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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Kuang S, Zhang Y, Qin H, Xie J. GPX3-Mediated Oxidative Stress Affects Pyrimidine Metabolism Levels in Stomach Adenocarcinoma via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6875417. [PMID: 38322113 PMCID: PMC10846926 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6875417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Amino acid metabolism, including ATP production, nucleotide synthesis, and redox homeostatic processes, are associated with proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells. This study aimed to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of amino acid metabolism-related genes for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). Methods RNA sequencing transcriptome data in the TCGA-STAD (training set) and GTEx datasets (validation set) were used. The LIMMA R program enabled the differentially expressed amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs) to be found. A prognostic risk score model based on clinical phenotypic features was built using LASSO regression and step multi-Cox analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to find potential molecular pathways associated with STAD. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate pyrimidine metabolism. Cultured STAD cells assessed the proliferation of STAD and upregulation of GPX3 expression by CCK8 and flow cytometry. Transwell and wound healing assays assessed the impact of GPX3 on invasion and migration of STAD cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to measure changes in pyrimidine metabolism-related markers and active molecules involved in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Results Three AAMRGs, DNMT1, F2R, and GPX3, could independently predict the course of STAD. Pyrimidine metabolism appeared to be significantly associated with these by GSEA and clustering analyses. Pyrimidine metabolism was negatively correlated with GPX3. Functional studies using an overexpressed GPX3 plasmid showed an enhanced migration and invasion of STAD cells as well as the expression of genes associated with pyrimidine metabolism and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. By using a CAD siRNA, it was found that that GPX3 affected 5-fluorouracil resistance during de novo synthesis of pyrimidine through the CAD-UMPS signaling axis. Conclusions GPX3 which regulates the level of pyrimidine metabolism through the AMPK/mTOR pathway was found to be closely associated with STAD. Our findings demonstrate GPX3 is a reliable biomarker for the prognosis of amino acid metabolism and a probable target for STAD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Shanshan Kuang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Hancheng Qin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jisheng Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
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Rajalingam A, Sekar K, Ganjiwale A. Identification of Potential Genes and Critical Pathways in Postoperative Recurrence of Crohn's Disease by Machine Learning And WGCNA Network Analysis. Curr Genomics 2023; 24:84-99. [PMID: 37994325 PMCID: PMC10662376 DOI: 10.2174/1389202924666230601122334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. These patients often experience a period of symptomatic relapse and remission. A 20 - 30% symptomatic recurrence rate is reported in the first year after surgery, with a 10% increase each subsequent year. Thus, surgery is done only to relieve symptoms and not for the complete cure of the disease. The determinants and the genetic factors of this disease recurrence are also not well-defined. Therefore, enhanced diagnostic efficiency and prognostic outcome are critical for confronting CD recurrence. Methods We analysed ileal mucosa samples collected from neo-terminal ileum six months after surgery (M6=121 samples) from Crohn's disease dataset (GSE186582). The primary aim of this study is to identify the potential genes and critical pathways in post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease. We combined the differential gene expression analysis with Recursive feature elimination (RFE), a machine learning approach to get five critical genes for the postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. The features (genes) selected by different methods were validated using five binary classifiers for recurrence and remission samples: Logistic Regression (LR), Decision tree classifier (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest classifier (RF), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) with 10-fold cross-validation. We also performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to select specific modules and feature genes associated with Crohn's disease postoperative recurrence, smoking, and biological sex. Combined with other biological interpretations, including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, our current study sheds light on the in-depth research of CD diagnosis and prognosis in postoperative recurrence. Results PLOD2, ZNF165, BOK, CX3CR1, and ARMCX4, are the important genes identified from the machine learning approach. These genes are reported to be involved in the viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptors, lysine degradation, and apoptosis. They are also linked with various cellular and molecular functions such as Peptidyl-lysine hydroxylation, Central nervous system maturation, G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor activity, BCL-2 homology (BH) domain binding, Gliogenesis and negative regulation of mitochondrial depolarization. WGCNA identified a gene co-expression module that was primarily involved in mitochondrial translational elongation, mitochondrial translational termination, mitochondrial translation, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, mRNA splicing via spliceosome pathways, etc.; Both the analysis result emphasizes that the mitochondrial depolarization pathway is linked with CD recurrence leading to oxidative stress in promoting inflammation in CD patients. Conclusion These key genes serve as the novel diagnostic biomarker for the postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease. Thus, among other treatment options present until now, these biomarkers would provide success in both diagnosis and prognosis, aiming for a long-lasting remission to prevent further complications in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Rajalingam
- Department of Life Sciences, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560056, India
| | - Kanagaraj Sekar
- Laboratory for Structural Biology and Bio-computing, Computational and Data Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560012, India
| | - Anjali Ganjiwale
- Department of Life Sciences, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560056, India
