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Golonka RM, Yeoh BS, Saha P, Tian Y, Chiang JYL, Patterson AD, Gewirtz AT, Joe B, Vijay-Kumar M. Sex Dimorphic Effects of Bile Acid Metabolism in Liver Cancer in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:719-735. [PMID: 38262588 PMCID: PMC10966305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease, but targeted sex hormone therapies have not been successful. Bile acids are a potential liver carcinogen and are biomolecules with hormone-like effects. A few studies highlight their potential sex dimorphism in physiology and disease. We hypothesized that bile acids could be a potential molecular signature that explains sex disparity in HCC. METHODS & RESULTS We used the farnesoid X receptor knockout (FxrKO) mouse model to study bile acid-dependent HCC. Temporal tracking of circulating bile acids determined more than 80% of FxrKO females developed spontaneous cholemia (ie, serum total bile acids ≥40 μmol/L) as early as 8 weeks old. Opposingly, FxrKO males were highly resistant to cholemia, with ∼23% incidence even when 26 weeks old. However, FxrKO males demonstrated higher levels of deoxycholate than females. Compared with males, FxrKO females had more severe cholestatic liver injury and further aberrancies in bile acid metabolism. Yet, FxrKO females expressed more detoxification transcripts and had greater renal excretion of bile acids. Intervention with CYP7A1 (rate limiting enzyme for bile acid biosynthesis) deficiency or taurine supplementation either completely or partially normalized bile acid levels and liver injury in FxrKO females. Despite higher cholemia prevalence in FxrKO females, their tumor burden was less compared with FxrKO males. An exception to this sex-dimorphic pattern was found in a subset of male and female FxrKO mice born with congenital cholemia due to portosystemic shunt, where both sexes had comparable robust HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights bile acids as sex-dimorphic metabolites in HCC except in the case of portosystemic shunt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Golonka
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Beng San Yeoh
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Piu Saha
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - John Y L Chiang
- Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew T Gewirtz
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bina Joe
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Matam Vijay-Kumar
- UT Microbiome Consortium, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
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Liu J, Zheng T, Chen D, Huang J, Zhao Y, Ma W, Liu H. RBMX involves in telomere stability maintenance by regulating TERRA expression. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010937. [PMID: 37756323 PMCID: PMC10529574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is a class of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are transcribed from subtelomeric to telomeric region of chromosome ends. TERRA is prone to form R-loop structures at telomeres by invading into telomeric DNA. Excessive telomere R-loops result in telomere instability, so the TERRA level needs to be delicately modulated. However, the molecular mechanisms and factors controlling TERRA level are still largely unknown. In this study, we report that the RNA binding protein RBMX is a novel regulator of TERRA level and telomere integrity. The expression level of TERRA is significantly elevated in RBMX depleted cells, leading to enhanced telomere R-loop formation, replication stress, and telomere instability. We also found that RBMX binds to TERRA and the nuclear exosome targeting protein ZCCHC8 simultaneously, and that TERRA degradation slows down upon RBMX depletion, implying that RBMX promotes TERRA degradation by regulating its transportation to the nuclear exosome, which decays nuclear RNAs. Altogether, these findings uncover a new role of RBMX in TERRA expression regulation and telomere integrity maintenance, and raising RBMX as a potential target of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingfan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dandan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiying Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Ornos ED, Cando LF, Catral CD, Quebral EP, Tantengco OA, Arevalo MVP, Dee EC. Molecular basis of sex differences in cancer: Perspective from Asia. iScience 2023; 26:107101. [PMID: 37404373 PMCID: PMC10316661 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Sex differences in cancer are evident in death rates and treatment responses in several cancers. Asian patients have unique cancer epidemiology influenced by their genetic ancestry and sociocultural factors in the region. In this review, we show molecular associations that potentially mediate sex disparities observed in cancer in Asian populations. Differences in sex characteristics are evident at the cytogenetic, genetic, and epigenetic levels mediating processes that include cell cycle, oncogenesis, and metastasis. Larger clinical and in vitro studies that explore mechanisms can confirm the associations of these molecular markers. In-depth studies of these markers can reveal their importance as diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutic efficacy markers. Sex differences should be considered in designing novel cancer therapeutics in this era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric David Ornos
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Leslie Faye Cando
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | | | - Elgin Paul Quebral
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, 1000, Philippines
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Ourlad Alzeus Tantengco
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, 1000, Philippines
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
- Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 0922, Philippines
| | | | - Edward Christopher Dee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10028, USA
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Chua HH, Chang MH, Chen YH, Tsuei DJ, Jeng YM, Lee PH, Ni YH. PIM1-Induced Cytoplasmic Expression of RBMY Mediates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:121-152. [PMID: 36191855 PMCID: PMC9672922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.09.014] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Metastasis indicates a grave prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous studies showed that RNA binding motif protein Y-linked (RBMY) is potentially a biomarker for poor survival in HCC patients, but its role in metastasis is largely unclear. METHODS A total of 308 male patients with primary HCC were enrolled. RBMY expression was traced longitudinally by immunostaining from the manifestation of a primary HCC tumor to the formation of a distant metastasis, and its upstream regulators were screened with a protein microarray. A series of metastasis assays in mouse models and HCC cell lines were performed to explore new functional insights into RBMY. RESULTS Cytoplasmic expression of RBMY was associated with rapid distant metastasis (approximately 1 year after resection) and had a predictive power of 82.4% for HCC metastasis. RBMY conferred high migratory and invasive potential upon phosphorylation by the provirus integration in Moloney 1 (PIM1) kinase. Binding of PIM1 to RBMY caused mutual stabilization and massive translocation of RBMY from nuclei to mitochondria, thereby preventing mitochondrial apoptosis and augmenting mitochondrial generation of adenosine triphosphate/reactive oxygen species to enhance cell motility. Depletion of RBMY suppressed Snail1/zinc finger E-box binding homeobox transcription factor 1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and dynamin-related protein 1-dependent mitochondrial fission. Inactivation and knockout of PIM1 down-regulated the expression of RBMY. In nude mice, cytoplasmic RBMY promoted liver-to-lung metastasis by increasing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, mitochondrial proliferation, and mitochondrial fission, whereas nuclear-restricted RBMY impeded the mitochondrial switch and failed to induce lung metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the regulation of HCC metastasis by PIM1-driven cytoplasmic expression of RBMY and suggested a novel therapeutic target for attenuating metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Huey Chua
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Daw-Jen Tsuei
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Lee
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Surgery, E-DA Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Medical Microbiota Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Genomic and Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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5
