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Bracken CP, Goodall GJ, Gregory PA. RNA regulatory mechanisms controlling TGF-β signaling and EMT in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2024:S1044-579X(24)00043-9. [PMID: 38917876 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.06.001] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major contributor to metastatic progression and is prominently regulated by TGF-β signalling. Both EMT and TGF-β pathway components are tightly controlled by non-coding RNAs - including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) - that collectively have major impacts on gene expression and resulting cellular states. While miRNAs are the best characterised regulators of EMT and TGF-β signaling and the miR-200-ZEB1/2 feedback loop plays a central role, important functions for lncRNAs and circRNAs are also now emerging. This review will summarise our current understanding of the roles of non-coding RNAs in EMT and TGF-β signaling with a focus on their functions in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P Bracken
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Adelaide.
| | - Gregory J Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Adelaide.
| | - Philip A Gregory
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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2
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Corrigendum to: A logical model of Ewing sarcoma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition supports the existence of hybrid cellular phenotypes https://doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.14724. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38880658 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
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3
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Ke R, Viswakarma N, Menhart M, Singh SK, Kumar S, Srivastava P, Vishnoi K, Kashyap T, Srivastava D, Nair RS, Maienschein-Cline M, Wang X, Rana A, Rana B. MLK3 promotes prooncogenic signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma via TGFβ pathway. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03055-8. [PMID: 38858590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03055-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease, with limited therapeutic options. Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) is a key regulator of liver diseases, although its role in HCC remains unclear. Analysis of TCGA databases suggested elevated MAP3K11 (MLK3 gene) expression, and TMA studies showed higher MLK3 activation in human HCCs. To understand MLK3's role in HCC, we utlized carcinogen-induced HCC model and compared between wild-type and MLK3 knockout (MLK3-/-) mice. Our studies showed that MLK3 kinase activity is upregulated in HCC, and MLK3 deficiency alleviates HCC progression. MLK3 deficiency reduced proliferation in vivo and MLK3 inhibition reduced proliferation and colony formation in vitro. To obtain further insight into the mechanism and identify newer targets mediating MLK3-induced HCCs, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed. These showed that MLK3 deficiency modulates various gene signatures, including EMT, and reduces TGFB1&2 expressions. HCC cells overexpressing MLK3 promoted EMT via autocrine TGFβ signaling. Moreover, MLK3 deficiency attenuated activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) signature, which is increased in wild-type. Interestingly, MLK3 promotes HSC activation via paracrine TGFβ signaling. These findings reveal TGFβ playing a key role at different steps of HCC, downstream of MLK3, implying MLK3-TGFβ axis to be an ideal drug target for advanced HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- O2M Technologies, LLC, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mary Menhart
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sunil Kumar Singh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Piush Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tanushree Kashyap
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deepti Srivastava
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Rakesh Sathish Nair
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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4
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Gottumukkala SB, Ganesan TS, Palanisamy A. Comprehensive molecular interaction map of TGFβ induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:53. [PMID: 38760412 PMCID: PMC11101644 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00378-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the prevailing cancers globally, with a high mortality rate. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is an advanced stage of cancer, characterised by a highly nonlinear, heterogeneous process involving numerous singling pathways and regulatory interactions. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) emerges as a key mechanism exploited by cancer cells. Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ)-dependent signalling is attributed to promote EMT in advanced stages of breast cancer. A comprehensive regulatory map of TGFβ induced EMT was developed through an extensive literature survey. The network assembled comprises of 312 distinct species (proteins, genes, RNAs, complexes), and 426 reactions (state transitions, nuclear translocations, complex associations, and dissociations). The map was developed by following Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) using Cell Designer and made publicly available using MINERVA ( http://35.174.227.105:8080/minerva/?id=Metastatic_Breast_Cancer_1 ). While the complete molecular mechanism of MBC is still not known, the map captures the elaborate signalling interplay of TGFβ induced EMT-promoting MBC. Subsequently, the disease map assembled was translated into a Boolean model utilising CaSQ and analysed using Cell Collective. Simulations of these have captured the known experimental outcomes of TGFβ induced EMT in MBC. Hub regulators of the assembled map were identified, and their transcriptome-based analysis confirmed their role in cancer metastasis. Elaborate analysis of this map may help in gaining additional insights into the development and progression of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trivadi Sundaram Ganesan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Anbumathi Palanisamy
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, India.
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5
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Chen H, Lee LJ, Vincent KM, Xu Z, Liu J, Zhang G, Nakevska Z, Smith D, Lee CH, Postovit LM, Fu Y. Transcription factor ZIC2 regulates the tumorigenic phenotypes associated with both bulk and cancer stem cells in epithelial ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:1688-1700. [PMID: 38594503 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03026-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in North America. Current therapeutic regimens are ineffective against advanced EOC. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the biology of EOC will be a critical step toward developing more efficacious therapies against EOC. Herein, we demonstrate that elevated expression of transcription factor ZIC2 was associated with lower survival of EOC patients. Knockout of endogenous ZIC2 in EOC cells attenuated the tumorigenic phenotypes associated with both bulk and cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo, indicating a pro-tumorigenic role of ZIC2 in EOC. On the other hand, however, overexpression of ZIC2 in EOC cells that do not express endogenous ZIC2 promoted cell migration and sphere formation, but inhibited cell growth and colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, indicating that the role for ZIC2 in EOC is context dependent. Our transcriptomic analysis showed that ZIC2-regulated genes were involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways associated with tumor progression. In conclusion, our findings reveal a context-dependent role for ZIC2 in regulating tumorigenic phenotypes in EOC, providing evidence that ZIC2 can be a potential therapeutic target for EOCs that express a high level of ZIC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Chen
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Krista M Vincent
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhihua Xu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Guihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zorica Nakevska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - DuPreez Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - YangXin Fu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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6
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Wedler A, Bley N, Glaß M, Müller S, Rausch A, Lederer M, Urbainski J, Schian L, Obika KB, Simon T, Peters L, Misiak C, Fuchs T, Köhn M, Jacob R, Gutschner T, Ihling C, Sinz A, Hüttelmaier S. RAVER1 hinders lethal EMT and modulates miR/RISC activity by the control of alternative splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:3971-3988. [PMID: 38300787 PMCID: PMC11039986 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae046] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAVER1 protein serves as a co-factor in guiding the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP)-dependent control of alternative splicing (AS). Whether RAVER1 solely acts in concert with PTBPs and how it affects cancer cell fate remained elusive. Here, we provide the first comprehensive investigation of RAVER1-controlled AS in cancer cell models. This reveals a pro-oncogenic role of RAVER1 in modulating tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). Splicing analyses and protein-association studies indicate that RAVER1 guides AS in association with other splicing regulators, including PTBPs and SRSFs. In cancer cells, one major function of RAVER1 is the stimulation of proliferation and restriction of apoptosis. This involves the modulation of AS events within the miR/RISC pathway. Disturbance of RAVER1 impairs miR/RISC activity resulting in severely deregulated gene expression, which promotes lethal TGFB-driven EMT. Among others, RAVER1-modulated splicing events affect the insertion of protein interaction modules in factors guiding miR/RISC-dependent gene silencing. Most prominently, in all three human TNRC6 proteins, RAVER1 controls AS of GW-enriched motifs, which are essential for AGO2-binding and the formation of active miR/RISC complexes. We propose, that RAVER1 is a key modulator of AS events in the miR/RISC pathway ensuring proper abundance and composition of miR/RISC effectors. This ensures balanced expression of TGFB signaling effectors and limits TGFB induced lethal EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Wedler
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Nadine Bley
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Glaß
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Rausch
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcell Lederer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Urbainski
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Laura Schian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kingsley-Benjamin Obika
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Theresa Simon
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Lara Meret Peters
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tommy Fuchs
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Roland Jacob
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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7
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Vidal-Correoso D, Mateo SV, Muñoz-Morales AM, Lucas-Ruiz F, Jover-Aguilar M, Alconchel F, Martínez-Alarcón L, Sánchez-Redondo S, Santos V, López-López V, Ríos-Zambudio A, Cascales P, Pons JA, Ramírez P, Pelegrín P, Peinado H, Baroja-Mazo A. Cell-specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their miRNA Cargo Released Into the Organ Preservation Solution During Cold Ischemia Storage as Biomarkers for Liver Transplant Outcomes. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00721. [PMID: 38578699 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is crucial for end-stage liver disease patients, but organ shortages persist. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) aims to broaden the donor pool but presents challenges. Complications like acute rejection, hepatic artery thrombosis, and biliary issues still impact posttransplant prognosis. Biomarkers, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), show promise in understanding and monitoring posttransplant events. This study explores the role of EVs and their miRNA cargo in LT, including their potential as diagnostic tools. METHODS EVs from intrahepatic end-ischemic organ preservation solution (eiOPS) in 79 donated livers were detected using different techniques (nanosight tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry). EV-derived miRNAs were identified by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R platform. RESULTS Different-sized and origin-specific EVs were found in eiOPS, with significantly higher concentrations in DCD compared with donation after brain death organs. Additionally, several EV-associated miRNAs, including let-7d-5p, miR-28-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-429, were overexpressed in DCD-derived eiOPS. These miRNAs also exhibited differential expression patterns in liver tissue biopsies. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in signaling pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization and various cellular processes. Moreover, specific EVs and miRNAs correlated with clinical outcomes, including survival and early allograft dysfunction. A predictive model combining biomarkers and clinical variables showed promise in acute rejection detection after LT. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the use of EVs and miRNAs as biomarkers and their possible influence on posttransplantation outcomes, potentially contributing to improved diagnostic approaches and personalized treatment strategies in LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vidal-Correoso
