRNA plays a tumor suppressive role in PCa. Together, our study provides new insights into understanding of transcriptomic aberrations during PCa evolution, and nominates miR-375 as a potential therapeutic target for combating aggressive PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Zou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Yu Tian
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Dingxiao Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Molecular Medicine, School of BioMedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Hunan University, Shenzhen, China.
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5
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Moon JS, Ho CC, Park JH, Park K, Shin BY, Lee SH, Sequeira I, Mun CH, Shin JS, Kim JH, Kim BS, Noh JW, Lee ES, Son JY, Kim Y, Lee Y, Cho H, So S, Park J, Choi E, Oh JW, Lee SW, Morio T, Watt FM, Seong RH, Lee SK. Lrig1-expression confers suppressive function to CD4 + cells and is essential for averting autoimmunity via the Smad2/3/Foxp3 axis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5382. [PMID: 37666819 PMCID: PMC10477202 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40986-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are CD4+ T cells with immune-suppressive function, which is defined by Foxp3 expression. However, the molecular determinants defining the suppressive population of T cells have yet to be discovered. Here we report that the cell surface protein Lrig1 is enriched in suppressive T cells and controls their suppressive behaviors. Within CD4+ T cells, Treg cells express the highest levels of Lrig1, and the expression level is further increasing with activation. The Lrig1+ subpopulation from T helper (Th) 17 cells showed higher suppressive activity than the Lrig1- subpopulation. Lrig1-deficiency impairs the suppressive function of Treg cells, while Lrig1-deficient naïve T cells normally differentiate into other T cell subsets. Adoptive transfer of CD4+Lrig1+ T cells alleviates autoimmune symptoms in colitis and lupus nephritis mouse models. A monoclonal anti-Lrig1 antibody significantly improves the symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In conclusion, Lrig1 is an important regulator of suppressive T cell function and an exploitable target for treating autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Seung Moon
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Chun-Chang Ho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Park
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsoo Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Young Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ines Sequeira
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Chin Hee Mun
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Su Shin
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Kim
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuna Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeji Lee
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - SunHyeon So
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsu Choi
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Won Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tomohiro Morio
- Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fiona M Watt
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Rho Hyun Seong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Kyou Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Good T cells, Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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MicroRNA-34a, Prostate Cancer Stem Cells, and Therapeutic Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184538. [PMID: 36139695 PMCID: PMC9497236 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a highly heterogeneous disease and typically presents with multiple distinct cancer foci. Heterogeneity in androgen receptor (AR) expression levels in PCa has been observed for decades, from untreated tumors to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to disseminated metastases. Current standard-of-care therapies for metastatic CRPC can only extend life by a few months. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of cancer cells that exists in almost all treatment-naive tumors. Additionally, non-CSCs may undergo cellular plasticity to be reprogrammed to prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) during spontaneous tumor progression or upon therapeutic treatments. Consequently, PCSCs may become the predominant population in treatment-resistant tumors, and the "root cause" for drug resistance. microRNA-34a (miR-34a) is a bona fide tumor-suppressive miRNA, and its expression is dysregulated in PCa. Importantly, miR-34a functions as a potent CSC suppressor by targeting many molecules essential for CSC survival and functions, which makes it a promising anti-PCSC therapeutic. Here, we conducted a comprehensive literature survey of miR-34a in the context of PCa and especially PCSCs. We provided an updated overview on the mechanisms of miR-34a regulation followed by discussing its tumor suppressive functions in PCa. Finally, based on current advances in miR-34a preclinical studies in PCa, we offered potential delivery strategies for miR-34a-based therapeutics for treating advanced PCa.