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Zhang W, Wauthier E, Lanzoni G, Hani H, Yi X, Overi D, Shi L, Simpson S, Allen A, Suitt C, Ezzell JA, Alvaro D, Cardinale V, Gaudio E, Carpino G, Prestwich G, Dominguez-Bendala J, Gerber D, Mathews K, Piedrahita J, Adin C, Sethupathy P, He Z, Reid LM. Patch grafting of organoids of stem/progenitors into solid organs can correct genetic-based disease states. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121647. [PMID: 36030102 PMCID: PMC10495116 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Patch grafting, a novel strategy for transplantation of stem/progenitor organoids into porcine livers, has been found successful also for organoid transplantation into other normal or diseased solid organs in pigs and mice. Each organoid contained ∼100 cells comprised of biliary tree stem cells (BTSCs), co-hepato/pancreatic stem/progenitors, and partnered with early lineage stage mesenchymal cells (ELSMCs), angioblasts and precursors to endothelia and stellate cells. Patch grafting enabled transplantation into livers or pancreases of ≥108th (pigs) or ≥106th-7th (mice) organoids/patch. Graft conditions fostered expression of multiple matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially secretory isoforms, resulting in transient loss of the organ's matrix-dictated histological features, including organ capsules, and correlated with rapid integration within a week of organoids throughout the organs and without emboli or ectopic cell distribution. Secondarily, within another week, there was clearance of graft biomaterials, followed by muted expression of MMPs, restoration of matrix-dictated histology, and maturation of donor cells to functional adult fates. The ability of patch grafts of organoids to rescue hosts from genetic-based disease states was demonstrated with grafts of BTSC/ELSMC organoids on livers, able to rescue NRG/FAH-KO mice from type I tyrosinemia, a disease caused by absence of fumaryl acetoacetate hydrolase. With the same grafts, if on pancreas, they were able to rescue NRG/Akita mice from type I diabetes, caused by a mutation in the insulin 2 gene. The potential of patch grafting for cell therapies for solid organs now requires translational studies to enable its adaptation and uses for clinical programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200123, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200120, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200335, China.
| | - Eliane Wauthier
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Giacomo Lanzoni
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Homayoun Hani
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Xianwen Yi
- Department of Surgery, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Diletta Overi
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Sean Simpson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; The Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; Department of Comparative Veterinary Anatomy, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
| | - Amanda Allen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Carolyn Suitt
- Center on Gastrointestinal Disease Biology (CGIBD) Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Jennifer Ashley Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Center on Gastrointestinal Disease Biology (CGIBD) Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Cardinale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
| | - Guido Carpino
- Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.
| | - Glenn Prestwich
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, 00135, Italy.
| | - Juan Dominguez-Bendala
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - David Gerber
- Department of Surgery, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Kyle Mathews
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
| | - Jorge Piedrahita
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; The Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; Department of Comparative Veterinary Anatomy, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
| | - Christopher Adin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Zhiying He
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200123, China; Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200120, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, Shanghai, 200335, China.
| | - Lola M Reid
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, T7 006D Veterinary Research Tower, Box 17, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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6
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Heydari R, Jangravi Z, Maleknia S, Seresht-Ahmadi M, Bahari Z, Salekdeh GH, Meyfour A. Y chromosome is moving out of sex determination shadow. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:4. [PMID: 34983649 PMCID: PMC8724748 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00741-y] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although sex hormones play a key role in sex differences in susceptibility, severity, outcomes, and response to therapy of different diseases, sex chromosomes are also increasingly recognized as an important factor. Studies demonstrated that the Y chromosome is not a 'genetic wasteland' and can be a useful genetic marker for interpreting various male-specific physiological and pathophysiological characteristics. Y chromosome harbors male‑specific genes, which either solely or in cooperation with their X-counterpart, and independent or in conjunction with sex hormones have a considerable impact on basic physiology and disease mechanisms in most or all tissues development. Furthermore, loss of Y chromosome and/or aberrant expression of Y chromosome genes cause sex differences in disease mechanisms. With the launch of the human proteome project (HPP), the association of Y chromosome proteins with pathological conditions has been increasingly explored. In this review, the involvement of Y chromosome genes in male-specific diseases such as prostate cancer and the cases that are more prevalent in men, such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and cancers, has been highlighted. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Y chromosome-related diseases can have a significant impact on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Heydari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Jangravi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Maleknia
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Seresht-Ahmadi
- Department of Basic Science and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bahari
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Kido T, Tabatabai ZL, Chen X, Lau YFC. Potential dual functional roles of the Y-linked RBMY in hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2987-2999. [PMID: 32473614 PMCID: PMC7419034 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous liver cancer with significant male biases in incidence, disease progression, and outcomes. Previous studies have suggested that genes on the Y chromosome could be expressed and exert various male‐specific functions in the oncogenic processes. In particular, the RNA‐binding motif on the Y chromosome (RBMY) gene is frequently activated in HCC and postulated to promote hepatic oncogenesis in patients and animal models. In the present study, immunohistochemical analyses of HCC specimens and data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that high‐level RBMY expression is associated with poor prognosis and survival of the patients, suggesting that RBMY could possess oncogenic properties in HCC. To examine the immediate effect(s) of the RBMY overexpression in liver cancer cells, cell proliferation was analyzed on HuH‐7 and HepG2 cells. The results unexpectedly showed that RBMY overexpression inhibited cell proliferation in both cell lines as its immediate effect, which led to vast cell death in HuH‐7 cells. Transcriptome analysis showed that genes involved in various cell proliferative pathways, such as the RAS/RAF/MAP and PIP3/AKT signaling pathways, were downregulated by RBMY overexpression in HuH‐7 cells. Furthermore, in vivo analyses in a mouse liver cancer model using hydrodynamic tail vein injection of constitutively active AKT and RAS oncogenes showed that RBMY abolished HCC development. These findings support the notion that Y‐linked RBMY could serve dual tumor‐suppressing and tumor‐promoting functions, depending on the spatiotemporal and magnitude of its expression during oncogenic processes, thereby contributing to sexual dimorphisms in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kido
- Division of Cell and Developmental Genetics, Department of Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Z Laura Tabatabai
- Department of Pathology, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yun-Fai Chris Lau
- Division of Cell and Developmental Genetics, Department of Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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8
