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Brindani N, Vuong LM, La Serra MA, Salvador N, Menichetti A, Acquistapace IM, Ortega JA, Veronesi M, Bertozzi SM, Summa M, Girotto S, Bertorelli R, Armirotti A, Ganesan AK, De Vivo M. Discovery of CDC42 Inhibitors with a Favorable Pharmacokinetic Profile and Anticancer In Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10401-10424. [PMID: 38866385 PMCID: PMC11215724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00855] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
We previously reported trisubstituted pyrimidine lead compounds, namely, ARN22089 and ARN25062, which block the interaction between CDC42 with its specific downstream effector, a PAK protein. This interaction is crucial for the progression of multiple tumor types. Such inhibitors showed anticancer efficacy in vivo. Here, we describe a second class of CDC42 inhibitors with favorable drug-like properties. Out of the 25 compounds here reported, compound 15 (ARN25499) stands out as the best lead compound with an improved pharmacokinetic profile, increased bioavailability, and efficacy in an in vivo PDX tumor mouse model. Our results indicate that these CDC42 inhibitors represent a promising chemical class toward the discovery of anticancer drugs, with ARN25499 as an additional lead candidate for preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Brindani
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Linh M. Vuong
- Department
of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Maria Antonietta La Serra
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Noel Salvador
- Department
of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Andrea Menichetti
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Isabella Maria Acquistapace
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Jose Antonio Ortega
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Marina Veronesi
- Structural
Biophysics Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Sine Mandrup Bertozzi
- Analytical
Chemistry Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Summa
- Translational
Pharmacology Facility, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Stefania Girotto
- Structural
Biophysics Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Rosalia Bertorelli
- Translational
Pharmacology Facility, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- Analytical
Chemistry Facility, Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Anand K. Ganesan
- Department
of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Molecular
Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
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Liu W, Wang X, Yu H, Yan G, Shen S, Gao M, Zhang X. Integrated Platform for Large-Scale Quantitative Profiling of Phosphotyrosine Signaling Complexes Based on Cofractionation/Mass Spectrometry and Complex-Centric Algorithm. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9849-9858. [PMID: 38836774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The scarcity and dynamic nature of phosphotyrosine (pTyr)-modified proteins pose a challenge for researching protein complexes with pTyr modification, which are assembled through multiple protein-protein interactions. We developed an integrated complex-centric platform for large-scale quantitative profiling of pTyr signaling complexes based on cofractionation/mass spectrometry (CoFrac-MS) and a complex-centric algorithm. We initially constructed a trifunctional probe based on pTyr superbinder (SH2-S) for specifically binding and isolation of intact pTyr protein complexes. Then, the CoFrac-MS strategy was employed for the identification of pTyr protein complexes by integrating ion exchange chromatography in conjunction with data independent acquisition mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we developed a novel complex-centric algorithm for quantifying protein complexes based on the protein complex elution curve. Utilizing this algorithm, we effectively quantified 216 putative protein complexes. We further screened 21 regulated pTyr protein complexes related to the epidermal growth factor signal. Our study engenders a comprehensive framework for the intricate examination of pTyr protein complexes and presents, for the foremost occasion, a quantitative landscape delineating the composition of pTyr protein complexes in HeLa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xuantang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hailong Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Guoquan Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shun Shen
- Pharmacy Department, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Mingxia Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Pharmacy Department, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Xiangmin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Bannoura SF, Khan HY, Uddin MH, Mohammad RM, Pasche BC, Azmi AS. Targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factors for novel cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38884380 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2368242] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate the activation of small GTPases (G proteins) of the Ras superfamily proteins controlling cellular functions. Ras superfamily proteins act as 'molecular switches' that are turned 'ON' by guanine exchange. There are five major groups of Ras family GTPases: Ras, Ran, Rho, Rab and Arf, with a variety of different GEFs regulating their GTP loading. GEFs have been implicated in various diseases including cancer. This makes GEFs attractive targets to modulate signaling networks controlled by small GTPases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the roles and mechanisms of GEFs in malignancy are outlined. The mechanism of guanine exchange activity by GEFs on a small GTPase is illustrated. Then, some examples of GEFs that are significant in cancer are presented with a discussion on recent progress in therapeutic targeting efforts using a variety of approaches. EXPERT OPINION Recently, GEFs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for novel cancer drug development. Targeting small GTPases is challenging; thus, targeting their activation by GEFs is a promising strategy. Most GEF-targeted drugs are still in preclinical development. A deeper biological understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GEF activity and utilizing advanced technology are necessary to enhance drug discovery for GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar F Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Zhang Y, Zhang H, Zhao S, Qi Z, He Y, Zhang X, Wu W, Yan K, Hu L, Sun S, Tang X, Zhou Q, Chen F, Gu A, Wang L, Zhang Z, Yu B, Wang D, Han Y, Xie L, Ji Y. S-Nitrosylation of Septin2 Exacerbates Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection by Coupling the TIAM1-RAC1 Axis in Macrophages. Circulation 2024; 149:1903-1920. [PMID: 38357802 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.066404] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND S-Nitrosylation (SNO), a prototypic redox-based posttranslational modification, is involved in cardiovascular disease. Aortic aneurysm and dissection are high-risk cardiovascular diseases without an effective cure. The aim of this study was to determine the role of SNO of Septin2 in macrophages in aortic aneurysm and dissection. METHODS Biotin-switch assay combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to identify the S-nitrosylated proteins in aortic tissue from both patients undergoing surgery for aortic dissection and Apoe-/- mice infused with angiotensin II. Angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm model and β-aminopropionitrile-induced aortic aneurysm and dissection model were used to determine the role of SNO of Septin2 (SNO-Septin2) in aortic aneurysm and dissection development. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to recapitulate possible changes in the transcriptome profile of SNO-Septin2 in macrophages in aortic aneurysm and dissection. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation were used to uncover the TIAM1-RAC1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1) axis as the downstream target of SNO-Septin2. Both R-Ketorolac and NSC23766 treatments were used to inhibit the TIAM1-RAC1 axis. RESULTS Septin2 was identified S-nitrosylated at cysteine 111 (Cys111) in both aortic tissue from patients undergoing surgery for aortic dissection and Apoe-/- mice infused with Angiotensin II. SNO-Septin2 was demonstrated driving the development of aortic aneurysm and dissection. By RNA-sequencing, SNO-Septin2 in macrophages was demonstrated to exacerbate vascular inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation in aortic aneurysm. Next, TIAM1 (T lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing protein 1) was identified as a SNO-Septin2 target protein. Mechanistically, compared with unmodified Septin2, SNO-Septin2 reduced its interaction with TIAM1 and activated the TIAM1-RAC1 axis and consequent nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway, resulting in stronger inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation mediated by macrophages. Consistently, both R-Ketorolac and NSC23766 treatments protected against aortic aneurysm and dissection by inhibiting the TIAM1-RAC1 axis. CONCLUSIONS SNO-Septin2 drives aortic aneurysm and dissection through coupling the TIAM1-RAC1 axis in macrophages and activating the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway-dependent inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. Pharmacological blockade of RAC1 by R-Ketorolac or NSC23766 may therefore represent a potential treatment against aortic aneurysm and dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Hao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Zhenhua Qi
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Yiwei He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Xuhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Wencheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Ke Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Lulu Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Shixiu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Xinlong Tang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, China (X.T., Q.Z., D.W.)
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, China (X.T., Q.Z., D.W.)
| | - Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
- Department of Forensic Medicine (F.C.), Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- School of Public Health (A.G.), Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Liansheng Wang
- Departments of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (L.W.)
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, PR China (Z.Z., Y.J.)
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, China (B.Y.)
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, China (X.T., Q.Z., D.W.)
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China (Y.H.)
| | - Liping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China (L.X., Y.J.)
| | - Yong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China (Y.Z., H.Z., S.Z., Z.Q., Y.H., X.Z., W.W., K.Y., L.H., S.S., F.C., L.X., Y.J.)
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China (L.X., Y.J.)
- State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (SKLFZCD), Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang, PR China (Z.Z., Y.J.)
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Shen J, Su X, Wang S, Wang Z, Zhong C, Huang Y, Duan S. RhoJ: an emerging biomarker and target in cancer research and treatment. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00792-6. [PMID: 38858534 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00792-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
RhoJ is a Rho GTPase that belongs to the Cdc42 subfamily and has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa. It can activate the p21-activated kinase family either directly or indirectly, influencing the activity of various downstream effectors and playing a role in regulating the cytoskeleton, cell movement, and cell cycle. RhoJ's expression and activity are controlled by multiple upstream factors at different levels, including expression, subcellular localization, and activation. High RhoJ expression is generally associated with a poor prognosis for cancer patients and is mainly due to an increased number of tumor blood vessels and abnormal expression in malignant cells. RhoJ promotes tumor progression through several pathways, particularly in tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance. Clinical data also indicates that high RhoJ expression is closely linked to the pathological features of tumor malignancy. There are various cancer treatment methods that target RhoJ signaling, such as direct binding to inhibit the RhoJ effector pocket, inhibiting RhoJ expression, blocking RhoJ upstream and downstream signals, and indirectly inhibiting RhoJ's effect. RhoJ is an emerging cancer biomarker and a significant target for future cancer clinical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinze Shen
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinming Su
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shana Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zehua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenming Zhong
- Medical Genetics Center, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Pipili A, Babteen NA, Kuwair L, Jannet MB, Quist J, Ong KKV, Pitaluga R, Grigoriadis AG, Tutt A, Wells CM. PAK6 acts downstream of IQGAP3 to promote contractility in triple negative breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111233. [PMID: 38763182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111233] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that remains the most common malignancy among women worldwide. During genomic analysis of breast tumours, mRNA levels of IQGAP3 were found to be upregulated in triple negative tumours. IQGAP3 was subsequently found to be expressed across a panel of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. Depleting expression levels of IQGAP3 delivered elongated cells, disrupted cell migration, and inhibited the ability of cells to form specialised invasive adhesion structures, termed invadopodia. The morphological changes induced by IQGAP3 depletion were found to be dependent on RhoA. Indeed, reduced expression of IQGAP3 disrupted RhoA activity and actomyosin contractility. Interestingly, IQGAP3 was also found to interact with p-21 activated kinase 6 (PAK6); a protein already associated with the regulation of cell morphology. Moreover, PAK6 depletion phenocopied IQGAP3 depletion in these cells. Whereas PAK6 overexpression rescued the IQGAP3 depletion phenotype. Our work points to an important PAK6-IQGAP3-RhoA pathway that drives the cellular contractility of breast cancer cells promoting both cell migration and adhesive invasion of these cells. As this phenotype is relevant to the process of metastasis and re-seeding of metastasis, the pharmacological targeting of PAK6 could lead to clinical benefit in TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Pipili
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Nouf A Babteen
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK; Department of Biological Science, Collage of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain Kuwair
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Mahfuja Bulu Jannet
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Jelmar Quist
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Karine K V Ong
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Ryan Pitaluga
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Anita G Grigoriadis
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Tutt
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK; Tony Robins Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Claire M Wells
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK.
