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Niebora J, Woźniak S, Domagała D, Data K, Farzaneh M, Zehtabi M, Dari MAG, Pour FK, Bryja A, Kulus M, Mozdziak P, Dzięgiel P, Kempisty B. The role of ncRNAs and exosomes in the development and progression of endometrial cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1418005. [PMID: 39188680 PMCID: PMC11345653 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1418005] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecologic cancers. In recent years, research has focused on the genetic characteristics of the tumors to detail their prognosis and tailor therapy. In the case of EC, genetic mutations have been shown to underlie their formation. It is very important to know the mechanisms of EC formation related to mutations induced by estrogen, among other things. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), composed of nucleotide transcripts with very low protein-coding capacity, are proving to be important. Their expression patterns in many malignancies can inhibit tumor formation and progression. They also regulate protein coding at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), several varieties of which are associated with normal endometrium as well as its tumor, also play a particularly important role in gene expression. MiRNAs and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect many pathways in EC tissues and play important roles in cancer development, invasion, and metastasis, as well as resistance to anticancer drugs through mechanisms such as suppression of apoptosis and progression of cancer stem cells. It is also worth noting that miRNAs are highly precise, sensitive, and robust, making them potential markers for diagnosing gynecologic cancers and their progression. Unfortunately, as the incidence of EC increases, treatment becomes challenging and is limited to invasive tools. The prospect of using microRNAs as potential candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic use in EC seems promising. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that are released from many types of cells, including cancer cells. They contain proteins, DNA, and various types of RNA, such as miRNAs. The noncoding RNA components of exosomes vary widely, depending on the physiology of the tumor tissue and the cells from which they originate. Exosomes contain both DNA and RNA and have communication functions between cells. Exosomal miRNAs mediate communication between EC cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and play a key role in tumor cell proliferation and tumor microenvironment formation. Oncogenes carried by tumor exosomes induce malignant transformation of target cells. During the synthesis of exosomes, various factors, such as genetic and proteomic data are upregulated. Thus, they are considered an interesting therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometrial cancer by analyzing biomarkers contained in exosomes. Expression of miRNAs, particularly miR-15a-5p, was elevated in exosomes derived from the plasma of EC patients. This may suggest the important utility of this biomarker in the diagnosis of EC. In recent years, researchers have become interested in the topic of prognostic markers for EC, as there are still too few identified markers to support the limited treatment of endometrial cancer. Further research into the effects of ncRNAs and exosomes on EC may allow for cancer treatment breakthroughs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Niebora
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Woźniak
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Domagała
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Data
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khojasteh Pour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Physiology Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
- Physiology Graduate Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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Kim NH, Lee J, Kim SH, Kang SH, Bae S, Yu CH, Seo J, Kim HT. ALK5/VEGFR2 dual inhibitor TU2218 alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors enhances immune-mediated antitumor effects. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:190. [PMID: 39105882 PMCID: PMC11303640 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03777-4] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is present in blood of patients who do not respond to anti-programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [PD-(L)1] treatment, and through synergy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it helps to create an environment that promotes tumor immune evasion and immune tolerance. Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of TGFβ/VEGF is more effective than targeting TGFβ alone. In this study, the dual inhibitory mechanism of TU2218 was identified through in vitro analysis mimicking the tumor microenvironment, and its antitumor effects were analyzed using mouse syngeneic tumor models. TU2218 directly restored the activity of damaged cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells inhibited by TGFβ and suppressed the activity and viability of regulatory T cells. The inactivation of endothelial cells induced by VEGF stimulation was completely ameliorated by TU2218, an effect not observed with vactosertib, which inhibits only TGFβ signaling. The combination of TU2218 and anti-PD1 therapy had a significantly greater antitumor effect than either drug alone in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 syngeneic tumor model. The mechanism of tumor reduction was confirmed by flow cytometry, which showed upregulated VCAM-1 expression in vascular cells and increased influx of CD8 + CTLs into the tumor. As another strategy, combination of anti-CTLA4 therapy and TU2218 resulted in high complete regression (CR) rates in CT26 and WEHI-164 tumor models. In particular, immunological memory generated by the combination of anti-CTLA4 and TU2218 in the CT26 model prevented the development of tumors after additional tumor cell transplantation, suggesting that the TU2218-based combination has therapeutic potential in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Hoon Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Lee
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Kang
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sowon Bae
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Hee Yu
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmin Seo
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Taek Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Ruiz-Mitjana A, Vidal-Sabanés M, Navaridas R, Perramon-Güell A, Yeramian A, Nicholson-Sabaté N, Egea J, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Metformin exhibits antineoplastic effects on Pten-deficient endometrial cancer by interfering with TGF-β and p38/ERK MAPK signalling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115817. [PMID: 37925934 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a widespread antidiabetic agent that is commonly used as a treatment against type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Regarding its therapeutic potential, multiple studies have concluded that Metformin exhibits antineoplastic activity on several types of cancer, including endometrial carcinoma. Although Metformin's antineoplastic activity is well documented, its cellular and molecular anticancer mechanisms are still a matter of controversy because a plethora of anticancer mechanisms have been proposed for different cancer cell types. In this study, we addressed the cellular and molecular mechanisms of Metformin's antineoplastic activity by using both in vitro and in vivo studies of Pten-loss driven carcinoma mouse models. In vivo, Metformin reduced endometrial neoplasia initiated by Pten-deficiency. Our in vitro studies using Pten-deficient endometrial organoids focused on both cellular and molecular levels in Metformin's tumor suppressive action. At cellular level, we showed that Metformin is involved in not only the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells but also their regulation via a variety of mechanisms of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as TGF-β-induced apoptosis. At the molecular level, Metformin was shown to affect the TGF-β signalling., a widely known signal that plays a pivotal role in endometrial carcinogenesis. In this respect, Metformin restored TGF-β-induced apoptosis of Pten-deficient endometrial organoids through a p38-dependent mechanism and inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT on no-polarized endometrial epithelial cells by inhibiting ERK/MAPK signalling. These results provide new insights into the link between the cellular and molecular mechanism for Metformin's antineoplastic activity in Pten-deficient endometrial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ruiz-Mitjana
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Maria Vidal-Sabanés
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Raúl Navaridas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Aida Perramon-Güell
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andree Yeramian
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Nathan Nicholson-Sabaté
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Mario Encinas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, CIBERONC, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques and Departament de Medicina Experimental, Universitat de Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain.
