1
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Hanaki S, Habara M, Sato Y, Tomiyasu H, Miki Y, Shibutani S, Shimada M. Dephosphorylation of NFAT by Calcineurin inhibits Skp2-mediated degradation. J Biochem 2024; 175:235-244. [PMID: 38030387 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor NFAT plays key roles in multiple biological activities, such as immune responses, tissue development and malignant transformation. NFAT is dephosphorylated by calcineurin, which is activated by intracellular calcium levels, and translocated into the nucleus, resulting in transcriptional activation. Calcineurin dephosphorylates various target proteins and regulates their functions. However, the regulation of NFAT degradation is largely unknown, and it is unclear whether calcineurin contributes to the stability of NFAT. We investigated the effect of calcineurin inhibition on NFAT protein stability and found that the dephosphorylation of NFAT by calcineurin promotes the NFAT stabilization, whereas calcineurin mutant that is defective in phosphatase activity was unable to stabilize NFAT. Increased intracellular calcium ion concentration, which is essential for calcineurin activation, also induced NFAT stability. In addition, we identified S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2), an F-box protein of the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex, as a factor mediating degradation of NFAT when calcineurin was depleted. In summary, these findings revealed that the dephosphorylation of NFAT by calcineurin protects NFAT from degradation by Skp2 and promotes its protein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Hanaki
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Makoto Habara
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Haruki Tomiyasu
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Yosei Miki
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Shusaku Shibutani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Hygiene, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Midori Shimada
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
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2
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Basu-Shrivastava M, Mojsa B, Mora S, Robbins I, Bossis G, Lassot I, Desagher S. Trim39 regulates neuronal apoptosis by acting as a SUMO-targeted E3 ubiquitin-ligase for the transcription factor NFATc3. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:2107-2122. [PMID: 35449213 PMCID: PMC9613758 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
NFATc3 is the predominant member of the NFAT family of transcription factors in neurons, where it plays a pro-apoptotic role. Mechanisms controlling NFAT protein stability are poorly understood. Here we identify Trim39 as an E3 ubiquitin-ligase of NFATc3. Indeed, Trim39 binds and ubiquitinates NFATc3 in vitro and in cells where it reduces NFATc3 protein level and transcriptional activity. In contrast, silencing of endogenous Trim39 decreases NFATc3 ubiquitination and increases its activity, thereby resulting in enhanced neuronal apoptosis. We also show that Trim17 inhibits Trim39-mediated ubiquitination of NFATc3 by reducing both the E3 ubiquitin-ligase activity of Trim39 and the NFATc3/Trim39 interaction. Moreover, we identify Trim39 as a new SUMO-targeted E3 ubiquitin-ligase (STUbL). Indeed, mutation of SUMOylation sites in NFATc3 or SUMO-interacting motifs in Trim39 reduces NFATc3/Trim39 interaction and Trim39-induced ubiquitination of NFATc3. In addition, Trim39 preferentially ubiquitinates SUMOylated forms of NFATc3 in vitro. As a consequence, a SUMOylation-deficient mutant of NFATc3 exhibits increased stability and pro-apoptotic activity in neurons. Taken together, these data indicate that Trim39 modulates neuronal apoptosis by acting as a STUbL for NFATc3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Basu-Shrivastava
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara Mojsa
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Science, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Stéphan Mora
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Ian Robbins
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Iréna Lassot
- IGMM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
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3
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Chen N, Zheng Q, Wan G, Guo F, Zeng X, Shi P. Impact of posttranslational modifications in pancreatic carcinogenesis and treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:739-759. [PMID: 34342796 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09980-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive cancer, with a 9% 5-year survival rate and a high risk of recurrence. In part, this is because PC is composed of heterogeneous subgroups with different biological and functional characteristics and personalized anticancer treatments are required. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in modifying protein functions/roles and are required for the maintenance of cell viability and biological processes; thus, their dysregulation can lead to disease. Different types of PTMs increase the functional diversity of the proteome, which subsequently influences most aspects of normal cell biology or pathogenesis. This review primarily focuses on ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation, as well as the current understanding of their roles and molecular mechanisms in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Additionally, we briefly summarize studies and clinical trials on PC treatments to advance our knowledge of drugs available to target the ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation PTM types. Further investigation of PTMs could be a critical field of study in relation to PC, as they have been implicated in the initiation and progression of many other types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianhong Chen