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Wang W, Sun B, Xia Y, Sun S, He C. RNA N6-Methyladenosine-Related Gene Contribute to Clinical Prognostic Impact on Patients With Liver Cancer. Front Genet 2020; 11:306. [PMID: 32391046 PMCID: PMC7190981 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00306] [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: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There is an urgent need to identify novel and reliable prognostic biomarkers for LC in order to improve patient outcomes. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA and has been associated with various cancers, although its roles in the prognosis of LC remains to be elucidated. We analyzed the expression profiles of 15 m6A-related genes in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) LIRI-JP dataset, and applied consensus clustering to stratify LC patients into two subgroups (Cluster 1 and Cluster 2). Cluster1 was significantly correlated to lower tumor stage and longer overall survival (OS). Gene set enrichment analysis showed that tumorigenic markers, including DNA repair, E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, and MYC targets V1, were enriched in Cluster2. We then constructed a prognostic risk model using three m6A-related genes that were identified as independent factors affecting OS. The nomogram based on the risk model score indicated good performance in predicting the 1-, 2- and 3-year survival of the LC patients. In conclusion, m6A-related genes are potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shenghong Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Chiyi He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yijishan Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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9
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The Role of Number of Copies, Structure, Behavior and Copy Number Variations (CNV) of the Y Chromosome in Male Infertility. Genes (Basel) 2019; 11:genes11010040. [PMID: 31905733 PMCID: PMC7016774 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy within one year. Statistics show that the two sexes are equally at risk. Several causes may be responsible for male infertility; however, in 30–40% of cases a diagnosis of idiopathic male infertility is made in men with normal urogenital anatomy, no history of familial fertility-related diseases and a normal panel of values as for endocrine, genetic and biochemical markers. Idiopathic male infertility may be the result of gene/environment interactions, genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Numerical and structural anomalies of the Y chromosome represent a minor yet significant proportion and are the topic discussed in this review. We searched the PubMed database and major search engines for reports about Y-linked male infertility. We present cases of Y-linked male infertility in terms of (i) anomalies of the Y chromosome structure/number; (ii) Y chromosome misbehavior in a normal genetic background; (iii) Y chromosome copy number variations (CNVs). We discuss possible explanations of male infertility caused by mutations, lower or higher number of copies of otherwise wild type, Y-linked sequences. Despite Y chromosome structural anomalies are not a major cause of male infertility, in case of negative results and of normal DNA sequencing of the ascertained genes causing infertility and mapping on this chromosome, we recommend an analysis of the karyotype integrity in all cases of idiopathic fertility impairment, with an emphasis on the structure and number of this chromosome.
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10
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Tu W, Yang B, Leng X, Pei X, Xu J, Liu M, Dong Q, Tao D, Lu Y, Liu Y, Yang Y. Testis-specific protein, Y-linked 1 activates PI3K/AKT and RAS signaling pathways through suppressing IGFBP3 expression during tumor progression. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1573-1586. [PMID: 30815935 PMCID: PMC6501036 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The testis‐specific protein, Y‐linked 1 (TSPY1), a newly recognized cancer/testis antigen, has been suggested to accelerate tumor progression. However, the mechanisms underlying TSPY1 cancer‐related function remain limited. By mining the RNA sequencing data of lung and liver tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we found frequent ectopic expression of TSPY1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and the male‐specific protein was associated with higher mortality rate and worse overall survival in patients with LUAD and LIHC. Overexpression of TSPY1 promotes cell proliferation, invasiveness, and cycle transition and inhibits apoptosis, whereas TSPY1 knockdown has the opposite effects on these cancer cell phenotypes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the involvement of TSPY1 in PI3K/AKT and RAS signaling pathways in both LUAD and LIHC cells, which was further confirmed by the increase in the levels of phosphorylated proteins in the PI3K‐AKT and RAS signaling pathways in TSPY1‐overexpressing cancer cells, and by the suppression on the activity of these two pathways in TSPY1‐knockdown cells. Further investigation identified that TSPY1 could directly bind to the promoter of insulin growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) to inhibit IGFBP3 expression and that downregulation of IGFBP3 increased the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/BCL2 and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK/JUN signaling in LUAD and LIHC cells. Taken together, the observations reveal a novel mechanism by which TSPY1 could contribute to the progression of LUAD and LIHC. Our finding is of importance for evaluating the potential of TSPY1 in immunotherapy of male tumor patients with TSPY1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenling Tu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangyou Leng
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Pei
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinyan Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mohan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dachang Tao
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongjie Lu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunqiang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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11
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Li Y, Xu A, Jia S, Huang J. Recent advances in the molecular mechanism of sex disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4222-4228. [PMID: 30988804 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently observed and aggressive in men compared with women. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the sex disparity appears to be mediated by the stimulatory effects of androgens and the protective effects of estrogen in the development and progression of HCC. In the past few decades, studies on the sex difference of HCC mainly focused on the effect of sex hormones on the transactivation of hepatitis B virus X protein and the release of inflammatory cytokines, and these studies have further intensified in recent years. Sex hormones are also involved in genetic alterations and DNA damage repair in hepatocytes through binding to their specific cellular receptors and affecting the corresponding signaling pathways. Furthermore, the theory of sex chromosomes participating in HCC has been considered. The present review discussed the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of sex disparity in HCC, with the aim of improving the understanding of the underlying critical factors and exploring more effective methods for the prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmeng Li
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Anjian Xu
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Siyu Jia
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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12
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Elliott DJ, Dalgliesh C, Hysenaj G, Ehrmann I. RBMX family proteins connect the fields of nuclear RNA processing, disease and sex chromosome biology. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 108:1-6. [PMID: 30593955 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RBMX is a ubiquitously expressed nuclear RNA binding protein that is encoded by a gene on the X chromosome. RBMX belongs to a small protein family with additional members encoded by paralogs on the mammalian Y chromosome and other chromosomes. These RNA binding proteins are important for normal development, and also implicated in cancer and viral infection. At the molecular level RBMX family proteins contribute to splicing control, transcription and genome integrity. Establishing what endogenous genes and pathways are controlled by RBMX and its paralogs will have important implications for understanding chromosome biology, DNA repair and mammalian development. Here we review what is known about this family of RNA binding proteins, and identify important current questions about their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Elliott
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK.