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7
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Liang B, Wu Q, Wang Y, Shi Y, Sun F, Huang Q, Li G, Liu Y, Zhang S, Xu X, Yao G, Peng J, Zhai X, Wu J, Tan Y, Wu Z, Zhou R, Li S, Wu J, Yang M, Liao W, Shi M. Cdc42-driven endosomal cholesterol transport promotes collateral resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216702. [PMID: 38336288 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216702] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Resistance to trastuzumab and the poor efficacy of subsequent chemotherapy have become major challenges for HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC). As resistance evolves, tumor cells may acquire a new drug susceptibility profile, profoundly impacting the subsequent treatment selection and patient survival. However, the interplay between trastuzumab and other types of drugs in HER2-positive GC remains elusive. In our study, we utilized resistant cell lines and tissue specimens to map the drug susceptibility profile of trastuzumab-resistant GC, discovering that resistance to trastuzumab induces collateral resistance to commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, patients with collateral resistance distinguished by a 13-gene scoring model in HER2-positive GC cohorts are predicted to have a poor prognosis and may be sensitive to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Mechanistically, endosomal cholesterol transport is further confirmed to enrich cholesterol in the plasma membrane, contributing to collateral resistance through the Hedgehog-ABCB1 axis. As a driver for cholesterol, Cdc42 is activated by the formation of the NPC1-TβRI-Cdc42 complex to facilitate endosomal cholesterol transport. We demonstrated that inhibiting Cdc42 activation with ZCL278 reduces cholesterol levels in the plasma membrane and reverses collateral resistance between trastuzumab and chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings verify the phenomena and mechanism of collateral resistance between trastuzumab and chemotherapy, and propose a potential therapeutic target and strategy in the second-line treatment for trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishan Liang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qijing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulu Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanjun Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Medical Oncology, Breast Tumor Center, Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, 516008, Huizhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangyu Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Breast Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianjun Peng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 510060, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510655, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of Foshan, 528010, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujing Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510280, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Karcini A, Mercier NR, Lazar IM. Proteomic Assessment of SKBR3/HER2+ Breast Cancer Cellular Response to Lapatinib and Investigational Ipatasertib Kinase Inhibitors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587656. [PMID: 38617302 PMCID: PMC11014527 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Modern cancer treatment approaches aim at achieving cancer remission by using targeted and personalized therapies, as well as harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eliminate the cancer cells. To overcome a relatively short-lived response due to the development of resistance to the administered drugs, combination therapies have been pursued, as well. To expand the outlook of combination therapies, the objective of this study was to use high-throughput data generation technologies such as mass spectrometry and proteomics to investigate the response of HER2+ breast cancer cells to a mixture of two kinase inhibitors that has not been adopted yet as a standard treatment regime. The broader landscape of biological processes that are affected by inhibiting two major pathways that sustain the growth and survival of cancer cells, i.e., EGFR and PI3K/AKT, was investigated by treating SKBR3/HER2+ breast cancer cells with Lapatinib or a mixture of Lapatinib/Ipatasertib small molecule drugs. Changes in protein expression and/or activity in response to the drug treatments were assessed by using two complementary quantitative proteomic approaches based on peak area and peptide spectrum match measurements. Over 900 proteins matched by three unique peptide sequences (FDR<0.05) were affected by the exposure of cells to the drugs. The work corroborated the anti-proliferative activity of Lapatinib and Ipatasertib, and, in addition to cell cycle and growth arrest processes enabled the identification of several multi-functional proteins with roles in cancer-supportive hallmark processes. Among these, immune response, adhesion and migration emerged as particularly relevant to the ability to effectively suppress the proliferation and dissemination of cancer cells. The supplementation of Lapatinib with Ipatasertib further affected the expression or activity of additional transcription factors and proteins involved in gene expression, trafficking, DNA repair, and development of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, over fifty of the affected proteins represented approved or investigational targets in the DrugBank database, which through their protein-protein interaction networks can inform the selection of effective therapeutic partners. Altogether, our findings exposed a broad plethora of yet untapped opportunities that can be further explored for enhancing the anti-cancer effects of each drug as well as of many other multi-drug therapies that target the EGFR/ERBB2 and PI3K/AKT pathways. The data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD051094.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arba Karcini
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Nicole R. Mercier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
| | - Iulia M. Lazar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Division of Systems Biology, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
- Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1981 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061
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9
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Mikhael S, Kurdi A, Khoueiry-Zgheib N, Tahtouh R, Nasr R, Hilal G. Evaluating synergistic effects of metformin and simvastatin on ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298127. [PMID: 38489280 PMCID: PMC10942021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298127] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian Cancer (OC) stands as the most lethal gynecological malignancy, presenting an urgent clinical challenge in the quest to improve response rates. One approach to address this challenge is through drug repurposing, exemplified by the investigation of metabolic-modulating drugs such as Metformin (MTF) and Simvastatin (SIM). This study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms contributing to the potential synergistic anti-cancer effects between MTF and SIM on ovarian cancer cells. METHODS We assessed the effects of the combination on the proliferation and viability of two cell lines OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3. IC50 concentrations of MTF and SIM were determined using a proliferation assay, followed by subtoxic concentrations to explore the potential synergistic effects on the viability of both cell lines. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted on OVCAR-3 treated cells, and the findings were validated by assessing the expression levels of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through real-time PCR in both cell lines SK-OV-3 and OVCAR-3. RESULTS Cytotoxicity analysis guided the selection of treatment concentrations as such MTF 10 mM and SIM 5 μM. The combined treatment of MTF and SIM demonstrated a synergistic inhibition of proliferation and viability in both cell lines. In OVCAR-3, exclusive identification of 507 DEGs was seen in the combination arm. Upregulation of FOXO3, RhoA, and TNFα, along with downregulation of PIK3R1, SKP2, and ATP6V1D levels, was observed in OVCAR-3 treated cells. Real-time PCR validation confirmed the consistency of expression levels for the mentioned DEGs. CONCLUSION Our data strongly supports the presence of synergy between MTF and SIM in OC cells. The combination's effect is associated with the dysregulation of genes in the key regulators AMPK and mTOR alongside other interconnected pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mikhael
- Laboratory of Cancer and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah Kurdi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nathalie Khoueiry-Zgheib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roula Tahtouh
- Laboratory of Cancer and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Hilal
- Laboratory of Cancer and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
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10
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Ravichandran Y, Hänisch J, Murray K, Roca V, Dingli F, Loew D, Sabatet V, Boëda B, Stradal TE, Etienne-Manneville S. The distinct localization of CDC42 isoforms is responsible for their specific functions during migration. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202004092. [PMID: 38386112 PMCID: PMC10883850 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202004092] [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: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The small G-protein CDC42 is an evolutionary conserved polarity protein and a key regulator of polarized cell functions, including directed cell migration. In vertebrates, alternative splicing gives rise to two CDC42 proteins: the ubiquitously expressed isoform (CDC42u) and the brain isoform (CDC42b), which only differ in their carboxy-terminal sequence, including the CAAX motif essential for their association with membranes. We show that these divergent sequences do not directly affect the range of CDC42's potential binding partners but indirectly influence CDC42-driven signaling by controlling the subcellular localization of the two isoforms. In astrocytes and neural precursors, which naturally express both variants, CDC42u associates with the leading-edge plasma membrane of migrating cells, where it recruits the Par6-PKCζ complex to fulfill its polarity function. In contrast, CDC42b mainly localizes to intracellular membrane compartments, where it regulates N-WASP-mediated endocytosis. Both CDC42 isoforms contribute their specific functions to promote the chemotaxis of neural precursors, demonstrating that their expression pattern is decisive for tissue-specific cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Ravichandran
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Collège Doctoral, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jan Hänisch
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Kerren Murray
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Roca
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Florent Dingli
- PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Sabatet
- PSL Research University, Centre de Recherche, Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Protéomique, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Batiste Boëda
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Theresia E. Stradal
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandrine Etienne-Manneville
- UMR3691 CNRS, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2023, Université de Paris, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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11
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Akompong SK, Li Y, Gong W, Ye L, Liu J. Recently reported cell migration inhibitors: Opportunities and challenges for antimetastatic agents. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103906. [PMID: 38309689 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103906] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimetastatic agents are highly desirable for cancer treatment because of the severe medical challenges and high mortality resulting from tumor metastasis. Having demonstrated antimetastatic effects in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, migration inhibitors present significant opportunities for developing a new class of anticancer drugs. To provide a useful overview on the latest research in migration inhibitors, this article first discusses their therapeutic significance, targetable proteins, and developmental avenues. Subsequently it reviews over 20 representative migration inhibitors reported in recent journals in terms of their inhibitory mechanism, potency, and potential clinical utility. The relevance of the target proteins to cellular migratory function is focused on as it is crucial for assessing the overall efficacy of the inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Akompong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yang Li
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenxue Gong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Long Ye
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China.
| | - Jinping Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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12
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Woo S, Strasser L. Atypical RhoUV GTPases in development and disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:89-97. [PMID: 38314621 PMCID: PMC10903452 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230212] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
RhoU and RhoV are members of the Rho family of small GTPases that comprise their own subfamily. RhoUV GTPases are classified as atypical due to the kinetics of their GTP/GDP binding cycles. They also possess unique N- and C-termini that regulate their subcellular localization and activity. RhoU and RhoV have been linked to cytoskeletal regulation, cell adhesion, and cell migration. They each exhibit distinct expression patterns during embryonic development and diseases such as cancer metastasis, suggesting they have specialized functions. In this review, we will discuss the known functions of RhoU and RhoV, with a focus on their roles in early development, organogenesis, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Woo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, U.S.A
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, CA, U.S.A
| | - Leesa Strasser
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, CA, U.S.A
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, CA, U.S.A
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13
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Patyal P, Zhang X, Verma A, Azhar G, Wei JY. Inhibitors of Rho/MRTF/SRF Transcription Pathway Regulate Mitochondrial Function. Cells 2024; 13:392. [PMID: 38474356 PMCID: PMC10931493 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050392] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
RhoA-regulated gene transcription by serum response factor (SRF) and its transcriptional cofactor myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for pharmacological intervention in multiple diseases. Altered mitochondrial metabolism is one of the major hallmarks of cancer, therefore, this upregulation is a vulnerability that can be targeted with Rho/MRTF/SRF inhibitors. Recent advances identified a novel series of oxadiazole-thioether compounds that disrupt the SRF transcription, however, the direct molecular target of these compounds is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the Rho/MRTF/SRF inhibition mechanism of CCG-203971 and CCG-232601 in normal cell lines of human lung fibroblasts and mouse myoblasts. Further studies investigated the role of these molecules in targeting mitochondrial function. We have shown that these molecules hyperacetylate histone H4K12 and H4K16 and regulate the genes involved in mitochondrial function and dynamics. These small molecule inhibitors regulate mitochondrial function as a compensatory mechanism by repressing oxidative phosphorylation and increasing glycolysis. Our data suggest that these CCG molecules are effective in inhibiting all the complexes of mitochondrial electron transport chains and further inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, our present findings highlight the therapeutic potential of CCG-203971 and CCG-232601, which may prove to be a promising approach to target aberrant bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeanne Y. Wei
- Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics and Institute on Aging, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (P.P.); (X.Z.); (A.V.); (G.A.)
