Molecular cloning of human fibroblast hyaluronic acid-binding protein confirms its identity with P-32, a protein co-purified with splicing factor SF2. Hyaluronic acid-binding protein as P-32 protein, co-purified with splicing factor SF2

The C1q and gC1qR axis as a novel checkpoint inhibitor in cancer

Understanding at the molecular level of the cell biology of tumors has led to significant treatment advances in the past. Despite such advances however, development of therapy resistance and tumor recurrence are still unresolved major challenges. This therefore underscores the need to identify novel tumor targets and develop corresponding therapies to supplement existing biologic and cytotoxic approaches so that a deeper and more sustained treatment responses could be achieved. The complement system is emerging as a potential novel target for cancer therapy. Data accumulated to date show that complement proteins, and in particular C1q and its receptors cC1qR/CR and gC1qR/p33/HABP1, are overexpressed in most cancer cells and together are involved not only in shaping the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, but also in the regulation of angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation. In addition to the soluble form of C1q that is found in plasma, the C1q molecule is also found anchored on the cell membrane of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and cancer cells, via a 22aa long leader peptide found only in the A-chain. This orientation leaves its 6 globular heads exposed outwardly and thus available for high affinity binding to a wide range of molecular ligands that enhance tumor cell survival, migration, and proliferation. Similarly, the gC1qR molecule is not only overexpressed in most cancer types but is also released into the microenvironment where it has been shown to be associated with cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by activation of the complement and kinin systems. Co-culture of either T cells or cancer cells with purified C1q or anti-gC1qR has been shown to induce an anti-proliferative response. It is therefore postulated that in the tumor microenvironment, the interaction between C1q expressing cancer cells and gC1qR bearing cytotoxic T cells results in T cell suppression in a manner akin to the PD-L1 and PD-1 interaction.

Complement protein C1q stimulates hyaluronic acid degradation via gC1qR/HABP1/p32 in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Complement component C1q can act as a pro-tumorigenic factor in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is rich in C1q and hyaluronic acid (HA), whose interaction enhances adhesion, migration and proliferation of malignant cells. HA-bound C1q is also capable of modulating HA synthesis. Thus, we investigated whether HA-C1q interaction would affect HA degradation, analyzing the main degradation enzymes, hyaluronidase (HYAL)1 and HYAL2, and a C1q receptor candidate. We first proceeded with the characterization of HYALs in MPM cells, especially HYAL2, since bioinformatics survival analysis revealed that higher HYAL2 mRNA levels have an unfavorable prognostic index in MPM patients. Interestingly, Real-Time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot highlighted an upregulation of HYAL2 after seeding of primary MPM cells onto HA-bound C1q. In an attempt to unveil the receptors potentially involved in HA-C1q signaling, a striking co-localization between HYAL2 and globular C1q receptor/HABP1/p32 (gC1qR) was found by immunofluorescence, surface biotinylation and proximity ligation assays. RNA interference experiments revealed a potentially regulatory function exerted by gC1qR on HYAL2 expression, since C1QBP (gene for gC1qR) silencing unexpectedly caused HYAL2 downregulation. In addition, the functional blockage of gC1qR by a specific antibody hindered HA-C1q signaling and prevented HYAL2 upregulation. Thus, C1q-HA interplay is responsible for enhanced HYAL2 expression, suggesting an increased rate of HA catabolism and the release of pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic HA fragments in the MPM TME. Our data support the notion of an overall tumor-promoting property of C1q. Moreover, the overlapping localization and physical interaction between HYAL2 and gC1qR suggests a potential regulatory effect of gC1qR within a putative HA-C1q macromolecular complex.

Metabolic Labeling-Based Chemoproteomics Establishes Choline Metabolites as Protein Function Modulators

Choline is an essential nutrient for mammalian cells. Our understanding of the cellular functions of choline and its metabolites, independent of their roles as choline lipid metabolism intermediates, remains limited. In addition to fundamental cellular physiology, this knowledge has implications for cancer biology because elevated choline metabolite levels are a hallmark of cancer. Here, we establish a mammalian choline metabolite-interacting proteome by utilizing a photocrosslinkable choline probe. To design this probe, we performed metabolic labeling experiments with structurally diverse choline analogues that resulted in the serendipitous discovery of a choline lipid headgroup remodeling mechanism involving sequential dealkylation and methylation steps. We demonstrate that phosphocholine inhibits the binding of one of the proteins identified, the attractive anticancer target p32, to its endogenous ligands and to the promising p32-targeting anticancer agent, Lyp-1. Our results reveal that choline metabolites play vital roles in cellular physiology by serving as modulators of protein function.

An approach to p32/gC1qR/HABP1: a multifunctional protein with an essential role in cancer

P32/gC1qR/HABP1 is a doughnut-shaped acidic protein, highly conserved in eukaryote evolution and ubiquitous in the organism. Although its canonical subcellular localization is the mitochondria, p32 can also be found in the cytosol, nucleus, cytoplasmic membrane, and it can be secreted. Therefore, it is considered a multicompartmental protein. P32 can interact with many physiologically divergent ligands in each subcellular location and modulate their functions. The main ligands are C1q, hyaluronic acid, calreticulin, CD44, integrins, PKC, splicing factor ASF/SF2, and several microbial proteins. Among the functions in which p32 participates are mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics, apoptosis, splicing, immune response, inflammation, and modulates several cell signaling pathways. Notably, p32 is overexpressed in a significant number of epithelial tumors, where its expression level negatively correlates with patient survival. Several studies of gain and/or loss of function in cancer cells have demonstrated that p32 is a promoter of malignant hallmarks such as proliferation, cell survival, chemoresistance, angiogenesis, immunoregulation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. All of this strongly suggests that p32 is a potential diagnostic molecule and therapeutic target in cancer. Indeed, preclinical advances have been made in developing therapeutic strategies using p32 as a target. They include tumor homing peptides, monoclonal antibodies, an intracellular inhibitor, a p32 peptide vaccine, and p32 CAR T cells. These advances are promising and will allow soon to include p32 as part of targeted cancer therapies.