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Yang Y, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Liu K, Lu C. 5-Fluorouracil Suppresses Colon Tumor through Activating the p53-Fas Pathway to Sensitize Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to FasL + Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1563. [PMID: 36900354 PMCID: PMC10001142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelosuppression is a major adverse effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. However, recent findings indicate that 5-FU selectively suppresses myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), to enhance antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing mice. 5-FU-mediated myelosuppression may thus have a beneficial effect for cancer patients. The molecular mechanism underlying 5-FU's suppression of MDSCs is currently unknown. We aimed at testing the hypothesis that 5-FU suppresses MDSCs through enhancing MDSC sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis. We observed that, although FasL is highly expressed in T cells, Fas is weakly expressed in myeloid cells in human colon carcinoma, indicating that downregulation of Fas is a mechanism underlying myeloid cell survival and accumulation in human colon cancer. 5-FU treatment upregulated expression of both p53 and Fas, and knocking down p53 diminished 5-FU-induced Fas expression in MDSC-like cells, in vitro. 5-FU treatment also increased MDSC-like cell sensitivity to FasL-induced apoptosis in vitro. Furthermore, we determined that 5-FU therapy increased expression of Fas on MDSCs, suppressed MDSC accumulation, and increased CTL tumor infiltration in colon tumor-bearing mice. In human colorectal cancer patients, 5-FU chemotherapy decreased MDSC accumulation and increased CTL level. Our findings determine that 5-FU chemotherapy activates the p53-Fas pathway, to suppress MDSC accumulation, to increase CTL tumor infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingcui Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingqing Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Yongdan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Kebin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Chunwan Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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Bonzerato CG, Wojcikiewicz RJH. Bok: real killer or bystander with non-apoptotic roles? Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1161910. [PMID: 37123400 PMCID: PMC10130511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1161910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2-related ovarian killer, Bok, was first labeled "pro-apoptotic" due to its ability to cause cell death when over-expressed. However, it has become apparent that this is not a good name, since Bok is widely expressed in tissues other than ovaries. Further, there is serious doubt as to whether Bok is a real "killer," due to disparities in the ability of over-expressed versus endogenous Bok to trigger apoptosis. In this brief review, we rationalize these disparities and argue that endogenous Bok is very different from the pro-apoptotic, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization mediators, Bak and Bax. Instead, Bok is a stable, endoplasmic reticulum-located protein bound to inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptors. From this location, Bok plays a variety of roles, including regulation of endoplasmic reticulum/mitochondria contact sites and mitochondrial dynamics. Therefore, categorizing Bok as a "killer" may well be misleading and instead, endogenous Bok would better be considered an endoplasmic reticulum-located "bystander", with non-apoptotic roles.
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Bonzerato CG, Keller KR, Schulman JJ, Gao X, Szczesniak LM, Wojcikiewicz RJH. Endogenous Bok is stable at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and does not mediate proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1094302. [PMID: 36601536 PMCID: PMC9806350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1094302] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversy surrounds the cellular role of the Bcl-2 family protein Bok. On one hand, it has been shown that all endogenous Bok is bound to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), while other data suggest that Bok can act as a pro-apoptotic mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization mediator, apparently kept at very low and non-apoptotic levels by efficient proteasome-mediated degradation. Here we show that 1) endogenous Bok is expressed at readily-detectable levels in key cultured cells (e.g., mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HCT116 cells) and is not constitutively degraded by the proteasome, 2) proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis is not mediated by Bok, 3) endogenous Bok expression level is critically dependent on the presence of IP3Rs, 4) endogenous Bok is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the absence of IP3Rs at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and 5) charged residues in the transmembrane region of Bok affect its stability, ability to interact with Mcl-1, and pro-apoptotic activity when over-expressed. Overall, these data indicate that endogenous Bok levels are not governed by proteasomal activity (except when IP3Rs are deleted) and that while endogenous Bok plays little or no role in apoptotic signaling, exogenous Bok can mediate apoptosis in a manner dependent on its transmembrane domain.
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Uricase sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to 5-fluorouracil through uricase-uric acid-UMP synthase axis. J Physiol Biochem 2022; 78:679-687. [PMID: 35674867 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy plays a key role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, however, with intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance being a major constraint. Here, we aimed to identify potential target to reverse such chemoresistance. In the present study, we found significant difference in uridine monophosphate synthetase (UMPS) expression between 5-FU resistant and sensitive HCC cell lines and the overexpression or downregulation of UMPS impacted 5-FU response in HCC cells. We further found that inhibition of UMPS activity with uric acid at concentration present in human plasma decreased the 5-FU sensitivity of HCC cells, while reduction of uric acid levels with uricase improved the 5-FU sensitivity of HCC cells as well as colorectal cancer cells. In vivo studies also suggested that modulation of uric acid levels did affect 5-FU sensitivity of tumors. These data indicated that UMPS was correlated with the 5-FU resistance in HCC cells and uricase sensitized cancer cells to 5-FU through uricase-uric acid-UMP synthase axis, which provided a potential strategy to improve the efficacy of 5-FU-based chemotherapy for human cancers.