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Zhang X, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zhang F. Association analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma-related hub proteins and hub genes. Proteomics Clin Appl 2023; 17:e2200090. [PMID: 37050894 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202200090] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The occurrence and development of HCC are closely related to epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications can regulate gene expression and related functions through DNA methylation. This paper presents an association analysis method of HCC-related hub proteins and hub genes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Bioinformatics analysis of HCC-related DNA methylation data is carried out to clarify the molecular mechanism of HCC-related genes and to find hub genes (genes with more connections in the network) by constructing in the gene interaction network. This paper proposes an accurate prediction method of protein-protein interaction (PPI) based on deep learning model DeepSG2PPI. The trained DeepSG2PPI model predicts the interaction relationship between the synthetic proteins regulated by HCC-related genes. RESULTS This paper finds that four genes are the intersection of hub genes and hub proteins. The four genes are: FBL, CCNB2, ALDH18A1, and RPLP0. The association of RPLP0 gene with HCC is a new finding of this study. RPLP0 is expected to become a new biomarker for the treatment, diagnosis, and prognosis of HCC. The four proteins corresponding to the four genes are: ENSP00000221801, ENSP00000288207, ENSP00000360268, and ENSP00000449328. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The association between the hub genes with the hub proteins is analyzed. The mutual verification of the hub genes and the hub proteins can obtain more credible HCC-related genes and proteins, which is helpful for the diagnosis, treatment, and drug development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Zhang
- School of Software, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Boyan Zhang
- School of Software, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Big Data Analysis and Processing, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Big Data Analysis and Processing, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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Furuminato K, Minatoya S, Senoo E, Goto T, Yamazaki S, Sakaguchi M, Toyota K, Iguchi T, Miyagawa S. The role of mesenchymal estrogen receptor 1 in mouse uterus in response to estrogen. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12293. [PMID: 37516793 PMCID: PMC10387046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens play important roles in uterine growth and homeostasis through estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2). To address the role of ESR1-mediated tissue events in the murine uterus, we analyzed mice with a mesenchymal tissue-specific knockout of Esr1. Isl1-driven Cre expression generated Esr1 deletion in the uterine stroma and endometrium (Isl-Esr1KO). We showed that overall structure of the Isl1-Esr1KO mouse uterus developed normally, but estrogen responsiveness and subsequent growth were defective, suggesting that mesenchymal ESR1 is necessary for both epithelial and mesenchymal cell proliferation. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed that the majority of estrogen-induced genes were regulated by stromal ESR1. In control mice, E2 administration induced 9476 up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whereas only 1801 up-regulated DEGs were induced by E2 in Isl1-Esr1KO mice. We further showed that stromal ESR1-regulated genes in the mouse uterus included several growth factors and cytokines, which are potential factors that regulate epithelial and stromal tissue interaction, and also genes involved in lipid homeostasis. Therefore, we infer that stromal ESR1 expression is indispensable for most estrogen actions in the mouse uterus and the current results provide new insights into estrogen-mediated homeostasis in female reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Furuminato
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Saki Minatoya
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Eriko Senoo
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Goto
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Sho Yamazaki
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Moeka Sakaguchi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Toyota
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Noto, Ishikawa, 927-0552, Japan
| | - Taisen Iguchi
- Graduate School of Nanobioscience, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0027, Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Niijuku 6-3-1, Katsushika, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan.
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Kriseman ML, Tang S, Liao Z, Jiang P, Parks SE, Cope DI, Yuan F, Chen F, Masand RP, Castro PD, Ittmann MM, Creighton CJ, Tan Z, Monsivais D. SMAD2/3 signaling in the uterine epithelium controls endometrial cell homeostasis and regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:261. [PMID: 36906706 PMCID: PMC10008566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04619-2] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The regenerative potential of the endometrium is attributed to endometrial stem cells; however, the signaling pathways controlling its regenerative potential remain obscure. In this study, genetic mouse models and endometrial organoids are used to demonstrate that SMAD2/3 signaling controls endometrial regeneration and differentiation. Mice with conditional deletion of SMAD2/3 in the uterine epithelium using Lactoferrin-iCre develop endometrial hyperplasia at 12-weeks and metastatic uterine tumors by 9-months of age. Mechanistic studies in endometrial organoids determine that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2/3 signaling disrupts organoid morphology, increases the glandular and secretory cell markers, FOXA2 and MUC1, and alters the genome-wide distribution of SMAD4. Transcriptomic profiling of the organoids reveals elevated pathways involved in stem cell regeneration and differentiation such as the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and retinoic acid signaling (RA) pathways. Therefore, TGFβ family signaling via SMAD2/3 controls signaling networks which are integral for endometrial cell regeneration and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya L Kriseman
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peixin Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ramya P Masand
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Patricia D Castro
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer and Cell Biology Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Role and Dysregulation of miRNA in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010712. [PMID: 36614153 PMCID: PMC9820759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative synucleinopathy that has a not yet fully understood molecular pathomechanism behind it. The role of risk genes regulated by small non-coding RNAs, or microRNAs (miRNAs), has also been highlighted in PD, where they may influence disease progression and comorbidities. In this case-control study, we analyzed miRNAs on peripheral blood mononuclear cells by means of RNA-seq in 30 participants, with the aim of identifying miRNAs differentially expressed in PD compared to age-matched healthy controls. Additionally, we investigated the pathways influenced by differentially expressed miRNAs and assessed whether a specific pathway could potentially be associated with PD susceptibility (enrichment analyses performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tools). Overall, considering that the upregulation of miRNAs might be related with the downregulation of their messenger RNA targets, and vice versa, we found several putative targets of dysregulated miRNAs (i.e., upregulated: hsa-miR-1275, hsa-miR-23a-5p, hsa-miR-432-5p, hsa-miR-4433b-3p, and hsa-miR-4443; downregulated: hsa-miR-142-5p, hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-374a-3p, hsa-miR-542-3p, and hsa-miR-99a-5p). An inverse connection between cancer and neurodegeneration, called "inverse comorbidity", has also been noted, showing that some genes or miRNAs may be expressed oppositely in neurodegenerative disorders and in some cancers. Therefore, it may be reasonable to consider these miRNAs as potential diagnostic markers and outcome measures.