P32-specific CAR T cells with dual antitumor and antiangiogenic therapeutic potential in gliomas

Glioblastoma is considered one of the most aggressive malignancies in adult and pediatric patients. Despite decades of research no curative treatment is available and it thus remains associated with a very dismal prognosis. Although recent pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cell immunotherapeutic approach in glioblastoma, tumor heterogeneity and antigen loss remain among one of the most important challenges to be addressed. In this study, we identify p32/gC1qR/HABP/C1qBP to be specifically expressed on the surface of glioma cells, making it a suitable tumor associated antigen for redirected CAR T cell therapy. We generate p32 CAR T cells and find them to recognize and specifically eliminate p32 expressing glioma cells and tumor derived endothelial cells in vitro and to control tumor growth in orthotopic syngeneic and xenograft mouse models. Thus, p32 CAR T cells may serve as a therapeutic option for glioblastoma patients.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has been proposed as a promising approach for treating glioblastoma. Here the authors show that p32 is expressed in murine and human glioma and that p32-directed CAR-T cells promote anti-tumor responses in preclinical models by targeting glioma cells and tumor derived endothelial cells.

Overexpression of Multifunctional Protein p32 Promotes a Malignant Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Cells

p32 is a multifunctional and multicompartmental protein that has been found upregulated in numerous adenocarcinomas, including colorectal malignancy. High levels of p32 expression have been correlated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. However, the functions performed by p32 in colorectal cancer have not been characterized. Here we show that p32 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer cell lines compared to non-malignant colon cells. Colon cancer cells also display higher nuclear levels of p32 than nuclear levels found in non-malignant cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that p32 regulates the expression levels of genes tightly related to malignant phenotypes such as HAS-2 and PDCD4. Remarkably, we demonstrate that knockdown of p32 negatively affects Akt/mTOR signaling activation, inhibits the migration ability of colon malignant cells, and sensitizes them to cell death induced by oxidative stress and chemotherapeutic agents, but not to cell death induced by nutritional stress. In addition, knockdown of p32 significantly decreased clonogenic capacity and in vivo tumorigenesis in a xenograft mice model. Altogether, our results demonstrate that p32 is an important promoter of malignant phenotype in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that it could be used as a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer treatment.

Arginase II protein regulates Parkin-dependent p32 degradation that contributes to Ca2+-dependent eNOS activation in endothelial cells

Aims

Arginase II (ArgII) plays a key role in the regulation of Ca²⁺ between the cytosol and mitochondria in a p32-dependent manner. p32 contributes to endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation through the Ca²⁺/CaMKII/AMPK/p38MAPK/Akt signalling cascade. Therefore, we investigated a novel function of ArgII in the regulation of p32 stability.

Methods and results

mRNA levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and protein levels and activation were confirmed by western blot analysis. Ca²⁺ concentrations were measured by FACS analysis and a vascular tension assay was performed. ArgII bound to p32, and ArgII protein knockdown using siArgII facilitated the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of p32. β-lactone, a proteasome inhibitor, inhibited the p32 degradation associated with endothelial dysfunction in a Ca²⁺-dependent manner. The amino acids Lys154, Lys 180, and Lys220 of the p32 protein were identified as putative ubiquitination sites. When these sites were mutated, p32 was resistant to degradation in the presence of siArgII, and endothelial function was impaired. Knockdown of Pink/Parkin as an E3-ubiquitin ligase with siRNAs resulted in increased p32, decreased [Ca²⁺]c, and attenuated CaMKII-dependent eNOS activation by siArgII. siArgII-dependent Parkin activation was attenuated by KN93, a CaMKII inhibitor. Knockdown of ArgII mRNA and its gene, but not inhibition of its activity, accelerated the interaction between p32 and Parkin and reduced p32 levels. In aortas of ArgII^−/− mice, p32 levels were reduced by activated Parkin and inhibition of CaMKII attenuated Parkin-dependent p32 lysis. siParkin blunted the phosphorylation of the activated CaMKII/AMPK/p38MAPK/Akt/eNOS signalling cascade. However, ApoE^−/− mice fed a high-cholesterol diet had greater ArgII activity, significantly attenuated phosphorylation of Parkin, and increased p32 levels. Incubation with siArgII augmented p32 ubiquitination through Parkin activation, and induced signalling cascade activation.

Conclusion

The results suggest a novel function for ArgII protein in Parkin-dependent ubiquitination of p32 that is associated with Ca²⁺-mediated eNOS activation in endothelial cells.

Extracellular matrix and its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the major components of tumors that plays multiple crucial roles, including mechanical support, modulation of the microenvironment, and a source of signaling molecules. The quantity and cross-linking status of ECM components are major factors determining tissue stiffness. During tumorigenesis, the interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) often results in the stiffness of the ECM, leading to aberrant mechanotransduction and further malignant transformation. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ECM dysregulation in the TME would contribute to the discovery of promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Herein, we summarized the knowledge concerning the following: (1) major ECM constituents and their functions in both normal and malignant conditions; (2) the interplay between cancer cells and the ECM in the TME; (3) key receptors for mechanotransduction and their alteration during carcinogenesis; and (4) the current therapeutic strategies targeting aberrant ECM for cancer treatment.

Improving anti-tumour efficacy of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin by dual targeting of tumour cells and tumour endothelial cells using anti-p32 CGKRK peptide

The aim of this study was to surface-functionalize PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) using anti-p32 CGKRK peptide to evaluate its anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour activities. CGKRK was conjugated to DSPE-mPEG₂₀₀₀-maleimide and post-inserted into PLD at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 peptides per each liposome and characterised for their size, zeta potential, drug loading, release properties; and cell binding, cell uptake and cytotoxicity on three C26, 4T1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cell lines. The in vitro results indicated the better efficiency of the PLD-100 (PLD with 100 CGKRK) formulation on 4T1 and HUVEC cell lines. The results of anti-tube formation and spheroid assay indicated the efficiencies of the PLD-100 formulation compared with Caelyx^® in vitro. The in vivo studies indicated the higher tumour accumulation of PLD-100 formulation in comparison with Caelyx^® which also implied the higher survival rates in mice treated with PLD-100 formulation. Histological evaluations demonstrated that PLD-100 had no side-effects on major organs. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that PLD-CGKRK- could efficiently target endothelial and tumour parenchymal cells which enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PLD and merits further investigation.

A Role for HAPLN1 During Phenotypic Modulation of Human Lung Fibroblasts In Vitro

Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) stabilizes interactions between two important extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules, versican and hyaluronan, which facilitate proliferation of fibroblasts and their conversion to myofibroblasts. However, the role of HAPLN1 in these events has not been studied. Using immunocytochemistry, cellular and ECM locations of HAPLN1 were evaluated in cultured human lung fibroblasts during proliferation and conversion to myofibroblasts. HAPLN1 localized to pericellular matrices, associating with both versican and hyaluronan in the ECM and on the cell surface. Nuclear and total HAPLN1 immunostaining increased after myofibroblast induction. Confocal microscopy showed HAPLN1 predominant in the ECM under cells while versican predominated above cells. Versican and HAPLN1 were also juxtaposed in columnar inclusions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Nuclear HAPLN1 staining in interphase cells redistributed to the cytosol during mitosis. In the absence of TGF-β1, addition of exogenous bovine HAPLN1 (together with aggrecan G1) facilitated myofibroblast formation, as seen by significant upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) staining, while adding full-length bovine versican had no effect. Increased compaction of hyaluronan-rich ECM suggests that HAPLN1 plus G1 addition affects hyaluronan networks and myofibroblast formation. These observations demonstrate changes in both extracellular and intracellular localization of HAPLN1 during fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast conversion suggesting a possible role in fibrotic remodeling.

