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Zhang W, Yu L, Xu C, Tang T, Cao J, Chen L, Pang X, Ren W. PLEK2 activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to drive lung adenocarcinoma progression by upregulating SPC25. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:1285-1300. [PMID: 38894536 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12197] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of NSCLC, characterized by poor prognosis and frequently diagnosed at advanced. While previous studies have demonstrated pleckstrin-2 (PLEK2) as aberrantly expressed and implicated in tumorigenesis across various tumor types, including LUAD, the molecular mechanisms underlying PLEK2-mediated LUAD progression remain incompletely understood. In this study, we obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to assess PLEK2 expression in LUAD, a finding further confirmed through analysis of human tissue specimens. PLEK2-silenced LUAD cellular models were subsequently constructed to examine the functional role of PLEK2 both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed elevated PLEK2 expression in LUAD, correlating with poor patients' prognosis. PLEK2 knockdown led to a significant suppression of LUAD cell proliferation and migration, accompanied by enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, tumor growth in mice injected with PLEK2-silencing LUAD cells was impaired. Gene expression profiling and Co-IP assays suggested direct interaction between PLEK2 and SPC25, with downregulation of SPC25 similarly impairing cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, we revealed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling activation as requisite for PLEK2-induced malignant phenotypes in LUAD. Collectively, our findings underscore PLEK2's oncogenic potential in LUAD, suggesting its utility as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for LUAD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguang Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinya Pang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weihao Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
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2
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Dent SYR. KAT Tales: Functions of Gcn5 and PCAF lysine acetyltransferases in SAGA and ATAC. J Biol Chem 2024:107744. [PMID: 39222683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Allis group identified Gcn5 as the first transcription-related lysine acetyltransferase in 1996, providing a molecular 'missing link' between chromatin organization and gene regulation. This review will focus on functions subsequently identified for Gcn5 and the closely related PCAF protein, in the context of two major complexes, SAGA and ATAC, and how the study of these enzymes informs long standing questions regarding the importance of lysine acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Y R Dent
- University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer, Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson/UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Houston, Texas 77030.
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3
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Brandt MP, Vakhrusheva O, Hackl H, Daher T, Tagscherer K, Roth W, Tsaur I, Handle F, Eigentler A, Culig Z, Thomas C, Erb HHH, Haferkamp A, Jüngel E, Puhr M. Inhibition of the Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein SREBF-1 Overcomes Docetaxel Resistance in Advanced Prostate Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00295-5. [PMID: 39168364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to antiandrogens and chemotherapy (Cx) limits therapeutic options for patients with hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In this context, up-regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor has been identified as a potential bypass mechanism in mCRPC, and a combination of docetaxel and mifepristone (Doc + RU-486), an inhibitor of the glucocorticoid receptor, re-sensitized docetaxel-resistant cell models to Cx. This study was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. RNA sequencing was performed in docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer cell models after Doc + RU-486 treatment with consecutive functional assays. Expression of selected proteins was verified in prostatic tissue from prostate cancer patients with progressive disease. Treatment with Doc + RU-486 significantly reduced cancer cell viability, and RNA sequencing revealed sterol regulatory element of binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF-1), a transcription factor of cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis, as a significantly down-regulated target. Functional assays confirmed that SREBF-1 down-regulation is partially responsible for this observation. In concordance, SREBF-1 knockdown and pharmacologic sterol regulatory element binding protein inhibition, together with other key enzymes in the cholesterol pathway, showed similar results. Furthermore, SREBF-1 expression is significantly elevated in advanced prostate cancer tissues, showing its potential involvement in tumor progression and emerging therapy resistance. Therefore, specific inhibition of cholesterol and lipid biosynthesis might also target Cx-resistant cancer cells and represents a potential additive future therapeutic option to improve mCRPC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Peter Brandt
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Olesya Vakhrusheva
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Department of Urology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tamas Daher
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Optipath, Ambulatory Health Care Center for Pathology Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Katrin Tagscherer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Igor Tsaur
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Department of Urology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian Handle
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Eigentler
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Thomas
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Holger H H Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Jüngel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Puhr
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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4
