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Zhu W, Zhou Y, Guo L, Feng S. Biological function of sialic acid and sialylation in human health and disease. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:415. [PMID: 39349440 PMCID: PMC11442784 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02180-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids are predominantly found at the terminal ends of glycoproteins and glycolipids and play key roles in cellular communication and function. The process of sialylation, a form of post-translational modification, involves the covalent attachment of sialic acid to the terminal residues of oligosaccharides and glycoproteins. This modification not only provides a layer of electrostatic repulsion to cells but also serves as a receptor for various biological signaling pathways. Sialylation is involved in several pathophysiological processes. Given its multifaceted involvement in cellular functions, sialylation presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Current studies are exploring agents that target sialic acid residues on sialoglycans or the sialylation process. These efforts are particularly focused on the fields of cancer therapy, stroke treatment, antiviral strategies, and therapies for central nervous system disorders. In this review, we aimed to summarize the biological functions of sialic acid and the process of sialylation, explore their roles in various pathophysiological contexts, and discuss their potential applications in the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wengen Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linjuan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China.
| | - Shenghui Feng
- Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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2
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Silva AD, Hwang J, Marciel MP, Bellis SL. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 promote upregulation of the ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase in pancreatic cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107752. [PMID: 39260693 PMCID: PMC11470512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase is overexpressed in multiple cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). ST6GAL1 adds an α2-6-linked sialic acid to N-glycosylated membrane receptors, which consequently modulates receptor structure and function. While many studies have investigated the effects of ST6GAL1 on cell phenotype, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding mechanisms that regulate ST6GAL1 expression. In the current study, we evaluated the regulation of ST6GAL1 by two pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6, which are abundant within the PDAC tumor microenvironment. Cytokine activity was monitored using the Suit-2 PDAC cell line and two Suit-2-derived metastatic subclones, S2-013 and S2-LM7AA. For all three cell models, treatment with IL-1β or IL-6 increased the expression of ST6GAL1 protein and mRNA. Specifically, IL-1β and IL-6 induced expression of the ST6GAL1 YZ mRNA isoform, which is driven by the P3 promoter. The ST6GAL1 H and X isoforms were not detected. Promoter reporter assays confirmed that IL-1β and IL-6 activated transcription from the P3 promoter. We then examined downstream signaling mechanisms. IL-1β is known to signal through the NFκB transcription factor, whereas IL-6 signals through the STAT3 transcription factor. CUT&RUN experiments revealed that IL-1β promoted the binding of NFκB to the ST6GAL1 P3 promoter, and IL-6 induced the binding of STAT3 to the P3 promoter. Finally, we determined that inhibitors of NFκB and STAT3 blocked the upregulation of ST6GAL1 stimulated by IL-1β and IL-6, respectively. Together, these results highlight a novel molecular pathway by which cytokines within the tumor microenvironment stimulate the upregulation of ST6GAL1 in PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin D Silva
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael P Marciel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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3
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Isaji T, Gu J. Novel regulatory mechanisms of N-glycan sialylation: Implication of integrin and focal adhesion kinase in the regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130617. [PMID: 38614280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130617] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sialylation of glycoproteins, including integrins, is crucial in various cancers and diseases such as immune disorders. These modifications significantly impact cellular functions and are associated with cancer progression. Sialylation, catalyzed by specific sialyltransferases (STs), has traditionally been considered to be regulated at the mRNA level. SCOPE OF REVIEW Recent research has expanded our understanding of sialylation, revealing ST activity changes beyond mRNA level variations. This includes insights into COPI vesicle formation and Golgi apparatus maintenance and identifying specific target proteins of STs that are not predictable through recombinant enzyme assays. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes that Golgi-associated pathways largely influence the regulation of STs. GOLPH3, GORAB, PI4K, and FAK have become critical elements in sialylation regulation. Some STs have been revealed to possess specificity for specific target proteins, suggesting the presence of additional, enzyme-specific regulatory mechanisms. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This study enhances our understanding of the molecular interplay in sialylation regulation, mainly focusing on the role of integrin and FAK. It proposes a bidirectional system where sialylations might influence integrins and vice versa. The diversity of STs and their specific linkages offer new perspectives in cancer research, potentially broadening our understanding of cellular mechanisms and opening avenues for new therapeutic approaches in targeting sialylation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Isaji
- Division of Regulatory Glycobiology, Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan.
| | - Jianguo Gu
- Division of Regulatory Glycobiology, Institute of Molecular Biomembrane and Glycobiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1 Komatsushima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan.
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4
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Zhang SZ, Lobo A, Li PF, Zhang YF. Sialylated glycoproteins and sialyltransferases in digestive cancers: Mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 197:104330. [PMID: 38556071 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104330] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Sialic acid (SA), as the ultimate epitope of polysaccharides, can act as a cap at the end of polysaccharide chains to prevent their overextension. Sialylation is the enzymatic process of transferring SA residues onto polysaccharides and is catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as sialyltransferases (SiaTs). It is noteworthy that the sialylation level of glycoproteins is significantly altered when digestive cancer occurs. And this alteration exhibits a close correlation with the progression of these cancers. In this review, from the perspective of altered SiaTs expression levels and changed glycoprotein sialylation patterns, we summarize the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we propose potential early diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators for different digestive cancers. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic value of sialylation in digestive system cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Ze Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Amara Lobo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine Holy Family Hospital, St Andrew's Road, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050, India
| | - Pei-Feng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
| | - Yin-Feng Zhang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.
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Perez-Moreno E, Oyanadel C, de la Peña A, Hernández R, Pérez-Molina F, Metz C, González A, Soza A. Galectins in epithelial-mesenchymal transition: roles and mechanisms contributing to tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer metastasis. Biol Res 2024; 57:14. [PMID: 38570874 PMCID: PMC10993482 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00490-5] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Galectins are soluble glycan-binding proteins that interact with a wide range of glycoproteins and glycolipids and modulate a broad spectrum of physiological and pathological processes. The expression and subcellular localization of different galectins vary among tissues and cell types and change during processes of tissue repair, fibrosis and cancer where epithelial cells loss differentiation while acquiring migratory mesenchymal phenotypes. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in the context of these processes can include modifications of glycosylation patterns of glycolipids and glycoproteins affecting their interactions with galectins. Moreover, overexpression of certain galectins has been involved in the development and different outcomes of EMT. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of Galectin-1 (Gal-1), Gal-3, Gal-4, Gal-7 and Gal-8, which have been involved in physiologic and pathogenic EMT contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Perez-Moreno
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Oyanadel
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Químicas, Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Adely de la Peña
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ronny Hernández
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Pérez-Molina
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Metz
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfonso González
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Andrea Soza
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia (CCTE) Ciencia y Vida, Santiago, Chile.