Overexpressed p32 localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria negatively regulates calcium‑dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase activit

The p32 protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca2+]c) that contributes to the Ca²⁺-dependent signaling cascade. Using an adenovirus and plasmid p32-overexpression system, the aim of the study was to evaluate the role of p32 in the regulation of [Ca²⁺] and its potential associated with Ca²⁺-dependent endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation in endothelial cells. Using electron and confocal microscopic analysis, p32 overexpression was observed to be localized to mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum and played an important role in Ca²⁺ translocation, resulting in increased [Ca²⁺] in these organelles and reducing cytosolic [Ca²⁺] ([Ca²⁺]c). This decreased [Ca²⁺]c following p32 overexpression attenuated the Ca²⁺-dependent signaling cascade of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)/AKT/eNOS phosphorylation. Moreover, in aortic endothelia of wild-type mice intravenously administered adenovirus encoding the p32 gene, increased p32 levels reduced NO production and accelerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In a vascular tension assay, p32 overexpression decreased acetylcholine (Ach)-induced vasorelaxation and augmented phenylephrine (PE)-dependent vasoconstriction. Notably, decreased levels of arginase II (ArgII) protein using siArgII were associated with downregulation of overexpressed p32 protein, which contributed to CaMKII-dependent eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177. These results indicated that increased protein levels of p32 caused endothelial dysfunction through attenuation of the Ca²⁺-dependent signaling cascade and that ArgII protein participated in the stability of p32. Therefore, p32 may be a novel target for the treatment of vascular diseases associated with endothelial disorders.

Hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1) overexpression triggers induction of senescence in fibroblasts cells

Hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1), a multi-compartmental, multi-functional protein has a wide range of functions, which can be attributed to its ability to associate with a variety of cellular ligands. Earlier we have reported that HABP1 overexpression in rat normal fibroblasts (F-HABP07) shows chronic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of autophagy, and apoptosis. However, a significant proportion of cells remained viable after the majority went through apoptosis from 60 to 72 h. In this study, an attempt has been made to delineate the cellular events in the declined population of surviving cells. It has been elucidated here that, these cells at later time points of growth, that is, 72 and 84 h, not only appeared to shrink but also are devoid of autophagic vacuoles and displayed polyploidy. F-HABP07 cells exhibited an altered cytoskeletal structure from their parental cell line F111, assumed to be caused upon inhibition of actin polymerization and decrease in IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1), a key protein associated with maintenance of cytoskeletal integrity. Enhanced expression and nuclear localization of AKT observed in F-HABP07 cells appears to be contributing toward the maintenance of high ROS levels in these cells and also potentially modulating the IQGAP1 activity. These observations, in fact have been considered to result in sustained DNA damage, which then leads to increased expression of p53 and activation of p21 and carry out the cellular events responsible for senescence. Subsequent assessment of the presence of positive β-gal staining and enhanced expression of p16^INK4a in F-HABP07, confirmed that HABP1 overexpressing fibroblasts undergo senescence.

Identification of the hyaluronic acid pathway as a therapeutic target for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to epigenetic derepression of the germline/embryonic transcription factor DUX4 in skeletal muscle. However, the etiology of muscle pathology is not fully understood, as DUX4 misexpression is not tightly correlated with disease severity. Using a DUX4-inducible cell model, we show that multiple DUX4-induced molecular pathologies that have been observed in patient-derived disease models are mediated by the signaling molecule hyaluronic acid (HA), which accumulates following DUX4 induction. These pathologies include formation of RNA granules, FUS aggregation, DNA damage, caspase activation, and cell death. We also observe previously unidentified pathologies including mislocalization of mitochondria and the DUX4- and HA-binding protein C1QBP. These pathologies are prevented by 4-methylumbelliferone, an inhibitor of HA biosynthesis. Critically, 4-methylumbelliferone does not disrupt DUX4-C1QBP binding and has only a limited effect on DUX4 transcriptional activity, establishing that HA signaling has a central function in pathology and is a target for FSHD therapeutics.

p32 is a negative regulator of p53 tetramerization and transactivation

p53 is a sequence-specific transcription factor, and proper regulation of p53 transcriptional activity is critical for orchestrating different tumor-suppressive mechanisms. p32 is a multifunctional protein which interacts with a large number of viral proteins and transcription factors. Here, we investigate the effect of p32 on p53 transactivation and identify a novel mechanism by which p32 alters the functional characteristics of p53. Specifically, p32 attenuates p53-dependent transcription through impairment of p53 binding to its response elements on target genes. Upon p32 expression, p53 levels bound at target genes are decreased, and p53 target genes are inactivated, strongly indicating that p32 restricts p53 occupancy and function at target genes. The primary mechanism contributing to the observed action of p32 is the ability of p32 to interact with the p53 tetramerization domain and to block p53 tetramerization, which in turn enhances nuclear export and degradation of p53, leading to defective p53 transactivation. Collectively, these data establish p32 as a negative regulator of p53 function and suggest the therapeutic potential of targeting p32 for cancer treatment.

Recent progress in LyP-1-based strategies for targeted imaging and therapy

The identification of markers expressed by pathological cells or their microenvironment would help to distinguish such cells from the normal tissues. The strategies derived from this theory can be a promising modality for imaging and treating diseases. LyP-1, a tumor homing peptide, can selectively bind to its receptor p32 protein overexpressed in various tumor-associated cells and atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. During recent decades, multiple types of LyP-1-based imaging probes and drug delivery systems have been designed and developed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This review first introduces LyP-1 and its receptor p32, as well as its homing, internalization and proapoptotic properties. Next, we highlight recent studies focusing on the applications of LyP-1-based strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, metastatic lesions, and atherosclerotic plaques. Finally, several limitations in the clinical translation of LyP-1-based bioconjugates are summarized.