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, 2Nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Medicine School, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518037, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Cell Biology & University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Qiaoqiao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Wan
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, 2Nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Medicine School, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518037, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiaobin Zeng
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital, 2Nd Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Medicine School, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ping Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Ding L, Billadeau DD. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β: a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:417-426. [PMID: 32178549 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1743681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States with a single-digit 5-year survival rate despite advances in understanding the genetics and biology of the disease. Glycogen synthase kinase-3α (GSK-3α) and GSK-3β are serine/threonine kinases that localize to the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus. Although they are highly homologous within their kinase domains and phosphorylate an overlapping set of target proteins, genetic studies have shown that GSK-3β regulates the activity of several proteins that promote neoplastic transformation. Significantly, GSK-3β is progressively overexpressed during PDAC development where it participates in tumor progression, survival and chemoresistance. Thus, GSK-3β has become an attractive target for treating PDAC.Areas covered: This review summarizes the mechanisms regulating GSK-3β activity, including upstream translational and post-translational regulation, as well as the downstream targets and their functions in PDAC cell growth, metastasis and chemoresistance.Expert opinion: The activity of GSK-3 kinases are considered cell- and context-specific. In PDAC, oncogenic KRas drives the transcriptional expression of the GSK-3β gene, which has been shown to regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival, as well as resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, the combination of GSK-3 inhibitors with chemotherapeutic drugs could be a promising strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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5
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Perotti V, Baldassari P, Molla A, Nicolini G, Bersani I, Grazia G, Benigni F, Maurichi A, Santinami M, Anichini A, Mortarini R. An actionable axis linking NFATc2 to EZH2 controls the EMT-like program of melanoma cells. Oncogene 2019; 38:4384-4396. [PMID: 30710146 PMCID: PMC6756060 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0729-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of new actionable targets and functional networks in melanoma is an urgent need as only a fraction of metastatic patients achieves durable clinical benefit by targeted therapy or immunotherapy approaches. Here we show that NFATc2 expression is associated with an EMT-like transcriptional program and with an invasive melanoma phenotype, as shown by analysis of melanoma cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels, interrogation of the TCGA melanoma dataset and characterization of melanoma lesions by immunohistochemistry. Gene silencing or pharmacological inhibition of NFATc2 downregulated EMT-related genes and AXL, and suppressed c-Myc, FOXM1, and EZH2. Targeting of c-Myc suppressed FOXM1 and EZH2, while targeting of FOXM1 suppressed EZH2. Inhibition of c-Myc, or FOXM1, or EZH2 downregulated EMT-related gene expression, upregulated MITF and suppressed migratory and invasive activity of neoplastic cells. Stable silencing of NFATc2 impaired melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in SCID mice. In NFATc2+ EZH2+ melanoma cell lines pharmacological co-targeting of NFATc2 and EZH2 exerted strong anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity, irrespective of BRAF or NRAS mutations and of BRAF inhibitor resistance. These results provide preclinical evidence for a role of NFATc2 in shaping the EMT-like melanoma phenotype and reveal a targetable vulnerability associated with NFATc2 and EZH2 expression in melanoma cells belonging to different mutational subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Perotti
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Baldassari
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Molla
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Bersani
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Grazia
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Benigni
- HuMabs Biomed, a subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Maurichi
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Santinami
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Unit, Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Mortarini
- Department of Research, Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Milan, Italy.