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7
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Hu T, Zhang H, Du Y, Luo S, Yang X, Zhang H, Feng J, Chen X, Tu X, Wang C, Zhang Y. ELOVL2 restrains cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer via regulation of the tumor suppressor INPP4B. Cell Signal 2022; 96:110373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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8
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Özturan D, Morova T, Lack NA. Androgen Receptor-Mediated Transcription in Prostate Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050898. [PMID: 35269520 PMCID: PMC8909478 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transcription is critical in almost all stages of prostate cancer (PCa) growth and differentiation. This process involves a complex interplay of coregulatory proteins, chromatin remodeling complexes, and other transcription factors that work with AR at cis-regulatory enhancer regions to induce the spatiotemporal transcription of target genes. This enhancer-driven mechanism is remarkably dynamic and undergoes significant alterations during PCa progression. In this review, we discuss the AR mechanism of action in PCa with a focus on how cis-regulatory elements modulate gene expression. We explore emerging evidence of genetic variants that can impact AR regulatory regions and alter gene transcription in PCa. Finally, we highlight several outstanding questions and discuss potential mechanisms of this critical transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doğancan Özturan
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Tunç Morova
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada;
| | - Nathan A. Lack
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-604-875-4411 (ext. 6417)
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Tang DG. Understanding and targeting prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:68-93. [PMID: 34844845 PMCID: PMC9106849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy that occurs primarily in old males. Prostate tumors in different patients manifest significant inter-patient heterogeneity with respect to histo-morphological presentations and molecular architecture. An individual patient tumor also harbors genetically distinct clones in which PCa cells display intra-tumor heterogeneity in molecular features and phenotypic marker expression. This inherent PCa cell heterogeneity, e.g., in the expression of androgen receptor (AR), constitutes a barrier to the long-term therapeutic efficacy of AR-targeting therapies. Furthermore, tumor progression as well as therapeutic treatments induce PCa cell plasticity such that AR-positive PCa cells may turn into AR-negative cells and prostate tumors may switch lineage identity from adenocarcinomas to neuroendocrine-like tumors. This induced PCa cell plasticity similarly confers resistance to AR-targeting and other therapies. In this review, I first discuss PCa from the perspective of an abnormal organ development and deregulated cellular differentiation, and discuss the luminal progenitor cells as the likely cells of origin for PCa. I then focus on intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity in treatment-naïve tumors with the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). I further elaborate on PCa cell plasticity induced by genetic alterations and therapeutic interventions, and present potential strategies to therapeutically tackle PCa cell heterogeneity and plasticity. My discussions will make it clear that, to achieve enduring clinical efficacy, both intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity and induced PCa cell plasticity need to be targeted with novel combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, The University at Buffalo & Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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10
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Gao Y, Liu C, Zhao X, Liu C, Bi W, Jia J. hsa_circ_0000006 induces tumorigenesis through miR-361-3p targeting immunoglobulin-like domains protein 1 (LRIG1) in osteosarcoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1242. [PMID: 34532379 PMCID: PMC8421976 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is considered to be the most highly prevalent bone tumor. In the progression of different human cancers, the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been extensively studied. Microarray analysis has indicated that hsa_circ_0000006 expression was lower in OS, but the mechanism of hsa_circ_0000006 in regulating the progression of OS remains elusive. Methods The expression of cancer-related genes at the transcriptional and translational levels was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting (WB). Colony formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to evaluate the proliferative potential of cells. The transwell assay was used to examine the invasive and migratory potential of cells. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) and RNA pull-down assays were performed for the validation of the targeting sites of hsa_circ_0000006, miR-361-3p, and the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of immunoglobulin-like domains protein 1 (LRIG1) mRNA. Moreover, the protein levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were analyzed by WB. Results The expression of hsa_circ_0000006 and LRIG1 were found to be down-regulated in OS tissues and cells, while miR-361-3p was up-regulated. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0000006 promoted the progression and development of OS, as well as EMT. Furthermore, hsa_circ_0000006 was revealed as a sponge of miR-361-3p, which negatively regulates miR-361-3p expression. LRIG1 was found to be an miR-361-3p target. In OS cells, the LRIG1 expression level was decreased, with elevated expression of miR-361-3p. Advanced studies demonstrated that hsa_circ_0000006 regulates LRIG1 expression through sponging miR-361-3p, then promotes the tumorigenesis of OS. Conclusions hsa_circ_0000006 is associated with the progression and development of OS through miR-361-3p by target LRIG1, which is a significant biomarker and effective therapeutic target for patients with OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Chengtao Liu
- Shandong Wendeng Osteopathic Hospital, Weihai, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhao
- CheerLand Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Peking University Medical Industrial Park, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Chaojun Liu
- CheerLand Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Peking University Medical Industrial Park, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhi Bi
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Jinpeng Jia
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