| | - Caroline Dalgliesh
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Gerald Hysenaj
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Ingrid Ehrmann
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
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13
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Sexual dimorphism in hepatitis B and C and hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:203-211. [PMID: 30498927 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of viral hepatitis B or C (HBV/HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma is higher in male compared to female populations, showing a faster disease progression and results in a worse overall survival. Indeed, women are in general better protected from viral infections and show a lower risk of death from malignant cancer in comparison to men. Females mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males, and therefore, most of the autoimmune diseases occur predominantly in females. Next to occupational and/or behavioral factors, cellular and molecular differences between the two sexes contribute to this observation. In this review, we will discuss underlying mechanisms that are important for the observed sex-related differences in liver diseases. A better appreciation of these differences between the two sexes might be of value for better and gender-specific treatment options.
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14
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Zhao X, Chen Y, Mao Q, Jiang X, Jiang W, Chen J, Xu W, Zhong L, Sun X. Overexpression of YTHDF1 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2018; 21:859-868. [PMID: 29439311 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In China, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in men, followed by lung and stomach cancer. There was an urgent need to identify novel prognostic biomarkers for HCC. We explored the expression pattern of m6A related proteins in HCC tissues by using TCGA in this study. We found that the m6A 'reader' YTHDF1 was significantly upregulated in HCC and was positive correlated with pathology stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that Lower YTHDF1 expression level was associated with better survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, we performed GO and KEGG pathway analysis of YTHDF1 co-expressed genes and found YTHDF1 played an important role in regulating HCC cell cycle progression and metabolism. We believed that this study will provide a potential new therapeutic and prognostic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianguang Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital North Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hua Shan Hospital North Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiqi Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital North Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaoyun Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weiru Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital North Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weijia Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital North Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hua Shan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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15
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Colaco S, Modi D. Genetics of the human Y chromosome and its association with male infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:14. [PMID: 29454353 PMCID: PMC5816366 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human Y chromosome harbors genes that are responsible for testis development and also for initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis in adulthood. The long arm of the Y chromosome (Yq) contains many ampliconic and palindromic sequences making it predisposed to self-recombination during spermatogenesis and hence susceptible to intra-chromosomal deletions. Such deletions lead to copy number variation in genes of the Y chromosome resulting in male infertility. Three common Yq deletions that recur in infertile males are termed as AZF (Azoospermia Factor) microdeletions viz. AZFa, AZFb and AZFc. As estimated from data of nearly 40,000 Y chromosomes, the global prevalence of Yq microdeletions is 7.5% in infertile males; however the European infertile men are less susceptible to Yq microdeletions, the highest prevalence is in Americans and East Asian infertile men. In addition, partial deletions of the AZFc locus have been associated with infertility but the effect seems to be ethnicity dependent. Analysis of > 17,000 Y chromosomes from fertile and infertile men has revealed an association of gr/gr deletion with male infertility in Caucasians and Mongolian men, while the b2/b3 deletion is associated with male infertility in African and Dravidian men. Clinically, the screening for Yq microdeletions would aid the clinician in determining the cause of male infertility and decide a rational management strategy for the patient. As these deletions are transmitted to 100% of male offspring born through assisted reproduction, testing of Yq deletions will allow the couples to make an informed choice regarding the perpetuation of male infertility in future generations. With the emerging data on association of Yq deletions with testicular cancers and neuropsychiatric conditions long term follow-up data is urgently needed for infertile men harboring Yq deletions. If found so, the information will change the current the perspective of androgenetics from infertility and might have broad implication in men health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Colaco
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012, India.
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16
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Aberrant activation of the human sex-determining gene in early embryonic development results in postnatal growth retardation and lethality in mice. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646221 PMCID: PMC5482865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphisms are prevalent in development, physiology and diseases in humans. Currently, the contributions of the genes on the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) in these processes are uncertain. Using a transgene activation system, the human sex-determining gene hSRY is activated in the single-cell embryos of the mouse. Pups with hSRY activated (hSRYON) are born of similar sizes as those of non-activated controls. However, they retard significantly in postnatal growth and development and all die of multi-organ failure before two weeks of age. Pathological and molecular analyses indicate that hSRYON pups lack innate suckling activities, and develop fatty liver disease, arrested alveologenesis in the lung, impaired neurogenesis in the brain and occasional myocardial fibrosis and minimized thymus development. Transcriptome analysis shows that, in addition to those unique to the respective organs, various cell growth and survival pathways and functions are differentially affected in the transgenic mice. These observations suggest that ectopic activation of a Y-located SRY gene could exert male-specific effects in development and physiology of multiple organs, thereby contributing to sexual dimorphisms in normal biological functions and disease processes in affected individuals.
