1
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Montano E, Bhatia N, Ostojić J. Biomarkers in Cutaneous Keratinocyte Carcinomas. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2024:10.1007/s13555-024-01233-w. [PMID: 39030446 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01233-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the USA, with over five million annually treated cases and one in five Americans predicted to develop the disease by the age of 70. Skin cancer can be classified as melanoma or non-melanoma (NMSC), the latter including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Development of BCC and SCC is impacted by environmental, behavioral, and genetic risk factors and the incidence is on the rise, with the associated number of deaths surpassing those caused by melanoma, according to recent reports. Substantial morbidity is related to both BCC and SCC, including disfigurement, loss of function, and chronic pain, driving high treatment costs, and representing a heavy financial burden to patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Clinical presentations of BCC and SCC can be diverse, sometimes carrying considerable phenotypic similarities to benign lesions, and underscoring the need for the development of disease-specific biomarkers. Skin biomarker profiling plays an important role in deeper disease understanding, as well as in guiding clinical diagnosis and patient management, prompting the use of both invasive and non-invasive tools to evaluate specific biomarkers. In this work, we review the known and emerging biomarkers of BCC and SCC, with a focus on molecular and histologic biomarkers relevant for aspects of patient management, including prevention/risk assessments, tumor diagnosis, and therapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Montano
- DermTech, Inc., 12340 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA, 92130, USA
| | - Neal Bhatia
- Therapeutics Clinical Research, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jelena Ostojić
- DermTech, Inc., 12340 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA, 92130, USA.
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2
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Bogale DE. The roles of FGFR3 and c-MYC in urothelial bladder cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:295. [PMID: 39031286 PMCID: PMC11264706 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers worldwide. At diagnosis, 75% of urothelial bladder cancer cases have non-muscle invasive bladder cancer while 25% have muscle invasive or metastatic disease. Aberrantly activated fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-3 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. Activating mutations of FGFR3 are observed in around 70% of NMIBC cases and ~ 15% of MIBCs. Activated FGFR3 leads to ligand-independent receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and survival. FGFR3 is an important therapeutic target in bladder cancer, and clinical studies have shown the benefit of FGFR inhibitors in a subset of bladder cancer patients. c-MYC is a well-known major driver of carcinogenesis and is one of the most commonly deregulated oncogenes identified in human cancers. Studies have shown that the antitumor effects of FGFR inhibition in FGFR3 dependent bladder cancer cells and other FGFR dependent cancers may be mediated through c-MYC, a key downstream effector of activated FGFR that is involved tumorigenesis. This review will summarize the current general understanding of FGFR signaling and MYC alterations in cancer, and the role of FGFR3 and MYC dysregulation in the pathogenesis of urothelial bladder cancer with the possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dereje E Bogale
- School of Medicine, Department of Oncology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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3
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Lee MS, Jui J, Sahu A, Goldman D. Mycb and Mych stimulate Müller glial cell reprogramming and proliferation in the uninjured and injured zebrafish retina. Development 2024; 151:dev203062. [PMID: 38984586 DOI: 10.1242/dev.203062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
In the injured zebrafish retina, Müller glial cells (MG) reprogram to adopt retinal stem cell properties and regenerate damaged neurons. The strongest zebrafish reprogramming factors might be good candidates for stimulating a similar regenerative response by mammalian MG. Myc proteins are potent reprogramming factors that can stimulate cellular plasticity in differentiated cells; however, their role in MG reprogramming and retina regeneration remains poorly explored. Here, we report that retinal injury stimulates mycb and mych expression and that, although both Mycb and Mych stimulate MG reprogramming and proliferation, only Mych enhances retinal neuron apoptosis. RNA-sequencing analysis of wild-type, mychmut and mycbmut fish revealed that Mycb and Mych regulate ∼40% and ∼16%, respectively, of the genes contributing to the regeneration-associated transcriptome of MG. Of these genes, those that are induced are biased towards regulation of ribosome biogenesis, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, and cell division, which are the top cellular processes affected by retinal injury, suggesting that Mycb and Mych are potent MG reprogramming factors. Consistent with this, forced expression of either of these proteins is sufficient to stimulate MG proliferation in the uninjured retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jonathan Jui
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aresh Sahu
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Daniel Goldman
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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4
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Zhao L, Yu N, Zhai Y, Yang Y, Wang Y, Yang Y, Gong Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Guo W. The ubiquitin-like protein UBTD1 promotes colorectal cancer progression by stabilizing c-Myc to upregulate glycolysis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:502. [PMID: 39003255 PMCID: PMC11246417 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06890-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is involved in the pathogenesis of various malignancies including colorectal cancer (CRC). Ubiquitin domain containing 1 (UBTD1), a ubiquitin-like protein, regulates UPS-mediated protein degradation and tumor progression in some cancer types. However, the biological function and mechanism of UBTD1 are far from being well elucidated, and its role in CRC has not been explored yet. In our study, we analyzed CRC patients' clinical information and UBTD1 expression data, and found that the expression of UBTD1 in cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissue. Higher UBTD1 expression was significantly associated with poorer survival and more lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of UBTD1 could facilitate, while knockdown could inhibit CRC cell proliferation and migration, respectively. RNA-seq and proteomics indicated that c-Myc is an important downstream target of UBTD1. Metabolomics showed the products of the glycolysis pathway were significantly increased in UBTD1 overexpression cells. In vitro, we verified UBTD1 upregulating c-Myc protein and promoting CRC cell proliferation and migration via regulating c-Myc. UBTD1 promoted CRC cells' glycolysis, evidenced by the increased lactate production and glucose uptake following UBTD1 overexpression. Mechanistically, UBTD1 prolonged the half-life of the c-Myc protein by binding to E3 ligase β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP), thereby upregulated the expression of glycolysis rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase II (HK2), and enhanced glycolysis and promoted CRC progression. In conclusion, our study revealed that UBTD1 promotes CRC progression by upregulating glycolysis via the β-TrCP/c-Myc/HK2 pathway, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nuoya Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujia Zhai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Qi Y, Rezaeian AH, Wang J, Huang D, Chen H, Inuzuka H, Wei W. Molecular insights and clinical implications for the tumor suppressor role of SCF FBXW7 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189140. [PMID: 38909632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
FBXW7 is one of the most well-characterized F-box proteins, serving as substrate receptor subunit of SKP1-CUL1-F-box (SCF) E3 ligase complexes. SCFFBXW7 is responsible for the degradation of various oncogenic proteins such as cyclin E, c-MYC, c-JUN, NOTCH, and MCL1. Therefore, FBXW7 functions largely as a major tumor suppressor. In keeping with this notion, FBXW7 gene mutations or downregulations have been found and reported in many types of malignant tumors, such as endometrial, colorectal, lung, and breast cancers, which facilitate the proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance of cancer cells. Therefore, it is critical to review newly identified FBXW7 regulation and tumor suppressor function under physiological and pathological conditions to develop effective strategies for the treatment of FBXW7-altered cancers. Since a growing body of evidence has revealed the tumor-suppressive activity and role of FBXW7, here, we updated FBXW7 upstream and downstream signaling including FBXW7 ubiquitin substrates, the multi-level FBXW7 regulatory mechanisms, and dysregulation of FBXW7 in cancer, and discussed promising cancer therapies targeting FBXW7 regulators and downstream effectors, to provide a comprehensive picture of FBXW7 and facilitate the study in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Qi
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Abdol-Hossein Rezaeian
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jingchao Wang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Daoyuan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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6
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Lu KP, Zhou XZ. Pin1-catalyzed conformational regulation after phosphorylation: A distinct checkpoint in cell signaling and drug discovery. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadi8743. [PMID: 38889227 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adi8743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is one of the most common mechanisms regulating cellular signaling pathways, and many kinases and phosphatases are proven drug targets. Upon phosphorylation, protein functions can be further regulated by the distinct isomerase Pin1 through cis-trans isomerization. Numerous protein targets and many important roles have now been elucidated for Pin1. However, no tools are available to detect or target cis and trans conformation events in cells. The development of Pin1 inhibitors and stereo- and phospho-specific antibodies has revealed that cis and trans conformations have distinct and often opposing cellular functions. Aberrant conformational changes due to the dysregulation of Pin1 can drive pathogenesis but can be effectively targeted in age-related diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review advances in understanding the roles of Pin1 signaling in health and disease and highlight conformational regulation as a distinct signal transduction checkpoint in disease development and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ping Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6G 2V4, Canada
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7
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Li F, Wang X, Zhang J, Jing X, Zhou J, Jiang Q, Cao L, Cai S, Miao J, Tong D, Shyy JYJ, Huang C. AURKB/CDC37 complex promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via phosphorylating MYC and constituting an AURKB/E2F1-positive feedforward loop. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:427. [PMID: 38890303 PMCID: PMC11189524 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06827-y] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
As the second most common malignant tumor in the urinary system, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is imperative to explore its early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have shown that AURKB promotes tumor development by phosphorylating downstream substrates. However, the functional effects and regulatory mechanisms of AURKB on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) progression remain largely unknown. In the current study, we identified AURKB as a novel key gene in ccRCC progression based on bioinformatics analysis. Meanwhile, we observed that AURKB was highly expressed in ccRCC tissue and cell lines and knockdown AURKB in ccRCC cells inhibit cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Identified CDC37 as a kinase molecular chaperone for AURKB, which phenocopy AURKB in ccRCC. AURKB/CDC37 complex mediate the stabilization of MYC protein by directly phosphorylating MYC at S67 and S373 to promote ccRCC development. At the same time, we demonstrated that the AURKB/CDC37 complex activates MYC to transcribe CCND1, enhances Rb phosphorylation, and promotes E2F1 release, which in turn activates AURKB transcription and forms a positive feedforward loop in ccRCC. Collectively, our study identified AURKB as a novel marker of ccRCC, revealed a new mechanism by which the AURKB/CDC37 complex promotes ccRCC by directly phosphorylating MYC to enhance its stability, and first proposed AURKB/E2F1-positive feedforward loop, highlighting AURKB may be a promising therapeutic target for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Biomedical Experimental Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xintao Jing
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiuyu Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuang Cai
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiyu Miao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Dongdong Tong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China.
| | - John Y-J Shyy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710301, Shaanxi, China.