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6
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Charville GW, Wang WL, Ingram DR, Roy A, Thomas D, Patel RM, Hornick JL, van de Rijn M, Lazar AJ. PAX7 expression in sarcomas bearing the EWSR1-NFATC2 translocation. Mod Pathol 2019; 32:154-156. [PMID: 29985454 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0095-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Charville
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Wei-Lien Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Davis R Ingram
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angshumoy Roy
- Departments of Pathology & Immunology and Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dafydd Thomas
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rajiv M Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jason L Hornick
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matt van de Rijn
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexander J Lazar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Lee JU, Kim LK, Choi JM. Revisiting the Concept of Targeting NFAT to Control T Cell Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2747. [PMID: 30538703 PMCID: PMC6277705 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors, which includes NFAT1, NFAT2, and NFAT4, are well-known to play important roles in T cell activation. Most of NFAT proteins are controlled by calcium influx upon T cell receptor and costimulatory signaling results increase of IL-2 and IL-2 receptor. NFAT3 however is not shown to be expressed in T cells and NFAT5 has not much highlighted in T cell functions yet. Recent studies demonstrate that the NFAT family proteins involve in function of lineage-specific transcription factors during differentiation of T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg), and follicular helper T cells (Tfh). They have been studied to make physical interaction with the other transcription factors like GATA3 or Foxp3 and they also regulate Th cell signature gene expressions by direct binding on promotor region of target genes. From last decades, NFAT functions in T cells have been targeted to develop immune modulatory drugs for controlling T cell immunity in autoimmune diseases like cyclosporine A, FK506, etc. Due to their undesirable side defects, only limited application is available in human diseases. This review focuses on the recent advances in development of NFAT targeting drug as well as our understanding of each NFAT family protein in T cell biology. We also discuss updated detail molecular mechanism of NFAT functions in T cells, which would lead us to suggest an idea for developing specific NFAT inhibitors as a therapeutic drug for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ung Lee
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Li-Kyung Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Je-Min Choi
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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8
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Chen NM, Neesse A, Dyck ML, Steuber B, Koenig AO, Lubeseder-Martellato C, Winter T, Forster T, Bohnenberger H, Kitz J, Reuter-Jessen K, Griesmann H, Gaedcke J, Grade M, Zhang JS, Tsai WC, Siveke J, Schildhaus HU, Ströbel P, Johnsen SA, Ellenrieder V, Hessmann E. Context-Dependent Epigenetic Regulation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 in Pancreatic Plasticity. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1507-1520.e15. [PMID: 28188746 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The ability of exocrine pancreatic cells to change the cellular phenotype is required for tissue regeneration upon injury, but also contributes to their malignant transformation and tumor progression. We investigated context-dependent signaling and transcription mechanisms that determine pancreatic cell fate decisions toward regeneration and malignancy. In particular, we studied the function and regulation of the inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATC1) in pancreatic cell plasticity and tissue adaptation. METHODS We analyzed cell plasticity during pancreatic regeneration and transformation in mice with pancreas-specific expression of a constitutively active form of NFATC1, or depletion of enhancer of zeste 2 homologue 2 (EZH2), in the context of wild-type or constitutively activate Kras, respectively. Acute and chronic pancreatitis were induced by intraperitoneal injection of caerulein. EZH2-dependent regulation of NFATC1 expression was studied in mouse in human pancreatic tissue and cells by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We used genetic and pharmacologic approaches of EZH2 and NFATC1 inhibition to study the consequences of pathway disruption on pancreatic morphology and function. Epigenetic modifications on the NFATC1 gene were investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS NFATC1 was rapidly and transiently induced in early adaptation to acinar cell injury in human samples and in mice, where it promoted acinar cell transdifferentiation and blocked proliferation of metaplastic pancreatic cells. However, in late stages of regeneration, Nfatc1 was epigenetically silenced by EZH2-dependent histone methylation, to enable acinar cell redifferentiation and prevent organ atrophy and exocrine insufficiency. In contrast, oncogenic activation of KRAS signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells reversed the EZH2-dependent effects on the NFATC1 gene and was required for EZH2-mediated transcriptional activation of NFATC1. CONCLUSIONS In studies of human and mouse pancreatic cells and tissue, we identified context-specific epigenetic regulation of NFATc1 activity as an important mechanism of pancreatic cell plasticity. Inhibitors of EZH2 might therefore interfere with oncogenic activity of NFATC1 and be used in treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ming Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Lino Dyck
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipp's University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Steuber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander O Koenig
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Clara Lubeseder-Martellato
- II. Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Thore Winter
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipp's University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Teresa Forster
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipp's University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Kitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Heidi Griesmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Halle, Germany
| | - Jochen Gaedcke
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marian Grade
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wan-Chi Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jens Siveke
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany.