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17
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Zheng B, Zhu YJ, Wang HY, Chen L. Gender disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): multiple underlying mechanisms. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:575-584. [PMID: 28547581 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-9043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
On the global scale, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) especially in regions of Asia where HBV infection is endemic. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of inflammation-driven HCC in males is three times as high as in females. Recent studies suggest that sex hormones have a crucial role in the pathogenesis and development of HBV-induced HCC. We found that the estrogen/androgen signaling pathway is associated with decreased/increased transcription and replication of HBV genes and can promote the development of HBV infections by up/downregulating HBV RNA transcription and inflammatory cytokines levels, which in turn slow down the progression of HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, sex hormones can also affect HBV-related HCC by inducing epigenetic changes. The evidence that both morphology and function of the human liver are affected by sex hormones was found over 60 years ago. However, the underlying molecular mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. This review focuses mainly on the molecular mechanisms behind the sex difference in HCC associated with HBV and other factors. In addition, several potential treatment and therapeutic strategies for inflammation-driven HCC will be introduced in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zheng
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Yan-Jing Zhu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China. .,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, 201805, China.
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18
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Abstract
The incidence of many types of cancer arising in organs with non-reproductive functions is significantly higher in male populations than in female populations, with associated differences in survival. Occupational and/or behavioural factors are well-known underlying determinants. However, cellular and molecular differences between the two sexes are also likely to be important. In this Opinion article, we focus on the complex interplay that sex hormones and sex chromosomes can have in intrinsic control of cancer-initiating cell populations, the tumour microenvironment and systemic determinants of cancer development, such as the immune system and metabolism. A better appreciation of these differences between the two sexes could be of substantial value for cancer prevention as well as treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Clocchiatti
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA
| | - Elisa Cora
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, CH-1066, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Zhang
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA; and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, CH-1066, Switzerland
| | - G Paolo Dotto
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA; and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, CH-1066, Switzerland
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19
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Abstract
Male and female differ genetically by their respective sex chromosome composition, that is, XY as male and XX as female. Although both X and Y chromosomes evolved from the same ancestor pair of autosomes, the Y chromosome harbors male-specific genes, which play pivotal roles in male sex determination, germ cell differentiation, and masculinization of various tissues. Deletions or translocation of the sex-determining gene, SRY, from the Y chromosome causes disorders of sex development (previously termed as an intersex condition) with dysgenic gonads. Failure of gonadal development results not only in infertility, but also in increased risks of germ cell tumor (GCT), such as gonadoblastoma and various types of testicular GCT. Recent studies demonstrate that either loss of Y chromosome or ectopic expression of Y chromosome genes is closely associated with various male-biased diseases, including selected somatic cancers. These observations suggest that the Y-linked genes are involved in male health and diseases in more frequently than expected. Although only a small number of protein-coding genes are present in the male-specific region of Y chromosome, the impacts of Y chromosome genes on human diseases are still largely unknown, due to lack of in vivo models and differences between the Y chromosomes of human and rodents. In this review, we highlight the involvement of selected Y chromosome genes in cancer development in men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun-Fai Chris Lau
- Division of Cell and Developmental Genetics, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94121, USA
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20
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Chua HH, Tsuei DJ, Lee PH, Jeng YM, Lu J, Wu JF, Su DS, Chen YH, Chien CS, Kao PC, Lee CN, Hu RH, Ni YH, Chang MH. RBMY, a novel inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, increases tumor stemness and predicts poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2015; 62:1480-96. [PMID: 26185016 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Male predominance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs particularly among young children aged 6-9 years, indicative of a possible role of the Y chromosome-encoded oncogene in addition to an androgenic effect. The discovery of oncogenic activation of RBMY (RNA-binding motif on Y chromosome), which is absent in normal hepatocytes but present in male HCC tissues, sheds light on this issue. Herein, we report on a critical hepatocarcinogenic role of RBMY and its ontogenic origin. During liver development, the Ser/Thr phosphorylated RBMY is expressed in the cytoplasm of human and rodent fetal livers. It is then silenced in mature hepatocytes and restricted to scarce expression in the bile ductular cells. Upon hepatocarcinogenesis, a noteworthy increase of cytoplasmic and nuclear RBMY is observed in HCC tissues; however, only the former is expressed dominantly in hepatic cancer stem cells and correlates significantly to a poor prognosis and decreased survival rate in HCC patients. Cytoplasmic expression of RBMY, which is mediated by binding to nuclear exporter chromosome region maintenance 1 and further enriched upon Wnt-3a stimulation, confers upon tumor cells the traits of cancer stem cell by augmenting self-renewal, chemoresistance, cell-cycle progression, proliferation, and xenograft tumor growth. This is achieved mechanistically through increasing Ser9 phosphorylation-inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β by RBMY, thereby impeding the glycogen synthase kinase 3β-dependent degradation of β-catenin and eventually inducing the nuclear entry of β-catenin for the transcription of downstream oncogenes. CONCLUSION RBMY is a novel oncofetal protein that plays a key role in attenuating glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity, leading to aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which facilitates malignant hepatic stemness; because of its absence from normal human tissues except the testis, RBMY represents a feasible therapeutic target for the selective eradication of HCC cells in male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jean Lu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Ya-Hui Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Sung Chien
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics.,Department of Medical Genetics
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Khosravi P, Gazestani VH, Pirhaji L, Law B, Sadeghi M, Goliaei B, Bader GD. Inferring interaction type in gene regulatory networks using co-expression data. Algorithms Mol Biol 2015; 10:23. [PMID: 26157474 PMCID: PMC4495944 DOI: 10.1186/s13015-015-0054-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge of interaction types in biological networks is important for understanding the functional organization of the cell. Currently information-based approaches are widely used for inferring gene regulatory interactions from genomics data, such as gene expression profiles; however, these approaches do not provide evidence about the regulation type (positive or negative sign) of the interaction. Results This paper describes a novel algorithm, “Signing of Regulatory Networks” (SIREN), which can infer the regulatory type of interactions in a known gene regulatory network (GRN) given corresponding genome-wide gene expression data. To assess our new approach, we applied it to three different benchmark gene regulatory networks, including Escherichia coli, prostate cancer, and an in silico constructed network. Our new method has approximately 68, 70, and 100 percent accuracy, respectively, for these networks. To showcase the utility of SIREN algorithm, we used it to predict previously unknown regulation types for 454 interactions related to the prostate cancer GRN. Conclusions SIREN is an efficient algorithm with low computational complexity; hence, it is applicable to large biological networks. It can serve as a complementary approach for a wide range of network reconstruction methods that do not provide information about the interaction type. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13015-015-0054-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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22