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Nucleophagy delays aging and preserves germline immortality. NATURE AGING 2022; 3:34-46. [PMID: 37118512 PMCID: PMC10154226 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMarked alterations in nuclear ultrastructure are a universal hallmark of aging, progeroid syndromes and other age-related pathologies. Here we show that autophagy of nuclear proteins is an important determinant of fertility and aging. Impairment of nucleophagy diminishes stress resistance, germline immortality and longevity. We found that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans nuclear envelope anchor protein, nuclear anchorage protein 1 (ANC-1) and its mammalian ortholog nesprin-2 are cleared out by autophagy and restrict nucleolar size, a biomarker of aging. We further uncovered a germline immortality assurance mechanism, which involves nucleolar degradation at the most proximal oocyte by ANC-1 and key autophagic components. Perturbation of this clearance pathway causes tumor-like structures in C. elegans, and genetic ablation of nesprin-2 causes ovarian carcinomas in mice. Thus, autophagic recycling of nuclear components is a conserved soma longevity and germline immortality mechanism that promotes youthfulness and delays aging under conditions of stress.
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Cui CH, Wu Q, Zhou HM, He H, Wang Y, Tang Z, Zhang Y, Wang X, Xiao J, Zhang H. High tyrosine threonine kinase expression predicts a poor prognosis: a potential therapeutic target for endometrial carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1352. [PMID: 36660721 PMCID: PMC9843307 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background As the most common female malignancy, the incidence and mortality of endometrial carcinoma (EC) continue to increase worldwide. The effects of traditional standard therapy are limited; thus, novel therapeutic strategies urgently need to be developed. We sought to provide prospective targeting insights into EC therapeutics by comprehensively examining and confirming the biological molecular characterization of EC genes. Methods The molecular characterization of EC genes was integrated and analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) databases. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the abnormal expression of some core cell-cycle proteins in the EC specimens was determined by examining and integrating the TCGA and GTEx data. The enriched signaling pathways involved in tumor progression were also examined. Results Immunohistochemical staining data from the Human Protein Atlas database showed that the differential expression levels of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and tyrosine threonine kinase (TTK) molecules, and the high messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels of CDKN2A and TTK were associated with a poor prognosis in EC patients. High TTK expression was also significantly correlated with the tumor progression associated signaling pathways, such as the cell-cycle, nucleolus, and RNA processing pathways. The inhibition of TTK expression by a TTK inhibitor (NTRC0066-0) significantly suppressed the proliferation of the EC cells and synergistically increased the sensitivity of the EN and AN3-CA EC cell lines. Conclusions The findings suggest that the TTK inhibitor could be used in EC therapy. This study highlighted the potential predictive role of TTK molecules and showed that TTK molecules might serve as prospective targets for EC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hong Cui
- Basic Medical College, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai 10th People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiju He
- Department of Hematology, Soochow University Affiliated No. 1 People’s Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhendong Tang
- School of Data Science and Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Inorganic Materials, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Mishra A, Ganguli N, Majumdar SS, Modi D. Loss of HOXA10 causes endometrial hyperplasia progressing to endometrial cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:431-444. [PMID: 35917434 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women and the precursor lesion is endometrial hyperplasia. HOXA10 is a transcription factor that plays key roles in endometrial functions such as the endowment of receptivity, embryo implantation, and trophoblast invasion. Herein, using testicular transgenesis, we developed transgenic mice that expressed a shRNA against HOXA10 and there was a nearly 70% reduction in the expression of HOXA10 in these animals. We observed that downregulation of HOXA10 led to the development of endometrial hyperplasia in the young animals (3 months), and as they aged (>1 year), most animals developed well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. In the endometrium of animals with reduced HOXA10, there was increased proliferation and elevated levels of ERα and ERβ. In parallel, there was increased expression of Wnt4 and β-Catenin, SOX9, and YAP1. We propose that chronic reduction in HOXA10 expression disrupts multiple pathways in the uterus that aids in the development of endometrial hyperplasia which progresses to endometrial cancer with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Mishra
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, ICMR, Parel, Mumbai, India
| | - Nirmalya Ganguli
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Deepak Modi
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, ICMR, Parel, Mumbai, India
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11
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Lack of extracellular matrix switches TGF-β induced apoptosis of endometrial cells to epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14821. [PMID: 36050359 PMCID: PMC9437059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix and the correct establishment of epithelial cell polarity plays a critical role in epithelial cell homeostasis and cell polarity. In addition, loss of tissue structure is a hallmark of carcinogenesis. In this study, we have addressed the role of extracellular matrix in the cellular responses to TGF-β. It is well known that TGF-β is a double-edged sword: it acts as a tumor suppressor in normal epithelial cells, but conversely has tumor-promoting effects in tumoral cells. However, the factors that determine cellular outcome in response to TGF-β remain controversial. Here, we have demonstrated that the lack of extracellular matrix and consequent loss of cell polarity inhibits TGF-β-induced apoptosis, observed when endometrial epithelial cells are polarized in presence of extracellular matrix. Rather, in absence of extracellular matrix, TGF-β-treated endometrial epithelial cells display features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We have also investigated the molecular mechanism of such a switch in cellular response. On the one hand, we found that the lack of Matrigel results in increased AKT signaling which is sufficient to inhibit TGF-β-induced apoptosis. On the other hand, we demonstrate that TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition requires ERK and SMAD2/3 activation. In summary, we demonstrate that loss of cell polarity changes the pro-apoptotic function of TGF-β to tumor-associated phenotype such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These results may be important for understanding the dual role of TGF-β in normal versus tumoral cells.
