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Zhang H, Chen S, Xu S, Li X. COTE1 Facilitates Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Progression via Beclin1-Dependent Autophagy Inhibition. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:5491682. [PMID: 37780485 PMCID: PMC10541304 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5491682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
COTE1 was recently described as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric cancer. However, the roles of COTE1 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are little known. Our study is aimed at clarifying novel functions of COTE1 in ICC progression, including proliferation, invasion, and autophagy. By using quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry staining, and western blotting, we found that COTE1 expression was frequently upregulated in ICC tissues, compared to paracarcinoma tissues. High COTE1 expression was significantly correlated with aggressive clinical features and predicted poor prognosis of ICC patients. Functional experiments revealed that ectopic COTE1 expression promoted ICC cell proliferation, colony formation, cellular invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenicity; in contrast, COTE1 knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. At molecular mechanism in vitro and vivo, our study revealed that COTE1 overexpression suppressed autophagy via Beclin1 transcription inhibition; conversely, COTE1 silencing facilitated autophagy through promoting Beclin1 expression. Furthermore, the suppression of COTE1 knockdown on cellular growth and invasion was rescued/aggravated by Beclin1 inhibition/accumulation. Our data, for the first time, illustrate that COTE1 is an oncogene in ICC pathogenesis, and the ectopic COTE1 expression promotes ICC proliferation and invasion via Beclin1-dependent autophagy inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Zhang
- Key Laboratory on Living Donor Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Sanrong Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Key Laboratory on Living Donor Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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2
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Siatis KE, Giannopoulou E, Manou D, Sarantis P, Karamouzis MV, Raftopoulou S, Fasseas K, Alzahrani FM, Kalofonos HP, Theocharis AD. Resistance to hormone therapy in breast cancer cells promotes autophagy and EGFR signaling pathway. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C708-C720. [PMID: 37575061 PMCID: PMC10625825 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00199.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women worldwide. Endocrine therapies represent the cornerstone for hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment. However, in many cases, endocrine resistance is induced with poor prognosis for patients. In the current study, we have developed MCF-7 cell lines resistant to fulvestrant (MCF-7Fulv) and tamoxifen (MCF-7Tam) aiming at investigating mechanisms underlying resistance. Both resistant cell lines exerted lower proliferation capacity in two-dimensional (2-D) cultures but retain estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression and proliferate independent of the presence of estrogens. The established cell lines tend to be more aggressive exhibiting advanced capacity to form colonies, increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and heterodimerization of ERBB family receptors and activation of EGFR downstream pathways like MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors tested against resistant MCF-7Fulv and MCF-7Tam cells showed moderate efficacy to inhibit cell proliferation, except for lapatinib, which concomitantly inhibits both EGFR and HER2 receptors and strongly reduced cell proliferation. Furthermore, increased autophagy was observed in resistant MCF-7Fulv and MCF-7Tam cells as shown by the presence of autophagosomes and increased Beclin-1 levels. The increased autophagy in resistant cells is not associated with increased apoptosis, suggesting a cytoprotective role for autophagy that may favor cells' survival and aggressiveness. Thus, by exploiting those underlying mechanisms, new targets could be established to overcome endocrine resistance.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The development of resistance to hormone therapy caused by both fulvestrant and tamoxifen promotes autophagy with concomitant apoptosis evasion, rendering cells capable of surviving and growing. The fact that resistance also triggers ERBB family signaling pathways, which are poorly inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors might attribute to cells' aggressiveness. It is obvious that the development of endocrine therapy resistance involves a complex interplay between deregulated ERBB signaling and autophagy that may be considered in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos E Siatis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Efstathia Giannopoulou
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Dimitra Manou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Raftopoulou
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Faculty of Crop Production, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Fasseas
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Faculty of Crop Production, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Fatimah Mohammed Alzahrani
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haralabos P Kalofonos
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Achilleas D Theocharis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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3
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de la Cruz-Ojeda P, Flores-Campos R, Navarro-Villarán E, Muntané J. The Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Autophagy During Carcinogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:799392. [PMID: 35309939 PMCID: PMC8926078 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.799392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (autophagy herein) is a cellular stress response and a survival pathway involved in self-renewal and quality control processes to maintain cellular homeostasis. The alteration of autophagy has been implicated in numerous diseases such as cancer where it plays a dual role. Autophagy serves as a tumor suppressor in the early phases of cancer formation with the restoration of homeostasis and eliminating cellular altered constituents, yet in later phases, autophagy may support and/or facilitate tumor growth, metastasis and may contribute to treatment resistance. Key components of autophagy interact with either pro- and anti-apoptotic factors regulating the proximity of tumor cells to apoptotic cliff promoting cell survival. Autophagy is regulated by key cell signaling pathways such as Akt (protein kinase B, PKB), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) involved in cell survival and metabolism. The expression of critical members of upstream cell signaling, as well as those directly involved in the autophagic and apoptotic machineries are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Consequently, non-coding RNAs play a relevant role in carcinogenesis and treatment response in cancer. The review is an update of the current knowledge in the regulation by miRNA and lncRNA of the autophagic components and their functional impact to provide an integrated and comprehensive regulatory network of autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia de la Cruz-Ojeda
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD o Ciberehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Flores-Campos
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Navarro-Villarán
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD o Ciberehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Muntané
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Hospital University "Virgen del Rocío"/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.,Networked Biomedical Research Center Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD o Ciberehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Chen Y, Zhang Z, Henson ES, Cuddihy A, Haigh K, Wang R, Haigh JJ, Gibson SB. Autophagy inhibition by TSSC4 (tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4) contributes to sustainable cancer cell growth. Autophagy 2021; 18:1274-1296. [PMID: 34530675 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1973338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell growth is dependent upon the sustainability of proliferative signaling and resisting cell death. Macroautophagy/autophagy promotes cancer cell growth by providing nutrients to cells and preventing cell death. This is in contrast to autophagy promoting cell death under some conditions. The mechanism regulating autophagy-mediated cancer cell growth remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that TSSC4 (tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4) is a novel tumor suppressor that suppresses cancer cell growth and tumor growth and prevents cell death induction during excessive growth by inhibiting autophagy. The oncogenic proteins ERBB2 (erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2) and the activation EGFR mutant (EGFRvIII, epidermal growth factor receptor variant III) promote cell growth and TSSC4 expression in breast cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells, respectively. In EGFRvIII-expressing GBM cells, TSSC4 knockout shifted the function of autophagy from a pro-cell survival role to a pro-cell death role during prolonged cell growth. Furthermore, the interaction of TSSC4 with MAP1LC3/LC3 (microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3) via its conserved LC3-interacting region (LIR) contributes to its inhibition of autophagy. Finally, TSSC4 suppresses tumorsphere formation and tumor growth by inhibiting autophagy and maintaining cell survival in tumorspheres. Taken together, sustainable cancer cell growth can be achieved by autophagy inhibition via TSSC4 expression.ABBREVIATIONS: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ACTB: actin beta; CQ: chloroquine; EGFRvIII: epidermal growth factor receptor variant III; ERBB2: erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2; GBM: glioblastoma multiforme; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule Associated protein 1 light chain 3; TSSC4: tumor suppressing subtransferable candidate 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Chen
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Zhaoying Zhang
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Elizabeth S Henson
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Andrew Cuddihy
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Katharina Haigh
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ruobing Wang
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jody J Haigh
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Spencer B Gibson
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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5
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Tran S, Fairlie WD, Lee EF. BECLIN1: Protein Structure, Function and Regulation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061522. [PMID: 34204202 PMCID: PMC8235419 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BECLIN1 is a well-established regulator of autophagy, a process essential for mammalian survival. It functions in conjunction with other proteins to form Class III Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) complexes to generate phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns), lipids essential for not only autophagy but other membrane trafficking processes. Over the years, studies have elucidated the structural, biophysical, and biochemical properties of BECLIN1, which have shed light on how this protein functions to allosterically regulate these critical processes of autophagy and membrane trafficking. Here, we review these findings and how BECLIN1’s diverse protein interactome regulates it, as well as its impact on organismal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tran
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - W. Douglas Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence: (W.D.F.); (E.F.L.)
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence: (W.D.F.); (E.F.L.)