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sandra V Mateo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana M Muñoz-Morales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Jover-Aguilar
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Felipe Alconchel
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez-Alarcón
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Redondo
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Santos
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor López-López
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Ríos-Zambudio
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Cascales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Pelegrín
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
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8
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Zambrano-Tipan D, Narváez-Padilla V, Reynaud E. Escargot a Snail superfamily member and its multiple roles in Drosophila melanogaster development. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38572978 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31269] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The Snail superfamily of transcription factors plays a crucial role in metazoan development; one of the most important vertebrate members of this family is Snai1 which is orthologous to the Drosophila melanogaster esg gene. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the roles of the esg gene in Drosophila development, covering its expression pattern and downstream targets, and draws parallels between the vertebrate Snai1 family proteins on controlling the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and esg. This gene regulates stemness, ploidy, and pluripontency. esg is expressed in various tissues during development, including the gut, imaginal discs, and neuroblasts. The functions of the esg include the suppression of differentiation in intestinal stem cells and the preservation of diploidy in imaginal cells. In the nervous system development, esg expression also inhibits neuroblast differentiation, thus regulating the number of neurons and the moment in development of neuronal differentiation. Loss of esg function results in diverse developmental defects, including defects in intestinal stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and alters imaginal disc and nervous system development. Expression levels of esg also play a role in regulating longevity and metabolism in adult stages. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of esg's developmental role, emphasizing cellular and tissue effects that arise from its loss of function. The insights gained may contribute to a better understanding of evolutionary conserved developmental mechanisms and certain metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Zambrano-Tipan
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Verónica Narváez-Padilla
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Enrique Reynaud
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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9
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Chen J, He F, Peng H, Guo J. The underlying mechanism and targeted therapy strategy of miRNAs cross-regulating EMT process through multiple signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1378386. [PMID: 38584703 PMCID: PMC10995332 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1378386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The consistent notion holds that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, progression, and clinical treatment failure treatment failure are affected by the accumulation of various genetic and epigenetic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in a variety of physiological and pathological states. meanwhile, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial biological process that controls the development of HCC. miRNAs regulate the intermediation state of EMTor mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MTE)thereby regulating HCC progression. Notably, miRNAs regulate key HCC-related molecular pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway, TGF-β pathway, and RAS/MAPK pathway. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed how miRNAs produce EMT effects by multiple signaling pathways and their potential significance in the pathogenesis and treatment response of HCC. emphasizing their molecular pathways and progression in HCC initiation. Additionally, we also pay attention to regulatory mechanisms that are partially independent of signaling pathways. Finally, we summarize and propose miRNA-targeted therapy and diagnosis and defense strategies forHCC. The identification of the mechanism leading to the activation of EMT programs during HCC disease processes also provides a new protocol for the plasticity of distinct cellular phenotypes and possible therapeutic interventions. Consequently, we summarize the latest progress in this direction, with a promising path for further insight into this fast-moving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fuguo He
- Department of Pathology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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10
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Sobański D, Bogdał P, Staszkiewicz R, Sobańska M, Filipowicz M, Czepko RA, Strojny D, Grabarek BO. Evaluation of differences in expression pattern of three isoforms of the transforming growth factor beta in patients with lumbosacral stenosis. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:555-572. [PMID: 38695374 PMCID: PMC11135850 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2345484] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The study investigates molecular changes in the lumbosacral (L/S) spine's yellow ligamentum flavum during degenerative stenosis, focusing on the role of transforming growth factor beta 1-3 (TGF-β-1-3). Sixty patients with degenerative stenosis and sixty control participants underwent molecular analysis using real-time quantitative reverse transcription reaction technique (RTqPCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis (IHC). At the mRNA level, study samples showed reduced expression of TGF-β-1 and TGF-β-3, while TGF-β-2 increased by only 4%. Conversely, at the protein level, the study group exhibited significantly higher concentrations of TGF-β-1, TGF-β-2, and TGF-β-3 compared to controls. On the other hand, at the protein level, a statistically significant higher concentration of TGF-β-1 was observed (2139.33 pg/mL ± 2593.72 pg/mL vs. 252.45 pg/mL ± 83.89 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), TGF-β-2 (3104.34 pg/mL ± 1192.74 pg/mL vs. 258.86 pg/mL ± 82.98 pg/mL; p < 0.0001), TGF-β-3 (512.75 pg/mL ± 107.36 pg/mL vs. 55.06 pg/mL ± 9.83 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) in yellow ligaments obtained from patients of the study group compared to control samples. The study did not establish a significant correlation between TGF-β-1-3 concentrations and pain severity. The findings suggest that molecular therapy aimed at restoring the normal expression pattern of TGF-β-1-3 could be a promising strategy for treating degenerative stenosis of the L/S spine. The study underscores the potential therapeutic significance of addressing molecular changes at the TGF-β isoforms level for better understanding and managing degenerative spinal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Sobański
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | - Paweł Bogdał
- Department of Orthopedic, Szpital Powiatowy w Zawierciu, Zawiercie, Poland
| | - Rafał Staszkiewicz
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with the SP ZOZ Polyclinic in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, Academy of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | - Michał Filipowicz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Adam Czepko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Szpital sw. Rafala in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski University in Cracow, Cracow, Poland
| | - Damian Strojny
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
- Institute of Health Care, National Academy of Applied Sciences in Przemyśl, Przemyśl, Poland
- Department of Medical Science, New Medical Techniques Specialist Hospital of St. Family in Rudna Mała, Rzeszów, Poland
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11
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Singh D, Siddique HR. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer progression: unraveling the immunosuppressive module driving therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:155-173. [PMID: 37775641 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10141-y] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo phenotypic switching (cancer cell plasticity) in response to microenvironmental cues, including exposure to therapy/treatment. Phenotypic plasticity enables the cancer cells to acquire more mesenchymal traits promoting cancer cells' growth, survival, therapy resistance, and disease recurrence. A significant program in cancer cell plasticity is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein a comprehensive reprogramming of gene expression occurs to facilitate the translational shift from epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypes resulting in increased invasiveness and metastasis. In addition, EMT plays a pivotal role in facilitating cancer cells' escape from the body's immune system using several mechanisms, such as the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex-mediated antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and recruitment of immune-suppressive cells. Cancer cells' ability to undergo phenotypic switching and EMT-driven immune escape presents a formidable obstacle in cancer management, highlighting the need to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying these processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This article discusses the role of EMT in promoting immune evasion and therapy resistance. We also discuss the ongoing research on developing therapeutic approaches targeting intrinsic and induced cell plasticity within the immune suppressive microenvironment. We believe this review article will update the current research status and equip researchers, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals with valuable insights enhancing their existing knowledge and shedding light on promising directions for future cancer research. This will facilitate the development of innovative strategies for managing therapy-resistant cancers and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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12
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Soofi A, Li V, Beamish JA, Abdrabh S, Hamad M, Das NK, Shah YM, Dressler GR. Renal-specific loss of ferroportin disrupts iron homeostasis and attenuates recovery from acute kidney injury. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F178-F188. [PMID: 37994409 PMCID: PMC11198972 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00184.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is increasing at an alarming rate and correlates with the increase in diabetes, obesity, and hypertension that disproportionately impact socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Iron plays essential roles in many biological processes including oxygen transport, mitochondrial function, cell proliferation, and regeneration. However, excess iron induces the generation and propagation of reactive oxygen species, which lead to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and ferroptosis. Iron homeostasis is regulated in part by the kidney through iron resorption from the glomerular filtrate and exports into the plasma by ferroportin (FPN). Yet, the impact of iron overload in the kidney has not been addressed. To test more directly whether excess iron accumulation is toxic to kidneys, we generated a kidney proximal tubule-specific knockout of FPN. Despite significant intracellular iron accumulation in FPN mutant tubules, basal kidney function was not measurably different from wild type kidneys. However, upon induction of acute kidney injury (AKI), FPN mutant kidneys exhibited significantly more damage and failed recovery, evidence for ferroptosis, and increased fibrosis. Thus, disruption of iron export in proximal tubules, leading to iron overload, can significantly impair recovery from AKI and can contribute to progressive renal damage indicative of chronic kidney disease. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate iron homeostasis in the kidney may provide new therapeutic strategies for progressive kidney disease and other ferroptosis-associated disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Physiological iron homeostasis depends in part on renal resorption and export into the plasma. We show that specific deletion of iron exporters in the proximal tubules sensitizes cells to injury and inhibits recovery. This can promote a chronic kidney disease phenotype. Our paper demonstrates the need for iron balance in the proximal tubules to maintain and promote healthy recovery after acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Soofi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Vivie Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Beamish
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Sham Abdrabh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nupur K Das
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Gregory R Dressler
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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13