- Biomedical Experimental Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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8
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Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Mao J, Xu J, Yao R. The Selective SIRT3 Inhibitor 3-TYP Represses Primary Myeloma Growth by Reducing c-Myc Stability. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:1062-1069. [PMID: 38815162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer that can be treated but remains incurable. With the advancement of science and technology, more drugs have been developed for myeloma chemotherapy that greatly improve the quality of life of patients. However, relapse remains a serious problem puzzling patients and doctors. Thus, developing more highly active and specific inhibitors is urgent for myeloma-targeted therapy. In this study, we identified the SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP (3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine) after screening a histone modification compound library, which showed high cytotoxicity and induced DNA damage in myeloma cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 3-TYP in our xenograft tumor studies also confirmed that compound 3-TYP could inhibit primary myeloma growth by reducing c-Myc protein stability by decreasing c-Myc Ser62 phosphorylation levels. Taken together, the results of our study identified 3-TYP as a novel c-Myc inhibitor, which could be a potential chemotherapeutic agent to target multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yindi Zeng
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyu Cui
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiwei Mao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinge Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruosi Yao
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
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9
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Williams ET, Schiefelbein K, Schuster M, Ahmed IMM, De Vries M, Beveridge R, Zerbe O, Hartrampf N. Rapid flow-based synthesis of post-translationally modified peptides and proteins: a case study on MYC's transactivation domain. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8756-8765. [PMID: 38873065 PMCID: PMC11168107 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00481g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions of c-Myc (MYC) are often regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, and crosstalk thereof. Studying these interactions requires proteins with unique PTM patterns, which are challenging to obtain by recombinant methods. Standard peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation can produce such modified proteins, but are time-consuming and therefore typically limited to the study of individual PTMs. Herein, we report the development of flow-based methods for the rapid synthesis of phosphorylated MYC sequences (up to 84 AA), and demonstrate the versatility of this approach for the incorporation of other PTMs (N ε-methylation, sulfation, acetylation, glycosylation) and combinations thereof. Peptides containing up to seven PTMs and phosphorylation at up to five sites were successfully prepared and isolated in high yield and purity. We further produced ten PTM-decorated analogues of the MYC Transactivation Domain (TAD) to screen for binding to the tumor suppressor protein, Bin1, using heteronuclear NMR and native mass spectrometry. We determined the effects of phosphorylation and glycosylation on the strength of the MYC:Bin1 interaction, and reveal an influence of MYC sequence length on binding. Our platform for the rapid synthesis of MYC sequences up to 84 AA with distinct PTM patterns thus enables the systematic study of PTM function at a molecular level, and offers a convenient way for expedited screening of constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse T Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Kevin Schiefelbein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schuster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Ikhlas M M Ahmed
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Marije De Vries
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Rebecca Beveridge
- Department for Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral St Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Oliver Zerbe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Nina Hartrampf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zurich Switzerland
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10
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Motomura S, Yumimoto K, Tomonaga T, Nakayama KI. CRL2 KLHDC3 and CRL1 Fbxw7 cooperatively mediate c-Myc degradation. Oncogene 2024; 43:1917-1929. [PMID: 38698266 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03048-7] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
c-Myc is a proto-oncoprotein that regulates various cellular processes and whose abnormal expression leads to tumorigenesis. c-Myc protein stability has been shown to be predominantly controlled by the ubiquitin ligase (E3) CRL1Fbxw7 in a manner dependent on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-mediated phosphorylation. Here we show that, in some types of cancer cells, c-Myc degradation is largely insensitive to the GSK3 inhibitor (GSK3i) CHIR99021, suggesting the existence of an E3 other than CRL1Fbxw7 for c-Myc degradation. Mass spectrometry identified CRL2KLHDC3 as such an E3. In GSK3i-insensitive cancer cells, combined depletion of Fbxw7 and KLHDC3 resulted in marked stabilization of c-Myc, suggestive of a cooperative action of Fbxw7 and KLHDC3. Furthermore, transplantation of such cells deficient in both Fbxw7 and KLHDC3 into immunodeficient mice gave rise to larger tumors compared with those formed by cells lacking only Fbxw7. GSK3i-insensitive pancreatic cancer cells expressed lower levels of SHISA2, a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, than did GSK3i-sensitive cells. KLHDC3 mRNA abundance was associated with prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients with a low level of SHISA2 gene expression. These results suggest that KLHDC3 cooperates with Fbxw7 to promote c-Myc degradation in a subset of cancer cells with low GSK3 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saori Motomura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kanae Yumimoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Tomonaga
- Laboratory of Proteome Research, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health, and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
- Anticancer Strategies Laboratory, TMDU Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
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11
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Fontana F, Giannitti G, Marchesi S, Limonta P. The PI3K/Akt Pathway and Glucose Metabolism: A Dangerous Liaison in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:3113-3125. [PMID: 38904014 PMCID: PMC11186371 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway commonly occurs in cancers and correlates with multiple aspects of malignant progression. In particular, recent evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt signaling plays a fundamental role in promoting the so-called aerobic glycolysis or Warburg effect, by phosphorylating different nutrient transporters and metabolic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, PFKB3/4 and PKM2, and by regulating various molecular networks and proteins, including mTORC1, GSK3, FOXO transcription factors, MYC and HIF-1α. This leads to a profound reprogramming of cancer metabolism, also impacting on pentose phosphate pathway, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, de novo lipid synthesis and redox homeostasis and thereby allowing the fulfillment of both the catabolic and anabolic demands of tumor cells. The present review discusses the interactions between the PI3K/Akt cascade and its metabolic targets, focusing on their possible therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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12
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Samiksha S, Chan LN. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of targeting MALT1 in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:1317-1319. [PMID: 37916388 PMCID: PMC11063857 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.284237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Samiksha
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA 44195
| | - Lai N Chan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA 44195; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA 44195.