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6
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Zhang J, Fan J, Zeng X, Nie M, Chen W, Wang Y, Luan J, Zhu Z, Chang X, Ju D, Feng L, Yin K. Targeting the autophagy promoted antitumor effect of T-DM1 on HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:288. [PMID: 33731670 PMCID: PMC7969610 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03349-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), an antibody-drug conjugate consisted of the HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the tubulin inhibitor emtansine, has shown potent therapeutic value in HER2-positive breast cancer (BC). However, a clinical trial indicated that T-DM1 exerts a limited effect on HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC), but the underlying mechanism is inconclusive. Our research attempted to reveal the probable mechanism and role of autophagy in T-DM1-treated HER2-positive GC. In this study, our results showed that T-DM1 induced apoptosis and exhibited potent therapeutic efficacy in HER2-positive GC cells. In addition, autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Autophagy was markedly activated and exhibited the three characterized gradations of autophagic flux, consisting of the formation of autophagosomes, the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, and the deterioration of autophagosomes in autolysosomes. More importantly, autophagic inhibition by the suppressors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and LY294002 significantly potentiated cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HER2-positive GC cells in vitro, while the combined use of LY294002 and T-DM1 elicited potent anti-GC efficacy in vivo. In mechanistic experiments, immunoblot analysis indicated the downregulated levels of Akt, mTOR, and P70S6K and confocal microscopy analysis clearly showed that autophagic inhibition promoted the fusion of T-DM1 molecules with lysosomes in GC cells. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that T-DM1 induced apoptosis as well as cytoprotective autophagy, and autophagic inhibition could potentiate the antitumor effect of T-DM1 on HER2-positive GC. Furthermore, autophagic inhibition might increase the fusion of T-DM1 with lysosomes, which might accelerate the release of the cytotoxic molecule emtansine from the T-DM1 conjugate. These findings highlight a promising therapeutic strategy that combines T-DM1 with an autophagy inhibitor to treat HER-positive GC more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Jingyun Luan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Zeguo Zhu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China
| | - Xusheng Chang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 201203, P. R. China.
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, 170 Xinsong Road, Shanghai, 201199, P. R. China.
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, 170 Xinsong Road, Shanghai, 201199, P. R. China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China.
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7
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Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 2 (ERBB2) Promotes ATG12-Dependent Autophagy Contributing to Treatment Resistance of Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051038. [PMID: 33801244 PMCID: PMC7958130 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor ERBB2 in cancer cells leads to drug resistance. Autophagy, a “self-eating” process inside the cell, is a mechanism for drug resistance in cancer cells. It has been shown that ERBB2 activation leads to increased autophagy in breast cancer cells, but the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that ERBB2 promotes autophagy by increasing the protein levels of the autophagy gene ATG12 (autophagy-related 12), contributing to the resistance of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs or ERBB2-targeted antibody treatments. We further showed that ATG12 expression in breast tumors containing ERBB2 correlated with a worse patient survival outcome. Finally, lapatinib is an inhibitor for both EGFR and ERBB2 tyrosine kinases in the EGFR protein family and promotes autophagy in cells containing only EGFR but inhibits autophagy in cells containing only ERBB2. Taken together, this suggests that ERBB2 promotes autophagy through upregulation of ATG12. Abstract The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family member erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) is overexpressed in many types of cancers leading to (radio- and chemotherapy) treatment resistance, whereas the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Autophagy is known to contribute to cancer treatment resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that ERBB2 increases the expression of different autophagy genes including ATG12 (autophagy-related 12) and promotes ATG12-dependent autophagy. We clarify that lapatinib, a dual inhibitor for EGFR and ERBB2, promoted autophagy in cells expressing only EGFR but inhibited autophagy in cells expressing only ERBB2. Furthermore, breast cancer database analysis of 35 genes in the canonical autophagy pathway shows that the upregulation of ATG12 and MAP1LC3B is associated with a low relapse-free survival probability of patients with ERBB2-positive breast tumors following treatments. Downregulation of ERBB2 or ATG12 increased cell death induced by chemotherapy drugs in ERBB2-positive breast cancer cells, whereas upregulation of ERBB2 or ATG12 decreased the cell death in ERBB2-negative breast cancer cells. Finally, ERBB2 antibody treatment led to reduced expression of ATG12 and autophagy inhibition increasing drug or starvation-induced cell death in ERBB2-positive breast cancer cells. Taken together, this study provides a novel approach for the treatment of ERBB2-positive breast cancer by targeting ATG12-dependent autophagy.
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Hao M, Yeo SK, Turner K, Harold A, Yang Y, Zhang X, Guan JL. Autophagy Blockade Limits HER2+ Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis by Perturbing HER2 Trafficking and Promoting Release Via Small Extracellular Vesicles. Dev Cell 2021; 56:341-355.e5. [PMID: 33472043 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy modulation is an emerging strategy for cancer therapy. By deleting an essential autophagy gene or disrupting its autophagy function, we determined a mechanism of HER2+ breast cancer tumorigenesis by directly regulating the oncogenic driver. Disruption of FIP200-mediated autophagy reduced HER2 expression on the tumor cell surface and abolished mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-Neu mice. Decreased HER2 surface expression was due to trafficking from the Golgi to the endocytic pathways instead of the plasma membrane. Autophagy inhibition led to HER2 accumulation in early and late endosomes associated with intraluminal vesicles and released from tumor cells in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Increased HER2 release from sEVs correlated with reduced tumor cell surface levels. Blocking sEVs secretion rescued HER2 levels in tumor cells. Our results demonstrate a role for autophagy to promote tumorigenesis in HER2+ breast cancer. This suggests that blocking autophagy could supplement current anti-HER2 agents for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingang Hao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Syn Kok Yeo
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kevin Turner
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Alexis Harold
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Yongguang Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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9
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Vega-Rubín-de-Celis S, Kinch L, Peña-Llopis S. Regulation of Beclin 1-Mediated Autophagy by Oncogenic Tyrosine Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239210. [PMID: 33287140 PMCID: PMC7729755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beclin 1 is a major regulator of autophagy, and it is a core component of the class III PI3K complexes. Beclin 1 is a highly conserved protein and its function is regulated in a number of ways, including post-translational modifications. Several studies indicate that receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases regulate autophagy activity in cancer, and some suggest the importance of Beclin 1 tyrosine phosphorylation in this process. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the mechanism whereby some oncogenic tyrosine kinases regulate autophagy through Beclin 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vega-Rubín-de-Celis
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: or
| | - Lisa Kinch
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Samuel Peña-Llopis
- Translational Genomics in Solid Tumors, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
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10
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Tyutyunyk-Massey L, Gewirtz DA. Roles of autophagy in breast cancer treatment: Target, bystander or benefactor. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 66:155-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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11
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Tumors Responsive to Autophagy-Inhibition: Identification and Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092463. [PMID: 32878084 PMCID: PMC7563256 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although the principle of personalized medicine has been the focus of attention, many cancer therapies are still based on a one-size-fits-all approach. The same holds true for targeting cancer cell survival mechanism that allows cancer cells to recycle their constituents (autophagy). In the past several indicators of elevated dependence of cancer cells on autophagy have been described. Addition of autophagy-inhibiting agents could be beneficial in treatment of these tumors. The biomarkers and mechanisms that lead to elevated dependence on autophagy are reviewed in the current manuscript. Abstract Recent advances in cancer treatment modalities reveal the limitations of the prevalent “one-size-fits-all” therapies and emphasize the necessity to develop personalized approaches. In this perspective, identification of predictive biomarkers and intrinsic vulnerabilities are an important advancement for further therapeutic strategies. Autophagy is an important lysosomal degradation and recycling pathway that provides energy and macromolecular precursors to maintain cellular homeostasis. Although all cells require autophagy, several genetic and/or cellular changes elevate the dependence of cancer cells on autophagy for their survival and indicates that autophagy inhibition in these tumors could provide a favorable addition to current therapies. In this context, we review the current literature on tumor (sub)types with elevated dependence on autophagy for their survival and highlight an exploitable vulnerability. We provide an inventory of microenvironmental factors, genetic alterations and therapies that may be exploited with autophagy-targeted approaches to improve efficacy of conventional anti-tumor therapies.