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Hu Q, Luo M, Wang R. Identifying critical regulatory interactions in cell fate decision and transition by systematic perturbation analysis. J Theor Biol 2024; 577:111673. [PMID: 37984586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111673] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in biology is to elucidate the roles of various regulatory interactions in cell fate decision and transition. However, it remains to be fully clarified how they cooperate and determine fate transition. Here, a general framework based on statistical analysis and bifurcation theory is proposed to identify crucial regulatory interactions and how they play decisive roles in fate transition. More exactly, specific feedback loops determine occurrence of bifurcations by which cell fate transition can be realized. While regulatory interactions in the feedback loops determine the direction of transition. In addition, two-parameter bifurcation analysis further provides detailed understanding of how the fate transition based on statistical analysis occurs. Statistical analysis can also be used to reveal synergistic combinatorial perturbations by which fate transition can be more efficiently realized. The integrative analysis approach can be used to identify critical regulatory interactions in cell fate transition and reveal how specific cell fate transition occurs. To verify feasibility of the approach, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) network is chosen as an illustrative example. In agreement with experimental observations, the approach reveals some critical regulatory interactions and underlying mechanisms in cell fate determination and transitions between three states. The approach can also be applied to analyze other regulatory networks related to cell fate decision and transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Min Luo
- School of Sciences, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China; Newtouch Center for Mathematics of Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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14
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Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
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15
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Zhang L, Xu J, Zhou S, Yao F, Zhang R, You W, Dai J, Yu K, Zhang Y, Baheti T, Pu L, Xu J, Qian X, Zhang C, Xia Y, Dai X, Li Q, Wang X. Endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2024; 80:82-98. [PMID: 37838036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.006] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to the poor response of patients with HCC to current therapies, while tumor vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are fundamental TME components that significantly contribute to tumor progression. However, the specific functions and mechanisms of tumor vascular ECs in HCC remain unclear. METHODS We screened and validated diacylglycerol kinase gamma (DGKG) hyper-expression specifically in HCC tumor vascular ECs. Single-cell RNA-sequencing, cytometry by time-of-flight, and in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to investigate the functions of endothelial DGKG. Multiplexed immunohistochemistry staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate changes in the TME. RESULTS Functionally, endothelial DGKG promotes tumor angiogenesis and immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell differentiation in HCC. Of significance, we found that HIF-1α activates DGKG transcription by directly binding to its promoter region under hypoxia. Upregulated DGKG promotes HCC progression by recruiting ubiquitin specific peptidase 16 to facilitate ZEB2 deubiquitination, which increases TGF-β1 secretion, thus inducing tumor angiogenesis and regulatory T-cell differentiation. Importantly, targeting endothelial DGKG potentiated the efficiency of dual blockade of PD-1 and VEGFR-2. CONCLUSION Hypoxia-induced EC-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes tumor angiogenesis and immune evasion via the ZEB2/TGF-β1 axis, suggesting EC-specific DGKG as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Here, we reported that hypoxia-induced endothelial cell-specific DGKG hyper-expression promotes angiogenesis and immune evasion in HCC by recruiting USP16 for K48-linked deubiquitination and inducing the subsequent stabilization of ZEB2, leading to increased TGF-β1 secretion. Most importantly, endothelial DGKG inhibition greatly improved the efficacy of the dual combination of anti-VEGFR2 and anti-PD-1 treatment in a mouse HCC model, significantly inhibiting the malignant progression of HCC and improving survival. This preclinical study supports the targeting of endothelial DGKG as a potential strategy for precision HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Suiqing Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feifan Yao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenhua You
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili, China
| | - Tasiken Baheti
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili, China
| | - Liyong Pu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaofeng Qian
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanyong Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yongxiang Xia
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xinzheng Dai
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qing Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Jiangsu Provincial Medical Innovation Center, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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16
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Neumann DP, Pillman KA, Dredge BK, Bert AG, Phillips CA, Lumb R, Ramani Y, Bracken CP, Hollier BG, Selth LA, Beilharz TH, Goodall GJ, Gregory PA. The landscape of alternative polyadenylation during EMT and its regulation by the RNA-binding protein Quaking. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-11. [PMID: 38112323 PMCID: PMC10732628 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2294222] [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] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays important roles in tumour progression and is orchestrated by dynamic changes in gene expression. While it is well established that post-transcriptional regulation plays a significant role in EMT, the extent of alternative polyadenylation (APA) during EMT has not yet been explored. Using 3' end anchored RNA sequencing, we mapped the alternative polyadenylation (APA) landscape following Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β-mediated induction of EMT in human mammary epithelial cells and found APA generally causes 3'UTR lengthening during this cell state transition. Investigation of potential mediators of APA indicated the RNA-binding protein Quaking (QKI), a splicing factor induced during EMT, regulates a subset of events including the length of its own transcript. Analysis of QKI crosslinked immunoprecipitation (CLIP)-sequencing data identified the binding of QKI within 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) was enriched near cleavage and polyadenylation sites. Following QKI knockdown, APA of many transcripts is altered to produce predominantly shorter 3'UTRs associated with reduced gene expression. These findings reveal the changes in APA that occur during EMT and identify a potential role for QKI in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Neumann
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Pillman
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - B. Kate Dredge
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew G. Bert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Caroline A. Phillips
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rachael Lumb
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yesha Ramani
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Cameron P. Bracken
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Brett G. Hollier
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Traude H. Beilharz
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gregory J. Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Philip A. Gregory
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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17
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Sofroniou MM, Lemmon CA. Differential regulation of fibronectin expression and fibrillogenesis by autocrine TGF-β1 signaling in malignant and benign mammary epithelial cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 165:106478. [PMID: 37866655 PMCID: PMC10775780 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key hallmark of cancer progression. A critical component of ECM remodeling is the assembly of the glycoprotein fibronectin (FN) into insoluble fibrils, which provide a scaffold for invading vascular endothelial cells and escaping cancer cells, as well as a framework for collagen deposition and oncogenic cytokine tethering. FN fibril assembly is induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which was originally identified for its role in malignant transformation. Addition of exogenous TGF-β1 drives FN fibril assembly while also upregulating endogenous TGF-β1 expression and autocrine signaling. In the current study, we sought to determine if autocrine TGF-β1 signaling plays a role in FN fibril formation in either MCF10A mammary epithelial cells, which behave similarly to healthy epithelia, or malignant MDA- MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our results show two interesting findings: first, malignant MDA-MB- 231 cells assemble less FN into fibrils, despite expressing and secreting more soluble FN; second, autocrine TGF-β1 signaling is required for FN fibril formation in MCF10A epithelial cells, even in the presence of exogenous, active TGF-β1. This suggests that autocrine TGF-β1 is signaling through distinct pathways from active exogenous TGF-β1. We hypothesized that this signaling was mediated by interactions between the TGF-β1 latency associated peptide (LAP) and αv integrins; indeed, incubating MCF10As with soluble LAP, even in the absence of the active TGF-β1 ligand, partially recovered FN fibril assembly. Taken together, these data suggests that autocrine TGF-β1 plays a critical role in FN fibril assembly, and this interaction is mediated by LAP-integrin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Sofroniou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 West Main St., Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Christopher A Lemmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 West Main St., Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
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18
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Rokavec M, Jaeckel S, Hermeking H. Nidogen-1/NID1 Function and Regulation during Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5316. [PMID: 38001576 PMCID: PMC10670298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225316] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the extracellular matrix and basement membrane protein Nidogen1 (NID1) is secreted by more malignant, mesenchymal-like CRC cells and induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes the migration and invasion of less malignant, epithelial-like CRC cells. Here, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of multiple datasets derived from CRC patients and showed that elevated expression of NID1 and the genes ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV, which encode NID1 receptors, is associated with poor prognosis and advanced tumor stage. Accordingly, the expression of NID1, ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV was associated with an EMT signature, which included SNAIL/SNAI1, an EMT-inducing transcription factor. In CRC cells, ectopic SNAIL expression induced NID1 and SNAIL occupancy was detected at an E-box upstream of the NID1 transcription start site. Therefore, NID1 represents a direct target of SNAIL. Ectopic expression of NID1 or treatment with NID1-containing medium endowed non-metastatic CRC cells with the capacity to form lung metastases after xenotransplantation into mice. Suppression of the NID1 receptor ITGAV decreased cell viability, particularly in CMS/consensus molecular subtype 4 CRC cells. Taken together, our results show that NID1 is a direct target of EMT-TF SNAIL and is associated with and promotes CRC progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the NID1 receptor ITGAV represents a candidate therapeutic target in CMS4 colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jaeckel
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69129 Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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20
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Li K, Guo J, Ming Y, Chen S, Zhang T, Ma H, Fu X, Wang J, Liu W, Peng Y. A circular RNA activated by TGFβ promotes tumor metastasis through enhancing IGF2BP3-mediated PDPN mRNA stability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6876. [PMID: 37898647 PMCID: PMC10613289 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42571-1] [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: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death, where TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process confers on cancer cells increased metastatic potential. However, the involvement of circRNAs in this process is still obscure. Here, we identify a TGFβ-induced circRNA called circITGB6 as an indispensable factor during the TGFβ-mediated EMT process. circITGB6 is significantly upregulated in metastatic cancer samples and its higher abundance is closely correlated to worse prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Through gain- and loss-of-function assays, circITGB6 is found to potently promote EMT process and tumor metastasis in various models in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circITGB6 enhances the mRNA stability of PDPN, an EMT-promoting gene, by directly interacting with IGF2BP3. Notably, interfering circITGB6 with PEI-coated specific siRNA effectively represses liver metastasis. Therefore, our study reveals the function of a TGFβ-regulated circRNA in tumor metastasis and suggests that targeting circITGB6 is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiawei Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Ming
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hulin Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenrong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, 610212, Chengdu, China.