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9
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Zang H, Li N, Pan Y, Hao J. Identification of upstream transcription factors (TFs) for expression signature genes in breast cancer. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:193-198. [PMID: 27809618 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2016.1239253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common malignancy among women with a rising incidence. Our intention was to detect transcription factors (TFs) for deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer. Integrated analysis of gene expression datasets of breast cancer was performed. Then, functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was conducted, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Furthermore, TFs were identified and a global transcriptional regulatory network was constructed. Seven publically available GEO datasets were obtained, and a set of 1196 DEGs were identified (460 up-regulated and 736 down-regulated). Functional annotation results showed that cell cycle was the most significantly enriched pathway, which was consistent with the fact that cell cycle is closely related to various tumors. Fifty-three differentially expressed TFs were identified, and the regulatory networks consisted of 817 TF-target interactions between 46 TFs and 602 DEGs in the context of breast cancer. Top 10 TFs covering the most downstream DEGs were SOX10, NFATC2, ZNF354C, ARID3A, BRCA1, FOXO3, GATA3, ZEB1, HOXA5 and EGR1. The transcriptional regulatory networks could enable a better understanding of regulatory mechanisms of breast cancer pathology and provide an opportunity for the development of potential therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zang
- a Department of Breast Surgery , Yantaishan Hospital , Yantai , China and
| | - Ning Li
- b Department of Human Anatomy , School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Jinan , China
| | - Yuling Pan
- b Department of Human Anatomy , School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Jinan , China
| | - Jingguang Hao
- a Department of Breast Surgery , Yantaishan Hospital , Yantai , China and
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10
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Qin JJ, Wang W, Voruganti S, Wang H, Zhang WD, Zhang R. Inhibiting NFAT1 for breast cancer therapy: New insights into the mechanism of action of MDM2 inhibitor JapA. Oncotarget 2016; 6:33106-19. [PMID: 26461225 PMCID: PMC4741752 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor NFAT1 has been recently identified as a new regulator of the MDM2 oncogene. Targeting the NFAT1-MDM2 pathway represents a novel approach to cancer therapy. We have recently identified a natural product MDM2 inhibitor, termed JapA. As a specific and potent MDM2 inhibitor, JapA inhibits MDM2 at transcriptional and post-translational levels. However, the molecular mechanism remains to be fully elucidated for its inhibitory effects on MDM2 transcription. Herein, we reported that JapA inhibited NFAT1 and NFAT1-mediated MDM2 transcription, which contributed to the anticancer activity of JapA. Its effects on the expression and activity of NFAT1 were examined in various breast cancer cell lines in vitro and in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors in vivo. The specificity of JapA in targeting NFAT1 and NFAT1-MDM2 pathway and the importance of NFAT1 inhibition in JapA's anticancer activity were demonstrated using NFAT1 overexpression and knockdown cell lines and the pharmacological activators and inhibitors of NFAT1 signaling. Our results indicated that JapA inhibited NFAT1 signaling in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which plays a pivotal role in its anticancer activity. JapA inhibited the nuclear localization of NFAT1, disrupted the NFAT1-MDM2 P2 promoter complex, and induced NFAT1 proteasomal degradation, resulting in the repression of MDM2 transcription. In conclusion, JapA is a novel NFAT1 inhibitor and the NFAT1 inhibition is responsible for the JapA-induced repression of MDM2 transcription, contributing to its anticancer activity. The results may pave an avenue for validating the NFAT1-MDM2 pathway as a novel molecular target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.,Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.,Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Sukesh Voruganti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.,Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
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11
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Baumgart S, Chen NM, Zhang JS, Billadeau DD, Gaisina IN, Kozikowski AP, Singh SK, Fink D, Ströbel P, Klindt C, Zhang L, Bamlet WR, Koenig A, Hessmann E, Gress TM, Ellenrieder V, Neesse A. GSK-3β Governs Inflammation-Induced NFATc2 Signaling Hubs to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:491-502. [PMID: 26823495 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the mechanistic, functional, and therapeutic role of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) in the regulation and activation of the proinflammatory oncogenic transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc2) in pancreatic cancer. IHC, qPCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, and proliferation assays were used to analyze mouse and human tissues and cell lines. Protein-protein interactions and promoter regulation were analyzed by coimmunoprecipitation, DNA pulldown, reporter, and ChIP assays. Preclinical assays were performed using a variety of pancreatic cancer cells lines, xenografts, and a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM). GSK-3β-dependent SP2 