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12
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Mele L, Del Vecchio V, Liccardo D, Prisco C, Schwerdtfeger M, Robinson N, Desiderio V, Tirino V, Papaccio G, La Noce M. The role of autophagy in resistance to targeted therapies. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 88:102043. [PMID: 32505806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradative cellular process, involved in stress response such as starvation, hypoxia, and oxidative stress. This mechanism balances macro-molecule recycling to regulate cell homeostasis. In cancer, autophagy play a role in the development and progression, while several studies describe it as one of the key processes in drug resistance. In the last years, in addition to standard anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapies and irradiation, targeted therapy became one of the most adopted strategies in clinical practices, mainly due to high specificity and reduced side effects. However, similar to standard treatments, drug resistance is the main challenge in most patients. Here, we summarize recent studies that investigated the role of autophagy in drug resistance after targeted therapy in different types of cancers. We highlight positive results and limitations of pre-clinical and clinical studies in which autophagy inhibitors are used in combination with targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Mele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Vitale Del Vecchio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Liccardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Prisco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy; The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Melanie Schwerdtfeger
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine IV -Division of Clinical Pharmacology-University of Munich, Germany
| | - Nirmal Robinson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vincenzo Desiderio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Tirino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Papaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy.
| | - Marcella La Noce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
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13
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Kiruthiga C, Devi KP, Nabavi SM, Bishayee A. Autophagy: A Potential Therapeutic Target of Polyphenols in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030562. [PMID: 32121322 PMCID: PMC7139730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved biological phenomenon that maintains cellular homeostasis through the clearing of damaged cellular components under cellular stress and offers the cell building blocks for cellular survival. Aberrations in autophagy subsidize to various human pathologies, such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, leishmaniosis, influenza, hepatic diseases, and cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is the fifth common mortal type of liver cancer globally, with an inhomogeneous topographical distribution and highest incidence tripled in men than women. Existing treatment procedures with liver cancer patients result in variable success rates and poor prognosis due to their drug resistance and toxicity. One of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are targeted during the development of anti-liver cancer drugs is autophagy. Generally, overactivated autophagy may lead to a non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death (PCD) or autophagic cell death or type II PCD. Emerging evidence suggests that manipulation of autophagy could induce type II PCD in cancer cells, acting as a potential tumor suppressor. Hence, altering autophagic signaling offers new hope for the development of novel drugs for the therapy of resistant cancer cells. Natural polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and non-flavonoids, execute their anticarcinogenic mechanism through upregulating tumor suppressors and autophagy by modulating canonical (Beclin-1-dependent) and non-canonical (Beclin-1-independent) signaling pathways. Additionally, there is evidence signifying that plant polyphenols target angiogenesis and metastasis in HCC via interference with multiple intracellular signals and decrease the risk against HCC. The current review offers a comprehensive understanding of how natural polyphenolic compounds exhibit their anti-HCC effects through regulation of autophagy, the non-apoptotic mode of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandramohan Kiruthiga
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University (Science Campus), Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Kasi Pandima Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University (Science Campus), Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India;
- Correspondence: (K.P.D.); or (A.B.); Tel.: +91-4565223325 (K.P.D.); +1-941-782-5950 (A.B.)
| | - Seyed M. Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran;
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
- Correspondence: (K.P.D.); or (A.B.); Tel.: +91-4565223325 (K.P.D.); +1-941-782-5950 (A.B.)
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14
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Kareem O, Bader GN, Pottoo FH, Amir M, Barkat MA, Pandey M. Beclin 1 Complex and Neurodegenerative Disorders. QUALITY CONTROL OF CELLULAR PROTEIN IN NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDERS 2020. [DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1317-0.ch009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Beclin1 is the mammalian orthologue of yeast Atg6/vacuolar protein sorting-30 (VPS30). Beclin1 interacts with various biological macromolecules like ATG14, BIF-1, NRBF2, RUBICON, UVRAG, AMBRA1, HMGB1, PINK1, and PARKIN. Such interactions promote Beclin1-PI3KC3 complex formation. Autophagy is blocked in apoptosis owing to the breakdown of Beclin1 by caspase whereas autophagy induction inhibits effector caspase degradation, therefore, blocks apoptosis. Thus, the Beclin1 is an essential biomolecular species for cross-regulation between autophagy and apoptosis. Various studies carried out in neurodegenerative animal models associated with aggregated proteins have confirmed that multifunctional Beclin1 protein is necessary for neuronal integrity. The role of Beclin1 protein has been investigated and was reported in various human neurodegeneration disorders. This chapter aims to provide an insight into the role of Beclin1 in the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozaifa Kareem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology Division), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Ghulam Nabi Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology Division), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd. Amir
- College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Abul Barkat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Al Jamiah, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mukesh Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, India
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15
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Vega-Rubín-de-Celis S. The Role of Beclin 1-Dependent Autophagy in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2019; 9:biology9010004. [PMID: 31877888 PMCID: PMC7168252 DOI: 10.3390/biology9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy (self-eating) is an intracellular degradation process used by cells to keep a “clean house”; as it degrades abnormal or damaged proteins and organelles, it helps to fight infections and also provides energy in times of fasting or exercising. Autophagy also plays a role in cancer, although its precise function in each cancer type is still obscure, and whether autophagy plays a protecting (through the clearing of damaged organelles and protein aggregates and preventing DNA damage) or a promoting (by fueling the already stablished tumor) role in cancer remains to be fully characterized. Beclin 1, the mammalian ortholog of yeast Atg6/Vps30, is an essential autophagy protein and has been shown to play a role in tumor suppression. Here, an update of the tumorigenesis regulation by Beclin 1-dependent autophagy is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vega-Rubín-de-Celis
- Institute for Cell Biology (Tumorforschung), University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany; ; Tel.: +49-0201-723-3941
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) at Essen-Düsseldorf, 445122 Essen, Germany
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16
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Menon MB, Dhamija S. Beclin 1 Phosphorylation - at the Center of Autophagy Regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:137. [PMID: 30370269 PMCID: PMC6194997 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a tightly regulated catabolic process wherein cells under stress sequester cytosolic constituents like damaged proteins and organelles in double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes degrade their cargo by lysosomal proteolysis generating raw materials for the biosynthesis of vital macromolecules. One of the initial steps in the assembly of autophagosomes from pre-autophagic structures is the recruitment and activation of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex consisting of Beclin 1 (BECN1), VPS34, VPS15, and ATG14 proteins. Several pieces of evidence indicate that the phosphorylation and ubiquitination of BECN1 at an array of residues fine-tune the responses to diverse autophagy modulating stimuli and helps in maintaining the balance between pro-survival autophagy and pro-apoptotic responses. In this mini-review, we will discuss the importance of distinct BECN1 phosphorylation events, the diverse signaling pathways and kinases involved and their role in the regulation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj B. Menon
- Institute of Cell Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany,*Correspondence: Manoj B. Menon,
| | - Sonam Dhamija
- Division of Cancer Research, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Division of RNA Biology and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Inhibition of ERK-Drp1 signaling and mitochondria fragmentation alleviates IGF-IIR-induced mitochondria dysfunction during heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2018; 122:58-68. [PMID: 30098987 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to myocyte loss and the development of heart failure. Myocytes have quality control mechanisms to retain functional mitochondria by removing damaged mitochondria via specialized autophagy, i.e., mitophagy. The underlying mechanisms of fission affect the survival of cardiomyocytes, and left ventricular function in the heart is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated the direct effect and potential mechanisms of mitochondrial functional defects associated with abnormal mitochondrial dynamics in heart failure. We observed that IGF-IIR signaling produced significant changes in mitochondrial morphology and function; such changes were associated with the altered expression and distribution of dynamin-related protein (Drp1) and mitofusin (Mfn2). IGF-IIR signaled extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation to promote Drp1 phosphorylation and translocation to mitochondria for mitochondrial fission and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, IGF-IIR signaling triggered Rab9-dependent autophagosome formation by the JNK-mediated phosphorylation of Bcl-2 at serine 87 and promoted ULK1/Beclin 1-dependent autophagic membrane formation. Excessive mitochondrial fission by Drp1 enhanced the Rab9-dependent autophagosome recognition and engulfing of damaged mitochondria and eventually decreased cardiomyocyte viability. Therefore, these results demonstrated the connection between Rab9-dependent autophagosomes and mitochondrial fission in cardiac myocytes, which provides a potential therapeutic strategy for treating heart disease.