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21
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Martinez-Espinosa I, Serrato JA, Ortiz-Quintero B. The Role of Exosome-Derived microRNA on Lung Cancer Metastasis Progression. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1574. [PMID: 38002256 PMCID: PMC10669807 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111574] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mortality from lung cancer is mainly attributed to the presence of metastases at the time of diagnosis. Despite being the leading cause of lung cancer death, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving metastasis progression are still not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that tumor cell exosomes play a significant role in tumor progression through intercellular communication between tumor cells, the microenvironment, and distant organs. Furthermore, evidence shows that exosomes release biologically active components to distant sites and organs, which direct metastasis by preparing metastatic pre-niche and stimulating tumorigenesis. As a result, identifying the active components of exosome cargo has become a critical area of research in recent years. Among these components are microRNAs, which are associated with tumor progression and metastasis in lung cancer. Although research into exosome-derived microRNA (exosomal miRNAs) is still in its early stages, it holds promise as a potential target for lung cancer therapy. Understanding how exosomal microRNAs promote metastasis will provide evidence for developing new targeted treatments. This review summarizes current research on exosomal miRNAs' role in metastasis progression mechanisms, focusing on lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Blanca Ortiz-Quintero
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine and Translational Research, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City CP 14080, Mexico; (I.M.-E.); (J.A.S.)
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22
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Silveira DA, Gupta S, da Cunha Jaeger M, Brunetto de Farias C, Mombach JCM, Sinigaglia M. A logical model of Ewing sarcoma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition supports the existence of hybrid cellular phenotypes. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2446-2460. [PMID: 37597508 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive pediatric tumor driven by the RNA-binding protein EWS (EWS)/friend leukemia integration 1 transcription factor (FLI1) chimeric transcription factor, which is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT stabilizes a hybrid cell state, boosting metastatic potential and drug resistance. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of this hybrid phenotype in ES remain elusive. Our study proposes a logical EMT model for ES, highlighting zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2), miR-145, and miR-200 circuits that maintain hybrid states. The model aligns with experimental findings and reveals a previously unknown circuit supporting the mesenchymal phenotype. These insights emphasize the role of ZEB2 in the maintenance of the hybrid state in ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daner A Silveira
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Mariane da Cunha Jaeger
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Marialva Sinigaglia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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23
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Haerinck J, Goossens S, Berx G. The epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity landscape: principles of design and mechanisms of regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:590-609. [PMID: 37169858 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) enables cells to interconvert between several states across the epithelial-mesenchymal landscape, thereby acquiring hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypic features. This plasticity is crucial for embryonic development and wound healing, but also underlies the acquisition of several malignant traits during cancer progression. Recent research using systems biology and single-cell profiling methods has provided novel insights into the main forces that shape EMP, which include the microenvironment, lineage specification and cell identity, and the genome. Additionally, key roles have emerged for hysteresis (cell memory) and cellular noise, which can drive stochastic transitions between cell states. Here, we review these forces and the distinct but interwoven layers of regulatory control that stabilize EMP states or facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating the EMP landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Haerinck
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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24
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Otsuka K, Nishiyama H, Kuriki D, Kawada N, Ochiya T. Connecting the dots in the associations between diet, obesity, cancer, and microRNAs. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 93:52-69. [PMID: 37156343 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has reached pandemic levels worldwide, leading to a lower quality of life and higher health costs. Obesity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, although obesity is one of the major preventable causes of cancer. Lifestyle factors, such as dietary quality and patterns, are also closely related to the onset and development of obesity and cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the complex association between diet, obesity, and cancer remain unclear. In the past few decades, microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, have been demonstrated to play critical roles in biological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and metabolism, highlighting their importance in disease development and suppression and as therapeutic targets. miRNA expression levels can be modulated by diet and are involved in cancer and obesity-related diseases. Circulating miRNAs can also mediate cell-to-cell communications. These multiple aspects of miRNAs present challenges in understanding and integrating their mechanism of action. Here, we introduce a general consideration of the associations between diet, obesity, and cancer and review the current knowledge of the molecular functions of miRNA in each context. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between diet, obesity, and cancer could be valuable for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurataka Otsuka
- Tokyo NODAI Research Institure, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan; R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan; Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjyuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Nishiyama
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kuriki
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Naoki Kawada
- R&D Division, Kewpie Corporation, 2-5-7, Sengawa-cho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishishinjyuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
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25
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Ullrich SJ, Yung NK, Bauer-Pisani TJ, Maassel NL, Guerra ME, Freedman-Weiss M, Ahle SL, Ricciardi AS, Sauler M, Saltzman WM, Piotrowski-Daspit AS, Stitelman DH. In utero delivery of miRNA induces epigenetic alterations and corrects pulmonary pathology in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:594-602. [PMID: 37200861 PMCID: PMC10185702 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Structural fetal diseases, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be diagnosed prenatally. Neonates with CDH are healthy in utero as gas exchange is managed by the placenta, but impaired lung function results in critical illness from the time a baby takes its first breath. MicroRNA (miR) 200b and its downstream targets in the TGF-β pathway are critically involved in lung branching morphogenesis. Here, we characterize the expression of miR200b and the TGF-β pathway at different gestational times using a rat model of CDH. Fetal rats with CDH are deficient in miR200b at gestational day 18. We demonstrate that novel polymeric nanoparticles loaded with miR200b, delivered in utero via vitelline vein injection to fetal rats with CDH results in changes in the TGF-β pathway as measured by qRT-PCR; these epigenetic changes improve lung size and lung morphology, and lead to favorable pulmonary vascular remodeling on histology. This is the first demonstration of in utero epigenetic therapy to improve lung growth and development in a pre-clinical model. With refinement, this technique could be applied to fetal cases of CDH or other forms of impaired lung development in a minimally invasive fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Ullrich
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicholas K. Yung
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Samantha L. Ahle
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Adele S. Ricciardi
- Department of Surgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Maor Sauler
- Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - W. Mark Saltzman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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26
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Lan L, Cao H, Zhao L, Cui W, Wang B. PTPN12 down-regulated by miR-146b-3p gene affects the malignant progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230727. [PMID: 37333450 PMCID: PMC10276617 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignancy among men in the anatomical position of head and neck. Hoarseness, pharyngalgia, and dyspnea are common symptoms. LSCC is a complex polygenic carcinoma that is caused by many factors involving polygenic alteration, environmental pollution, tobacco, and human papillomavirus. Classical protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 12 (PTPN12) has been extensively studied to decipher its mechanism as a tumor suppressor gene in various human carcinomas; however, there is no comprehensive elucidation of the PTPN12 expression and its regulatory mechanisms in LSCC. As such, we expect to provide new insights for finding new biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets in LSCC. Immunohistochemical staining, western blot (WB), and quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) were used for the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression analyses of PTPN12, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, clone formation, transwell migration, and transwell invasion assays were used to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of LSCC cells. Online prediction and design software tools (http://www.targetscan.org/ and http://www.microRNA.org) were used to predict associated miRNA. Studying the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-146b-3p and PTPN12 was based on dual luciferase reporter gene analysis. qRT-PCR was used to assess miR-146b-3p expression in LSCC. miR-146b-3p inhibitor and mimic were transfected, followed by qRT-PCR and WB assays to detect the expression of PTPN12. The gain and loss functional experiments were used to investigate the effects of miR-146b-3p transfection on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. Online bioinformatics prediction software (https://cn.string-db.org/ and https://www.genecards.org/) was used to determine potential downstream target genes of PTPN12. qRT-PCR and WB analyses were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of target genes. Our study showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of PTPN12 in LSCC compared with the adjacent normal tissues. The lower PTPN12 mRNA expression was correlated with pathological differentiation, and lower PTPN12 protein expression was correlated with the TNM stage in LSCC tissues. The subsequent in vitro functional analyses showed the inhibitory effect of PTPN12 over-expression on the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness abilities of LSCC cell line. Using online prediction and design software, miR-146b-3p was searched to target PTPN12. The miR-146b-3p was expressed at a high level in LSCC tissues and cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay exhibited that miR-146b-3p inhibited the luciferase activity of PTPN12 markedly. The functional analyses showed the tumor-promoting role of miR-146b-3p on the proliferation, migration, and invasiveness abilities of LSCC cell. Furthermore, co-transfection of cells with miR-146b-3p and PTPN12 significantly restored the inhibitory effect of PTPN12 on LSCC cell growth, migration, and invasiveness. This phenomenon unveiled that miR-146b-3p regulated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells by targeting PTPN12. EGFR and ERBB2 were selected as the downstream-regulation target genes. Up-regulation of PTPN12 significantly suppressed EGFR expression. Accordingly, the miR-146b-3p mimic significantly up-regulated the EGFR expression. However, up-regulation of PTPN12 and miR-146b-3p mimic suppressed ERBB2 protein expression but induced its gene expression. Down-regulation of PTPN12 is associated with up-regulation of miR-146b-3p in LSCC. Moreover, PTPN12 serves as a tumor suppressor gene through regulating the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LSCC cells. miR-146b-3p/PTPN12 axis is expected to be a novel therapeutic target in LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Lan