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Liu J, Dong X, Xie R, Tang Y, Thomas AM, Li S, Liu S, Yu M, Qin H. N-linked α2,6-sialylation of integrin β1 by the sialyltransferase ST6Gal1 promotes cell proliferation and stemness in gestational trophoblastic disease. Placenta 2024; 149:18-28. [PMID: 38490094 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) encompasses a spectrum of rare pre-malignant and malignant entities originating from trophoblastic tissue, including partial hydatidiform mole, complete hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma. β-galactoside α2,6 sialyltransferase 1 (ST6Gal1), the primary sialyltransferase responsible for the addition of α2,6 sialic acids, is strongly associated with the occurrence and development of several tumor types. However, the role of ST6Gal1/α2,6 -sialylation of trophoblast cells in GTD is still not well understood. METHODS The expression of ST6Gal1 was investigated in GTD and human immortalized trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells and human gestational choriocarcinoma JAR cells. We evaluated the effect of ST6Gal1 on proliferation and stemness of trophoblastic cells. We also examined the effect of internal miR-199a-5p on ST6Gal1 expression. The role of ST6Gal1 in regulating α2,6-sialylated integrin β1 and its significance in the activation of integrin β1/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway were also explored. RESULTS ST6Gal1 was observed to be highly expressed in GTD. Overexpression of ST6Gal1 promoted the proliferation and stemness of HTR-8/SVneo cells, whereas knockdown of ST6Gal1 suppressed the viability and stemness of JAR cells. MiR-199a-5p targeted and inhibited the expression of ST6Gal1 in trophoblastic cells. In addition, we revealed integrin β1 was highly α2,6-sialylated in JAR cells. Inhibition of ST6Gal1 reduced α2,6-sialylation on integrin β1 and suppressed the integrin β1/FAK pathway in JAR cells, thereby affecting its biological functions. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that ST6Gal1 plays important roles in promoting proliferation and stemness through the integrin β1 signaling pathway in GTD. Therefore, ST6Gal1 may have a potential role in the occurrence and development of GTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, China
| | - Xinyue Dong
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China; Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ru Xie
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Aline M Thomas
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Huamin Qin
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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7
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Melrose J. Hippo cell signaling and HS-proteoglycans regulate tissue form and function, age-dependent maturation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and repair. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C810-C828. [PMID: 38223931 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00683.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This review examined how Hippo cell signaling and heparan sulfate (HS)-proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate tissue form and function. Despite being a nonweight-bearing tissue, the brain is regulated by Hippo mechanoresponsive cell signaling pathways during embryonic development. HS-proteoglycans interact with growth factors, morphogens, and extracellular matrix components to regulate development and pathology. Pikachurin and Eyes shut (Eys) interact with dystroglycan to stabilize the photoreceptor axoneme primary cilium and ribbon synapse facilitating phototransduction and neurotransduction with bipolar retinal neuronal networks in ocular vision, the primary human sense. Another HSPG, Neurexin interacts with structural and adaptor proteins to stabilize synapses and ensure specificity of neural interactions, and aids in synaptic potentiation and plasticity in neurotransduction. HSPGs also stabilize the blood-brain barrier and motor neuron basal structures in the neuromuscular junction. Agrin and perlecan localize acetylcholinesterase and its receptors in the neuromuscular junction essential for neuromuscular control. The primary cilium is a mechanosensory hub on neurons, utilized by YES associated protein (YAP)-transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) Hippo, Hh, Wnt, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone matrix protein (BMP) receptor tyrosine kinase cell signaling. Members of the glypican HSPG proteoglycan family interact with Smoothened and Patched G-protein coupled receptors on the cilium to regulate Hh and Wnt signaling during neuronal development. Control of glycosyl sulfotransferases and endogenous protease expression by Hippo TAZ YAP represents a mechanism whereby the fine structure of HS-proteoglycans can be potentially modulated spatiotemporally to regulate tissue morphogenesis in a similar manner to how Hippo signaling controls sialyltransferase expression and mediation of cell-cell recognition, dysfunctional sialic acid expression is a feature of many tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Agarwal K, Choudhury B, Robinson LS, Morrill SR, Bouchibiti Y, Chilin-Fuentes D, Rosenthal SB, Fisch KM, Peipert JF, Lebrilla CB, Allsworth JE, Lewis AL, Lewis WG. Resident microbes shape the vaginal epithelial glycan landscape. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabp9599. [PMID: 38019934 PMCID: PMC11419735 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abp9599] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells are covered in carbohydrates (glycans). This glycan coat or "glycocalyx" interfaces directly with microbes, providing a protective barrier against potential pathogens. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition associated with adverse health outcomes in which bacteria reside in direct proximity to the vaginal epithelium. Some of these bacteria, including Gardnerella, produce glycosyl hydrolase enzymes. However, glycans of the human vaginal epithelial surface have not been studied in detail. Here, we elucidate key characteristics of the "normal" vaginal epithelial glycan landscape and analyze the impact of resident microbes on the surface glycocalyx. In human BV, glycocalyx staining was visibly diminished in electron micrographs compared to controls. Biochemical and mass spectrometric analysis showed that, compared to normal vaginal epithelial cells, BV cells were depleted of sialylated N- and O-glycans, with underlying galactose residues exposed on the surface. Treatment of primary epithelial cells from BV-negative women with recombinant Gardnerella sialidases generated BV-like glycan phenotypes. Exposure of cultured VK2 vaginal epithelial cells to recombinant Gardnerella sialidase led to desialylation of glycans and induction of pathways regulating cell death, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. These data provide evidence that vaginal epithelial cells exhibit an altered glycan landscape in BV and suggest that BV-associated glycosidic enzymes may lead to changes in epithelial gene transcription that promote cell turnover and regulate responses toward the resident microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Agarwal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Biswa Choudhury
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Lloyd S. Robinson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Sydney R. Morrill
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Yasmine Bouchibiti
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - Daisy Chilin-Fuentes
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Sara B. Rosenthal
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey F. Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America
| | - Carlito B. Lebrilla
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - Jenifer E. Allsworth
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Warren G. Lewis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
- Glycobiology Research and Training Center, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
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9