phosphorylation mediates NFATc2 protein stability in the nucleus of pancreatic cancer cells stimulating pancreatic cancer growth. In addition to protein stabilization, GSK-3β also maintains NFATc2 activation through a distinct mechanism involving stabilization of NFATc2-STAT3 complexes independent of SP2 phosphorylation. For NFATc2-STAT3 complex formation, GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 is required to stimulate euchromatin formation of NFAT target promoters, such as cyclin-dependent kinase-6, which promotes tumor growth. Finally, preclinical experiments suggest that targeting the NFATc2-STAT3-GSK-3β module inhibits proliferation and tumor growth and interferes with inflammation-induced pancreatic cancer progression in Kras(G12D) mice. In conclusion, we describe a novel mechanism by which GSK-3β fine-tunes NFATc2 and STAT3 transcriptional networks to integrate upstream signaling events that govern pancreatic cancer progression and growth. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of GSK-3β is demonstrated for the first time in a relevant Kras and inflammation-induced GEMM for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Baumgart
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectiology and Metabolism, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nai-Ming Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Irina N Gaisina
- Drug Discovery Program, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alan P Kozikowski
- Drug Discovery Program, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shiv K Singh
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Daniel Fink
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectiology and Metabolism, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Klindt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectiology and Metabolism, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - William R Bamlet
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alexander Koenig
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Infectiology and Metabolism, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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12
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MYC in pancreatic cancer: novel mechanistic insights and their translation into therapeutic strategies. Oncogene 2015; 35:1609-18. [PMID: 26119937 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Owing to its aggressiveness, late detection and marginal therapeutic accessibility, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a most challenging malignant disease. Despite scientific progress in the understanding of the mechanisms that underly PDAC initiation and progression, the successful translation of experimental findings into effective new therapeutic strategies remains a largely unmet need. The oncogene MYC is activated in many PDAC cases and is a master regulator of vital cellular processes. Excellent recent studies have shed new light on the tremendous functions of MYC in cancer and identified inhibition of MYC as a likewise beneficial and demanding effort. This review will focus on mechanisms that contribute to deregulation of MYC expression in pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression and will summarize novel biological findings from recent in vivo models. Finally, we provide a perspective, how regulation of MYC in PDAC may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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13
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Chen NM, Singh G, Koenig A, Liou GY, Storz P, Zhang JS, Regul L, Nagarajan S, Kühnemuth B, Johnsen SA, Hebrok M, Siveke J, Billadeau DD, Ellenrieder V, Hessmann E. NFATc1 Links EGFR Signaling to Induction of Sox9 Transcription and Acinar-Ductal Transdifferentiation in the Pancreas. Gastroenterology 2015; 148:1024-1034.e9. [PMID: 25623042 PMCID: PMC4409493 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Oncogenic mutations in KRAS contribute to the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, but are not sufficient to initiate carcinogenesis. Secondary events, such as inflammation-induced signaling via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and expression of the SOX9 gene, are required for tumor formation. Herein we sought to identify the mechanisms that link EGFR signaling with activation of SOX9 during acinar-ductal metaplasia, a transdifferentiation process that precedes pancreatic carcinogenesis. METHODS We analyzed pancreatic tissues from Kras(G12D);pdx1-Cre and Kras(G12D);NFATc1(Δ/Δ);pdx1-Cre mice after intraperitoneal administration of caerulein, vs cyclosporin A or dimethyl sulfoxide (controls). Induction of EGFR signaling and its effects on the expression of Nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) or SOX9 were investigated by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot, and immunohistochemical analyses of mouse and human tissues and acinar cell explants. Interactions between NFATc1 and partner proteins and effects on DNA binding or chromatin modifications were studied using co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in acinar cell explants and mouse tissue. RESULTS EGFR activation induced expression of NFATc1 in metaplastic areas from patients with chronic pancreatitis and in pancreatic tissue from Kras(G12D) mice. EGFR signaling also promoted formation of a complex between NFATc1 and C-JUN in dedifferentiating mouse acinar cells, leading to activation of Sox9 transcription and induction of acinar-ductal metaplasia. Pharmacologic inhibition of NFATc1 or disruption of the Nfatc1 gene inhibited EGFR-mediated induction of Sox9 transcription and blocked acinar-ductal transdifferentiation and pancreatic cancer initiation in mice. CONCLUSIONS EGFR signaling induces expression of NFATc1 and Sox9, leading to acinar cell transdifferentiation and initiation of pancreatic cancer. Strategies designed to disrupt this pathway might be developed to prevent pancreatic cancer initiation in high-risk patients with chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ming Chen
