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Baños-Jaime B, Corrales-Guerrero L, Pérez-Mejías G, Rejano-Gordillo CM, Velázquez-Campoy A, Martínez-Cruz LA, Martínez-Chantar ML, De la Rosa MA, Díaz-Moreno I. Phosphorylation at the disordered N-end makes HuR accumulate and dimerize in the cytoplasm. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8552-8565. [PMID: 38966993 PMCID: PMC11317137 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA binding protein mainly involved in maintaining the stability and controlling the translation of mRNAs, critical for immune response, cell survival, proliferation and apoptosis. Although HuR is a nuclear protein, its mRNA translational-related function occurs at the cytoplasm, where the oligomeric form of HuR is more abundant. However, the regulation of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of HuR and its connection with protein oligomerization remain unclear. In this work, we describe the phosphorylation of Tyr5 as a new hallmark for HuR activation. Our biophysical, structural and computational assays using phosphorylated and phosphomimetic HuR proteins demonstrate that phosphorylation of Tyr5 at the disordered N-end stretch induces global changes on HuR dynamics and conformation, modifying the solvent accessible surface of the HuR nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling (HNS) sequence and releasing regions implicated in HuR dimerization. These findings explain the preferential cytoplasmic accumulation of phosphorylated HuR in HeLa cells, aiding to comprehend the mechanisms underlying HuR nucleus-cytoplasm shuttling and its later dimerization, both of which are relevant in HuR-related pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Baños-Jaime
- Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), Scientific Research Center "Isla de la Cartuja" (cicCartuja), University of Seville - CSIC, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Laura Corrales-Guerrero
- Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), Scientific Research Center "Isla de la Cartuja" (cicCartuja), University of Seville - CSIC, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Pérez-Mejías
- Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), Scientific Research Center "Isla de la Cartuja" (cicCartuja), University of Seville - CSIC, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Claudia M Rejano-Gordillo
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Liver Disease Lab, BRTA CIC bioGUNE, Derio 48160 Bizkaia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura; University Institute of Biosanitary Research of Extremadura (INUBE), Badajoz 06071, Spain
| | - Adrián Velázquez-Campoy
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physic of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Unit GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
- Departament of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain
- Institute for Health Research of Aragón (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza 50009, Spain
| | - Luis Alfonso Martínez-Cruz
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Liver Disease Lab, BRTA CIC bioGUNE, Derio 48160 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - María Luz Martínez-Chantar
- Centre for Biomedical Research Network of Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Liver Disease Lab, BRTA CIC bioGUNE, Derio 48160 Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Miguel A De la Rosa
- Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), Scientific Research Center "Isla de la Cartuja" (cicCartuja), University of Seville - CSIC, Seville 41092, Spain
| | - Irene Díaz-Moreno
- Institute for Chemical Research (IIQ), Scientific Research Center "Isla de la Cartuja" (cicCartuja), University of Seville - CSIC, Seville 41092, Spain
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2
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Saluja S, Bansal I, Bhardwaj R, Beg MS, Palanichamy JK. Inflammation as a driver of hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347402. [PMID: 38571491 PMCID: PMC10987768 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces all adult blood cells and immune cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs usually remain quiescent, and in the presence of external stimuli like infection or inflammation, they undergo division and differentiation as a compensatory mechanism. Normal hematopoiesis is impacted by systemic inflammation, which causes HSCs to transition from quiescence to emergency myelopoiesis. At the molecular level, inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors can all cause HSCs to multiply directly. These cytokines actively encourage HSC activation, proliferation, and differentiation during inflammation, which results in the generation and activation of immune cells required to combat acute injury. The bone marrow niche provides numerous soluble and stromal cell signals, which are essential for maintaining normal homeostasis and output of the bone marrow cells. Inflammatory signals also impact this bone marrow microenvironment called the HSC niche to regulate the inflammatory-induced hematopoiesis. Continuous pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation can have detrimental effects on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to cancer development, HSC depletion, and bone marrow failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and ultimately lead to the transformation of HSCs into cancerous cells, are produced due to chronic inflammation. The biological elements of the HSC niche produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause clonal growth and the development of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in hematological malignancies. The processes underlying how inflammation affects hematological malignancies are still not fully understood. In this review, we emphasize the effects of inflammation on normal hematopoiesis, the part it plays in the development and progression of hematological malignancies, and potential therapeutic applications for targeting these pathways for therapy in hematological malignancies.
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Ocharán-Mercado A, Loaeza-Loaeza J, Castro-Coronel Y, Acosta-Saavedra LC, Hernández-Kelly LC, Hernández-Sotelo D, Ortega A. RNA-Binding Proteins: A Role in Neurotoxicity? Neurotox Res 2023; 41:681-697. [PMID: 37776476 PMCID: PMC10682104 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00669-w] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite sustained efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases, little is known at the molecular level to understand and generate novel therapeutic approaches for these malignancies. Therefore, it is not surprising that neurogenerative diseases are among the leading causes of death in the aged population. Neurons require sophisticated cellular mechanisms to maintain proper protein homeostasis. These cells are generally sensitive to loss of gene expression control at the post-transcriptional level. Post-translational control responds to signals that can arise from intracellular processes or environmental factors that can be regulated through RNA-binding proteins. These proteins recognize RNA through one or more RNA-binding domains and form ribonucleoproteins that are critically involved in the regulation of post-transcriptional processes from splicing to the regulation of association of the translation machinery allowing a relatively rapid and precise modulation of the transcriptome. Neurotoxicity is the result of the biological, chemical, or physical interaction of agents with an adverse effect on the structure and function of the central nervous system. The disruption of the proper levels or function of RBPs in neurons and glial cells triggers neurotoxic events that are linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), fragile X syndrome (FXS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) among many others. The connection between RBPs and neurodegenerative diseases opens a new landscape for potentially novel therapeutic targets for the intervention of these neurodegenerative pathologies. In this contribution, a summary of the recent findings of the molecular mechanisms involved in the plausible role of RBPs in RNA processing in neurodegenerative disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ocharán-Mercado
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Jaqueline Loaeza-Loaeza
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Yaneth Castro-Coronel
- Laboratorio de Epigenética del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas 88, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, 39086, México
| | - Leonor C Acosta-Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Luisa C Hernández-Kelly
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México
| | - Daniel Hernández-Sotelo
- Laboratorio de Epigenética del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas 88, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, 39086, México
| | - Arturo Ortega
- Laboratorio de Neurotoxicología, Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07300 CDMX, México.