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Bhalerao N, Chakraborty A, Marciel MP, Hwang J, Britain CM, Silva AD, Eltoum IE, Jones RB, Alexander KL, Smythies LE, Smith PD, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, Shin B, Harrington LE, Yan Z, Bethea MM, Hunter CS, Klug CA, Buchsbaum DJ, Bellis SL. ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase promotes acinar to ductal metaplasia and pancreatic cancer progression. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e161563. [PMID: 37643018 PMCID: PMC10619436 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of aberrant glycosylation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an under-investigated area of research. In this study, we determined that ST6 β-galactoside α2,6 sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1), which adds α2,6-linked sialic acids to N-glycosylated proteins, was upregulated in patients with early-stage PDAC and was further increased in advanced disease. A tumor-promoting function for ST6GAL1 was elucidated using tumor xenograft experiments with human PDAC cells. Additionally, we developed a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model with transgenic expression of ST6GAL1 in the pancreas and found that mice with dual expression of ST6GAL1 and oncogenic KRASG12D had greatly accelerated PDAC progression compared with mice expressing KRASG12D alone. As ST6GAL1 imparts progenitor-like characteristics, we interrogated ST6GAL1's role in acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM), a process that fosters neoplasia by reprogramming acinar cells into ductal, progenitor-like cells. We verified ST6GAL1 promotes ADM using multiple models including the 266-6 cell line, GEM-derived organoids and tissues, and an in vivo model of inflammation-induced ADM. EGFR is a key driver of ADM and is known to be activated by ST6GAL1-mediated sialylation. Importantly, EGFR activation was dramatically increased in acinar cells and organoids from mice with transgenic ST6GAL1 expression. These collective results highlight a glycosylation-dependent mechanism involved in early stages of pancreatic neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Boyoung Shin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | | | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology
| | | | | | | | - Donald J. Buchsbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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10
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Jones RB, Silva AD, Ankenbauer KE, Britain CM, Chakraborty A, Brown JA, Ballinger SW, Bellis SL. Role of the ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase in regulating ovarian cancer cell metabolism. Glycobiology 2023; 33:626-636. [PMID: 37364046 PMCID: PMC10560082 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase, which adds α2-6-linked sialic acids to N-glycosylated proteins, is upregulated in many malignancies including ovarian cancer. Through its activity in sialylating select surface receptors, ST6GAL1 modulates intracellular signaling to regulate tumor cell phenotype. ST6GAL1 has previously been shown to act as a survival factor that protects cancer cells from cytotoxic stressors such as hypoxia. In the present study, we investigated a role for ST6GAL1 in tumor cell metabolism. ST6GAL1 was overexpressed (OE) in OV4 ovarian cancer cells, which have low endogenous ST6GAL1, or knocked-down (KD) in ID8 ovarian cancer cells, which have high endogenous ST6GAL1. OV4 and ID8 cells with modulated ST6GAL1 expression were grown under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, and metabolism was assessed using Seahorse technology. Results showed that cells with high ST6GAL1 expression maintained a higher rate of oxidative metabolism than control cells following treatment with the hypoxia mimetic, desferrioxamine (DFO). This enrichment was not due to an increase in mitochondrial number. Glycolytic metabolism was also increased in OV4 and ID8 cells with high ST6GAL1 expression, and these cells displayed greater activity of the glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase. Metabolism maps were generated from the combined Seahorse data, which suggested that ST6GAL1 functions to enhance the overall metabolism of tumor cells. Finally, we determined that OV4 and ID8 cells with high ST6GAL1 expression were more invasive under conditions of hypoxia. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of sialylation in regulating the metabolic phenotype of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Jones
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Austin D Silva
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Katherine E Ankenbauer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Colleen M Britain
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Asmi Chakraborty
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Jamelle A Brown
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Scott W Ballinger
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35298, United States
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11
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Ankenbauer KE, Rao TC, Mattheyses AL, Bellis SL. Sialylation of EGFR by ST6GAL1 induces receptor activation and modulates trafficking dynamics. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105217. [PMID: 37660914 PMCID: PMC10520885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105217] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of a cancer cell. One prevalent alteration is an enrichment in α2,6-linked sialylation of N-glycosylated proteins, a modification directed by the ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase. ST6GAL1 is upregulated in many malignancies including ovarian cancer. Prior studies have shown that the addition of α2,6 sialic acid to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activates this receptor, although the mechanism was largely unknown. To investigate the role of ST6GAL1 in EGFR activation, ST6GAL1 was overexpressed in the OV4 ovarian cancer line, which lacks endogenous ST6GAL1, or knocked-down in the OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-5 ovarian cancer lines, which have robust ST6GAL1 expression. Cells with high expression of ST6GAL1 displayed increased activation of EGFR and its downstream signaling targets, AKT and NFκB. Using biochemical and microscopy approaches, including total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we determined that the α2,6 sialylation of EGFR promoted its dimerization and higher order oligomerization. Additionally, ST6GAL1 activity was found to modulate EGFR trafficking dynamics following EGF-induced receptor activation. Specifically, EGFR sialylation enhanced receptor recycling to the cell surface following activation while simultaneously inhibiting lysosomal degradation. 3D widefield deconvolution microscopy confirmed that in cells with high ST6GAL1 expression, EGFR exhibited greater colocalization with Rab11 recycling endosomes and reduced colocalization with LAMP1-positive lysosomes. Collectively, our findings highlight a novel mechanism by which α2,6 sialylation promotes EGFR signaling by facilitating receptor oligomerization and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Ankenbauer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tejeshwar C Rao
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Alexa L Mattheyses
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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12
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Al Saoud R, Hamrouni A, Idris A, Mousa WK, Abu Izneid T. Recent advances in the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors to control cancer metastasis: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115091. [PMID: 37421784 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer-associated mortalities, representing a huge health and economic burden. One of the mechanisms that enables metastasis is hypersialylation, characterized by an overabundance of sialylated glycans on the tumor surface, which leads to repulsion and detachment of cells from the original tumor. Once the tumor cells are mobilized, sialylated glycans hijack the natural killer T-cells through self-molecular mimicry and activatea downstream cascade of molecular events that result in inhibition of cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses against cancer cells, ultimately leading to immune evasion. Sialylation is mediated by a family of enzymes known as sialyltransferases (STs), which catalyse the transfer of sialic acid residue from the donor, CMP-sialic acid, onto the terminal end of an acceptor such as N-acetylgalactosamine on the cell-surface. Upregulation of STs increases tumor hypersialylation by up to 60% which is considered a distinctive hallmark of several types of cancers such as pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancer. Therefore, inhibiting STs has emerged as a potential strategy to prevent metastasis. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the recent advances in designing novel sialyltransferase inhibitors using ligand-based drug design and high-throughput screening of natural and synthetic entities, emphasizing the most successful approaches. We analyse the limitations and challenges of designing selective, potent, and cell-permeable ST inhibitors that hindered further development of ST inhibitors into clinical trials. We conclude by analysing emerging opportunities, including advanced delivery methods which further increase the potential of these inhibitors to enrich the clinics with novel therapeutics to combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim Al Saoud