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12
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Overexpression of LPCAT1 enhances endometrial cancer stemness and metastasis by changing lipid components and activating the TGF/β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:904-916. [PMID: 35880567 PMCID: PMC9827807 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) increases annually and tends to occur in younger women. A particularly important relationship exists between EC and metabolic disorders. As one of the most important components of lipid metabolism, phospholipids play an indispensable role in metabolic balance. LPCAT1 is a key enzyme regulating phospholipid metabolism. In this study, we perform further investigations to seek mechanistic insight of LPCAT1 in EC. Our results demonstrate that silencing of LPCAT1 inhibits the growth of endometrial cancer, while overexpression of LPCAT1 results in enhanced stemness and metastasis in endometrial cancer cell lines. Meanwhile, the contents of various phospholipids including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and triglyceride (TG) change significantly after overexpression of LPCAT1. In addition, through RNA-sequencing and western blot analysis, we observe that the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway is of great importance in the tumor-promoting function of LPCAT1. LPCAT1 promotes the expressions of stem cell-related transcription factors and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins through the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Moreover, we find that TSI-01, which can inhibit the activity of LPCAT1, is able to restrain the proliferation of EC cell lines and promote cell apoptosis. Collectively, we demonstrate that LPCAT1 enhances the stemness and metastasis of EC by activating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and that TSI-01 may have potential use for the treatment of EC.
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13
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Tang S, Cope DI, Vasquez YM, Monsivais D. BMP/SMAD1/5 Signaling in the Endometrial Epithelium Is Essential for Receptivity and Early Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6564025. [PMID: 35383354 PMCID: PMC9049119 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The biological processes that control endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation are critical for the successful outcome of pregnancy. The endometrium is the complex inner lining of the uterine wall that is under the cyclical control of estrogen and progesterone and is a site of intimate contact between mother and blastocyst. The bone morphogenetic signaling (BMP) pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that controls key cellular processes throughout pregnancy and exerts intracellular effects via the SMAD1/5 transcription factors. To delineate the endometrial compartment-specific roles of BMP signaling, we generated mice with epithelial-specific conditional deletion of SMAD1/5 using Lactoferrin-icre (Smad1flox/flox;Smad5flox/flox;Lactoferrin-cre, "Smad1/5 cKO"). Histological analysis of the reproductive tracts showed that Smad1/5 cKO mice were developmentally normal and displayed no defects in glandular morphology. In fertility analyses, single SMAD1 or SMAD5 deletion had no effect on fertility; however, double-conditional deletion of SMAD1 and SMAD5 resulted in severe subfertility. Timed mating analyses revealed endometrial receptivity defects in the Smad1/5 cKO mice beginning at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc) that perturbed embryo implantation at 4.5 dpc, as demonstrated by the detection of unattached blastocysts in the uterus, decreased COX2 expression, and FOXO1 cytoplasmic mislocalization. We also found that defects that arose during peri-implantation adversely affected embryonic and decidual development at 5.5 and 6.5 dpc. Thus, uterine epithelial BMP/SMAD1/5 signaling is essential during early pregnancy and SMAD1/5 epithelial-specific deletion has detrimental effects on stromal cell decidualization and pregnancy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yasmin M Vasquez
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: Diana Monsivais, PhD, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Smith S217, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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14
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La Greca A, Bellora N, Le Dily F, Jara R, Nacht AS, Quilez Oliete J, Villanueva JL, Vidal E, Merino G, Fresno C, Tarifa Reischle I, Vallejo G, Vicent GP, Fernández E, Beato M, Saragüeta P. Chromatin topology defines estradiol-primed progesterone receptor and PAX2 binding in endometrial cancer cells. eLife 2022; 11:66034. [PMID: 35018885 PMCID: PMC8887898 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen (E2) and Progesterone (Pg), via their specific receptors (ERalpha and PR), are major determinants in the development and progression of endometrial carcinomas, However, their precise mechanism of action and the role of other transcription factors involved are not entirely clear. Using Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells, we report that E2 treatment exposes a set of progestin-dependent PR binding sites which include both E2 and progestin target genes. ChIP-seq results from hormone-treated cells revealed a non-random distribution of PAX2 binding in the vicinity of these estrogen-promoted PR sites. Altered expression of hormone regulated genes in PAX2 knockdown cells suggests a role for PAX2 in fine-tuning ERalpha and PR interplay in transcriptional regulation. Analysis of long-range interactions by Hi-C coupled with ATAC-seq data showed that these regions, that we call ‘progestin control regions’ (PgCRs), exhibited an open chromatin state even before hormone exposure and were non-randomly associated with regulated genes. Nearly 20% of genes potentially influenced by PgCRs were found to be altered during progression of endometrial cancer. Our findings suggest that endometrial response to progestins in differentiated endometrial tumor cells results in part from binding of PR together with PAX2 to accessible chromatin regions. What maintains these regions open remains to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolás Bellora
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Institute of Nuclear Technologies for Health, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - François Le Dily
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Jara
- Biology and Experimental Medicine Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Enrique Vidal
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Merino
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Griselda Vallejo
- Biology and Experimental Medicine Institute, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Elmer Fernández
- Bioscience Data Mining Group, Córdoba University, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Miguel Beato
- Gene Regulation, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Maru Y, Hippo Y. Two-Way Development of the Genetic Model for Endometrial Tumorigenesis in Mice: Current and Future Perspectives. Front Genet 2021; 12:798628. [PMID: 34956336 PMCID: PMC8696168 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.798628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract worldwide. Although comprehensive genomic analyses of EC have already uncovered many recurrent genetic alterations and deregulated signaling pathways, its disease model has been limited in quantity and quality. Here, we review the current status of genetic models for EC in mice, which have been developed in two distinct ways at the level of organisms and cells. Accordingly, we first describe the in vivo model using genetic engineering. This approach has been applied to only a subset of genes, with a primary focus on Pten inactivation, given that PTEN is the most frequently altered gene in human EC. In these models, the tissue specificity in genetic engineering determined by the Cre transgenic line has been insufficient. Consequently, the molecular mechanisms underlying EC development remain poorly understood, and preclinical models are still limited in number. Recently, refined Cre transgenic mice have been created to address this issue. With highly specific gene recombination in the endometrial cell lineage, acceptable in vivo modeling of EC development is warranted using these Cre lines. Second, we illustrate an emerging cell-based model. This hybrid approach comprises ex vivo genetic engineering of organoids and in vivo tumor development in immunocompromised mice. Although only a few successful cases have been reported as proof of concept, this approach allows quick and comprehensive analysis, ensuring a high potential for reconstituting carcinogenesis. Hence, ex vivo/in vivo hybrid modeling of EC development and its comparison with corresponding in vivo models may dramatically accelerate EC research. Finally, we provide perspectives on future directions of EC modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Maru