Physical energies to the rescue of damaged tissues

Rhythmic oscillatory patterns sustain cellular dynamics, driving the concerted action of regulatory molecules, microtubules, and molecular motors. We describe cellular microtubules as oscillators capable of synchronization and swarming, generating mechanical and electric patterns that impact biomolecular recognition. We consider the biological relevance of seeing the inside of cells populated by a network of molecules that behave as bioelectronic circuits and chromophores. We discuss the novel perspectives disclosed by mechanobiology, bioelectromagnetism, and photobiomodulation, both in term of fundamental basic science and in light of the biomedical implication of using physical energies to govern (stem) cell fate. We focus on the feasibility of exploiting atomic force microscopy and hyperspectral imaging to detect signatures of nanomotions and electromagnetic radiation (light), respectively, generated by the stem cells across the specification of their multilineage repertoire. The chance is reported of using these signatures and the diffusive features of physical waves to direct specifically the differentiation program of stem cells in situ, where they already are resident in all the tissues of the human body. We discuss how this strategy may pave the way to a regenerative and precision medicine without the needs for (stem) cell or tissue transplantation. We describe a novel paradigm based upon boosting our inherent ability for self-healing.

High cytoplasm HABP1 expression as a predictor of poor survival and late tumor stage in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1) overexpression has been confirmed in different malignancies and found to be strongly associated with tumor development and progression. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of HABP1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients.

METHOD

HABP1 expression was evaluated in 89 PDAC specimens.

RESULTS

The expression of HABP1 was significantly higher in tumor tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. High nucleus HABP1 expression and high cytoplasm HABP1 expression were both detected in PDAC tissues. Overall survival analysis by optical density showed that the mean survival was similar between patients with low and high optical density values of HABP1 expression (P = 0.312). The similar result was also found between patients with low-moderate or high nucleus HABP1 expression (P = 0.275). However, the mean survival was significantly poorer in patients with cytoplasm HABP1 overexpression (P < 0.001). High cytoplasm HABP1 expression was strongly correlated with late tumor stages, arterial involvement, lymph node metastasis and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels.

CONCLUSION

High cytoplasm HABP1 expression may prove to be a predictor of poor survival and late tumor stage in PDAC patients. HABP1 could serve as a promising biomarker to identify subsets of PDAC patients with high malignant clinical behavior.

Multi-functional, multicompartmental hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/gC1qR): implication in cancer progression and metastasis

Cancer is a complex, multi-factorial, multi-stage disease and a global threat to human health. Early detection of nature and stage of cancer is highly crucial for disease management. Recent studies have proved beyond any doubt about the involvement of the ubiquitous, myriad ligand binding, multi-functional human protein, hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1), which is identical to the splicing factor associated protein (p32) and the receptor of the globular head of the complement component (gC1qR) in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis. Simultaneously three laboratories have discovered and named this protein separately as mentioned. Subsequently, different scientists have worked on the distinct functions in cellular processes ranging from immunological response, splicing mechanism, sperm-oocyte interactions, cell cycle regulation to cancer and have concentrated in their respective area of interest, referring it as either p32 or gC1qR or HABP1. HABP1 overexpression has been reported in almost all the tissue-specific forms of cancer and correlated with stage and poor prognosis in patients. In order to tackle this deadly disease and for therapeutic intervention, it is imperative to focus on all the regulatory aspects of this protein. Hence, this work is an attempt to combine an assortment of information on this protein to have an overview, which suggests its use as a diagnostic marker for cancer. The knowledge might assist in the designing of drugs for therapeutic intervention of HABP1/p32/gC1qR regulated specific ligand mediated pathways in cancer.

Increased breast cancer risk with HABP1/p32/gC1qR genetic polymorphism rs2285747 and its upregulation in northern Chinese women

Object

Hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/gC1qR) is overexpressed in breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether HABP1 gene polymorphisms affect breast cancer risk. This study aims to evaluate the potential association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HABP1 with breast cancer in northern Chinese women.

Results

The minor allele of rs2285747 was strongly associated with breast cancer with OR of 1.553 (95% CI = 1.251–1.927). SNP rs2285747 was also associated with high HABP1 protein expression under the co-dominant and dominant model (p = 0.005, p = 0.019, respectively). For rs2472614, the patients with CG and GG were more likely to have HER2 negative tumors compared to CC (p = 0.015). For rs3786054, the patients with AG and GG were more likely to have HER2 and P53 negative breast cancer compared to AA (p = 0.024, p = 0.064, receptively).

Materials and Methods

Seven SNPs were analyzed in 505 breast cancer patients and 505 controls using SNaPshot method. The associations between SNPs and breast cancer were examined by logistic regression. The associations of SNPs with HABP1 protein expression and disease characteristics were examined by chi-square test.

Conclusions

SNP rs2285747 of HABP1 increased breast cancer risk and elevated its protein expression in northern Chinese women.

Complement component 1, q subcomponent binding protein (C1QBP) in lipid rafts mediates hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer by regulating IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling

Pancreatic cancer shows a remarkable predilection for hepatic metastasis. Complement component 1, q subcomponent binding protein (C1QBP) can mediate growth factor-induced cancer cell chemotaxis and distant metastasis by activation of receptor tyrosine kinases. Coincidentally, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) derived from the liver and cancer cells itself has been recognized as a critical inducer of hepatic metastasis. However, the mechanism underlying IGF-1-dependent hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer, in which C1QBP may be involved, remains unknown. In the study, we demonstrated a significant association between C1QBP expression and hepatic metastasis in patients with pancreatic cancer. IGF-1 induced the translocation of C1QBP from cytoplasm to lipid rafts and further drove the formation of CD44 variant 6 (CD44v6)/C1QBP complex in pancreatic cancer cells. C1QBP interacting with CD44v6 in lipid rafts promoted phosphorylation of IGF-1R and thus activated downstream PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways which mediated metastatic potential of pancreatic cancer cells including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, adhesion and energy metabolism. Furthermore, C1QBP knockdown suppressed hepatic metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells in nude mice. We therefore conclude that C1QBP in lipid rafts serves a key regulator of IGF-1/IGF-1R-induced hepatic metastasis from pancreatic cancer. Our findings about C1QBP in lipid rafts provide a novel strategy to block IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling in pancreatic cancer and a reliable premise for more efficient combined modality therapies.