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Chouhan S, Sridaran D, Weimholt C, Luo J, Li T, Hodgson MC, Santos LN, Le Sommer S, Fang B, Koomen JM, Seeliger M, Qu CK, Yart A, Kontaridis MI, Mahajan K, Mahajan NP. SHP2 as a primordial epigenetic enzyme expunges histone H3 pTyr-54 to amend androgen receptor homeostasis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5629. [PMID: 38965223 PMCID: PMC11224269 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49978-4] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations that decrease or increase the activity of the tyrosine phosphatase, SHP2 (encoded by PTPN11), promotes developmental disorders and several malignancies by varying phosphatase activity. We uncovered that SHP2 is a distinct class of an epigenetic enzyme; upon phosphorylation by the kinase ACK1/TNK2, pSHP2 was escorted by androgen receptor (AR) to chromatin, erasing hitherto unidentified pY54-H3 (phosphorylation of histones H3 at Tyr54) epigenetic marks to trigger a transcriptional program of AR. Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines (NSML) patients, SHP2 knock-in mice, and ACK1 knockout mice presented dramatic increase in pY54-H3, leading to loss of AR transcriptome. In contrast, prostate tumors with high pSHP2 and pACK1 activity exhibited progressive downregulation of pY54-H3 levels and higher AR expression that correlated with disease severity. Overall, pSHP2/pY54-H3 signaling acts as a sentinel of AR homeostasis, explaining not only growth retardation, genital abnormalities and infertility among NSML patients, but also significant AR upregulation in prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Chouhan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- 6601, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Dhivya Sridaran
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- 6601, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Cody Weimholt
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jingqin Luo
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Tiandao Li
- Bioinformatics Research Core, Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Myles C Hodgson
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY, 13501, USA
| | - Luana N Santos
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY, 13501, USA
| | - Samantha Le Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY, 13501, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Moffitt Cancer Center, SRB3, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - John M Koomen
- Moffitt Cancer Center, SRB3, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Markus Seeliger
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University Medical School, BST 7-120, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8651, USA
| | - Cheng-Kui Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Winship Cancer Institute, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Armelle Yart
- UMR 1301-Inserm 5070-CNRS EFS Univ. P. Sabatier, 4bis Ave Hubert Curien, 31100, Toulouse, France
| | - Maria I Kontaridis
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY, 13501, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- 6601, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- 6601, Cancer Research Building, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Pang L, Zhou F, Liu Y, Ali H, Khan F, Heimberger AB, Chen P. Epigenetic regulation of tumor immunity. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e178540. [PMID: 39133578 PMCID: PMC11178542 DOI: 10.1172/jci178540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Although cancer has long been considered a genetic disease, increasing evidence shows that epigenetic aberrations play a crucial role in affecting tumor biology and therapeutic response. The dysregulated epigenome in cancer cells reprograms the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment, thereby hindering antitumor immunity, promoting tumor progression, and inducing immunotherapy resistance. Targeting epigenetically mediated tumor-immune crosstalk is an emerging strategy to inhibit tumor progression and circumvent the limitations of current immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which epigenetic aberrations regulate tumor-immune interactions and how epigenetically targeted therapies inhibit tumor progression and synergize with immunotherapy.
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Nandi P, Manna S, Baral T, Niharika, Roy A, Mishra P, Patra SK. Epigenetic regulation of androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 161:223-320. [PMID: 39032951 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.05.007] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. Besides genetic alterations, epigenetic modulations including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA mediated alteration of gene expression are the key driving forces for the prostate tumor development and cancer progression. Aberrant expression and/or the activity of the epigenetic modifiers/enzymes, results in aberrant expression of genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor suppression and hormone response and thereby disease progression. Altered epigenome is associated with prostate cancer recurrence, progression, aggressiveness and transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent phenotype. These epigenetic modifications are reversible and various compounds/drugs targeting the epigenetic enzymes have been developed that are effective in cancer treatment. This chapter focuses on the epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer initiation and progression, listing different epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease and their potential as therapeutic targets. This chapter also summarizes different epigenetic drugs approved for prostate cancer therapy and the drugs available for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Prahallad Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir Kumar Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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7