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Sex disparities in melanoma outcomes: The role of biology. Arch Biochem Biophys 2014; 563:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Alikhani M, Sharifi Tabar M, Mirshahvaladi S, Kheimeh A, Sadighi Gilani MA, Sabbaghian M. Expression analysis of RNA-binding motif gene on Y chromosome (RBMY) protein isoforms in testis tissue and a testicular germ cell cancer-derived cell line (NT2). IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 17:54-61. [PMID: 23567846 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1148.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA-binding motif gene on Y chromosome (RBMY), a germ cell-specific nuclear protein, is known as a key factor in spermatogenesis and disorders associated with this protein have been recognized to be related to male infertility. Although it was suggested that this protein could have different functions during germ cell development, no studies have been conducted to uncover the mechanism of this potential function yet. Here, we analyzed the expression pattern of RBMY protein isoforms in testis compared to NT2, a testicular germ cell cancer-derived cell line, to test probability of differential expression of RBMY protein isoforms at different spermatogenesis stages. METHODS Full length and a segment of RBMY gene were cloned and expressed in E. coli. Anti-human RBMY antibody was produced in rabbit using the recombinant proteins as antigen. Western-blot and immunofluorescence were conducted for detection and comparison of RBMY protein isoforms. RESULTS Selected segment of RBMY protein resulted in producing a mono-specific antibody. As results shows, only the longest isoform of RBMY was expressed at protein level in NT2 cell line, while three isoforms of this protein were detected in the whole testis lysate. CONCLUSION The results imply that different alternative splicing may happen in testis cells and probably difference of RBMY function during spermatogenesis is due to the differential expression of RBMY protein isoforms. These results and further experiments on RBMY isoforms can help to obtain a better understanding of the function of this protein, which may increase our knowledge about spermatogenesis and causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Alikhani
- Dept. of Molecular Systems Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharifi Tabar
- Dept. of Molecular Systems Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Dept. of Molecular Systems Biology at Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Kheimeh
- Animal Core Facility of Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center,
Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Sabbaghian
- Dept. of Andrology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the five leading causes of cancer death in human. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common etiologic agent of HCC in the world, particularly in areas prevalent for HBV infection such as Asia, Africa, southern part of Eastern and Central Europe, and the Middle East. Risk factors of HBV-related HCC include (1) viral factors-persistent high viral replication, HBV genotype C or D, pre-S2 or core promoter mutants; (2) host factors-older age (>40 years old) at HBeAg seroconversion, male gender; (3) mother-to-infant transmission; and (4) other carcinogenic factors-smoking, habitual use of alcohol, etc. Prevention is the best way to control cancer. There are three levels of liver cancer prevention, i.e., primary prevention by HBV vaccination targeting the general population, secondary prevention by antiviral agent for high-risk subjects with chronic HBV infection, and tertiary prevention by antiviral agent to prevent recurrence for patients who have been successfully treated for liver cancer. Primary prevention by hepatitis B vaccination is most cost effective. Its cancer preventive efficacy supports it as the first successful example of cancer preventive vaccine in human. This experience can be extended to the development of other cancer preventive vaccine. Careful basic and clinical research is needed to develop ideal vaccines to induce adequate protection. Understanding the main transmission route and age at primary infection may help to set the optimal target age to start a new cancer preventive vaccination program. Besides timely HBV vaccination, the earlier administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin immediately after birth, and even antiviral agent during the third trimester of pregnancy to block mother-to-infant transmission of HBV are possible strategies to enhance the prevention efficacy of HBV infection and its related liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,
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KAWAMOTO YUKIHIRO, OHYAMA YOSHITO, CHIBA TADASHIGE, YAGISHITA HISAO, SAKASHITA HIDEAKI, IMAI KAZUSHI. Proteomic identification of keratin alterations with enhanced proliferation of oral carcinoma cells by loss of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue 1 expression. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:729-36. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Enrichment of stem-like cell population comprises transformation ability of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A for non-transformed cells. Virus Res 2013; 174:108-15. [PMID: 23524324 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a representative human oncogenic virus that causes malignancies of various cell lineages. LMP2A, an EBV-encoded latent membrane protein, is expressed in EBV-associated malignancies of various cell lineages. LMP2A caused visible tumor formation transplanted in nude mice when transferred to immortalized non-transformed fibroblasts, NIH3T3. LMP2A-expressing cells showed higher ability of colony formation in soft agar than empty vector-transfected control cells, although the expression of LMP2A did not cause focus transformation in low serum concentrations. LMP2A expression increased the size of Hoechst 33,342 dye excreting side population (SP), in which cancer-initiating cells or cancer stem-like cells were enriched. SP increase by LMP2A was also responsible for colony formation in soft agar. The LMP2A-mediated SP increase depended on the activations of Stat3, MEK/ERK, and PI3K pathways, and on upregulation of HMGA2. Enrichment of SP, stem-like cells, by LMP2A promoted the transformation capability of LMP2A from non-transformed cells. The enrichment of stem-like cell population by a virus-encoded factor might explain the oncogenic functions of oncogenic viruses.
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Matsunaga S, Takata H, Morimoto A, Hayashihara K, Higashi T, Akatsuchi K, Mizusawa E, Yamakawa M, Ashida M, Matsunaga TM, Azuma T, Uchiyama S, Fukui K. RBMX: a regulator for maintenance and centromeric protection of sister chromatid cohesion. Cell Rep 2012; 1:299-308. [PMID: 22832223 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cohesion is essential for the identification of sister chromatids and for the biorientation of chromosomes until their segregation. Here, we have demonstrated that an RNA-binding motif protein encoded on the X chromosome (RBMX) plays an essential role in chromosome morphogenesis through its association with chromatin, but not with RNA. Depletion of RBMX by RNA interference (RNAi) causes the loss of cohesin from the centromeric regions before anaphase, resulting in premature chromatid separation accompanied by delocalization of the shugoshin complex and outer kinetochore proteins. Cohesion defects caused by RBMX depletion can be detected as early as the G2 phase. Moreover, RBMX associates with the cohesin subunits, Scc1 and Smc3, and with the cohesion regulator, Wapl. RBMX is required for cohesion only in the presence of Wapl, suggesting that RBMX is an inhibitor of Wapl. We propose that RBMX is a cohesion regulator that maintains the proper cohesion of sister chromatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachihiro Matsunaga
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan.