REAC technology and hyaluron synthase 2, an interesting network to slow down stem cell senescence

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a fundamental role in cell polarity and hydrodynamic processes, affording significant modulation of proliferation, migration, morphogenesis and senescence, with deep implication in the ability of stem cells to execute their differentiating plans. The Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology is aimed to optimize the ions fluxes at the molecular level in order to optimize the molecular mechanisms driving cellular asymmetry and polarization. Here, we show that treatment with 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), a potent repressor of type 2 HA synthase and endogenous HA synthesis, dramatically antagonized the ability of REAC to recover the gene and protein expression of Bmi1, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in ADhMSCs that had been made senescent by prolonged culture up to the 30(th) passage. In senescent ADhMSCs, 4-MU also counteracted the REAC ability to rescue the gene expression of TERT, and the associated resumption of telomerase activity. Hence, the anti-senescence action of REAC is largely dependent upon the availability of endogenous HA synthesis. Endogenous HA and HA-binding proteins with REAC technology create an interesting network that acts on the modulation of cell polarity and intracellular environment. This suggests that REAC technology is effective on an intracellular niche level of stem cell regulation.

Hyaluronan as a therapeutic target in human diseases

Accumulation and turnover of extracellular matrix is a hallmark of tissue injury, repair and remodeling in human diseases. Hyaluronan is a major component of the extracellular matrix and plays an important role in regulating tissue injury and repair, and controlling disease outcomes. The function of hyaluronan depends on its size, location, and interactions with binding partners. While fragmented hyaluronan stimulates the expression of an array of genes by a variety of cell types regulating inflammatory responses and tissue repair, cell surface hyaluronan provides protection against tissue damage from the environment and promotes regeneration and repair. The interactions of hyaluronan and its binding proteins participate in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Thus, targeting hyaluronan and its interactions with cells and proteins may provide new approaches to developing therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrosing diseases. This review focuses on the role of hyaluronan in biological and pathological processes, and as a potential therapeutic target in human diseases.

Interactions between RNA-binding proteins and P32 homologues in trypanosomes and human cells

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in many aspects of mRNA metabolism such as splicing, nuclear export, translation, silencing, and decay. To cope with these tasks, these proteins use specialized domains such as the RNA recognition motif (RRM), the most abundant and widely spread RNA-binding domain. Although this domain was first described as a dedicated RNA-binding moiety, current evidence indicates these motifs can also engage in direct protein-protein interactions. Here, we discuss recent evidence describing the interaction between the RRM of the trypanosomatid RBP UBP1 and P22, the homolog of the human multifunctional protein P32/C1QBP. Human P32 was also identified while performing a similar interaction screening using both RRMs of TDP-43, an RBP involved in splicing regulation and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Furthermore, we show that this interaction is mediated by RRM1. The relevance of this interaction is discussed in the context of recent TDP-43 interactomic approaches that identified P32, and the numerous evidences supporting interactions between P32 and RBPs. Finally, we discuss the vast universe of interactions involving P32, supporting its role as a molecular chaperone regulating the function of its ligands.

Notable Aspects of Glycan-Protein Interactions

This mini review highlights several interesting aspects of glycan-mediated interactions that are common between cells, bacteria, and viruses. Glycans are ubiquitously found on all living cells, and in the extracellular milieu of multicellular organisms. They are known to mediate initial binding and recognition events of both immune cells and pathogens with their target cells or tissues. The host target tissues are hidden under a layer of secreted glycosylated decoy targets. In addition, pathogens can utilize and display host glycans to prevent identification as foreign by the host’s immune system (molecular mimicry). Both the host and pathogens continually evolve. The host evolves to prevent infection and the pathogens evolve to evade host defenses. Many pathogens express both glycan-binding proteins and glycosidases. Interestingly, these proteins are often located at the tip of elongated protrusions in bacteria, or in the leading edge of the cell. Glycan-protein interactions have low affinity and, as a result, multivalent interactions are often required to achieve biologically relevant binding. These enable dynamic forms of adhesion mechanisms, reviewed here, and include rolling (cells), stick and roll (bacteria) or surfacing (viruses).

Association of UBP1 to ribonucleoprotein complexes is regulated by interaction with the trypanosome ortholog of the human multifunctional P32 protein

Regulation of gene expression in trypanosomatid parasitic protozoa is mainly achieved posttranscriptionally. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associate to 3' untranslated regions in mRNAs through dedicated domains such as the RNA recognition motif (RRM). Trypanosoma cruzi UBP1 (TcUBP1) is an RRM-type RBP involved in stabilization/degradation of mRNAs. TcUBP1 uses its RRM to associate with cytoplasmic mRNA and to mRNA granules under starvation stress. Here, we show that under starvation stress, TcUBP1 is tightly associated with condensed cytoplasmic mRNA granules. Conversely, under high nutrient/low density-growing conditions, TcUBP1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are lax and permeable to mRNA degradation and disassembly. After dissociating from mRNA, TcUBP1 can be phosphorylated only in unstressed parasites. We have identified TcP22, the ortholog of mammalian P32/C1QBP, as an interactor of TcUBP1 RRM. Overexpression of TcP22 decreased the number of TcUBP1 granules in starved parasites in vivo. Endogenous TcUBP1 RNP complexes could be dissociated in vitro by addition of recombinant TcP22, a condition stimulating TcUBP1 phosphorylation. Biochemical and in silico analysis revealed that TcP22 interacts with the RNA-binding surface of TcUBP1 RRM. We propose a model for the decondensation of TcUBP1 RNP complexes in T. cruzi through direct interaction with TcP22 and phosphorylation.

Brain most susceptible to cadmium induced oxidative stress in mice

Accumulated evidence over the years indicate that cadmium (Cd) may be a possible etiological factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This may possibly be linked to excessive generation of free radicals that damages the organs in the body depending on their defence mechanism. Since Cd is a toxic agent that affect several cell types, the aim of this study was to shed light on the effect of Cd and its consequences on different organs of the mice body. To test the hypothesis of concentration dependent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and DNA damage, observations were done in the serum of 4-5 weeks old male Swiss albino mice by treating with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in drinking water for 30 days. The expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) an apoptotic marker protein was two times higher in brain compared to liver at an exposure level of 0.5mgL(-1) CdCl2. Furthermore the correlation and linkage data analysis of antioxidant defence system revealed a rapid alteration in the brain, compared to any other organs considered in this study. We report that even at low dose of Cd, it impaired the brain due to lipid peroxidase sensitivity which favoured the Cd-induced oxidative injury in the brain.