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11
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Sundqvist B, Sihto H, von Willebrand M, Böhling T, Koljonen V. LRIG1 is a positive prognostic marker in Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma expresses epithelial stem cell markers. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:1197-1207. [PMID: 34331569 PMCID: PMC8724115 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy of the skin. The cell of origin of MCC is thus far unknown and proposed cells of origin include Merkel cells, pro-/pre- or pre-B cells, epithelial stem cells, and dermal stem cells. In this study, we aimed to shed further light on the possibility that a subset of MCC tumors arise from epithelial stem cells of the skin by examining the expression of hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and normal human skin. We also aimed to elucidate any correlation between the expression of these markers and tumor Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status or other clinicopathological characteristics or patient survival. Expression of CK19, SOX9, LGR5, and LRIG1 in MCC and normal human skin was studied by immunohistochemistry, and the staining patterns or intensities were statistically correlated with patient, tumor, MCPyV, and survival parameters. In a cohort of 137 cases of MCC, we observed dot-like immunoexpression of CK19 in 30 cases (22.1%) and homogeneous expression in 103 cases (75.7%). We also observed positive immunoexpression of SOX9 in 21 cases (15.3%), LGR5 in 118 cases (86.1%), and LRIG1 in 117 cases (86.0%). Immunoexpression of LRIG1 was found to correlate with better overall and MCC-specific survival. We observed frequent immunoexpression of several hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and found LRIG1 to be a positive prognostic marker in MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sundqvist
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Harri Sihto
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria von Willebrand
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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12
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Guo J, Zhong X, Tan Q, Yang S, Liao J, Zhuge J, Hong Z, Deng Q, Zuo Q. miR-301a-3p induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress mediates the occurrence and transmission of trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:696. [PMID: 34257270 PMCID: PMC8277821 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Trastuzumab resistance negatively influences the clinical efficacy of the therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive gastric cancer (GC), and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Exploring the mechanisms and finding effective approaches to address trastuzumab resistance are of great necessity. Here, we confirmed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced trastuzumab resistance by up-regulating miR-301a-3p in HER2-positive GC cells. Moreover, we elucidated that miR-301a-3p mediated trastuzumab resistance by down-regulating the expression of leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains containing protein 1 (LRIG1) and subsequently activating the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) under ER stress. We also found that intercellular transfer of miR-301a-3p by exosomes disseminated trastuzumab resistance. The present study demonstrated that exosomal miR-301a-3p could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for trastuzumab resistance, which was maybe a novel potential therapeutic target to overcome trastuzumab resistance and improve the curative effect of trastuzumab in HER2-positive GC patients.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Stomach Neoplasms/genetics
- Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism
- Stomach Neoplasms/pathology
- Trastuzumab/pharmacology
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
- Department of Internal Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510080
| | - Xuxian Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Qinglin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
- Department of Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China, 523059
| | - Shengnan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Jiaqi Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Jinke Zhuge
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Ziyang Hong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Qiong Deng
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515
| | - Qiang Zuo
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 510515.
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13
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Kim J. In silico analysis of differentially expressed genesets in metastatic breast cancer identifies potential prognostic biomarkers. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:188. [PMID: 34172056 PMCID: PMC8235641 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of specific biological functions, pathways, and appropriate prognostic biomarkers is essential to accurately predict the clinical outcomes of and apply efficient treatment for breast cancer patients. METHODS To search for metastatic breast cancer-specific biological functions, pathways, and novel biomarkers in breast cancer, gene expression datasets of metastatic breast cancer were obtained from Oncomine, an online data mining platform. Over- and under-expressed genesets were collected and the differentially expressed genes were screened from four datasets with large sample sizes (N > 200). They were analyzed for gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway, protein-protein interaction, and hub gene analyses using online bioinformatic tools (Enrichr, STRING, and Cytoscape) to find enriched functions and pathways in metastatic breast cancer. To identify novel prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer, differentially expressed genes were screened from the entire twelve datasets with any sample sizes and tested for expression correlation and survival analyses using online tools such as KM plotter and bc-GenExMiner. RESULTS Compared to non-metastatic breast cancer, 193 and 144 genes were differentially over- and under-expressed in metastatic breast cancer, respectively, and they were significantly enriched in regulating cell death, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, and membrane and cytoskeletal structures according to the GO analyses. In addition, genes involved in progesterone- and estrogen-related signalings were enriched according to KEGG pathway analyses. Hub genes were identified via protein-protein interaction network analysis. Moreover, four differentially over-expressed (CCNA2, CENPN, DEPDC1, and TTK) and three differentially under-expressed genes (ABAT, LRIG1, and PGR) were further identified