1
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Gambelli A, Nespolo A, Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Pivetta E, Pellarin I, Nicoloso MS, Scapin C, Stefenatti L, Segatto I, Favero A, D'Andrea S, Mucignat MT, Bartoletti M, Lucia E, Schiappacassi M, Spessotto P, Canzonieri V, Giorda G, Puglisi F, Vecchione A, Belletti B, Sonego M, Baldassarre G. Platinum-induced upregulation of ITGA6 promotes chemoresistance and spreading in ovarian cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1162-1192. [PMID: 38658801 PMCID: PMC11099142 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00069-3] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Platinum (PT)-resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) grows as a metastatic disease, disseminating in the abdomen and pelvis. Very few options are available for PT-resistant EOC patients, and little is known about how the acquisition of PT-resistance mediates the increased spreading capabilities of EOC. Here, using isogenic PT-resistant cells, genetic and pharmacological approaches, and patient-derived models, we report that Integrin α6 (ITGA6) is overexpressed by PT-resistant cells and is necessary to sustain EOC metastatic ability and adhesion-dependent PT-resistance. Using in vitro approaches, we showed that PT induces a positive loop that, by stimulating ITGA6 transcription and secretion, contributes to the formation of a pre-metastatic niche enabling EOC cells to disseminate. At molecular level, ITGA6 engagement regulates the production and availability of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), over-stimulating the IGF1R pathway and upregulating Snail expression. In vitro data were recapitulated using in vivo models in which the targeting of ITGA6 prevents PT-resistant EOC dissemination and improves PT-activity, supporting ITGA6 as a promising druggable target for EOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gambelli
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Anna Nespolo
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Pivetta
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pellarin
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Milena S Nicoloso
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Chiara Scapin
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Linda Stefenatti
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Andrea Favero
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Sara D'Andrea
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Mucignat
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Michele Bartoletti
- Deparment of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Emilio Lucia
- Gynecological Surgery Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Monica Schiappacassi
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Paola Spessotto
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, TS, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giorda
- Gynecological Surgery Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Deparment of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, UD, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Maura Sonego
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, PN, Italy.
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Wei Z, Hao C, Radeen KR, Srinivasagan R, Chen JK, Sharma S, McGee-Lawrence ME, Hamrick MW, Monnier VM, Fan X. Prevention of age-related truncation of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) delays cataract formation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1088. [PMID: 38669339 PMCID: PMC11051666 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
A sharp drop in lenticular glutathione (GSH) plays a pivotal role in age-related cataract (ARC) formation. Despite recognizing GSH's importance in lens defense for decades, its decline with age remains puzzling. Our recent study revealed an age-related truncation affecting the essential GSH biosynthesis enzyme, the γ-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), at aspartate residue 499. Intriguingly, these truncated GCLC fragments compete with full-length GCLC in forming a heterocomplex with the modifier subunit (GCLM) but exhibit markedly reduced enzymatic activity. Crucially, using an aspartate-to-glutamate mutation knock-in (D499E-KI) mouse model that blocks GCLC truncation, we observed a notable delay in ARC formation compared to WT mice: Nearly 50% of D499E-KI mice remained cataract-free versus ~20% of the WT mice at their age of 20 months. Our findings concerning age-related GCLC truncation might be the key to understanding the profound reduction in lens GSH with age. By halting GCLC truncation, we can rejuvenate lens GSH levels and considerably postpone cataract onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Caili Hao
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Kazi Rafsan Radeen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ramkumar Srinivasagan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jian-Kang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Shruti Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Vincent M. Monnier
- Department of Pathology and Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Xingjun Fan
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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3
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Perez RC, Yang X, Familari M, Martinez G, Lovicu FJ, Hime GR, de Iongh RU. TOB1 and TOB2 mark distinct RNA processing granules in differentiating lens fiber cells. J Mol Histol 2024; 55:121-138. [PMID: 38165569 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Differentiation of lens fiber cells involves a complex interplay of signals from growth factors together with tightly regulated gene expression via transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators. Various studies have demonstrated that RNA-binding proteins, functioning in ribonucleoprotein granules, have important roles in regulating post-transcriptional expression during lens development. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of two members of the BTG/TOB family of RNA-binding proteins, TOB1 and TOB2, in the developing lens and examined the phenotype of mice that lack Tob1. By RT-PCR, both Tob1 and Tob2 mRNA were detected in epithelial and fiber cells of embryonic and postnatal murine lenses. In situ hybridization showed Tob1 and Tob2 mRNA were most intensely expressed in the early differentiating fibers, with weaker expression in anterior epithelial cells, and both appeared to be downregulated in the germinative zone of E15.5 lenses. TOB1 protein was detected from E11.5 to E16.5 and was predominantly detected in large cytoplasmic puncta in early differentiating fiber cells, often co-localizing with the P-body marker, DCP2. Occasional nuclear puncta were also observed. By contrast, TOB2 was detected in a series of interconnected peri-nuclear granules, in later differentiating fiber cells of the inner cortex. TOB2 did not appear to co-localize with DCP2 but did partially co-localize with an early stress granule marker (EIF3B). These data suggest that TOB1 and TOB2 are involved with different aspects of the mRNA processing cycle in lens fiber cells. In vitro experiments using rat lens epithelial explants treated with or without a fiber differentiating dose of FGF2 showed that both TOB1 and TOB2 were up-regulated during FGF-induced differentiation. In differentiating explants, TOB1 also co-localized with DCP2 in large cytoplasmic granules. Analyses of Tob1-/- mice revealed relatively normal lens morphology but a subtle defect in cell cycle arrest of some cells at the equator and in the lens fiber mass of E13.5 embryos. Overall, these findings suggest that TOB proteins play distinct regulatory roles in RNA processing during lens fiber differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela C Perez
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Xenia Yang
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary Familari
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma Martinez
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences and Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Gary R Hime
- Stem Cell Genetics Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Robb U de Iongh
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Brennan L, Costello MJ, Hejtmancik JF, Menko AS, Riazuddin SA, Shiels A, Kantorow M. Autophagy Requirements for Eye Lens Differentiation and Transparency. Cells 2023; 12:475. [PMID: 36766820 PMCID: PMC9914699 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence points to autophagy as an essential cellular requirement for achieving the mature structure, homeostasis, and transparency of the lens. Collective evidence from multiple laboratories using chick, mouse, primate, and human model systems provides evidence that classic autophagy structures, ranging from double-membrane autophagosomes to single-membrane autolysosomes, are found throughout the lens in both undifferentiated lens epithelial cells and maturing lens fiber cells. Recently, key autophagy signaling pathways have been identified to initiate critical steps in the lens differentiation program, including the elimination of organelles to form the core lens organelle-free zone. Other recent studies using ex vivo lens culture demonstrate that the low oxygen environment of the lens drives HIF1a-induced autophagy via upregulation of essential mitophagy components to direct the specific elimination of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus during lens fiber cell differentiation. Pioneering studies on the structural requirements for the elimination of nuclei during lens differentiation reveal the presence of an entirely novel structure associated with degrading lens nuclei termed the nuclear excisosome. Considerable evidence also indicates that autophagy is a requirement for lens homeostasis, differentiation, and transparency, since the mutation of key autophagy proteins results in human cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Brennan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33460, USA
| | - M. Joseph Costello
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J. Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - A. Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - S. Amer Riazuddin
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Alan Shiels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33460, USA
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Gheyas R, Ortega-Alvarez R, Chauss D, Kantorow M, Menko AS. Suppression of PI3K signaling is linked to autophagy activation and the spatiotemporal induction of the lens organelle free zone. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113043. [PMID: 35101390 PMCID: PMC8859841 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The terminal steps of lens cell differentiation require elimination of all organelles to create a central Organelle Free Zone (OFZ) that is required for lens function of focusing images on the retina. Previous studies show that the spatiotemporal elimination of these organelles during development is autophagy-dependent. We now show that the inhibition of PI3K signaling in lens organ culture results in the premature induction of autophagy within 24 h, including a significant increase in LAMP1+ lysosomes, and the removal of lens organelles from the center of the lens. Specific inhibition of just the PI3K/Akt signaling axis was directly linked to the elimination of mitochondria and ER, while pan-PI3K inhibitors that block all PI3K downstream signaling removed all organelles, including nuclei. Therefore, blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway was alone insufficient to remove nuclei. RNAseq analysis revealed increased mRNA levels of the endogenous inhibitor of PI3K activation, PIK3IP1, in differentiating lens fiber cells preceding the induction of OFZ formation. Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed that PIK3IP1 associates with multiple PI3K p110 isoforms just prior to formation of the OFZ, providing a likely endogenous mechanism for blocking all PI3K signaling and activating the autophagy pathway required to form the OFZ during lens development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifah Gheyas
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ramon Ortega-Alvarez
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Chauss
- Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - A Sue Menko
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Mechanisms of organelle elimination for lens development and differentiation. Exp Eye Res 2021; 209:108682. [PMID: 34214522 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark feature of lens development and differentiation is the complete elimination of organelles from the center of the eye lens. A long unanswered question in lens biology is what are the mechanisms that control the elimination of organelles during the terminal remodeling program to form mature lens fiber cells? Recent advances have expanded our understanding of these mechanisms including newly discovered signaling pathways, proteasomal regulators, autophagy proteins, transcription factors and the hypoxic environment of the lens itself. These recent discoveries suggest that distinct mechanisms coordinate the elimination of the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus during lens fiber cell differentiation. Since regulation of organelle number and distribution is also a feature of the terminal remodeling programs of more complex cell-types and tissues, these advances are likely to impact a wide-variety of fields.