Overexpression of HABP1 correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and unfavorable prognosis in endometrial cancer

Hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 (HABP1/gC1qR/p32), a ubiquitous multifunctional protein belonging to the hyaladherin family, has been implicated in the tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis of several malignant tumors. However, the role of HABP1 in endometrial cancer has not yet been studied. This study aimed to detect the expression of HABP1 in endometrial cancer and explore its role in the clinicopathological features and prognosis of endometrial cancer. We analyzed HABP1 expression by immunohistochemistry in 188 endometrial cancer specimens, 43 benign endometrial lesion specimens, and 41 normal endometrium specimens and assessed using Western blot analysis. Statistical analysis showed that HABP1 was overexpressed in endometrial cancer and benign endometrial lesion compared with normal endometrium (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). In addition, HABP1 expression was significantly higher in endometrial cancer than in benign endometrial lesion (P < 0.001). High HABP1 expression was significantly associated with advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (P = 0.019), higher histologic grade (P < 0.001), deep myometrial invasion (P = 0.013), lymphovascular space invasion (P = 0.010), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015), and recurrence (P = 0.009). Patients with high HABP1 expression had a poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than patients with low HABP1 expression (P = 0.015 and P = 0.012, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the HABP1 expression status was an independent prognostic factor of OS and DFS (P = 0.025 and P = 0.022, respectively) in patients with endometrial cancer. Our results indicated that overexpression of HABP1 may serve as a new biomarker to predict the progression and prognosis of endometrial cancer.

Alteration of splice site selection in the LMNA gene and inhibition of progerin production via AMPK activation

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by an accelerated aging phenotype and an average life span of 13years. Patients typically exhibit extensive pathophysiological vascular alterations, eventually resulting in death from stroke or myocardial infarction. A silent point mutation at position 1824 (C1824T) of the LMNA gene, generating a truncated form of lamin A (progerin), has been shown to be the cause of most cases of HGPS. Interestingly, this mutation induces the use of an internal 5' cryptic splice site within exon 11 of the LMNA pre-mRNA, leading to the generation of progerin via aberrant alternative splicing. The serine-arginine rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1 or ASF/SF2) has been shown to function as an oncoprotein and is upregulated in many cancers and other age-related disorders. Indeed, SRSF1 inhibition results in a splicing ratio in the LMNA pre-mRNA favoring lamin A production over that of progerin. It is our hypothesis that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of cellular metabolism, may lead to a reduction in SRSF1 and thus a decrease in the use of the LMNA 5' cryptic splice site in exon 11 through upregulation of p32, a splicing factor-associated protein and putative mitochondrial chaperone that has been shown to inhibit SRSF1 and enhance mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication and oxidative phosphorylation. AMPK activation by currently available compounds such as metformin, resveratrol, and berberine may thus have wide-ranging implications for disorders associated with increased production and accumulation of progerin.

Increased hyaluronan levels in HABP1/p32/gC1qR overexpressing HepG2 cells inhibit autophagic vacuolation regulating tumor potency

Tumor growth and development is influenced by its microenvironment. A major extracellular matrix molecule involved in cancer progression is hyaluronan (HA). Hyaluronan and expression of a number of hyaladherin family proteins are dramatically increased in many cancer malignancies. One such hyaladherin, hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/gC1qR) has been considered to be a biomarker for tumor progression. Interestingly, overexpression of HABP1 in fibroblast has been shown to increase autophagy via generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of HA leading to apoptosis. Cancerous cells are often found to exhibit decreased rate of proteolysis/autophagy in comparison to their normal counterparts. To determine if HABP1 levels alter tumorigenicity of cancerous cells, HepR21, the stable transfectant overexpressing HABP1 in HepG2 cell line was derived. HepR21 has been shown to have increased proliferation rate than HepG2, intracellular HA cable formation and enhanced tumor potency without any significant alteration of intracellular ROS. In this paper we have observed that HepR21 cells containing higher endogenous HA levels, have downregulated expression of the autophagic marker, MAP-LC3, consistent with unaltered levels of endogenous ROS. In fact, HepR21 cells seem to have significant resistance to exogenous ROS stimuli and glutathione depletion. HepR21 cells were also found to be more resilient to nutrient starvation in comparison to its parent cell line. Decline in intracellular HA levels and HA cables in HepR21 cells upon treatment with HAS inhibitor (4-MU), induced a surge in ROS levels leading to increased expression of MAP-LC3 and tumor suppressors Beclin 1 and PTEN. This suggests the importance of HABP1 induced HA cable formation in enhancing tumor potency by maintaining the oxidant levels and subsequent autophagic vacuolation.

Screening of differentially expressed genes related to bladder cancer and functional analysis with DNA microarray

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify genes related to bladder cancer with samples from normal and disease cases by microarray chip.

METHODS

After downloading the gene expression profile GSE3167 from Gene Expression Omnibus database which includes 50 bladder samples, comprising 9 normal and 41 disease samples, differentially expressed genes were identified with packages in R language. The selected differentially expressed genes were further analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Firstly, molecular functions, biological processes and cell component analysis were researched by software Gestalt. Then, software String was used to search interaction relationships among differentially expressed genes, and hub genes of the network were selected. Finally, by using plugins of software Cytoscape, Mcode and Bingo, module analysis of hub-genes was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 221 genes were identified as differentially expressed by comparing normal and disease bladder samples, and a network as well as the hub gene C1QBP was obtained from the network. The C1QBP module had the closest relationship to production of molecular mediators involved in inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSION

We obtained differentially expressed genes of bladder cancer by microarray, and both PRDX2 and YWHAZ in the module with hub gene C1QBP were most significantly related to production of molecular mediators involved in inflammatory responses. From knowledge of inflammatory responses and cancer, our results showed that, the hub gene and its module could induce inflammation in bladder cancer. These related genes are candidate bio-markers for bladder cancer diagnosis and might be helpful in designing novel therapies.

Autophagic vacuolation induced by excess ROS generation in HABP1/p32/gC1qR overexpressing fibroblasts and its reversal by polymeric hyaluronan

The ubiquitous hyaladherin, hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/gC1qR) upon stable overexpression in normal fibroblasts (F-HABP07) has been reported to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, growth retardation and apoptosis after 72 h of growth. HABP1 has been observed to accumulate in the mitochondria resulting in generation of excess Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), mitochondrial Ca⁺⁺ efflux and drop in mitochondrial membrane potential. In the present study, autophagic vacuolation was detected with monodansylcadaverin (MDC) staining from 36 h to 60 h of culture period along with elevated level of ROS in F-HABP07 cells. Increased expression of autophagic markers like MAP-LC3-II, Beclin 1 and autophagic modulator, DRAM confirmed the occurrence of the phenomenon. Reduced vacuole formation was observed upon treatment with 3-MA, a known PI3 kinase inhibitor, only at 32 h and was ineffective if treated later, as high ROS level was already attained. Treatment of F111 and F-HABP07 cells with bafilomycin A1 further indicated an increase in autophagosome formation along with autophagic degradation in HABP1 overexpressed fibroblasts. Comparison between normal fibroblast (F111) and F-HABP07 cells indicate reduced level of polymeric HA, its depolymerization and perturbed HA-HABP1 interaction in F-HABP07. Interestingly, supplementation of polymeric HA, an endogenous ROS scavenger, in the culture medium prompted reduction in number of vacuoles in F-HABP07 along with drop in ROS level, implying that excess ROS generation triggers initiation of autophagic vacuole formation prior to apoptosis due to overexpression of HABP1. Thus, the phenomenon of autophagy takes place prior to apoptosis induction in the HABP1 overexpressing cell line, F-HABP07.

