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Ma YH, Maekawa S, Takano S, Yamaguchi T, Ishida T, Takaoka S, Muraoka M, Komiyama Y, Takada H, Suzuki Y, Sato M, Fan J, Enomoto N. Elevated nuclear expression of ZHX1 correlates with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Comparison of nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of the ZHX family in HCC cells. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 39207766 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM The role of the zinc fingers and homeoboxes family (ZHX1-3), transcriptional repressors, through their subcellular localization in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is not fully understood. The present study aimed to examine the differential nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of ZHXs in HCC tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect the expression of ZHXs in 54 liver tissues from HCC (n = 33), hepatitis C (n = 16), and the normal liver tissue surrounding hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer (n = 5). Next-generation sequencing and digital polymerase chain reaction identified gene mutations associated with HCC. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed to evaluate the relationship between ZHX expression and survival. The results were validated using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were undertaken to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS High nuclear expression of ZHX1 was associated with poor overall survival (OS), while high nuclear expression of ZHX2 correlated with higher recurrence. Conversely, patients with high cytoplasmic expression of ZHX3 had lower recurrence and better OS. Hepatitis B virus-associated HCC was related to high cytoplasmic expression of ZHX1, which was marginally related to telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation-negative HCC. In contrast, low nuclear expression of ZHX3 was associated with TERT promoter mutation-positive HCC and HCC patients over 70 years old. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the expression and localization of different ZHXs may be related to HCC progression, potentially inferring genetic backgrounds such as TERT promoter mutation. Further studies on the relationship between HCC and ZHXs will enhance our understanding and control of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shinya Maekawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Shinya Takaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Masaru Muraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Komiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Takada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Jianglin Fan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory, Southern China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
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2
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Liao C, Hu L, Zhang Q. Von Hippel-Lindau protein signalling in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00876-w. [PMID: 38698165 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00876-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The distinct pathological and molecular features of kidney cancer in adaptation to oxygen homeostasis render this malignancy an attractive model for investigating hypoxia signalling and potentially developing potent targeted therapies. Hypoxia signalling has a pivotal role in kidney cancer, particularly within the most prevalent subtype, known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Hypoxia promotes various crucial pathological processes, such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activation, angiogenesis, proliferation, metabolic reprogramming and drug resistance, all of which contribute to kidney cancer development, growth or metastasis formation. A substantial portion of kidney cancers, in particular clear cell RCC (ccRCC), are characterized by a loss of function of Von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor (VHL), leading to the accumulation of HIF proteins, especially HIF2α, a crucial driver of ccRCC. Thus, therapeutic strategies targeting pVHL-HIF signalling have been explored in ccRCC, culminating in the successful development of HIF2α-specific antagonists such as belzutifan (PT2977), an FDA-approved drug to treat VHL-associated diseases including advanced-stage ccRCC. An increased understanding of hypoxia signalling in kidney cancer came from the discovery of novel VHL protein (pVHL) targets, and mechanisms of synthetic lethality with VHL mutations. These breakthroughs can pave the way for the development of innovative and potent combination therapies in kidney cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengheng Liao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Lianxin Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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3
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Zhang C, Zeng J, Ye C, Tian K, Xian Z. Construction and validation of a chromatin regulator-related gene signature for prognostic and therapeutic significance of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:150-172. [PMID: 38410230 PMCID: PMC10894348 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Background Epigenetic alterations driven by chromatin regulators (CRs) are well-recognized cancer hallmarks. Growing evidence suggests that the imbalance of CRs may lead to the occurrence of various diseases including tumors. However, the role and prognostic value of CRs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain undefined. Methods Consensus clustering analysis was used to identify different subtypes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify prognosis-related CRs and constructed a risk model. Transcriptome sequencing was used to verify gene expression levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare overall survival (OS) between high- and low-risk groups. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the model. The ESTIMATE algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were executed to evaluate the immune characteristics of samples. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between risk score and immune checkpoint genes, the relationship between expression levels of CRs and immune cell infiltration and drug therapeutic response. Finally, we also compared differences in drug sensitivity between low- and high-risk groups. Results We identified three CRs-related subtypes with different characteristics. A prognostic model was built with four CRs and can precisely predict the OS of patients in different risk groups. The model has good stability and applicability and was further verified in the internal and external dataset. The transcriptomic levels of the four CRs were also validated, and the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for ccRCC. Obvious differences in the immune microenvironment and the expression levels of immune checkpoints were observed in low- and high-risk group. Higher immune activity and immune cell infiltration were found in the high-risk group. Besides, the expression levels of CRs were associated with drug therapeutic response. Patients with high-risk score may be more sensitive to gemcitabine, vinblastine, paclitaxel, axitinib, sunitinib, and temsirolimus. Conclusions CRs were strongly associated with the occurrence and development of ccRCC. Targeting CRs may become a new therapeutic strategy for ccRCC. Besides, CRs-related gene signature can predict the prognosis and therapeutic significance of ccRCC, which provides an important reference for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changzheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Zeng
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital’s Nanhai Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Chujin Ye
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaiwen Tian
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Xian
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital’s Nanhai Hospital, Foshan, China
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4
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Creasy KT, Ren H, Jiang J, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Elongation of very long chain fatty acids-3 ( Elovl3) is activated by ZHX2 and is a regulator of cell cycle progression. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G582-G592. [PMID: 37847682 PMCID: PMC10894669 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00235.2022] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) are transcriptional regulators of liver gene expression with key functions in embryonic development as well as tissue regeneration in response to damage and disease, presumably through its control of target genes. Previous microarray data suggested that elongation of very long chain fatty acids-3 (Elovl3), a member of the ELOVL family of enzymes that synthesize very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), is a putative Zhx2 target gene. VLCFAs are core component of ceramides and other bioactive sphingolipids that are often dysregulated in diseases and regulate key cellular processes including proliferation. Since several previously identified Zhx2 targets become dysregulated in liver damage, we investigated the relationship between Zhx2 and Elovl3 in liver development, damage, and regeneration. Here, using mouse and cell models, we demonstrate that Zhx2 positively regulates Elovl3 expression in the liver and that male-biased hepatic Elovl3 expression is established between 4 and 8 wk of age in mice. Elovl3 is dramatically repressed in mouse models of liver regeneration, and the reduced Elovl3 levels in the regenerating liver are associated with changes in hepatic VLCFAs. Human hepatoma cell lines with forced Elovl3 expression have lower rates of cell growth; analysis of synchronized cells indicates that this reduced proliferation correlates with cells stalling in S-phase and lower mRNA levels of cell cyclins. Taken together, these data indicate that Elovl3 expression helps regulate cellular proliferation during liver development and regeneration, possibly through control of VLCFAs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Numerous targets of the transcription factor Zhx2 are dysregulated in liver disease. We show that the elongase Elovl3 is a novel Zhx2 target. Elovl3 and Zhx2 expression change during liver regeneration, which is associated with changes in very long chain fatty acids. Forced Elovl3 expression reduces cell growth and blocks cell cycle progression. This suggests that Elovl3 may account, at least in part, for the relationship between Zhx2 and proliferation during liver development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Townsend Creasy
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Jieyun Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Brett T Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
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5
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Zhang Y, Fan Y, Hu H, Zhang X, Wang Z, Wu Z, Wang L, Yu X, Song X, Xiang P, Zhang X, Wang T, Tan S, Li C, Gao L, Liang X, Li S, Li N, Yue X, Ma C. ZHX2 emerges as a negative regulator of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation during acute liver injury. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7527. [PMID: 37980429 PMCID: PMC10657347 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria dysfunction contributes to acute liver injuries, and mitochondrial regulators, such as PGC-1α and MCJ, affect liver regeneration. Therefore, identification of mitochondrial modulators may pave the way for developing therapeutic strategies. Here, ZHX2 is identified as a mitochondrial regulator during acute liver injury. ZHX2 both transcriptionally inhibits expression of several mitochondrial electron transport chain genes and decreases PGC-1α stability, leading to reduction of mitochondrial mass and OXPHOS. Loss of Zhx2 promotes liver recovery by increasing mitochondrial OXPHOS in mice with partial hepatectomy or CCl4-induced liver injury, and inhibition of PGC-1α or electron transport chain abolishes these effects. Notably, ZHX2 expression is higher in liver tissues from patients with drug-induced liver injury and is negatively correlated with mitochondrial mass marker TOM20. Delivery of shRNA targeting Zhx2 effectively protects mice from CCl4-induced liver injury. Together, our data clarify ZHX2 as a negative regulator of mitochondrial OXPHOS and a potential target for developing strategies for improving liver recovery after acute injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuchen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huili Hu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangguo Yu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Peng Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Siyu Tan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuijie Li
- College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Nailin Li
- Department of Medicine-Solna, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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6
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Tan S, Wang Z, Li N, Guo X, Zhang Y, Ma H, Peng X, Zhao Y, Li C, Gao L, Li T, Liang X, Ma C. Transcription factor Zhx2 is a checkpoint that programs macrophage polarization and antitumor response. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2104-2119. [PMID: 37582865 PMCID: PMC10482862 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01202-4] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are usually educated to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cancer with pro-tumor functions by tumor microenvironment (TME) and TAM reprogramming has been proposed as a potential tumor immunotherapy strategy. We recently demonstrated the critical role of Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) in macrophages' metabolic programming. However, whether Zhx2 is responsible for macrophage polarization and TAMs reprogramming is largely unknown. Here, we show that Zhx2 controls macrophage polarization under the inflammatory stimulus and TME. Myeloid-specific deletion of Zhx2 suppresses LPS-induced proinflammatory polarization but promotes IL-4 and TME-induced anti-inflammatory and pro-tumoral phenotypes in murine liver tumor models. Factors in TME, especially lactate, markedly decrease the expression of Zhx2 in TAMs, leading to the switch of TAMs to pro-tumor phenotype and consequent cancer progression. Notably, reduced ZHX2 expression in TAM correlates with poor survival of HCC patients. Mechanistic studies reveal that Zhx2 associates with NF-κB p65 and binds to the Irf1 promoter, leading to transcriptional activation of Irf1 in macrophages. Zhx2 functions in maintaining macrophage polarization by regulating Irf1 transcription, which may be a potential target for macrophage-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaowei Guo
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongxin Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xueqi Peng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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7