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang050005, Hebei, China
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang050011, Hebei, China
| | - Huan Cao
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang050005, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang050005, Hebei, China
| | - Weina Cui
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang050005, Hebei, China
| | - Baoshan Wang
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Heping West Road, Shijiazhuang050005, Hebei, China
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27
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Chen PY, Qin L, Simons M. TGFβ signaling pathways in human health and disease. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1113061. [PMID: 37325472 PMCID: PMC10267471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1113061] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is named for the function it was originally discovered to perform-transformation of normal cells into aggressively growing malignant cells. It became apparent after more than 30 years of research, however, that TGFβ is a multifaceted molecule with a myriad of different activities. TGFβs are widely expressed with almost every cell in the human body producing one or another TGFβ family member and expressing its receptors. Importantly, specific effects of this growth factor family differ in different cell types and under different physiologic and pathologic conditions. One of the more important and critical TGFβ activities is the regulation of cell fate, especially in the vasculature, that will be the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Chen
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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28
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Jang HY, Kim SJ, Park KS, Kim JH. Klotho prevents transforming growth factor-β2-induced senescent-like morphological changes in the retinal pigment epithelium. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:334. [PMID: 37210384 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Degenerative changes of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) triggered by transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and oxidative stress play a critical role in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The expression of α-klotho, an antiaging protein, declines with age, increasing the risk factors for age-related diseases. Here, we investigated the protective effects of soluble α-klotho on TGF-β2-induced RPE degeneration. The morphological changes induced by TGF-β2, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), were attenuated in the mouse RPE by the intravitreal injection (IVT) of α-klotho. In ARPE19 cells, EMT and morphological alterations by TGF-β2 were attenuated by co-incubation with α-klotho. TGF-β2 decreased miR-200a accompanied by zinc finger e-box binding homeobox1 (ZEB1) upregulation and EMT, all of which were prevented by α-klotho co-treatment. Inhibitor of miR-200a mimicked TGF-β2-induced morphological changes, which were recovered by ZEP1 silencing, but not by α-klotho, implying the upstream regulation of α-klotho on miR-200a-ZEP1-EMT axis. α-Klotho inhibited receptor binding of TGF-β2, Smad2/3 phosphorylation, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)-a mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation and oxidative stress via NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) upregulation. Furthermore, α-klotho recovered the TGF-β2-induced mitochondrial activation and superoxide generation. Interestingly, TGF-β2 upregulated α-klotho expression in the RPE cells, and genetic suppression of endogenous α-klotho aggravated TGF-β2-induced oxidative stress and EMT. Lastly, α-klotho abrogated senescence-associated signaling molecules and phenotypes induced by long-term incubation with TGF-β2. Hence, our findings indicate that the antiaging α-klotho plays a protective role against EMT and degeneration of the RPE, demonstrating the therapeutic potential for age-related retinal diseases, including the dry type of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Young Jang
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
- Mitohormesis Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
- Mitohormesis Research Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Subhadarshini S, Markus J, Sahoo S, Jolly MK. Dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity: What Have Single-Cell Investigations Elucidated So Far? ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:11665-11673. [PMID: 37033874 PMCID: PMC10077445 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a key driver of cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, through which cancer cells can reversibly and dynamically alter their molecular and functional traits along the epithelial-mesenchymal spectrum. While cells in the epithelial phenotype are usually tightly adherent, less metastatic, and drug-sensitive, those in the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal and/or mesenchymal state are more invasive, migratory, drug-resistant, and immune-evasive. Single-cell studies have emerged as a powerful tool in gaining new insights into the dynamics of EMP across various cancer types. Here, we review many recent studies that employ single-cell analysis techniques to better understand the dynamics of EMP in cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These single-cell studies have underlined the plurality of trajectories cells can traverse during EMP and the consequent heterogeneity of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes seen at both preclinical and clinical levels. They also demonstrate how diverse EMP trajectories may exhibit hysteretic behavior and how the rate of such cell-state transitions depends on the genetic/epigenetic background of recipient cells, as well as the dose and/or duration of EMP-inducing growth factors. Finally, we discuss the relationship between EMP and patient survival across many cancer types. We also present a next set of questions related to EMP that could benefit much from single-cell observations and pave the way to better tackle phenotypic switching and heterogeneity in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Markus
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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31
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Shiotani T, Sugimoto S, Tomioka Y, Yamamoto H, Tanaka S, Miyoshi K, Suzawa K, Shien K, Yamamoto H, Okazaki M, Toyooka S. Diagnostic value of circulating microRNA-21 in chronic lung allograft dysfunction after bilateral cadaveric and living-donor lobar lung transplantation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14903. [PMID: 37025782 PMCID: PMC10070710 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis have been shown to be associated with the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation (LT). We investigated the role of circulating miRNAs in the diagnosis of CLAD after bilateral LT, including cadaveric LT (CLT) and living-donor lobar LT (LDLLT). Methods The subjects of this retrospective study were 37 recipients of bilateral CLT (n = 23) and LDLLT (n = 14), and they were divided into a non-CLAD group (n = 24) and a CLAD group (n = 13). The plasma miRNA levels of the two groups were compared, and correlations between their miRNAs levels and percent baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and total lung capacity (TLC) values were calculated from one year before to one year after the diagnosis of CLAD. Results The plasma levels of both miR-21 and miR-155 at the time of the diagnosis of CLAD were significantly higher in the CLAD group than in the non-CLAD group (miR-21, P = 0.0013; miR-155, P = 0.042). The miR-21 levels were significantly correlated with the percent baseline FEV1, FVC, and TLC value of one year before and at the time of diagnosis of CLAD (P < 0.05). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the performance of miR-21 levels in the diagnosis of CLAD yielded an area under the curve of 0.89. Conclusion Circulating miR-21 appears to be of potential value in diagnosing CLAD after bilateral LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Shiotani
- Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Sugimoto
- Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Corresponding author. Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Tomioka
- Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Haruchika Yamamoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shin Tanaka
- Organ Transplant Center, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kentaroh Miyoshi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ken Suzawa
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Yamamoto
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mikio Okazaki
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
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The Role of Cytokines in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Gynaecological Cancers: A Systematic Review. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030416. [PMID: 36766756 PMCID: PMC9913821 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been closely linked to the development and progression of various cancers. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process involving the acquisition of mesenchymal features by carcinoma cells and is an important link between inflammation and cancer development. Inflammatory mediators in the tumour micro-environment, such as cytokines and chemokines, can promote EMT changes in cancer cells. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the effect of cytokines on EMT in gynaecological cancers and discuss their possible therapeutic implications. A search of the databases CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, TRIP, and Web of Science was performed using the keywords: "cytokines" AND "epithelial mesenchymal transition OR transformation" AND "gynaecological cancer". Seventy-one articles reported that various cytokines, such as TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-6, etc., promoted EMT changes in ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The EMT changes included from epithelial to mesenchymal morphological change, downregulation of the epithelial markers E-cadherin/β-catenin, upregulation of the mesenchymal markers N-cadherin/vimentin/fibronectin, and upregulation of the EMT-transformation factors (EMT-TF) SNAI1/SNAI2/TWIST/ZEB. Cytokine-induced EMT can lead to gynaecological cancer development and metastasis and hence novel therapies targeting the cytokines or their EMT signalling pathways could possibly prevent cancer progression, reduce cancer recurrence, and prevent drug-resistance.