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13
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Chen L, Hu M, Chen L, Peng Y, Zhang C, Wang X, Li X, Yao Y, Song Q, Li J, Pei H. Targeting O-GlcNAcylation in cancer therapeutic resistance: The sugar Saga continues. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216742. [PMID: 38401884 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation), a dynamic post-translational modification (PTM), holds profound implications in controlling various cellular processes such as cell signaling, metabolism, and epigenetic regulation that influence cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. From the therapeutic perspective, O-GlcNAc modulates drug efflux, targeting and metabolism. By integrating signals from glucose, lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolic pathways, O-GlcNAc acts as a nutrient sensor and transmits signals to exerts its function on genome stability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell stemness, cell apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle. O-GlcNAc also attends to tumor microenvironment (TME) and the immune response. At present, several strategies aiming at targeting O-GlcNAcylation are under mostly preclinical evaluation, where the newly developed O-GlcNAcylation inhibitors markedly enhance therapeutic efficacy. Here we systematically outline the mechanisms through which O-GlcNAcylation influences therapy resistance and deliberate on the prospects and challenges associated with targeting O-GlcNAcylation in future cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Mengxue Hu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Luojun Chen
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yihan Peng
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Cai Zhang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiangpan Li
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Qibin Song
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of DNA Damage Response and College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Huadong Pei
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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14
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Jeong J, Usman M, Li Y, Zhou XZ, Lu KP. Pin1-Catalyzed Conformation Changes Regulate Protein Ubiquitination and Degradation. Cells 2024; 13:731. [PMID: 38727267 PMCID: PMC11083468 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The unique prolyl isomerase Pin1 binds to and catalyzes cis-trans conformational changes of specific Ser/Thr-Pro motifs after phosphorylation, thereby playing a pivotal role in regulating the structure and function of its protein substrates. In particular, Pin1 activity regulates the affinity of a substrate for E3 ubiquitin ligases, thereby modulating the turnover of a subset of proteins and coordinating their activities after phosphorylation in both physiological and disease states. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in Pin1-regulated ubiquitination in the context of cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Specifically, Pin1 promotes cancer progression by increasing the stabilities of numerous oncoproteins and decreasing the stabilities of many tumor suppressors. Meanwhile, Pin1 plays a critical role in different neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of protein turnover. Finally, we propose a novel therapeutic approach wherein the ubiquitin-proteasome system can be leveraged for therapy by targeting pathogenic intracellular targets for TRIM21-dependent degradation using stereospecific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jeong
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Yitong Li
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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15
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Freie B, Carroll PA, Varnum-Finney BJ, Ramsey EL, Ramani V, Bernstein I, Eisenman RN. A germline point mutation in the MYC-FBW7 phosphodegron initiates hematopoietic malignancies. Genes Dev 2024; 38:253-272. [PMID: 38565249 PMCID: PMC11065175 DOI: 10.1101/gad.351292.123] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Oncogenic activation of MYC in cancers predominantly involves increased transcription rather than coding region mutations. However, MYC-dependent lymphomas frequently acquire point mutations in the MYC phosphodegron, including at threonine 58 (T58), where phosphorylation permits binding via the FBW7 ubiquitin ligase triggering MYC degradation. To understand how T58 phosphorylation functions in normal cell physiology, we introduced an alanine mutation at T58 (T58A) into the endogenous c-Myc locus in the mouse germline. While MYC-T58A mice develop normally, lymphomas and myeloid leukemias emerge in ∼60% of adult homozygous T58A mice. We found that primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells from MYC-T58A mice exhibit aberrant self-renewal normally associated with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and up-regulate a subset of MYC target genes important in maintaining stem/progenitor cell balance. In lymphocytes, genomic occupancy by MYC-T58A was increased at all promoters compared with WT MYC, while genes differentially expressed in a T58A-dependent manner were significantly more proximal to MYC-bound enhancers. MYC-T58A lymphocyte progenitors exhibited metabolic alterations and decreased activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Our data demonstrate that a single point mutation stabilizing MYC is sufficient to skew target gene expression, producing a profound gain of function in multipotential hematopoietic progenitors associated with self-renewal and initiation of lymphomas and leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
| | - Patrick A Carroll
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | | | - Erin L Ramsey
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Vijay Ramani
- Gladstone Institute for Data Science and Biotechnology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Irwin Bernstein
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA;
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16
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Jin C, Einig E, Xu W, Kollampally RB, Schlosser A, Flentje M, Popov N. The dimeric deubiquitinase USP28 integrates 53BP1 and MYC functions to limit DNA damage. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3011-3030. [PMID: 38227944 PMCID: PMC11024517 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae004] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA replication is a major source of endogenous DNA damage in tumor cells and a key target of cellular response to genotoxic stress. DNA replication can be deregulated by oncoproteins, such as transcription factor MYC, aberrantly activated in many human cancers. MYC is stringently regulated by the ubiquitin system - for example, ubiquitination controls recruitment of the elongation factor PAF1c, instrumental in MYC activity. Curiously, a key MYC-targeting deubiquitinase USP28 also controls cellular response to DNA damage via the mediator protein 53BP1. USP28 forms stable dimers, but the biological role of USP28 dimerization is unknown. We show here that dimerization limits USP28 activity and restricts recruitment of PAF1c by MYC. Expression of monomeric USP28 stabilizes MYC and promotes PAF1c recruitment, leading to ectopic DNA synthesis and replication-associated DNA damage. USP28 dimerization is stimulated by 53BP1, which selectively binds USP28 dimers. Genotoxic stress diminishes 53BP1-USP28 interaction, promotes disassembly of USP28 dimers and stimulates PAF1c recruitment by MYC. This triggers firing of DNA replication origins during early response to genotoxins and exacerbates DNA damage. We propose that dimerization of USP28 prevents ectopic DNA replication at transcriptionally active chromatin to maintain genome stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’ (iFIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elias Einig
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’ (iFIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wenshan Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Babu Kollampally
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’ (iFIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf Virchow Center, Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Flentje
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nikita Popov
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’ (iFIT), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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17
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Zhao Z, Liu M, Lin Z, Zhu M, Lv L, Zhu X, Fan R, Al-Danakh A, He H, Tan G. The mechanism of USP43 in the development of tumor: a literature review. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:6613-6626. [PMID: 38613804 PMCID: PMC11042928 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination of the proteins is crucial for governing protein degradation and regulating fundamental cellular processes. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) have emerged as significant regulators of multiple pathways associated with cancer and other diseases, owing to their capacity to remove ubiquitin from target substrates and modulate signaling. Consequently, they represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer and other life-threatening conditions. USP43 belongs to the DUBs family involved in cancer development and progression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific evidence implicating USP43 in cancer development. Additionally, it will investigate potential small-molecule inhibitors that target DUBs that may have the capability to function as anti-cancer medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Meichen Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Zhikun Lin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Drugs in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Mengru Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Linlin Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Xinqing Zhu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Rui Fan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, National, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Abdullah Al-Danakh
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Hui He
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
| | - Guang Tan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116011, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Drugs in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Dalian 116000, China
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18
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Wang X, Cornish AE, Do MH, Brunner JS, Hsu TW, Xu Z, Malik I, Edwards C, Capistrano KJ, Zhang X, Ginsberg MH, Finley LWS, Lim MS, Horwitz SM, Li MO. Onco-Circuit Addiction and Onco-Nutrient mTORC1 Signaling Vulnerability in a Model of Aggressive T Cell Malignancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.587917. [PMID: 38617314 PMCID: PMC11014592 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.587917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
How genetic lesions drive cell transformation and whether they can be circumvented without compromising function of non-transformed cells are enduring questions in oncology. Here we show that in mature T cells-in which physiologic clonal proliferation is a cardinal feature- constitutive MYC transcription and Tsc1 loss in mice modeled aggressive human malignancy by reinforcing each other's oncogenic programs. This cooperation was supported by MYC-induced large neutral amino acid transporter chaperone SLC3A2 and dietary leucine, which in synergy with Tsc1 deletion overstimulated mTORC1 to promote mitochondrial fitness and MYC protein overexpression in a positive feedback circuit. A low leucine diet was therapeutic even in late-stage disease but did not hinder T cell immunity to infectious challenge, nor impede T cell transformation driven by constitutive nutrient mTORC1 signaling via Depdc5 loss. Thus, mTORC1 signaling hypersensitivity to leucine as an onco-nutrient enables an onco-circuit, decoupling pathologic from physiologic utilization of nutrient acquisition pathways.
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19
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Wang C, Wang B, Mou Y, Liu X, Chen Q, Pu W, Rao Q, Wang C, Song J, Huang Y, Yan L, Huang L, Li Y. Design, Synthesis, and Anti-Leukemic Evaluation of a Series of Dianilinopyrimidines by Regulating the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and STAT3/c-Myc Pathways. Molecules 2024; 29:1597. [PMID: 38611876 PMCID: PMC11013136 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the long-term survival rate for leukemia has made significant progress over the years with the development of chemotherapeutics, patients still suffer from relapse, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. To discover the new effective anti-leukemia compounds, we synthesized a series of dianilinopyrimidines and evaluated the anti-leukemia activities of those compounds by using leukemia cell lines (HEL, Jurkat, and K562). The results showed that the dianilinopyrimidine analog H-120 predominantly displayed the highest cytotoxic potential in HEL cells. It remarkably induced apoptosis of HEL cells by activating the apoptosis-related proteins (cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)), increasing apoptosis protein Bad expression, and decreasing the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). Furthermore, it induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M; concomitantly, we observed the activation of p53 and a reduction in phosphorylated cell division cycle 25C (p-CDC25C) / Cyclin B1 levels in treated cells. Additionally, the mechanism study revealed that H-120 decreased these phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, rat sarcoma, phosphorylated cellular RAF proto-oncogene serine / threonine kinase, phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (p-STAT3, Ras, p-C-Raf, p-MEK, p-MRK, and c-Myc) protein levels in HEL cells. Using the cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins isolation assay, we found for the first time that H-120 can inhibit the activation of STAT3 and c-Myc and block STAT3 phosphorylation and dimerization. Moreover, H-120 treatment effectively inhibited the disease progression of erythroleukemia mice by promoting erythroid differentiation into the maturation of erythrocytes and activating the immune cells. Significantly, H-120 also improved liver function in erythroleukemia mice. Therefore, H-120 may be a potential chemotherapeutic drug for leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Basic Medical, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yu Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Basic Medical, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Weidong Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qing Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Jingrui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yubing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Longjia Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550000, China
| | - Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, China; (C.W.); (B.W.); (Y.M.); (X.L.); (Q.C.); (W.P.); (Q.R.); (C.W.); (J.S.); (Y.H.)
- Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
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20
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Bhandari K, Ding WQ. Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: New Molecular Targets for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3958. [PMID: 38612768 PMCID: PMC11011826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073958] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignant disease with a low 5-year overall survival rate. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The lack of robust therapeutics, absence of effective biomarkers for early detection, and aggressive nature of the tumor contribute to the high mortality rate of PDAC. Notably, the outcomes of recent immunotherapy and targeted therapy against PDAC remain unsatisfactory, indicating the need for novel therapeutic strategies. One of the newly described molecular features of PDAC is the altered expression of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). PRMTs are a group of enzymes known to methylate arginine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins, thereby mediating cellular homeostasis in biological systems. Some of the PRMT enzymes are known to be overexpressed in PDAC that promotes tumor progression and chemo-resistance via regulating gene transcription, cellular metabolic processes, RNA metabolism, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Small-molecule inhibitors of PRMTs are currently under clinical trials and can potentially become a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of PRMTs in PDAC, focusing on their pathological roles and their potential as new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei-Qun Ding
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, BMSB401A, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
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21
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Jeon SJ, Chung KC. The SCF-FBW7β E3 ligase mediates ubiquitination and degradation of the serine/threonine protein kinase PINK1. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107198. [PMID: 38508312 PMCID: PMC11026729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that govern the stability of functionally crucial proteins is essential for various cellular processes, development, and overall cell viability. Disturbances in protein homeostasis are linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), a protein kinase, plays a significant role in mitochondrial quality control and cellular stress response, and its mutated forms lead to early-onset Parkinson's disease. Despite its importance, the specific mechanisms regulating PINK1 protein stability have remained unclear. This study reveals a cytoplasmic interaction between PINK1 and F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7β (FBW7β) in mammalian cells. FBW7β, a component of the Skp1-Cullin-1-F-box protein complex-type ubiquitin ligase, is instrumental in recognizing substrates. Our findings demonstrate that FBW7β regulates PINK1 stability through the Skp1-Cullin-1-F-box protein complex and the proteasome pathway. It facilitates the K48-linked polyubiquitination of PINK1, marking it for degradation. When FBW7 is absent, PINK1 accumulates, leading to heightened mitophagy triggered by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone treatment. Moreover, exposure to the toxic compound staurosporine accelerates PINK1 degradation via FBW7β, correlating with increased cell death. This study unravels the intricate mechanisms controlling PINK1 protein stability and sheds light on the novel role of FBW7β. These findings deepen our understanding of PINK1-related pathologies and potentially pave the way for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Jeong Jeon
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang Chul Chung
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
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22
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Kaushik A, Parashar S, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Ubiquitin E3 ligases assisted technologies in protein degradation: Sharing pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102279. [PMID: 38521359 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
E3 ligases, essential components of the ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation system, play a critical role in cellular regulation. By covalently attaching ubiquitin (Ub) molecules to target proteins, these ligases mark them for degradation, influencing various bioprocesses. With over 600 E3 ligases identified, there is a growing realization of their potential as therapeutic candidates for addressing proteinopathies in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Recent research has highlighted the need to delve deeper into the intricate roles of E3 ligases as nexus points in the pathogenesis of both cancer and NDDs. Their dysregulation is emerging as a common thread linking these seemingly disparate diseases, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their molecular intricacies. Herein, we have discussed (i) the fundamental mechanisms through which different types of E3 ligases actively participate in selective protein degradation in cancer and NDDs, followed by an examination of common E3 ligases playing pivotal roles in both situations, emphasising common players. Moving to, (ii) the functional domains and motifs of E3 ligases involved in ubiquitination, we have explored their interactions with specific substrates in NDDs and cancer. Additionally, (iii) we have explored techniques like PROTAC, molecular glues, and other state-of-the-art methods for hijacking neurotoxic and oncoproteins. Lastly, (iv) we have provided insights into ongoing clinical trials, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of E3-based therapeutics for cancer and NDDs. Unravelling the intricate network of E3 ligase-mediated regulation holds the key to unlocking targeted therapies that address the specific molecular signatures of individual patients, heralding a new era in personalized medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Kaushik
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Somya Parashar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, SRM University-Sonepat, Haryana, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi 110042, India.
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23
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Chan KI, Zhang S, Li G, Xu Y, Cui L, Wang Y, Su H, Tan W, Zhong Z. MYC Oncogene: A Druggable Target for Treating Cancers with Natural Products. Aging Dis 2024; 15:640-697. [PMID: 37450923 PMCID: PMC10917530 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Various diseases, including cancers, age-associated disorders, and acute liver failure, have been linked to the oncogene, MYC. Animal testing and clinical trials have shown that sustained tumor volume reduction can be achieved when MYC is inactivated, and different combinations of therapeutic agents including MYC inhibitors are currently being developed. In this review, we first provide a summary of the multiple biological functions of the MYC oncoprotein in cancer treatment, highlighting that the equilibrium points of the MYC/MAX, MIZ1/MYC/MAX, and MAD (MNT)/MAX complexes have further potential in cancer treatment that could be used to restrain MYC oncogene expression and its functions in tumorigenesis. We also discuss the multifunctional capacity of MYC in various cellular cancer processes, including its influences on immune response, metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, multidrug resistance, and intestinal flora. Moreover, we summarize the MYC therapy patent landscape and emphasize the potential of MYC as a druggable target, using herbal medicine modulators. Finally, we describe pending challenges and future perspectives in biomedical research, involving the development of therapeutic approaches to modulate MYC or its targeted genes. Patients with cancers driven by MYC signaling may benefit from therapies targeting these pathways, which could delay cancerous growth and recover antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Iong Chan
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Siyuan Zhang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Yida Xu
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
| | - Yitao Wang
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Wen Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China
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24
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Zhao Y, Wang G, Wei Z, Li D, Morshedi M. Wnt, notch signaling and exercise: what are their functions? Hum Cell 2024:10.1007/s13577-024-01036-3. [PMID: 38386243 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, the study of Wnt and Notch signaling in cell biology has led to significant progress in understanding embryogenesis, bone development, muscle healing, neurogenesis, and tumorigenesis. It has been found that regular physical activity can counteract the decline of skeletal muscle caused by aging, which is linked to osteoporosis, regenerative neurogenesis, hippocampal function, cognitive ability, and the creation of neuromuscular junctions. Despite these discoveries, there is still uncertainty about how cell biology and exercise can impact the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in the locomotor system. This review aims to summarize the potential influence of exercise on Wnt and Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Zhao
- Ministry of Public Sports, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Guangjun Wang
- Ministry of Public Sports, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China.
| | - Zhifeng Wei
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
| | - Duo Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, Hebei, China
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25
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Pérez-González A, Ramírez-Díaz I, Guzmán-Linares J, Sarvari P, Sarvari P, Rubio K. ncRNAs Orchestrate Chemosensitivity Induction by Neddylation Blockades. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:825. [PMID: 38398217 PMCID: PMC10886669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed an integrative transcriptomic in silico analysis using lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells treated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 and the gefitinib-resistant PC9 cell line (PC9GR). We focused on the transcriptional effects of the top differentially expressed ncRNA biotypes and their correlating stemness factors. Interestingly, MLN4924-treated cells showed a significant upregulation of mRNAs involved in carcinogenesis, cell attachment, and differentiation pathways, as well as a parallel downregulation of stemness maintenance and survival signaling pathways, an effect that was inversely observed in PC9GR cells. Moreover, we found that stemness factor expression could be contrasted by selected up-regulated ncRNAs upon MLN4924 treatment in a dose and time-independent manner. Furthermore, upregulated miRNAs and lncRNA-targeted mRNAs showed an evident enrichment of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis pathways, while downregulated ncRNA-targeted mRNAs were implicated in stem cell maintenance. Finally, our results proved that stemness (KLF4 and FGFR2) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ZEB2, TWIST2, SNAI2, CDH2, and VIM) factors, which are highly expressed in PC9GR cells compared to gefitinib-sensitive PC9 cells, could be abrogated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 mainly through activation of epithelial differentiation pathways, thus exerting a protective role in lung cancer cells and chemosensitivity against lung tumorigenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pérez-González
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
| | - Ivonne Ramírez-Díaz
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Popular and Autonomous, University of Puebla State (UPAEP), Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Josué Guzmán-Linares
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
| | - Pouya Sarvari
- Iran National Elite Foundation (INEF), Tehran 1461965381, Iran; (P.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Pourya Sarvari
- Iran National Elite Foundation (INEF), Tehran 1461965381, Iran; (P.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Karla Rubio
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
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26