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Gao Z, Zhang N, An B, Li D, Fang Z, Xu D. Comprehensive analyses of the cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes and their score system for prediction of outcomes and immunosuppressive microenvironment in prostate cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:127. [PMID: 38580966 PMCID: PMC10996219 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) drive cancer progression and treatment failure on one hand, while their tumor-restraining functions are also observed on the other. Recent single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses demonstrates heterogeneity of CAFs and defines molecular subtypes of CAFs, which help explain their different functions. However, it remains unclear whether these CAF subtypes have the same or different biological/clinical implications in prostate cancer (PCa) or other malignancies. METHODS PCa cells were incubated with supernatant from normal fibroblasts and CAFs to assess their effects on cell behaviors. Sequencing, genomic, and clinical data were collected from TCGA, MSKCC, CPGEA and GEO databases. CAF molecular subtypes and total CAF scores were constructed and grouped into low and high groups based on CAF-specific gene expression. Progression free interval (PFI), clinicopathological features, telomere length, immune cell infiltration, drug treatment and somatic mutations were compared among CAF molecular subtypes and low/high score groups. RESULTS The PCa CAF-derived supernatant promoted PCa cell proliferation and invasion. Based on differentially expressed genes identified by scRNA-seq analyses, we classified CAFs into 6 molecular subtypes in PCa tumors, and each subtype was then categorized into score-high and low groups according to the subtype-specific gene expression level. Such score models in 6 CAF subtypes all predicted PFI. Telomeres were significantly shorter in high-score tumors. The total CAF score from 6 CAF subtypes was also associated with PFI in PCa patients inversely, which was consistent with results from cellular experiments. Immunosuppressive microenvironment occurred more frequently in tumors with a high CAF score, which was characterized by increased CTLA4 expression and indicated better responses to CTLA4 inhibitors. Moreover, this model can also serve as a useful PFI predictor in pan-cancers. CONCLUSION By combining scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data analyses, we develop a CAF subtype score system as a prognostic factor for PCa and other cancer types. This model system also helps distinguish different immune-suppressive mechanisms in PCa, suggesting its implications in predicting response to immunotherapy. Thus, the present findings should contribute to personalized PCa intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Gao
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Andrology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bingzheng An
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Dawei Li
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Institute of Andrology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Institute of Andrology, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institute and, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, SE-17176, Sweden.
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Angappulige DH, Mahajan NP, Mahajan K. Epigenetic underpinnings of tumor-immune dynamics in prostate cancer immune suppression. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:369-381. [PMID: 38341319 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is immunosuppressive and refractory to immunotherapy. Infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and senescent-like neutrophils and T cell exhaustion are observed in the tumor microenvironment (TME) following androgen receptor (AR) antagonism with antiandrogens or androgen ablation. De novo post-translational acetylation of the AR, HOXB13, and H2A at K609, K13, and K130, respectively, and phosphorylation of H4 at Y88 have emerged as key epigenetic modifications associated with castration-resistant PC (CRPC). The resulting chromatin changes are integrated into cellular processes via phosphorylation of the AR, ACK1, ATPF1A, and SREBP1 at Y267, Y284, Y243/Y246, and Y673/Y951, respectively. In this review, we discuss how these de novo epigenetic alterations drive resistance and how efforts aimed at targeting these regulators may overcome immune suppression observed in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duminduni Hewa Angappulige
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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9
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Rong M, Zhang M, Dong F, Wu K, Cai B, Niu J, Yang L, Li Z, Lu HY. LncRNA RASAL2-AS1 promotes METTL14-mediated m6A methylation in the proliferation and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:113. [PMID: 38528591 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03302-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of the 6-methyladenosine (m6A) epigenetic modification, playing a role in the initiation and progression of tumors. However, the regulatory mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the lncRNA RASAL2-AS1 in the occurrence and development of HNSCC tumors. METHODS A bioinformatics analysis was conducted to analyze the expression level of RASAL2-AS1 in HNSCC and normal tissues. RASAL2-AS1 mRNA and protein levels were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Wound healing, transwell assays, flow cytometry, M6A dot blot, and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were conducted to explore the regulatory role of the RASAL2-AS1 and downstream targets METTL14/LIS1 signaling pathway in HNSCC. Immunohistochemical examination was conducted to evaluate the expression of METTL14 and LIS1 in HNSCC and normal tissues. A tumor xenograft model of BALB/c nude mice was established to assess the impact of RASAL2-AS1 on cell proliferation and growth. RESULTS RASAL2-AS1 high expression in HNSCC and cells deteriorated with survival rates of HNSCC. RASAL2-AS1 overexpression in HNSCC accelerated cell migration, colony formation, cell proliferation, cell cycle in S stage, while RASAL2-AS1 knockdown in HNSC cells inhibited cell cycle in G1 stage. After silencing METTL14, the above effects induced by overexpression of the RASAL2-AS1 were reversed. RASAL2-AS1 overexpression prompted LIS1 expression, whereas RASAL2-AS1 silencing reduced LIS1 levels in HNSCC cells, which was confirmed by immunohistological staining. Results demonstrated elevated expression of METTL14 or LIS1 in tongue cancer tissues. Overexpression of RASAL2-AS1 promoted tumor weight and tumor volume, which was counteracted by pcDNA3.1 RASAL2-AS1 plus silencing METTL14 and METTL14 and LIS1 were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the functional importance of the LncRNA RASAL2-AS1 in HNSCC and might assist in the development of a prognostic stratification and therapeutic approach. Which regulates HNSCC with the dependence of m6a manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiting Rong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Feihong Dong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ke Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Bingkun Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jinrui Niu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Le Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhongyan Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Hui-Yi Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, #467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116023, China.