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Li D, Wang W, Liu B, Jin D, Wang Y, He G, Guo L, Liu W, Li Y. Characterization of circSEC11A as a novel regulator of Iodine-125 radioactive seed-induced anticancer effects in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting ZHX2/GADD34 axis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:294. [PMID: 37563132 PMCID: PMC10415397 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01593-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Iodine-125 (I-125) radioactive seed implantation is used for the local treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanisms regulating its anticancer effects remain incompletely understood. In this study, we report that hsa_circ_0000647 (circSEC11A) is highly expressed after I-125 treatment in HCC cell lines and tissues and is a key regulator of I-125-induced anticancer effects. CircSEC11A acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-3529-3p, promoting the expression of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) and enhancing I-125-induced anticancer effects. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization were thereafter performed to verify the interaction among the molecules. Anticancer effects were detected using CCK-8, flow cytometry, TUNEL, EdU, transwell, and wound healing assays. Furthermore, ZHX2 transcriptionally inhibits GADD34, a negative regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), to enhance I-125- induced anticancer effects in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, we characterized circSEC11A as a novel regulator of I-125-induced anticancer effects in HCC via miR-3529-3p/ZHX2/GADD34 axis-mediated ERS. Thus, circSEC11A may act as a potential therapeutic target for I-125 implantation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wujie Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Die Jin
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guanghui He
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Vascular Anomalies and Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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8
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He Y, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Wu Y, Quan Y, Chen W, Yao J, Zhang P. ZHX2 deficiency enriches hybrid MET cells through regulating E-cadherin expression. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:444. [PMID: 37460540 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that the epithelial to mesenchymal (E/M) hybrid state plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Importantly, a hybrid mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) state in which individual cells express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers was recently identified in vivo, further strengthening the bonds between the hybrid EMT state and cancer progression. However, the role and the molecular mechanisms by which the hybrid MET state is maintained in triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) remain elusive. Here, we find that loss of ZHX2 expression results in the hybrid MET phenotype in mesenchymal TNBC cells. Mechanistically, through directly binding to the CDH1 promoter, depletion of ZHX2 specifically reactivates expression of CDH1 encoding E-cadherin, an epithelial marker that is crucial for maintaining epithelial phenotype. Functionally, loss of ZHX2 expression enriches the hybrid MET cells and inhibits the migration and dissemination of TNBC cells or organoids, which could be reversed by restoration of E-cadherin. Moreover, depletion of ZHX2 suppresses lung metastasis in preclinical models of TNBC. In patients with TNBC, ZHX2 expression was amplified and negatively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin. These findings suggest that loss of ZHX2 promotes the hybrid MET state to impair TNBC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qimin Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanhong Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingjian Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Quan
- Stem Cell Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
| | - Weihua Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijing Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Ding L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Tong Z, Li P, Chen C, Wang B, Yue X, Li C, Wu Z, Liang X, Ma C, Gao L. Zhx2 maintains islet β-cell mass and function by transcriptionally regulating Pax6. iScience 2023; 26:106871. [PMID: 37275527 PMCID: PMC10232729 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that pancreatic β-cell function and quality are key determinants in the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The transcription factor zinc finger homeobox 2 (Zhx2) is involved in proliferation and development of multiple cells. However, the exact role of Zhx2 in β-cells and T2D remains completely unknown. Here, we report that Zhx2 orchestrates β-cell mass and function by regulating paired box protein pax-6 (Pax6). We found that β-cell-specific knockout Zhx2 (Zhx2BKO) mice showed a decrease in β-cell proliferation and glucose homeostasis. Under prediabetic and diabetic conditions, we discovered glucose intolerance in both Zhx2BKO-HFD mice and Zhx2BKO-db/db mice, with reduced β-cell mass and insulin secretion. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Zhx2 targeted the Pax6 promoter region (-1740∼-1563; -862∼-559; -251∼+75), enhanced promoter activity. Overall, Zhx2 maintains β-cell function by transcriptionally regulating Pax6, which provides a therapeutic target for diabetes intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ding
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Tong
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Yucheng People’s Hospital, Dezhou, Shandong 251200, P. R. China
| | - Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Bo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P. R. China
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10
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Kong Y, Wu M, Wan X, Sun M, Zhang Y, Wu Z, Li C, Liang X, Gao L, Ma C, Yue X. Lipophagy-mediated cholesterol synthesis inhibition is required for the survival of hepatocellular carcinoma under glutamine deprivation. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102732. [PMID: 37150151 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is critical for tumor progression, and restriction of its availability is emerging as a potential therapeutic strategy. The metabolic plasticity of tumor cells helps them adapting to glutamine restriction. However, the role of cholesterol metabolism in this process is relatively unexplored. Here, we reported that glutamine deprivation inhibited cholesterol synthesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reactivation of cholesterol synthesis enhanced glutamine-deprivation-induced cell death of HCC cells, which is partially duo to augmented NADPH depletion and lipid peroxidation. Mechanistically, glutamine deprivation induced lipophagy to transport cholesterol from lipid droplets (LDs) to endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to inhibit SREBF2 maturation and cholesterol synthesis, and maintain redox balance for survival. Glutamine deprivation decreased mTORC1 activity to induce lipophagy. Importantly, administration of U18666A, CQ, or shTSC2 viruses further augmented GPNA-induced inhibition of xenograft tumor growth. Clinical data supported that glutamine utilization positively correlated with cholesterol synthesis, which is associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Collectively, our study revealed that cholesterol synthesis inhibition is required for the survival of HCC under glutamine-restricted tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzi Kong
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Mengting Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Wan
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
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11
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Jiang J, Turpin C, Qiu G(S, Xu M, Lee E, Hinds TD, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 is required for diethylnitrosamine-induced liver tumor formation in C57BL/6 mice. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3550-3562. [PMID: 36194180 PMCID: PMC9701486 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, comprised primarily of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and increasing in Western countries. We previously identified the transcription factor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) as a regulator of hepatic gene expression, and many Zhx2 target genes are dysregulated in HCC. Here, we investigate HCC in Zhx2-deficient mice using the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor model. Our study using whole-body Zhx2 knockout (Zhx2KO ) mice revealed the complete absence of liver tumors 9 and 10 months after DEN exposure. Analysis soon after DEN treatment showed no differences in expression of the DEN bioactivating enzyme cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and DNA polymerase delta 2, or in the numbers of phosphorylated histone variant H2AX foci between Zhx2KO and wild-type (Zhx2wt ) mice. The absence of Zhx2, therefore, did not alter DEN bioactivation or DNA damage. Zhx2KO livers showed fewer positive foci for Ki67 staining and reduced interleukin-6 and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 expression compared with Zhx2wt livers, suggesting that Zhx2 loss reduces liver cell proliferation and may account for reduced tumor formation. Tumors were reduced but not absent in DEN-treated liver-specific Zhx2 knockout mice, suggesting that Zhx2 acts in both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells to inhibit tumor formation. Analysis of data from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Consortium indicated that ZHX2 messenger RNA and protein levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC and associated with clinical pathological parameters. Conclusion: In contrast to previous studies in human hepatoma cell lines and other HCC mouse models showing that Zhx2 acts as a tumor suppressor, our data indicate that Zhx2 acts as an oncogene in the DEN-induced HCC model and is consistent with the higher ZHX2 expression in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyun Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Courtney Turpin
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Guofang (Shirley) Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Eun Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Martha L. Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Brett T. Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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12
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Ma W, Zhang X, Ma C, Liu P. Highly expressed FAM189B predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610674. [PMID: 36507118 PMCID: PMC9732019 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors with persistently high morbidity and mortality. However, the expression, prognostic and clinical significance of FAM189 family genes in HCC remain largely unknown. In this study, the expression levels of FAM189 family genes in HCC were analyzed through TCGA-LIHC and ICGC-LIRI-JP cohorts, and further validated in multiple independent GEO datasets. It was found that the expression of FAM189B was significantly upregulated in HCC tumor tissues, while the expression of FAM189A1 and FAM189A2 was not significantly changed between tumor and adjacent tissues. Further analysis revealed that upregulated copy number variation contributed to increased expression of FAM189B in HCC. Survival analysis showed that highly expressed FAM189B was significantly correlated with unfavorable prognosis, including overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free interval. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that FAM189B was a potential novel prognosis factor for HCC patients. In addition, the association between FAM189B expression and clinical and molecular characteristics was analyzed. High expression of FAM189B was associated with high AFP level, high predicted risk metastasis signature, and TP53 mutation, while there was no significant association between FAM189B expression and cancer stage or tumor grade of HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that highly expressed FAM189B was closely related with signal pathways and biological processes associated with cell proliferation and cell cycle in HCC. In conclusion, this study suggested that FAM189B was highly expressed in HCC and highly expressed FAM189B may serve as an effective prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanshan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chenchen Ma
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China,*Correspondence: Peng Liu,
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13
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Abstract
As a transcriptional factor and the negative regulator of alpha fetal protein (AFP), Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) has a well-established role in protection against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, recent studies have suggested ZHX2 as an oncogene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Moreover, mounting evidence has illustrated a much broader role of ZHX2 in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, lipid metabolism, and immunoregulation. This comprehensive review emphasizes the role of ZHX2 in health and diseases which have been more recently uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Dept. Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Dept. Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Dept. Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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14
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Bao Y, Zhang H, Han Z, Guo Y, Yang W. Zinc Fingers and Homeobox Family in Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911167. [PMID: 36232466 PMCID: PMC9570228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc fingers and homeobox (ZHX) family includes ZHX1, ZHX2, and ZHX3, and their proteins have similar unique structures, containing two C2H2-type zinc finger motifs and four or five HOX-like homeodomains. The members of the ZHX family can form homodimers or heterodimers with each other or with a subunit of nuclear factor Y. Previous studies have suggested that ZHXs can function as positive or negative transcriptional regulators. Recent studies have further revealed their biological functions and underlying mechanisms in cancers. This review summarized the advances of ZHX-mediated functions, including tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions in cancer formation and progression, the molecular mechanisms, and regulatory functions, such as cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, the differential expression levels and their association with good or poor outcomes in patients with various malignancies and differential responses to chemotherapy exert opposite functions of oncogene or tumor suppressors. Therefore, the ZHXs act as a double-edged sword in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Bao
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Zhixue Han
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Yongchen Guo
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (W.Y.)