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen
| | - Garima Singh
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Koenig
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen,Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Geou-Yarh Liou
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Lisanne Regul
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sankari Nagarajan
- Clinic for General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kühnemuth
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Steven A. Johnsen
- Clinic for General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Jens Siveke
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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NFATc1 as a therapeutic target in FLT3-ITD-positive AML. Leukemia 2015; 29:1470-7. [PMID: 25976987 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Internal tandem duplications (ITD) in the Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 receptor (FLT3) are associated with a dismal prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3 inhibitors such as sorafenib may improve outcome, but only few patients display long-term responses, prompting the search for underlying resistance mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to overcome them. Here we identified that the nuclear factor of activated T cells, NFATc1, is frequently overexpressed in FLT3-ITD-positive (FLT3-ITD+) AML. NFATc1 knockdown using inducible short hairpin RNA or pharmacological NFAT inhibition with cyclosporine A (CsA) or VIVIT significantly augmented sorafenib-induced apoptosis of FLT3-ITD+ cells. CsA also potently overcame sorafenib resistance in FLT3-ITD+ cell lines and primary AML. Vice versa, de novo expression of a constitutively nuclear NFATc1-mutant mediated instant and robust sorafenib resistance in vitro. Intriguingly, FLT3-ITD+ AML patients (n=26) who received CsA as part of their rescue chemotherapy displayed a superior outcome when compared with wild-type FLT3 (FLT3-WT) AML patients. Our data unveil NFATc1 as a novel mediator of sorafenib resistance in FLT3-ITD+ AML. CsA counteracts sorafenib resistance and may improve treatment outcome in AML by means of inhibiting NFAT.
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Shou J, Jing J, Xie J, You L, Jing Z, Yao J, Han W, Pan H. Nuclear factor of activated T cells in cancer development and treatment. Cancer Lett 2015; 361:174-84. [PMID: 25766658 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) was first identified as a transcription factor in T cells, various NFAT isoforms have been discovered and investigated. Accumulating studies have suggested that NFATs are involved in many aspects of cancer, including carcinogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance and tumor microenvironment. Different NFAT isoforms have distinct functions in different cancers. The exact function of NFAT in cancer or the tumor microenvironment is context dependent. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of NFAT regulation and function in cancer development and treatment. NFATs have emerged as a potential target for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Shou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangkun You
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhao Jing
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junlin Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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c-Rel is a critical mediator of NF-κB-dependent TRAIL resistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1455. [PMID: 25299780 PMCID: PMC4237244 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the deadliest malignancies with an overall life expectancy of 6 months despite current therapies. NF-κB signalling has been shown to be critical for this profound cell-autonomous resistance against chemotherapeutic drugs and death receptor-induced apoptosis, but little is known about the role of the c-Rel subunit in solid cancer and PDAC apoptosis control. In the present study, by analysis of genome-wide patterns of c-Rel-dependent gene expression, we were able to establish c-Rel as a critical regulator of tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in PDAC. TRAIL-resistant cells exhibited a strong TRAIL-inducible NF-κB activity, whereas TRAIL-sensitive cells displayed only a small increase in NF-κB-binding activity. Transfection with siRNA against c-Rel sensitized the TRAIL-resistant cells in a manner comparable to siRNA targeting the p65/RelA subunit. Gel-shift analysis revealed that c-Rel is part of the TRAIL-inducible NF-κB complex in PDAC. Array analysis identified NFATc2 as a c-Rel target gene among the 12 strongest TRAIL-inducible genes in apoptosis-resistant cells. In line, siRNA targeting c-Rel strongly reduced TRAIL-induced NFATc2 activity in TRAIL-resistant PDAC cells. Furthermore, siRNA targeting NFATc2 sensitized these PDAC cells against TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Finally, TRAIL-induced expression of COX-2 was diminished through siRNA targeting c-Rel or NFATc2 and pharmacologic inhibition of COX-2 with celecoxib or siRNA targeting COX-2, enhanced TRAIL apoptosis. In conclusion, we were able to delineate a novel c-Rel-, NFATc2- and COX-2-dependent antiapoptotic signalling pathway in PDAC with broad clinical implications for pharmaceutical intervention strategies.