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hippo
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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16
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Li Z, Lv D, Liu Q. Construction of a microenvironment immune gene model for predicting the prognosis of endometrial cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1203. [PMID: 34763648 PMCID: PMC8588713 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08935-w] [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: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infiltrating immune and stromal cells are important components of the endometrial cancer (EC) microenvironment, which has a significant effect on the biological behavior of EC, suggesting that unique immune-related genes may be associated with the prognosis of EC. However, the association of immune-related genes with the prognosis of EC has not been elucidated. We attempted to identify immune-related genes with potentially prognostic value in EC using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the relationship between immune microenvironment and EC. Methods We analyzed 578 EC samples from TCGA database and used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to screen out immune-related genes. We constructed a protein–protein interaction network and analyzed it using STRING and Cytoscape. Immune-related genes were analyzed through conjoint Cox regression and random forest algorithm analysis were to identify a multi-gene prediction model and stratify low-risk and high-risk groups of EC patients. Based on these data, we constructed a nomogram prediction model to improve prognosis assessment. Evaluation of Immunological, gene mutations and gene enrichment analysis were applied on these groups to quantify additional differences. Results Using conjoint Cox regression and random forest algorithm, we found that TRBC2, TRAC, LPXN, and ARHGAP30 were associated with the prognosis of EC and constructed four gene risk models for overall survival and a consistent nomogram. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for 1-, 3-, and 5-y overall survival was 0.687, 0.699, and 0.76, respectively. These results were validated using a validation cohort. Immune-related pathways were mostly enriched in the low-risk group, which had higher levels of immune infiltration and immune status. Conclusion Our study provides new insights for novel biomarkers and immunotherapy targets in EC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08935-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jingkai Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Zhiguang Li
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Dekang Lv
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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17
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Eritja N, Navaridas R, Ruiz-Mitjana A, Vidal-Sabanés M, Egea J, Encinas M, Matias-Guiu X, Dolcet X. Endometrial PTEN Deficiency Leads to SMAD2/3 Nuclear Translocation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194990. [PMID: 34638474 PMCID: PMC8507901 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary PTEN is a protein highly altered in endometrial cancer. PTEN mutation or deficiency leads to the activation of other downstream proteins that are important to the development of cancers. In this study, we have identified the SMAD2/3 proteins as targets of PTEN deficiency. We have found that loss of PTEN in endometrial cells leads to SMAD2/3 activation. To investigate the role of SMAD2/3 activation downstream of PTEN deficiency, we have used endometrial cells lacking both PTEN and SMAD2/3 proteins. These cells display even more tumorigenic potential than cells lacking only PTEN. These results suggest that SMAD2/3 acts as an obstacle for cancer development triggered by PTEN loss. Abstract TGF-β has a dichotomous function, acting as tumor suppressor in premalignant cells but as a tumor promoter for cancerous cells. These contradictory functions of TGF-β are caused by different cellular contexts, including both intracellular and environmental determinants. The TGF-β/SMAD and the PI3K/PTEN/AKT signal transduction pathways have an important role in the regulation of epithelial cell homeostasis and perturbations in either of these two pathways’ contributions to endometrial carcinogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that both PTEN and SMAD2/3 display tumor-suppressive functions in the endometrium, and genetic ablation of either gene results in sustained activation of PI3K/AKT signaling that suppresses TGF-β-induced apoptosis and enhances cell proliferation of mouse endometrial cells. However, the molecular and cellular effects of PTEN deficiency on TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling remain controversial. Here, using an in vitro and in vivo model of endometrial carcinogenesis, we have demonstrated that loss of PTEN leads to a constitutive SMAD2/3 nuclear translocation. To ascertain the function of nuclear SMAD2/3 downstream of PTEN deficiency, we analyzed the effects of double deletion PTEN and SMAD2/3 in mouse endometrial organoids. Double PTEN/SMAD2/3 ablation results in a further increase of cell proliferation and enlarged endometrial organoids compared to those harboring single PTEN, suggesting that nuclear translocation of SMAD2/3 constrains tumorigenesis induced by PTEN deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Eritja
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Raúl Navaridas
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Anna Ruiz-Mitjana
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Maria Vidal-Sabanés
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Molecular Developmental Neurobiology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Mario Encinas
- Developmental and Oncogenic Signalling Group, Departament de Medicina Experimental, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - Xavier Matias-Guiu
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Dolcet
- Oncologic Pathology Group, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, IRBLleida, Universitat de Lleida, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer CIBERONC, 25198 Lleida, Spain; (N.E.); (R.N.); (A.R.-M.); (M.V.-S.); (X.M.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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18
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Serafim RAM, Elkins JM, Zuercher WJ, Laufer SA, Gehringer M. Chemical Probes for Understudied Kinases: Challenges and Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1132-1170. [PMID: 34477374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years after the approval of the first-in-class protein kinase inhibitor imatinib, the biological function of a significant fraction of the human kinome remains poorly understood while most research continues to be focused on few well-validated targets. Given the strong genetic evidence for involvement of many kinases in health and disease, the understudied fraction of the kinome holds a large and unexplored potential for future therapies. Specific chemical probes are indispensable tools to interrogate biology enabling proper preclinical validation of novel kinase targets. In this Perspective, we highlight recent case studies illustrating the development of high-quality chemical probes for less-studied kinases and their application in target validation. We spotlight emerging techniques and approaches employed in the generation of chemical probes for protein kinases and beyond and discuss the associated challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - William J Zuercher