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Venkatraman S, Balasubramanian B, Thuwajit C, Meller J, Tohtong R, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting MYC at the intersection between cancer metabolism and oncoimmunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324045. [PMID: 38390324 PMCID: PMC10881682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC activation is a known hallmark of cancer as it governs the gene targets involved in various facets of cancer progression. Of interest, MYC governs oncometabolism through the interactions with its partners and cofactors, as well as cancer immunity via its gene targets. Recent investigations have taken interest in characterizing these interactions through multi-Omic approaches, to better understand the vastness of the MYC network. Of the several gene targets of MYC involved in either oncometabolism or oncoimmunology, few of them overlap in function. Prominent interactions have been observed with MYC and HIF-1α, in promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism and activation of antigen presentation on regulatory T cells, and its subsequent metabolic reprogramming. This review explores existing knowledge of the role of MYC in oncometabolism and oncoimmunology. It also unravels how MYC governs transcription and influences cellular metabolism to facilitate the induction of pro- or anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, considering the significant roles MYC holds in cancer development, the present study discusses effective direct or indirect therapeutic strategies to combat MYC-driven cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Venkatraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaroslaw Meller
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Milk, microbiome, Immunity and Lactation research for Child Health (MILCH) and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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27
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Yu J, Li M, Ju L, Zhou F, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Du W, Huang R, Qian K, Wang G, Xiao Y, Wang X. TRAIP suppresses bladder cancer progression by catalyzing K48-linked polyubiquitination of MYC. Oncogene 2024; 43:470-483. [PMID: 38123820 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02922-0] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
TRAF-interacting protein (TRAIP), an E3 ligase containing a RING domain, has emerged as a significant contributor to maintaining genome integrity and is closely associated with cancer. Our study reveals that TRAIP shows reduced expression in bladder cancer (BLCA), which correlates with an unfavorable prognosis. In vitro and in vivo, TRAIP inhibits proliferation and migration of BLCA cells. MYC has been identified as a novel target for TRAIP, wherein direct interaction promotes K48-linked polyubiquitination at neighboring K428 and K430 residues, ultimately resulting in proteasome-dependent degradation and downregulation of MYC transcriptional activity. This mechanism effectively impedes the progression of BLCA. Restoring MYC expression reverses suppressed proliferation and migration of BLCA cells induced by TRAIP. Moreover, our results suggest that MYC may bind to the transcriptional start region of TRAIP, thereby exerting regulatory control over TRAIP transcription. Consequently, this interaction establishes a negative feedback loop that regulates MYC expression, preventing excessive levels. Taken together, this study reveals a mechanism that TRAIP inhibits proliferation and migration of BLCA by promoting ubiquitin-mediated degradation of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtian Yu
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fenfang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China
- Center for Quantitative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhi Du
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ruoyu Huang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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28
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Baxter JS, Brough R, Krastev DB, Song F, Sridhar S, Gulati A, Alexander J, Roumeliotis TI, Kozik Z, Choudhary JS, Haider S, Pettitt SJ, Tutt ANJ, Lord CJ. Cancer-associated FBXW7 loss is synthetic lethal with pharmacological targeting of CDC7. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:369-385. [PMID: 37866880 PMCID: PMC10850818 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (FBXW7) tumour suppressor gene encodes a substrate-recognition subunit of Skp, cullin, F-box (SCF)-containing complexes. The tumour-suppressive role of FBXW7 is ascribed to its ability to drive ubiquitination and degradation of oncoproteins. Despite this molecular understanding, therapeutic approaches that target defective FBXW7 have not been identified. Using genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 screens, focussed RNA-interference screens and whole and phospho-proteome mass spectrometry profiling in multiple FBXW7 wild-type and defective isogenic cell lines, we identified a number of FBXW7 synthetic lethal targets, including proteins involved in the response to replication fork stress and proteins involved in replication origin firing, such as cell division cycle 7-related protein kinase (CDC7) and its substrate, DNA replication complex GINS protein SLD5 (GINS4). The CDC7 synthetic lethal effect was confirmed using small-molecule inhibitors. Mechanistically, FBXW7/CDC7 synthetic lethality is dependent upon the replication factor telomere-associated protein RIF1 (RIF1), with RIF1 silencing reversing the FBXW7-selective effects of CDC7 inhibition. The delineation of FBXW7 synthetic lethal effects we describe here could serve as the starting point for subsequent drug discovery and/or development in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Baxter
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Rachel Brough
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Dragomir B. Krastev
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Feifei Song
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Sandhya Sridhar
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Aditi Gulati
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - John Alexander
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | | | - Zuza Kozik
- Functional Proteomics LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Jyoti S. Choudhary
- Functional Proteomics LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Syed Haider
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Stephen J. Pettitt
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Andrew N. J. Tutt
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Christopher J. Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function LaboratoryThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research CentreThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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29
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Schütz S, Bergsdorf C, Hänni-Holzinger S, Lingel A, Renatus M, Gossert AD, Jahnke W. Intrinsically Disordered Regions in the Transcription Factor MYC:MAX Modulate DNA Binding via Intramolecular Interactions. Biochemistry 2024. [PMID: 38264995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) MYC is in large part an intrinsically disordered oncoprotein. In complex with its obligate heterodimerization partner MAX, MYC preferentially binds E-Box DNA sequences (CANNTG). At promoters containing these sequence motifs, MYC controls fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, metabolism, and apoptosis. A vast network of proteins in turn regulates MYC function via intermolecular interactions. In this work, we establish another layer of MYC regulation by intramolecular interactions. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify and map multiple binding sites for the C-terminal MYC:MAX DNA-binding domain (DBD) on the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in the MYC N-terminus. We find that these binding events in trans are driven by electrostatic attraction, that they have distinct affinities, and that they are competitive with DNA binding. Thereby, we observe the strongest effects for the N-terminal MYC box 0 (Mb0), a conserved motif involved in MYC transactivation and target gene induction. We prepared recombinant full-length MYC:MAX complex and demonstrate that the interactions identified in this work are also relevant in cis, i.e., as intramolecular interactions. These findings are supported by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, which revealed that intramolecular IDR:DBD interactions in MYC decelerate the association of MYC:MAX complexes to DNA. Our work offers new insights into how bHLH-LZ TFs are regulated by intramolecular interactions, which open up new possibilities for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schütz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Bergsdorf
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Hänni-Holzinger
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Lingel
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Renatus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Li Q, Guo H, Xu J, Li X, Wang D, Guo Y, Qing G, Van Vlierberghe P, Liu H. A helicase-independent role of DHX15 promotes MYC stability and acute leukemia cell survival. iScience 2024; 27:108571. [PMID: 38161423 PMCID: PMC10755364 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108571] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
DHX15 has been implicated in RNA splicing and ribosome biogenesis, primarily functioning as an RNA helicase. To systematically assess the cellular role of DHX15, we conducted proteomic analysis to investigate the landscape of DHX15 interactome, and identified MYC as a binding partner. DHX15 co-localizes with MYC in cells and directly interacts with MYC in vitro. Importantly, DHX15 contributes to MYC protein stability at the post-translational level and independent of its RNA binding capacity. Mechanistic investigation reveals that DHX15 interferes the interaction between MYC and FBXW7, thereby preventing MYC polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. Consequently, the abrogation of DHX15 drastically inhibits MYC-mediated transcriptional output. While DHX15 depletion blocks T cell development and leukemia cell survival as we recently reported, overexpression of MYC significantly rescues the phenotypic defects. These findings shed light on the essential role of DHX15 in mammalian cells and suggest that maintaining sufficient MYC expression is a significant contributor to DHX15-mediated cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilong Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Xinlu Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Donghai Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Guoliang Qing
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | | | - Hudan Liu
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
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Li M, Yu J, Ju L, Wang Y, Jin W, Zhang R, Xiang W, Ji M, Du W, Wang G, Qian K, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Wang X. USP43 stabilizes c-Myc to promote glycolysis and metastasis in bladder cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:44. [PMID: 38218970 PMCID: PMC10787741 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06446-7] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of tumor cells, including bladder cancer (BLCA) cells, is metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). The classical oncogene MYC, which is crucial in regulating glycolysis, is amplified and activated in BLCA. However, direct targeting of the c-Myc oncoprotein, which regulates glycolytic metabolism, presents great challenges and necessitates the discovery of a more clarified regulatory mechanism to develop selective targeted therapy. In this study, a siRNA library targeting deubiquitinases identified a candidate enzyme named USP43, which may regulate glycolytic metabolism and c-Myc transcriptional activity. Further investigation using functional assays and molecular studies revealed a USP43/c-Myc positive feedback loop that contributes to the progression of BLCA. Moreover, USP43 stabilizes c-Myc by deubiquitinating c-Myc at K148 and K289 primarily through deubiquitinase activity. Additionally, upregulation of USP43 protein in BLCA increased the chance of interaction with c-Myc and interfered with FBXW7 access and degradation of c-Myc. These findings suggest that USP43 is a potential therapeutic target for indirectly targeting glycolytic metabolism and the c-Myc oncoprotein consequently enhancing the efficacy of bladder cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Li
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingtian Yu
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yejinpeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Jin
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China
| | - Renjie Zhang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wan Xiang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Ji
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenzhi Du
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Euler Technology, ZGC Life Sciences Park, Beijing, China.