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Haeusler GM, Garnham AL, Li‐Wai‐Suen CSN, Clark JE, Babl FE, Allaway Z, Slavin MA, Mechinaud F, Smyth GK, Phillips B, Thursky KA, Pellegrini M, Doerflinger M. Blood transcriptomics identifies immune signatures indicative of infectious complications in childhood cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1383. [PMID: 35602885 PMCID: PMC9113042 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a major cause of treatment disruption and unplanned hospitalization in childhood cancer patients. This study investigated the transcriptome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in children with cancer and FN to identify potential predictors of serious infection. Methods Whole-genome transcriptional profiling was conducted on PBMCs collected during episodes of FN in children with cancer at presentation to the hospital (Day 1; n = 73) and within 8-24 h (Day 2; n = 28) after admission. Differentially expressed genes as well as gene pathways that correlated with clinical outcomes were defined for different infectious outcomes. Results Global differences in gene expression associated with specific immune responses in children with FN and documented infection, compared to episodes without documented infection, were identified at admission. These differences resolved over the subsequent 8-24 h. Distinct gene signatures specific for bacteraemia were identified both at admission and on Day 2. Differences in gene signatures between episodes with bacteraemia and episodes with bacterial infection, viral infection and clinically defined infection were also observed. Only subtle differences in gene expression profiles between non-bloodstream bacterial and viral infections were identified. Conclusion Blood transcriptome immune profiling analysis during FN episodes may inform monitoring and aid in defining adequate treatment for different infectious aetiologies in children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle M Haeusler
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVICAustralia,NHMRC National Centre for Infections in CancerSir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,The Victorian Paediatric Integrated Cancer ServiceVictoria State GovernmentMelbourneVICAustralia,Infection Diseases UnitDepartment of General MedicineRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Alexandra L Garnham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical ResearchParkvilleVICAustralia,Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Connie SN Li‐Wai‐Suen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical ResearchParkvilleVICAustralia,Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Julia E Clark
- Queensland Children's HospitalChild Health Research CentreThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Franz E Babl
- Department of Emergency MedicineRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Murdoch Children's Research InstitutePaediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)MelbourneVICAustralia,Murdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of PaediatricsFaculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Zoe Allaway
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVICAustralia,NHMRC National Centre for Infections in CancerSir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVICAustralia,NHMRC National Centre for Infections in CancerSir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Infection Diseases UnitDepartment of General MedicineRoyal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Victorian Infectious Diseases ServiceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Francoise Mechinaud
- Children's Cancer CentreThe Royal Children's HospitalMelbourneVICAustralia,Unité d'Hématologie Immunologie PédiatriqueHopital Robert DebréAPHP Nord Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Gordon K Smyth
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical ResearchParkvilleVICAustralia,School of Mathematics and StatisticsUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Bob Phillips
- Leeds Children's HospitalLeeds General InfirmaryLeedsUK
| | - Karin A Thursky
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPeter MacCallum Cancer CentreMelbourneVICAustralia,NHMRC National Centre for Infections in CancerSir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Department of Infectious DiseasesNational Centre for Antimicrobial StewardshipUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- NHMRC National Centre for Infections in CancerSir Peter MacCallum Department of OncologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia,Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical ResearchParkvilleVICAustralia,Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Marcel Doerflinger
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical ResearchParkvilleVICAustralia,Department of Medical BiologyThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
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Bindra GK, Williams SA, Lay FT, Baxter AA, Poon IKH, Hulett MD, Phan TK. Human β-Defensin 2 (HBD-2) Displays Oncolytic Activity but Does Not Affect Tumour Cell Migration. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020264. [PMID: 35204765 PMCID: PMC8961614 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins form an integral part of the cationic host defence peptide (HDP) family, a key component of innate immunity. Apart from their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, many HDPs exert multifaceted effects on tumour cells, notably direct oncolysis and/or inhibition of tumour cell migration. Therefore, HDPs have been explored as promising anticancer therapeutics. Human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) represents a prominent member of human HDPs, being well-characterised for its potent pathogen-killing, wound-healing, cytokine-inducing and leukocyte-chemoattracting functions. However, its anticancer effects remain largely unknown. Recently, we demonstrated that HBD-2 binds strongly to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), a key mediator of defensin-induced cell death and an instructional messenger during cell migration. Hence, in this study, we sought to investigate the lytic and anti-migratory effects of HBD-2 on tumour cells. Using various cell biological assays and confocal microscopy, we showed that HBD-2 killed tumour cells via acute lytic cell death rather than apoptosis. In addition, our data suggested that, despite the reported PI(4,5)P2 interaction, HBD-2 does not affect cytoskeletal-dependent tumour cell migration. Together, our findings provide further insights into defensin biology and informs future defensin-based drug development.
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9
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The BCL-2 family member BOK promotes KRAS-driven lung cancer progression in a p53-dependent manner. Oncogene 2022; 41:1376-1382. [PMID: 35091677 PMCID: PMC8881215 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A variety of cancer entities are driven by KRAS mutations, which remain difficult to target clinically. Survival pathways, such as resistance to cell death, may represent a promising treatment approach in KRAS mutated cancers. Based on the frequently observed genomic deletions of BCL-2-related ovarian killer (BOK) in cancer patients, we explored the function of BOK in a mutant KrasG12D-driven murine model of lung cancer. Using KrasG12D/+Bok−/− mice, we observed an overall tumor-promoting function of BOK in vivo. Specifically, loss of BOK reduced proliferation both in cell lines in vitro as well as in KrasG12D-driven tumor lesions in vivo. During tumor development in vivo, loss of BOK resulted in a lower tumor burden, with fewer, smaller, and less advanced tumors. Using KrasG12D/+Tp53Δ/ΔBok−/− mice, we identified that this phenotype was entirely dependent on the presence of functional p53. Furthermore, analysis of a human dataset of untreated early-stage lung tumors did not identify any common deletion of the BOK locus, independently of the TP53 status or the histopathological classification. Taken together our data indicate that BOK supports tumor progression in Kras-driven lung cancer.