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18
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Wu CL, Zhang SM, Lin L, Gao SS, Fu KF, Liu XD, Liu Y, Zhou LJ, Zhou PK. BECN1-knockout impairs tumor growth, migration and invasion by suppressing the cell cycle and partially suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human triple-negative breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1301-1312. [PMID: 30015871 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Beclin1 (BECN1), which directly interacts with B‑cell lymphoma 2, serves an important role in autophagy and is involved in the tumorigenesis of various types of cancer. However, the definite role of BECN1 in breast cancer remains controversial. Bi-allelic knockout of Becn1 in a mouse model leads to an embryonic lethal phenotype, which hampers further investigation. To generate cell lines with knockout of BECN1, the CRISPR/Cas9 technique was used to disrupt BECN1 in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA‑MB‑231 cells. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to successfully disrupt BECN1 in MDA‑MB‑231 cells and to screen three stable monoclonal BECN1‑knockout cell lines, suggesting that BECN1‑knockout is not lethal in TNBC cells. Functional analysis revealed that complete loss of BECN1 suppressed MDA‑MB‑231 proliferation and colony formation via inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, not apoptosis, in vitro. On the other hand, BECN1‑knockout inhibited the migratory and invasive ability of MDA‑MB‑231 cells by partially reversing signals of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets revealed increased expression of BECN1 in TNBC samples. Taken together, the results of the present study identified BECN1 as an oncogene, providing a novel potential target for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Lin Wu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Meng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, P.R. China
| | - Shan-Shan Gao
- Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Kai-Fei Fu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Dan Liu
- Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Navy General Hospital, Beijing 100048, P.R. China
| | - Ping-Kun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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19
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Abstract
Approximately 20% of breast cancers have amplification of a cancer-causing signaling molecule known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Decreased mRNA expression of the autophagy gene, beclin 1/BECN1, increases the risk of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, the role of Beclin 1-dependent autophagy in regulating HER2-mediated tumorigenesis is unknown. Here, we show that a mutation in Becn1 that increases basal autophagy prevents HER2-mediated tumorigenesis in mice and prevents HER2-mediated inhibition of autophagy in cultured cells. Furthermore, treatment with a cell-penetrating, autophagy-inducing peptide derived from Beclin 1 inhibits growth of HER2-positive human breast tumor xenografts in mice as efficiently as a clinically used agent that inhibits HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase activity. These findings demonstrate that genetic and pharmacological activation of autophagy inhibits HER2-mediated breast tumorigenesis. Allelic loss of the autophagy gene, beclin 1/BECN1, increases the risk of patients developing aggressive, including human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, breast cancers; however, it is not known whether autophagy induction may be beneficial in preventing HER2-positive breast tumor growth. We explored the regulation of autophagy in breast cancer cells by HER2 in vitro and the effects of genetic and pharmacological strategies to increase autophagy on HER2-driven breast cancer growth in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that HER2 interacts with Beclin 1 in breast cancer cells and inhibits autophagy. Mice with increased basal autophagy due to a genetically engineered mutation in Becn1 are protected from HER2-driven mammary tumorigenesis, and HER2 fails to inhibit autophagy in primary cells derived from these mice. Moreover, treatment of mice with HER2-positive human breast cancer xenografts with the Tat-Beclin 1 autophagy-inducing peptide inhibits tumor growth as effectively as a clinically used HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). This inhibition of tumor growth is associated with a robust induction of autophagy, a disruption of HER2/Beclin 1 binding, and a transcriptional signature in the tumors distinct from that observed with HER2 TKI treatment. Taken together, these findings indicate that the HER2-mediated inhibition of Beclin 1 and autophagy likely contributes to HER2-mediated tumorigenesis and that strategies to block HER2/Beclin 1 binding and/or increase autophagy may represent a new therapeutic approach for HER2-positive breast cancers.
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20
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Identification of breast cancer cell subtypes sensitive to ATG4B inhibition. Oncotarget 2018; 7:66970-66988. [PMID: 27556700 PMCID: PMC5341851 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a lysosome-mediated degradation and recycling process, functions in advanced malignancies to promote cancer cell survival and contribute to cancer progression and drug resistance. While various autophagy inhibition strategies are under investigation for cancer treatment, corresponding patient selection criteria for these autophagy inhibitors need to be developed. Due to its central roles in the autophagy process, the cysteine protease ATG4B is one of the autophagy proteins being pursued as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the expression of ATG4B in breast cancer, a heterogeneous disease comprised of several molecular subtypes. We examined a panel of breast cancer cell lines, xenograft tumors, and breast cancer patient specimens for the protein expression of ATG4B, and found a positive association between HER2 and ATG4B protein expression. We showed that HER2-positive cells, but not HER2-negative breast cancer cells, require ATG4B to survive under stress. In HER2-positive cells, cytoprotective autophagy was dependent on ATG4B under both starvation and HER2 inhibition conditions. Combined knockdown of ATG4B and HER2 by siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, and the combination of ATG4B knockdown with trastuzumab resulted in a greater reduction in cell viability compared to trastuzumab treatment alone, in both trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant HER2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Together these results demonstrate a novel association of ATG4B positive expression with HER2 positive breast cancers and indicate that this subtype is suitable for emerging ATG4B inhibition strategies.
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21
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Spagnuolo RD, Brich S, Bozzi F, Conca E, Castelli C, Tazzari M, Maestro R, Brenca M, Gualeni AV, Gloghini A, Stacchiotti S, Pierotti MA, Pilotti S, Negri T. Sunitinib-induced morpho-functional changes and drug effectiveness in malignant solitary fibrous tumours. Oncotarget 2018; 7:45015-45026. [PMID: 27304187 PMCID: PMC5216702 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sunitinib improves the outcomes of patients with solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs). The aim of this study was to investigate and contextualise sunitinib-induced morpho-functional changes in order to gain insights into the drug's mechanism of action.To this end, four surgical specimens obtained from two sunitinib-responsive patients with malignant SFT, and one primary cell culture obtained from fresh tumoral tissue and its stabilised cell line, were studied by means of immunohistochemistry, bright field in situ hybridisation, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, and biochemistry.The post-sunitinib surgical samples were characterised by two biologically relevant morpho-functional changes: clear areas and necrotic foci. The first were associated with the attenuation/loss of PDGFRB expression and decreased mTOR signalling, and corresponded to a pathological response. The second were associated with the over-expression of PDGFRB and VEGFA, strong mTOR signalling activation, and the appearance of HIF1α expression, hallmarks of pathological progression. The analysis clearly showed that sunitinib reduces the vascular supply network and inhibits tumoral cells. It also either induces autophagy, thus favouring drug response, or impairs autophagy as a result of lysosome sequestration, thus favouring disease progression. These distinct autophagic events were associated with different myeloid immune contextures. Finally, we also found that PDGFRB is one of the components of a complex that includes Beclin 1 and VPS34.The results of these tissue-based analyses provide new insights into sunitinib's mechanism of action in SFT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalin D Spagnuolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Brich
- MOSE-DEA, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Bozzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Conca
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Castelli
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumours, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Tazzari
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumours, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Maestro
- Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Monica Brenca
- Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ambra V Gualeni
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Annunziata Gloghini
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Adult Mesenchymal Tumour and Rare Cancer Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Pierotti
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvana Pilotti
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Negri
- Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Pathology, Department of Diagnostic Pathology and Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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22
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Wechman SL, Pradhan AK, DeSalle R, Das SK, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Fisher PB. New Insights Into Beclin-1: Evolution and Pan-Malignancy Inhibitor Activity. Adv Cancer Res 2017; 137:77-114. [PMID: 29405978 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a functionally conserved self-degradation process that facilitates the survival of eukaryotic life via the management of cellular bioenergetics and maintenance of the fidelity of genomic DNA. The first known autophagy inducer was Beclin-1. Beclin-1 is expressed in multicellular eukaryotes ranging throughout plants to animals, comprising a nonmonophyllic group, as shown in this report via aggressive BLAST searches. In humans, Beclin-1 is a haploinsuffient tumor suppressor as biallelic deletions have not been observed in patient tumors clinically. Therefore, Beclin-1 fails the Knudson hypothesis, implicating expression of at least one Beclin-1 allele is essential for cancer cell survival. However, Beclin-1 is frequently monoallelically deleted in advanced human cancers and the expression of two Beclin-1 allelles is associated with greater anticancer effects. Overall, experimental evidence suggests that Beclin-1 inhibits tumor formation, angiogenesis, and metastasis alone and in cooperation with the tumor suppressive molecules UVRAG, Bif-1, Ambra1, and MDA-7/IL-24 via diverse mechanisms of action. Conversely, Beclin-1 is upregulated in cancer stem cells (CSCs), portending a role in cancer recurrence, and highlighting this molecule as an intriguing molecular target for the treatment of CSCs. Many aspects of Beclin-1's biological effects remain to be studied. The consequences of these BLAST searches on the molecular evolution of Beclin-1, and the eukaryotic branches of the tree of life, are discussed here in greater detail with future inquiry focused upon protist taxa. Also in this review, the effects of Beclin-1 on tumor suppression and cancer malignancy are discussed. Beclin-1 holds significant promise for the development of novel targeted cancer therapeutics and is anticipated to lead to a many advances in our understanding of eukaryotic evolution, multicellularity, and even the treatment of CSCs in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Anjan K Pradhan
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Rob DeSalle
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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23
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Fraser J, Cabodevilla AG, Simpson J, Gammoh N. Interplay of autophagy, receptor tyrosine kinase signalling and endocytic trafficking. Essays Biochem 2017; 61:597-607. [PMID: 29233871 PMCID: PMC5869858 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20170091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vesicular trafficking events play key roles in the compartmentalization and proper sorting of cellular components. These events have crucial roles in sensing external signals, regulating protein activities and stimulating cell growth or death decisions. Although mutations in vesicle trafficking players are not direct drivers of cellular transformation, their activities are important in facilitating oncogenic pathways. One such pathway is the sensing of external stimuli and signalling through receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The regulation of RTK activity by the endocytic pathway has been extensively studied. Compelling recent studies have begun to highlight the association between autophagy and RTK signalling. The influence of this interplay on cellular status and its relevance in disease settings will be discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Fraser
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Ainara G Cabodevilla
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Joanne Simpson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, U.K
| | - Noor Gammoh
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, U.K.