| | - Wancai Yang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.G.); (W.Y.)
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15
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Xie H, Zhou J, Liu X, Xu Y, Hepperla AJ, Simon JM, Wang T, Yao H, Liao C, Baldwin AS, Gong K, Zhang Q. USP13 promotes deubiquitination of ZHX2 and tumorigenesis in kidney cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119854119. [PMID: 36037364 PMCID: PMC9457248 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119854119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by the loss of tumor suppressor Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) function. VHL is the component of an E3 ligase complex that promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of hypoxia inducible factor α (HIF-α) (including HIF1α and HIF2α) and Zinc Fingers And Homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2). Our recent research showed that ZHX2 contributed to ccRCC tumorigenesis in a HIF-independent manner. However, it is still unknown whether ZHX2 could be modified through deubiquitination even in the absence of pVHL. Here, we performed a deubiquitinase (DUB) complementary DNA (cDNA) library binding screen and identified USP13 as a DUB that bound ZHX2 and promoted ZHX2 deubiquitination. As a result, USP13 promoted ZHX2 protein stability in an enzymatically dependent manner, and depletion of USP13 led to ZHX2 down-regulation in ccRCC. Functionally, USP13 depletion led to decreased cell proliferation measured by two-dimensional (2D) colony formation and three-dimensional (3D) anchorage-independent growth. Furthermore, USP13 was essential for ccRCC tumor growth in vivo, and the effect was partially mediated by its regulation on ZHX2. Our findings support that USP13 may be a key effector in ccRCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibiao Xie
- Department of Urology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Yawei Xu
- Department of Urology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Austin J. Hepperla
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Jeremy M. Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Hongwei Yao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Chengheng Liao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Albert S. Baldwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Kan Gong
- Department of Urology, Peking University Frist Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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16
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You Y, Hu F, Hu S. Attenuated ZHX3 expression is predictive of poor outcome for liver cancer: Indication for personalized therapy. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:224. [PMID: 35720472 PMCID: PMC9185145 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc-fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) family members have been characterized as master regulators in cancer initiation and development. The present study performed in silico data-mining with publicly available datasets and immunohistochemistry to assess the expression status of ZHX factors and the corresponding prognostic implications in liver cancer. Increased ZHX3 mRNA expression was associated with favorable overall survival in patients with liver cancer. Subgroups analyses revealed a significant association between the expression of ZHX factors and outcomes in select patient cohorts. Immunohistochemical analysis supported that ZHX3 expression was an independent prognostic indicator for patient survival. These results suggested that dysregulation of ZHX factors is involved in disease progression and ZHX3 expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
| | - Fangrui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
| | - Shengjuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750002, P.R. China
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17
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Conner MM, Parker HV, Falcone DR, Chung G, Schaner Tooley CE. Novel regulation of the transcription factor ZHX2 by N-terminal methylation. Transcription 2022; 13:1-15. [PMID: 35613330 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2022.2079184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N-terminal methylation (Nα-methylation) by the methyltransferase NRMT1 is an important post-translational modification that regulates protein-DNA interactions. Accordingly, its loss impairs functions that are reliant on such interactions, including DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. The global loss of Nα-methylation results in severe developmental and premature aging phenotypes, but given over 300 predicted substrates, it is hard to discern which physiological substrates contribute to each phenotype. One of the most striking phenotypes in NRMT1 knockout (Nrmt1-/-) mice is early liver degeneration. To identify the disrupted signaling pathways leading to this phenotype and the NRMT1 substrates involved, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis of control and Nrmt1-/- adult mouse livers. We found both a significant upregulation of transcripts in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family and downregulation of transcripts in the major urinary protein (MUP) family. Interestingly, transcription of both families is inversely regulated by the transcription factor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2). ZHX2 contains a non-canonical NRMT1 consensus sequence, indicating that its function could be directly regulated by Nα-methylation. We confirmed misregulation of CYP and MUP mRNA and protein levels in Nrmt1-/- livers and verified NRMT1 can methylate ZHX2 in vitro. In addition, we used a mutant of ZHX2 that cannot be methylated to directly demonstrate Nα-methylation promotes ZHX2 transcription factor activity and target promoter occupancy. Finally, we show Nrmt1-/- mice also exhibit early postnatal de-repression of ZHX2 targets involved in fetal liver development. Taken together, these data implicate ZHX2 misregulation as a driving force behind the liver phenotype seen in Nrmt1-/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M Conner
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Haley V Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Daniela R Falcone
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gehoon Chung
- Department of Oral Physiology and Program in Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Christine E Schaner Tooley
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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18
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Sun Y, Teng Y, Wang L, Zhang Z, Chen C, Wang Y, Zhang X, Xiang P, Song X, Lu J, Li N, Gao L, Liang X, Xia Y, Wu Z, Ma C. LINC01431 Promotes Histone H4R3 Methylation to Impede HBV Covalently Closed Circular DNA Transcription by Stabilizing PRMT1. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103135. [PMID: 35398991 PMCID: PMC9165498 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the transcriptional template of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which interacts with both host and viral proteins to form minichromosome in the nucleus and is resistant to antiviral agents. Identification of host factors involved in cccDNA transcriptional regulation is expected to prove a new venue for HBV therapy. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mediating the interaction of host factors with various viruses, however, lncRNAs that HBV targets and represses cccDNA transcription have not been fully elucidated. Here, the authors identified LINC01431 as a novel host restriction factor for HBV transcription. Mechanically, LINC01431 competitively bound with type I protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT1) to block the HBx-mediated PRMT1 ubiquitination and degradation. Consequently, LINC01431 increased the occupancy of PRMT1 on cccDNA, leading to enhanced H4R3me2a modification and reduced acetylation of cccDNA-bound histones, thereby repressing cccDNA transcription. In turn, to facilitate viral replication, HBV transcriptionally repressed LINC01431 expression by HBx-mediated repression of transcription factor Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2). Collectively, the study demonstrates LINC01431 as a novel epigenetic regulator of cccDNA minichromosome and highlights a feedback loop of HBx-LINC01431-PRMT1 in HBV replication, which provides potential therapeutic targets for HBV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and ImmunologyInstitute of Medical VirologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430072China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Zhaoying Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - ChaoJia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Peng Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Jinghui Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary SurgeryQilu Hospital of Shandong University, JinanShandong250012China
| | - Nailin Li
- Karolinska InstituteDepartment of Medicine‐SolnaClinical Pharmacology GroupStockholm17176Sweden
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and ImmunologyInstitute of Medical VirologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430072China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of ImmunologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo Medical CollegeShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012China
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Zhao Y, Gao L, Jiang C, Chen J, Qin Z, Zhong F, Yan Y, Tong R, Zhou M, Yuan A, Pu J. The transcription factor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 alleviates NASH by transcriptional activation of phosphatase and tensin homolog. Hepatology 2022; 75:939-954. [PMID: 34545586 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NASH, which is a common clinical condition predisposing to advanced liver diseases, has become a worldwide epidemic. A large and growing unmet therapeutic need for this condition reflects incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis. In the current study, we identified a transcription factor, zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2), in hepatocytes as a protective factor against steatohepatitis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We found that hepatic ZHX2 was significantly suppressed in NASH models and steatotic hepatic cells. Hepatocyte-specific ablation of ZHX2 exacerbated NASH-related phenotypes in mice, including lipid accumulation, enhanced inflammation, and hepatic fibrosis. Conversely, hepatocyte-specific overexpression of ZHX2 significantly alleviated the progression of NASH in an experimental setting. Integrated analysis of transcriptomic profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data demonstrated that the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was a target gene of ZHX2 in hepatocyte. ZHX2 bound to the promoter of PTEN gene and subsequently promoted the transcription of PTEN, which mediated the beneficial role of ZHX2 against NASH. CONCLUSIONS The current findings demonstrate a protective role of ZHX2 against NASH progression by transcriptionally activating PTEN. These findings shed light on the therapeutic potential of targeting ZHX2 for treating NASH and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Lingchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Chenglin Jiang
- Graduate School of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Jianqing Chen
- Graduate School of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Zihan Qin
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Fangyuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Renyang Tong