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Zakrzewski PK. Canonical TGFβ Signaling and Its Contribution to Endometrial Cancer Development and Progression-Underestimated Target of Anticancer Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3900. [PMID: 34501347 PMCID: PMC8432036 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is one of the leading gynecological cancers diagnosed among women in their menopausal and postmenopausal age. Despite the progress in molecular biology and medicine, no efficient and powerful diagnostic and prognostic marker is dedicated to endometrial carcinogenesis. The canonical TGFβ pathway is a pleiotropic signaling cascade orchestrating a variety of cellular and molecular processes, whose alterations are responsible for carcinogenesis that originates from different tissue types. This review covers the current knowledge concerning the canonical TGFβ pathway (Smad-dependent) induced by prototypical TGFβ isoforms and the involvement of pathway alterations in the development and progression of endometrial neoplastic lesions. Since Smad-dependent signalization governs opposed cellular processes, such as growth arrest, apoptosis, tumor cells growth and differentiation, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, TGFβ cascade may act both as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter. However, the final effect of TGFβ signaling on endometrial cancer cells depends on the cancer disease stage. The multifunctional role of the TGFβ pathway indicates the possible utilization of alterations in the TGFβ cascade as a potential target of novel anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr K Zakrzewski
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Translocation of vaginal microbiota is involved in impairment and protection of uterine health. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4191. [PMID: 34234149 PMCID: PMC8263591 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vaginal and uterine microbiota play important roles in the health of the female reproductive system. However, the interactions among the microbes in these two niches and their effects on uterine health remain unclear. Here we profile the vaginal and uterine microbial samples of 145 women, and combine with deep mining of public data and animal experiments to characterize the microbial translocation in the female reproductive tract and its role in modulating uterine health. Synchronous variation and increasing convergence of the uterine and vaginal microbiome with advancing age are shown. We also find that transplanting certain strains of vaginal bacteria into the vagina of rats induces or reduces endometritis-like symptoms, and verify the damaging or protective effects of certain vaginal bacteria on endometrium. This study clarifies the interdependent relationship of vaginal bacterial translocation with uterine microecology and endometrial health, which will undoubtedly increase our understanding of female reproductive health.
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21
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Kurnit KC, Draisey A, Kazen RC, Chung C, Phan LH, Harvey JB, Feng J, Xie S, Broaddus RR, Bowser JL. Loss of CD73 shifts transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) from tumor suppressor to promoter in endometrial cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 505:75-86. [PMID: 33609609 PMCID: PMC9812391 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In many tumors, CD73 (NT5E), a rate-limiting enzyme in adenosine biosynthesis, is upregulated by TGF-β and drives tumor progression. Conversely, CD73 is downregulated in endometrial carcinomas (EC) despite a TGF-β-rich environment. Through gene expression analyses of normal endometrium samples of the uterine cancer TCGA data set and genetic and pharmacological studies, we discovered CD73 loss shifts TGF-β1 from tumor suppressor to promoter in EC. TGF-β1 upregulated CD73 and epithelial integrity in vivo in the normal endometrium and in vitro in early stage EC cells. With loss of CD73, TGF-β1-mediated epithelial integrity was abrogated. EC cells developed TGF-β1-mediated stress fibers and macromolecule permeability, migration, and invasion increased. In human tumors, CD73 is downregulated in deeply invasive stage I EC. Consistent with shifting TGF-β1 activity, CD73 loss increased TGF-β1-mediated canonical signaling and upregulated cyclin D1 (CCND1) and downregulated p21 expression. This shift was clinically relevant, as CD73Low/CCND1High expression associated with poor tumor differentiation, increased myometrial and lymphatic/vascular space invasion, and patient death. Further loss of CD73 in CD73Low expressing advanced stage EC cells increased TGF-β-mediated stress fibers, signaling, and invasiveness, whereby adenosine A1 receptor agonist, CPA, dampened TGF-β-mediated invasion. These data identify CD73 loss as essential for shifting TGF-β activity in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine C Kurnit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Draisey
- University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca C Kazen
- University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; CPRIT/CURE Summer Research Experience, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christine Chung
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luan H Phan
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jiping Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - SuSu Xie
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Russell R Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica L Bowser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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22
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Ma J, Kong FF, Yang D, Yang H, Wang C, Cong R, Ma XX. lncRNA MIR210HG promotes the progression of endometrial cancer by sponging miR-337-3p/137 via the HMGA2-TGF-β/Wnt pathway. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:905-922. [PMID: 34094710 PMCID: PMC8141672 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis and increases tumor tolerance to treatment intervention. Abnormal activation of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Wnt pathway induces EMT. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) significantly influence EMT regulation. Herein, we show that MIR210HG is overexpressed in endometrial cancer tissues, which is associated with poor prognosis. MIR210HG silencing significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT phenotype formation in vitro as well as tumorigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analyses, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, and luciferase assays showed that MIR210HG acts as a molecular sponge of miR-337-3p and miR-137 to regulate the expression of HMGA2. Additionally, MIR210HG overexpression significantly enriched the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway genes, while MIR210HG or HMGA2 knockdown suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. Our findings on the MIR210HG-miR-337-3p/137-HMGA2 axis illustrate its potential as a target for endometrial cancer therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Fan-Fei Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Rong Cong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
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23