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14
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Kopsida M, Liu N, Kotti A, Wang J, Jensen L, Jothimani G, Hildesjo C, Haapaniemi S, Zhong W, Pathak S, Sun XF. RhoB expression associated with chemotherapy response and prognosis in colorectal cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:75. [PMID: 38355625 PMCID: PMC10867990 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the role of RhoB expression in relation to chemotherapy response, clinical outcomes and associated signaling pathways in colorectal cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 5 colon cancer cell lines, zebrafish embryos and 260 colorectal cancer patients treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin (OXL). The methods consisted of CRISPR/Cas9, reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3 activity, autophagy flux, in-silico RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis and pathway analysis were conducted using RNA-seq data. RESULTS All cancer lines tested, including SW480, SW480-KO13 (RhoB knockout), SW480-KO55 (RhoB knockout), HCT116 and HCT116-OE (RhoB overexpressed), exhibited cytotoxicity to 5-FU and OXL. RhoB knockout cell lines demonstrated significantly reduced migration compared to the control cell lines. Furthermore, RhoB played a role in caspase-3-dependent apoptosis, regulation of ROS production and autophagic flux. The mRNA sequencing data indicated lower expression levels of oncogenes in RhoB knockout cell lines. The zebrafish model bearing SW480-KO showed a light trend toward tumor regression. RhoB expression by immunohistochemistry in patients was increased from normal mucosa to tumor samples. In patients who received chemotherapy, high RhoB expression was related to worse survival compared to low RhoB expression. Furthermore, the molecular docking analysis revealed that OXL had a higher binding affinity for RhoB than 5-FU, with a binding affinity of -7.8 kcal/mol and HADDOCK predicted molecular interactions between RhoB and caspase 3 protein. Gene-set enrichment analysis supported these findings, showing that enrichment of DNA damage response pathway and p53 signaling in RhoB overexpression treatment group, while the RhoB knockout treatment group exhibited enrichment in the negative regulation pathway of cell migration. CONCLUSION RhoB was negatively associated with chemotherapy response and survival in colorectal cancers. Therefore, RhoB inhibition may enhance chemotherapeutic responses and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kopsida
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Angeliki Kotti
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jing Wang
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ganesan Jothimani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Camilla Hildesjo
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Staffan Haapaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Norrköping, Sweden
| | - Wen Zhong
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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15
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Sanchez C, Ramirez A, Hodgson L. Unravelling molecular dynamics in living cells: Fluorescent protein biosensors for cell biology. J Microsc 2024. [PMID: 38357769 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoded, fluorescent protein (FP)-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensors are microscopy imaging tools tailored for the precise monitoring and detection of molecular dynamics within subcellular microenvironments. They are characterised by their ability to provide an outstanding combination of spatial and temporal resolutions in live-cell microscopy. In this review, we begin by tracing back on the historical development of genetically encoded FP labelling for detection in live cells, which lead us to the development of early biosensors and finally to the engineering of single-chain FRET-based biosensors that have become the state-of-the-art today. Ultimately, this review delves into the fundamental principles of FRET and the design strategies underpinning FRET-based biosensors, discusses their diverse applications and addresses the distinct challenges associated with their implementation. We place particular emphasis on single-chain FRET biosensors for the Rho family of guanosine triphosphate hydrolases (GTPases), pointing to their historical role in driving our understanding of the molecular dynamics of this important class of signalling proteins and revealing the intricate relationships and regulatory mechanisms that comprise Rho GTPase biology in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colline Sanchez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Ramirez
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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16
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Haspel N, Jang H, Nussinov R. Allosteric Activation of RhoA Complexed with p115-RhoGEF Deciphered by Conformational Dynamics. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:862-873. [PMID: 38215280 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The Ras homologue family member A (RhoA) is a member of the Rho family, a subgroup of the Ras superfamily. RhoA interacts with the 115 kDa guanine nucleotide exchange factor (p115-RhoGEF), which assists in activation and binding with downstream effectors. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and essential dynamics analysis of the inactive RhoA-GDP and active RhoA-GTP, when bound to p115-RhoGEF to decipher the mechanism of RhoA activation at the structural level. We observe that inactive RhoA-GDP maintains its position near the catalytic site on the Dbl homology (DH) domain of p115-RhoGEF through the interaction of its Switch I region with the DH domain. We further show that the active RhoA-GTP is engaged in more interactions with the p115-RhoGEF membrane-bound Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain as compared to RhoA-GDP. We hypothesize that the role of the interactions between the active RhoA-GTP and the PH domain is to help release it from the DH domain upon activation. Our results support this premise, and our simulations uncover the beginning of this process and provide structural details. They also point to allosteric communication pathways that take part in RhoA activation to promote and strengthen the interaction between the active RhoA-GTP and the PH domain. Allosteric regulation also occurs among other members of the Rho superfamily. Collectively, we suggest that in the activation process, the role of the RhoA-GTP interaction with the PH domain is to release RhoA-GTP from the DH domain after activation, making it available to downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Haspel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts 02125, United States
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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17
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Kant R, Mishra N, Kandhari K, Saba L, Michel C, Reisdorph R, Tewari-Singh N, Pantcheva MB, Petrash JM, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Dexamethasone targets actin cytoskeleton signaling and inflammatory mediators to reverse sulfur mustard-induced toxicity in rabbit corneas. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116834. [PMID: 38266871 PMCID: PMC10923037 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116834] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sulfur mustard (SM), a bi-functional alkylating agent, was used during World War I and the Iran-Iraq war. SM toxicity is ten times higher in eyes than in other tissues. Cornea is exceptionally susceptible to SM-injuries due to its anterior positioning and mucous-aqueous interphase. Ocular SM exposure induces blepharitis, photosensitivity, dry eye, epithelial defects, limbal ischemia and stem cell deficiency, and mustard gas keratopathy leading to temporary or permanent vision impairments. We demonstrated that dexamethasone (Dex) is a potent therapeutic intervention against SM-induced corneal injuries; however, its mechanism of action is not well known. Investigations employing proteomic profiling (LC-MS/MS) to understand molecular mechanisms behind SM-induced corneal injury and Dex efficacy were performed in the rabbit cornea exposed to SM and then received Dex treatment. PEAKS studio was used to extract, search, and summarize peptide identity. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used for pathway identification. Validation was performed using immunofluorescence. One-Way ANOVA (FDR < 0.05; p < 0.005) and Student's t-test (p < 0.05) were utilized for analyzing proteomics and IF data, respectively. Proteomic analysis revealed that SM-exposure upregulated tissue repair pathways, particularly actin cytoskeleton signaling and inflammation. Prominently dysregulated proteins included lipocalin2, coronin1A, actin-related protein2, actin-related protein2/3 complex subunit2, actin-related protein2/3 complex subunit4, cell division cycle42, ezrin, bradykinin/kininogen1, moesin, and profilin. Upregulated actin cytoskeleton signaling increases F-actin formation, dysregulating cell shape and motility. Dex reversed SM-induced increases in the aforementioned proteins levels to near control expression profiles. Dex aids corneal wound healing and improves corneal integrity via actin cytoskeletal signaling and anti-inflammatory effects following SM-induced injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Kant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Neha Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kushal Kandhari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laura Saba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cole Michel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard Reisdorph
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Neera Tewari-Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mina B Pantcheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - J Mark Petrash
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chapla Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rajesh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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18
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Xu Y, Liu X, Cao J, Wu Y, Jiang Q, Luo B. Rho GTPase-activating protein 1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via modulation by CircPIP5K1A/MiR-101-3p. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:174-188. [PMID: 37792600 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM There has been an increased focus on regulating cell function with Rho family GTPases, including proliferation, migration/invasion, polarity, and adhesion. Due to the challenges involved in targeting Rho family GTPases directly, it may be more effective to target their regulators, such as Rho GTPase-activating protein 1 (ARHGAP1). This present research was performed to define the clinical significance of ARHGAP1 expression, as well as its regulatory mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS ARHGAP1 and miR-101-3p expression of liver cancer patients, and their relevance with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed by the Cancer Genome Atlas sequencing data, and verified using samples of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The interactions between miR-101-3p and ARHGAP1 or circPIP5K1A were validated by bioinformatic analyses, as well as confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter analysis. Plate clonality assays, cell adhesion and migration experiments, and proliferation experiments were used for assessing the participation of the circPIP5K1A/miR-101-3p/ARHGAP1 pathway in cell proliferation and motility. RESULTS Elevated ARHGAP1 and reduced miR-101-3p expression are related to poorer survival. MiR-101-3p targets ARHGAP1 to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cell colony formation and invasion, whereas miR-101-3p inhibitor reverses liver cancer proliferation and metastasis suppression caused by ARHGAP1 knockdown. In addition, circPIP5K1A, which is mainly distributed in the cytosol, showed carcinogenic effects by sponging miR-101-3p, thus regulating ARHGAP1 expression. CONCLUSIONS ARHGAP1 serves as an oncogenic gene in liver cancer, and the expression thereof is regulated by circPIP5K1A through sponging miR-101-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaodi Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Ultrasound Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jincheng Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiongchao Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Baoming Luo
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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19