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7
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Cui YL, Yu XN, Zhang X, Tang YL, Tang XJ, Yang H, Ping XY, Wu J, Yin QC, Zhou JY, Xu XY, Shentu XC. Association of IGF1R polymorphisms (rs1546713) with susceptibility to age-related cataract in a Han Chinese population. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:374-381. [PMID: 32309172 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.03.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the susceptible association between the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and age-related cataract (ARC), and investigate the underlying mechanisms in human lens epithelium (HLE) cells. METHODS Totally 1190 unrelated participants, comprising 690 ARC patients and 500 healthy individuals in Han Chinese population were recruited and genotyped for target SNP. The χ 2-test was used to detect genotypic distribution between the patient and control groups and the logistic regression was performed to adjust the age and gender. Meanwhile, different biological experimental methods, such as cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and Western blot, were used to detect cell viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis in HLE cells or IGF1R knockdown HLE cells. RESULTS The rs1546713 in IGF1R gene was identified (P=0.046, OR: 1.606, 95%CI: 1.245-2.071), which shown a significant relevance with ARC risk under the dominant model. The results demonstrated that IGF1R knockdown inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrested at S phase and promoting apoptosis. Mechanistically, the cell cycle blocked at S phase was linked with the alterations of cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin E and P21. The pro-apoptosis function of IGF1R may related with stimulating the activation of Caspase-3 and altering the expression levels of apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3. CONCLUSION This study first report that IGF1R polymorphisms may affect susceptibility to ARCs in Han Chinese population and provide new clues to understand the pathogenic mechanism of ARCs. Notably, IGF1R is likely a potential target for ARC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lei Cui
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Yu
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ye-Lei Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xia-Jing Tang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xi-Yuan Ping
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi-Chuan Yin
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jia-Yue Zhou
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xia-Yan Xu
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xing-Chao Shentu
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
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8
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Liu J, Wei Y, Li S, Li Y, Liu H, Liu J, Zhu X. MicroRNA-744 promotes cell apoptosis via targeting B cell lymphoma-2 in gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3611-3616. [PMID: 30233716 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) affects the health of 1,000,000 people per year worldwide; however, the biological basis of GC remains largely unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the aberrant expression of miR-744 in GC for the effective treatment of patients with GC. Tumor and adjacent tissues were obtained from 30 patients who underwent tumor resection surgery at Dongying People's Hospital. The results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that the expression of miR-744 was significantly decreased in tumor tissues compared with the levels in adjacent tissues. Human gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 was then randomly divided into three different groups, including the control, miR-negative control (NC) and miR-744 mimic groups. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay demonstrated that there was a significant decrease in the proliferation rate of SGC-7901 cells in the miR-744 mimics group compared with that observed in the control and miR-NC mimics groups. In addition, flow cytometry demonstrated that apoptosis was significantly increased in the miR-744 mimics group compared with that observed in the control and miR-NC mimics groups. Western blotting indicated that the expression of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein and caspase-3 protein was significantly increased, while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the miR-744 mimics group compared with the levels observed in the control and miR-NC mimics groups. A dual-luciferase assay verified that miR-744 directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of Bcl-2. Taken together, the present study suggested that miR-744 serves a tumor suppressive role in GC by targeting Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Yanlei Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Shouyong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Yujuan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Hongxiu Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Jingmei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
| | - Xinxing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, Shandong 257091, P.R. China
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9