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Xia W, Hu S, Wang M, Xu F, Han L, Peng D. Exploration of the potential mechanism of the Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction for the treatment of postpartum blood stasis based on network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113641. [PMID: 33271240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tao Hong Si Wu Decoction (THSWD) is a traditional prescription for blood management in traditional Chinese medicine, THSWD consists of Paeoniae Radix Alba (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Conioselinum anthriscoides 'Chuanxiong'), Persicae Seman (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and Carthami Flos (Carthamus tinctorius L.) at a weight ratio of 3: 4: 3: 2: 3: 2. THSWD is a commonly used prescription in the treatment of postpartum blood stasis disease. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the potential mechanism of THSWD for the treatment of postpartum blood stasis using network pharmacology and experimental research. MATERIALS AND METHODS We extracted the active ingredients and targets in THSWD from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and constructed a herbs-ingredients-targets-disease-network, devised a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, performed GO enrichment analysis, and performed Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to discover potential treatment mechanisms. A postpartum blood stasis model was established in rats, and the results of network pharmacology were verified by in vivo experiments. RESULTS The results showed that 69 potential active ingredients and 207 THSWD target genes for the treatment of postpartum blood stasis disease were obtained after ADME filtering analysis. The targets were enriched in multiple gene functions and different signaling pathways. By exploring various different signaling pathways, it was found that mitochondrial regulation of oxidative stress plays a potentially important role in the treatment of postpartum blood stasis with THSWD. Compared to model group, THSWD alleviated mitochondrial damage, decreased levels of oxidative stress in the rat model of postpartum blood stasis and reduced apoptosis in uterine cells. CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of THSWD on postpartum blood stasis is likely related to mitochondrial regulation of oxidative stress, which paves the way for further research investigating its mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Shoushan Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China; Xin'an Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China
| | - Lan Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China; Xin'an Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.
| | - Daiyin Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China; Xin'an Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chinese Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230038, China.
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24
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Wang X, Wendel JRH, Emerson RE, Broaddus RR, Creighton CJ, Rusch DB, Buechlein A, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Hawkins SM. Pten and Dicer1 loss in the mouse uterus causes poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2020; 39:6286-6299. [PMID: 32843721 PMCID: PMC7541676 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01434-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer remains the most common gynecological malignancy in the United States. While the loss of the tumor suppressor, PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog), is well studied in endometrial cancer, recent studies suggest that DICER1, the endoribonuclease responsible for miRNA genesis, also plays a significant role in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Conditional uterine deletion of Dicer1 and Pten in mice resulted in poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinomas, which expressed Napsin A and HNF1B (hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B), markers of clear-cell adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas were hormone-independent. Treatment with progesterone did not mitigate poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, nor did it affect adnexal metastasis. Transcriptomic analyses of DICER1 deleted uteri or Ishikawa cells revealed unique transcriptomic profiles and global miRNA downregulation. Computational integration of miRNA with mRNA targets revealed deregulated let-7 and miR-16 target genes, similar to published human DICER1-mutant endometrial cancers from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). Similar to human endometrial cancers, tumors exhibited dysregulation of ephrin-receptor signaling and transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathways. LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2), an essential molecule in p21 signal transduction, was significantly upregulated and represents a novel mechanism for hormone-independent pathogenesis of endometrial adenocarcinoma. This preclinical mouse model represents the first genetically engineered mouse model of poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jillian R H Wendel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Robert E Emerson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Russell R Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Aaron Buechlein
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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25
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Hewitt SC, Grimm SA, Wu SP, DeMayo FJ, Korach KS. Estrogen receptor α (ERα)-binding super-enhancers drive key mediators that control uterine estrogen responses in mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:8387-8400. [PMID: 32354741 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) modulates gene expression by interacting with chromatin regions that are frequently distal from the promoters of estrogen-regulated genes. Active chromatin-enriched "super-enhancer" (SE) regions, mainly observed in in vitro culture systems, often control production of key cell type-determining transcription factors. Here, we defined super-enhancers that bind to ERα in vivo within hormone-responsive uterine tissue in mice. We found that SEs are already formed prior to estrogen exposure at the onset of puberty. The genes at SEs encoded critical developmental factors, including retinoic acid receptor α (RARA) and homeobox D (HOXD). Using high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) along with DNA sequence analysis, we demonstrate that most SEs are located at a chromatin loop end and that most uterine genes in loop ends associated with these SEs are regulated by estrogen. Although the SEs were formed before puberty, SE-associated genes acquired optimal ERα-dependent expression after reproductive maturity, indicating that pubertal processes that occur after SE assembly and ERα binding are needed for gene responses. Genes associated with these SEs affected key estrogen-mediated uterine functions, including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and LIF interleukin-6 family cytokine (LIF) signaling pathways. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first identification of SE interactions that underlie hormonal regulation of genes in uterine tissue and optimal development of estrogen responses in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia C Hewitt
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Endometrial carcinoma may favor partial, but not complete, loss of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 116:9164-9165. [PMID: 31068477 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1903646116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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27
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Espedal H, Fonnes T, Fasmer KE, Krakstad C, Haldorsen IS. Imaging of Preclinical Endometrial Cancer Models for Monitoring Tumor Progression and Response to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121885. [PMID: 31783595 PMCID: PMC6966645 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries. Most patients are cured by surgery; however, about 15% of the patients develop recurrence with limited treatment options. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse models represent useful tools for preclinical evaluation of new therapies and biomarker identification. Preclinical imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and optical imaging during disease progression enables visualization and quantification of functional tumor characteristics, which may serve as imaging biomarkers guiding targeted therapies. A critical question, however, is whether the in vivo model systems mimic the disease setting in patients to such an extent that the imaging biomarkers may be translatable to the clinic. The primary objective of this review is to give an overview of current and novel preclinical imaging methods relevant for endometrial cancer animal models. Furthermore, we highlight how these advanced imaging methods depict pathogenic mechanisms important for tumor progression that represent potential targets for treatment in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Espedal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: (H.E.); (I.S.H.)