Elevated expression of hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 (HABP1)/P32/C1QBP is a novel indicator for lymph node and peritoneal metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer patients

The present study aims to clarify whether hyaluronan binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/C1QBP) is an indicator of peritoneal and lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which to the authors' knowledge is not previously reported by others. Western blot analysis demonstrated that HABP1 was highly overexpressed in most metastatic lesions. Of 89 patients whose primary tumors showed high HABP1 expression on immunohistochemical staining, 85 (95.5%) presented peritoneal metastases and 43 (48.3%) had lymph node metastases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that HABP1 overexpression correlated with peritoneal dissemination and lymph node metastasis in EOC. The specificity and positive predictive value of HABP1 staining were shown to be better for peritoneal metastasis, while the negative and sensitivity predictive value of HABP1 staining were better for lymph node metastasis. The odds ratio of high versus low staining for peritoneal spread was 9.236 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.705, 19.316), and that for lymph node metastasis was 8.614 (95% CI, 2.507, 21.039). Furthermore, HABP1 protein may potentially be used alone or in combination with other markers as a predictive marker of EOC patients with lymph node metastasis and/or peritoneal dissemination.

Hyaluronan binding motifs of USP17 and SDS3 exhibit anti-tumor activity

Background

We previously reported that the USP17 deubiquitinating enzyme having hyaluronan binding motifs (HABMs) interacts with human SDS3 (suppressor of defective silencing 3) and specifically deubiquitinates Lys-63 branched polyubiquitination of SDS3 resulting in negative regulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity in cancer cells. Furthermore, USP17 and SDS3 mutually interact with each other to block cell proliferation in HeLa cells but the mechanism for this inhibition in cell proliferation is not known. We wished to investigate whether the HABMs of USP17 were responsible for tumor suppression activity.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Similarly to USP17, we have identified that SDS3 also has three consecutive HABMs and shows direct binding with hyaluronan (HA) using cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) assay. Additionally, HA oligosaccharides (6-18 sugar units) competitively block binding of endogenous HA polymer to HA binding proteins. Thus, administration of HA oligosaccharides antagonizes the interaction between HA and USP17 or SDS3. Interestingly, HABMs deleted USP17 showed lesser interaction with SDS3 but retain its deubiquitinating activity towards SDS3. The deletion of HABMs of USP17 could not alter its functional regulation on SDS3-associated HDAC activity. Furthermore, to explore whether HABMs in USP17 and SDS3 are responsible for the inhibition of cell proliferation, we investigated the effect of USP17 and SDS3-lacking HABMs on cell proliferation by soft agar, apoptosis, cell migration and cell proliferation assays.

Conclusions

Our results have demonstrated that these HABMs in USP17 and its substrate SDS3 are mainly involved in the inhibition of anchorage-independent tumor growth.

Overexpression of hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1/p32/gC1qR) in HepG2 cells leads to increased hyaluronan synthesis and cell proliferation by up-regulation of cyclin D1 in AKT-dependent pathway

Overexpression of the mature form of hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1/gC1qR/p32), a ubiquitous multifunctional protein involved in cellular signaling, in normal murine fibroblast cells leads to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately apoptosis with the release of cytochrome c. In the present study, human liver cancer cell line HepG2, having high intracellular antioxidant levels was chosen for stable overexpression of HABP1. The stable transformant of HepG2, overexpressing HABP1 does not lead to ROS generation, cellular stress, and apoptosis, rather it induced enhanced cell growth and proliferation over longer periods. Phenotypic changes in the stable transformant were associated with the increased "HA pool," formation of the "HA cable" structure, up-regulation of HA synthase-2, and CD44, a receptor for HA. Enhanced cell survival was further supported by activation of MAP kinase and AKT-mediated cell survival pathways, which leads to an increase in CYCLIN D1 promoter activity. Compared with its parent counterpart HepG2, the stable transformant showed enhanced tumorigenicity as evident by its sustained growth in low serum conditions, formation of the HA cable structure, increased anchorage-independent growth, and cell-cell adhesion. This study suggests that overexpression of HABP1 in HepG2 cells leads to enhanced cell survival and tumorigenicity by activating HA-mediated cell survival pathways.

Hyaluronan: a Simple Molecule with Complex Character

This review aims to summarize the properties and applications of hyaluronan, a naturally-occurring, anionic polysaccharide. It provides an overview of its physic chemical properties, biosynthesis and biodegradation. It includes a discussion of the principal hyaluronan-binding proteins studied thus far. The existence of such proteins underscores the importance of this polysaccharide in cell-biological processes like cancer, inflammation or wound healing and these properties are discussed. Finally, this review summarizes some of the applications of hyaluronan in medicine, biotechnology and cosmetics.

Splicing factor 2-associated protein p32 participates in ribosome biogenesis by regulating the binding of Nop52 and fibrillarin to preribosome particles

Ribosome biogenesis starts with transcription of the large ribosomal RNA precursor (47S pre-rRNA), which soon combines with numerous factors to form the 90S pre-ribosome in the nucleolus. Although the subsequent separation of the pre-90S particle into pre-40S and pre-60S particles is critical for the production process of mature small and large ribosomal subunits, its molecular mechanisms remain undetermined. Here, we present evidence that p32, fibrillarin (FBL), and Nop52 play key roles in this separation step. Mass-based analyses combined with immunoblotting showed that p32 associated with 155 proteins including 31 rRNA-processing factors (of which nine were components of small subunit processome, and six were those of RIX1 complex), 13 chromatin remodeling components, and six general transcription factors required for RNA polymerase III-mediated transcription. Of these, a late rRNA-processing factor Nop52 interacted directly with p32. Immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated that p32 colocalized with an early rRNA-processing factor FBL or Nop52 in the nucleolus and Cajal bodies, but was excluded from the nucleolus after actinomycin D treatment. p32 was present in the pre-ribosomal fractions prepared by cell fractionation or separated by ultracentrifugation of the nuclear extract. p32 also associated with pre-rRNAs including 47S/45S and 32S pre-rRNAs. Furthermore, knockdown of p32 with a small interfering RNA slowed the early processing from 47S/45S pre-rRNAs to 18S rRNA and 32S pre-rRNA. Finally, Nop52 was found to compete with FBL for binding to p32 probably in the nucleolus. Given the fact that FBL and Nop52 are associated with pre-ribosome particles distinctly different from each other, we suggest that p32 is a new rRNA maturation factor involved in the remodeling from pre-90S particles to pre-40S and pre-60S particles that requires the exchange of FBL for Nop52.