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Levin-Gromiko U, Koshelev V, Kushnir P, Fedida-Metula S, Voronov E, Fishman D. Amplified lipid rafts of malignant cells constitute a target for inhibition of aberrantly active NFAT and melanoma tumor growth by the aminobisphosphonate zoledronic acid. Carcinogenesis 2014; 35:2555-66. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgu178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Qin JJ, Nag S, Wang W, Zhou J, Zhang WD, Wang H, Zhang R. NFAT as cancer target: mission possible? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:297-311. [PMID: 25072963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The NFAT signaling pathway regulates various aspects of cellular functions; NFAT acts as a calcium sensor, integrating calcium signaling with other pathways involved in development and growth, immune response, and inflammatory response. The NFAT family of transcription factors regulates diverse cellular functions such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The NFAT isoforms are constitutively activated and overexpressed in several cancer types wherein they transactivate downstream targets that play important roles in cancer development and progression. Though the NFAT family has been conclusively proved to be pivotal in cancer progression, the different isoforms play distinct roles in different cellular contexts. In this review, our discussion is focused on the mechanisms that drive the activation of various NFAT isoforms in cancer. Additionally, we analyze the potential of NFAT as a valid target for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Jiang Qin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Subhasree Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, PR China; Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, Beijing 100021, PR China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Cancer Biology Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA.
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Gao Y, Lin F, Xu P, Nie J, Chen Z, Su J, Tang J, Wu Q, Li Y, Guo Z, Gao Z, Li D, Shen J, Ge S, Tsun A, Li B. USP22 is a positive regulator of NFATc2 on promoting IL2 expression. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:878-83. [PMID: 24561192 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) is an important regulator of T cell activation. However, the molecular mechanism whereby NFATc2 regulates IL2 transcription is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22), known as a cancer stem cell marker, specifically interacted with and deubiquitinated NFATc2. USP22 stabilized NFATc2 protein levels, which required its deubiquitinase activity. Consistent with these observations, depletion of USP22 in T cells reduced the expression of IL2, which is a cytokine that signifies T effector cell activation. Our findings thus unveil a previously uncharacterized positive regulator of NFATc2, suggesting that targeting the deubiquitinase activity of USP22 could have therapeutic benefit to control IL2 expression and T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia Nie
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zuojia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jinsong Su
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Department of Surgery, Shanghai Public Health Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Jiayou Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Qingsi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Department of Immunology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhixiang Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhimei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jijia Shen
- Department of Immunology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Andy Tsun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Li XY, Lin YC, Huang WL, Lin W, Wang HB, Lin WZ, Lin SL. Zoledronic acid inhibits human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation by activating mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Med Oncol 2012; 29:3374-80. [PMID: 22729369 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0281-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the apoptosis-inducing effect of zoledronic acid in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell HNE-1 and explore the potential mechanism. Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell HNE-1 was exposed to various concentrations (0-40 μmol/L) of zoledronic acid. Cell proliferation was studied by an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene expressions were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR, and protein expressions were investigated by Western blot. The results showed zoledronic acid decreased cell proliferation not in a time- or dose-dependent fashion. TUNEL assay, together with Annexin V/propidium iodide FACS analysis, confirmed the increase in apoptotic HNE-1 cells treated with zoledronic acid. Cell cycle analysis showed a larger number of treated cells occupied the S-phase. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot revealed that the pro-apoptotic genes, Bad, Bax, and Caspase-9, were upregulated in treated HNE-1 cells, whereas the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2, was downregulated in both mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, zoledronic inhibits human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Yuan Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, 515031, China