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ErbB2 regulates autophagic flux to modulate the proteostasis of APP-CTFs in Alzheimer's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3129-E3138. [PMID: 28351972 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618804114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) C-terminal fragments (CTFs) by γ-secretase underlies the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). An RNA interference screen using APP-CTF [99-residue CTF (C99)]- and Notch-specific γ-secretase interaction assays identified a unique ErbB2-centered signaling network that was predicted to preferentially govern the proteostasis of APP-C99. Consistently, significantly elevated levels of ErbB2 were confirmed in the hippocampus of human AD brains. We then found that ErbB2 effectively suppressed autophagic flux by physically dissociating Beclin-1 from the Vps34-Vps15 complex independent of its kinase activity. Down-regulation of ErbB2 by CL-387,785 decreased the levels of C99 and secreted amyloid-β in cellular, zebrafish, and mouse models of AD, through the activation of autophagy. Oral administration of an ErbB2-targeted CL-387,785 for 3 wk significantly improves the cognitive functions of APP/presenilin-1 (PS1) transgenic mice. This work unveils a noncanonical function of ErbB2 in modulating autophagy and establishes ErbB2 as a therapeutic target for AD.
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25
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Henson E, Chen Y, Gibson S. EGFR Family Members' Regulation of Autophagy Is at a Crossroads of Cell Survival and Death in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9040027. [PMID: 28338617 PMCID: PMC5406702 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways are altered in many cancers contributing to increased cell survival. These alterations are caused mainly through increased expression or mutation of EGFR family members EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. These receptors have been successfully targeted for cancer therapy. Specifically, a monoclonal antibody against ErbB2, trastuzumab, and a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against EGFR, gefitinib, have improved the survival of breast and lung cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer patients frequently become resistant to these inhibitors. This has led to investigating how EGFR can contribute to cell survival and how cancer cells can overcome inhibition of its signaling. Indeed, it is coming into focus that EGFR signaling goes beyond a single signal triggering cell proliferation and survival and is a sensor that regulates the cell’s response to microenvironmental stresses such as hypoxia. It acts as a switch that modulates the ability of cancer cells to survive. Autophagy is a process of self-digestion that is inhibited by EGFR allowing cancer cells to survive under stresses that would normally cause death and become resistant to chemotherapy. Inhibiting EGFR signaling allows autophagy to contribute to cell death. This gives new opportunities to develop novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers that rely on EGFR signaling networks and autophagy. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of EGFR family member regulation of autophagy in cancer cells and how new therapeutic strategies could be developed to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Henson
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada.
| | - Yongqiang Chen
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada.
| | - Spencer Gibson
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada.
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Liu H, Ma Y, He HW, Wang JP, Jiang JD, Shao RG. SLC9A3R1 stimulates autophagy via BECN1 stabilization in breast cancer cells. Autophagy 2016. [PMID: 26218645 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2015.1074372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a self-catabolic process, has been found to be involved in abrogating the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer. SLC9A3R1 (solute carrier family 9, subfamily A [NHE3, cation proton antiporter 3], member 3 regulator 1), a multifunctional scaffold protein, is involved in suppressing breast cancer cells proliferation and the SLC9A3R1-related signaling pathway regulates the activation of autophagy processes. However, the precise regulatory mechanism and signaling pathway of SLC9A3R1 in the regulation of autophagy processes in breast cancer cells remains unknown. Here, we report that the stability of BECN1, the major component of the autophagic core lipid kinase complex, is augmented in SLC9A3R1-overexpressing breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells, subsequently stimulating autophagy by attenuating the interaction between BECN1 and BCL2. Initially, we found that SLC9A3R1 partially stimulated autophagy through the PTEN-PI3K-AKT1 signaling cascade in MDA-MB-231 cells. SLC9A3R1 then attenuated the interaction between BECN1 and BCL2 to stimulate the autophagic core lipid kinase complex. Further findings revealed that SLC9A3R1 bound to BECN1 and subsequently blocked ubiquitin-dependent BECN1 degradation. And the deletion of the C-terminal domain of SLC9A3R1 resulted in significantly reduced binding to BECN1. Moreover, the lack of C-terminal of SLC9A3R1 neither reduced the ubiquitination of BECN1 nor induced autophagy in breast cancer cells. The decrease in BECN1 degradation induced by SLC9A3R1 resulted in the activity of autophagy stimulation in breast cancer cells. These findings indicate that the SLC9A3R1-BECN1 signaling pathway participates in the activation of autophagy processes in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- a Department of Oncology ; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology; Peking Union Medical College; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences ; Beijing , China
| | - Yan Ma
- a Department of Oncology ; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology; Peking Union Medical College; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences ; Beijing , China
| | - Hong-Wei He
- a Department of Oncology ; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology; Peking Union Medical College; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences ; Beijing , China
| | - Jia-Ping Wang
- b China Astronaut Research and Training Center ; Beijing , China
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- a Department of Oncology ; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology; Peking Union Medical College; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences ; Beijing , China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- a Department of Oncology ; Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology; Peking Union Medical College; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences ; Beijing , China
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Swaminathan G, Zhu W, Plowey ED. BECN1/Beclin 1 sorts cell-surface APP/amyloid β precursor protein for lysosomal degradation. Autophagy 2016; 12:2404-2419. [PMID: 27715386 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2016.1234561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of plasma membrane (PM)-localized transmembrane protein/receptor trafficking has critical implications for cell signaling, metabolism and survival. In this study, we investigated the role of BECN1 (Beclin 1) in the degradative trafficking of PM-associated APP (amyloid β precursor protein), whose metabolism to amyloid-β, an essential event in Alzheimer disease, is dependent on divergent PM trafficking pathways. We report a novel interaction between PM-associated APP and BECN1 that recruits macroautophagy/endosomal regulatory proteins PIK3C3 and UVRAG. We found that BECN1 promotes surface APP internalization and sorting predominantly to endosomes and endolysosomes. BECN1 also promotes the targeting of a smaller fraction of internalized APP to LC3-positive phagophores, suggesting a role for BECN1-dependent PM macroautophagy in APP degradation. Furthermore, BECN1 facilitates lysosomal degradation of surface APP and reduces the secretion of APP metabolites (soluble ectodomains, sAPP). The association between APP and BECN1 is dependent on the evolutionarily conserved domain (ECD) of BECN1 (amino acids 267-337). Deletion of a BECN1 ECD subregion (amino acids 285-299) did not impair BECN1- PIK3C3 interaction, PtdIns3K function or macroautophagy, but was sufficient to impair the APP-BECN1 interaction and BECN1's effects on surface APP internalization and degradation, resulting in increased secretion of sAPPs. Interestingly, both the BECN1-APP association and BECN1-dependent APP endocytosis and degradative trafficking were negatively regulated by active AKT. Our results further implicate phosphorylation of the BECN1 Ser295 residue in the inhibition of APP degradation by AKT. Our studies reveal a novel function for BECN1 in the sorting of a plasma membrane protein for endolysosomal and macroautophagic degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Swaminathan
- a Department of Pathology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Wan Zhu
- a Department of Pathology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Edward D Plowey
- a Department of Pathology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
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Lower Beclin 1 downregulates HER2 expression to enhance tamoxifen sensitivity and predicts a favorable outcome for ER positive breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 8:52156-52177. [PMID: 28881721 PMCID: PMC5581020 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen(TAM) is one of the most effective endocrine treatment for estrogen receptor(ER)-positive breast cancer, however drug resistance greatly limits benefit of it. Our purpose is to uncover the role of Beclin 1 in tamoxifen resistance and prognosis of ER positive breast cancer. We established a tamoxifen resistant ER-positive breast cancer cell subline MCF-7R presenting with higher Beclin 1 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2) levels than MCF-7. Silencing Beclin 1 decreased levels of HER2 and significantly promoted TAM sensitivity of MCF-7 and MCF-7R in vitro. Overexpression of HER2 could reverse TAM sensitivity, which was formerly increased in Beclin 1 downregulated cell. Beclin 1 level was not only positively correlated with level of HER2 but also negatively correlated with overall survival of ER-positive breast cancer patients. Using bioinformatic methods, Beclin 1 mRNA was found to be negatively correlated with overall survival in breast cancer patients receiving TAM treatment. This study indicated for the first time that lower HER2 expression by Beclin 1 downregulation contributes to alteration of tamoxifen sensitivity and low Beclin 1 predicts favorable outcome in ER-positive breast cancer.