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Meng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Ancai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Jun Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related GenesDivision of CardiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai Cancer InstituteShanghaiChina
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20
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Alqahtani K, Taylor CC, Wood HM, Gusnanto A. Sparse modelling of cancer patients' survival based on genomic copy number alterations. J Biomed Inform 2022; 128:104025. [PMID: 35181494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2022.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Copy number alterations (CNA) are structural variation in the genome, in which some regions exhibit more or less than the normal two chromosomal copies. This genomic CNA profile provides critical information in tumour progression and is therefore informative for patients' survival. It is currently a statistical challenge to model patients' survival using their genomic CNA profiles while at the same time identify regions in the genome that are associated with patients' survival. Some methods have been proposed, including Cox proportional hazard (PH) model with ridge, lasso, or elastic net penalties. However, these methods do not take the general dependencies between genomic regions into account and produce results that are difficult to interpret. In this paper, we extend the elastic net penalty by introducing additional penalty that takes into account general dependencies between genomic regions. This new model produces smooth parameter estimates while simultaneously performs variable selection via sparse solution. The results indicate that the proposed method shows a better prediction performance than other models in our simulation study, while enabling us to investigate regions in the genome that are associated with the patients' survival with sensible interpretation. We illustrate the method using a real dataset from a lung cancer cohort and simulated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alqahtani
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Humanitarian Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Charles C Taylor
- Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Henry M Wood
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF
| | - Arief Gusnanto
- Department of Statistics, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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21
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Zhang Y, Sun M, Gao L, Liang X, Ma C, Lu J, Yue X. ZHX2 inhibits thyroid cancer metastasis through transcriptional inhibition of S100A14. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:76. [PMID: 35151335 PMCID: PMC8840030 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02499-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant endocrine tumour, and metastasis has become the main reason for treatment failure. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of thyroid cancer metastasis remains poorly understood. We investigated the role of the tumour suppressor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in the metastasis of thyroid cancer. Methods To study the role of ZHX2 in thyroid cancer metastasis, we evaluated the EMT process using cell migration, wound healing and lung metastatic tumour formation in vitro and in vivo models. Results ZHX2 expression was significantly decreased in thyroid cancer tissues, which correlated with poor prognosis of thyroid cancer patients. ZHX2 knockdown significantly promoted the migration of thyroid cancer cells. Mechanistically, ZHX2 associated with the S100 calcium binding protein A14 (S100A14) promoter to decrease the transcription of S100A14. Moreover, S100A14 was highly expressed in human thyroid cancer samples, and its expression negatively correlated with ZHX2 expression. Conclusions Inhibition of S100A14 attenuated the ZHX2 knockdown-induced enhanced metastasis of thyroid cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The evidence presented here suggests that ZHX2 inhibits the progression of thyroid cancer by blocking S100A14-mediated metastasis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02499-w.
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22
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Fang W, Liao C, Shi R, Simon JM, Ptacek TS, Zurlo G, Ye Y, Han L, Fan C, Bao L, Ortiz CL, Lin HR, Manocha U, Luo W, Peng Y, Kim WY, Yang LW, Zhang Q. ZHX2 promotes HIF1α oncogenic signaling in triple-negative breast cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e70412. [PMID: 34779768 PMCID: PMC8673836 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly lethal disease, which warrants the critical need to identify new therapeutic targets. We show that Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) is amplified or overexpressed in TNBC cell lines and patients. Functionally, depletion of ZHX2 inhibited TNBC cell growth and invasion in vitro, orthotopic tumor growth, and spontaneous lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, ZHX2 bound with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) family members and positively regulated HIF1α activity in TNBC. Integrated ChIP-seq and gene expression profiling demonstrated that ZHX2 co-occupied with HIF1α on transcriptionally active promoters marked by H3K4me3 and H3K27ac, thereby promoting gene expression. Among the identified ZHX2 and HIF1α coregulated genes, overexpression of AP2B1, COX20, KDM3A, or PTGES3L could partially rescue TNBC cell growth defect by ZHX2 depletion, suggested that these downstream targets contribute to the oncogenic role of ZHX2 in an accumulative fashion. Furthermore, multiple residues (R491, R581, and R674) on ZHX2 are important in regulating its phenotype, which correspond with their roles on controlling ZHX2 transcriptional activity in TNBC cells. These studies establish that ZHX2 activates oncogenic HIF1α signaling, therefore serving as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentong Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
| | - Chengheng Liao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Rachel Shi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
- Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center; University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillUnited States
| | - Travis S Ptacek
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
- UNC Neuroscience Center, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Giada Zurlo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Youqiong Ye
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Leng Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical SchoolHoustonUnited States
| | - Cheng Fan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
| | - Lei Bao
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Christopher Llynard Ortiz
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of ChemistryAcademia SinicaTaiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing-Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Hong-Rui Lin
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Ujjawal Manocha
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
| | - Weibo Luo
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
| | - William Y Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel hillUnited States
| | - Lee-Wei Yang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of ChemistryAcademia SinicaTaiwan
- Physics Division, National Center for Theoretical SciencesHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasUnited States
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23
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Tan S, Guo X, Li M, Wang T, Wang Z, Li C, Wu Z, Li N, Gao L, Liang X, Ma C. Transcription factor Zhx2 restricts NK cell maturation and suppresses their antitumor immunity. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20210009. [PMID: 34279541 PMCID: PMC8292132 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The maturation and functional competence of natural killer (NK) cells is a tightly controlled process that relies on transcription factors (TFs). Here, we identify transcriptional repressor zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2) as a novel regulator that restricts NK cell maturation and function. Mice with Zhx2 conditional deletion in NK cells (Zhx2Δ/Δ) showed accumulation of matured NK cells. Loss of Zhx2 enhanced NK cell survival and NK cell response to IL-15. Transcriptomic analysis revealed Zeb2, a key TF in NK cell terminal maturation, as a direct downstream target of Zhx2. Therapeutically, transfer of Zhx2-deficient NK cells resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in different murine models. Our findings collectively unmask a previously unrecognized role of Zhx2 as a novel negative regulator in NK cell maturation and highlight its therapeutic potential as a promising strategy to enhance NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Tan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaowei Guo
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nailin Li
- Clinical Pharmacology Group, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy in Universities of Shandong, Jinan, Shandong, China
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24
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Maciel NIG, Filiú-Braga LDC, Neves FAR, Rego EM, Lucena-Araujo AR, Saldanha-Araujo F. Low expression of ZHX1 and ZHX2 impacts on the prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Biomark Res 2021; 9:10. [PMID: 33541423 PMCID: PMC7863484 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00263-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence points to the role of Zinc fingers and homeoboxes protein 1 and 2 (ZHX1 and ZHX2) in the development and progression of several types of cancer, including hematological malignancies. Here, we determined whether the altered expression of ZHX1 and ZHX2 has clinical implications in patients with CLL. Interestingly, CLL patients with low expression ZHX1 and ZHX2 presented higher WBC counts. Importantly, our data showed that CLL patients with cytogenetic alterations presented reduced transcriptional levels of ZHX1 and ZHX2 in comparison with patients with normal karyotype. Moreover, when stratifying CLL patients according to the karyotype prognosis value, we observed that the expression of ZHX1 and ZHX2 was significantly reduced in CLL patients presenting adverse karyotypes. Finally, we stratified patients according to the number of chromosomal aberrations and observed a negative association between ZHX1 and ZHX2 expression and the accumulation of chromosomal abnormalities in CLL patients. Our data showed that the low expression of ZHX1 and ZHX2 is associated with a worse prognosis in CLL, followed by a greater number of leukemic cells and unfavorable cytogenetics findings in the diagnosis. Further studies will be important to confirm the prognostic value of ZHX1 and ZHX2 in independent CLL cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália Ioseph Gladistone Maciel
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil.,Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Francisco Assis Rocha Neves
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Magalhaes Rego
- Laboratório de Hematologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14.048-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Roberto Lucena-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, Recife, PE, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF, 70.910-900, Brazil.