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4
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Finan JM, Sutton TL, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3507-3516. [PMID: 37683260 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a well-established regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, HuR is considered "active" when it shows increased subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, in addition to its normal nuclear localization. Cytoplasmic HuR plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the translation of prosurvival mRNAs that are involved in stress responses relevant to cancer progression, such as hypoxia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In general, due to HuR's abundance and function in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it is an appealing target for oncology research. Exploiting the principles underlying HuR's role in tumorigenesis and resistance to stressors, targeting HuR has the potential for synergy with existing and novel oncologic therapies. This review aims to explore HuR's role in homeostasis and cancer pathophysiology, as well as current targeting strategies, which include silencing HuR expression, preventing its translocation and dimerization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and inhibiting mRNA binding. Furthermore, this review will discuss recent studies investigating the potential synergy between HuR inhibition and traditional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Finan
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas L Sutton
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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5
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Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
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6
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Feng Y, Zhu S, Liu T, Zhi G, Shao B, Liu J, Li B, Jiang C, Feng Q, Wu P, Wang D. Surmounting Cancer Drug Resistance: New Perspective on RNA-Binding Proteins. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1114. [PMID: 37631029 PMCID: PMC10458901 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), being pivotal elements in both physiological and pathological processes, possess the ability to directly impact RNA, thereby exerting a profound influence on cellular life. Furthermore, the dysregulation of RBPs not only induces alterations in the expression levels of genes associated with cancer but also impairs the occurrence of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Consequently, these circumstances can give rise to aberrations in cellular processes, ultimately resulting in alterations within the proteome. An aberrant proteome can disrupt the equilibrium between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, promoting cancer progression. Given their significant role in modulating gene expression and post-transcriptional regulation, directing therapeutic interventions towards RBPs represents a viable strategy for combating drug resistance in cancer treatment. RBPs possess significant potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers for diverse cancer types. Gaining comprehensive insights into the structure and functionality of RBPs, along with delving deeper into the molecular mechanisms underlying RBPs in tumor drug resistance, can enhance cancer treatment strategies and augment the prognostic outcomes for individuals afflicted with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peijie Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (S.Z.); (T.L.); (G.Z.); (B.S.); (J.L.); (B.L.); (C.J.); (Q.F.)
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (Y.F.); (S.Z.); (T.L.); (G.Z.); (B.S.); (J.L.); (B.L.); (C.J.); (Q.F.)
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Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Mehta M, Raguraman R, Ramesh R, Munshi A. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and their role in DNA damage and radiation response in cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114569. [PMID: 36252617 PMCID: PMC10411638 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally majority of eukaryotic gene expression is influenced by transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Alterations in the expression of proteins that act post-transcriptionally can affect cellular signaling and homeostasis. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are a family of proteins that specifically bind to RNAs and are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and important cellular processes such as cell differentiation and metabolism. Deregulation of RNA-RBP interactions and any changes in RBP expression or function can lead to various diseases including cancer. In cancer cells, RBPs play an important role in regulating the expression of tumor suppressors and oncoproteins involved in various cell-signaling pathways. Several RBPs such as HuR, AUF1, RBM38, LIN28, RBM24, tristetrapolin family and Musashi play critical roles in various types of cancers and their aberrant expression in cancer cells makes them an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review we provide an overview of i). RBPs involved in cancer progression and their mechanism of action ii). the role of RBPs, including HuR, in breast cancer progression and DNA damage response and iii). explore RBPs with emphasis on HuR as therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Mehta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73013, USA.
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9
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Du Y, Xu X, Lv S, Liu H, Sun H, Wu J. SOCS7/HuR/FOXM1 signaling axis inhibited high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma progression. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:185. [PMID: 35624501 PMCID: PMC9137060 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is clinically dominant and accounts for ~ 80% deaths in all types of ovarian cancer. The delayed diagnosis, rapid development, and wide dissemination of HGSOC collectively contribute to its high mortality rate and poor prognosis in the patients. Suppressors of cytokine signaling 7 (SOCS7) can regulate cytokine signaling and participate in cell cycle arrest and regulation of cell proliferation, which might also be involved in carcinogenesis. Here, we designated to investigate the functions and mechanisms of SOCS7 in HGSOC. Methods The clinical correlation between SOCS7 and HGSOC was examined by both bioinformatics and analysis of tissue samples in patients. Gain/Loss-of-function examinations were carried out to assess the effectiveness of SOCS7 in cell viability, cell cycle, and tumor growth of HGSOC. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were explored by identifying the downstream proteins and their interactions via proteomics analysis and immunoprecipitation. Results The expression of SOCS7, which was decreased in HGSOC tissues, was correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics and overall survival of HGSOC patients. SOCS7 acted as a HGSOC suppressor by inhibiting cancer cell viability and tumor growth in vivo. The anti-HGSOC mechanism involves SOCS7’s regulatory effect on HuR by mediating its ubiquitination, the regulation of FOXM1 mRNA by HuR, as well as the interplays among these three clinically relevant factors. Conclusions The SOCS7 correlates with HGSOC and suppresses its tumorigenesis through regulating HuR and FOXM1, which also suggests that SOCS7 is a prospective biomarker for the clinical management of ovarian cancer, especially HGSOC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02395-1.