| | - Tina Fonnes
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (T.F.); (C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristine E. Fasmer
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Camilla Krakstad
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway; (T.F.); (C.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingfrid S. Haldorsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: (H.E.); (I.S.H.)
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28
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Zhou WJ, Zhang J, Yang HL, Wu K, Xie F, Wu JN, Wang Y, Yao L, Zhuang Y, Xiang JD, Zhang AJ, He YY, Li MQ. Estrogen inhibits autophagy and promotes growth of endometrial cancer by promoting glutamine metabolism. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:99. [PMID: 31429768 PMCID: PMC6700828 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0412-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive estrogen exposure is an important pathogenic factor in uterine endometrial cancer (UEC). Recent studies have reported the metabolic properties can influence the progression of UEC. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Methods Glutaminase (GLS), MYC and autophagy levels were detected. The biological functions of estrogen-MYC-GLS in UEC cells (UECC) were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. Results Our study showed that estrogen remarkably increased GLS level through up-regulating c-Myc, and enhanced glutamine (Gln) metabolism in estrogen-sensitive UEC cell (UECC), whereas fulvestrant (an ER inhibitor antagonist) could reverse these effects. Estrogen remarkably promoted cell viability and inhibited autophagy of estrogen sensitive UECC. However, CB-839, a potent selective oral bioavailable inhibitor of both splice variants of GLS, negatively regulated Gln metabolism, and inhibited the effects of Gln and estrogen on UECC’s growth and autophagy in vitro and / or in vivo. Conclusions CB-839 triggers autophagy and restricts growth of UEC by suppressing ER/Gln metabolism, which provides new insights into the potential value of CB-839 in clinical treatment of estrogen-related UEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jie Zhou
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.,NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Li Yang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xie
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Nan Wu
- Clinical Epidemiology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yao
- Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Dong Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Jun Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yin-Yan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100, Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, No.1326, Pingliang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China. .,Insititue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Hsu CW, Kalaga S, Akoma U, Rasmussen TL, Christiansen AE, Dickinson ME. High Resolution Imaging of Mouse Embryos and Neonates with X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 9:e63. [PMID: 31195428 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Iodine-contrast micro-computed tomography (microCT) 3D imaging provides a non-destructive and high-throughput platform for studying mouse embryo and neonate development. Here we provide protocols on preparing mouse embryos and neonates between embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) to postnatal day 4 (P4) for iodine-contrast microCT imaging. With the implementation of the STABILITY method to create a polymer-tissue hybrid structure, we have demonstrated that not only is soft tissue shrinkage minimized but also the minimum required time for soft tissue staining with iodine is decreased, especially for E18.5 to P4 samples. In addition, we also provide a protocol on using commercially available X-CLARITYTM hydrogel solution to create the similar polymer-tissue hybrid structure on delicate early post-implantation stage (E8.5 to E14.5) embryos. With its simple sample staining and mounting processes, this protocol is easy to adopt and implement for most of the commercially available, stand-alone microCT systems in order to study mouse development between early post-implantation to early postnatal stages. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Optical Imaging and Vital Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Sowmya Kalaga
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Optical Imaging and Vital Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Uchechukwu Akoma
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tara L Rasmussen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Audrey E Christiansen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mary E Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Optical Imaging and Vital Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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30
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Reply to Liu et al.: ALK5-mediated tumor suppressor signaling through SMAD2 and SMAD3 in the uterus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9166-9167. [PMID: 31068478 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904354116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
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32
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Li X, Liu M, Ji JY. Understanding Obesity as a Risk Factor for Uterine Tumors Using Drosophila. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:129-155. [PMID: 31520353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple large-scale epidemiological studies have identified obesity as an important risk factor for a variety of human cancers, particularly cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, kidney, liver, colon, and ovary, but there is much uncertainty regarding how obesity increases the cancer risks. Given that obesity has been consistently identified as a major risk factor for uterine tumors, the most common malignancies of the female reproductive system, we use uterine tumors as a pathological context to survey the relevant literature and propose a novel hypothesis: chronic downregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) module, composed of CDK8 (or its paralog CDK19), Cyclin C, MED12 (or MED12L), and MED13 (or MED13L), by elevated insulin or insulin-like growth factor signaling in obese women may increase the chances to dysregulate the activities of transcription factors regulated by the CDK8 module, thereby increasing the risk of uterine tumors. Although we focus on endometrial cancer and uterine leiomyomas (or fibroids), two major forms of uterine tumors, our model may offer additional insights into how obesity increases the risk of other types of cancers and diseases. To illustrate the power of model organisms for studying human diseases, here we place more emphasis on the findings obtained from Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
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