- Center for Quantitative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Biological Repositories, Human Genetic Resources Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Hubei Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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Li X, Hu S, Cai Y, Liu X, Luo J, Wu T. Revving the engine: PKB/AKT as a key regulator of cellular glucose metabolism. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1320964. [PMID: 38264327 PMCID: PMC10804622 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1320964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is of critical importance for cell growth and proliferation, the disorders of which have been widely implicated in cancer progression. Glucose uptake is achieved differently by normal cells and cancer cells. Even in an aerobic environment, cancer cells tend to undergo metabolism through glycolysis rather than the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Disordered metabolic syndrome is characterized by elevated levels of metabolites that can cause changes in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting tumor recurrence and metastasis. The activation of glycolysis-related proteins and transcription factors is involved in the regulation of cellular glucose metabolism. Changes in glucose metabolism activity are closely related to activation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). This review discusses recent findings on the regulation of glucose metabolism by AKT in tumors. Furthermore, the review summarizes the potential importance of AKT in the regulation of each process throughout glucose metabolism to provide a theoretical basis for AKT as a target for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuying Hu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoting Cai
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Luo
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Kayesh MEH, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Effects of neddylation on viral infection: an overview. Arch Virol 2023; 169:6. [PMID: 38081982 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05930-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Neddylation is a post-translational modification that plays an important role not only in cancer development but also in regulating viral infection and replication. Upregulation of neddylation occurs in viral infections, and inhibition of neddylation can suppress viral replication. Neddylation is thought to enhance viral protein stability and replication. Neddylation has been reported to enhance the stability of the regulatory hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein, modulate viral replication, and enhance hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibition of neddylation using the NEDD8-activating enzyme E1 inhibitor MLN4924 inhibits viral replication, including that of HBV. Understanding of the role of neddylation in viral infections is critical for developing new therapeutic targets and potential treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the understanding of the effects of neddylation during viral infection, particularly in HBV infection, and strategies for curing viral infection by targeting the neddylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, 8210, Bangladesh.
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.
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34
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Thng DKH, Hooi L, Toh CCM, Lim JJ, Rajagopalan D, Syariff IQC, Tan ZM, Rashid MBMA, Zhou L, Kow AWC, Bonney GK, Goh BKP, Kam JH, Jha S, Dan YY, Chow PKH, Toh TB, Chow EK. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (G9a) inhibition mitigates tumorigenicity in Myc-driven liver cancer. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2275-2294. [PMID: 36896891 PMCID: PMC10620125 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13417] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third deadliest and sixth most common cancer in the world. Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EHMT2 (also known as G9a) is a histone methyltransferase frequently overexpressed in many cancer types, including HCC. We showed that Myc-driven liver tumours have a unique H3K9 methylation pattern with corresponding G9a overexpression. This phenomenon of increased G9a was further observed in our c-Myc-positive HCC patient-derived xenografts. More importantly, we showed that HCC patients with higher c-Myc and G9a expression levels portend a poorer survival with lower median survival months. We demonstrated that c-Myc interacts with G9a in HCC and cooperates to regulate c-Myc-dependent gene repression. In addition, G9a stabilises c-Myc to promote cancer development, contributing to the growth and invasive capacity in HCC. Furthermore, combination therapy between G9a and synthetic-lethal target of c-Myc, CDK9, demonstrates strong efficacy in patient-derived avatars of Myc-driven HCC. Our work suggests that targeting G9a could prove to be a potential therapeutic avenue for Myc-driven liver cancer. This will increase our understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of aggressive tumour initiation and lead to improved therapeutic and diagnostic options for Myc-driven hepatic tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Lissa Hooi
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Clarissa Chin Min Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Deepa Rajagopalan
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Imran Qamar Charles Syariff
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Zher Min Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Alfred Wei Chieh Kow
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Glenn Kunnath Bonney
- Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Surgical ClusterNational University Health SystemSingaporeSingapore
| | - Brian Kim Poh Goh
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Juinn Huar Kam
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Sudhakar Jha
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineOklahoma State UniversityStillwaterOKUSA
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Pierce Kah Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and Transplant SurgerySingapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Academic Clinical Programme for SurgeryDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | - Edward Kai‐Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of SingaporeNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1)National University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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35
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Jiang Y, Ni S, Xiao B, Jia L. Function, mechanism and drug discovery of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modification with multiomics profiling for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4341-4372. [PMID: 37969742 PMCID: PMC10638515 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.019] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) pathways are critical post-translational modifications that determine whether functional proteins are degraded or activated/inactivated. To date, >600 associated enzymes have been reported that comprise a hierarchical task network (e.g., E1-E2-E3 cascade enzymatic reaction and deubiquitination) to modulate substrates, including enormous oncoproteins and tumor-suppressive proteins. Several strategies, such as classical biochemical approaches, multiomics, and clinical sample analysis, were combined to elucidate the functional relations between these enzymes and tumors. In this regard, the fundamental advances and follow-on drug discoveries have been crucial in providing vital information concerning contemporary translational efforts to tailor individualized treatment by targeting Ub and Ubl pathways. Correspondingly, emphasizing the current progress of Ub-related pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer is deemed essential. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the functions, clinical significance, and regulatory mechanisms of Ub and Ubl pathways in tumorigenesis as well as the current progress of small-molecular drug discovery. In particular, multiomics analyses were integrated to delineate the complexity of Ub and Ubl modifications for cancer therapy. The present review will provide a focused and up-to-date overview for the researchers to pursue further studies regarding the Ub and Ubl pathways targeted anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Biying Xiao
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
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36
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Gong Y, Tong H, Yu F, Liu Q, Huang X, Ren G, Fan Z, Wang Z, Zhao J, Mao Z, Zhang J, Zhou R. CCDC50, an essential driver involved in tumorigenesis, is a potential severity marker of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:3153-3165. [PMID: 37684379 PMCID: PMC10567943 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05409-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common form of blood cancer. Among the subtypes, the activated B-cell (ABC) subtype is typically more aggressive and associated with worse outcomes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we performed microarray analysis to identify potential ABC-DLBCL-associated genes. We employed Kaplan-Meier methods and cox univariate analysis to explore the prognostic value of the identified candidate gene Coiled-coil domain containing 50 (CCDC50). Additionally, we used DLBCL cell lines and mouse models to explore the functions and mechanisms of CCDC50. Finally, we isolated CCDC50-bearing exosomes from clinical patients to study the correlation between these exosomes and disease severity. Our results demonstrated that CCDC50 not only showed significantly positive correlations with ABC subtype, tumor stage and number of extranodal sites, but also suggested poor outcomes in DLBCL patients. We further found that CCDC50 promoted ABC-DLBCL proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CCDC50 inhibited ubiquitination-mediated c-Myc degradation by stimulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. Moreover, CCDC50 expression was positively correlated with c-Myc at protein levels in DLBCL patients. Additionally, in two clinical cohorts, the plasma CCDC50-positive exosomes differentiated DLBCL subtypes robustly (AUC > 0.80) and predicted disease severity effectively (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that CCDC50 likely drives disease progression in ABC-DLBCL patients, and the CCDC50-bearing exosome holds great potential as a non-invasive biomarker for subtype diagnosis and prognosis prediction of DLBCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Gong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Tong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianbo Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqin Fan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Mao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Pathology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ren Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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37
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Altiner P, Çınaroğlu SS, Timucin AC, Timucin E. Computational completion of the Aurora interaction region of N-Myc in the Aurora a kinase complex. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18399. [PMID: 37884585 PMCID: PMC10603048 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45272-3] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting protein-protein interactions of the Myc family is a viable pharmacological strategy for modulation of the levels of Myc oncoproteins in cancer. Aurora A kinase (AurA) and N-Myc interaction is one of the most attractive targets of this strategy because formation of this complex blocks proteasomal degradation of N-Myc in neuroblastoma. Two crystallization studies have captured this complex (PDB IDs: 5g1x, 7ztl), partially resolving the AurA interaction region (AIR) of N-Myc. Prompted by the missing N-Myc fragment in these crystal structures, we modeled the complete structure between AurA and N-Myc, and comprehensively analyzed how the incomplete and complete N-Myc behave in complex by molecular dynamics simulations. Molecular dynamics simulations of the incomplete PDB complex (5g1x) repeatedly showed partial dissociation of the short N-Myc fragment (61-89) from the kinase. The missing N-Myc (19-60) fragment was modeled utilizing the N-terminal lobe of AurA as the protein-protein interaction surface, wherein TPX2, a well-known partner of AurA, also binds. Binding free energy calculations along with flexibility analysis confirmed that the complete AIR of N-Myc stabilizes the complex, accentuating the N-terminal lobe of AurA as a binding site for the missing N-Myc fragment (19-60). We further generated additional models consisting of only the missing N-Myc (19-60), and the fused form of TPX2 (7-43) and N-Myc (61-89). These partners also formed more stable interactions with the N-terminal lobe of AurA than did the incomplete N-Myc fragment (61-89) in the 5g1x complex. Altogether, this study provides structural insights into the involvement of the N-terminus of the AIR of N-Myc and the N-terminal lobe of AurA in formation of a stable complex, reflecting its potential for effective targeting of N-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Altiner