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Tsuei DJ, Lee PH, Peng HY, Lu SL, Su DS, Jeng YM, Hsu HC, Hsu SH, Wu JF, Ni YH, Chang MH. Male germ cell-specific RNA binding protein RBMY: a new oncogene explaining male predominance in liver cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26948. [PMID: 22073224 PMCID: PMC3208560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Male gender is a risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the mechanisms are not fully understood. The RNA binding motif gene on the Y chromosome (RBMY), encoding a male germ cell-specific RNA splicing regulator during spermatogenesis, is aberrantly activated in human male liver cancers. This study investigated the in vitro oncogenic effect and the possible mechanism of RBMY in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and its in vivo effect with regards to the livers of human and transgenic mice. RBMY expression in HepG2 cells was knocked down by RNA interference and the cancer cell phenotype was characterized by soft-agar colony formation and sensitivity to hydrogen-peroxide-induced apoptosis. The results revealed that RBMY knockdown reduced the transformation and anti-apoptotic efficiency of HepG2 cells. The expression of RBMY, androgen receptor (AR) and its inhibitory variant AR45, AR-targeted genes insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Up-regulation of AR45 variant and reduction of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 expression was only detected in RBMY knockdown cells. Moreover, RBMY positive human male HCC expressed lower level of AR45 as compared to RBMY negative HCC tissues. The oncogenic properties of RBMY were further assessed in a transgenic mouse model. Liver-specific RBMY transgenic mice developed hepatic pre-cancerous lesions, adenoma, and HCC. RBMY also accelerated chemical carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in transgenic mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that Y chromosome-specific RBMY is likely involved in the regulation of androgen receptor activity and contributes to male predominance of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daw-Jen Tsuei
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Huang Lee
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yu Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Lin Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - De-Shiuan Su
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hey-Chi Hsu
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hao Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Feng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ni YH. Natural history of hepatitis B virus infection: pediatric perspective. J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:1-8. [PMID: 20812021 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-010-0304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important disease globally. Chronic HBV infection may result in serious complications. Its transmission may be either perinatal or horizontal. Perinatal transmission is particularly important after the implementation of a universal vaccination program. Through either route, chronic carrier status is usually established in early childhood. The course of the disease course is determined by the host-virus interaction. The host's immune system initially tolerates the virus, and then gradually attempts to clear it. The virus, on the other hand, tries to avoid host immune system attack by a strategy involving targeted epitope mutations. By generating mutants, the virus can survive attacks from the host's immune system, enabling the infection to persist. Different individuals have different responses to HBV infection; genetic polymorphisms in cytokines, hormones, and other immune modulators may affect the final outcome of chronic HBV infection. Due to the implementation of a universal infant HBV vaccination program, HBV infection is now under control. Unfortunately, there still are some cases of vaccination failure. Very high maternal viremia, in utero infection, or escape mutants are possible reasons for vaccination failure. Immunocompromised hosts also risk vaccination failure. Blood or organ donors with occult HBV infection are possible sources for immunocompromised hosts. These victims of vaccination failure may exhibit a different disease course due to chronic HBV infection from those who acquired the infection before the universal vaccination era. The achievement of our ultimate goal of HBV elimination depends on a globally effective universal vaccination program, as well as the application of some novel successful medications to control those who are already infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Hsuan Ni
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University, 8 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Schick B, Wemmert S, Bechtel U, Nicolai P, Hofmann T, Golabek W, Urbschat S. Comprehensive genomic analysis identifiesMDM2 andAURKA as novel amplified genes in juvenile angiofibromas. Head Neck 2007; 29:479-87. [PMID: 17120309 DOI: 10.1002/hed.20535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent beta-catenin mutations have been detected in juvenile angiofibromas, but the tumor pathogenesis remains unknown. METHODS Metaphase-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to identify chromosomal aberrations in 29 tumor specimens. Two tumors were investigated using genome DNA microarrays. RESULTS Three hundred eleven chromosomal gains and losses were detected by metaphase-CGH. Frequent chromosomal gains were detected at 4q, 6, 12, and X, while frequent chromosomal losses affected regions of chromosomes 8, 16, 17, 22, and Y. Genome DNA microarray analysis in 2 tumors of the series confirmed chromosomal aberrations, detected by metaphase-CGH, and indicated genes such as AURKA (20q13.2) not being recognized by metaphase-CGH. CONCLUSION Metaphase-CGH results confirmed numerous chromosomal aberrations in juvenile angiofibromas. The most frequent aberrations affected sex chromosomes. Further consensus regions of chromosomal aberrations were detected at 4q, 6, 8, 12, 16, 17, and 22. AURKA and MDM2 were identified as interesting novel amplified genes in juvenile angiofibromas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Schick
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Waldstrasse 1, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Vijayakumar S, Hall DC, Reveles XT, Troyer DA, Thompson IM, Garcia D, Xiang R, Leach RJ, Johnson-Pais TL, Naylor SL. Detection of Recurrent Copy Number Loss at Yp11.2 Involving TSPY Gene Cluster in Prostate Cancer Using Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization. Cancer Res 2006; 66:4055-64. [PMID: 16618725 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-05-3822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men. The loss of Y chromosome has been frequently observed in primary prostate cancer as well as other types of cancer. Earlier, we showed that introduction of the human Y chromosome suppresses the in vivo tumorigenicity of the prostate cancer cell line PC-3. To further characterize the Y chromosome, we have developed a high-density bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) microarray containing 178 BAC clones from the human Y chromosome. BAC microarray was used for array comparative genomic hybridization on prostate cancer samples and cell lines. The most prominent observation on prostate cancer specimens was a deletion at Yp11.2 containing the TSPY tandem gene array. Out of 36 primary prostate tumors analyzed, 16 (44.4%) samples exhibited loss of TSPY gene copies. Notably, we observed association between the number of TSPY copies in the blood and the incidence of prostate cancer. Moreover, PC-3 hybrids with an intact Yp11.2 did not grow tumors in nude mice, whereas PC-3 hybrids with a deletion at Yp11.2 grew tumors in nude mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Vijayakumar