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Karbon G, Haschka MD, Hackl H, Soratroi C, Rocamora-Reverte L, Parson W, Fiegl H, Villunger A. The BH3-only protein NOXA serves as an independent predictor of breast cancer patient survival and defines susceptibility to microtubule targeting agents. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1151. [PMID: 34903710 PMCID: PMC8668920 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04415-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) treatment frequently involves microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), such as paclitaxel, that arrest cells in mitosis. Sensitivity to MTAs is defined by a subset of pro- and anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins controlling mitochondrial apoptosis. Here, we aimed to determine their prognostic value in primary tumour samples from 92 BC patients. Our analysis identified high NOXA/PMAIP mRNA expression levels as an independent prognostic marker for improved relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis in BC patients, independent of their molecular subtype. Analysis of available TCGA datasets of 1060 BC patients confirmed our results and added a clear predictive value of NOXA mRNA levels for patients who received MTA-based therapy. In this TCGA cohort, 122 patients received MTA-treatment and high NOXA mRNA levels correlated with their progression-free interval (PFI) and OS. Our follow-up analyses in a panel of BC cell lines of different molecular subtypes identified NOXA protein expression as a key determinant of paclitaxel sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Moreover, we noted highest additive effects between paclitaxel and chemical inhibition of BCLX, but not BCL2 or MCL1, documenting dependence of TNBC cells on BCLX for survival and paclitaxel sensitivity defined by NOXA expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Karbon
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel D Haschka
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Insitute for Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Soratroi
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lourdes Rocamora-Reverte
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heidelinde Fiegl
- Department for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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11
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Means RE, Katz SG. Yes, MAM! Mol Cell Oncol 2021; 8:1919473. [PMID: 34616865 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2021.1919473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of cell life and death by members of the BCL-2 family of proteins occurs at the mitochondria. Large portions of the mitochondria's outer membrane are found in tight approximation with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), known as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) or mitochondria-ER contact sites (MERCs). We recently reported that BOK is present within MAMs where it regulates Ca2+ transfer from the ER to the mitochondria, appropriate MAM components and MERC structure, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Means
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Samuel G Katz
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Azwar S, Seow HF, Abdullah M, Faisal Jabar M, Mohtarrudin N. Recent Updates on Mechanisms of Resistance to 5-Fluorouracil and Reversal Strategies in Colon Cancer Treatment. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:854. [PMID: 34571731 PMCID: PMC8466833 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) plus leucovorin (LV) remain as the mainstay standard adjuvant chemotherapy treatment for early stage colon cancer, and the preferred first-line option for metastatic colon cancer patients in combination with oxaliplatin in FOLFOX, or irinotecan in FOLFIRI regimens. Despite treatment success to a certain extent, the incidence of chemotherapy failure attributed to chemotherapy resistance is still reported in many patients. This resistance, which can be defined by tumor tolerance against chemotherapy, either intrinsic or acquired, is primarily driven by the dysregulation of various components in distinct pathways. In recent years, it has been established that the incidence of 5-FU resistance, akin to multidrug resistance, can be attributed to the alterations in drug transport, evasion of apoptosis, changes in the cell cycle and DNA-damage repair machinery, regulation of autophagy, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell involvement, tumor microenvironment interactions, miRNA dysregulations, epigenetic alterations, as well as redox imbalances. Certain resistance mechanisms that are 5-FU-specific have also been ascertained to include the upregulation of thymidylate synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, and the downregulation of thymidine phosphorylase. Indeed, the successful modulation of these mechanisms have been the game plan of numerous studies that had employed small molecule inhibitors, plant-based small molecules, and non-coding RNA regulators to effectively reverse 5-FU resistance in colon cancer cells. It is hoped that these studies would provide fundamental knowledge to further our understanding prior developing novel drugs in the near future that would synergistically work with 5-FU to potentiate its antitumor effects and improve the patient's overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamin Azwar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (S.A.); (H.F.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Heng Fong Seow
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (S.A.); (H.F.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Maha Abdullah
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (S.A.); (H.F.S.); (M.A.)
| | - Mohd Faisal Jabar
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Norhafizah Mohtarrudin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (S.A.); (H.F.S.); (M.A.)