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. RNA-Binding Proteins as Epigenetic Regulators of Brain Functions and Their Involvement in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314622. [PMID: 36498959 PMCID: PMC9739182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A central aspect of nervous system development and function is the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA fate, which implies time- and site-dependent translation, in response to cues originating from cell-to-cell crosstalk. Such events are fundamental for the establishment of brain cell asymmetry, as well as of long-lasting modifications of synapses (long-term potentiation: LTP), responsible for learning, memory, and higher cognitive functions. Post-transcriptional regulation is in turn dependent on RNA-binding proteins that, by recognizing and binding brief RNA sequences, base modifications, or secondary/tertiary structures, are able to control maturation, localization, stability, and translation of the transcripts. Notably, most RBPs contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) that are thought to be involved in the formation of membrane-less structures, probably due to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Such structures are evidenced as a variety of granules that contain proteins and different classes of RNAs. The other side of the peculiar properties of IDRs is, however, that, under altered cellular conditions, they are also prone to form aggregates, as observed in neurodegeneration. Interestingly, RBPs, as part of both normal and aggregated complexes, are also able to enter extracellular vesicles (EVs), and in doing so, they can also reach cells other than those that produced them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-238-97 (ext. 415/446)
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Li W, Deng X, Chen J. RNA-binding proteins in regulating mRNA stability and translation: roles and mechanisms in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:664-677. [PMID: 35381329 PMCID: PMC9526761 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key players in cellular physiology through posttranscriptional regulation of the expression of target RNA transcripts. By modulating the processing, stability and translation of cancer-related messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts, a large set of RBPs play essential roles in various types of cancers. Perturbations in RBP activity have been causally associated with cancer development, tumor metabolism, drug resistance, cancer stem cell self-renewal, and tumor immune evasion. Here, we summarize the recent advances in cancer pathological roles and mechanisms of RBPs in regulating mRNA stability and translation with an emphasis on the emerging category of RNA modification-associated RBPs. The functional diversity of RBPs in different types of cancers and the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated RBPs for cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia 91016, USA; City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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12
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Filippova N, Grimes JM, Leavenworth JW, Namkoong D, Yang X, King PH, Crowley M, Crossman DK, Nabors LB. Targeting the TREM1-positive myeloid microenvironment in glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac149. [PMID: 36249290 PMCID: PMC9555298 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor cellular and molecular heterogeneity is a hallmark of glioblastoma and underlies treatment resistance and recurrence. This manuscript investigated the myeloid-derived microenvironment as a driver of glioblastoma heterogeneity and provided a pharmacological pathway for its suppression. Methods Transcriptomic signatures of glioblastoma infiltrated myeloid-derived cells were assessed using R2: genomic platform, Ivy Glioblastoma Spatial Atlas, and single-cell RNA-seq data of primary and recurrent glioblastomas. Myeloid-derived cell prints were evaluated in five PDX cell lines using RNA-seq data. Two immunocompetent mouse glioblastoma models were utilized to isolate and characterize tumor-infiltrated myeloid-derived cells and glioblastoma/host cell hybrids. The ability of an inhibitor of HuR dimerization SRI42127 to suppress TREM1+-microenvironment and glioblastoma/myeloid-derived cell interaction was assessed in vivo and in vitro. Results TREM1+-microenvironment is enriched in glioblastoma peri-necrotic zones. TREM1 appearance is enhanced with tumor grade and associated with poor patient outcomes. We confirmed an expression of a variety of myeloid-derived cell markers, including TREM1, in PDX cell lines. In mouse glioblastoma models, we demonstrated a reduction in the TREM1+-microenvironment and glioblastoma/host cell fusion after treatment with SRI42127. In vitro assays confirmed inhibition of cell fusion events and reduction of myeloid-derived cell migration towards glioblastoma cells by SRI42127 and TREM1 decoy peptide (LP17) versus control treatments. Conclusions TREM1+-myeloid-derived microenvironment promulgates glioblastoma heterogeneity and is a therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition of HuR dimerization leads to suppression of the TREM1+-myeloid-derived microenvironment and the neoplastic/non-neoplastic fusogenic cell network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Grimes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Program of Immunology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - David Namkoong
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael Crowley
- Department of Genetics, Heflin Center Genomics Core, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA (M.C., D.K.C.)
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, Heflin Center Genomics Core, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA (M.C., D.K.C.)
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Corresponding Author: L. Burt Nabors, MD, Division Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, FOT 1020, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA ()
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13
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Sorge RE, Si Y, Norian LA, Guha A, Moore GE, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Yang X, Smith R, Chellappan R, King PH. Inhibition of the RNA Regulator HuR by SRI-42127 Attenuates Neuropathic Pain After Nerve Injury Through Suppression of Neuroinflammatory Responses. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1649-1661. [PMID: 35864415 PMCID: PMC9606176 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial activation with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, is a major driver of neuropathic pain (NP) following peripheral nerve injury. We have previously shown that the RNA binding protein, HuR, is a positive node of regulation for many of these inflammatory mediators in glia and that its chemical inhibition or genetic deletion attenuates their production. In this report, we show that systemic administration of SRI-42127, a novel small molecule HuR inhibitor, attenuates mechanical allodynia, a hallmark of NP, in the early and chronic phases after spared nerve injury in male and female mice. Flow cytometry of lumbar spinal cords in SRI-42127-treated mice shows a reduction in infiltrating macrophages and a concomitant decrease in microglial populations expressing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and CCL2. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qPCR of lumbar spinal cord tissue indicate suppression of these cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. ELISA of plasma samples in the acute phase also shows attenuation of inflammatory responses. In summary, inhibition of HuR by SRI-42127 leads to the suppression of neuroinflammatory responses and allodynia after nerve injury and represents a promising new direction in the treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Sorge
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lyse A Norian
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Grace E Moore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rajeshwari Chellappan
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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14
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Majumder M, Chakraborty P, Mohan S, Mehrotra S, Palanisamy V. HuR as a molecular target for cancer therapeutics and immune-related disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114442. [PMID: 35817212 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The control of eukaryotic gene expression occurs at multiple levels, from transcription to messenger RNA processing, transport, localization, turnover, and translation. RNA-binding proteins control gene expression and are involved in different stages of mRNA processing, including splicing, maturation, turnover, and translation. A ubiquitously expressed RBP Human antigen R is engaged in the RNA processes mentioned above but, most importantly, controls mRNA stability and turnover. Dysregulation of HuR is linked to many diseases, including cancer and other immune-related disorders. HuR targets mRNAs containing AU-rich elements at their 3'untranslated region, which encodes proteins involved in cell growth, proliferation, tumor formation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis. HuR overexpression has been reported in many tumor types, which led to a poor prognosis for patients. Hence, HuR is considered an appealing drug target for cancer treatment. Therefore, multiple attempts have been made to identify small molecule inhibitors for blocking HuR functions. This article reviews the current prospects of drugs that target HuR in numerous cancer types, their mode of action, and off-target effects. Furthermore, we will summarize drugs that interfered with HuR-RNA interactions and established themselves as novel therapeutics. We will also highlight the significance of HuR overexpression in multiple cancers and discuss its role in immune functions. This review provides evidence of a new era of HuR-targeted small molecules that can be used for cancer therapeutics either as a monotherapy or in combination with other cancer treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoyee Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Paramita Chakraborty
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sarumathi Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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15
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Hu Antigen R (HuR) Protein Structure, Function and Regulation in Hepatobiliary Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112666. [PMID: 35681645 PMCID: PMC9179498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatobiliary tumors are a group of primary malignancies encompassing the liver, the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tracts, and the gall bladder. Within the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary cancer, which is, also, representing the third-most recurrent cause of cancer-associated death and the sixth-most prevalent type of tumor worldwide, nowadays. Although less frequent, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is, currently, a fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Here, we review the regulatory role of Hu antigen R (HuR), a ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of HCC and CCA. Overall, HuR is proposed as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in hepatobiliary cancers. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches that can selectively modulate HuR function appear to be highly attractive for the clinical management of these types of tumors. Abstract Hu antigen R (HuR) is a 36-kDa ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which plays an important role as a post-transcriptional regulator of specific RNAs under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Herein, we review HuR protein structure, function, and its regulation, as well as its implications in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of hepatobiliary cancers. In particular, we focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), tumors where the increased cytoplasmic localization of HuR and activity are proposed, as valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers. An overview of the main regulatory axes involving HuR, which are associated with cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy in HCC, is provided. These include the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modulators of HuR function, in addition to HuR target transcripts. Finally, whereas studies addressing the relevance of targeting HuR in CCA are limited, in the past few years, HuR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. In fact, the therapeutic efficacy of some pharmacological inhibitors of HuR has been evaluated, in early experimental models of HCC. We, further, discuss the major findings and future perspectives of therapeutic approaches that specifically block HuR interactions, either with post-translational modifiers or cognate transcripts in hepatobiliary cancers.