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amar Hamrouni
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adi Idris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, QLD, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Walaa K Mousa
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq Abu Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, P.O. Box 112612, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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13
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Ankenbauer KE, Rao TC, Mattheyses AL, Bellis SL. Sialylation of EGFR by ST6GAL1 induces receptor activation and modulates trafficking dynamics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.03.543566. [PMID: 37398202 PMCID: PMC10312608 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.03.543566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of a cancer cell. One prevalent alteration is an enrichment in α2,6-linked sialylation of N-glycosylated proteins, a modification directed by the ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase. ST6GAL1 is upregulated in many malignancies including ovarian cancer. Prior studies have shown that the addition of α2,6 sialic acid to the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activates this receptor, although the mechanism was largely unknown. To investigate the role of ST6GAL1 in EGFR activation, ST6GAL1 was overexpressed in the OV4 ovarian cancer line, which lacks endogenous ST6GAL1, or knocked down in the OVCAR-3 and OVCAR-5 ovarian cancer lines, which have robust ST6GAL1 expression. Cells with high expression of ST6GAL1 displayed increased activation of EGFR and its downstream signaling targets, AKT and NFκB. Using biochemical and microscopy approaches, including Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we determined that the α2,6 sialylation of EGFR promoted its dimerization and higher order oligomerization. Additionally, ST6GAL1 activity was found to modulate EGFR trafficking dynamics following EGF-induced receptor activation. Specifically, EGFR sialylation enhanced receptor recycling to the cell surface following activation while simultaneously inhibiting lysosomal degradation. 3D widefield deconvolution microscopy confirmed that in cells with high ST6GAL1 expression, EGFR exhibited greater co-localization with Rab11 recycling endosomes and reduced co-localization with LAMP1-positive lysosomes. Collectively, our findings highlight a novel mechanism by which α2,6 sialylation promotes EGFR signaling by facilitating receptor oligomerization and recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Ankenbauer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Tejeshwar C. Rao
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Alexa L. Mattheyses
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Susan L. Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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14
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Chandler KB, Pavan CH, Cotto Aparicio HG, Sackstein R. Enrichment and nLC-MS/MS Analysis of Head and Neck Cancer Mucinome Glycoproteins. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:1231-1244. [PMID: 36971183 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Mucin-domain glycoproteins expressed on cancer cell surfaces play central roles in cell adhesion, cancer progression, stem cell renewal, and immune evasion. Despite abundant evidence that mucin-domain glycoproteins are critical to the pathobiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), our knowledge of the composition of that mucinome is grossly incomplete. Here, we utilized a catalytically inactive point mutant of the enzyme StcE (StcEE447D) to capture mucin-domain glycoproteins in head and neck cancer cell line lysates followed by their characterization using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), in-gel digestion, nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS), and enrichment analyses. We demonstrate the feasibility of this workflow for the study of mucin-domain glycoproteins in HNSCC, identify a set of mucin-domain glycoproteins common to multiple HNSCC cell lines, and report a subset of mucin-domain glycoproteins that are uniquely expressed in HSC-3 cells, a cell line derived from a highly aggressive metastatic tongue squamous cell carcinoma. This effort represents the first attempt to identify mucin-domain glycoproteins in HNSCC in an untargeted, unbiased analysis, paving the way for a more comprehensive characterization of the mucinome components that mediate aggressive tumor cell phenotypes. Data associated with this study have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the data set identifier PXD029420.
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15
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Zhang X, Xu CH, Mo J, Zheng XJ, Chen YF, Yang AQ, Zhang YH, Wang PY, Yuan X, Ye XS. Self-Assembled Core-Shell Nanoscale Coordination Polymer Nanoparticles Carrying a Sialyltransferase Inhibitor for Cancer Metastasis Inhibition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:7713-7724. [PMID: 36728365 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite hypersialylation of cancer cells together with a significant upregulation of sialyltransferase (ST) activity contributes to the metastatic cascade at multiple levels, there are few dedicated tools to interfere with their expression. Although transition state-based ST inhibitors are well-established, they are not membrane permeable. To tackle this problem, herein, we design and construct long-circulating, self-assembled core-shell nanoscale coordination polymer (NCP) nanoparticles carrying a transition state-based ST inhibitor, which make the inhibitor transmembrane and potently strip diverse sialoglycans from various cancer cells. In the experimental lung metastasis and metastasis prevention models, the nanoparticle device (NCP/STI) significantly inhibits metastases formation without systemic toxicity. This strategy enables ST inhibitors to be applied to cells and animals by providing them with a well-designed nanodelivery system. Our work opens a new avenue to the development of transition state-based ST inhibitors and demonstrates that NCP/STI holds great promise in achieving metastases inhibition for multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cheng-Hao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Juan Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiu-Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yan-Fang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - An-Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi-Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Peng-Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin-Shan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Chemical Biology Center, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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16
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ST6GAL1 inhibits metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via modulating sialylation of MCAM on cell surface. Oncogene 2023; 42:516-529. [PMID: 36528750 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mainly because of its high rate of metastasis. Thus, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC metastasis is of great significance. Glycosylation is an important post-translational modification that is closely associated with tumor progression. Altered glycosylation including the altered sialylation resulting from aberrant expression of β-galactoside α2,6 sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) has long been considered as an important feature of cancer cells. However, there is limited information on the roles of ST6GAL1 and α2,6 sialylation in HCC metastasis. Here, we found that ST6GAL1 and α2,6 sialylation were negatively correlated with the metastatic potentials of HCC cells. Moreover, ST6GAL1 overexpression inhibited migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and suppressed HCC metastasis in vivo. Using a metabolic labeling-based glycoproteomic strategy, we identified a list of sialylated proteins that may be regulated by ST6GAL1. In particular, an increase in α2,6 sialylation of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) inhibited its interaction with galectin-3 and decreased its expression on cell surface. In vitro and in vivo analysis showed that ST6GAL1 exerted its function in HCC metastasis by regulating MCAM expression. Finally, we found the relative intensity of sialylated MCAM was negatively correlated with tumor malignancy in HCC patients. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ST6GAL1 may be an HCC metastasis suppressor by affecting sialylation of MCAM on cell surface, which provides a novel insight into the roles of ST6GAL1 in HCC progression and supports the functional complexity of ST6GAL1 in a cancer type- and tissue type-specific manner.