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Klein DC, Lardo SM, Hainer SJ. The ncBAF Complex Regulates Transcription in AML Through H3K27ac Sensing by BRD9. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:237-252. [PMID: 38126767 PMCID: PMC10831031 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The non-canonical BAF complex (ncBAF) subunit BRD9 is essential for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell viability but has an unclear role in leukemogenesis. Because BRD9 is required for ncBAF complex assembly through its DUF3512 domain, precise bromodomain inhibition is necessary to parse the role of BRD9 as a transcriptional regulator from that of a scaffolding protein. To understand the role of BRD9 bromodomain function in regulating AML, we selected a panel of five AML cell lines with distinct driver mutations, disease classifications, and genomic aberrations and subjected these cells to short-term BRD9 bromodomain inhibition. We examined the bromodomain-dependent growth of these cell lines, identifying a dependency in AML cell lines but not HEK293T cells. To define a mechanism through which BRD9 maintains AML cell survival, we examined nascent transcription, chromatin accessibility, and ncBAF complex binding genome-wide after bromodomain inhibition. We identified extensive regulation of transcription by BRD9 bromodomain activity, including repression of myeloid maturation factors and tumor suppressor genes, while standard AML chemotherapy targets were repressed by inhibition of the BRD9 bromodomain. BRD9 bromodomain activity maintained accessible chromatin at both gene promoters and gene-distal putative enhancer regions, in a manner that qualitatively correlated with enrichment of BRD9 binding. Furthermore, we identified reduced chromatin accessibility at GATA, ETS, and AP-1 motifs and increased chromatin accessibility at SNAIL-, HIC-, and TP53-recognized motifs after BRD9 inhibition. These data suggest a role for BRD9 in regulating AML cell differentiation through modulation of accessibility at hematopoietic transcription factor binding sites. SIGNIFICANCE The bromodomain-containing protein BRD9 is essential for AML cell viability, but it is unclear whether this requirement is due to the protein's role as an epigenetic reader. We inhibited this activity and identified altered gene-distal chromatin regulation and transcription consistent with a more mature myeloid cell state.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Klein
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Santana M. Lardo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah J. Hainer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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20
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Morel A, Douat C, Blangy A, Vives V. Bone resorption by osteoclasts involves fine tuning of RHOA activity by its microtubule-associated exchange factor GEF-H1. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342024. [PMID: 38312316 PMCID: PMC10834693 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone health is controlled by the balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and degradation by osteoclasts. A disequilibrium in favor of bone resorption leads to osteolytic diseases characterized by decreased bone density. Osteoclastic resorption is dependent on the assembly of an adhesion structure: the actin ring, also called podosome belt or sealing zone, which is composed of a unique patterning of podosomes stabilized by microtubules. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the crosstalk between actin cytoskeleton and microtubules network is key to find new treatments to inhibit bone resorption. Evidence points to the importance of the fine tuning of the activity of the small GTPase RHOA for the formation and maintenance of the actin ring, but the underlying mechanism is not known. We report here that actin ring disorganization upon microtubule depolymerization is mediated by the activation of the RHOA-ROCK signaling pathway. We next show the involvement of GEF-H1, one of RHOA guanine exchange factor highly expressed in osteoclasts, which has the particularity of being negatively regulated by sequestration on microtubules. Using a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GEF-H1 knock-down osteoclast model, we demonstrate that RHOA activation upon microtubule depolymerization is mediated by GEF-H1 release. Interestingly, although lower levels of GEF-H1 did not impact sealing zone formation in the presence of an intact microtubule network, sealing zone was smaller leading to impaired resorption. Altogether, these results suggest that a fine tuning of GEF-H1 through its association with microtubules, and consequently of RHOA activity, is essential for osteoclast sealing zone stability and resorption function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Morel
- CRBM (Montpellier cell Biology Research Center), Univ Montpellier, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Douat
- CRBM (Montpellier cell Biology Research Center), Univ Montpellier, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Blangy
- CRBM (Montpellier cell Biology Research Center), Univ Montpellier, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), Montpellier, France
| | - Virginie Vives
- CRBM (Montpellier cell Biology Research Center), Univ Montpellier, CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), Montpellier, France
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21
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Huang H, Wang S, Guan Y, Ren J, Liu X. Molecular basis and current insights of atypical Rho small GTPase in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:141. [PMID: 38236467 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09140-7] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Atypical Rho GTPases are a subtype of the Rho GTPase family that are involved in diverse cellular processes. The typical Rho GTPases, led by RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, have been well studied, while relative studies on atypical Rho GTPases are relatively still limited and have great exploration potential. With the increase in studies, current evidence suggests that atypical Rho GTPases regulate multiple biological processes and play important roles in the occurrence and development of human cancers. Therefore, this review mainly discusses the molecular basis of atypical Rho GTPases and their roles in cancer. We summarize the sequence characteristics, subcellular localization and biological functions of each atypical Rho GTPase. Moreover, we review the recent advances and potential mechanisms of atypical Rho GTPases in the development of multiple cancers. A comprehensive understanding and extensive exploration of the biological functions of atypical Rho GTPases and their molecular mechanisms in tumors will provide important insights into the pathophysiology of tumors and the development of cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Yifei Guan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
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22
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Cowell E, Jaber H, Kris LP, Fitzgerald MG, Sanders VM, Norbury AJ, Eyre NS, Carr JM. Vav proteins do not influence dengue virus replication but are associated with induction of phospho-ERK, IL-6, and viperin mRNA following DENV infection in vitro. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0239123. [PMID: 38054722 PMCID: PMC10782993 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02391-23] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Dengue disease is characterized by an inflammatory-mediated immunopathology, with elevated levels of circulating factors including TNF-α and IL-6. If the damaging inflammatory pathways could be blocked without loss of antiviral responses or exacerbating viral replication, then this would be of potential therapeutic benefit. The study here has investigated the Vav guanine exchange factors as a potential alternative signaling pathway that may drive dengue virus (DENV)-induced inflammatory responses, with a focus on Vav1 and 2. While Vav proteins were positively associated with mRNA for inflammatory cytokines, blocking Vav signaling didn't affect DENV replication but prevented DENV-induction of p-ERK and enhanced IL-6 (inflammatory) and viperin (antiviral) mRNA. These initial data suggest that Vav proteins could be a target that does not compromise control of viral replication and should be investigated further for broader impact on host inflammatory responses, in settings such as antibody-dependent enhancement of infection and in different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline Cowell
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hawraa Jaber
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luke P. Kris
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Madeleine G. Fitzgerald
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Valeria M. Sanders
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aidan J. Norbury
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nicholas S. Eyre
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jillian M. Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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23
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Thapa R, Afzal O, Afzal M, Gupta G, Bhat AA, Hassan Almalki W, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Saleem S, Arora P, Singh SK, Dua K. From LncRNA to metastasis: The MALAT1-EMT axis in cancer progression. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154959. [PMID: 38029713 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154959] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that causes abnormal genetic changes and unchecked cellular growth. It also causes a disruption in the normal regulatory processes that leads to the creation of malignant tissue. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic variables influences its etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal contributors within the intricate landscape of cancer biology, orchestrating an array of multifaceted cellular processes that substantiate the processes of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Metastasis is a crucial driver of cancer mortality. Among these, MALAT1 (Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) has drawn a lot of interest for its function in encouraging metastasis via controlling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) procedure. MALAT1 exerts a pivotal influence on the process of EMT, thereby promoting metastasis to distant organs. The mechanistic underpinning of this phenomenon involves the orchestration of an intricate regulatory network encompassing transcription factors, signalling cascades, and genes intricately associated with the EMT process by MALAT1. Its crucial function in transforming tumor cells into an aggressive phenotype is highlighted by its capacity to influence the expression of essential EMT effectors such as N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Snail. An understanding of the MALAT1-EMT axis provides potential therapeutic approaches for cancer intervention. Targeting MALAT1 or its downstream EMT effectors may reduce the spread of metastatic disease and improve the effectiveness of already available therapies. Understanding the MALAT1-EMT axis holds significant clinical implications. Therefore, directing attention towards MALAT1 or its downstream mediators could present innovative therapeutic strategies for mitigating metastasis and improving patient prognosis. This study highlights the importance of MALAT1 in cancer biology and its potential for cutting back on metastatic disease with novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Thapa
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Asif Ahmad Bhat
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Saleem
- Department of Public Health. College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Poonam Arora
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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24
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Bhattacharya A, Alam K, Roy NS, Kaur K, Kaity S, Ravichandiran V, Roy S. Exploring the interaction between extracellular matrix components in a 3D organoid disease model to replicate the pathophysiology of breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:343. [PMID: 38102637 PMCID: PMC10724947 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02926-4] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro models are necessary to study the pathophysiology of the disease and the development of effective, tailored treatment methods owing to the complexity and heterogeneity of breast cancer and the large population affected by it. The cellular connections and tumor microenvironments observed in vivo are often not recapitulated in conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Therefore, developing 3D in vitro models that mimic the complex architecture and physiological circumstances of breast tumors is crucial for advancing our understanding of the illness. A 3D scaffold-free in vitro disease model mimics breast cancer pathophysiology by allowing cells to self-assemble/pattern into 3D structures, in contrast with other 3D models that rely on artificial scaffolds. It is possible that this model, whether applied to breast tumors using patient-derived primary cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and cancer cells), can accurately replicate the observed heterogeneity. The complicated interactions between different cell types are modelled by integrating critical components of the tumor microenvironment, such as the extracellular matrix, vascular endothelial cells, and tumor growth factors. Tissue interactions, immune cell infiltration, and the effects of the milieu on drug resistance can be studied using this scaffold-free 3D model. The scaffold-free 3D in vitro disease model for mimicking tumor pathophysiology in breast cancer is a useful tool for studying the molecular basis of the disease, identifying new therapeutic targets, and evaluating treatment modalities. It provides a more physiologically appropriate high-throughput platform for screening large compound library in a 96-384 well format. We critically discussed the rapid development of personalized treatment strategies and accelerated drug screening platforms to close the gap between traditional 2D cell culture and in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamitra Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Kamare Alam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Nakka Sharmila Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Kulwinder Kaur
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine a Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Santanu Kaity
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700054, India.