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16
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Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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17
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Guha A, Waris S, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Gorospe M, Kwan T, King PH. The versatile role of HuR in Glioblastoma and its potential as a therapeutic target for a multi-pronged attack. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114082. [PMID: 34923029 PMCID: PMC8916685 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant and aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of ∼15 months. Resistance to treatment arises from the extensive cellular and molecular heterogeneity in the three major components: glioma tumor cells, glioma stem cells, and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages. Within this triad, there is a complex network of intrinsic and secreted factors that promote classic hallmarks of cancer, including angiogenesis, resistance to cell death, proliferation, and immune evasion. A regulatory node connecting these diverse pathways is at the posttranscriptional level as mRNAs encoding many of the key drivers contain adenine- and uridine rich elements (ARE) in the 3' untranslated region. Human antigen R (HuR) binds to ARE-bearing mRNAs and is a major positive regulator at this level. This review focuses on basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and how targeting HuR with small molecule inhibitors represents a plausible strategy for a multi-pronged therapeutic attack on GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Saboora Waris
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, PIMS, G-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States; Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States; Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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18
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Raguraman R, Shanmugarama S, Mehta M, Elle Peterson J, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Drug delivery approaches for HuR-targeted therapy for lung cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114068. [PMID: 34822926 PMCID: PMC8724414 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and conventional treatments for disease management have limitations associated with them. Novel therapeutic targets are thus avidly sought for the effective management of LC. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been convincingly established as key players in tumorigenesis, and their dysregulation is linked to multiple cancers, including LC. In this context, we review the role of Human antigen R (HuR), an RBP that is overexpressed in LC, and further associated with various aspects of LC tumor growth and response to therapy. Herein, we describe the role of HuR in LC progression and outline the evidences supporting various pharmacologic and biologic approaches for inhibiting HuR expression and function. These approaches, including use of small molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs, have demonstrated favorable results in reducing tumor cell growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Hence, HuR has significant potential as a key therapeutic target in LC. Use of siRNA-based approaches, however, have certain limitations that prevent their maximal exploitation as cancer therapies. To address this, in the conclusion of this review, we provide a list of nanomedicine-based HuR targeting approaches currently being employed for siRNA and shRNA delivery, and provide a rationale for the immense potential therapeutic benefits offered by nanocarrier-based HuR targeting and its promise for treating patients with LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Meghna Mehta
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jo Elle Peterson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan D Zhao
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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19
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Chellappan R, Guha A, Si Y, Kwan T, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Yang X, Myneni AS, Meesala S, Harms AS, King PH. SRI-42127, a novel small molecule inhibitor of the RNA regulator HuR, potently attenuates glial activation in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation. Glia 2022; 70:155-172. [PMID: 34533864 PMCID: PMC8595840 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glial activation with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators is a major driver of disease progression in neurological processes ranging from acute traumatic injury to chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. Posttranscriptional regulation is a major gateway for glial activation as many mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory mediators contain adenine- and uridine-rich elements (ARE) in the 3' untranslated region which govern their expression. We have previously shown that HuR, an RNA regulator that binds to AREs, plays a major positive role in regulating inflammatory cytokine production in glia. HuR is predominantly nuclear in localization but translocates to the cytoplasm to exert a positive regulatory effect on RNA stability and translational efficiency. Homodimerization of HuR is necessary for translocation and we have developed a small molecule inhibitor, SRI-42127, that blocks this process. Here we show that SRI-42127 suppressed HuR translocation in LPS-activated glia in vitro and in vivo and significantly attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory mediators including IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, CXCL1, and CCL2. Cytokines typically associated with anti-inflammatory effects including TGF-β1, IL-10, YM1, and Arg1 were either unaffected or minimally affected. SRI-42127 suppressed microglial activation in vivo and attenuated the recruitment/chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes. RNA kinetic studies and luciferase studies indicated that SRI-42127 has inhibitory effects both on mRNA stability and gene promoter activation. In summary, our findings underscore HuR's critical role in promoting glial activation and the potential for SRI-42127 and other HuR inhibitors for treating neurological diseases driven by this activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Chellappan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - L. Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Anish S. Myneni
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Shriya Meesala
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Ashley S Harms
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - Peter H. King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294,,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294,Correspondence to: Dr. P.H. King; UAB Dept. of Neurology, Civitan 545C, 1530 3 Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, USA. Tel. (205) 975-8116; Fax (205) 996-7255;
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20