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17
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Nag S, Mandal A, Joshi A, Jain N, Srivastava RS, Singh S, Khattri A. Sialyltransferases and Neuraminidases: Potential Targets for Cancer Treatment. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10040114. [PMID: 36547200 PMCID: PMC9777960 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are the leading cause of death, causing around 10 million deaths annually by 2020. The most common cancers are those affecting the breast, lungs, colon, and rectum. However, it has been noted that cancer metastasis is more lethal than just cancer incidence and accounts for more than 90% of cancer deaths. Thus, early detection and prevention of cancer metastasis have the capability to save millions of lives. Finding novel biomarkers and targets for screening, determination of prognosis, targeted therapies, etc., are ways of doing so. In this review, we propose various sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the most common cancers, along with a few rare ones, on the basis of existing experimental and in silico data. This compilation of available cancer studies aiming at sialyltransferases and neuraminidases will serve as a guide for scientists and researchers working on possible targets for various cancers and will also provide data about the existing drugs which inhibit the action of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagorika Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abhimanyu Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Aryaman Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Division of Cancer Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ravi Shanker Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacology, Career Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Lucknow 226020, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arun Khattri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-70-6811-1755
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18
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Huang J, Huang J, Zhang G. Insights into the Role of Sialylation in Cancer Metastasis, Immunity, and Therapeutic Opportunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5840. [PMID: 36497322 PMCID: PMC9737300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialylation is an enzymatic process that covalently attaches sialic acids to glycoproteins and glycolipids and terminates them by creating sialic acid-containing glycans (sialoglycans). Sialoglycans, usually located in the outmost layers of cells, play crucial biological roles, notably in tumor transformation, growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. Thus, a deeper comprehension of sialylation in cancer will help to facilitate the development of innovative cancer therapies. Cancer sialylation-related articles have consistently increased over the last four years. The primary subjects of these studies are sialylation, cancer, immunotherapy, and metastasis. Tumor cells activate endothelial cells and metastasize to distant organs in part by the interactions of abnormally sialylated integrins with selectins. Furthermore, cancer sialylation masks tumor antigenic epitopes and induces an immunosuppressive environment, allowing cancer cells to escape immune monitoring. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes develop different recognition epitopes for glycosylated and nonglycosylated peptides. Therefore, targeting tumor-derived sialoglycans is a promising approach to cancer treatments for limiting the dissemination of tumor cells, revealing immunogenic tumor antigens, and boosting anti-cancer immunity. Exploring the exact tumor sialoglycans may facilitate the identification of new glycan targets, paving the way for the development of customized cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianmei Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Jianming Huang
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sichuan Cancer Institute, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guonan Zhang
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China
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Marciel MP, Haldar B, Hwang J, Bhalerao N, Bellis SL. Role of tumor cell sialylation in pancreatic cancer progression. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 157:123-155. [PMID: 36725107 PMCID: PMC11342334 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies and is currently the third leading cause of cancer death. The aggressiveness of PDAC stems from late diagnosis, early metastasis, and poor efficacy of current chemotherapies. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective biomarkers for early detection of PDAC and development of new therapeutic strategies. It has long been known that cellular glycosylation is dysregulated in pancreatic cancer cells, however, tumor-associated glycans and their cognate glycosylating enzymes have received insufficient attention as potential clinical targets. Aberrant glycosylation affects a broad range of pathways that underpin tumor initiation, metastatic progression, and resistance to cancer treatment. One of the prevalent alterations in the cancer glycome is an enrichment in a select group of sialylated glycans including sialylated, branched N-glycans, sialyl Lewis antigens, and sialylated forms of truncated O-glycans such as the sialyl Tn antigen. These modifications affect the activity of numerous cell surface receptors, which collectively impart malignant characteristics typified by enhanced cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis-resistance. Additionally, sialic acids on tumor cells engage inhibitory Siglec receptors on immune cells to dampen anti-tumor immunity, further promoting cancer progression. The goal of this review is to summarize the predominant changes in sialylation occurring in pancreatic cancer, the biological functions of sialylated glycoproteins in cancer pathogenesis, and the emerging strategies for targeting sialoglycans and Siglec receptors in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Marciel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Barnita Haldar
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Nikita Bhalerao
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
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20
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Aberrant Sialylation in Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174248. [PMID: 36077781 PMCID: PMC9454432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The surface of every eukaryotic cell is coated in a thick layer of glycans that acts as a key interface with the extracellular environment. Cancer cells have a different ‘glycan coat’ to healthy cells and aberrant glycosylation is a universal feature of cancer cells linked to all of the cancer hallmarks. This means glycans hold huge potential for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. One key change in tumour glycosylation is increased sialylation, both on N-glycans and O-glycans, which leads to a dense forest of sialylated structures covering the cell surface. This hypersialylation has far-reaching consequences for cancer cells, and sialylated glycans are fundamental in tumour growth, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance. The development of strategies to inhibit aberrant sialylation in cancer represents an important opportunity to develop new therapeutics. Here, I summarise recent advances to target aberrant sialylation in cancer, including the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors and strategies to inhibit Siglecs and Selectins, and discuss opportunities for the future.
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21
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Zhou L, Wu H, Bai X, Min S, Zhang J, Li C. O-Glycosylating Enzyme GALNT2 Predicts Worse Prognosis in Cervical Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610554. [PMID: 36110252 PMCID: PMC9469784 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Identification of novel biomarkers is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. Mucin glycosylating enzyme GALNT2 modulates mucin O-glycosylation, and has been revealed as a regulator of tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, the expression pattern of GALNT2 in cervical cancer is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the mRNA expression and protein level of GALNT2 were increased in cervical high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and tumor tissues compared with normal cervix tissues. Kaplan-Meier plotter showed that overexpression of GALNT2 was associated with worse overall survival in TCGA cohort (p < 0.001, HR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.62–4.34) and poor disease free survival in GSE44001 cohort (p = 0.0218, HR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.14–4.06). In addition, GSEA analysis showed that various immune-related pathways were closely related to the expression of GALNT2 in cervical cancer. Moreover, co-expression of GALNT2 and IL1A, IL1B, IL11, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCR1, or CCR3 predicted poor overall survival, and the expression of GALNT2 also affected the prognostic value of CD47, CD274, CD276, CSF1R, TNFSF9, and TNFSF11 in cervical cancer patients. These findings suggest that GALNT2 might be used as a prognostic biomarker in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiqin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Songjiang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingli Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyun Min
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiawen Zhang, ; Cunli Li,
| | - Cunli Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiawen Zhang, ; Cunli Li,
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22
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GC S, Bellis SL, Hjelmeland AB. ST6Gal1: Oncogenic signaling pathways and targets. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:962908. [PMID: 36106023 PMCID: PMC9465715 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.962908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Golgi-sialyltransferase ST6Gal1 (βgalactosidase α2,6 sialyltransferase 1), adds the negatively charged sugar, sialic acid, to the terminal galactose of N-glycosylated proteins. Upregulation of ST6Gal1 is observed in many malignancies, and a large body of research has determined that ST6Gal1-mediated α2,6 sialylation impacts cancer hallmarks. ST6Gal1 affects oncogenic behaviors including sustained proliferation, enhanced self-renewal, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and chemoresistance. However, there are relatively few ST6GaL1 related signaling pathways that are well-established to mediate these biologies: greater delineation of specific targets and signaling mechanisms that are orchestrated by ST6Gal1 is needed. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of our current understanding of select oncogenic signaling pathways and targets affected by ST6Gal1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anita B. Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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23