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Szczesniak LM, Bonzerato CG, Wojcikiewicz RJH. Identification of the Bok Interactome Using Proximity Labeling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689951. [PMID: 34136494 PMCID: PMC8201613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of the Bcl-2 family member Bok is currently enigmatic, with various disparate roles reported, including mediation of apoptosis, regulation of mitochondrial morphology, binding to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, and regulation of uridine metabolism. To better define the roles of Bok, we examined its interactome using TurboID-mediated proximity labeling in HeLa cells, in which Bok knock-out leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and Bok overexpression leads to apoptosis. Labeling with TurboID-Bok revealed that Bok was proximal to a wide array of proteins, particularly those involved in mitochondrial fission (e.g., Drp1), endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions (e.g., Stim1), and surprisingly among the Bcl-2 family members, just Mcl-1. Comparison with TurboID-Mcl-1 and TurboID-Bak revealed that the three Bcl-2 family member interactomes were largely independent, but with some overlap that likely identifies key interactors. Interestingly, when overexpressed, Mcl-1 and Bok interact physically and functionally, in a manner that depends upon the transmembrane domain of Bok. Overall, this work shows that the Bok interactome is different from those of Mcl-1 and Bak, identifies novel proximities and potential interaction points for Bcl-2 family members, and suggests that Bok may regulate mitochondrial fission via Mcl-1 and Drp1.
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14
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Naim S, Fernandez-Marrero Y, de Brot S, Bachmann D, Kaufmann T. Loss of BOK Has a Minor Impact on Acetaminophen Overdose-Induced Liver Damage in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063281. [PMID: 33807047 PMCID: PMC8004760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most commonly used analgesic and anti-pyretic drugs, and APAP intoxication is one of the main reasons for liver transplantation following liver failure in the Western world. While APAP poisoning ultimately leads to liver necrosis, various programmed cell death modalities have been implicated, including ER stress-triggered apoptosis. The BCL-2 family member BOK (BCL-2-related ovarian killer) has been described to modulate the unfolded protein response and to promote chemical-induced liver injury. We therefore investigated the impact of the loss of BOK following APAP overdosing in mice. Surprisingly, we observed sex-dependent differences in the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in both wildtype (WT) and Bok-/- mice, with increased activation of JNK in females compared with males. Loss of BOK led to a decrease in JNK activation and a reduced percentage of centrilobular necrosis in both sexes after APAP treatment; however, this protection was more pronounced in Bok-/- females. Nevertheless, serum ALT and AST levels of Bok-/- and WT mice were comparable, indicating that there was no major difference in the overall outcome of liver injury. We conclude that after APAP overdosing, loss of BOK affects initiating signaling steps linked to ER stress, but has a more minor impact on the outcome of liver necrosis. Furthermore, we observed sex-dependent differences that might be worthwhile to investigate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Naim
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (Y.F.-M.); (D.B.)
| | - Yuniel Fernandez-Marrero
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (Y.F.-M.); (D.B.)
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Simone de Brot
- COMPATH, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Daniel Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (Y.F.-M.); (D.B.)
| | - Thomas Kaufmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital, INO-F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (S.N.); (Y.F.-M.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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The Mysteries around the BCL-2 Family Member BOK. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121638. [PMID: 33291826 PMCID: PMC7762061 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BOK is an evolutionarily conserved BCL-2 family member that resembles the apoptotic effectors BAK and BAX in sequence and structure. Based on these similarities, BOK has traditionally been classified as a BAX-like pro-apoptotic protein. However, the mechanism of action and cellular functions of BOK remains controversial. While some studies propose that BOK could replace BAK and BAX to elicit apoptosis, others attribute to this protein an indirect way of apoptosis regulation. Adding to the debate, BOK has been associated with a plethora of non-apoptotic functions that makes this protein unpredictable when dictating cell fate. Here, we compile the current knowledge and open questions about this paradoxical protein with a special focus on its structural features as the key aspect to understand BOK biological functions.
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16
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Zhu S, Lin F, Chen Z, Jiang X, Zhang J, Yang Q, Chen Y, Wang J. Identification of a Twelve-Gene Signature and Establishment of a Prognostic Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival for Medulloblastoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:563882. [PMID: 33101383 PMCID: PMC7495025 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.563882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma is the common pediatric malignant tumor with poor prognosis in cerebellum. However, MB is always with clinical heterogeneity. To provide patients with more clinically beneficial treatment strategies, there is a pressing need to develop a new prognostic prediction model as a supplement to the prediction outcomes of clinical judgment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four datasets of mRNA expression and clinical data were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and functionally enriched among GSE50161, GSE74195, GSE86574. Then we used STRING and Cytoscape to constructed and analyze protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and hub genes. Univariate cox regression analysis was performed to identify overall survival-related hub genes in an unique dataset from GSE85217 as train cohort. Lasso Cox regression model was used to construct the prognostic gene signature. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC), Kaplan-Meier curve, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic capacity of the twelve-gene signature. A unique dataset from GSE85217 was downloaded to further validate the results. Finally, we established the nomogram by using the gene signature and validated it with ROC curve. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was carried out to further investigate its potential molecular mechanism. Besides, the twelve genes expression at the mRNA and protein levels was validated using external database such as Oncomine, cBioportal and HPA, respectively. RESULTS A twelve-gene signature comprising FOXM1, NEK2, CCT2, ACTL6A, EIF4A3, CCND2, ABL1, SYNCRIP, ITGB1, NRXN2, ENAH, and UMPS was established to predict overall survival of medulloblastoma. The ROC curve showed good performance in survival prediction in both the train cohort and the validation cohort. The twelve-gene signature could stratify patients into a high risk and low risk group which had significantly different survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the twelve-gene signature was an independent prognostic factor in medulloblastoma. Nomogram, which included twelve-gene signatures, was established and showed some clinical benefit. CONCLUSION Our study identified a twelve-gene signature and established a prognostic nomogram that reliably predicts overall survival in medulloblastoma. The above results will help us to better analyze the pathogenesis and treatment of medulloblastoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunying Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinsheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neuro-Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Sun Y, Cheng M, Dong L, Yang K, Ma Z, Yu S, Yan P, Bai K, Zhu X, Zhang Q. Agaricus blazei extract (FA-2-b-β) induces apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:270. [PMID: 32989404 PMCID: PMC7517625 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) is a mushroom belonging to the Basidiomycetes family, which is believed to have antitumor and antioxidative activities. Proteoglycans and ergosterol are considered the key compounds of AbM for antitumor properties and so are used in complementary and alternative medicine as an anticancer drug. AbM is used to avoid serious side effects that would inevitably affect patients. Currently, the efficacy of AbM against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has not been established. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor activities of the acidic RNA protein complex, FA-2-b-β, extracted from wild edible AbM. The CML K562 cells or primary CML bone marrow (BM) cells were treated with FA-2-b-β at different concentrations and time points. CML cell line proliferation and apoptosis were determined using the CCK-8 assay or Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) labeling, RT-qPCR and western blotting was performed to determine the involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin-associated apoptotic pathway. The results of the present study demonstrated that FA-2-b-β has a high anti-proliferative potency and strong pro-apoptotic effects. Thus, daily intake of mushrooms containing FA-2-b-β may be an adequate source as an alternative medicine in the management of CML, and may provide useful information for the development of a novel therapeutic target in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Sun
- Department of Hematology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Mingxia Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Li Dong
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China.,Institute of Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Shangrui Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Peijing Yan
- Institute of Clinical Research and Evidence Based Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Kuntian Bai
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Qike Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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18
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Xue F, Lin X, Cai Z, Liu X, Ma Y, Wu M. Doxifluridine-based pharmacosomes delivering miR-122 as tumor microenvironments-activated nanoplatforms for synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2020; 197:111367. [PMID: 33007506 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2020.111367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A novel kind of anti-cancer pharmacosome (named NPC-D) derived from Doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) was described, which could be activated by tumor microenvironments (TMEs). The NPC-D with H2O2-sensitive linker was dispersed well in water and simultaneously interacted with nucleic acids including plasmids encoding miR-122 (p122) and EpCAM-targeted aptamer (ap1) via charge interaction and hydrogen bonding. The integrated nanosystem (p122-ap1@NPC-D) was found to unleash by programmed TMEs (high level of H2O2 and low pH) to efficiently transfect miR-122 into MHCC-LM3 cells, followed by the releases of 5-FU. Besides, p122-ap1@NPC-D significantly countered the chemotherapy resistance and played a synergistic effect. These unique nanoparticles dramatically enhanced the anti-proliferation, and modulated the cellular apoptosis by the down-regulation of various signal pathways which imparted a bright application prospect in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangqin Xue
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, PR China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, PR China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, PR China
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, PR China
| | - Yuan Ma
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, PR China.
| | - Ming Wu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, PR China.
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19
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Doerflinger M, Reljic B, Menassa J, Nedeva C, Jose I, Faou P, Mackiewicz L, Mansell A, Pellegrini M, Hotchkiss R, Puthalakath H. Circulating BiP/Grp78 is a novel prognostic marker for sepsis-mediated immune cell death. FEBS J 2020; 288:1809-1821. [PMID: 32894892 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis remains to be a major contributor to mortality in ICUs, and immune suppression caused by immune cell apoptosis determines the overall patient survival. However, diagnosis of sepsis-induced lymphopenia remains problematic with no accurate prognostic techniques or biomarkers for cell death available. Developing reliable prognostic tools for sepsis-mediated cell death is not only important for identifying patients at increased risk of immune suppression but also to monitor treatment progress of currently trialed immunotherapy strategies. We have previously shown an important role for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in inducing sepsis-mediated cell death and here report on the identification of a secreted form of the ER chaperone BiP (immunoglobulin binding protein) as a novel circulating prognostic biomarker for immune cell death and ER stress during sepsis. Using biochemical purification and mass spectrometry coupled with an established in vitro sepsis cell death assay, we identified BiP/Grp78 as a factor secreted by lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages that is capable of inducing cell death in target cells. Quantitative ELISA analysis showed significantly elevated levels of circulating BiP in mice undergoing polymicrobial sepsis, which was absent in Bim-/- mice that are protected from sepsis-induced lymphopenia. Using blood serum from human sepsis patients, we could detect a significant difference in levels of secreted BiP in sepsis patients compared to nonseptic controls, suggesting that secreted circulating BiP could indeed be used as a prognostic marker that is directly correlative to immune cell death during sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Doerflinger
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Boris Reljic
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Joseph Menassa
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Christina Nedeva
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Irvin Jose
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Pierre Faou
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Liana Mackiewicz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ashley Mansell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Richard Hotchkiss
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hamsa Puthalakath
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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20