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25
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Yu S, Ruan X, Liu X, Zhang F, Wang D, Liu Y, Yang C, Shao L, Liu Q, Zhu L, Lin Y, Xue Y. HNRNPD interacts with ZHX2 regulating the vasculogenic mimicry formation of glioma cells via linc00707/miR-651-3p/SP2 axis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:153. [PMID: 33542193 PMCID: PMC7862279 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies have found that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are dysfunctional and play a significant regulatory role in the development of glioma. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the previous studies, we selected heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (HNRNPD) as the research candidate and sought its downstream targeted genes. In the present study, HNRNPD, linc00707, and specific protein 2 (SP2) were highly expressed, while zinc fingers and homeboxes 2 (ZHX2) and miR-651-3p were remarkedly downregulated in glioma tissues and cells. HNRNPD, linc00707, and SP2 knockdown or ZHX2 and miR-651-3p overexpression suppressed glioma cells proliferation, migration, and invasion and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation. Knockdown of HNRNPD increased the stability of ZHX2 mRNA. ZHX2 bound to the promoter region of linc00707 and negatively regulate its expression. Linc00707 could bind with miR-651-3p, while miR-651-3p bound to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of SP2 mRNA to negatively regulate its expression. The transcription factor SP2 directly bound to the promoter regions of the VM formation-related proteins MMP2, MMP9, and VE-cadherin, playing a role in promoting transcription in order to regulate the VM formation ability of glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifei Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelei Ruan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Research Center for Translational Medicine in Nervous System Disease, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Research Center for Translational Medicine in Nervous System Disease, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Research Center for Translational Medicine in Nervous System Disease, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunqing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Liaoning Research Center for Translational Medicine in Nervous System Disease, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Neuro-oncology in Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianqi Shao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianshuo Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Yang L, Yang Y, Li Y. Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cells via Targeting ERK Signaling Pathway. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:65-74. [PMID: 33442295 PMCID: PMC7800458 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s282417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the effect and potential mechanism of LKB1 on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. Material and Methods A549 cells were divided into control group, LKB1 negative control (NC) group, LKB1 group, ERK inhibitor group and LKB1 + ERK activator group. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Transwell assay was used to analyze the invasion ability of A549 cells. The expression of apoptosis and ERK signaling pathway-related proteins were studied by Western blot. Furthermore, a nude mouse xenograft model was constructed and treated with LKB1, ERK inhibitor and activator, respectively. The tumor volume and tumor weight were measured. Immunohistochemistry was used to test the expression of Ki-67 protein in tumor tissues, and TUNEL staining was used to test the apoptosis. Moreover, Western blot was used to detect ERK signaling pathway-related proteins in tumor tissues. Results Compared with control and NC groups, cell proliferation and invasion were inhibited in ERK inhibitor and LKB1 groups, while apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins were increased (p < 0.05). Further study showed that ERK activator can reverse the effect of LKB1 in A549 cells. In nude mice, ERK inhibitor and LKB1 can reduce cell tumorigenicity and inhibit proliferation. Apoptosis was increased by ERK inhibitor and LKB1 treatment. Western blot showed that LKB1 and ERK inhibitor could reduce the protein expression of p-ERK1/2. However, the indicators above were the opposite in the ERK activator group. Conclusion LKB1 overexpression can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of NSCLC A549 cells, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Tuberculosis, Shandong Provincial Chest Hospital, Jinan 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Shandong Provincial Chest Hospital, Jinan 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Oncology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai 264000, People's Republic of China
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Li Y, Li W, Lin J, Lv C, Qiao G. miR-146a Enhances the Sensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells to Paclitaxel by Downregulating IRAK1. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 37:624-635. [PMID: 33259730 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2020.3873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of miR-146a on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (PTX). Materials and Methods: The mRNA expressions of miR-146a in normal breast cancer cells, MCF-7, and PTX-resistant breast cancer cells, MCF-7/PTX, were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MTS was used to analyze the cytotoxicity treated with different concentrations of PTX. Overexpressed and silenced cell lines of miR-146a and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) were constructed, respectively. Cells were treated with PTX and observed the changes of cell morphology. Proliferation was detected by clone formation assay. Invasion and migration were measured by transwell. RT-PCR was applied to detect the expression of IRAK1 gene. Dual luciferase report was performed to validate the target relationship between miR-146a and IRAK1. Salvage experiments were used to further verify the relationship between miR-146a and IRAK1. Results: PTX reduces the viability of MCF-7 and MCF-7/PTX cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 of PTX in MCF-7 cells was significantly lower compared with MCF-7/PTX cells (p < 0.05). Compared with MCF-7/PTX cells, the expression of miR-146a gene in MCF-7 cells was significantly increased, while the expression of IRAK1 gene was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were decreased after miR-146a overexpression or IRAK1 silencing. Whereas, miR-146a silencing and IRAK1 overexpression can increase cell proliferation, invasion, and migration ability. Salvage experiments further verify that IRAK1 can weaken the role of miR-146a. Conclusion: miR-146a can enhance the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to PTX; the mechanism may be related to the downregulation of IRAK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Weilong Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Chunjing Lv
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Guangdong Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Yu X, Lin Q, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Wang T, Zhao S, Song X, Chen C, Wang Z, Xu L, Li C, Gao L, Liang X, Yue X, Ma C. ZHX2 inhibits SREBP1c-mediated de novo lipogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-24-3p. J Pathol 2020; 252:358-370. [PMID: 32770671 DOI: 10.1002/path.5530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Lipogenesis has been considered as a critical player in HCC initiation and progression. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. Here, we identified zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2), an HCC-associated tumor suppressor, as an important repressor of de novo lipogenesis. Ectopic expression of ZHX2 significantly inhibited de novo lipogenesis in HCC cells and decreased expression of FASN, ACL, ACC1, and SCD1. In accordance with this, ZHX2 was negatively associated with SREBP1c, the master regulator of de novo lipogenesis, in HCC cell lines and human specimens. Results from silencing and overexpression demonstrated that ZHX2 inhibited de novo lipogenesis and consequent HCC progression via repression of SREBP1c. Furthermore, treatment with the SREBP1c inhibitor fatostatin dampened the spontaneous formation of tumors in liver-specific Zhx2 knockout mice. Mechanistically, ZHX2 increased expression of miR-24-3p transcriptionally, which targeted SREBP1c and led to its degradation. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel mechanism through which ZHX2 suppresses HCC progression, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of HCC. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangguo Yu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Qinghai Lin
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Songbai Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Leiqi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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You Y, Bai F, Li H, Ma Y, Yao L, Hu J, Tian Y. Prognostic value and therapeutic implications of ZHX family member expression in human gastric cancer. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:3376-3388. [PMID: 32774706 PMCID: PMC7407748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the early diagnosis and effective treatment of gastric cancer, it remains the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The zinc-fingers and homeoboxes (ZHX) family of transcriptional repressors has been shown to play a role in multiple types of cancer. However, the prognostic significance of ZHX expression in patients with gastric cancer remains unclear. This work studied the association between differential expression of ZHX mRNA and outcomes in patients with gastric cancer using data from the Oncomine, CCLE, Kaplan-Meier-plotter, and cBioPortal databases. Expression of ZHX3 protein was also measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gastric cancer tissues. We found that increased expression of ZHX1 mRNA and decreased expression of ZHX2 and ZHX3 were correlated with better overall survival (OS) in patients with gastric cancer. Further subgroup analyses identified significant associations between ZHX1 expression and survival in select gastric cancer patients. IHC staining confirmed that the over-expression of ZHX3 was associated with worse OS, and multivariate analyses identified ZHX3 expression as an independent prognostic factor. These results suggest that the ZHX family members may serve as distinct biomarkers and prognostic factors for patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
| | - Feihu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
| | - Haijun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second People’s Hospital of NeijiangNeijiang 641003, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
| | - Li Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
| | - Jinpeng Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yonggang Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, People’s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous RegionYinchuan 750021, China
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Tian X, Wang Y, Li S, Yue W, Tian H. ZHX2 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of human lung cancer cells through targeting p38MAPK pathway. Cancer Biomark 2020; 27:75-84. [PMID: 31683461 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-190514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of ZHX2 on lung cancer cells proliferation and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of ZHX2 were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The human lung cancer cells were divided into Control, NC, ZHX2, SB, and ZHX2 + Ani groups. The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell migration and invasion were detected by Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis and p38MAPK signaling pathway related proteins were detected by western blot. The nude mice model of lung cancer xenograft was constructed. The tumor volume and tumor weight were measured. The expression of PCNA protein in tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The apoptosis of tumor cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The ZHX2 and p38MAPK signaling pathway related proteins in tumor tissues were detected by western blot. RESULTS The expression of ZHX2 gene and protein in the cancer cell lines were significantly decreased. Compared with control and NC groups, the cells proliferation, migration and invasion were inhibited in ZHX2 and SB groups, while the apoptosis and apoptosis related proteins were increased (p< 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with ZHX2 group, the tumor growth rate, volume, weight, the percentage of PCNA-positive cells, and p-P38 MAPK/P38 MAPK were increased significantly in ZHX2 + Ani group, while the apoptotic index and the expression of MMP-9 protein were significantly decreased (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION ZHX2 could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong 252000, China
| | - Shuhai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Weiming Yue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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ZHX2 drives cell growth and migration via activating MEK/ERK signal and induces Sunitinib resistance by regulating the autophagy in clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:337. [PMID: 32382017 PMCID: PMC7206010 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2541-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) was found as a novel VHL substrate target, and acted as an oncogenic driver in ccRCC. However, the detailed mechanism of ZHX2 in ccRCC development remains elusive, and no research has focused on studying ZHX2 in drug resistance yet. A tissue microarray with 358 ccRCC samples was used to determine the expression of ZHX2 in ccRCC patients. VHL-deficient cell line 786-O and VHL-normal cell line CAKI-1 was used for lineage reprogramming by transfecting with lentivirus. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed with these new cell lines to determine the mechanism of ZHX2 in ccRCC development and drug resistance. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that ZHX2 was not highly expressed in ccRCC tumor tissues, only 33.2% (119/358) patients have high ZHX2 expression. However, high ZHX2 was significantly associated with advanced Fuhrman grade (p = 0.004), and proved to be an independent prognosis factor for progression-free survival (p = 0.0003), while there is no significant correlation with overall survival. We further discovered that ZHX2 overexpression could increase VEGF secretion and transcriptional activate the MEK/ERK1/2 and promote its downstream targets. We also found ZHX2 overexpression induce Sunitinib resistance though activating autophagy and the combination treatment of Sunitinib and Chloroquine could significantly rescue the phenomenon. In summary, these results indicate that ZHX2 drivers cell growth, migration though increase VEGF expression, and transcriptional activate MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and could induce Sunitinib resistance by regulating self-protective autophagy, these may provide new insight in advanced ccRCC treatment.