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25
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Kozlova A, Sarygina E, Deinichenko K, Radko S, Ptitsyn K, Khmeleva S, Kurbatov L, Spirin P, Prassolov V, Ilgisonis E, Lisitsa A, Ponomarenko E. Comparison of Alternative Splicing Landscapes Revealed by Long-Read Sequencing in Hepatocyte-Derived HepG2 and Huh7 Cultured Cells and Human Liver Tissue. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1494. [PMID: 38132320 PMCID: PMC10740679 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The long-read RNA sequencing developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies provides a direct quantification of transcript isoforms, thereby making it possible to present alternative splicing (AS) profiles as arrays of single splice variants with different abundances. Additionally, AS profiles can be presented as arrays of genes characterized by the degree of alternative splicing (the DAS-the number of detected splice variants per gene). Here, we successfully utilized the DAS to reveal biological pathways influenced by the alterations in AS in human liver tissue and the hepatocyte-derived malignant cell lines HepG2 and Huh7, thus employing the mathematical algorithm of gene set enrichment analysis. Furthermore, analysis of the AS profiles as abundances of single splice variants by using the graded tissue specificity index τ provided the selection of the groups of genes expressing particular splice variants specifically in liver tissue, HepG2 cells, and Huh7 cells. The majority of these splice variants were translated into proteins products and appeal to be in focus regarding further insights into the mechanisms underlying cell malignization. The used metrics are intrinsically suitable for transcriptome-wide AS profiling using long-read sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kozlova
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Elizaveta Sarygina
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Kseniia Deinichenko
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Sergey Radko
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Konstantin Ptitsyn
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Svetlana Khmeleva
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Leonid Kurbatov
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Pavel Spirin
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Vladimir Prassolov
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Ekaterina Ilgisonis
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Andrey Lisitsa
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
| | - Elena Ponomarenko
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya Street 10, 119121 Moscow, Russia (S.R.)
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26
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Ma S, Wang Y, Li W, Qiu S, Zhang X, Niu R, Zhao F, Zheng Y. Integrated analysis identities Rho GTPases related molecular map in patients with gastric carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21443. [PMID: 38052924 PMCID: PMC10698149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48294-z] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate involvement of Rho GTPases in a multitude of human malignancies and their diverse array of biological functions has garnered substantial attention within the scientific community. However, their expression pattern and potential role in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. In this study, we successfully identified two distinct subtypes associated with Rho GTPase-related gene (RGG) through consensus clustering analysis, which exhibited significant disparities in overall survival and the tumor microenvironment. Subsequently, an extensively validated risk model termed RGGscore was meticulously constructed to prognosticate the outcomes of GC patients. This model was further assessed and validated using an external cohort. Notably, the high RGGscore group was indicative of a poorer prognosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses unveiled the RGGscore as an autonomous prognostic indicator for GC patients. Subsequent external validation, utilizing two cohorts of patients who underwent immunotherapy, demonstrated a significant correlation between a low RGGscore and improved response to immunotherapy. Additionally, the expression levels of three genes associated with RGGscore were examined using qRT-PCR. Taken together, a pioneering RGGscore model has been successfully established, showcasing its potential efficacy in offering valuable therapeutic guidance for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xingtai Third Hospital, Xingtai, 054000, China
| | - Weibo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Shaofan Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Ren Niu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Fangchao Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
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27
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Soh JEC, Shimizu A, Sato A, Ogita H. Novel cardiovascular protective effects of RhoA signaling and its therapeutic implications. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115899. [PMID: 37907138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115899] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) belongs to the Rho GTPase superfamily, which was first studied in cancers as one of the essential regulators controlling cellular function. RhoA has long attracted attention as a key molecule involved in cell signaling and gene transcription, through which it affects cellular processes. A series of studies have demonstrated that RhoA plays crucial roles under both physiological states and pathological conditions in cardiovascular diseases. RhoA has been identified as an important regulator in cardiac remodeling by regulating actin stress fiber dynamics and cytoskeleton formation. However, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, preventing definitive conclusions being drawn about its protective role in the cardiovascular system. In this review, we outline the characteristics of RhoA and its related signaling molecules, and present an overview of RhoA classical function and the corresponding cellular responses of RhoA under physiological and pathological conditions. Overall, we provide an update on the novel signaling under RhoA in the cardiovascular system and its potential clinical and therapeutic targets in cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ern Chi Soh
- Division of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akio Shimizu
- Division of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Akira Sato
- Division of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hisakazu Ogita
- Division of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
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Pereira M, Glogova A, Haagsma J, Stewart J, Shepherd TG, Petrik J. Mutant p53 murine oviductal epithelial cells induce progression of high-grade serous carcinoma and are most sensitive to simvastatin therapy in vitro and in vivo. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:218. [PMID: 37986175 PMCID: PMC10662458 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01307-x] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, characterized by gain-of-function TP53 mutations originating in the fallopian tube epithelium. Therapeutic intervention occurs at advanced metastatic disease, due to challenges in early-stage diagnosis, with common disease recurrence and therapy resistance despite initial therapy success. The mevalonate pathway is exploited by many cancers and is potently inhibited by statin drugs. Statins have shown anti-cancer activity in many, but not all cancers. Here, we investigated the role of p53 status in relation to mevalonate pathway signaling in murine oviductal epithelial (OVE) cells and identified OVE cell sensitivity to statin inhibition. We found that p53R175H mutant and Trp53 knockout OVE cells have increased mevalonate pathway signaling compared to p53 wild-type OVE cells. Through orthotopic implantation to replicate the fallopian tube origin of HGSC, p53R175H mutant cells upregulated the mevalonate pathway to drive progression to advanced-stage ovarian cancer, and simvastatin treatment abrogated this effect. Additionally, simvastatin was more efficacious at inhibiting cell metabolic activity in OVE cells than atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pravastatin. In vitro, simvastatin demonstrated potent effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration in OVE cells regardless of p53 status. In vivo, simvastatin induced ovarian cancer disease regression through decreased primary ovarian tumor weight and increased apoptosis. Simvastatin also significantly increased cytoplasmic localization of HMG-CoA reductase in ovarian tumors. Downstream of the mevalonate pathway, simvastatin had no effect on YAP or small GTPase activity. This study suggests that simvastatin can induce anti-tumor effects and could be an important inhibitor of ovarian cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alice Glogova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jacob Haagsma
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Stewart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jim Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Magalhaes YT, Forti FL. ROCK inhibition reduces the sensitivity of mutant p53 glioblastoma to genotoxic stress through a Rac1-driven ROS production. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 164:106474. [PMID: 37778694 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106474] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to radio and chemotherapy in Glioblastoma (GBM) is correlated with its malignancy, invasiveness, and aggressiveness. The Rho GTPase pathway plays important roles in these processes, but its involvement in the GBM response to genotoxic treatments remains unsolved. Inhibition of this signaling pathway has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of CNS injuries and diseases, proving to be a strong candidate for therapeutic approaches. To this end, Rho-associated kinases (ROCK), classic downstream effectors of small Rho GTPases, were targeted for pharmacological inhibition using Y-27632 in GBM cells, expressing the wild-type or mutated p53 gene, and exposed to genotoxic stress by gamma ionizing radiation (IR) or cisplatin (PT). The use of the ROCK inhibitor (ROCKi) had opposite effects in these cells: in cells expressing wild-type p53, ROCKi reduced survival and DNA repair capacity (reduction of γH2AX foci and accumulation of strand breaks) after stress promoted by IR or PT; in cells expressing the mutant p53 protein, both treatments promoted longer survival and more efficient DNA repair, responses further enhanced by ROCKi. The target DNA repair mechanisms of ROCK inhibition were, respectively, an attenuation of NHEJ and NER pathways in wild-type p53 cells, and a stimulation of HR and NER pathways in mutant p53 cells. These effects were accompanied by the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by genotoxic stress only in mutant p53 cells but potentiated by ROCKi and reversed by p53 knockdown. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) treatment or Rac1 knockdown completely eliminated ROCKi's p53-dependent actions, since ROCK inhibition specifically elevated Rac-GTP levels only in mutant p53 cells. Combining IR or PT and ROCKi treatments broadens our understanding of the sensitivity and resistance of, respectively, GBM expressing wild-type or mutant p53 to genotoxic agents. Our proposal may be a determining factor in improving the efficiency and assertiveness of CNS antitumor therapies based on ROCK inhibitors. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of ROCK inhibitors in association with radio or chemotherapy modulates GBM resistance and sensitivity depending on the p53 activity, suggesting the potential value of this protein as therapeutic target for tumor pre-sensitization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Thamires Magalhaes
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabio Luis Forti
- Laboratory of Signaling in Biomolecular Systems, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Xu X, Xu S, Wan J, Wang D, Pang X, Gao Y, Ni N, Chen D, Sun X. Disturbing cytoskeleton by engineered nanomaterials for enhanced cancer therapeutics. Bioact Mater 2023; 29:50-71. [PMID: 37621771 PMCID: PMC10444958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytoskeleton plays a significant role in the shape change, migration, movement, adhesion, cytokinesis, and phagocytosis of tumor cells. In clinical practice, some anti-cancer drugs achieve cytoskeletal therapeutic effects by acting on different cytoskeletal protein components. However, in the absence of cell-specific targeting, unnecessary cytoskeletal recombination in organisms would be disastrous, which would also bring about severe side effects during anticancer process. Nanomedicine have been proven to be superior to some small molecule drugs in cancer treatment due to better stability and targeting, and lower side effects. Therefore, this review summarized the recent developments of various nanomaterials disturbing cytoskeleton for enhanced cancer therapeutics, including carbon, noble metals, metal oxides, black phosphorus, calcium, silicon, polymers, peptides, and metal-organic frameworks, etc. A comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of cytoskeleton therapy as well as the future prospects and challenges towards clinical application were also discussed. We aim to drive on this emerging topic through refreshing perspectives based on our own work and what we have also learnt from others. This review will help researchers quickly understand relevant cytoskeletal therapeutic information to further advance the development of cancer nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Xu
- School of Science, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan, 250101, China
| | - Shanbin Xu
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Jipeng Wan
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Diqing Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xinlong Pang
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Nengyi Ni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Dawei Chen
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, China