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Zhang W, Zhang B, Vu T, Yuan G, Zhang B, Chen X, Manne U, Datta PK. Molecular characterization of pro-metastatic functions of β4-integrin in colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92333-92345. [PMID: 29190919 PMCID: PMC5696185 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The β4-integrin subunit has been implicated in development and progression of several epithelial tumor types. However, its role in metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. To study CRC metastasis, we generated a highly invasive, metastatic cell line MC38-LM10 (LM10) by passaging mouse CRC MC38 cells ten times, using a splenic injection model of liver metastasis. Affymetrix microarray analyses of LM10 and MC38 cell lines and their corresponding liver metastases generated a gene signature for CRC metastasis. This signature shows strong upregulation of β4-integrin in LM10 cells and corresponding metastases. Upregulation of β4-integrin in highly aggressive LM10 cells is associated with increased migration, invasion, and liver metastases. Furthermore, stable knockdown of β4-integrin in human CRC SW620 cells reduces Bcl-2 expression, increases apoptosis, and decreases invasion, tumorigenicity, and liver metastasis, thus resulting in significantly increased survival of mice (hazard ratio = 0.32, 95% confidence interval = 0.15-0.66, P<0.01). Patients with CRC tumors display higher β4-integrin levels in stages 1-4 and significantly lower survival rate. Collectively, β4-integrin plays a critical role in CRC progression, invasion, and metastasis, suggesting that it could be a potential therapeutic target for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanguang Zhang
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Trung Vu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Guandou Yuan
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Binhao Zhang
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Upender Manne
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pran K Datta
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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10
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Cvekl A, Zhang X. Signaling and Gene Regulatory Networks in Mammalian Lens Development. Trends Genet 2017; 33:677-702. [PMID: 28867048 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ocular lens development represents an advantageous system in which to study regulatory mechanisms governing cell fate decisions, extracellular signaling, cell and tissue organization, and the underlying gene regulatory networks. Spatiotemporally regulated domains of BMP, FGF, and other signaling molecules in late gastrula-early neurula stage embryos generate the border region between the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm from which multiple cell types, including lens progenitor cells, emerge and undergo initial tissue formation. Extracellular signaling and DNA-binding transcription factors govern lens and optic cup morphogenesis. Pax6, c-Maf, Hsf4, Prox1, Sox1, and a few additional factors regulate the expression of the lens structural proteins, the crystallins. Extensive crosstalk between a diverse array of signaling pathways controls the complexity and order of lens morphogenetic processes and lens transparency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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11
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Wang Y, Terrell AM, Riggio BA, Anand D, Lachke SA, Duncan MK. β1-Integrin Deletion From the Lens Activates Cellular Stress Responses Leading to Apoptosis and Fibrosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:3896-3922. [PMID: 28763805 PMCID: PMC5539801 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-21721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous research showed that the absence of β1-integrin from the mouse lens after embryonic day (E) 13.5 (β1MLR10) leads to the perinatal apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) resulting in severe microphthalmia. This study focuses on elucidating the molecular connections between β1-integrin deletion and this phenotype. Methods RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially regulated genes (DRGs) in β1MLR10 lenses at E15.5. By using bioinformatics analysis and literature searching, Egr1 (early growth response 1) was selected for further study. The activation status of certain signaling pathways (focal adhesion kinase [FAK]/Erk, TGF-β, and Akt signaling) was studied via Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Mice lacking both β1-integrin and Egr1 genes from the lenses were created (β1MLR10/Egr1-/-) to study their relationship. Results RNA sequencing identified 120 DRGs that include candidates involved in the cellular stress response, fibrosis, and/or apoptosis. Egr1 was investigated in detail, as it mediates cellular stress responses in various cell types, and is recognized as an upstream regulator of numerous other β1MLR10 lens DRGs. In β1MLR10 mice, Egr1 levels are elevated shortly after β1-integrin loss from the lens. Further, pErk1/2 and pAkt are elevated in β1MLR10 LECs, thus providing the potential signaling mechanism that causes Egr1 upregulation in the mutant. Indeed, deletion of Egr1 from β1MLR10 lenses partially rescues the microphthalmia phenotype. Conclusions β1-integrin regulates the appropriate levels of Erk1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in LECs, whereas its deficiency results in the overexpression of Egr1, culminating in reduced cell survival. These findings provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the microphthalmia observed in β1MLR10 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Anne M. Terrell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Brittany A. Riggio
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Salil A. Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
| | - Melinda K. Duncan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States
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12