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Wang Z, Coban B, Wu H, Chouaref J, Daxinger L, Paulsen MT, Ljungman M, Smid M, Martens JWM, Danen EHJ. GRHL2-controlled gene expression networks in luminal breast cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:15. [PMID: 36691073 PMCID: PMC9869538 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead like 2 (GRHL2) is an essential transcription factor for development and function of epithelial tissues. It has dual roles in cancer by supporting tumor growth while suppressing epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT). GRHL2 cooperates with androgen and estrogen receptors (ER) to regulate gene expression. We explore genome wide GRHL2 binding sites conserved in three ER⍺/GRHL2 positive luminal breast cancer cell lines by ChIP-Seq. Interaction with the ER⍺/FOXA1/GATA3 complex is observed, however, only for a minor fraction of conserved GRHL2 peaks. We determine genome wide transcriptional dynamics in response to loss of GRHL2 by nascent RNA Bru-seq using an MCF7 conditional knockout model. Integration of ChIP- and Bru-seq pinpoints candidate direct GRHL2 target genes in luminal breast cancer. Multiple connections between GRHL2 and proliferation are uncovered, including transcriptional activation of ETS and E2F transcription factors. Among EMT-related genes, direct regulation of CLDN4 is corroborated but several targets identified in other cells (including CDH1 and ZEB1) are ruled out by both ChIP- and Bru-seq as being directly controlled by GRHL2 in luminal breast cancer cells. Gene clusters correlating positively (including known GRHL2 targets such as ErbB3, CLDN4/7) or negatively (including TGFB1 and TGFBR2) with GRHL2 in the MCF7 knockout model, display similar correlation with GRHL2 in ER positive as well as ER negative breast cancer patients. Altogether, this study uncovers gene sets regulated directly or indirectly by GRHL2 in luminal breast cancer, identifies novel GRHL2-regulated genes, and points to distinct GRHL2 regulation of EMT in luminal breast cancer cells. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Wang
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bircan Coban
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Haoyu Wu
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jihed Chouaref
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle T Paulsen
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mats Ljungman
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marcel Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H J Danen
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Kumar S, Fan X, Rasouly HM, Sharma R, Salant DJ, Lu W. ZEB2 controls kidney stromal progenitor differentiation and inhibits abnormal myofibroblast expansion and kidney fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e158418. [PMID: 36445780 PMCID: PMC9870089 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158418] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXD1+ cell-derived stromal cells give rise to pericytes and fibroblasts that support the kidney vasculature and interstitium but are also major precursors of myofibroblasts. ZEB2 is a SMAD-interacting transcription factor that is expressed in developing kidney stromal progenitors. Here we show that Zeb2 is essential for normal FOXD1+ stromal progenitor development. Specific conditional knockout of mouse Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors (Zeb2 cKO) leads to abnormal interstitial stromal cell development, differentiation, and kidney fibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining analyses revealed abnormal expression of interstitial stromal cell markers MEIS1/2/3, CDKN1C, and CSPG4 (NG2) in newborn and 3-week-old Zeb2-cKO mouse kidneys. Zeb2-deficient FOXD1+ stromal progenitors also took on a myofibroblast fate that led to kidney fibrosis and kidney failure. Cell marker studies further confirmed that these myofibroblasts expressed pericyte and resident fibroblast markers, including PDGFRβ, CSPG4, desmin, GLI1, and NT5E. Notably, increased interstitial collagen deposition associated with loss of Zeb2 in FOXD1+ stromal progenitors was accompanied by increased expression of activated SMAD1/5/8, SMAD2/3, SMAD4, and AXIN2. Thus, our study identifies a key role of ZEB2 in maintaining the cell fate of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors during kidney development, whereas loss of ZEB2 leads to differentiation of FOXD1+ stromal progenitors into myofibroblasts and kidney fibrosis.
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Jain P, Corbo S, Mohammad K, Sahoo S, Ranganathan S, George JT, Levine H, Taube J, Toneff M, Jolly MK. Epigenetic memory acquired during long-term EMT induction governs the recovery to the epithelial state. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220627. [PMID: 36628532 PMCID: PMC9832289 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) are critical during embryonic development, wound healing and cancer metastasis. While phenotypic changes during short-term EMT induction are reversible, long-term EMT induction has been often associated with irreversibility. Here, we show that phenotypic changes seen in MCF10A cells upon long-term EMT induction by TGFβ need not be irreversible, but have relatively longer time scales of reversibility than those seen in short-term induction. Next, using a phenomenological mathematical model to account for the chromatin-mediated epigenetic silencing of the miR-200 family by ZEB family, we highlight how the epigenetic memory gained during long-term EMT induction can slow the recovery to the epithelial state post-TGFβ withdrawal. Our results suggest that epigenetic modifiers can govern the extent and time scale of EMT reversibility and advise caution against labelling phenotypic changes seen in long-term EMT induction as 'irreversible'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | - Sophia Corbo
- Department of Biology, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Kulsoom Mohammad
- Department of Biology, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
| | | | - Jason T. George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 76798, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics and Departments of Physics and Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Michael Toneff
- Department of Biology, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India
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Nepali PR, Kyprianou N. Anoikis in phenotypic reprogramming of the prostate tumor microenvironment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1160267. [PMID: 37091854 PMCID: PMC10113530 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1160267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in males wherein 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime. The urgency to find novel therapeutic interventions is associated with high treatment resistance and mortality rates associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Anoikis is an apoptotic phenomenon for normal epithelial or endothelial cells that have lost their attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tumor cells that lose their connection to the ECM can die via apoptosis or survive via anoikis resistance and thus escaping to distant organs for metastatic progression. This review discusses the recent advances made in our understanding of the signaling effectors of anoikis in prostate cancer and the approaches to translate these mechanistic insights into therapeutic benefits for reducing lethal disease outcomes (by overcoming anoikis resistance). The prostate tumor microenvironment is a highly dynamic landscape wherein the balance between androgen signaling, cell lineage changes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix interactions, actin cytoskeleton remodeling as well as metabolic changes, confer anoikis resistance and metastatic spread. Thus, these mechanisms also offer unique molecular treatment signatures, exploitation of which can prime prostate tumors to anoikis induction with a high translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna R. Nepali
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Natasha Kyprianou
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Natasha Kyprianou,
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Poonaki E, Kahlert UD, Meuth SG, Gorji A. The role of the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis in CNS disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:275. [PMCID: PMC9675144 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a master modulator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process whereby epithelial cells undergo a series of molecular changes and express certain characteristics of mesenchymal cells. ZEB1, in association with other EMT transcription factors, promotes neuroinflammation through changes in the production of inflammatory mediators, the morphology and function of immune cells, and multiple signaling pathways that mediate the inflammatory response. The ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different CNS disorders, such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and neuropathic pain, by promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, formation of the hostile inflammatory micromilieu surrounding neuronal tissues, dysfunction of microglia and astrocytes, impairment of angiogenesis, and dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis could serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic target for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Poonaki
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Transplantation Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany ,grid.512981.60000 0004 0612 1380Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Burger GA, Nesenberend DN, Lems CM, Hille SC, Beltman JB. Bidirectional crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and IFN γ-induced PD-L1 expression promotes tumour progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220186. [PMID: 36397970 PMCID: PMC9626257 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immunoevasion through upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important drivers of cancer progression. While EMT has been proposed to facilitate PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression, molecular mechanisms of their interaction remain obscure. Here, we provide insight into these mechanisms by proposing a mathematical model that describes the crosstalk between EMT and interferon gamma (IFNγ)-induced PD-L1 expression. Our model shows that via interaction with microRNA-200 (miR-200), the multi-stability of the EMT regulatory circuit is mirrored in PD-L1 levels, which are further amplified by IFNγ stimulation. This IFNγ-mediated effect is most prominent for cells in a fully mesenchymal state and less strong for those in an epithelial or partially mesenchymal state. In addition, bidirectional crosstalk between miR-200 and PD-L1 implies that IFNγ stimulation allows cells to undergo EMT for lower amounts of inducing signal, and the presence of IFNγ accelerates EMT and decelerates mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Overall, our model agrees with published findings and provides insight into possible mechanisms behind EMT-mediated immune evasion, and primary, adaptive, or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Our model can be used as a starting point to explore additional crosstalk mechanisms, as an improved understanding of these mechanisms is indispensable for developing better diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard A. Burger
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N. Nesenberend
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn M. Lems
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander C. Hille
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B. Beltman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Deritei D, Kunšič N, Csermely P. Probabilistic edge weights fine-tune Boolean network dynamics. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010536. [PMID: 36215324 PMCID: PMC9584532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological systems are noisy by nature. This aspect is reflected in our experimental measurements and should be reflected in the models we build to better understand these systems. Noise can be especially consequential when trying to interpret specific regulatory interactions, i.e. regulatory network edges. In this paper, we propose a method to explicitly encode edge-noise in Boolean dynamical systems by probabilistic edge-weight (PEW) operators. PEW operators have two important features: first, they introduce a form of edge-weight into Boolean models through the noise, second, the noise is dependent on the dynamical state of the system, which enables more biologically meaningful modeling choices. Moreover, we offer a simple-to-use implementation in the already well-established BooleanNet framework. In two application cases, we show how the introduction of just a few PEW operators in Boolean models can fine-tune the emergent dynamics and increase the accuracy of qualitative predictions. This includes fine-tuning interactions which cause non-biological behaviors when switching between asynchronous and synchronous update schemes in dynamical simulations. Moreover, PEW operators also open the way to encode more exotic cellular dynamics, such as cellular learning, and to implementing edge-weights for regulatory networks inferred from omics data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dávid Deritei
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nina Kunšič
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Csermely
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Takayama H, Kobayashi S, Gotoh K, Sasaki K, Iwagami Y, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Akita H, Asaoka T, Noda T, Wada H, Takahashi H, Tanemura M, Doki Y, Eguchi H. Prognostic value of functional SMAD4 localization in extrahepatic bile duct cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:291. [PMID: 36088360 PMCID: PMC9463834 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02747-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
SMAD4 is a key mediator of TGFβ signaling and one of the mutated genes in extrahepatic bile duct cancer (eBDC). It has been also reported that SMAD4 has dual functions, in carcinogenesis via silencing and in tumor invasion/metastasis via signaling, depending on tumor stage. We previously visualized more nuclear transitioning functional SMAD4 at the tumor invasion front than the central lesion. So, we investigated the localization of functional SMAD4 (e.g., invasion area or metastasis lesion) and its association with chemotherapy and chemo-radiation therapy.