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
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de Carvalho CMB, Santos FR. Human Y-chromosome variation and male dysfunction. J Mol Genet Med 2005; 1:63-75. [PMID: 19565015 PMCID: PMC2702067 DOI: 10.4172/1747-0862.1000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2005] [Revised: 09/30/2005] [Accepted: 10/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Y-chromosome is responsible for sex determination in mammals, which is triggered by the expression of the SRY gene, a testis-determining factor. This particular gene, as well as other genes related to male fertility, are located in the non-recombining portion of the Y (NRY), a specific region that encompasses 95% of the human Y-chromosome. The other 5% is composed of the pseudo-autosomal regions (PARs) at the tips of Yp and Yq, a X-chromosome homologous region used during male meiosis for the correct pairing of sexual chromosomes. Despite of the large size of the human NRY (about 60 Mb), only a few active genes are found in this region, most of which are related to fertility. Recently, several male fertility dysfunctions were associated to microdeletions by STS mapping. Now that the complete genetic map of the human Y-chromosome is available, the role of particular NRY genes in fertility dysfunctions is being investigated. Besides, along with the description of several nucleotide and structural variations in the Y-chromosome, the association between phenotype and genotype is being addressed more precisely. Particularly, several research groups are investigating the association between Y-chromosome types and susceptibility to certain male dysfunctions in different population backgrounds. New insights on the role of the Y-chromosome and maleness are being envisaged by this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Márcia Benedetto de Carvalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, and Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Kuhnen C, Herter P, Kasprzynski A, Vogt M, Jaworska M, Johnen G. [Myoepithelioma of soft tissue -- case report with clinicopathologic, ultrastructural, and cytogenetic findings]. DER PATHOLOGE 2005; 26:331-7. [PMID: 16032388 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-005-0773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The case of a soft tissue myoepithelioma is presented including clinicopathologic, ultrastructural, and genetic findings. A 30-year-old male patient suffered from a soft tissue tumor within the deep soft tissues of the right lower leg measuring 13.2 x 8.2 x 9 cm. Histologically, the lesion was diagnosed as a myoepithelioma displaying a lobulated architecture with cords and nests of epithelioid and spindle cells without cytologic atypia lying within a fibromyxoid and partly chondroid matrix; immunohistochemistry was positive for pancytokeratin, S100-protein, calponin and partly for GFAP and EMA. Ultrastructural analysis revealed glycogen deposits and cell-membrane-associated plaque structures, whereas true myofilaments could not be identified (with immunohistochemistry being negative for actin). Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), a gain of chromosome Y was detected. A loss on 17p could not be detected unambiguously. However, based on the low resolution of CGH a small loss cannot be excluded. The patient was free of disease 25 months following complete tumor resection. Myoepitheliomas/mixed tumors of deep soft tissue represent rare soft tissue lesions that may reach a considerable size and may mimic other soft tissue tumors or sarcomas. Based on a local relapse rate of approximately 20% according to the literature, a complete resection with thorough follow-up should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kuhnen
- Institut für Pathologie der Ruhr-Universität Bochum an den Berufsgenossenschaftlichen Kliniken Bergmannsheil.
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Youngren KK, Coveney D, Peng X, Bhattacharya C, Schmidt LS, Nickerson ML, Lamb BT, Deng JM, Behringer RR, Capel B, Rubin EM, Nadeau JH, Matin A. The Ter mutation in the dead end gene causes germ cell loss and testicular germ cell tumours. Nature 2005; 435:360-4. [PMID: 15902260 PMCID: PMC1421521 DOI: 10.1038/nature03595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2004] [Accepted: 03/24/2005] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In mice, the Ter mutation causes primordial germ cell (PGC) loss in all genetic backgrounds. Ter is also a potent modifier of spontaneous testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT) susceptibility in the 129 family of inbred strains, and markedly increases TGCT incidence in 129-Ter/Ter males. In 129-Ter/Ter mice, some of the remaining PGCs transform into undifferentiated pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells, and after birth differentiate into various cells and tissues that compose TGCTs. Here, we report the positional cloning of Ter, revealing a point mutation that introduces a termination codon in the mouse orthologue (Dnd1) of the zebrafish dead end (dnd) gene. PGC deficiency is corrected both with bacterial artificial chromosomes that contain Dnd1 and with a Dnd1-encoding transgene. Dnd1 is expressed in fetal gonads during the critical period when TGCTs originate. DND1 has an RNA recognition motif and is most similar to the apobec complementation factor, a component of the cytidine to uridine RNA-editing complex. These results suggest that Ter may adversely affect essential aspects of RNA biology during PGC development. DND1 is the first protein known to have an RNA recognition motif directly implicated as a heritable cause of spontaneous tumorigenesis. TGCT development in the 129-Ter mouse strain models paediatric TGCT in humans. This work will have important implications for our understanding of the genetic control of TGCT pathogenesis and PGC biology.
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Bonilla Guerrero R, Roberts LR. The role of hepatitis B virus integrations in the pathogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2005; 42:760-77. [PMID: 15826727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Bonilla Guerrero
- Center for Basic Research in Digestive Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Abstract
Post-transcriptional mechanisms play an important role in the biology of germ cells, where they control key developmental decisions in cell division, differentiation and death. Because these post-transcriptional controls are cell-type-specific, and often utilize germ-cell-specific RNA-binding proteins, they provide useful diagnostic markers for male infertility and testicular cancer. Investigation of the genetics of male infertility in men and model organisms suggests that disruption of post-transcriptional control mechanisms can cause specific germ cell pathologies, and these studies point to future possible therapeutic routes for restoring spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Ehrmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle NE1 3BZ, UK
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