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), CNRS, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UT3), 31077, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Ahmet Can Timucin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Acibadem University, 34752, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Emel Timucin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, 34752, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Freie B, Carroll PA, Varnum-Finney BJ, Ramani V, Bernstein I, Eisenman RN. A Germline Point Mutation in the MYC-FBW7 Phosphodegron Initiates Hematopoietic Malignancies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563660. [PMID: 37961183 PMCID: PMC10634767 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic activation of MYC in cancers predominantly involves increased transcription rather than coding region mutations. However, MYC-dependent lymphomas frequently contain point mutations in the MYC phospho-degron, including at threonine-58 (T58), where phosphorylation permits binding by the FBW7 ubiquitin ligase triggering MYC degradation. To understand how T58 phosphorylation functions in normal cell physiology, we introduced an alanine mutation at T58 (T58A) into the endogenous c-Myc locus in the mouse germline. While MYC-T58A mice develop normally, lymphomas and myeloid leukemias emerge in ~60% of adult homozygous T58A mice. We find that primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells from MYC-T58A mice exhibit aberrant self-renewal normally associated with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and upregulate a subset of Myc target genes important in maintaining stem/progenitor cell balance. Genomic occupancy by MYC-T58A was increased at all promoters, compared to WT MYC, while genes differentially expressed in a T58A-dependent manner were significantly more proximal to MYC-bound enhancers. MYC-T58A lymphocyte progenitors exhibited metabolic alterations and decreased activation of inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. Our data demonstrate that a single point mutation in Myc is sufficient to produce a profound gain of function in multipotential hematopoietic progenitors associated with self-renewal and initiation of lymphomas and leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Freie
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Patrick A Carroll
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, USA
| | | | - Vijay Ramani
- Gladstone Institute for Data Science and Biotechnology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - Irwin Bernstein
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Robert N Eisenman
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle WA, USA
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Jha RK, Kouzine F, Levens D. MYC function and regulation in physiological perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1268275. [PMID: 37941901 PMCID: PMC10627926 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1268275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a key member of the Myc-proto-oncogene family, is a universal transcription amplifier that regulates almost every physiological process in a cell including cell cycle, proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, and apoptosis. MYC interacts with several cofactors, chromatin modifiers, and regulators to direct gene expression. MYC levels are tightly regulated, and deregulation of MYC has been associated with numerous diseases including cancer. Understanding the comprehensive biology of MYC under physiological conditions is an utmost necessity to demark biological functions of MYC from its pathological functions. Here we review the recent advances in biological mechanisms, functions, and regulation of MYC. We also emphasize the role of MYC as a global transcription amplifier.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Levens
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, United States
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40
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Arthur NB, Christensen KA, Mannino K, Ruzinova MB, Kumar A, Gruszczynska A, Day RB, Erdmann-Gilmore P, Mi Y, Sprung R, York CR, Reid Townsend R, Spencer DH, Sykes SM, Ferraro F. Missense mutations in Myc Box I influence MYC cellular localization, mRNA partitioning and turnover to promote leukemogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.22.563493. [PMID: 37961226 PMCID: PMC10634725 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.22.563493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Somatic missense mutations in the phosphodegron domain of the MYC gene ( M YC Box I) are detected in the dominant clones of a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but the mechanisms by which they contribute to AML are unknown. To unveil unique proprieties of MBI MYC mutant proteins, we systematically compared the cellular and molecular consequences of expressing similar oncogenic levels of wild type and MBI mutant MYC. We found that MBI MYC mutants can accelerate leukemia by driving unique transcriptional signatures in highly selected, myeloid progenitor subpopulations. Although these mutations increase MYC stability, they overall dampen MYC chromatin localization and lead to a cytoplasmic accumulation of the mutant proteins. This phenotype is coupled with increased translation of RNA binding proteins and nuclear export machinery, which results in altered RNA partitioning and accelerated decay of select transcripts encoding proapoptotic and proinflammatory genes. Heterozygous knockin mice harboring the germline MBI mutation Myc p.T73N exhibit cytoplasmic MYC localization, myeloid progenitors' expansion with similar transcriptional signatures to the overexpression model, and eventually develop hematological malignancies. This study uncovers that MBI MYC mutations alter MYC localization and disrupt mRNA subcellular distribution and turnover of select transcripts to accelerate tumor initiation and growth.
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41
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Brown M, Leon A, Kedzierska K, Moore C, Belnoue‐Davis HL, Flach S, Lydon JP, DeMayo FJ, Lewis A, Bosse T, Tomlinson I, Church DN. Functional analysis reveals driver cooperativity and novel mechanisms in endometrial carcinogenesis. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17094. [PMID: 37589076 PMCID: PMC10565641 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217094] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk endometrial cancer has poor prognosis and is increasing in incidence. However, understanding of the molecular mechanisms which drive this disease is limited. We used genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) to determine the functional consequences of missense and loss of function mutations in Fbxw7, Pten and Tp53, which collectively occur in nearly 90% of high-risk endometrial cancers. We show that Trp53 deletion and missense mutation cause different phenotypes, with the latter a substantially stronger driver of endometrial carcinogenesis. We also show that Fbxw7 missense mutation does not cause endometrial neoplasia on its own, but potently accelerates carcinogenesis caused by Pten loss or Trp53 missense mutation. By transcriptomic analysis, we identify LEF1 signalling as upregulated in Fbxw7/FBXW7-mutant mouse and human endometrial cancers, and in human isogenic cell lines carrying FBXW7 mutation, and validate LEF1 and the additional Wnt pathway effector TCF7L2 as novel FBXW7 substrates. Our study provides new insights into the biology of high-risk endometrial cancer and suggests that targeting LEF1 may be worthy of investigation in this treatment-resistant cancer subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Brown
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK
| | - Alicia Leon
- Department of PathologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Kedzierska
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Charlotte Moore
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Hayley L Belnoue‐Davis
- Gastrointestinal Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Susanne Flach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryLMU KlinikumMunichGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner SiteMunichGermany
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Annabelle Lewis
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life SciencesBrunel University LondonUxbridgeUK
| | - Tjalling Bosse
- Department of PathologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Ian Tomlinson
- Institute of Genetics and CancerThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - David N Church
- Cancer Genomics and Immunology Group, Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Oxford NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUK
- Oxford Cancer Centre, Churchill HospitalOxford University Hospitals Foundation NHS TrustOxfordUK
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42
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Sircar A, Singh S, Xu-Monette ZY, Coyle KM, Hilton LK, Chavdoula E, Ranganathan P, Jain N, Hanel W, Tsichlis P, Alinari L, Peterson BR, Tao J, Muthusamy N, Baiocchi R, Epperla N, Young KH, Morin R, Sehgal L. Exploiting the fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 vulnerability to therapeutically restrict the MYC-EZH2-CDKN1C axis-driven proliferation in Mantle cell lymphoma. Leukemia 2023; 37:2094-2106. [PMID: 37598282 PMCID: PMC10539170 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a lethal hematological malignancy with a median survival of 4 years. Its lethality is mainly attributed to a limited understanding of clinical tumor progression and resistance to current therapeutic regimes. Intrinsic, prolonged drug treatment and tumor-microenvironment (TME) facilitated factors impart pro-tumorigenic and drug-insensitivity properties to MCL cells. Hence, elucidating neoteric pharmacotherapeutic molecular targets involved in MCL progression utilizing a global "unified" analysis for improved disease prevention is an earnest need. Using integrated transcriptomic analyses in MCL patients, we identified a Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 (FGFR1), and analyses of MCL patient samples showed that high FGFR1 expression was associated with shorter overall survival in MCL patient cohorts. Functional studies using pharmacological intervention and loss of function identify a novel MYC-EZH2-CDKN1C axis-driven proliferation in MCL. Further, pharmacological targeting with erdafitinib, a selective small molecule targeting FGFRs, induced cell-cycle arrest and cell death in-vitro, inhibited tumor progression, and improved overall survival in-vivo. We performed extensive pre-clinical assessments in multiple in-vivo model systems to confirm the therapeutic potential of erdafitinib in MCL and demonstrated FGFR1 as a viable therapeutic target in MCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuvrat Sircar
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Satishkumar Singh
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Krysta Mila Coyle
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Laura K Hilton
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, British Columbia Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evangelia Chavdoula
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Parvathi Ranganathan
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Division of Cancer Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226031, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Walter Hanel
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Philip Tsichlis
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Blake R Peterson
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jianguo Tao
- Division of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Narendranath Epperla
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ken H Young
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan Morin
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lalit Sehgal
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
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43
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Kotekar A, Singh AK, Devaiah BN. BRD4 and MYC: power couple in transcription and disease. FEBS J 2023; 290:4820-4842. [PMID: 35866356 PMCID: PMC9867786 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogene and BRD4, a BET family protein, are two cardinal proteins that have a broad influence in cell biology and disease. Both proteins are expressed ubiquitously in mammalian cells and play central roles in controlling growth, development, stress responses and metabolic function. As chromatin and transcriptional regulators, they play a critical role in regulating the expression of a burgeoning array of genes, maintaining chromatin architecture and genome stability. Consequently, impairment of their function or regulation leads to many diseases, with cancer being the most predominant. Interestingly, accumulating evidence indicates that regulation of the expression and functions of MYC are tightly intertwined with BRD4 at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Here, we review the mechanisms by which MYC and BRD4 are regulated, their functions in governing various molecular mechanisms and the consequences of their dysregulation that lead to disease. We present a perspective of how the regulatory mechanisms for the two proteins could be entwined at multiple points in a BRD4-MYC nexus that leads to the modulation of their functions and disease upon dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kotekar