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Wang Z, Kong L, Tan S, Zhang Y, Song X, Wang T, Lin Q, Wu Z, Xiang P, Li C, Gao L, Liang X, Ma C. Zhx2 Accelerates Sepsis by Promoting Macrophage Glycolysis via Pfkfb3. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2232-2241. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Nail AN, Smith JJ, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Evolutionary Analysis of the Zinc Finger and Homeoboxes Family of Proteins Identifies Multiple Conserved Domains and a Common Early Chordate Ancestor. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:174-184. [PMID: 32125369 PMCID: PMC7144352 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Zinc Fingers and Homeoboxes (Zhx) proteins, Zhx1, Zhx2, and Zhx3, comprise a small family of proteins containing two amino-terminal C2–H2 zinc fingers and four or five carboxy-terminal homeodomains. These multiple homeodomains make Zhx proteins unusual because the majority of homeodomain-containing proteins contain a single homeodomain. Studies in cultured cells and mice suggest that Zhx proteins can function as positive or negative transcriptional regulators. Zhx2 regulates numerous hepatic genes, and all three Zhx proteins have been implicated in different cancers. Because Zhx proteins contain multiple predicted homeodomains, are associated with interesting physiological traits, and seem to be only present in the vertebrate lineage, we investigated the evolutionary history of this small family by comparing Zhx homologs from a wide range of chordates. This analysis indicates that the zinc finger motifs and homeodomains are highly similar among all Zhx proteins and also identifies additional Zhx-specific conserved regions, including a 13 amino acid amino-terminal motif that is nearly identical among all gnathostome Zhx proteins. We found single Zhx proteins in the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and in the nonvertebrate chordates sea squirt (Ciona intestinalis) and lancelet (Branchiostoma floridae); these Zhx proteins are most similar to gnathostome Zhx3. Based on our analyses, we propose that a duplication of the primordial Zhx gene gave rise to Zhx3 and the precursor to Zhx1 and Zhx2. A subsequent tandem duplication of this precursor generated Zhx1 and Zhx2 found in gnathostomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Nail
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky
| | - Jeramiah J Smith
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
| | - Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
| | - Brett T Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky
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Lin Q, Wu Z, Yue X, Yu X, Wang Z, Song X, Xu L, He Y, Ge Y, Tan S, Wang T, Song H, Yuan D, Gong Y, Gao L, Liang X, Ma C. ZHX2 restricts hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing stem cell-like traits through KDM2A-mediated H3K36 demethylation. EBioMedicine 2020; 53:102676. [PMID: 32114388 PMCID: PMC7047184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) are critical determinants of HCC relapse and therapeutic resistance, but the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of CSCs are poorly understood. We aimed to explore the role of tumor repressor Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in liver CSCs. Methods CD133+ or EPCAM+ stem-like liver cancer cells were sorted from tumor tissues of HCC patients and HCC cell lines by flow cytometry. In addition, sorafenib-resistant cells, tumor-sphere forming cells and side population (SP) cells were respectively cultured and isolated as hepatic CSCs. The tumor-initiating and chemoresistance properties of ZHX2-overexpressing and ZHX2-knockdown cells were analyzed in vivo and in vitro. Microarray, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-on-chip analyses were performed to explore ZHX2 target genes. The expression of ZHX2 and its target gene were determined by quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining in hepatoma cells and tumor and adjacent tissues from HCC patients. Results ZHX2 expression was significantly reduced in liver CSCs from different origins. ZHX2 deficiency led to enhanced liver tumor progression and expansion of CSC populations in vitro and in vivo. Re-expression of ZHX2 restricted capabilities of hepatic CSCs in supporting tumor initiation, self-renewal and sorafenib-resistance. Mechanically, ZHX2 suppressed liver CSCs via inhibiting KDM2A-mediated demethylation of histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) at the promoter regions of stemness-associated transcription factors, such as NANOG, SOX4 and OCT4. Moreover, patients with lower expression of ZHX2 and higher expression of KDM2A in tumor tissues showed significantly poorer survival. Conclusion ZHX2 counteracts stem cell traits through transcriptionally repressing KDM2A in HCC. Our data will aid in a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying HCC relapse and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghai Lin
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Xiangguo Yu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Leiqi Xu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ying He
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yutong Ge
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Siyu Tan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Hui Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Detian Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Sciences, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, PR China; Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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Wu C, He L, Wei Q, Li Q, Jiang L, Zhao L, Wang C, Li J, Wei M. Bioinformatic profiling identifies a platinum-resistant-related risk signature for ovarian cancer. Cancer Med 2020; 9:1242-1253. [PMID: 31856408 PMCID: PMC6997076 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Most high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy and recur. Many biomarkers related to the survival and prognosis of drug-resistant patients have been delved by mining databases; however, the prediction effect of single-gene biomarker is not specific and sensitive enough. The present study aimed to develop a novel prognostic gene signature of platinum-based resistance for patients with HGSOC. The gene expression profiles were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A total of 269 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with platinum resistance were identified (P < .05, fold change >1.5). Functional analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly involved in apoptosis process, PI3K-Akt pathway. Furthermore, we established a set of seven-gene signature that was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) in the test series. Compared with the low-risk score group, patients with a high-risk score suffered poorer OS (P < .001). The area under the curve (AUC) was found to be 0.710, which means the risk score had a certain accuracy on predicting OS in HGSOC (AUC > 0.7). Surprisingly, the risk score was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for HGSOC (P < .001). Subgroup analyses suggested that the risk score had a greater prognostic value for patients with grade 3-4, stage III-IV, venous invasion and objective response. In conclusion, we developed a seven-gene signature relating to platinum resistance, which can predict survival for HGSOC and provide novel insights into understanding of platinum resistance mechanisms and identification of HGSOC patients with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Wu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Linxiu He
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Qian Li
- Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteCancer Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Longyang Jiang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Lan Zhao
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteCancer Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
| | - Jianping Li
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Blood CenterLiaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Blood Safety ResearchShenyangChina
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of PharmacologySchool of PharmacyChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti‐Tumor Drug Development and EvaluationChina Medical UniversityShenyang CityChina
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Yang R, Du Y, Wang L, Chen Z, Liu X. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identifies CCNA2 as a treatment target of prostate cancer through inhibiting cell cycle. J Cancer 2020; 11:1203-1211. [PMID: 31956366 PMCID: PMC6959059 DOI: 10.7150/jca.38173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor disease that seriously harms the lives of middle-aged and elderly men. Weighted gene co-expression analysis can be used to construct gene co-expression networks to explore gene sets and genes that are significantly correlated with clinical features. In this study, the transcriptome data of prostate cancer on TCGA was analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network, and the gene with a significant correlation with disease Gleason stage and tumor T stage was identified: CCNA2. CCNA2 was significantly associated with biochemical recurrence, disease-free survival and overall survival rate of prostate cancer. The ability of cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis was decreased after down-regulated expression of CCNA2 in prostate cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry revealed that tumor cells were arrested in the S phase after down-regulated the expression of CCNA2. Taken together, we used WGCNA and obtain a gene CCNA2 which is significantly associated with the prognosis of prostate cancer, which may be an indicator of the prognosis of prostate cancer and a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Department of Urology, Ren min Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Urology, Ren min Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Ren min Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Ren min Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Ren min Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
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Ke J, Peng X, Mei S, Tian J, Ying P, Yang N, Wang X, Zou D, Yang Y, Zhu Y, Gong Y, Gong J, Zhong R, Chang J, Fang Z, Miao X. Evaluation of polymorphisms in microRNA-binding sites and pancreatic cancer risk in Chinese population. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 24:2252-2259. [PMID: 31880394 PMCID: PMC7011162 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As promising biomarkers and therapy targets, microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various physiological and tumorigenic processes. Genetic variants in miRNA‐binding sites can lead to dysfunction of miRNAs and contribute to disease. However, systematic investigation of the miRNA‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for pancreatic cancer (PC) risk remains elusive. We performed integrative bioinformatics analyses to select 31 SNPs located in miRNA‐target binding sites using the miRNASNP v2.0, a solid database providing miRNA‐related SNPs for genetic research, and investigated their associations with risk of PC in two large case‐control studies totally including 1847 cases and 5713 controls. We observed that the SNP rs3802266 is significantly associated with increased risk of PC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.11‐1.31, P = 1.29E‐05). Following luciferase reporter gene assays show that rs3802266‐G creates a stronger binding site for miR‐181a‐2‐3p in 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the gene ZHX2. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis suggests that ZHX2 expression is lower in individuals carrying rs3802266‐G with increased PC risk. In conclusion, our findings highlight the involvement of miRNA‐binding SNPs in PC susceptibility and provide new clues for PC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiating Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shufang Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pingting Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danyi Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Gong
- College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zemin Fang
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment & Health (Ministry of Education), Ministry of Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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38