as novel biomarker candidate genes from the entire twelve datasets. Over- and under-expressed biomarker candidate genes were positively and negatively correlated with the aggressive and metastatic nature of breast cancer and were associated with poor and good prognosis of breast cancer patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Transcriptome datasets of metastatic breast cancer obtained from Oncomine allow the identification of metastatic breast cancer-specific biological functions, pathways, and novel biomarkers to predict clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients. Further functional studies are needed to warrant validation of their roles as functional tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongchan Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Slow-cycling (dormant) cancer cells in therapy resistance, cancer relapse and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 78:90-103. [PMID: 33979674 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity constitute major barriers to effective clinical treatments and long-term therapeutic efficacy. Research in the past two decades suggest that virtually all treatment-naive human cancers harbor subsets of cancer cells that possess many of the cardinal features of normal stem cells. Such stem-like cancer cells, operationally defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are frequently quiescent and dynamically change and evolve during tumor progression and therapeutic interventions. Intrinsic tumor cell heterogeneity is reflected in a different aspect in that tumors also harbor a population of slow-cycling cells (SCCs) that are not in the proliferative cell cycle and thus are intrinsically refractory to anti-mitotic drugs. In this Perspective, we focus our discussions on SCCs in cancer and on various methodologies that can be employed to enrich and purify SCCs, compare the similarities and differences between SCCs, CSCs and cancer cells undergoing EMT, and present evidence for the involvement of SCCs in surviving anti-neoplastic treatments, mediating tumor relapse, maintaining tumor dormancy and mediating metastatic dissemination. Our discussions make it clear that an in-depth understanding of the biological properties of SCCs in cancer will be instrumental to developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent tumor relapse and distant metastasis.
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15
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Ji Y, Kumar R, Gokhale A, Chao HP, Rycaj K, Chen X, Li Q, Tang DG. LRIG1, a regulator of stem cell quiescence and a pleiotropic feedback tumor suppressor. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:120-133. [PMID: 33476721 PMCID: PMC8286266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
LRIG1, leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains protein 1, was discovered more than 20 years ago and has been shown to be downregulated or lost, and to function as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. Another well-reported biological function of LRIG1 is to regulate and help enforce the quiescence of adult stem cells (SCs). In both contexts, LRIG1 regulates SC quiescence and represses tumor growth via, primarily, antagonizing the expression and activities of ERBB and other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We have recently reported that in treatment-naïve human prostate cancer (PCa), LRIG1 is primarily regulated by androgen receptor (AR) and is prominently overexpressed. In castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), both LRIG1 and AR expression becomes heterogeneous and, frequently, discordant. Importantly, in both androgen-dependent PCa and CRPC models, LRIG1 exhibits tumor-suppressive functions. Moreover, LRIG1 induction inhibits the growth of pre-established AR+ and AR− PCa. Here, upon a brief introduction of the LRIG1 and the LRIG family, we provide an updated overview on LRIG1 functions in regulating SC quiescence and repressing tumor development. We further highlight the expression, regulation and functions of LRIG1 in treatment-naïve PCa and CRPC. We conclude by offering the perspectives of identifying novel cancer-specific LRIG1-interacting signaling partners and developing LRIG1-based anti-cancer therapeutics and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Abhiram Gokhale
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Hseu-Ping Chao
- Department of Epigenetics & Mol. Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Kiera Rycaj
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Epigenetics & Mol. Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Qiuhui Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Department of Epigenetics & Mol. Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA.
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16
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Liu B, Kumar R, Chao HP, Mehmood R, Ji Y, Tracz A, Tang DG. Evidence for context-dependent functions of KDM5B in prostate development and prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4243-4252. [PMID: 33245716 PMCID: PMC7679033 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Prostate tumorigenesis and PCa progression involve numerous genetic as well as epigenetic perturbations. Histone modification represents a fundamental epigenetic mechanism that regulates diverse cellular processes, and H3K4 methylation, one such histone modification associated with active transcription, can be reversed by dedicated histone demethylase KDM5B (JARID1B). Abnormal expression and functions of KDM5B have been implicated in several cancer types including PCa. Consistently, our bioinformatics analysis reveals that the KDM5B mRNA levels are upregulated in PCa compared to benign prostate tissues, and correlate with increased tumor grade and poor patient survival, supporting an oncogenic function of KDM5B in PCa. Surprisingly, however, when we generated prostate-specific conditional Kdm5b knockout mice using probasin (Pb) promoter-driven Cre: loxP system, we observed that Kdm5b deletion did not affect normal prostate development but instead induced mild hyperplasia. These results suggest that KDM5B may possess context-dependent roles in normal prostate development vs. PCa development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bigang Liu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Hseuh-Ping Chao
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA.,Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rashid Mehmood
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Takhasusi Street, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yibing Ji
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Amanda Tracz
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TX, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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