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Arlt A, Schäfer H, Kalthoff H. The 'N-factors' in pancreatic cancer: functional relevance of NF-κB, NFAT and Nrf2 in pancreatic cancer. Oncogenesis 2012; 1:e35. [PMID: 23552468 PMCID: PMC3511680 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2012.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the deadliest malignancies, with an overall life expectancy of 6 months. Despite considerable advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of PDAC, the outcome of the disease was not significantly improved over the last 20 years. Although some achievements in molecular-targeted therapies have been made (that is, targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor by erlotinib), which already entered clinical settings, and despite the promising outcome of the FOLFIRINOX trial, there is an urgent need for improvement of the chemotherapy in this disease. A plethora of molecular alterations are thought to be responsible for the profound chemoresistance, including mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Besides these classical hallmarks of cancer, the constitutive or inducible activity of transcription factor pathways are characteristic changes in PDAC. Recently, three transcription factors-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) and nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)-have been shown to be crucial for tumor development and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. These transcription factors are key regulators of a variety of genes involved in nearly all aspects of tumorigenesis and resistance against chemotherapeutics and death receptor ligands. Furthermore, the pathways of NF-κB, NFAT and Nrf2 are functional, interacting on several regulatory steps, and, especially, natural compounds such as curcumin interfere with more than one pathway. Thus, targeting these pathways by established inhibitors or new drugs might have great potential to improve the outcome of PDAC patients, most likely in combination with established anticancer drugs. In this article, we summarize recent progress in the characterization of these transcription-factor pathways and their role in PDAC and therapy resistance. We also discuss future concepts for the treatment of PDAC relying on these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arlt
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Kiel, Germany
| | - H Schäfer
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Kiel, Germany
| | - H Kalthoff
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center North, Kiel, Germany
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BAUMGART SANDRA, GLESEL ELISABETH, SINGH GARIMA, CHEN NAIMING, REUTLINGER KRISTINA, ZHANG JINSAN, BILLADEAU DANIELD, FERNANDEZ-ZAPICO MARTINE, GRESS THOMASM, SINGH SHIVK, ELLENRIEDER VOLKER. Restricted heterochromatin formation links NFATc2 repressor activity with growth promotion in pancreatic cancer. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:388-98.e1-7. [PMID: 22079596 PMCID: PMC3626431 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transcriptional silencing of the p15(INK4b) tumor suppressor pathway overcomes cellular protection against unrestrained proliferation in cancer. Here we show a novel pathway involving the oncogenic transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) c2 targeting a p15(INK4b)-mediated failsafe mechanism to promote pancreatic cancer tumor growth. METHODS Immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used for expression studies. Cancer growth was assessed in vitro by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, colony formation assays, and in vivo using xenograft tumor models. Protein-protein interactions, promoter regulation, and local histone modifications were analyzed by immunoprecipitation, DNA pull-down, reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS Our study uncovered induction of NFATc2 in late-stage pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions with increased expression in tumor cell nuclei of advanced cancers. In the nucleus, NFATc2 targets the p15(INK4b) promoter for inducible heterochromatin formation and silencing. NFATc2 binding to its cognate promoter site induces stepwise recruitment of the histone methyltransferase Suv39H1, causes local H3K9 trimethylation, and allows docking of heterochromatin protein HP1γ to the repressor complex. Conversely, inactivation of NFATc2 disrupts this repressor complex assembly and local heterochromatin formation, resulting in restoration of p15(INK4b) expression and inhibition of pancreatic cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Here we describe a novel mechanism for NFATc2-mediated gene regulation and identify a functional link among its repressor activity, the silencing of the suppressor pathway p15(INK4b), and its pancreatic cancer growth regulatory functions. Thus, we provide evidence that inactivation of oncogenic NFATc2 might be an attractive strategy in treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- SANDRA BAUMGART
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - ELISABETH GLESEL
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - GARIMA SINGH
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - NAI-MING CHEN
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - KRISTINA REUTLINGER
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - JINSAN ZHANG
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - DANIEL D. BILLADEAU
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - THOMAS M. GRESS
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - SHIV K. SINGH
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - VOLKER ELLENRIEDER
- Signaling and Transcription Laboratory, Department of Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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