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Wu B, Yang C, Fang Y, Ding W, Zhang Y. Long noncoding RNA DUXAP10 promotes the stemness of glioma cells by recruiting HuR to enhance Sox12 mRNA stability. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:840-849. [PMID: 33340249 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DUXAP10 has been shown to act as an oncogene in various tumors; however, its roles in glioma progression have never been established. Here, we show that DUXAP10 is overexpressed in glioma tissues and cells. Loss of function experiments reveal that DUXAP10 knockdown has little effects on glioma cell viability, but significantly reduces the stemness of glioma cells, which is characterized as the decrease of stemness marker expression, tumor sphere-forming ability, and ALDH activity. RNA immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays indicate that DUXAP10 can directly interact with HuR protein and suppress the cytoplasm-nuclear translocation of HuR, which subsequently enhances Sox12 mRNA stability in cytoplasm and thus increases Sox12 expression. Further rescuing experiments show that the HuR/Sox12 axis is responsible for DUXAP10-mediated effects on glioma cell stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyou Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Fang
- International College, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weilong Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Sun J, Cheng X, Pan S, Wang L, Dou W, Liu J, Shi X. Dichloroacetate attenuates the stemness of colorectal cancer cells via trigerring ferroptosis through sequestering iron in lysosomes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2021; 36:520-529. [PMID: 33166055 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cell (CSC) has been regarded to be the root of colorectal cancer progression. However, there is still no effective therapeutic method targeting colorectal CSC in clinical application. Here, we investigated the effects of dichloroacetate (DCA) on colorectal cancer cell stemness. We showed that DCA could reduce colorectal cancer cell stemness in a dose-dependent manner, which is evident by the decreased expression of stemness markers, tumor cell sphere-formation and cell migration ability. In addition, it was found that DCA trigerred the ferroptosis of colorectal CSC, which is characterized as the upregulation of iron concentration, lipid peroxides, and glutathione level, and decreased cell viability. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that DCA could sequester iron in lysosome and thus trigger ferroptosis, which is necessary for DCA-mediated attenuation on colorectal cancer cell stemness. Taken together, this work suggests that DCA might be a colorectal CSC-killer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuqin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shubo Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhuan Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Filippova N, Yang X, Ananthan S, Calano J, Pathak V, Bratton L, Vekariya RH, Zhang S, Ofori E, Hayward EN, Namkoong D, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, King PH, Mobley J, Nabors LB. Targeting the HuR Oncogenic Role with a New Class of Cytoplasmic Dimerization Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2220-2233. [PMID: 33602784 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics that exploit alterations in the activation state of key cellular signaling pathways due to mutations in upstream regulators has generated the field of personalized medicine. These first-generation efforts have focused on actionable mutations identified by deep sequencing of large numbers of tumor samples. We propose that a second-generation opportunity exists by exploiting key downstream "nodes of control" that contribute to oncogenesis and are inappropriately activated due to loss of upstream regulation and microenvironmental influences. The RNA-binding protein HuR represents such a node. Because HuR functionality in cancer cells is dependent on HuR dimerization and its nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling, we developed a new class of molecules targeting HuR protein dimerization. A structure-activity relationship algorithm enabled development of inhibitors of HuR multimer formation that were soluble, had micromolar activity, and penetrated the blood-brain barrier. These inhibitors were evaluated for activity validation and specificity in a robust cell-based assay of HuR dimerization. SRI-42127, a molecule that met these criteria, inhibited HuR multimer formation across primary patient-derived glioblastoma xenolines (PDGx), leading to arrest of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of colony formation. SRI-42127 had favorable attributes with central nervous system penetration and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. RNA and protein analysis of SRI-42127-treated PDGx xenolines across glioblastoma molecular subtypes confirmed attenuation of targets upregulated by HuR. These results highlight how focusing on key attributes of HuR that contribute to cancer progression, namely cytoplasmic localization and multimerization, has led to the development of a novel, highly effective inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings utilize a cell-based mechanism of action assay with a structure-activity relationship compound development pathway to discover inhibitors that target HuR dimerization, a mechanism required for cancer promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jennifer Calano
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vibha Pathak
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Larry Bratton
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rakesh H Vekariya
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Edward Ofori
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily N Hayward
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David Namkoong
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James Mobley
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center MS/Proteomics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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23
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Muscone derivative ZM-32 inhibits breast tumor angiogenesis by suppressing HuR-mediated VEGF and MMP9 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 136:111265. [PMID: 33450490 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis is a highly effective strategy for cancer treatment. Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein, is overexpressed in many cancers and regulates the mRNAs of multiple angiogenic factors by binding to the adenylate-uridylate-rich element in their 3' untranslated region. HuR protein has been demonstrated to be an important regulatory factor in macrophage-mediated angiogenesis, a process in which macrophages are critical for tumor progression. Muscone is a synthetic equivalent of musk, and recent studies have shown that it has a regulatory effect on angiogenesis. In this study, we synthesized five series of muscone derivatives and discovered that compound ZM-32 was effective in preventing HuR RRM1/2-Vegf-a mRNA complex formation. ZM-32 bound to HuR RRM1/2 protein with a KD value of 521.7 nmol/L. Furthermore, ZM-32 inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubule formation, and suppressed the VEGF/VEGFR2/ERK1/2 signaling axis mediated by macrophages in vitro. We also demonstrated that ZM-32 effectively prevented the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors without any obvious toxicity in vivo. Mechanistically, exposure to ZM-32 influenced the mRNA stability of Vegf-a and Mmp9 in a HuR-dependent manner in both macrophages and MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, in this study we identified a new muscone derivative, ZM-32, with anti-angiogenesis effects mediated via targeting HuR in breast cancer, that may become a potentially valuable lead compound for anti-cancer angiogenesis.