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Chen XF, Liu Y. MicroRNA-744 inhibited cervical cancer growth and progression through apoptosis induction by regulating Bcl-2. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 81:379-387. [PMID: 27261616 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that microRNA plays an essential role in the development and metastasis of many tumor progressions, including cervical cancer. Aberrant miR-744 expression has been indicated in many growth of tumor, the mechanism of miR-744 inhibits both the proliferation and metastatic ability for cervical cancer remains unclear. Accumulating evidences reported that Bcl-2 signal pathway plays an important role in the cellular process, such as apoptosis, cell growth and proliferation. The goal of this study was to identify miR-744 that could inhibit the growth, migration, invasion, proliferation and metastasis of gastric cancer through targeting Bcl-2 expression. Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to quantify miR-744 expression in vitro and vivo experiments. The biological functions of miR-744 were determined via cell proliferation. Our study indicated that miR-744 targeted on Bcl-2, which leads to the inactivation of apoptosis signaling and the cell proliferation of cervical cancer cells, ameliorating cervical cancer growth and progression. In addition, both up-regulation of miR-744 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 could stimulate Caspase-3 expression, promoting apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Therefore, our research revealed the mechanistic links between miR-744 and Bcl-2 in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer through modulation of Caspase-3, leading to the inhibition of cervical cancer cell growth. And targeting miR-744 could be served as a novel strategy for future cervical cancer therapy clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Hubei, 441021, China.
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13
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Dong Y, Zheng Y, Xiao J, Zhu C, Zhao M. Regulatory effect of Bcl-2 in ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis of the mouse crystalline lens. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:973-977. [PMID: 26998022 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of Bcl-2 during the process of apoptosis in the mouse crystalline lens. In total, 12 normal mice served as the control group and 12 Bcl-2 knockout (K.O) mice served as the experimental group. The mouse crystalline lens was sampled for the detection of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 expression following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine Bcl-2 expression in the groups of normal mice receiving UV radiation or not receiving UV radiation. Samples of the murine crystalline lens were microscopically harvested and analyzed using western blotting. Apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Furthermore, caspase 3 activity was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, and RT-qPCR was used to analyze caspase-3 expression levels. The results of the present study demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in the level of Bcl-2 gene transcription between the two groups. In addition, UV radiation did not change the macrostructure of the crystalline lens in the group of normal mice or the group of Bcl-2 K.O mice. The results of the TUNEL assay indicated that the normal-UV group exhibited a more significant apoptosis level compared with the Bcl-2 K.O-UV group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of caspase-3 in the normal-UV group was significantly higher compared with the normal-nonUV group (P<0.05), while the levels in the Bcl-2 K.O-UV group were significantly higher compared with the Bcl-2 K.O and normal-nonUV groups (P<0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression level of caspase-3 was significantly higher in the normal-UV, as compared with the Bcl-2 K.O-UV group (P<0.05), and the variation trends in caspase-3 activity were consistent. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that Bcl-2 may have an important role in the promotion of UV-induced apoptosis in the crystalline lens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of The Second Clinical Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130051, P.R. China
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of The Second Clinical Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130051, P.R. China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of The Second Clinical Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130051, P.R. China
| | - Chao Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of The Second Clinical Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130051, P.R. China
| | - Meisheng Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital of The Second Clinical Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130051, P.R. China
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Flusberg DA, Sorger PK. Surviving apoptosis: life-death signaling in single cells. Trends Cell Biol 2015; 25:446-58. [PMID: 25920803 PMCID: PMC4570028 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tissue development and homeostasis are regulated by opposing pro-survival and pro-death signals. An interesting feature of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) family of ligands is that they simultaneously activate opposing signals within a single cell via the same ligand-receptor complex. The magnitude of pro-death events such as caspase activation and pro-survival events such as Nuclear Factor (NF)-κB activation vary not only from one cell type to the next but also among individual cells of the same type due to intrinsic and extrinsic noise. The molecules involved in these pro-survival and/or pro-death pathways, and the different phenotypes that result from their activities, have been recently reviewed. Here we focus on the impact of cell-to-cell variability in the strength of these opposing signals on shaping cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Flusberg