Methods
We performed SMAD4 immunostaining on 98 resected eBDC specimens and evaluated the presence of the functional form of nuclear SMAD4 at the central lesion, invasion front, and metastatic lymph node. We also examined the influence on chemotherapy after recurrence (n = 33) and neoadjuvant chemo-radiation therapy (NAC-RT, n = 21) and the prognostic value of using retrospective data.
Results
In 73 patients without NAC-RT, 8.2% had loss of SMAD4 expression and 23.3% had heterogeneous expression. Patients without SMAD4 expression at any site had significantly poorer overall survival (OS) than other patients (P = 0.014). Expression of SMAD4 at the invasion front was related to better survival (recurrence-free survival [RFS] P = 0.033; OS P = 0.047), and no SMAD4 expression at the metastatic lymph node was related to poorer OS (P = 0.011). The patients who had high SMAD4 expression had poorer prognosis after recurrence (RFS P = 0.011; OS P = 0.056). At the residual cancer in the resected specimen, SMAD4 was highly expressed after NAC-RT (P = 0.039).
Conclusions
Loss of SMAD4 protein expression was a poor prognostic factor in eBDC at resectable stage. However, the intensity of functional SMAD4 in eBDC is a marker of resistance to chemo-radiotherapy and malignant potential at advanced stages.
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Copeland J, Wilson K, Simoes-Costa M. Micromanaging pattern formation: miRNA regulation of signaling systems in vertebrate development. FEBS J 2022; 289:5166-5175. [PMID: 34310060 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early embryogenesis requires the establishment of fields of progenitor cells with distinct molecular signatures. A balance of intrinsic and extrinsic cues determines the boundaries of embryonic territories and pushes progenitor cells toward different fates. This process involves multiple layers of regulation, including signaling systems, transcriptional networks, and post-transcriptional control. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as undisputed regulators of developmental processes. Here, we discuss how miRNAs regulate pattern formation during vertebrate embryogenesis. We survey how miRNAs modulate the activity of signaling pathways to optimize transcriptional responses in embryonic cells. We also examine how localized RNA interference can generate spatial complexity during early development. Unraveling the complex crosstalk between miRNAs, signaling systems and cell fate decisions will be crucial for our understanding of developmental outcomes and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Copeland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kayla Wilson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Marcos Simoes-Costa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastasis: Focus on Laryngeal Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092148. [PMID: 36140250 PMCID: PMC9496235 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In epithelial neoplasms, such as laryngeal carcinoma, the survival indexes deteriorate abruptly when the tumor becomes metastatic. A molecular phenomenon that normally appears during embryogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is reactivated at the initial stage of metastasis when tumor cells invade the adjacent stroma. The hallmarks of this phenomenon are the abolishment of the epithelial and acquisition of mesenchymal traits by tumor cells which enhance their migratory capacity. EMT signaling is mediated by complex molecular pathways that regulate the expression of crucial molecules contributing to the tumor’s metastatic potential. Effectors of EMT include loss of adhesion, cytoskeleton remodeling, evasion of apoptosis and immune surveillance, upregulation of metalloproteinases, neovascularization, acquisition of stem-cell properties, and the activation of tumor stroma. However, the current approach to EMT involves a holistic model that incorporates the acquisition of potentials beyond mesenchymal transition. As EMT is inevitably associated with a reverse mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), a model of partial EMT is currently accepted, signifying the cell plasticity associated with invasion and metastasis. In this review, we identify the cumulative evidence which suggests that various aspects of EMT theory apply to laryngeal carcinoma, a tumor of significant morbidity and mortality, introducing novel molecular targets with prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Pulford CS, Uppalapati CK, Montgomery MR, Averitte RL, Hull EE, Leyva KJ. A Hybrid Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Ex Vivo Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169183. [PMID: 36012449 PMCID: PMC9408944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While most cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are benign, invasive cSCC is associated with higher mortality and is often more difficult to treat. As such, understanding the factors that influence the progression of cSCC are important. Aggressive cancers metastasize through a series of evolutionary changes, collectively called the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During EMT, epithelial cells transition to a highly mobile mesenchymal cell type with metastatic capacities. While changes in expression of TGF-β, ZEB1, SNAI1, MMPs, vimentin, and E-cadherin are hallmarks of an EMT process occurring within cancer cells, including cSCC cells, EMT within tissues is not an “all or none” process. Using patient-derived cSCC and adjacent normal tissues, we show that cells within individual cSCC tumors are undergoing a hybrid EMT process, where there is variation in expression of EMT markers by cells within a tumor mass that may be facilitating invasion. Interestingly, cells along the outer edges of a tumor mass exhibit a more mesenchymal phenotype, with reduced E-cadherin, β-catenin, and cytokeratin expression and increased vimentin expression. Conversely, cells in the center of a tumor mass retain a higher expression of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and cytokeratin and little to no expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal marker. We also detected inverse expression changes in the miR-200 family and the EMT-associated transcription factors ZEB1 and SNAI1, suggesting that cSCC EMT dynamics are regulated in a miRNA-dependent manner. These novel findings in cSCC tumors provide evidence of phenotypic plasticity of the EMT process occurring within patient tissues, and extend the characterization of a hybrid EMT program occurring within a tumor mass. This hybrid EMT program may be promoting both survival and invasiveness of the tumors. A better understanding of this hybrid EMT process may influence therapeutic strategies in more invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Pulford
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Chandana K. Uppalapati
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | | | - Richard L. Averitte
- Affiliated Dermatology & Affiliated Laboratories, 20401 N. 73rd Street #230, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Hull
- Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Leyva
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 1-623-572-3294
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Bar-Hai N, Ishay-Ronen D. Engaging plasticity: Differentiation therapy in solid tumors. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944773. [PMID: 36034865 PMCID: PMC9410762 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a systemic heterogeneous disease that can undergo several rounds of latency and activation. Tumor progression evolves by increasing diversity, adaptation to signals from the microenvironment and escape mechanisms from therapy. These dynamic processes indicate necessity for cell plasticity. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a major role in facilitating cell plasticity in solid tumors by inducing dedifferentiation and cell type transitions. These two practices, plasticity and dedifferentiation enhance tumor heterogeneity creating a key challenge in cancer treatment. In this review we will explore cancer cell plasticity and elaborate treatment modalities that aspire to overcome such dynamic processes in solid tumors. We will further discuss the therapeutic potential of utilizing enhanced cell plasticity for differentiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Bar-Hai
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Ishay-Ronen
- Cancer Research Center, Oncology Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Affiliated with Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Dana Ishay-Ronen,
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Vedoya GM, Galarza TE, Mohamad NA, Cricco GP, Martín GA. Non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells and ionizing radiation cooperate in the enhancement of mesenchymal traits in tumorigenic breast cancer cells. Life Sci 2022; 307:120853. [PMID: 35926589 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120853] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Radioresistance and recurrences are crucial hindrances in cancer radiotherapy. Fractionated irradiation can elicit a mesenchymal phenotype in irradiated surviving cells and a deep connection exists between epithelial mesenchymal transition, radioresistance, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the secretoma of irradiated non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells on surviving irradiated breast tumor cells regarding the gain of mesenchymal traits and migratory ability. MAIN METHODS MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, irradiated or not, were incubated with conditioned media from MCF-10A non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells, irradiated or not. After five days, we evaluated the expression and localization of epithelial and mesenchymal markers (by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence), cell migration (using transwells) and metalloproteinases activity (by zymography). We also assessed TGF-β1 content in conditioned media by immunoblot, and the effect of A83-01 (a selective inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I) and PP2 (a Src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor) on nuclear Slug and cell migration. KEY FINDINGS Conditioned media from MCF-10A cells caused phenotypic changes in breast tumor cells with attainment or enhancement of mesenchymal traits mediated at least in part by the activation of the TGF-β type I receptor and a signaling pathway involving Src activation/phosphorylation. The effects were more pronounced mostly in irradiated tumor cells treated with conditioned media from irradiated MCF-10A. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that non-tumorigenic epithelial mammary cells included in the irradiation field could affect the response to irradiation of post-surgery residual cancer cells enhancing EMT progression and thus modifying radiotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe M Vedoya
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Física, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tamara E Galarza
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Física, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Nora A Mohamad
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Física, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela P Cricco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Física, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela A Martín
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Física, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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Bhavani GS, Palanisamy A. SNAIL driven by a feed forward loop motif promotes TGF βinduced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2022; 8. [PMID: 35700712 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ac7896] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays an important role in tissue regeneration, embryonic development, and cancer metastasis. Several signaling pathways are known to regulate EMT, among which the modulation of TGFβ(Transforming Growth Factor-β) induced EMT is crucial in several cancer types. Several mathematical models were built to explore the role of core regulatory circuit of ZEB/miR-200, SNAIL/miR-34 double negative feedback loops in modulating TGFβinduced EMT. Different emergent behavior including tristability, irreversible switching, existence of hybrid EMT states were inferred though these models. Some studies have explored the role of TGFβreceptor activation, SMADs nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and complex formation. Recent experiments have revealed that MDM2 along with SMAD complex regulates SNAIL expression driven EMT. Encouraged by this, in the present study we developed a mathematical model for p53/MDM2 dependent TGFβinduced EMT regulation. Inclusion of p53 brings in an additional mechanistic perspective in exploring the EM transition. The network formulated comprises a C1FFL moderating SNAIL expression involving MDM2 and SMAD complex, which functions as a noise filter and persistent detector. The C1FFL was also observed to operate as a coincidence detector driving the SNAIL dependent downstream signaling into phenotypic switching decision. Systems modelling and analysis of the devised network, displayed interesting dynamic behavior, systems response to various inputs stimulus, providing a better understanding of p53/MDM2 dependent TGF-βinduced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition.