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Wu Z, Ma H, Wang L, Song X, Zhang J, Liu W, Ge Y, Sun Y, Yu X, Wang Z, Wang J, Zhang Y, Li C, Li N, Gao L, Liang X, Yue X, Ma C. Tumor suppressor ZHX2 inhibits NAFLD-HCC progression via blocking LPL-mediated lipid uptake. Cell Death Differ 2019; 27:1693-1708. [PMID: 31740790 PMCID: PMC7206072 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the tumor suppressor Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in the progression of NAFLD to HCC. ZHX2 expression was significantly decreased in fatty liver tissues, especially in the liver with NAFLD–HCC. ZHX2 overexpression disturbed lipid homeostasis of cultured HCC cells, and inhibited lipid deposition in hepatocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ZHX2 inhibited uptake of exogenous lipids through transcriptional suppression of lipid lipase (LPL), leading to retarded proliferation of HCC cells. Importantly, LPL overexpression significantly reversed ZHX2-mediated inhibition of HCC cell proliferation, xenograft tumor growth, lipid deposition, and spontaneous liver tumor formation. Consistently, IHC staining demonstrated a negative correlation of ZHX2 with LPL in an HCC cohort. Collectively, ZHX2 protects hepatocytes from abnormal lipid deposition in NAFLD through transcriptional repression of LPL, which subsequently retards cell growth and NAFLD–HCC progression. These findings illustrate a novel mechanism of NAFLD progression into HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Hongxin Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.,Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Cancer Hospital & Institute Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Wen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yutong Ge
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiangguo Yu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Nailin Li
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine-Solna, Clinical Pharmacology Group, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, PR China.
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Clinkenbeard EL, Turpin C, Jiang J, Peterson ML, Spear BT. Liver size and lipid content differences between BALB/c and BALB/cJ mice on a high-fat diet are due, in part, to Zhx2. Mamm Genome 2019; 30:226-236. [PMID: 31321500 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-019-09811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BALB/cJ mice exhibit considerable phenotypic differences with other BALB/c substrains. Some of these traits involve the liver, including persistent postnatal expression of genes that are normally expressed only in the fetal liver and reduced expression of major urinary proteins. These traits are due to a mutation that dramatically reduces expression of the gene encoding the transcription factor Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (Zhx2). BALB/cJ mice also exhibit reduced serum lipid levels and resistance to atherosclerosis compared to other mouse strains when placed on a high-fat diet. This trait is also due, at least in part, to the Zhx2 mutation. Microarray analysis identified many genes affecting lipid homeostasis, including Lipoprotein lipase, that are dysregulated in BALB/cJ liver. This led us to investigate whether hepatic lipid levels would be different between BALB/cJ and BALB/c mice when placed on a normal chow or a high-fat chow diet. On the high-fat chow, BALB/cJ mice had increased weight gain, increased liver:body weight ratio, elevated hepatic lipid accumulation and markers of liver damage when compared to BALB/c mice. These traits in BALB/cJ mice were only partially reversed by a hepatocyte-specific Zhx2 transgene. These data indicate that Zhx2 reduces liver lipid levels and is hepatoprotective in mice on a high-fat diet, but the partial rescue by the Zhx2 transgene suggests a contribution by both parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells. A model to account for the cardiovascular and liver phenotype in mice with reduced Zhx2 levels is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Clinkenbeard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Courtney Turpin
- Department of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jieyun Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Martha L Peterson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Brett T Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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40
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Strowitzki MJ, Cummins EP, Taylor CT. Protein Hydroxylation by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) Hydroxylases: Unique or Ubiquitous? Cells 2019; 8:cells8050384. [PMID: 31035491 PMCID: PMC6562979 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All metazoans that utilize molecular oxygen (O2) for metabolic purposes have the capacity to adapt to hypoxia, the condition that arises when O2 demand exceeds supply. This is mediated through activation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. At physiological oxygen levels (normoxia), HIF-prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) hydroxylate proline residues on HIF-α subunits leading to their destabilization by promoting ubiquitination by the von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) ubiquitin ligase and subsequent proteasomal degradation. HIF-α transactivation is also repressed in an O2-dependent way due to asparaginyl hydroxylation by the factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH). In hypoxia, the O2-dependent hydroxylation of HIF-α subunits by PHDs and FIH is reduced, resulting in HIF-α accumulation, dimerization with HIF-β and migration into the nucleus to induce an adaptive transcriptional response. Although HIFs are the canonical substrates for PHD- and FIH-mediated protein hydroxylation, increasing evidence indicates that these hydroxylases may also have alternative targets. In addition to PHD-conferred alterations in protein stability, there is now evidence that hydroxylation can affect protein activity and protein/protein interactions for alternative substrates. PHDs can be pharmacologically inhibited by a new class of drugs termed prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors which have recently been approved for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. The identification of alternative targets of HIF hydroxylases is important in order to fully elucidate the pharmacology of hydroxylase inhibitors (PHI). Despite significant technical advances, screening, detection and verification of alternative functional targets for PHDs and FIH remain challenging. In this review, we discuss recently proposed non-HIF targets for PHDs and FIH and provide an overview of the techniques used to identify these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz J Strowitzki
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Eoin P Cummins
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Cormac T Taylor
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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41
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Zhang G, Li X, Chen Q, Li J, Ruan Q, Chen YH, Yang X, Wan X. CD317 Activates EGFR by Regulating Its Association with Lipid Rafts. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2220-2231. [PMID: 30890618 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
EGFR regulates various fundamental cellular processes, and its constitutive activation is a common driver for cancer. Anti-EGFR therapies have shown benefit in cancer patients, yet drug resistance almost inevitably develops, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern EGFR activation. Here we report that CD317, a surface molecule with a unique topology, activated EGFR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells by regulating its localization on the plasma membrane. CD317 was upregulated in HCC cells, promoting cell-cycle progression and enhancing tumorigenic potential in a manner dependent on EGFR. Mechanistically, CD317 associated with lipid rafts and released EGFR from these ordered membrane domains, facilitating the activation of EGFR and the initiation of downstream signaling pathways, including the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK and JAK-STAT pathways. Moreover, in HCC mouse models and patient samples, upregulation of CD317 correlated with EGFR activation. These results reveal a previously unrecognized mode of regulation for EGFR and suggest CD317 as an alternative target for treating EGFR-driven malignancies. SIGNIFICANCE: Activation of EGFR by CD317 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells suggests CD317 as an alternative target for treating EGFR-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhong Zhang
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chen
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Junxin Li
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingguo Ruan
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Youhai H Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Fully Human Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
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42
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You Y, Ma Y, Wang Q, Ye Z, Deng Y, Bai F. Attenuated ZHX3 expression serves as a potential biomarker that predicts poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1199-1210. [PMID: 30787639 PMCID: PMC6368119 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s184340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ZHX family has recently been in the spotlight as an integrator and an indispensable node in carcinogenesis, whose expression is frequently dysregulated in multiple cancers. The current study provides a novel investigation of the expression profiles of ZHX factors in breast cancer. Materials and methods The mRNA levels of ZHXs and follow-up periods in breast cancer patients were mined through the Oncomine, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, bc-GenExMiner, cBioPortal and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases. In addition, ZHX3 protein expression was examined in 98 primary tumor samples by immunohistochemistry to investigate its association with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes. Results We found that the transcriptional levels of ZHX1, ZHX2 and ZHX3 were not significantly altered in tumor tissues compared with those in nontumor tissues. ZHX2 and ZHX3 mRNA levels were observed to be positively correlated with estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression, while ZHX2 mRNA levels were negatively associated with HER2 expression. Survival analyses revealed that high mRNA levels of ZHX2 and ZHX3 correlated with better overall survival in patients with breast cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that patients with decreased ZHX3 protein levels had poorer outcomes. Multivariate analysis exhibited that ZHX3 expression may serve as an independent high-risk prognostic predictor. Conclusion Dysregulated expression of ZHXs may be involved in the progression of breast cancer and could serve as a novel biomarker and potential target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie You
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Science and Education, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Zhengcai Ye
- Endoscopy Center, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
| | - Feihu Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Yinchuan 750021, China, ;
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Song X, Tan S, Wu Z, Xu L, Wang Z, Xu Y, Wang T, Gao C, Gong Y, Liang X, Gao L, Spear BT, Ma C. HBV suppresses ZHX2 expression to promote proliferation of HCC through miR-155 activation. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:3120-3130. [PMID: 29752719 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a complex process that includes both oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inhibition. The HBV X (HBx) protein has an important and complex role in processes leading to HCC. We previously identified the mammalian Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) gene as an HCC-associated tumor suppressor gene. In the present study, we investigated whether the oncogenic properties of HBV and, more specifically, HBx, involved ZHX2 silencing. Our data indicates that ZHX2 expression is significantly decreased in tumor tissues from HBV-positive HCC patients and livers from HBV transgenic mice. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that HBV-encoded proteins, particularly HBx, inhibits both the expression and tumor suppression properties of ZHX2. Further analyses identified miR-155, a well-known oncomiR in various cancers, as an important link between HBx and ZHX2 inhibition. Increased miR-155 levels were found in HBV-positive tumors, livers of HBV transgenic mice and HBx-overexpressing hepatoma cell lines. MiR-155 overexpression reduced ZHX2 levels via miR-155 seed sites in the ZHX2 3'UTR, whereas blocking miR-155 levels led to increased ZHX2 levels. Taken together, our data indicate that HCC-promoting properties of HBV may include ZHX2 silencing via a miR-155 dependent pathway and suggests a novel therapy for HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Tan