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Haldar B, Hwang J, Narimatsu Y, Clausen H, Bellis SL. The incorrect use of CD75 as a synonym for ST6GAL1 has fostered the expansion of commercial "ST6GAL1" antibodies that do not recognize ST6GAL1. Glycobiology 2022; 32:736-742. [PMID: 35789385 PMCID: PMC9387509 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ST6GAL1 Golgi sialyltransferase is upregulated in many human malignancies, however, detection of ST6GAL1 protein in cancer tissues has been hindered by the prior lack of antibodies. Recently, numerous commercial antibodies for ST6GAL1 have become available, however, many of these do not, in fact, recognize ST6GAL1. Decades ago, the CD75 cell-surface epitope was mistakenly suggested to be the same molecule as ST6GAL1. While this was rapidly disproven, the use of CD75 as a synonym for ST6GAL1 has persisted, particularly by companies selling "ST6GAL1" antibodies. CD75 is reportedly a sialylated epitope which appears to encompass a range of glycan structures and glycan carriers. In this study, we evaluated the LN1 and ZB55 monoclonal antibodies, which are advertised as ST6GAL1 antibodies but were initially developed as CD75-recognizing antibodies (neither was raised against ST6GAL1 as the immunogen). Importantly, the LN1 and ZB55 antibodies have been widely used by investigators, as well as the Human Protein Atlas database, to characterize ST6GAL1 expression. Herein, we used cell and mouse models with controlled expression of ST6GAL1 to compare LN1 and ZB55 with an extensively validated polyclonal antibody to ST6GAL1. We find that LN1 and ZB55 do not recognize ST6GAL1, and furthermore, these 2 antibodies recognize different targets. Additionally, we utilized the well-validated ST6GAL1 antibody to determine that ST6GAL1 is overexpressed in bladder cancer, a finding that contradicts prior studies which employed LN1 to suggest ST6GAL1 is downregulated in bladder cancer. Collectively, our studies underscore the need for careful validation of antibodies purported to recognize ST6GAL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnita Haldar
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yoshiki Narimatsu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-1165, Denmark
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen Center for Glycomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-1165, Denmark
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Corresponding author: Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, MCLM 350, 1918 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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24
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Lumibao JC, Tremblay JR, Hsu J, Engle DD. Altered glycosylation in pancreatic cancer and beyond. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211505. [PMID: 35522218 PMCID: PMC9086500 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the deadliest cancers and is projected to soon be the second leading cause of cancer death. Median survival of PDA patients is 6-10 mo, with the majority of diagnoses occurring at later, metastatic stages that are refractory to treatment and accompanied by worsening prognoses. Glycosylation is one of the most common types of post-translational modifications. The complex landscape of glycosylation produces an extensive repertoire of glycan moieties, glycoproteins, and glycolipids, thus adding a dynamic and tunable level of intra- and intercellular signaling regulation. Aberrant glycosylation is a feature of cancer progression and influences a broad range of signaling pathways to promote disease onset and progression. However, despite being so common, the functional consequences of altered glycosylation and their potential as therapeutic targets remain poorly understood and vastly understudied in the context of PDA. In this review, the functionality of glycans as they contribute to hallmarks of PDA are highlighted as active regulators of disease onset, tumor progression, metastatic capability, therapeutic resistance, and remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment. A deeper understanding of the functional consequences of altered glycosylation will facilitate future hypothesis-driven studies and identify novel therapeutic strategies in PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jasper Hsu
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA
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25
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dos Reis JS, Rodrigues da Costa Santos MA, Mendonça DP, Martins do Nascimento SI, Barcelos PM, Correia de Lima RG, da Costa KM, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A, Previato JO, Mendonça Previato L, da Fonseca LM, Freire-de-Lima L. Glycobiology of Cancer: Sugar Drives the Show. MEDICINES 2022; 9:medicines9060034. [PMID: 35736247 PMCID: PMC9229842 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9060034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression is associated with aberrant changes in cellular glycosylation. Cells expressing altered glycan-structures are recognized by cells of the immune system, favoring the induction of inhibitory immune processes which subsequently promote tumor growth and spreading. Here, we discuss about the importance of glycobiology in modern medicine, taking into account the impact of altered glycan structures expressed in cancer cells as potential glycobiomarkers of disease, as well as on cancer development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhenifer Santos dos Reis
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Marcos André Rodrigues da Costa Santos
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Daniella Pereira Mendonça
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Stefani Ingrid Martins do Nascimento
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Pedro Marçal Barcelos
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Rafaela Gomes Correia de Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Kelli Monteiro da Costa
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Celio Geraldo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil;
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21044-020, Brazil
| | - Jose Osvaldo Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Lucia Mendonça Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Leonardo Marques da Fonseca
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil; (J.S.d.R.); (M.A.R.d.C.S.); (D.P.M.); (S.I.M.d.N.); (P.M.B.); (R.G.C.d.L.); (K.M.d.C.); (C.G.F.-d.-L.); (J.O.P.); (L.M.P.); (L.M.d.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +55-21-3938-6646
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26
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Rao TC, Beggs RR, Ankenbauer KE, Hwang J, Ma VPY, Salaita K, Bellis SL, Mattheyses AL. ST6Gal-I-mediated sialylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor modulates cell mechanics and enhances invasion. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101726. [PMID: 35157848 PMCID: PMC8956946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity within the glycocalyx influences cell adhesion mechanics and signaling. However, the role of specific glycosylation subtypes in influencing cell mechanics via alterations of receptor function remains unexplored. It has been shown that the addition of sialic acid to terminal glycans impacts growth, development, and cancer progression. In addition, the sialyltransferase ST6Gal-I promotes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activity, and we have shown EGFR is an 'allosteric mechano-organizer' of integrin tension. Here, we investigated the impact of ST6Gal-I on cell mechanics. Using DNA-based tension gauge tether probes of variable thresholds, we found that high ST6Gal-I activity promotes increased integrin forces and spreading in Cos-7 and OVCAR3, OVCAR5, and OV4 cancer cells. Further, employing inhibitors and function-blocking antibodies against β1, β3, and β5 integrins and ST6Gal-I targets EGFR, tumor necrosis factor receptor, and Fas cell surface death receptor, we validated that the observed phenotypes are EGFR-specific. We found that while tension, contractility, and adhesion are extracellular-signal-regulated kinase pathway-dependent, spreading, proliferation, and invasion are phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt serine/threonine kinase dependent. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, we also show that high ST6Gal-I activity leads to sustained EGFR membrane retention, making it a key regulator of cell mechanics. Our findings suggest a novel sialylation-dependent mechanism orchestrating cellular mechanics and enhancing cell motility via EGFR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejeshwar C Rao
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reena R Beggs
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Katherine E Ankenbauer
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Alexa L Mattheyses
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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27
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Insights on ErbB glycosylation – contributions to precision oncology. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:448-455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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28