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Liu JL, Chen FF, Chang SF, Chen CN, Lung J, Lo CH, Lee FH, Lu YC, Hung CH. Expression of Beclin Family Proteins Is Associated with Tumor Progression in Oral Cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141308. [PMID: 26506105 PMCID: PMC4624707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 are autophagy-related proteins that show similar amino acid sequences and domain structures. Beclin 1 established the first connection between autophagy and cancer. However, the role of Beclin 2 in cancer is unclear. The aims of this study were to analyze Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 expressions in oral cancer tissues and in cell lines, and to evaluate their possible roles in cancer progression. Methods We investigated Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 expressions by immunohistochemistry in 195 cases of oral cancer. The prognostic roles of Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 were analyzed statistically. In vitro, overexpression and knockdown of Beclin proteins were performed on an oral cancer cell line, SAS. The immunofluorescence and autophagy flux assays confirmed that Beclin proteins were involved in autophagy. The impacts of Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 on autophagy and tumor growth were evaluated by conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and by clonogenic assays, respectively. Results Oral cancer tissues exhibited aberrant expressions of Beclin 1 and Beclin 2. The cytoplasmic Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 expressions were unrelated in oral cancer tissues. In survival analyses, high cytoplasmic Beclin 1 expression was associated with low disease specific survival, and negative nuclear Beclin 1 expression was associated with high recurrent free survival. Patients with either high or low cytoplasmic Beclin 2 expression had significantly lower overall survival and disease specific survival rates than those with moderate expression. In oral cancer cells, overexpression of either Beclin 1 or Beclin 2 led to autophagy activation and increased clonogenic survival; knockdown of Beclin 2 impaired autophagy and increased clonogenic survival. Conclusions Our results indicated that distinct patterns of Beclin 1 and Beclin 2 were associated with aggressive clinical outcomes. Beclin 1 overexpression, as well as Beclin 2 overexpression and depletion, contributed to tumor growth. These findings suggest Beclin proteins are associated with tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Lan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Fen-Fen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Research and Development, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Nan Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Jrhau Lung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsing Lo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Hui Lee
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chou Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hui Hung
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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30
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Rodríguez CE, Reidel SI, Bal de Kier Joffé ED, Jasnis MA, Fiszman GL. Autophagy Protects from Trastuzumab-Induced Cytotoxicity in HER2 Overexpressing Breast Tumor Spheroids. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137920. [PMID: 26360292 PMCID: PMC4567133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroids represent a 3D in vitro model that mimics solid tumor essential properties including assembly and development of extracellular matrix and nutrient, oxygen and proliferation gradients. In the present study, we analyze the impact of 3D spatial organization of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells on the response to Trastuzumab. We cultured human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines as spheroids with the hanging drop method and we observed a gradient of proliferating, quiescent, hypoxic, apoptotic and autophagic cells towards the inner core. This 3D organization decreased Trastuzumab sensitivity of HER2 over-expressing cells compared to monolayer cell cultures. We did not observe apoptosis induced by Trastuzumab but found cell arrest in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, the treatment downregulated the basal apoptosis only found in tumor spheroids, by eliciting protective autophagy. We were able to increase sensitivity to Trastuzumab by autophagy inhibition, thus exposing the interaction between apoptosis and autophagy. We confirmed this result by developing a resistant cell line that was more sensitive to autophagy inhibition than the parental BT474 cells. In summary, the development of Trastuzumab resistance relies on the balance between death and survival mechanisms, characteristic of 3D cell organization. We propose the use of spheroids to further improve the understanding of Trastuzumab antitumor activity and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina E. Rodríguez
- Research Area, Institute of Oncology ‘Ángel H. Roffo’, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sara I. Reidel
- Industrial Biotechnology Research and Development Center, National Institute of Industrial Technology, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisa D. Bal de Kier Joffé
- Research Area, Institute of Oncology ‘Ángel H. Roffo’, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria A. Jasnis
- Research Area, Institute of Oncology ‘Ángel H. Roffo’, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel L. Fiszman
- Research Area, Institute of Oncology ‘Ángel H. Roffo’, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Industrial Biotechnology Research and Development Center, National Institute of Industrial Technology, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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31
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Jung YY, Lee YK, Koo JS. The potential of Beclin 1 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 20:167-78. [PMID: 26357854 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1085971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Beclin 1 plays a crucial role in autophagy via the Beclin 1 interactome, and is involved in various biological processes such as protein sorting, chemokinesis, and cell death. Via these biologic functions, Beclin 1 contributes to both tumor suppression and tumor progression. AREAS COVERED Beclin 1 plays a key biologic function on cell homeostasis and affects tumorigenesis. In this review, detailing up-to-date knowledge on the tumorigenic role of Beclin 1, its implication in breast cancer, and its utility as a breast cancer-specific drug target is discussed. EXPERT OPINION Because Beclin 1 is expressed in breast cancer cells, Beclin 1 could be a unique, effective drug target for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. However, the expression of Beclin 1 varies according to cancer molecular subtypes, and Beclin 1 is involved in both breast cancer suppression and tumor progression; therefore, the decision of using a Beclin 1 inducer or inhibitor should be made based on breast cancer stage and subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Yang Jung
- a Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Department of Pathology , 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea ;
| | - Yu Kyung Lee
- a Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Department of Pathology , 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea ;
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- a Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Department of Pathology , 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752, South Korea ;
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32
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Brigger D, Schläfli AM, Garattini E, Tschan MP. Activation of RARα induces autophagy in SKBR3 breast cancer cells and depletion of key autophagy genes enhances ATRA toxicity. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1861. [PMID: 26313912 PMCID: PMC4558517 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a pan-retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonist, is, along with other retinoids, a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. On the one hand, preclinical studies have shown promising anticancer effects of ATRA in breast cancer; on the other hand, resistances occurred. Autophagy is a cellular recycling process that allows the degradation of bulk cellular contents. Tumor cells may take advantage of autophagy to cope with stress caused by anticancer drugs. We therefore wondered if autophagy is activated by ATRA in mammary tumor cells and if modulation of autophagy might be a potential novel treatment strategy. Indeed, ATRA induces autophagic flux in ATRA-sensitive but not in ATRA-resistant human breast cancer cells. Moreover, using different RAR agonists as well as RARα-knockdown breast cancer cells, we demonstrate that autophagy is dependent on RARα activation. Interestingly, inhibition of autophagy in breast cancer cells by either genetic or pharmacological approaches resulted in significantly increased apoptosis under ATRA treatment and attenuated epithelial differentiation. In summary, our findings demonstrate that ATRA-induced autophagy is mediated by RARα in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy results in enhanced apoptosis. This points to a potential novel treatment strategy for a selected group of breast cancer patients where ATRA and autophagy inhibitors are applied simultaneously.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Autophagy/drug effects
- Autophagy-Related Protein 5
- Autophagy-Related Protein 7
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chloroquine/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Macrolides/pharmacology
- Mammary Glands, Human/drug effects
- Mammary Glands, Human/metabolism
- Mammary Glands, Human/pathology
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics
- Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/agonists
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/metabolism
- Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha
- Signal Transduction
- Tretinoin/pharmacology
- Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes/antagonists & inhibitors
- Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes/genetics
- Ubiquitin-Activating Enzymes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brigger
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A M Schläfli
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - E Garattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche ‘Mario Negri', Milano, Italy
| | - M P Tschan
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Levine B, Liu R, Dong X, Zhong Q. Beclin orthologs: integrative hubs of cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and physiology. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:533-44. [PMID: 26071895 PMCID: PMC4554927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Beclin orthologs are crucial regulators of autophagy and related membrane-trafficking pathways. Multiple signaling pathways converge on Beclin 1 to regulate cellular stress responses, membrane trafficking, and physiology.