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10
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Piątkowska D, Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska A, Kosińska A, Wujec R, Grzanka D, Durślewicz J. Ubiquitin B, Ubiquitin C, and β-Catenin as Promising Diagnostic and Prognostic Tools in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:902. [PMID: 38473264 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is a major global public health concern, imposing a significant burden on men and ranking as the second most prevalent malignancy. This study delves into the intricate world of ubiquitination processes and expression regulation, with a specific focus on understanding the roles of ubiquitin B (UBB), ubiquitin C (UBC), and β-Catenin in PC development. We thoroughly analyze the expression profiles of UBB, UBC, and β-Catenin, investigating their interactions and associations with clinical and histopathological data. These findings offer valuable insights into their potential as robust prognostic markers and their significance for patient survival. Our research uncovers the upregulation of UBB and UBC expression in PC tissues, and an even more pronounced expression in lymph node metastases, highlighting their pivotal roles in PC progression. Moreover, we identify a compelling correlation between high UBB and UBC levels and diminished overall survival in PC patients, emphasizing their clinical relevance. Additionally, we observe a significant reduction in membranous β-Catenin expression in PC tissues. Importantly, abnormal β-Catenin expression is strongly associated with shorter survival in PC patients and serves as a significant, independent prognostic factor for patient outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicates that patients with tumors characterized by simultaneous UBB and aberrant β-Catenin expression exhibit the poorest overall survival. These collective insights underline the clinical importance of evaluating UBB, UBC, and β-Catenin as combined prognostic markers in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Piątkowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anna Klimaszewska-Wiśniewska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alicja Kosińska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Radosław Wujec
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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11
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Zhao X, Chen G, Wu Y, Li X, Zhang Z, Xie L, Song X, Song X. TEP SNORD12B, SNORA63, and SNORD14E as novel biomarkers for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38167096 PMCID: PMC10763353 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The alterations of RNA profile in tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) have been described as a novel biosource for cancer diagnostics. This study aimed to explore the potential snoRNAs in TEP as biomarkers for diagnostics of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). METHODS Platelets were isolated using low-speed centrifugation and subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for snoRNAs detection. RESULTS Down-regulated SNORD12B and SNORD14E as well as up-regulated SNORA63 were identified in TEP from HBV-related HCC, which could act as diagnostic biomarkers for HBV-related HCC as well as the early disease. Besides, TEP SNORD12B, SNORD14E, and SNORA63 facilitate the diagnostic performance of AFP and achieve favorable diagnostics efficiency for HBV-related HCC when combined with platelet parameters. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant expression of SNORD12B, SNORA63, and SNORD14E in TEPs could serve as the novel and non-invasive biomarkers for HBV-related HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Guanxuan Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yawen Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Li Xie
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xianrang Song
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xingguo Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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12
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Sridaran D, Bradshaw E, DeSelm C, Pachynski R, Mahajan K, Mahajan NP. Prostate cancer immunotherapy: Improving clinical outcomes with a multi-pronged approach. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101199. [PMID: 37738978 PMCID: PMC10591038 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101199] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained traction in recent years owing to remarkable tumor clearance in some patients. Despite the notable success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in multiple malignancies, engagement of the immune system for targeted prostate cancer (PCa) therapy is still in its infancy. Multiple factors contribute to limited response, including the heterogeneity of PCa, the cold tumor microenvironment, and a low number of neoantigens. Significant effort is being invested in improving immune-based PCa therapies. This review is a summary of the status of immunotherapy in treating PCa, with a discussion of multiple immune modalities, including vaccines, adoptively transferred T cells, and bispecific T cell engagers, some of which are undergoing clinical trials. In addition, this review also focuses on emerging mechanism-based small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors with immune modulatory properties that, either as single agents or in combination with other immunotherapies, have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Sridaran
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Elliot Bradshaw
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Carl DeSelm
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs (CHiiPs), Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Russell Pachynski
- Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs (CHiiPs), Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nupam P Mahajan
- Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, Cancer Research Building, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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