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Hait NC, Maiti A, Wu R, Andersen VL, Hsu CC, Wu Y, Chapla DG, Takabe K, Rusiniak ME, Bshara W, Zhang J, Moremen KW, Lau JTY. Extracellular sialyltransferase st6gal1 in breast tumor cell growth and invasiveness. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1662-1675. [PMID: 35676533 PMCID: PMC9663294 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00485-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The sialyltransferase ST6GAL1 that adds α2-6 linked sialic acids to N-glycans of cell surface and secreted glycoproteins is prominently associated with many human cancers. Tumor-native ST6GAL1 promotes tumor cell behaviors such as invasion and resistance to cell stress and chemo- and radio-treatments. Canonically, ST6GAL1 resides in the intracellular secretory apparatus and glycosylates nascent glycoproteins in biosynthetic transit. However, ST6GAL1 is also released into the extracellular milieu and extracellularly remodels cell surface and secreted glycans. The impact of this non-canonical extrinsic mechanism of ST6GAL1 on tumor cell pathobiology is not known. We hypothesize that ST6GAL1 action is the combined effect of natively expressed sialyltransferase acting cell-autonomously within the ER-Golgi complex and sialyltransferase from extracellular origins acting extrinsically to remodel cell-surface glycans. We found that shRNA knockdown of intrinsic ST6GAL1 expression resulted in decreased ST6GAL1 cargo in the exosome-like vesicles as well as decreased breast tumor cell growth and invasive behavior in 3D in vitro cultures. Extracellular ST6GAL1, present in cancer exosomes or the freely soluble recombinant sialyltransferase, compensates for insufficient intrinsic ST6GAL1 by boosting cancer cell proliferation and increasing invasiveness. Moreover, we present evidence supporting the existence novel but yet uncharacterized cofactors in the exosome-like particles that potently amplify extrinsic ST6GAL1 action, highlighting a previously unknown mechanism linking this enzyme and cancer pathobiology. Our data indicate that extracellular ST6GAL1 from remote sources can compensate for cellular ST6GAL1-mediated aggressive tumor cell proliferation and invasive behavior and has great clinical potential for extracellular ST6GAL1 as these molecules are in the extracellular space should be easily accessible targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitai C. Hait
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA ,grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Aparna Maiti
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA ,grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Rongrong Wu
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Valerie L. Andersen
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Chang-Chieh Hsu
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Yun Wu
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260 USA
| | - Digantkumar G. Chapla
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XComplex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602 USA ,grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Kazuaki Takabe
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Michael E. Rusiniak
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Wiam Bshara
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
| | - Kelley W. Moremen
- grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XComplex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602 USA ,grid.213876.90000 0004 1936 738XDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Joseph T. Y. Lau
- grid.240614.50000 0001 2181 8635Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
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29
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Montesino B, Steenackers A, Lozano JM, Young GD, Hu N, Sackstein R, Chandler KB. Identification of α1,2-fucosylated signaling and adhesion molecules in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Glycobiology 2021; 32:441-455. [PMID: 34939118 PMCID: PMC9022907 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world, and most cases manifest as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the prominent role of fucosylated carbohydrate antigens in tumor cell adhesion and metastasis, little is known about the functional role of fucose-modified glycoproteins in head and neck cancer pathobiology. Inactivating polymorphisms of the fut2 gene, encoding for the α1,2-fucosyltransferase FUT2, are associated with an increased incidence of head and neck cancer among tobacco users. Moreover, the presence of the α1,2-fucosylated Lewis Y epitope, with both α1,2- and α1,3-linked fucose, has been observed in head and neck cancer tumors while invasive regions lose expression, suggesting a potential role for α1,2-fucosylation in the regulation of aggressive tumor cell characteristics. Here, we report an association between fut2 expression and head and neck cancer survival, document differential surface expression of α1,2-fucosylated epitopes in a panel of normal, dysplastic, and head and neck cancer cell lines, identify a set of potentially α1,2-fucosylated signaling and adhesion molecules including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD44 and integrins via tandem mass spectrometry, and finally, present evidence that EGFR is among the α1,2-fucosylated and LeY-displaying proteins in head and neck cancer. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for future studies to interrogate the role of LeY-modified and α1,2-fucosylated glycoproteins in head and neck cancer pathogenesis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD029420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Montesino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Agata Steenackers
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Juan M Lozano
- Division of Medical and Population Health Science Education and Research, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Young
- Miami Cancer Institute, 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176, USA,Department of Surgery, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Kevin Brown Chandler
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Tel: 305.348.9136; Fax: 305.348.0123; e-mail:
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30
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Hugonnet M, Singh P, Haas Q, von Gunten S. The Distinct Roles of Sialyltransferases in Cancer Biology and Onco-Immunology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:799861. [PMID: 34975914 PMCID: PMC8718907 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.799861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a key feature of malignant transformation. Hypersialylation, the enhanced expression of sialic acid-terminated glycoconjugates on the cell surface, has been linked to immune evasion and metastatic spread, eventually by interaction with sialoglycan-binding lectins, including Siglecs and selectins. The biosynthesis of tumor-associated sialoglycans involves sialyltransferases, which are differentially expressed in cancer cells. In this review article, we provide an overview of the twenty human sialyltransferases and their roles in cancer biology and immunity. A better understanding of the individual contribution of select sialyltransferases to the tumor sialome may lead to more personalized strategies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Hugonnet
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pushpita Singh
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Haas
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan von Gunten
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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31
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Kurz E, Chen S, Vucic E, Baptiste G, Loomis C, Agrawal P, Hajdu C, Bar-Sagi D, Mahal LK. Integrated Systems Analysis of the Murine and Human Pancreatic Cancer Glycomes Reveals a Tumor-Promoting Role for ST6GAL1. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100160. [PMID: 34634466 PMCID: PMC8604807 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Glycans, such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9, are biomarkers of PDAC and are emerging as important modulators of cancer phenotypes. Herein, we used a systems-based approach integrating glycomic analysis of the well-established KC mouse, which models early events in transformation, and analysis of samples from human pancreatic cancer patients to identify glycans with potential roles in cancer formation. We observed both common and distinct patterns of glycosylation in pancreatic cancer across species. Common alterations included increased levels of α-2,3-sialic acid and α-2,6-sialic acid, bisecting GlcNAc and poly-N-acetyllactosamine. However, core fucose, which was increased in human PDAC, was not seen in the mouse, indicating that not all human glycomic changes are observed in the KC mouse model. In silico analysis of bulk and single-cell sequencing data identified ST6 beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1, which underlies α-2,6-sialic acid, as overexpressed in human PDAC, concordant with histological data showing higher levels of this enzyme at the earliest stages. To test whether ST6 beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 promotes pancreatic cancer, we created a novel mouse in which a pancreas-specific genetic deletion of this enzyme overlays the KC mouse model. The analysis of our new model showed delayed cancer formation and a significant reduction in fibrosis. Our results highlight the importance of a strategic systems approach to identifying glycans whose functions can be modeled in mouse, a crucial step in the development of therapeutics targeting glycosylation in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kurz
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Research Institute, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Vucic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gillian Baptiste
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Loomis
- Office of Science and Research, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Praveen Agrawal
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cristina Hajdu
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dafna Bar-Sagi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Lara K Mahal
- Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Research Institute, New York University, New York, New York, USA.
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Perez SJLP, Fu CW, Li WS. Sialyltransferase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer Metastasis: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Molecules 2021; 26:5673. [PMID: 34577144 PMCID: PMC8470674 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Potent, cell-permeable, and subtype-selective sialyltransferase inhibitors represent an attractive family of substances that can potentially be used for the clinical treatment of cancer metastasis. These substances operate by specifically inhibiting sialyltransferase-mediated hypersialylation of cell surface glycoproteins or glycolipids, which then blocks the sialic acid recognition pathway and leads to deterioration of cell motility and invasion. A vast amount of evidence for the in vitro and in vivo effects of sialyltransferase inhibition or knockdown on tumor progression and tumor cell metastasis or colonization has been accumulated over the past decades. In this regard, this review comprehensively discusses the results of studies that have led to the recent discovery and development of sialyltransferase inhibitors, their potential biomedical applications in the treatment of cancer metastasis, and their current limitations and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ser John Lynon P. Perez
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (S.J.L.P.P.); (C.-W.F.)