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Leiqi Xu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Genetics, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Brett T Spear
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Lexington, KY.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Shandong University School of Basic Medical Science, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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44
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Zhang J, Wu T, Simon J, Takada M, Saito R, Fan C, Liu XD, Jonasch E, Xie L, Chen X, Yao X, Teh BT, Tan P, Zheng X, Li M, Lawrence C, Fan J, Geng J, Liu X, Hu L, Wang J, Liao C, Hong K, Zurlo G, Parker JS, Auman JT, Perou CM, Rathmell WK, Kim WY, Kirschner MW, Kaelin WG, Baldwin AS, Zhang Q. VHL substrate transcription factor ZHX2 as an oncogenic driver in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Science 2018; 361:290-295. [PMID: 30026228 DOI: 10.1126/science.aap8411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase protein is a hallmark of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Identifying how pathways affected by VHL loss contribute to ccRCC remains challenging. We used a genome-wide in vitro expression strategy to identify proteins that bind VHL when hydroxylated. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) was found as a VHL target, and its hydroxylation allowed VHL to regulate its protein stability. Tumor cells from ccRCC patients with VHL loss-of-function mutations usually had increased abundance and nuclear localization of ZHX2. Functionally, depletion of ZHX2 inhibited VHL-deficient ccRCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, integrated chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and microarray analysis showed that ZHX2 promoted nuclear factor κB activation. These studies reveal ZHX2 as a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremy Simon
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Genetics, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mamoru Takada
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ryoichi Saito
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cheng Fan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xian-De Liu
- Departments of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric Jonasch
- Departments of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ling Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Xiaosai Yao
- Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Bin Tean Teh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore.,Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Department of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Patrick Tan
- Cancer Therapeutics and Stratified Oncology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Xingnan Zheng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mingjie Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cortney Lawrence
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Geng
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lianxin Hu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Chengheng Liao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kai Hong
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giada Zurlo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joel S Parker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J Todd Auman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - W Kimryn Rathmell
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - William Y Kim
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Marc W Kirschner
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William G Kaelin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Albert S Baldwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Qing Zhang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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45
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Kawamura Y, Yamanaka K, Poh B, Kuribayashi H, Koso H, Watanabe S. The role of Zhx2 transcription factor in bipolar cell differentiation during mouse retinal development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:3023-3030. [PMID: 30146259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We found that the Zhx2 gene (whose product is known to act as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma) is expressed in embryonic retinal progenitors and in developing cone bipolar cells in the postnatal retina, as well as in Müller glia in the mature retina. To examine the functions of Zhx2 protein during retinal development, we performed loss- and gain-of-function analyses using a retinal explant culture system. We introduced a plasmid encoding Zhx2 shRNA into isolated mouse retinas at E17.5, and the retinas were cultured as explants. After 3 days of culture, proliferation was slightly enhanced, leading to retinas thicker than in the control, but this phenomenon was observed only transiently. After 14 days of the culture, the thickness and gross morphology of retinas expressing sh-Zhx2 were indistinguishable from those of the control. The numbers of rod cells, amacrine cells, and Müller glia were the same in both groups. However, although the total number of bipolar cells was the same, the experimental group saw an increased population of ON bipolar cells, and decreased numbers of a subset of OFF bipolar cells. We also examined the effects of overexpression of Zhx2. Although Zhx2 acts as a tumor suppressor, its overexpression in developing retinas did not lead to any discernible difference in retinal thickness, suggesting that proliferation activity was not affected. After 14 days of explant culture, the total number of bipolar cells decreased, and subset composition was altered. Taken together, these results suggest that Zhx2 plays roles in the regulation of bipolar cell subset fate determination during retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Kawamura
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyohei Yamanaka
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Boonmin Poh
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kuribayashi
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideto Koso
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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46
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Erbilgin A, Seldin MM, Wu X, Mehrabian M, Zhou Z, Qi H, Dabirian KS, Sevag Packard RR, Hsieh W, Bensinger SJ, Sinha S, Lusis AJ. Transcription Factor Zhx2 Deficiency Reduces Atherosclerosis and Promotes Macrophage Apoptosis in Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2018; 38:2016-2027. [PMID: 30026271 PMCID: PMC6202168 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective- The objective of this study was to determine the basis of resistance to atherosclerosis of inbred mouse strain BALB/cJ. Approach and Results- BALB/cJ mice carry a naturally occurring null mutation of the gene encoding the transcription factor Zhx2, and genetic analyses suggested that this may confer resistance to atherosclerosis. On a hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor null background, BALB/cJ mice carrying the mutant allele for Zhx2 exhibited up to a 10-fold reduction in lesion size as compared with an isogenic strain carrying the wild-type allele. Several lines of evidence, including bone marrow transplantation studies, indicate that this effect of Zhx2 is mediated, in part, by monocytes/macrophages although nonbone marrow-derived pathways are clearly involved as well. Both in culture and in atherosclerotic lesions, macrophages from Zhx2 null mice exhibited substantially increased apoptosis. Zhx2 null macrophages were also enriched for M2 markers. Effects of Zhx2 on proliferation and other bone marrow-derived cells, such as lymphocytes, were at most modest. Expression microarray analyses identified >1000 differentially expressed transcripts between Zhx2 wild-type and null macrophages. To identify the global targets of Zhx2, we performed ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing) studies with the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. The ChIP-seq peaks overlapped significantly with gene expression and together suggested roles for transcriptional repression and apoptosis. Conclusions- A mutation of Zhx2 carried in BALB/cJ mice is responsible in large part for its relative resistance to atherosclerosis. Our results indicate that Zhx2 promotes macrophage survival and proinflammatory functions in atherosclerotic lesions, thereby contributing to lesion growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca Erbilgin
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marcus M. Seldin
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiuju Wu
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Margarete Mehrabian
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongxiu Qi
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Keeyon S. Dabirian
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - René R. Sevag Packard
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wei Hsieh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steven J. Bensinger
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Aldons J. Lusis
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Sanchez
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA. .,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
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48
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Xu L, Wu Z, Tan S, Wang Z, Lin Q, Li X, Song X, Liu Y, Song Y, Zhang J, Peng J, Gao L, Gong Y, Liang X, Zuo X, Ma C. Tumor suppressor ZHX2 restricts hepatitis B virus replication via epigenetic and non-epigenetic manners. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:114-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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49
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Luan F, Liu B, Zhang J, Cheng S, Zhang B, Wang Y. Correlation between HBV protein preS2 and tumor markers of hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:1037-1042. [PMID: 28869105 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and Glypican 3 (GPC3) are both oncogenes and reactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PreS2 has been proved to be an important transactivator in HCC. In this study, we aim to provide evidence that HBV protein preS2 is responsible for AFP and GPC3's reactivation in HCC. METHODS Totally Sixty-three cases of HCC, aged 34-79, who were surgically treated and pathologically confirmed were enrolled. The levels of AFP in peripheral serum were detected with electrochemical luminescence method before surgery. Levels of GPC3 in HCC samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Luciferase reporter assays were used to measure the effect of preS2 on AFP and GPC3 promoters. RESULTS AFP level and GPC3 but not albumin were significantly higher in preS2-positive HCC samples than preS2-negative HCC samples. And the preS2 protein expression was positively related with serum AFP level and GPC3 expression. Furtherly, dual luciferase assay showed that preS2 activated AFP and GPC3 promoter activity. CONCLUSION The expression of preS2 protein relates closely to HCC markers AFP and GPC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Luan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China
| | - Junguo Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China
| | - Shiqing Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China
| | - Bingchang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, PR China.
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50
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Design, synthesis and primary biological evaluation of the novel 2-pyridone derivatives as potent non-nucleoside HBV inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 136:144-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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