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24
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Filippova N, Nabors LB. ELAVL1 Role in Cell Fusion and Tunneling Membrane Nanotube Formations with Implication to Treat Glioma Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3069. [PMID: 33096700 PMCID: PMC7590168 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homotypic and heterotypic cell fusions via permanent membrane fusions and temporal tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment were recently documented in vitro and in vivo and mediate glioma survival, plasticity, and recurrence. Chronic inflammation, a hypoxic environment, aberrant mitochondrial function, and ER stress due to unfolded protein accumulation upregulate cell fusion events, which leads to tumor heterogeneity and represents an adaptive mechanism to promote tumor cell survival and plasticity in cytotoxic, nutrient-deprived, mechanically stressed, and inflammatory microenvironments. Cell fusion is a multistep process, which consists of the activation of the cellular stress response, autophagy formation, rearrangement of cytoskeletal architecture in the areas of cell-to-cell contacts, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. The mRNA-binding protein of ELAV-family HuR is a critical node, which orchestrates the stress response, autophagy formation, cytoskeletal architecture, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. HuR is overexpressed in gliomas and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Our review provides a link between the HuR role in the regulation of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment and the potential suppression of these processes by different classes of HuR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Louis B. Nabors
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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25
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Kang D, Lee Y, Lee JS. RNA-Binding Proteins in Cancer: Functional and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092699. [PMID: 32967226 PMCID: PMC7563379 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play central roles in regulating posttranscriptional expression of genes. Many of them are known to be deregulated in a wide variety of cancers. Dysregulated RBPs influence the expression levels of target RNAs related to cancer phenotypes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and EMT/invasion/metastasis. Thus, understanding the molecular functions of RBPs and their roles in cancer-related phenotypes can lead to improved therapeutic strategies. Abstract RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) crucially regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation, such as by modulating microRNA (miRNA) processing and the alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, subcellular localization, stability, and translation of RNAs. More than 1500 RBPs have been identified to date, and many of them are known to be deregulated in cancer. Alterations in the expression and localization of RBPs can influence the expression levels of oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, and genome stability-related genes. RBP-mediated gene regulation can lead to diverse cancer-related cellular phenotypes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/invasion/metastasis. This regulation can also be associated with cancer prognosis. Thus, RBPs can be potential targets for the development of therapeutics for the cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the molecular functions of RBPs, their roles in cancer-related cellular phenotypes, and various approaches that may be used to target RBPs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghee Kang
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University Graduate School, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Yerim Lee
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Jae-Seon Lee
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea; (D.K.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University Graduate School, Incheon 22212, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-860-9832
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26
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Ke Y, Lv X, Fu X, Zhang J, Bohio AA, Zeng X, Hao W, Wang R, Boldogh I, Ba X. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation enhances HuR oligomerization and contributes to pro-inflammatory gene mRNA stabilization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1817-1835. [PMID: 32789690 PMCID: PMC7904744 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is an important post-translational modification mainly catalyzed by poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). In addition to having important roles in DNA damage detection and repair, it functions in gene expression regulation, especially at the posttranscriptional level. Embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like 1/human antigen R (ELAVL/HuR), a canonical 3′ untranslated region AU-rich element-binding protein, is a crucial mRNA-stabilizing protein that protects target mRNAs from RNA-destabilizing protein- or microRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC)-mediated degradation. Additionally, in some cases, HuR itself either promotes or suppresses translation. Here, we demonstrated that in response to inflammatory stimuli, the PARylation of HuR, mostly at the conserved D226 site, by PARP1 increased the formation of the HuR oligomer/multimer, and HuR oligomerization promoted the disassociation of miRISC and stabilized the pro-inflammatory gene mRNAs. The prevention of PARP1 activation or HuR oligomerization attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory gene expression and the airway recruitment of neutrophils in mouse lungs. The present study verified a novel mechanism of PARP1 and HuR PARylation in the RNA stability regulation, increasing our understanding of how PARP1 regulates gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueshuang Ke
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Xueping Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Xingyue Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Ameer Ali Bohio
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Xianlu Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China
| | - Wenjing Hao
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Istvan Boldogh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Xueqing Ba
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, Jilin, China.
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27
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RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082996. [PMID: 32340368 PMCID: PMC7216119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
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28
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Cui Y, Feng Q, Liu Q, Li H, Song X, Hu Z, Xu Z, Li J, Li M, Zheng W, Li Z, Pan H. Posttranscriptional regulation of MMP‐9 by HuR contributes to IL‐1β‐induced pterygium fibroblast migration and invasion. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:5130-5140. [PMID: 31691974 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Hong Cui
- Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Qing‐Yang Feng
- Department of OphthalmologyGuangdong Women and Children Hospital Guangzhou China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Qun Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical SciencesGuangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Hong‐Yang Li
- Department of OphthalmologyGuangdong No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital Guangzhou China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guangzhou Red Cross HospitalThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xi‐Ling Song
- Department of Public Health and Preventive MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Zi‐Xuan Hu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhi‐Yi Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated HospitalJinan University Guangzhou China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Jia‐Hui Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Mei‐Jun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated HospitalJinan University Guangzhou China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Wen‐Lin Zheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Zhi‐Jie Li
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Hong‐Wei Pan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated HospitalJinan University Guangzhou China
- Institute of Ophthalmology, School of MedicineJinan University Guangzhou China
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29
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The Role of PARPs in Inflammation-and Metabolic-Related Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Beyond. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091047. [PMID: 31500199 PMCID: PMC6770262 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is an essential post-translational modification catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a well-characterized member of the PARP family. PARP1 plays a crucial role in multiple biological processes and PARP1 activation contributes to the development of various inflammatory and malignant disorders, including lung inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and diabetes. In this review, we will focus on the role and molecular mechanisms of PARPs enzymes in inflammation- and metabolic-related diseases. Specifically, we discuss the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that PARP1 is associated with in the regulation of pathogenesis. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that PARP inhibition is a promising strategy for intervention of some diseases. Thus, our in-depth understanding of the mechanism of how PARPs are activated and how their signaling downstream effecters can provide more potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the related diseases in the future is crucial.
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30
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Wang J, Leavenworth JW, Hjelmeland AB, Smith R, Patel N, Borg B, Si Y, King PH. Deletion of the RNA regulator HuR in tumor-associated microglia and macrophages stimulates anti-tumor immunity and attenuates glioma growth. Glia 2019; 67:2424-2439. [PMID: 31400163 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that portends a poor prognosis. Its resilience, in part, is related to a remarkable capacity for manipulating the microenvironment to promote its growth and survival. Microglia/macrophages are prime targets, being drawn into the tumor and stimulated to produce factors that support tumor growth and evasion from the immune system. Here we show that the RNA regulator, HuR, plays a key role in the tumor-promoting response of microglia/macrophages. Knockout (KO) of HuR led to reduced tumor growth and proliferation associated with prolonged survival in a murine model of glioblastoma. Analysis of tumor composition by flow cytometry showed that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were decreased, more polarized toward an M1-like phenotype, and had reduced PD-L1 expression. There was an overall increase in infiltrating CD4+ cells, including Th1 and cytotoxic effector cells, and a concomitant reduction in tumor-associated polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Molecular and cellular analyses of HuR KO TAMs and cultured microglia showed changes in migration, chemoattraction, and chemokine/cytokine profiles that provide potential mechanisms for the altered tumor microenvironment and reduced tumor growth in HuR KO mice. In summary, HuR is a key modulator of pro-glioma responses by microglia/macrophages through the molecular regulation of chemokines, cytokines, and other factors. Our findings underscore the relevance of HuR as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anita B Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Reed Smith
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Neha Patel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ben Borg
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.,Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
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31
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Mohibi S, Chen X, Zhang J. Cancer the'RBP'eutics-RNA-binding proteins as therapeutic targets for cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 203:107390. [PMID: 31302171 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play a critical role in the regulation of various RNA processes, including splicing, cleavage and polyadenylation, transport, translation and degradation of coding RNAs, non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. Recent studies indicate that RBPs not only play an instrumental role in normal cellular processes but have also emerged as major players in the development and spread of cancer. Herein, we review the current knowledge about RNA binding proteins and their role in tumorigenesis as well as the potential to target RBPs for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakur Mohibi
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States
| | - Xinbin Chen
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States
| | - Jin Zhang
- Comparative Oncology Laboratory, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, University of California at Davis, United States.