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Sustainable Chemical Science and Technology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Fu
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (S.J.L.P.P.); (C.-W.F.)
- Department of Chemistry, National Central University, Taoyuan City 32001, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Shan Li
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; (S.J.L.P.P.); (C.-W.F.)
- Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Tamkang University, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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Glycobiology of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070770. [PMID: 34356834 PMCID: PMC8301408 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation consists in the covalent, enzyme mediated, attachment of sugar chains to proteins and lipids. A large proportion of membrane and secreted proteins are indeed glycoproteins, while glycolipids are fundamental component of cell membranes. The biosynthesis of sugar chains is mediated by glycosyltransferases, whose level of expression represents a major factor of regulation of the glycosylation process. In cancer, glycosylation undergoes profound changes, which often contribute to invasion and metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in metastasis formation and is intimately associated with glycosylation changes. Numerous carbohydrate structures undergo up- or down-regulation during EMT and often regulate the process. In this review, we will discuss the relationship with EMT of the N-glycans, of the different types of O-glycans, including the classical mucin-type, O-GlcNAc, O-linked fucose, O-linked mannose and of glycolipids. Finally, we will discuss the role in EMT of galectins, a major class of mammalian galactoside-binding lectins. While the expression of specific carbohydrate structures can be used as a marker of EMT and of the propensity to migrate, the manipulation of the glycosylation machinery offers new perspectives for cancer treatment through inhibition of EMT.
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Role of Glycans on Key Cell Surface Receptors That Regulate Cell Proliferation and Cell Death. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051252. [PMID: 34069424 PMCID: PMC8159107 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells undergo proliferation and apoptosis, migration and differentiation via a number of cell surface receptors, most of which are heavily glycosylated. This review discusses receptor glycosylation and the known roles of glycans on the functions of receptors expressed in diverse cell types. We included growth factor receptors that have an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, growth factor receptors that have a serine/threonine kinase domain, and cell-death-inducing receptors. N- and O-glycans have a wide range of functions including roles in receptor conformation, ligand binding, oligomerization, and activation of signaling cascades. A better understanding of these functions will enable control of cell survival and cell death in diseases such as cancer and in immune responses.
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Aberrant Sialylation in Cancer: Biomarker and Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092014. [PMID: 33921986 PMCID: PMC8122436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sialylation is a post-translational modification that consists in the addition of sialic acid to growing glycan chains on glycoproteins and glycolipids. Aberrant sialylation is an established hallmark of several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hypersialylation can be the effect of increased activity of sialyltransferases and results in an excess of negatively charged sialic acid on the surface of cancer cells. Sialic acid accumulation contributes to tumor progression by several paths, including stimulation of tumor invasion and migration, and enhancing immune evasion and tumor cell survival. In this review we explore the mechanisms by which sialyltransferases promote cancer progression. In addition, we provide insights into the possible use of sialyltransferases as biomarkers for cancer and summarize findings on the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer treatments. Abstract Sialylation is an integral part of cellular function, governing many biological processes including cellular recognition, adhesion, molecular trafficking, signal transduction and endocytosis. Sialylation is controlled by the levels and the activities of sialyltransferases on glycoproteins and lipids. Altered gene expression of these enzymes in cancer yields to cancer-specific alterations of glycoprotein sialylation. Mounting evidence indicate that hypersialylation is closely associated with cancer progression and metastatic spread, and can be of prognostic significance in human cancer. Aberrant sialylation is not only a result of cancer, but also a driver of malignant phenotype, directly impacting key processes such as tumor cell dissociation and invasion, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, angiogenesis, resistance to apoptosis, and evasion of immune destruction. In this review we provide insights on the impact of sialylation in tumor progression, and outline the possible application of sialyltransferases as cancer biomarkers. We also summarize the most promising findings on the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer treatments.
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Rodrigues JG, Duarte HO, Gomes C, Balmaña M, Martins ÁM, Hensbergen PJ, de Ru AH, Lima J, Albergaria A, van Veelen PA, Wuhrer M, Gomes J, Reis CA. Terminal α2,6-sialylation of epidermal growth factor receptor modulates antibody therapy response of colorectal cancer cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:835-850. [PMID: 33847896 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key protein involved in cancer development. Monoclonal antibodies targeting EGFR are approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite the beneficial clinical effects observed in subgroups of patients, the acquisition of resistance to treatment remains a major concern. Protein N-glycosylation of cellular receptors is known to regulate physiological processes leading to activation of downstream signaling pathways. In the present study, the role of EGFR-specific terminal ⍺2,6-sialylation was analyzed in modulation of the malignant phenotype of CRC cells and their resistance to monoclonal antibody Cetuximab-based therapy. METHODS Glycoengineered CRC cell models with specific sialyltransferase ST6GAL1 expression levels were applied to evaluate EGFR activation, cell surface glycosylation and therapeutic response to Cetuximab. RESULTS Glycoproteomic analysis revealed EGFR as a major target of ST6Gal1-mediated ⍺2,6-sialylation in a glycosite-specific manner. Mechanistically, CRC cells with increased ST6Gal1 expression and displaying terminal ⍺2,6-sialylation showed a marked resistance to Cetuximab-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, we found that this resistance was accompanied by downregulation of EGFR expression and its activation. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that EGFR ⍺2,6-sialylation is a key factor in modulating the susceptibility of CRC cells to antibody targeted therapy, thereby disclosing a potential novel biomarker and providing key molecular information for tailor made anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana G Rodrigues
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique O Duarte
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gomes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Meritxell Balmaña
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Álvaro M Martins
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul J Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arnoud H de Ru
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge Lima
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Albergaria
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Peter A van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joana Gomes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Celso A Reis
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
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Dorsett KA, Marciel MP, Hwang J, Ankenbauer KE, Bhalerao N, Bellis SL. Regulation of ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase expression in cancer cells. Glycobiology 2020; 31:530-539. [PMID: 33320246 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ST6GAL1 sialyltransferase, which adds α2-6 linked sialic acids to N-glycosylated proteins, is overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies. Recent studies have established the importance of ST6GAL1 in promoting tumor cell behaviors such as invasion, resistance to cell stress and chemoresistance. Furthermore, ST6GAL1 activity has been implicated in imparting cancer stem cell characteristics. However, despite the burgeoning interest in the role of ST6GAL1 in the phenotypic features of tumor cells, insufficient attention has been paid to the molecular mechanisms responsible for ST6GAL1 upregulation during neoplastic transformation. Evidence suggests that these mechanisms are multifactorial, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranslational regulation. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the molecular events that drive enriched ST6GAL1 expression in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn A Dorsett
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael P Marciel
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Katherine E Ankenbauer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Nikita Bhalerao
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Susan L Bellis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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