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Naim S, Kaufmann T. The Multifaceted Roles of the BCL-2 Family Member BOK. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:574338. [PMID: 33043006 PMCID: PMC7523462 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.574338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BCL-2-related ovarian killer (BOK) is-despite its identification over 20 years ago-an incompletely understood member of the BCL-2 family. BCL-2 family proteins are best known for their critical role in the regulation of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization during the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Based on sequence and structural similarities to BAX and BAK, BOK is grouped with these "killers" within the effector subgroup of the family. However, the mechanism of how exactly BOK exerts apoptosis is not clear and controversially discussed. Furthermore, and in accordance with reports on several other BCL-2 family members, BOK seems to be involved in the regulation of a variety of other, "apoptosis-independent" cellular functions, including the unfolded protein response, cellular proliferation, metabolism, and autophagy. Of note, compared with other proapoptotic BCL-2 family members, BOK levels are often reduced in cancer by various means, and there is increasing evidence for BOK modulating tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize and discuss apoptotic- and non-apoptotic-related functions of BOK, its regulation as well as its physiological and pathophysiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Naim
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kaufmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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21
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Navarro JF, Croteau DL, Jurek A, Andrusivova Z, Yang B, Wang Y, Ogedegbe B, Riaz T, Støen M, Desler C, Rasmussen LJ, Tønjum T, Galas MC, Lundeberg J, Bohr VA. Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Genes Associated with Dysregulated Mitochondrial Functions and Stress Signaling in Alzheimer Disease. iScience 2020; 23:101556. [PMID: 33083725 PMCID: PMC7522123 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a devastating neurological disease associated with progressive loss of mental skills and cognitive and physical functions whose etiology is not completely understood. Here, our goal was to simultaneously uncover novel and known molecular targets in the structured layers of the hippocampus and olfactory bulbs that may contribute to early hippocampal synaptic deficits and olfactory dysfunction in AD mice. Spatially resolved transcriptomics was used to identify high-confidence genes that were differentially regulated in AD mice relative to controls. A diverse set of genes that modulate stress responses and transcription were predominant in both hippocampi and olfactory bulbs. Notably, we identify Bok, implicated in mitochondrial physiology and cell death, as a spatially downregulated gene in the hippocampus of mouse and human AD brains. In summary, we provide a rich resource of spatially differentially expressed genes, which may contribute to understanding AD pathology. Spatial transcriptomics identifies differentially expressed genes with spatial patterns Early application of spatial transcriptomics to olfactory bulbs from AD models Bok gene is spatially differentially expressed in AD mouse and patient brains Paip1 and Homer1 genes are regulated in a PolB-dependent manner
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Affiliation(s)
- José Fernández Navarro
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah L Croteau
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Aleksandra Jurek
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zaneta Andrusivova
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Beimeng Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Benjamin Ogedegbe
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Tahira Riaz
- Unit for Genome Dynamics, Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mari Støen
- Unit for Genome Dynamics, Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Claus Desler
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Juel Rasmussen
- Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tone Tønjum
- Unit for Genome Dynamics, Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Marie-Christine Galas
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172 - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre AUBERT Neurosciences et Cancer, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Joakim Lundeberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vilhelm A Bohr
- Laboratory of Molecular Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,Unit for Genome Dynamics, Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
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22
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Li X, Cai Y. Risk stratification of cutaneous melanoma reveals carcinogen metabolism enrichment and immune inhibition in high-risk patients. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:16457-16475. [PMID: 32858528 PMCID: PMC7485700 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Risk assessment should facilitate stratified surveillance and guide treatment selection. Here, based on the mRNA-seq data from 419 CM patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we developed a prognostic 21-gene signature to distinguish the outcomes of high- and low-risk patients, which was further validated in two external cohorts. The signature achieved a higher C-index as compared with other known biomarkers and clinical characteristics in both the TCGA and validation cohorts. Notably, in high-risk patients the expression levels of three driver genes, BRAF, NRAS, and NF1 in the MAPK pathway, were lower but exhibited a stronger positive correlation as compared with low-risk patients. Moreover, the genes involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism were negatively correlated with the expression of BRAF in the high-risk group. Function analysis revealed that the upregulated genes in the high-risk group were enriched in the cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of chemical carcinogens. Furthermore, the low-risk group had high levels of gamma delta T cells infiltration, while regulatory T cells were accumulated in the high-risk group. The present study offers a promising new prognostic signature for CM, and provides insight into the mechanisms of melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Research Center for Biomedical Information Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Cai
- Research Center for Biomedical Information Technology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P.R. China
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23
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Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for tissue homeostasis. De-regulation of the balance between proliferation and apoptosis contributes to tumor initiation. Particularly in the colon where apoptosis is a crucial process in intestinal turnover, inhibition of apoptosis facilitates transformation and tumor progression. The BCL-2 family of proteins are key regulators of apoptosis and have been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, progression and resistance to therapy. In this review we outline the current knowledge on the BCL-2 family-regulated intrinsic apoptosis pathway and mechanisms by which it is de-regulated in CRC. We further review BH3 mimetics as a therapeutic opportunity to target this pathway and evaluate their potential for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanthi Ramesh