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32
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Chen X, Yu J, Zhong B, Lu J, Lu JJ, Li S, Lu Y. Pharmacological activities of dihydrotanshinone I, a natural product from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Pharmacol Res 2019; 145:104254. [PMID: 31054311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a famous traditional Chinese herb, has been used clinically for the treatment of various diseases for centuries. Document data showed that tanshinones, a class of lipophilic abietane diterpenes rich in this herb, possess multiple biological effects in vitro and in vivo models. Among which, 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) has received much attention in recent years. In this systematical review, we carefully selected, analyzed, and summarized high-quality publications related to pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of DHT. DHT has anti-cancer, cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammation, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and other effects. Furthermore, several molecules such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), human antigen R (HuR), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), etc. have been identified as the potential targets for DHT. The diverse pharmacological activities of DHT provide scientific evidence for the local and traditional uses of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. We concluded that DHT might serve as a lead compound for drug discovery in related diseases while further in-depth investigations are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Chen
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bingling Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shaojing Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Wang J, Hjelmeland AB, Nabors LB, King PH. Anti-cancer effects of the HuR inhibitor, MS-444, in malignant glioma cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:979-988. [PMID: 30991885 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1591673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly malignant and typically fatal tumor of the central nervous system. The tumor is characterized by marked cellular and molecular heterogeneity, including a subpopulation of brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) that are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. We previously reported that the RNA-binding protein HuR is: (1) overexpressed in glioblastoma, (2) necessary for tumor growth in vivo, and (3) a positive regulator of tumor-promoting genes in glioblastoma. These findings provide strong evidence that HuR might be a viable therapeutic target in glioblastoma. In this report, we investigated the effects of MS-444, a small molecule inhibitor of HuR, in xenograft-derived human glioblastoma cells and BTICs. We found that MS-444 treatment of glioblastoma cells resulted in loss of viability and induction of apoptosis, with evidence implicating death receptor 5. BTICs were particularly sensitive to MS-444. At sub-lethal doses, MS-444 attenuated invasion of glioblastoma cells and BTICs in a transwell model. At the molecular level, MS-444 treatment led to an attenuation of mRNAs in different tumor promoting pathways including angiogenesis, immune evasion and suppression of apoptosis. Although cytoplasmic HuR was reduced with MS-444 treatment, the attenuation of mRNAs could not be explained by RNA destabilization. In summary, this report provides proof of concept that small molecule inhibition of HuR could be a viable approach for treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Wang
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - Anita B Hjelmeland
- b Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - L Burt Nabors
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - Peter H King
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL.,b Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL.,c Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Birmingham , AL
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Della Volpe S, Nasti R, Queirolo M, Unver MY, Jumde VK, Dömling A, Vasile F, Potenza D, Ambrosio FA, Costa G, Alcaro S, Zucal C, Provenzani A, Di Giacomo M, Rossi D, Hirsch AKH, Collina S. Novel Compounds Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Structure-Based Design, Synthesis, and Interaction Studies. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:615-620. [PMID: 30996806 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The key role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in regulating post-transcriptional processes and their involvement in several pathologies (i.e., cancer and neurodegeneration) have highlighted their potential as therapeutic targets. In this scenario, Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) or Hu proteins and their complexes with target mRNAs have been gaining growing attention. Compounds able to modulate the complex stability could constitute an innovative pharmacological strategy for the treatment of numerous diseases. Nevertheless, medicinal-chemistry efforts aimed at developing such compounds are still at an early stage. As part of our ongoing research in this field, we hereby present the rational design and synthesis of structurally novel HuR ligands, potentially acting as HuR-RNA interferers. The following assessment of the structural features of their interaction with HuR, combining saturation-transfer difference NMR and in silico studies, provides a guide for further research on the development of new effective interfering compounds of the HuR-RNA complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Della Volpe
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rita Nasti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Queirolo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - M. Yagiz Unver
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Varsha K. Jumde
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Vasile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Potenza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giosué Costa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Department of CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, TN, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Di Giacomo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Molecular basis for AU-rich element recognition and dimerization by the HuR C-terminal RRM. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:2935-2944. [PMID: 30718402 PMCID: PMC6386705 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1808696116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HuR is a pivotal player in binding mRNAs containing AU-rich elements and regulating their stability and decay. HuR embeds three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs). The function of RRM3 is not completely understood, and the structure of the entire Hu protein family is so far unknown. Here, we provide structural and mechanistic insights into how HuR RRM3 discriminates between U-rich and AU-rich targets. RRM3 uses additional mechanisms, like multiple-register binding and homodimerization, to fine-tune its affinity for RNA. These results highlight the multifunctional role of HuR RRM3 but also the subtle adaptability of RRMs, the most abundant RNA-binding domain in eukaryotes. Since elevated HuR levels are associated with disease, our structure may help develop new therapeutic strategies. Human antigen R (HuR) is a key regulator of cellular mRNAs containing adenylate/uridylate–rich elements (AU-rich elements; AREs). These are a major class of cis elements within 3′ untranslated regions, targeting these mRNAs for rapid degradation. HuR contains three RNA recognition motifs (RRMs): a tandem RRM1 and 2, followed by a flexible linker and a C-terminal RRM3. While RRM1 and 2 are structurally characterized, little is known about RRM3. Here we present a 1.9-Å-resolution crystal structure of RRM3 bound to different ARE motifs. This structure together with biophysical methods and cell-culture assays revealed the mechanism of RRM3 ARE recognition and dimerization. While multiple RNA motifs can be bound, recognition of the canonical AUUUA pentameric motif is possible by binding to two registers. Additionally, RRM3 forms homodimers to increase its RNA binding affinity. Finally, although HuR stabilizes ARE-containing RNAs, we found that RRM3 counteracts this effect, as shown in a cell-based ARE reporter assay and by qPCR with native HuR mRNA targets containing multiple AUUUA motifs, possibly by competing with RRM12.