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- Experimental Immunology Branch, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Afifi MM, Crncec A, Cornwell JA, Cataisson C, Paul D, Ghorab LM, Hernandez MO, Wong M, Kedei N, Cappell SD. Irreversible cell cycle exit associated with senescence is mediated by constitutive MYC degradation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113079. [PMID: 37656618 PMCID: PMC10591853 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113079] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells can irreversibly exit the cell cycle and become senescent to safeguard against uncontrolled proliferation. While the p53-p21 and p16-Rb pathways are thought to mediate senescence, they also mediate reversible cell cycle arrest (quiescence), raising the question of whether senescence is actually reversible or whether alternative mechanisms underly the irreversibility associated with senescence. Here, we show that senescence is irreversible and that commitment to and maintenance of senescence are mediated by irreversible MYC degradation. Senescent cells start dividing when a non-degradable MYC mutant is expressed, and quiescent cells convert to senescence when MYC is knocked down. In early oral carcinogenesis, epithelial cells exhibit MYC loss and become senescent as a safeguard against malignant transformation. Later stages of oral premalignant lesions exhibit elevated MYC levels and cellular dysplasia. Thus, irreversible cell cycle exit associated with senescence is mediated by constitutive MYC degradation, but bypassing this degradation may allow tumor cells to escape during cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Afifi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Adrijana Crncec
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James A Cornwell
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christophe Cataisson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Debasish Paul
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Laila M Ghorab
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria O Hernandez
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, Office of Science and Technology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Madeline Wong
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, Office of Science and Technology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, Office of Science and Technology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Steven D Cappell
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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45
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Doha ZO, Sears RC. Unraveling MYC's Role in Orchestrating Tumor Intrinsic and Tumor Microenvironment Interactions Driving Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:400-419. [PMID: 37755397 PMCID: PMC10537413 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and has been implicated in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types. MYC has emerged as a master regulator governing tumor intrinsic and tumor microenvironment interactions, supporting tumor progression and driving drug resistance. This review paper aims to provide an overview and discussion of the intricate mechanisms through which MYC influences tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. We delve into the signaling pathways and molecular networks orchestrated by MYC in the context of tumor intrinsic characteristics, such as proliferation, replication stress and DNA repair. Furthermore, we explore the impact of MYC on the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion, angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblast remodeling. Understanding MYC's multifaceted role in driving drug resistance and tumor progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies and combination treatments that may effectively combat this devastating disease. Through an analysis of the current literature, this review's goal is to shed light on the complexities of MYC-driven oncogenesis and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinab O. Doha
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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46
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Chen S, Leng P, Guo J, Zhou H. FBXW7 in breast cancer: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:226. [PMID: 37658431 PMCID: PMC10474666 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02767-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the frequent tumors that seriously endanger the physical and mental well-being in women. F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7) is a neoplastic repressor. Serving as a substrate recognition element for ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7 participates in the ubiquitin-proteasome system and is typically in charge of the ubiquitination and destruction of crucial oncogenic proteins, further performing a paramount role in cell differentiation, apoptosis and metabolic processes. Low levels of FBXW7 cause abnormal stability of pertinent substrates, mutations and/or deletions in the FBXW7 gene have been reported to correlate with breast cancer malignant progression and chemoresistance. Given the lack of an effective solution to breast cancer's clinical drug resistance dilemma, elucidating FBXW7's mechanism of action could provide a theoretical basis for targeted drug exploration. Therefore, in this review, we focused on FBXW7's role in a range of breast cancer malignant behaviors and summarized the pertinent cellular targets, signaling pathways, as well as the mechanisms regulating FBXW7 expression. We also proposed novel perspectives for the exploitation of alternative therapies and specific tumor markers for breast cancer by therapeutic strategies aiming at FBXW7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Leng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinlin Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hao Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-Construction for Diagnosisand, Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Medical Technology , Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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47
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Liu Z, Ishikawa K, Sanada E, Semba K, Li J, Li X, Osada H, Watanabe N. Identification of antimycin A as a c-Myc degradation accelerator via high-throughput screening. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105083. [PMID: 37495110 PMCID: PMC10470004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a critical regulator of cell proliferation and growth. Elevated levels of c-Myc cause transcriptional amplification, leading to various types of cancers. Small molecules that specifically inhibit c-Myc-dependent regulation are potentially invaluable for anticancer therapy. Because c-Myc does not have enzymatic activity or targetable pockets, researchers have attempted to obtain small molecules that inhibit c-Myc cofactors, activate c-Myc repressors, or target epigenetic modifications to regulate the chromatin of c-Myc-addicted cancer without any clinical success. In this study, we screened for c-Myc inhibitors using a cell-dependent assay system in which the expression of c-Myc and its transcriptional activity can be inferred from monomeric Keima and enhanced GFP fluorescence, respectively. We identified one mitochondrial inhibitor, antimycin A, as a hit compound. The compound enhanced the c-Myc phosphorylation of threonine-58, consequently increasing the proteasome-mediated c-Myc degradation. The mechanistic analysis of antimycin A revealed that it enhanced the degradation of c-Myc protein through the activation of glycogen synthetic kinase 3 by reactive oxygen species (ROS) from damaged mitochondria. Furthermore, we found that the inhibition of cell growth by antimycin A was caused by both ROS-dependent and ROS-independent pathways. Interestingly, ROS-dependent growth inhibition occurred only in the presence of c-Myc, which may reflect the representative features of cancer cells. Consistently, the antimycin A sensitivity of cells was correlated to the endogenous c-Myc levels in various cancer cells. Overall, our study provides an effective strategy for identifying c-Myc inhibitors and proposes a novel concept for utilizing ROS inducers for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Bioprobe Application Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ishikawa
- Japan Biological Informatics Consortium (JBiC), Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emiko Sanada
- Bioprobe Application Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kentaro Semba
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Medical-Industrial Translational Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Jiang Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Nobumoto Watanabe
- Bioprobe Application Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan; Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Chemical Resource Development Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
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48
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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49
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Schwartz I, Vunjak M, Budroni V, Cantoran García A, Mastrovito M, Soderholm A, Hinterndorfer M, de Almeida M, Hacker K, Wang J, Froussios K, Jude J, Decker T, Zuber J, Versteeg GA. SPOP targets the immune transcription factor IRF1 for proteasomal degradation. eLife 2023; 12:e89951. [PMID: 37622993 PMCID: PMC10491434 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89951] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptation of the functional proteome is essential to counter pathogens during infection, yet precisely timed degradation of these response proteins after pathogen clearance is likewise key to preventing autoimmunity. Interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) plays an essential role as a transcription factor in driving the expression of immune response genes during infection. The striking difference in functional output with other IRFs is that IRF1 also drives the expression of various cell cycle inhibiting factors, making it an important tumor suppressor. Thus, it is critical to regulate the abundance of IRF1 to achieve a 'Goldilocks' zone in which there is sufficient IRF1 to prevent tumorigenesis, yet not too much which could drive excessive immune activation. Using genetic screening, we identified the E3 ligase receptor speckle type BTB/POZ protein (SPOP) to mediate IRF1 proteasomal turnover in human and mouse cells. We identified S/T-rich degrons in IRF1 required for its SPOP MATH domain-dependent turnover. In the absence of SPOP, elevated IRF1 protein levels functionally increased IRF1-dependent cellular responses, underpinning the biological significance of SPOP in curtailing IRF1 protein abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Schwartz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Milica Vunjak
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Valentina Budroni
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Adriana Cantoran García
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Marialaura Mastrovito
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Adrian Soderholm
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Matthias Hinterndorfer
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Melanie de Almeida
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Kathrin Hacker
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jingkui Wang
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Kimon Froussios
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Julian Jude
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Decker
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Johannes Zuber
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BiocenterViennaAustria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Gijs A Versteeg
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max Perutz Labs, University of ViennaViennaAustria
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50
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Kim DJ, Yi YW, Seong YS. Beta-Transducin Repeats-Containing Proteins as an Anticancer Target. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4248. [PMID: 37686524 PMCID: PMC10487276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-transducin repeat-containing proteins (β-TrCPs) are E3-ubiquitin-ligase-recognizing substrates and regulate proteasomal degradation. The degradation of β-TrCPs' substrates is tightly controlled by various external and internal signaling and confers diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and DNA damage response. In addition, β-TrCPs function to regulate transcriptional activity and stabilize a set of substrates by distinct mechanisms. Despite the association of β-TrCPs with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, studies on the mechanisms of the regulation of β-TrCPs' activity have been limited. In this review, we studied publications on the regulation of β-TrCPs themselves and analyzed the knowledge gaps to understand and modulate β-TrCPs' activity in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea;
- Multidrug-Resistant Refractory Cancer Convergence Research Center (MRCRC), Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Multidrug-Resistant Refractory Cancer Convergence Research Center (MRCRC), Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Multidrug-Resistant Refractory Cancer Convergence Research Center (MRCRC), Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
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