Structure of the Trypanosoma brucei p22 protein, a cytochrome oxidase subunit II-specific RNA-editing accessory factor

Kinetoplastid RNA (k-RNA) editing is a complex process in the mitochondria of kinetoplastid protozoa, including Trypanosoma brucei, that involves the guide RNA-directed insertion and deletion of uridines from precursor-mRNAs to produce mature, translatable mRNAs. k-RNA editing is performed by multiprotein complexes called editosomes. Additional non-editosome components termed k-RNA-editing accessory factors affect the extent of editing of specific RNAs or classes of RNAs. The T. brucei p22 protein was identified as one such accessory factor. Here we show that p22 contributes to cell growth in the procyclic form of T. brucei and functions as a cytochrome oxidase subunit II-specific k-RNA-editing accessory factor. To gain insight into its functions, we solved the crystal structure of the T. brucei p22 protein to 2.0-A resolution. The p22 structure consists of a six-stranded, antiparallel beta-sheet flanked by five alpha-helices. Three p22 subunits combine to form a tight trimer that is primarily stabilized by interactions between helical residues. One side of the trimer is strikingly acidic, while the opposite face is more neutral. Database searches show p22 is structurally similar to human p32, which has a number of functions, including regulation of RNA splicing. p32 interacts with a number of target proteins via its alpha1 N-terminal helix, which is among the most conserved regions between p22 and p32. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that p22 interacts with the editosome and the k-RNA accessory protein, TbRGG2, and alpha1 of p22 was shown to be important for the p22-TbRGG2 interaction. Thus, these combined studies suggest that p22 mediates its role in k-RNA editing by acting as an adaptor protein.

Mitochondrial p32 protein is a critical regulator of tumor metabolism via maintenance of oxidative phosphorylation

p32/gC1qR/C1QBP/HABP1 is a mitochondrial/cell surface protein overexpressed in certain cancer cells. Here we show that knocking down p32 expression in human cancer cells strongly shifts their metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis. The p32 knockdown cells exhibited reduced synthesis of the mitochondrial-DNA-encoded OXPHOS polypeptides and were less tumorigenic in vivo. Expression of exogenous p32 in the knockdown cells restored the wild-type cellular phenotype and tumorigenicity. Increased glucose consumption and lactate production, known as the Warburg effect, are almost universal hallmarks of solid tumors and are thought to favor tumor growth. However, here we show that a protein regularly overexpressed in some cancers is capable of promoting OXPHOS. Our results indicate that high levels of glycolysis, in the absence of adequate OXPHOS, may not be as beneficial for tumor growth as generally thought and suggest that tumor cells use p32 to regulate the balance between OXPHOS and glycolysis.

Increased expression of hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 is correlated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hyaluronic acid binding protein 1 (HABP1), a family of proteins interacting with hyaluronan (HA), had been associated with cell adhesion and tumor invasion. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between clinicopathologic factors and patient survival time with the expression of HABP1 in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Expression of HABP1 mRNA and protein were detected with real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining in 63 breast cancer and non-cancerous matched tissues.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression level of HABP1 was unrelated to the patient's age, tumor size, histological grade, TNM stage. However, it proved to be positively related to axillary nodes metastasis (P = 0.008). Furthermore, it was shown that the survival rate of patients with low HABP1 expression was significantly higher than that of patients with high HABP1 expression (P = 0.025). Multivariate analysis revealed that HABP1 mRNA expression level was a significant factor for predicting prognosis (P = 0.022). The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression level of HABP1 in breast cancer cells was higher than that in normal breast cells.

CONCLUSION

HABP1 might be an independent predictive factor for breast cancer prognosis and up-regulation of HABP1 might play an important role in the metastasis of breast cancer.

Identification of novel cell migration-promoting genes by a functional genetic screen

Here we describe the identification of novel cell migration-promoting genes based on an unbiased functional genetic screen in cultured cells. After the introduction of the retroviral mouse brain cDNA library into NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells, migration-promoted cells were selected by a 3-dimensional migration assay using cell culture inserts. After 5 rounds of enrichment, cDNAs were retrieved from the cells with a selected phenotype. Cell migration-promoting activity was confirmed by independent migration assays for the retrieved cDNAs, among which further investigation was focused on coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing protein 2 (chchd2). Whereas overexpression of chchd2 promoted cell migration, knockdown of endogenous chchd2 expression reduced cell migration. Chchd2-induced cell migration was associated with augmented formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesion, which was mediated through Akt, RhoA/ROCK, and Jnk pathways. CHCHD2 protein directly interacted with hyaluronic acid-binding protein 1 (HABP1) that possessed migration-suppressing activity. Intracellular localization and further functional studies suggested that CHCHD2 and HABP1 may mutually regulate each other to balance cell migration. Thus, chchd2 is a novel cell migration determinant identified by an in vitro functional genetic selection strategy. The selection method can also be useful for the isolation of genes that give other phenotypes of interest.

Platelet power: sticky problems for sticky parasites?

Platelets might have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of both human and rodent malarias by assisting in the sequestration of infected erythrocytes within the cerebral vasculature. However, recent elegant work by McMorran et al. suggests that they are also involved in innate protection during the early stages of infection. Here, we discuss the implications of their important findings in the context of immunity to malaria.

A hantavirus causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome requires gC1qR/p32 for efficient cell binding and infection

Hantaan virus (HTNV) is a pathogenic hantavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). HTNV infection is mediated by alpha v beta3 integrin. We used protein blots of Vero E6 cell homogenates to demonstrate that radiolabeled HTNV virions bind to gC1qR/p32, the acidic 32-kDa protein known as the receptor for the globular head domain of complement C1q. RNAi-mediated suppression of gC1qR/p32 markedly reduced HTNV binding and infection in human lung epithelial A549 cells. Conversely, transient expression of either simian or human gC1qR/p32 rendered non-permissive CHO cells susceptible to HTNV infection. These results suggest an important role for gC1qR/p32 in HTNV infection and pathogenesis.