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Lee ZC, Hadisurya M, Luo Z, Li L, Tao WA. Hands-Free Proteomic Profiling of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles with a High-Throughput Automated Workflow. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:2585-2593. [PMID: 37870912 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00329] [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: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a promising source of disease biomarkers for noninvasive early stage diagnoses, but a bottleneck in EV sample processing restricts their immense potential in clinical applications. Existing methods are limited by a low EV yield and integrity, slow processing speeds, low sample capacity, and poor recovery efficiency. We aimed to address these issues with a high-throughput automated workflow for EV isolation, EV lysis, protein extraction, and protein denaturation. The automation can process clinical urine samples in parallel, resulting in protein-covered beads ready for various analytical methods, including immunoassays, protein quantitation assays, and mass spectrometry. Compared to the standard manual lysis method for contamination levels, efficiency, and consistency of EV isolation, the automated protocol shows reproducible and robust proteomic quantitation with less than a 10% median coefficient of variation. When we applied the method to clinical samples, we identified a total 3,793 unique proteins and 40,380 unique peptides, with 992 significantly upregulated proteins in kidney cancer patients versus healthy controls. These upregulated proteins were found to be involved in several important kidney cancer metabolic pathways also identified with a manual control. This hands-free workflow represents a practical EV extraction and profiling approach that can benefit both clinical and research applications, streamlining biomarker discovery, tumor monitoring, and early cancer diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Chi Lee
- West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Marco Hadisurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Zhuojun Luo
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Li Li
- Tymora Analytical Operations, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - W Andy Tao
- Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Tymora Analytical Operations, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Wang XC, Tang YL, Liang XH. Tumour follower cells: A novel driver of leader cells in collective invasion (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:115. [PMID: 37615176 PMCID: PMC10552739 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cellular invasion in malignant tumours is typically characterized by the cooperative migration of multiple cells in close proximity to each other. Follower cells are led away from the tumour by specialized leader cells, and both cell populations play a crucial role in collective invasion. Follower cells form the main body of the migration system and depend on intercellular contact for migration, whereas leader cells indicate the direction for the entire cell population. Although collective invasion can occur in epithelial and non‑epithelial malignant neoplasms, such as medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the present review mainly provided an extensive analysis of epithelial tumours. In the present review, the cooperative mechanisms of contact inhibition locomotion between follower and leader cells, where follower cells coordinate and direct collective movement through physical (mechanical) and chemical (signalling) interactions, is summarised. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of follower cell invasion and metastasis during remodelling and degradation of the extracellular matrix and how chemotaxis and lateral inhibition mediate follower cell behaviour were analysed. It was also demonstrated that follower cells exhibit genetic and metabolic heterogeneity during invasion, unlike leader cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Wang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- Departments of Oral Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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Viúdez-Pareja C, Kreft E, García-Caballero M. Immunomodulatory properties of the lymphatic endothelium in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235812. [PMID: 37744339 PMCID: PMC10512957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an intricate complex and dynamic structure composed of various cell types, including tumor, stromal and immune cells. Within this complex network, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and influencing tumor progression and metastatic dissemination to lymph node and distant organs. Interestingly, LECs possess unique immunomodulatory properties that can either promote or inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. In fact, tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis can facilitate tumor cell dissemination and metastasis supporting immunoevasion, but also, different molecular mechanisms involved in LEC-mediated anti-tumor immunity have been already described. In this context, the crosstalk between cancer cells, LECs and immune cells and how this communication can shape the immune landscape in the TME is gaining increased interest in recent years. In this review, we present a comprehensive and updated report about the immunomodulatory properties of the lymphatic endothelium within the TME, with special focus on primary tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, we outline emerging research investigating the potential therapeutic strategies targeting the lymphatic endothelium to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Understanding the intricate mechanisms involved in LEC-mediated immune modulation in the TME opens up new possibilities for the development of innovative approaches to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Viúdez-Pareja
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ewa Kreft
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
| | - Melissa García-Caballero
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Andalucía Tech, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- IBIMA (Biomedical Research Institute of Málaga)-Plataforma BIONAND, Málaga, Spain
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Salem O, Jia S, Qian BZ, Hansen CG. AR activates YAP/TAZ differentially in prostate cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201620. [PMID: 37385752 PMCID: PMC10310930 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201620] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway is a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and cancer. The transcriptional coregulators of the Hippo pathway, YAP and TAZ, are central in various cancers. However, how YAP and TAZ get activated in most types of cancers is not well understood. Here, we show that androgens activate YAP/TAZ via the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer (PCa), and that this activation is differential. AR regulates YAP translation while inducing transcription of the TAZ encoding gene, WWTR1 Furthermore, we show that AR-mediated YAP/TAZ activation is regulated by the RhoA GTPases transcriptional mediator, serum response factor (SRF). Importantly, in prostate cancer patients, SRF expression positively correlates with TAZ and the YAP/TAZ target genes CYR61 and CTGF We demonstrate that YAP/TAZ are not essential for sustaining AR activity, however, targeting YAP/TAZ or SRF sensitize PCa cells to AR inhibition in anchorage-independent growth conditions. Our findings dissect the cellular roles of YAP, TAZ, and SRF in prostate cancer cells. Our data emphasize the interplay between these transcriptional regulators and their roles in prostate tumorigenesis and highlight how these insights might be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Salem
- The University of Edinburgh, Centre for Inflammation Research, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Siyang Jia
- The University of Edinburgh, Centre for Inflammation Research, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bin-Zhi Qian
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Carsten Gram Hansen
- The University of Edinburgh, Centre for Inflammation Research, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
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Song W, Wu X, Cheng C, Li D, Chen J, Zhang W. ARHGAP9 knockdown promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via suppressing DKK2. Genomics 2023; 115:110684. [PMID: 37454937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the effect of ARHGAP9 on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) metastasis, and preliminarily explore its molecular mechanism. As a result, we found that ARHGAP9 was downregulated and correlated with poor prognosis of LUAD. ARHGAP9 knockdown promoted LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion, inhibited cell apoptosis and reduced G0G1 cell cycle arrest, in contrast to the results of ARHGAP9 overexpression. Further RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that ARHGAP9 knockdown in H1299 cells significantly reduced DKK2 (dickkopf related protein 2) expression. Silencing ARHGAP9 in H1299 cells while overexpressing DKK2, DKK2 reversed the promoted effects of ARHGAP9 knockdown on LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Meanwhile, the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was also reduced. Taken together, these data indicated that ARHGAP9 knockdown promoted LUAD metastasis by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via suppressing DKK2. This may provide a new strategy for LUAD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China; Henan Engineering Research Center for Tumor Precision Medicine and Comprehensive Evaluation, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China; Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drug Research, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Jinhua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Wenzhou Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China.
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Tang F, Huang K, Peng B, Deng W, Su N, Xu F, Zhang M, Zhong H. RhoA/ROCK Signaling Is Involved in Pathological Retinal Neovascularization. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:183-192. [PMID: 37660689 PMCID: PMC10614457 DOI: 10.1159/000533321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor Fasudil on retinal neovascularization (NV) in vivo and angiogenesis in vitro. METHODS C57BL/6 was used to establish an OIR model. First, RhoA/ROCK expression was first examined and compared between OIR and healthy controls. Then, we evaluated the effect of Fasudil on pathological retinal NV. Whole-mount retinal staining was performed. The percentage of NV area, the number of neovascular tufts (NVT), and branch points (BP) were quantified. Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to investigate the effect of Fasudil on angiogenesis. RESULTS Real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that ROCK expression in retinal tissue was statistically upregulated in OIR. Furthermore, we found that Fasudil attenuated the percentage of NV area, the number of NVT, and BP significantly. In addition, Fasudil could suppress the proliferation and migration of HUVECs induced by VEGF. CONCLUSIONS RhoA/ROCK might be involved in the pathogenesis of OIR. And its inhibitor Fasudil could suppress retinal NV in vivo and angiogenesis in vitro. Fasudil may be a potential treatment strategy for retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Kongqian Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Biyan Peng
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Ning Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Mingyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Haibin Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Eye Health and Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Related Systemic Diseases Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology and Institute of Ophthalmic Diseases, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
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Angori S, Banaei-Esfahani A, Mühlbauer K, Bolck HA, Kahraman A, Karakulak T, Poyet C, Feodoroff M, Potdar S, Kallioniemi O, Pietiäinen V, Schraml P, Moch H. Ex Vivo Drug Testing in Patient-derived Papillary Renal Cancer Cells Reveals EGFR and the BCL2 Family as Therapeutic Targets. Eur Urol Focus 2023; 9:751-759. [PMID: 36933996 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2023.03.005] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents are used for first-line treatment of advanced papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) but pRCC response rates to these therapies are low. OBJECTIVE To generate and characterise a functional ex vivo model to identify novel treatment options in advanced pRCC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We established patient-derived cell cultures (PDCs) from seven pRCC samples from patients and characterised them via genomic analysis and drug profiling. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Comprehensive molecular characterisation in terms of copy number analysis and whole-exome sequencing confirmed the concordance of pRCC PDCs with the original tumours. We evaluated their sensitivity to novel drugs by generating drug scores for each PDC. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS PDCs confirmed pRCC-specific copy number variations such as gains in chromosomes 7, 16, and 17. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that PDCs retained mutations in pRCC-specific driver genes. We performed drug screening with 526 novel and oncological compounds. Whereas exposure to conventional drugs showed low efficacy, the results highlighted EGFR and BCL2 family inhibition as the most effective targets in our pRCC PDCs. CONCLUSIONS High-throughput drug testing on newly established pRCC PDCs revealed that inhibition of EGFR and BCL2 family members could be a therapeutic strategy in pRCC. PATIENT SUMMARY We used a new approach to generate patient-derived cells from a specific type of kidney cancer. We showed that these cells have the same genetic background as the original tumour and can be used as models to study novel treatment options for this type of kidney cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Angori
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amir Banaei-Esfahani
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Mühlbauer
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hella A Bolck
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Kahraman
- School for Life Sciences, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Tülay Karakulak
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Swiss Informatics Institute, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Poyet
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Feodoroff
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Laboratory of Immunovirotherapy, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vilja Pietiäinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Schraml