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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24
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Shahi S, Ang CS, Mathivanan S. A High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry-Based Quantitative Metabolomic Workflow Highlights Defects in 5-Fluorouracil Metabolism in Cancer Cells with Acquired Chemoresistance. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050096. [PMID: 32384705 PMCID: PMC7284906 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Currently, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based combination chemotherapy is the mainstay in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), which benefits approximately 50% of the patients. However, these tumors inevitably acquire chemoresistance resulting in treatment failure. The molecular mechanisms driving acquired chemotherapeutic drug resistance in CRC is fundamental for the development of novel strategies for circumventing resistance. However, the specific phenomenon that drives the cancer cells to acquire resistance is poorly understood. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate chemoresistance will uncover new avenues for the treatment of CRC. Among the various mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance, defects in the drug metabolism pathways could play a major role. In the case of 5-FU, it gets converted into various active metabolites, which, directly or indirectly, interferes with the replication and transcription of dividing cells causing DNA and RNA damage. In this project, we developed a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based method to effectively extract and quantify levels of the 5-FU metabolites in cell lysates and media of parental and 5-FU resistant LIM1215 CRC cells. The analysis highlighted that the levels of 5-FU metabolites are significantly reduced in 5-FU resistant cells. Specifically, the level of the nucleotide fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) is reduced with treatment of 5-FU clarifying the compromised 5-FU metabolism in resistant cells. Corroborating the metabolomic analysis, treatment of the resistant cells with FdUMP, an active metabolite of 5-FU, resulted in effective killing of the resistant cells. Overall, in this study, an effective protocol was developed for comparative quantitation of polar metabolites and nucleotide analogues from the adherent cells efficiently. Furthermore, the utility of FdUMP as an alternative for CRC therapy is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Shahi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (C.-S.A.); (S.M.); Tel.: +61-03-8344-2540 (C.-S.A.); +61-03-9479-2565 (S.M.); Fax: +61-03-9479-1226 (S.M.)
| | - Suresh Mathivanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
- Correspondence: (C.-S.A.); (S.M.); Tel.: +61-03-8344-2540 (C.-S.A.); +61-03-9479-2565 (S.M.); Fax: +61-03-9479-1226 (S.M.)
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Glab JA, Cao Z, Puthalakath H. Bcl-2 family proteins, beyond the veil. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 351:1-22. [PMID: 32247577 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is an important part of both health and disease and is often regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins. These proteins are either pro- or anti-apoptotic, existing in a delicate balance during homeostasis. They are best known for their role in regulating the activation of caspases and the execution of a cell in response to a variety of stimuli. However, it is often forgotten that these BCL-2 family proteins also have important roles to play in cell maintenance that are not associated with apoptosis. These include roles in regulating processes such as cell cycle progression, mitochondrial function, autophagy, intracellular calcium concentration, glucose and lipid metabolism, and the unfolded protein response. In addition to these established alternate functions, further discoveries are being made that have potential therapeutic benefits in diseases such as cancer. BOK, a BCL-2 family protein thought comparable to multidomain pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK, has recently been identified as a key player in metabolism of and resistance to the commonly used chemotherapeutic 5-FU. As a result of such findings, which could see the potential use of BOK as a biomarker for 5-FU sensitivity or mimetic molecules as a resensitization strategy, new targets and mechanisms of pathology may arise from further investigation into the realm of alternate functions of BCL-2 family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Andrew Glab
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Hamsa Puthalakath
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
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The Incomplete Puzzle of the BCL2 Proteins. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101176. [PMID: 31569576 PMCID: PMC6830314 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proteins of the BCL2 family are key players in multiple cellular processes, chief amongst them being the regulation of mitochondrial integrity and apoptotic cell death. These proteins establish an intricate interaction network that expands both the cytosol and the surface of organelles to dictate the cell fate. The complexity and unpredictability of the BCL2 interactome resides in the large number of family members and of interaction surfaces, as well as on their different behaviours in solution and in the membrane. Although our current structural knowledge of the BCL2 proteins has been proven therapeutically relevant, the precise structure of membrane-bound complexes and the regulatory effect that membrane lipids exert over these proteins remain key questions in the field. Here, we discuss the complexity of BCL2 interactome, the new insights, and the black matter in the field.
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健愉 冯, 玉山 朱, 陈 权, 凌 林, Jianyu F, Yushan Z, Quan C, Jialing L. [Physiological Function and Structural Basis of Bcl-2 Family Proteins]. ZHONGGUO XI BAO SHENG WU XUE XUE BAO 2019; 41:1477-1489. [PMID: 34249113 PMCID: PMC8265309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is an important biological process that plays a key role in the regulation of cell fate and homeostasis. The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are important regulators of the apoptotic pathway, and their dysfunction is associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. In the past decade, a large number of research work on the physiological functions and atomic structures of Bcl-2 family proteins have been reported, which has deepened our understanding of the molecular mechanism and pathological significance of Bcl-2 family proteins. Recently, new drugs targeting different Bcl-2 proteins have been developed and used in clinics or tested in clinical trials. However, the complexity and diversity in functions and structures of Bcl-2 family have left many unsolved problems. This article summarizes current knowledge of the structure and function of Bcl-2 family proteins and discusses the pharmacological significance of Bcl-2 proteins as effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - 林家 凌
- 俄克拉荷马大学健康科学中心生物化学与分子生物学系, 俄克拉何马城 73126-0901
| | - Feng Jianyu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Zhu Yushan
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Chen Quan
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Lin Jialing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma 73126, USA
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