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Lens Development and Crystallin Gene Expression. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 134:129-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Terrell AM, Anand D, Smith SF, Dang CA, Waters SM, Pathania M, Beebe DC, Lachke SA. Molecular characterization of mouse lens epithelial cell lines and their suitability to study RNA granules and cataract associated genes. Exp Eye Res 2014; 131:42-55. [PMID: 25530357 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of cytosolic RNA granule (RG) component proteins associated with human cataract has initiated investigations on post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression control in the lens. Application of established mouse lens epithelial cell lines (LECs) can provide rapid insights on RG function in lens cells, especially because mouse mutants in several RG components are not available. However, although these LECs represent potential reagents for such analyses, they are uncharacterized for lens gene expression or RG formation. Therefore, a detailed molecular and cellular characterization of three permanent mouse LECs 17EM15, 21EM15 and αTN4 is performed in this study. Comparative analysis between microarray gene expression datasets on LEC 21EM15 and iSyTE lens tissue demonstrates that 30% of top 200 iSyTE identified lens-enriched genes are expressed in these cells. Majority of these candidates are independently validated to either have lens expression, function or linkage to cataract. Moreover, analysis of microarray data with genes described in Cat-Map, an online database of cataract associated genes and loci, demonstrates that 131 genes linked to cataract loci are expressed in 21EM15 cells. Furthermore, gene expression in LECs is compared to isolated lens epithelium or fiber cells by qRT-PCR and by comparative analyses with publically available epithelium or fiber-specific microarray and RNA-seq (sequencing) datasets. Expression of select candidate genes was validated by regular and real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of lens epithelium-enriched genes Foxe3, Pax6, Anxa4 and Mcm4 is up-regulated in LEC lines, compared to isolated lens fiber cells. Moreover, similar to isolated lens epithelium, all three LECs exhibit down-regulation of fiber cell-expressed genes Crybb1, Mip and Prox1 when compared to fiber cells. These data indicate that the LEC lines exhibit greater similarity to lens epithelium than to fiber cells. Compared to non-lens cell line NIH3T3, LECs exhibit significantly enriched expression of transcription factors with important function in the lens, namely Pax6, Foxe3 and Prox1. In addition to these genes, all three LECs also express key lens- and cataract-associated genes, namely Dkk3, Epha2, Hsf4, Jag1, Mab21l1, Meis1, Pknox1, Pou2f1, Sfrp1, Sparc, Tdrd7 and Trpm3. Additionally, 21EM15 microarrays indicate expression of Chmp4b, Cryab and Tcfap2a among others important genes. Immunostaining with makers for Processing bodies (P-bodies) and Stress granules (SGs) demonstrates that these classes of RGs are robustly expressed in all three LECs. Moreover, under conditions of stress, 17EM15 and αTN4 exhibit significantly higher numbers of P-bodies and SGs compared to NIH3T3 cells. In sum, these data indicate that mouse LECs 21EM15, 17EM15 and αTN4 express key lens or cataract genes, are similar to lens epithelium than fiber cells, and exhibit high levels of P-bodies and SGs, indicating their suitability for investigating gene expression control and RG function in lens-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Terrell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Deepti Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Sylvie F Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Christine A Dang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Stephanie M Waters
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Mallika Pathania
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - David C Beebe
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
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17
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Cvekl A, Ashery-Padan R. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate lens development. Development 2014; 141:4432-47. [PMID: 25406393 PMCID: PMC4302924 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ocular lens is a model system for understanding important aspects of embryonic development, such as cell specification and the spatiotemporally controlled formation of a three-dimensional structure. The lens, which is characterized by transparency, refraction and elasticity, is composed of a bulk mass of fiber cells attached to a sheet of lens epithelium. Although lens induction has been studied for over 100 years, recent findings have revealed a myriad of extracellular signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks, integrated and executed by the transcription factor Pax6, that are required for lens formation in vertebrates. This Review summarizes recent progress in the field, emphasizing the interplay between the diverse regulatory mechanisms employed to form lens progenitor and precursor cells and highlighting novel opportunities to fill gaps in our understanding of lens tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Cvekl
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Sackler School of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
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