The Beclin family, including yeast Atg6 (autophagy related gene 6), its orthologs in higher eukaryotic species, and the more recently characterized mammalian-specific Beclin 2, are essential molecules in autophagy and other membrane-trafficking events. Extensive studies of Beclin orthologs have provided considerable insights into the regulation of autophagy, the diverse roles of autophagy in physiology and disease, and potential new strategies to modulate autophagy in a variety of clinical diseases. In this review we discuss the functions of Beclin orthologs, the regulation of such functions by diverse cellular signaling pathways, and the effects of such regulation on downstream cellular processes including tumor suppression and metabolism. These findings suggest that Beclin orthologs serve as crucial molecules that integrate diverse environmental signals with membrane trafficking events to ensure optimal responses of the cell to stressful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Levine
- Center for Autophagy Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Rong Liu
- Center for Autophagy Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- Center for Autophagy Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qing Zhong
- Center for Autophagy Research, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Tang H, Sebti S, Titone R, Zhou Y, Isidoro C, Ross TS, Hibshoosh H, Xiao G, Packer M, Xie Y, Levine B. Decreased BECN1 mRNA Expression in Human Breast Cancer is Associated with Estrogen Receptor-Negative Subtypes and Poor Prognosis. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:255-263. [PMID: 25825707 PMCID: PMC4376376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Both BRCA1 and Beclin 1 (BECN1) are tumor suppressor genes, which are in close proximity on the human chromosome 17q21 breast cancer tumor susceptibility locus and are often concurrently deleted. However, their importance in sporadic human breast cancer is not known. To interrogate the effects of BECN1 and BRCA1 in breast cancer, we studied their mRNA expression patterns in breast cancer patients from two large datasets: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 1067) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) (n = 1992). In both datasets, low expression of BECN1 was more common in HER2-enriched and basal-like (mostly triple-negative) breast cancers compared to luminal A/B intrinsic tumor subtypes, and was also strongly associated with TP53 mutations and advanced tumor grade. In contrast, there was no significant association between low BRCA1 expression and HER2-enriched or basal-like subtypes, TP53 mutations or tumor grade. In addition, low expression of BECN1 (but not low BRCA1) was associated with poor prognosis, and BECN1 (but not BRCA1) expression was an independent predictor of survival. These findings suggest that decreased mRNA expression of the autophagy gene BECN1 may contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of HER2-enriched, basal-like, and TP53 mutant breast cancers. The tumor suppressor genes, BECN1 and BRCA1, are in close proximity to the 17q21 breast cancer tumor susceptibility locus. We studied mRNA expression patterns of BECN1 and BRCA1 in breast cancer patients in the large TCGA and METABRIC datasets. Decreased BECN1 (but not BRCA1) expression is linked with aggressive clinico-pathological features in human breast cancer. Decreased BECN1 (but not BRCA1) expression is linked with worse survival in human breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Salwa Sebti
- Center for Autophagy Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Rossella Titone
- Center for Autophagy Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Yunyun Zhou
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Nanobioimaging, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A Avogrado", Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Theodora S Ross
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Guanghua Xiao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Milton Packer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Beth Levine
- Center for Autophagy Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390 ; Howard Hughes Medical Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
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35
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Akl MR, Ayoub NM, Ebrahim HY, Mohyeldin MM, Orabi KY, Foudah AI, El Sayed KA. Araguspongine C induces autophagic death in breast cancer cells through suppression of c-Met and HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:288-311. [PMID: 25580621 PMCID: PMC4306938 DOI: 10.3390/md13010288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases are key regulators of cellular growth and proliferation. Dysregulations of receptor tyrosine kinases in cancer cells may promote tumorigenesis by multiple mechanisms including enhanced cell survival and inhibition of cell death. Araguspongines represent a group of macrocyclic oxaquinolizidine alkaloids isolated from the marine sponge Xestospongia species. This study evaluated the anticancer activity of the known oxaquinolizidine alkaloids araguspongines A, C, K and L, and xestospongin B against breast cancer cells. Araguspongine C inhibited the proliferation of multiple breast cancer cell lines in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, araguspongine C-induced autophagic cell death in HER2-overexpressing BT-474 breast cancer cells was characterized by vacuole formation and upregulation of autophagy markers including LC3A/B, Atg3, Atg7, and Atg16L. Araguspongine C-induced autophagy was associated with suppression of c-Met and HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase activation. Further in-silico docking studies and cell-free Z-LYTE assays indicated the potential of direct interaction between araguspongine C and the receptor tyrosine kinases c-Met and HER2 at their kinase domains. Remarkably, araguspongine C treatment resulted in the suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade in breast cancer cells undergoing autophagy. Induction of autophagic death in BT-474 cells was also associated with decreased levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor upon treatment with effective concentration of araguspongine C. In conclusion, results of this study are the first to reveal the potential of araguspongine C as an inhibitor to receptor tyrosine kinases resulting in the induction of autophagic cell death in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R Akl
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Nehad M Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
| | - Hassan Y Ebrahim
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Mohamed M Mohyeldin
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Khaled Y Orabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Ahmed I Foudah
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Khalid A El Sayed
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
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36
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Li X, Sun L, Hou J, Gui M, Ying J, Zhao H, Lv N, Meng S. Cell membrane gp96 facilitates HER2 dimerization and serves as a novel target in breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2015; 137:512-24. [PMID: 25546612 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
HER2 receptor dimerization is a critical step in the HER2 activation process. Here, we demonstrated that heat shock protein gp96 on cell membrane interacts with HER2, facilitates HER2 dimerization and promotes cell proliferation. Cell membrane gp96 levels were observed to correlate with HER2 phosphorylation in primary breast tumors. Finally, we provide evidence that targeting gp96 with a specific monoclonal antibody led to decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis in vitro, and suppression of tumor growth in vivo. Our work represents a new therapeutic strategy for inhibiting HER2 signaling in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Lu Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Junwei Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Gui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Lv
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Songdong Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
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37
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Niu YN, Liu QQ, Zhang SP, Yuan N, Cao Y, Cai JY, Lin WW, Xu F, Wang ZJ, Chen B, Wang JR. Alternative messenger RNA splicing of autophagic gene Beclin 1 in human B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:2153-8. [PMID: 24716949 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.5.2153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Beclin 1 is a key factor for initiation and regulation of autophagy, which is a cellular catabolic process involved in tumorigenesis. To investigate the role of alternative splicing of Beclin1 in the regulation of autophagy in leukemia cells, Beclin1 mRNA from 6 different types of cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 2 healthy volunteers was reversely transcribed, subcloned, and screened for alternative splicing. New transcript variants were analyzed by DNA sequencing. A transcript variant of Beclin 1 gene carrying a deletion of exon 11, which encoded a C-terminal truncation of Beclin 1 isoform, was found. The alternative isoform was assessed by bioinformatics, immunoblotting and subcellular localization. The results showed that this variable transcript is generated by alternative 3' splicing, and its translational product displayed a reduced activity in induction of autophagy by starvation, indicating that the spliced isoform might function as a dominant negative modulator of autophagy. Our findings suggest that the alternative splicing of Beclin 1 might play important roles in leukemogenesis regulated by autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Na Niu
- Hematology Center of Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Affiliated Changshu Hospital, School of Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China E-mail : ,
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38
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Maycotte P, Thorburn A. Targeting autophagy in breast cancer. World J Clin Oncol 2014; 5:224-240. [PMID: 25114840 PMCID: PMC4127596 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy here) is an intracellular degradation pathway enhanced in response to a variety of stresses and in response to nutrient deprivation. This process provides the cell with nutrients and energy by degrading aggregated and damaged proteins as well as compromised organelles. Since autophagy has been linked to diverse diseases including cancer, it has recently become a very interesting target in breast cancer treatment. Indeed, current clinical trials are trying to use chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, alone or in combination with other drugs to inhibit autophagy during breast cancer therapy since chemotherapy and radiation, regimens that are used to treat breast cancer, are known to induce autophagy in cancer cells. Importantly, in breast cancer, autophagy has been involved in the development of resistance to chemotherapy and to anti-estrogens. Moreover, a close relationship has recently been described between autophagy and the HER2 receptor. Here, we discuss some of the recent findings relating autophagy and cancer with a particular focus on breast cancer therapy.