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Zarei M, Lal S, Vaziri-Gohar A, O'Hayer K, Gunda V, Singh PK, Brody JR, Winter JM. RNA-Binding Protein HuR Regulates Both Mutant and Wild-Type IDH1 in IDH1-Mutated Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:508-520. [PMID: 30266754 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the most commonly mutated metabolic enzyme in human malignancy. A heterozygous genetic alteration, arginine 132, promotes the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). Although pharmacologic inhibitors of mutant IDH1 are promising, resistance mechanisms to targeted therapy are not understood. Additionally, the role of wild-type IDH1 (WT.IDH1) in cancer requires further study. Recently, it was observed that the regulatory RNA-binding protein, HuR (ELAVL1), protects nutrient-deprived cancer cells without IDH1 mutations, by stabilizing WT.IDH1 transcripts. In the present study, a similar regulatory effect on both mutant (Mut.IDH1) and WT.IDH1 transcripts in heterozygous IDH1-mutant tumors is observed. In ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assays of IDH1-mutant cell lines, wild-type and mutant IDH1 mRNAs each bound to HuR. Both isoforms were profoundly downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels after genetic suppression of HuR (siRNAs or CRISPR deletion) in HT1080 (R132C IDH1 mutation) and BT054 cells (R132H). Proliferation and invasion were adversely affected after HuR suppression and metabolomic studies revealed a reduction in Pentose Phosphate Pathway metabolites, nucleotide precursors, and 2-HG levels. HuR-deficient cells were especially sensitive to stress, including low glucose conditions or a mutant IDH1 inhibitor (AGI-5198). IDH1-mutant cancer cells were rescued by WT.IDH1 overexpression to a greater extent than Mut.IDH1 overexpression under these conditions. This study reveals the importance of HuR's regulation of both mutant and wild-type IDH1 in tumors harboring a heterozygous IDH1 mutation with implications for therapy. IMPLICATIONS: This study highlights the HuR-IDH1 (mutant and wild-type IDH1) regulatory axis as a critical, actionable therapeutic target in IDH1-mutated cancer, and incomplete blockade of the entire HuR-IDH1 survival axis would likely diminish the efficacy of drugs that selectively target only the mutant isoenzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Zarei
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shruti Lal
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research; Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center; Jefferson Medical College; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ali Vaziri-Gohar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research; Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center; Jefferson Medical College; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kevin O'Hayer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research; Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center; Jefferson Medical College; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Venugopal Gunda
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research; Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center; Jefferson Medical College; Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jordan M Winter
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals; Case Western University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Exploration of ligand binding modes towards the identification of compounds targeting HuR: a combined STD-NMR and Molecular Modelling approach. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13780. [PMID: 30214075 PMCID: PMC6137155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32084-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional processes have been recognised as pivotal in the control of gene expression, and impairments in RNA processing are reported in several pathologies (i.e., cancer and neurodegeneration). Focusing on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), the involvement of Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) or Hu proteins and their complexes with target mRNAs in the aetiology of various dysfunctions, has suggested the great potential of compounds able to interfere with the complex stability as an innovative pharmacological strategy for the treatment of numerous diseases. Here, we present a rational follow-up investigation of the interaction between ELAV isoform HuR and structurally-related compounds (i.e., flavonoids and coumarins), naturally decorated with different functional groups, by means of STD-NMR and Molecular Modelling. Our results represent the foundation for the development of potent and selective ligands able to interfere with ELAV–RNA complexes.
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Filippova N, Yang X, An Z, Nabors LB, Pereboeva L. Blocking PD1/PDL1 Interactions Together with MLN4924 Therapy is a Potential Strategy for Glioma Treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 10:190-197. [PMID: 30393513 PMCID: PMC6214201 DOI: 10.4172/1948-5956.1000543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: MLN4924, a pharmacological inhibitor of cullin neddylation, resulted in glioma cell apoptosis, deregulation of the S-phase of DNA synthesis and thus, offers great potential for the treatment of brain tumours. However, targeting the neddylation pathway with an MLN4924 treatment stabilized the hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), which is one of the main transcriptional enhancers of the immune checkpoint molecule PDL1 (programmid death ligand-1) in cancer cells. The influence of immune checkpoint molecules on glioma progression has recently been discovered; PDL1 overexpression in gliomas corresponds to a significant shortening of patient survival and a decrease of the anti-tumour immune response. We hypothesize that i) PDL1 is up-regulated in gliomas after treatment with MLN4924 and induces T-cell energy; ii) co-utilization of the PD1/PDL1 blockage with MLN4924 therapy may reduce T-cell energy and may engage MLN4924-induced tumour disruption with the immune response. Methods: PDL1 expression and its immunosuppressive role in gliomas, glioma microenvironments, and after treatments with MLN4924 were assessed by utilizing methods of immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Results: We confirmed PDL1 overexpression in clinical brain tumour samples, PDGx and established glioma cell lines, extracellular media from glioma cells, and CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) samples from tumour-bearing mice. Our primary T-cell based assays verified that the up-regulation of PDL1 in tumour cells protects gliomas from T-cell treatment and reduces T-cell activation. We found that a pharmacological inhibitor of cullin neddylation, MLN4924, exhibited strong cytotoxicity towards PDGx and established glioma cell lines, in vitro, with an IC50’s range from 0.2 to 3 uM. However, we observed a significant increase of HIF1A and PDL1 in mRNA and protein levels in all glioma cell lines after treatment with MLN4924. The MLN4924-dependent induction of PDL1 in gliomas resulted in T-cell energy, which was blocked by a blockage of the PD1/PDL1 interaction. Conclusion: We conclude that i) PDL1 up-regulation in gliomas and the glioma microenvironment is an important chemotherapeutic target; ii) MLN4924 therapy, combined with a blockage of the PD1/PDL1 pathway, should be considered as a potential strategy for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Zixiao An
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Larisa Pereboeva
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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