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Olwal CO, Fabius JM, Zuliani-Alvarez L, Eckhardt M, Kyei GB, Quashie PK, Krogan NJ, Bouhaddou M, Bediako Y. Network modeling suggests HIV infection phenocopies PI3K-AKT pathway mutations to enhance HPV-associated cervical cancer. Mol Omics 2023; 19:538-551. [PMID: 37204043 PMCID: PMC10524288 DOI: 10.1039/d3mo00025g] [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] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are six times as likely to develop invasive cervical carcinoma compared to those without HIV. Unlike other HIV-associated cancers, the risk of cervical cancer development does not change when HPV/HIV coinfected women begin antiretroviral therapy, suggesting HIV-associated immune suppression is not a key driver of cervical cancer development in coinfected women. Here, we investigated whether the persistent secretion of inflammatory factors in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy could enhance cancer signaling in HPV-infected cervical cells via endocrine mechanisms. We integrated previously reported HIV-induced secreted inflammatory factors (Hi-SIFs), HIV and HPV virus-human protein interactions, and cervical cancer patient genomic data using network propagation to understand the pathways underlying disease development in HPV/HIV coinfection. Our results pinpointed the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to be enriched at the interface between Hi-SIFs and HPV-host molecular networks, in alignment with PI3K pathway mutations being prominent drivers of HPV-associated, but HIV independent, cervical cancer development. Furthermore, we experimentally stimulated cervical cells with 14 Hi-SIFs to assess their ability to activate PI3K-AKT signaling. Strikingly, we found 8 factors (CD14, CXCL11, CXCL9, CXCL13, CXCL17, AHSG, CCL18, and MMP-1) to significantly upregulate AKT phosphorylation (pAKT-S473) relative to a phosphate buffered saline control. Our findings suggest that Hi-SIFs cooperate with HPV infection in cervical cells to over-activate PI3K-AKT signaling, effectively phenocopying PI3K-AKT pathway mutations, resulting in enhanced cervical cancer development in coinfected women. Our insights could support the design of therapeutic interventions targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway or neutralizing Hi-SIFs in HPV/HIV coinfected cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ochieng' Olwal
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jacqueline M Fabius
- The J. David Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lorena Zuliani-Alvarez
- The J. David Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Manon Eckhardt
- The J. David Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - George Boateng Kyei
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- University of Ghana Medical Centre, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Kojo Quashie
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- The J. David Gladstone Institute of Data Science and Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Mehdi Bouhaddou
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences (QCBio), University of California, Los Angeles, LA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG), University of California, Los Angeles, LA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, LA, USA
| | - Yaw Bediako
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Yemaachi Biotech, Accra, Ghana
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Bustamante Eduardo M, Keller I, Schuster N, Aebi S, Jaggi R. Molecular characterization of breast cancer cell pools with normal or reduced ability to respond to progesterone: a study based on RNA-seq. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:81. [PMID: 37550554 PMCID: PMC10406740 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00541-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About one-third of patients with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancer have tumors which are progesterone receptor (PR) negative. PR is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer. Patients with ERα-positive/PR-negative tumors have shorter disease-free and overall survival than patients with ERα-positive/PR-positive tumors. New evidence has shown that progesterone (P4) has an anti-proliferative effect in ERα-positive breast cancer cells. However, the role of PR in breast cancer is only poorly understood. METHODS We disrupted the PR gene (PGR) in ERα-positive/PR-positive T-47D cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This resulted in cell pools we termed PR-low as P4 mediated effects were inhibited or blocked compared to control T-47D cells. We analyzed the gene expression profiles of PR-low and control T-47D cells in the absence of hormone and upon treatment with P4 alone or P4 together with estradiol (E2). Differentially expressed (DE) genes between experimental groups were characterized based on RNA-seq and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. RESULTS The overall gene expression pattern was very similar between untreated PR-low and untreated control T-47D cells. More than 6000 genes were DE in control T-47D cells upon stimulation with P4 or P4 plus E2. When PR-low pools were subjected to the same hormonal treatment, up- or downregulation was either blocked/absent or consistently lower. We identified more than 3000 genes that were DE between hormone-treated PR-low and control T-47D cells. GO analysis revealed seven significantly enriched biological processes affected by PR and associated with G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways which have been described to support growth, invasiveness, and metastasis in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides new insights into the complex role of PR in ERα-positive/PR-positive breast cancer cells. Many of the genes affected by PR are part of central biological processes of tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bustamante Eduardo
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA.
| | - Irene Keller
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Schuster
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Aebi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Jaggi
- Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Deng DX, Li CY, Zheng ZY, Wen B, Liao LD, Zhang XJ, Li EM, Xu LY. Prenylated PALM2 Promotes the Migration of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Activating Ezrin. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100593. [PMID: 37328063 PMCID: PMC10393820 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100593] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing a CAAX motif at the C-terminus undergo prenylation for localization and activity and include a series of key regulatory proteins, such as RAS superfamily members, heterotrimeric G proteins, nuclear lamina protein, and several protein kinases and phosphatases. However, studies of prenylated proteins in esophageal cancer are limited. Here, through research on large-scale proteomic data of esophageal cancer in our laboratory, we found that paralemmin-2 (PALM2), a potential prenylated protein, was upregulated and associated with poor prognosis in patients. Low-throughput verification showed that the expression of PALM2 in esophageal cancer tissues was higher than that in their paired normal esophageal epithelial tissues, and it was generally expressed in the membrane and cytoplasm of esophageal cancer cells. PALM2 interacted with the two subunits of farnesyl transferase (FTase), FNTA and FNTB. Either the addition of an FTase inhibitor or mutation in the CAAX motif of PALM2 (PALM2C408S) impaired its membranous localization and reduced the membrane location of PALM2, indicating PALM2 was prenylated by FTase. Overexpression of PALM2 enhanced the migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells, whereas PALM2C408S lost this ability. Mechanistically, PALM2 interacted with the N-terminal FERM domain of ezrin of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family. Mutagenesis indicated that lysine residues K253/K254/K262/K263 in ezrin's FERM domain and C408 in PALM2's CAAX motif were important for PALM2/ezrin interaction and ezrin activation. Knockout of ezrin prevented enhanced cancer cell migration by PALM2 overexpression. PALM2, depending on its prenylation, increased both ezrin membrane localization and phosphorylation of ezrin at Y146. In summary, prenylated PALM2 enhances the migration of cancer cells by activating ezrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Xia Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheng-Yu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute, Shantou Sub-center, Cancer Research Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen-Yuan Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute, Shantou Sub-center, Cancer Research Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian-Di Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute, Shantou Sub-center, Cancer Research Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China.
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van der Krogt JMA, van der Meulen IJE, van Buul JD. Spatiotemporal regulation of Rho GTPase signaling during endothelial barrier remodeling. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 34:None. [PMID: 37547802 PMCID: PMC10398679 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2023.100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The vasculature is characterized by a thin cell layer that comprises the inner wall of all blood vessels, the continuous endothelium. Endothelial cells can also be found in the eye's cornea. And even though cornea and vascular endothelial (VE) cells differ from each other in structure, they both function as barriers and express similar junctional proteins such as the adherens junction VE-cadherin and tight-junction member claudin-5. How these barriers are controlled to maintain the barrier and thereby its integrity is of major interest in the development of potential therapeutic targets. An important target of endothelial barrier remodeling is the actin cytoskeleton, which is centrally coordinated by Rho GTPases that are in turn regulated by Rho-regulatory proteins. In this review, we give a brief overview of how Rho-regulatory proteins themselves are spatiotemporally regulated during the process of endothelial barrier remodeling. Additionally, we propose a roadmap for the comprehensive dissection of the Rho GTPase signaling network in its entirety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jaap D van Buul
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, section Molecular Cytology at Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ahmad M, Weiswald LB, Poulain L, Denoyelle C, Meryet-Figuiere M. Involvement of lncRNAs in cancer cells migration, invasion and metastasis: cytoskeleton and ECM crosstalk. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:173. [PMID: 37464436 PMCID: PMC10353155 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the main cause of death worldwide and metastasis is a major cause of poor prognosis and cancer-associated mortality. Metastatic conversion of cancer cells is a multiplex process, including EMT through cytoskeleton remodeling and interaction with TME. Tens of thousands of putative lncRNAs have been identified, but the biological functions of most are still to be identified. However, lncRNAs have already emerged as key regulators of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level to control gene expression in a spatio-temporal fashion. LncRNA-dependent mechanisms can control cell fates during development and their perturbed expression is associated with the onset and progression of many diseases including cancer. LncRNAs have been involved in each step of cancer cells metastasis through different modes of action. The investigation of lncRNAs different roles in cancer metastasis could possibly lead to the identification of new biomarkers and innovative cancer therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmad
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 14000, Egypt
| | - Louis-Bastien Weiswald
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Laurent Poulain
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Christophe Denoyelle
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Matthieu Meryet-Figuiere
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France.
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Lin WH, Feathers RW, Cooper LM, Lewis-Tuffin LJ, Chen J, Sarkaria JN, Anastasiadis PZ. A Syx-RhoA-Dia1 signaling axis regulates cell cycle progression, DNA damage, and therapy resistance in glioblastoma. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e157491. [PMID: 37427593 PMCID: PMC10371349 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.157491] [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: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are aggressive tumors that lack effective treatments. Here, we show that the Rho family guanine nucleotide exchange factor Syx promotes GBM cell growth both in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts derived from patients with GBM. Growth defects upon Syx depletion are attributed to prolonged mitosis, increased DNA damage, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis, mediated by altered mRNA and protein expression of various cell cycle regulators. These effects are phenocopied by depletion of the Rho downstream effector Dia1 and are due, at least in part, to increased phosphorylation, cytoplasmic retention, and reduced activity of the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators. Furthermore, targeting Syx signaling cooperates with radiation treatment and temozolomide (TMZ) to decrease viability in GBM cells, irrespective of their inherent response to TMZ. The data indicate that a Syx-RhoA-Dia1-YAP/TAZ signaling axis regulates cell cycle progression, DNA damage, and therapy resistance in GBM and argue for its targeting for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Hsin Lin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Ryan W. Feathers
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Lisa M. Cooper
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Jiaxiang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jann N. Sarkaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Rai SK, Singh D, Sarangi PP. Role of RhoG as a regulator of cellular functions: integrating insights on immune cell activation, migration, and functions. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01761-9. [PMID: 37378671 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01761-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RhoG is a multifaceted member of the Rho family of small GTPases, sharing the highest sequence identity with the Rac subfamily members. It acts as a molecular switch, when activated, plays a central role in regulating the fundamental processes in immune cells, such as actin-cytoskeleton dynamics, transendothelial migration, survival, and proliferation, including immunological functions (e.g., phagocytosis and trogocytosis) during inflammatory responses. METHOD We have performed a literature review based on published original and review articles encompassing the significant effect of RhoG on immune cell functions from central databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Recently published data shows that the dynamic expression of different transcription factors, non-coding RNAs, and the spatiotemporal coordination of different GEFs with their downstream effector molecules regulates the cascade of Rho signaling in immune cells. Additionally, alterations in RhoG-specific signaling can lead to physiological, pathological, and developmental adversities. Several mutations and RhoG-modulating factors are also known to pre-dispose the downstream signaling with abnormal gene expression linked to multiple diseases. This review focuses on the cellular functions of RhoG, interconnecting different signaling pathways, and speculates the importance of this small GTPase as a prospective target against several pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Kumar Rai
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Divya Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India
| | - Pranita P Sarangi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 247667, India.