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39
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Lactaptin induces p53-independent cell death associated with features of apoptosis and autophagy and delays growth of breast cancer cells in mouse xenografts. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93921. [PMID: 24710119 PMCID: PMC3978064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactaptin, the proteolytic fragment of human milk kappa-casein, induces the death of various cultured cancer cells. The mechanisms leading to cell death after lactaptin treatment have not been well characterized. In this study the in vivo and in vitro effects of a recombinant analogue of lactaptin (RL2) were examined. Following treatment with the recombinant analogue of lactaptin strong caspase -3, -7 activation was detected. As a consequence of caspase activation we observed the appearance of a sub-G1 population of cells with subdiploid DNA content. Dynamic changes in the mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis-related genes were estimated. No statistically reliable differences in p53 mRNA level or protein level were found between control and RL2-treated cells. We observed that RL2 constitutively suppressed bcl-2 mRNA expression and down regulated Bcl-2 protein expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. We demonstrated that RL2 penetrates cancer and non-transformed cells. Identification of the cellular targets of the lactaptin analogue revealed that α/β-tubulin and α-actinin-1 were RL2-bound proteins. As the alteration in cellular viability in response to protein stimulus can be realized not only by way of apoptosis but also by autophagy, we examined the implications of autophagy in RL2-dependent cell death. We also found that RL2 treatment induces LC3-processing, which is a hallmark of autophagy. The autophagy inhibitor chloroquine enhanced RL2 cytotoxicity to MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating the pro-survival effect of RL2-dependent autophagy. The antitumour potential of RL2 was investigated in vivo in mouse xenografts bearing MDA-MB-231 cells. We demonstrated that the recombinant analogue of lactaptin significantly suppressed the growth of solid tumours. Our results indicate that lactaptin could be a new molecule for the development of anticancer drugs.
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40
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Han J, Hou W, Goldstein LA, Stolz DB, Watkins SC, Rabinowich H. A Complex between Atg7 and Caspase-9: A NOVEL MECHANISM OF CROSS-REGULATION BETWEEN AUTOPHAGY AND APOPTOSIS. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:6485-6497. [PMID: 24362031 PMCID: PMC3945314 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.536854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several cross-talk mechanisms between autophagy and apoptosis have been identified, in which certain co-regulators are shared, allowing the same protein to participate in these opposing processes. Our studies suggest that caspase-9 is a novel co-regulator of apoptosis and autophagy and that its caspase catalytic activity is dispensable for its autophagic role. We provide evidence that caspase-9 facilitates the early events leading to autophagosome formation; that it forms a complex with Atg7; that Atg7 is not a direct substrate for caspase-9 proteolytic activity; and that, depending on the cellular context, Atg7 represses the apoptotic capability of caspase-9, whereas the latter enhances the Atg7-mediated formation of light chain 3-II. The repression of caspase-9 apoptotic activity is mediated by its direct interaction with Atg7, and it is not related to the autophagic function of Atg7. We propose that the Atg7·caspase-9 complex performs a dual function of linking caspase-9 to the autophagic process while keeping in check its apoptotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Wen Hou
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Leslie A Goldstein
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Simon C Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
| | - Hannah Rabinowich
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
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41
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Li DL, Hill JA. Cardiomyocyte autophagy and cancer chemotherapy. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 71:54-61. [PMID: 24239608 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionally conserved process of controlled cellular cannibalization, plays a vital role in cardiac physiology. Perturbations in cardiomyocyte autophagy contribute to the pathogenesis of a wide range of cardiac diseases, many of which culminate in heart failure. With recent advances in cancer chemotherapy and consequent improvements in cancer survival, drug-induced toxicity to the heart has assumed greater importance. As a number of prominent cellular pathways are critical to the survival of both tumor cells and heart cells, it comes as little surprise that therapies targeting those pathways have consequences in both tissues. Little is known presently about cardiomyocyte autophagy, a prominent cellular response to stress, in the setting of chemotherapy, but preliminary evidence suggests an important and context-dependent role. Dissecting the role of autophagy in "onco-cardiology" will likely yield insights into mechanisms underlying cardiomyopathy and may lead to novel means to protect the myocardium from chemotherapy-induced injury. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Protein Quality Control, the Ubiquitin Proteasome System, and Autophagy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan L Li
- Department of Internal Medicine Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joseph A Hill
- Department of Internal Medicine Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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42
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Berchtold MW, Villalobo A. The many faces of calmodulin in cell proliferation, programmed cell death, autophagy, and cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1843:398-435. [PMID: 24188867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous Ca(2+) receptor protein mediating a large number of signaling processes in all eukaryotic cells. CaM plays a central role in regulating a myriad of cellular functions via interaction with multiple target proteins. This review focuses on the action of CaM and CaM-dependent signaling systems in the control of vertebrate cell proliferation, programmed cell death and autophagy. The significance of CaM and interconnected CaM-regulated systems for the physiology of cancer cells including tumor stem cells, and processes required for tumor progression such as growth, tumor-associated angiogenesis and metastasis are highlighted. Furthermore, the potential targeting of CaM-dependent signaling processes for therapeutic use is discussed.
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Key Words
- (4-[3,5-bis-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-4,5-dihydro-pyrazol-1-yl]-benzoic acid
- (4-[3,5-bis-[2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)-vinyl]-4,5-dihydro-pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl)-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-methanone
- (−) enantiomer of dihydropyrine 3-methyl-5-3-(4,4-diphenyl-1-piperidinyl)-propyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-piridine-3,5-dicarboxylate-hydrochloride (niguldipine)
- 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine
- 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate
- 2-chloro-(ε-amino-Lys(75))-[6-(4-(N,N′-diethylaminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-4-yl]-CaM adduct
- 3′-(β-chloroethyl)-2′,4′-dioxo-3,5′-spiro-oxazolidino-4-deacetoxy-vinblastine
- 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene
- Apoptosis
- Autophagy
- B859-35
- CAPP(1)-CaM
- Ca(2+) binding protein
- Calmodulin
- Cancer biology
- Cell proliferation
- DMBA
- EBB
- FL-CaM
- FPCE
- HBC
- HBCP
- J-8
- KAR-2
- KN-62
- KN-93
- N-(4-aminobutyl)-2-naphthalenesulfonamide
- N-(4-aminobutyl)-5-chloro-2-naphthalenesulfonamide
- N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide
- N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide
- N-8-aminooctyl-5-iodo-naphthalenesulfonamide
- N-[2-[N-(4-chlorocinnamyl)-N-methylaminomethyl]phenyl]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide
- O-(4-ethoxyl-butyl)-berbamine
- RITC-CaM
- TA-CaM
- TFP
- TPA
- W-12
- W-13
- W-5
- W-7
- fluorescein-CaM adduct
- fluphenazine-N-2-chloroethane
- norchlorpromazine-CaM adduct
- rhodamine isothiocyanate-CaM adduct
- trifluoperazine
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin W Berchtold
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Biocenter 4-2-09 Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
| | - Antonio Villalobo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Department of Cancer Biology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/Arturo Duperier 4, E-28029 Madrid, Spain.
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