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Merk-Ahmad K, Bein J, Scharf S, Schäfer H, Bexte T, Ullrich E, Loth AG, Flinner N, Senff T, Schneider O, Hansmann ML, Piel M, Häupl B, Oellerich T, Donnadieu E, Hartmann S. The RHOA Mutation G17V Does Not Lead to Increased Migration of Human Malignant T Cells but Is Associated with Matrix Remodelling. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3226. [PMID: 37370838 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nodal T-follicular helper cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic-type (AITL), is characterized by constitutional symptoms, advanced-stage disease, and generalized lymphadenopathy. A genetic hallmark of this lymphoma is the frequent occurrence of the RHOA mutation G17V in neoplastic cells, which is observed in around 60% of patients. Because RHOA is involved in both T-cell receptor downstream signalling and cell migration, we hypothesized that the characteristic presentation of AITL could be the result of enhanced tumor cell migration. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the impact of the RHOA variant G17V on the migration of neoplastic T cells. We transfected the T-cell lymphoma cell lines HH and HuT78 to stably express the RHOA-G17V variant. RHOA-G17V-expressing T cells did not exhibit enhanced motility compared to empty-vector-transfected cells in microchannels, a 3D collagen gel, or primary human lymphatic tissue. Cells of the HH cell line expressing RHOA-G17V had an increased number of cells with cleaved collagen compared with the empty-vector-transfected cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that the early spread of AITL tumor cells may be related to remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Accordingly, we observed a significant negative correlation between the relative area of collagen in histological sections from 18 primary AITL and the allele frequency of the RHOA-G17V mutation. In conclusion, our results suggest that the characteristic presentation of AITL with early, widespread dissemination of lymphoma cells is not the result of an enhanced migration capacity due to the RHOA-G17V mutation; instead, this feature may rather be related to extracellular matrix remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Merk-Ahmad
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julia Bein
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Scharf
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Molecular Bioinformatics, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Robert-Mayer-Str. 11-15, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schäfer
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Department for Pediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Department for Pediatrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, Goethe University, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas G Loth
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadine Flinner
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tina Senff
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, Helios Klinikum Wuppertal, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Olga Schneider
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin-Leo Hansmann
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of General Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthieu Piel
- Institut Curie and Institut Pierre Gilles de Gennes, CNRS, UMR 144, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Björn Häupl
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Mohammadzadeh P, Amberg GC. AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212104. [PMID: 37396176 PMCID: PMC10310921 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly associated with a variety of human cancers. Along with its ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific protein 6), AXL is emerging as an important regulator of neuroendocrine development and function. AXL signaling in response to Gas6 binding impacts neuroendocrine structure and function at the level of the brain, pituitary, and gonads. During development, AXL has been identified as an upstream inhibitor of gonadotropin receptor hormone (GnRH) production and also plays a key role in the migration of GnRH neurons from the olfactory placode to the forebrain. AXL is implicated in reproductive diseases including some forms of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and evidence suggests that AXL is required for normal spermatogenesis. Here, we highlight research describing AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms with a focus on the molecular pathways related to neuroendocrine function in health and disease. In doing so, we aim to present a concise account of known AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms to identify current knowledge gaps and inspire future research.
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Hladyshau S, Stoop JP, Kamada K, Nie S, Tsygankov D. Spatiotemporal Coordination of Rac1 and Cdc42 at the Whole Cell Level during Cell Ruffling. Cells 2023; 12:1638. [PMID: 37371108 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-GTPases are central regulators within a complex signaling network that controls cytoskeletal organization and cell movement. The network includes multiple GTPases, such as the most studied Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA, along with their numerous effectors that provide mutual regulation through feedback loops. Here we investigate the temporal and spatial relationship between Rac1 and Cdc42 during membrane ruffling, using a simulation model that couples GTPase signaling with cell morphodynamics and captures the GTPase behavior observed with FRET-based biosensors. We show that membrane velocity is regulated by the kinetic rate of GTPase activation rather than the concentration of active GTPase. Our model captures both uniform and polarized ruffling. We also show that cell-type specific time delays between Rac1 and Cdc42 activation can be reproduced with a single signaling motif, in which the delay is controlled by feedback from Cdc42 to Rac1. The resolution of our simulation output matches those of time-lapsed recordings of cell dynamics and GTPase activity. Our data-driven modeling approach allows us to validate simulation results with quantitative precision using the same pipeline for the analysis of simulated and experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siarhei Hladyshau
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jorik P Stoop
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Kosei Kamada
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Shuyi Nie
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Denis Tsygankov
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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48
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Gupta P, Herring B, Kumar N, Telange R, Garcia-Buntley SS, Caceres TW, Colantonio S, Williams F, Kurup P, Carter AM, Lin D, Chen H, Rose B, Jaskula-Sztul R, Mukhtar S, Reddy S, Bibb JA. Faulty Metabolism: A Potential Instigator of an Aggressive Phenotype in Cdk5-dependent Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544755. [PMID: 37398342 PMCID: PMC10312670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544755] [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
Mechanistic modeling of cancers such as Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) to emulate patient-specific phenotypes is challenging. The discovery of potential diagnostic markers and druggable targets in MTC urgently requires clinically relevant animal models. Here we established orthotopic mouse models of MTC driven by aberrantly active Cdk5 using cell-specific promoters. Each of the two models elicits distinct growth differences that recapitulate the less or more aggressive forms of human tumors. The comparative mutational and transcriptomic landscape of tumors revealed significant alterations in mitotic cell cycle processes coupled with the slow-growing tumor phenotype. Conversely, perturbation in metabolic pathways emerged as critical for aggressive tumor growth. Moreover, an overlapping mutational profile was identified between mouse and human tumors. Gene prioritization revealed putative downstream effectors of Cdk5 which may contribute to the slow and aggressive growth in the mouse MTC models. In addition, Cdk5/p25 phosphorylation sites identified as biomarkers for Cdk5-driven neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) were detected in both slow and rapid onset models and were also histologically present in human MTC. Thus, this study directly relates mouse and human MTC models and uncovers vulnerable pathways potentially responsible for differential tumor growth rates. Functional validation of our findings may lead to better prediction of patient-specific personalized combinational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University of Arizona School of Medicine in Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2230, USA
| | - Brendon Herring
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Nilesh Kumar
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Rahul Telange
- Department of Hematology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sandra S. Garcia-Buntley
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Antibody Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Tessa W. Caceres
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Antibody Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Simona Colantonio
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Antibody Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ford Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Pradeep Kurup
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Angela M. Carter
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Diana Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Shahid Mukhtar
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Sushanth Reddy
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - James A. Bibb
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University of Arizona School of Medicine in Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2230, USA
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49
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Mainsiouw L, Ryan ME, Hafizi S, Fleming JC. The molecular and clinical role of Tensin 1/2/3 in cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37296531 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tensin 1 was originally described as a focal adhesion adaptor protein, playing a role in extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal interactions. Three other Tensin proteins were subsequently discovered, and the family was grouped as Tensin. It is now recognized that these proteins interact with multiple cell signalling cascades that are implicated in tumorigenesis. To understand the role of Tensin 1-3 in neoplasia, current molecular evidence is categorized by the hallmarks of cancer model. Additionally, clinical data involving Tensin 1-3 are reviewed to investigate the correlation between cellular effects and clinical phenotype. Tensin proteins commonly interact with the tumour suppressor, DLC1. The ability of Tensin to promote tumour progression is directly correlated with DLC1 expression. Members of the Tensin family appear to have tumour subtype-dependent effects on oncogenesis; despite numerous data evidencing a tumour suppressor role for Tensin 2, association of Tensins 1-3 with an oncogenic role notably in colorectal carcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is of potential clinical relevance. The complex interplay between these focal adhesion adaptor proteins and signalling pathways are discussed to provide an up to date review of their role in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Edward Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sassan Hafizi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Jason C Fleming
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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50
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Javanmardi Y, Agrawal A, Malandrino A, Lasli S, Chen M, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Cammoun L, Li R, Jorfi M, Djordjevic B, Szita N, Spill F, Bertazzo S, Sheridan GK, Shenoy V, Calvo F, Kamm R, Moeendarbary E. Endothelium and Subendothelial Matrix Mechanics Modulate Cancer Cell Transendothelial Migration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206554. [PMID: 37051804 PMCID: PMC10238207 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell extravasation, a key step in the metastatic cascade, involves cancer cell arrest on the endothelium, transendothelial migration (TEM), followed by the invasion into the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) of distant tissues. While cancer research has mostly focused on the biomechanical interactions between tumor cells (TCs) and ECM, particularly at the primary tumor site, very little is known about the mechanical properties of endothelial cells and the subendothelial ECM and how they contribute to the extravasation process. Here, an integrated experimental and theoretical framework is developed to investigate the mechanical crosstalk between TCs, endothelium and subendothelial ECM during in vitro cancer cell extravasation. It is found that cancer cell actin-rich protrusions generate complex push-pull forces to initiate and drive TEM, while transmigration success also relies on the forces generated by the endothelium. Consequently, mechanical properties of the subendothelial ECM and endothelial actomyosin contractility that mediate the endothelial forces also impact the endothelium's resistance to cancer cell transmigration. These results indicate that mechanical features of distant tissues, including force interactions between the endothelium and the subendothelial ECM, are key determinants of metastatic organotropism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Ayushi Agrawal
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Andrea Malandrino
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
- Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering GroupDepartment of Materials Science and Engineering and Research Center for Biomedical EngineeringUniversitat Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC)08019BarcelonaSpain
| | - Soufian Lasli
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Michelle Chen
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Leila Cammoun
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Mehdi Jorfi
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- 199 Biotechnologies LtdGloucester RoadLondonW2 6LDUK
| | - Nicolas Szita
- Department of Biochemical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Fabian Spill
- School of MathematicsUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB152TSUK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonWC1E 6BTUK
| | - Graham K Sheridan
- School of Life SciencesQueen's Medical CentreUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamNG7 2UHUK
| | - Vivek Shenoy
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria)Santander39011Spain
| | - Roger Kamm
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity College LondonTorrington PlaceLondonWC1E 7JEUK
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMA02139USA
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