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Cadena-Suárez AR, Hernández-Hernández HA, Alvarado-Vásquez N, Rangel-Escareño C, Sommer B, Negrete-García MC. Role of MicroRNAs in Signaling Pathways Associated with the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Focus on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126613. [PMID: 35743055 PMCID: PMC9224458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease with high mortality and unclear etiology. Previous evidence supports that the origin of this disease is associated with epigenetic alterations, age, and environmental factors. IPF initiates with chronic epithelial lung injuries, followed by basal membrane destruction, which promotes the activation of myofibroblasts and excessive synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Due to miRNAs’ role as regulators of apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and cell-cell interaction processes, some studies have involved miRNAs in the biogenesis and progression of IPF. In this context, the analysis and discussion of the probable association of miRNAs with the signaling pathways involved in the development of IPF would improve our knowledge of the associated molecular mechanisms, thereby facilitating its evaluation as a therapeutic target for this severe lung disease. In this work, the most recent publications evaluating the role of miRNAs as regulators or activators of signal pathways associated with the pathogenesis of IPF were analyzed. The search in Pubmed was made using the following terms: “miRNAs and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)”; “miRNAs and IPF and signaling pathways (SP)”; and “miRNAs and IPF and SP and IPF pathogenesis”. Additionally, we focus mainly on those works where the signaling pathways involved with EMT, fibroblast differentiation, and synthesis of ECM components were assessed. Finally, the importance and significance of miRNAs as potential therapeutic or diagnostic tools for the treatment of IPF are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ruth Cadena-Suárez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
| | - Hilda Arely Hernández-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
| | - Noé Alvarado-Vásquez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Claudia Rangel-Escareño
- Departamento de Genomica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Periférico Sur 4809, Col. Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City 14610, Mexico;
- Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Epigmenio González 500, San Pablo 76130, Mexico
| | - Bettina Sommer
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - María Cristina Negrete-García
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Calz. Tlalpan 4502, Col. Sección XVI, Mexico City 14080, Mexico; (A.R.C.-S.); (H.A.H.-H.)
- Correspondence:
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Hyaluronan synthase 2, a target of miR-200c, promotes carbon tetrachloride-induced acute and chronic liver inflammation via regulation of CCL3 and CCL4. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:739-752. [PMID: 35662287 PMCID: PMC9256637 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00781-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs during wound healing after repeated liver injury and is characterized by extensive extracellular matrix deposition. We previously identified hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) as a driver of liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Developing strategies to suppress HSC activation is key to alleviating liver fibrosis, and HAS2 is an attractive candidate for intervention. To gain insight into the molecular function of HAS2, we investigated its posttranscriptional regulation. We found that miR-200c directly targets the 3' untranslated regions of HAS2. Moreover, miR-200c and HAS2 were inversely expressed in fibrotic human and mouse livers. After establishing the direct interaction between miR-200c and HAS2, we investigated the functional outcome of regulating HAS2 expression in three murine models: CCl4-induced acute liver injury, CCl4-induced chronic liver fibrosis, and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatic Has2 expression was induced by acute and chronic CCl4 treatment. In contrast, miR-200c expression was decreased after CCl4 treatment. HSC-specific Has2 deletion reduced the expression of inflammatory markers and infiltration of macrophages in the models. Importantly, hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2) but not HYAL1 was overexpressed in fibrotic human and murine livers. HYAL2 is an enzyme that can cleave the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan. We found that low-molecular-weight hyaluronan stimulated the expression of inflammatory genes. Treatment with the HA synthesis inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone alleviated bile duct ligation-induced expression of these inflammatory markers. Collectively, our results suggest that HAS2 is negatively regulated by miR-200c and contributes to the development of acute liver injury and chronic liver inflammation via hyaluronan-mediated immune signaling.
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Pal AK, Sharma P, Zia A, Siwan D, Nandave D, Nandave M, Gautam RK. Metabolomics and EMT Markers of Breast Cancer: A Crosstalk and Future Perspective. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:200-222. [PMID: 35736645 PMCID: PMC9230911 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo transient EMT and MET phenomena or vice versa, along with the parallel interplay of various markers, often correlated as the determining factor in decoding metabolic profiling of breast cancers. Moreover, various cancer signaling pathways and metabolic changes occurring in breast cancer cells modulate the expression of such markers to varying extents. The existing research completed so far considers the expression of such markers as determinants regulating the invasiveness and survival of breast cancer cells. Therefore, this manuscript is crosstalk among the expression levels of such markers and their correlation in regulating the aggressiveness and invasiveness of breast cancer. We also attempted to cover the possible EMT-based metabolic targets to retard migration and invasion of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar Pal
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Prateek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Alishan Zia
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Deepali Siwan
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
| | - Dipali Nandave
- Department of Dravyaguna, Karmavir V. T. Randhir Ayurved College, Boradi 425428, India;
| | - Mukesh Nandave
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India; (A.K.P.); (P.S.); (A.Z.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
| | - Rupesh K. Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, MM School of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala 134007, India
- Correspondence: (M.N.); (R.K.G.)
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Yadav P, Kundu P, Pandey VK, Amin PJ, Nair J, Shankar BS. Effects of prolonged treatment of TGF-βR inhibitor SB431542 on radiation-induced signaling in breast cancer cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 98:1-15. [PMID: 35446183 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2069299] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have earlier characterized increased TGF-β signaling in radioresistant breast cancer cells. In this study, we wanted to determine the effect of prolonged treatment of TGF-βR inhibitor SB431542 on radiation-induced signaling, viz., genes regulating apoptosis, EMT, anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Breast cancer cells were pretreated with TGF-βR inhibitor (SB 431542) followed by exposure to 6 Gy and recovery period of 7 days (D7-6G). We assessed cell survival by MTT assay, cytokines by ELISA and expression analysis by RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and western blot. We carried out migration assays using trans well inserts. We performed bioinformatics analyses of human cancer database through cBioportal. RESULTS There was an upregulation of TGF-β1 and 3 and downregulation of TGF-β2, TGF-βR1, and TGF-βR2 in invasive breast carcinoma samples compared to normal tissue. TGF-β1 and TNF-α was higher in radioresistant D7-6G cells with upregulation of pSMAD3, pNF-kB, and ERK signaling. Pretreatment of D7-6G cells with TGF-βR inhibitor SB431542 abrogated pSMAD3, increased proliferation, and migration along with an increase in apoptosis and pro-apoptotic genes. This was associated with hybrid E/M phenotype and downregulation of TGF-β downstream genes, HMGA2 and Snail. There was complete agreement in the expression of mRNA and protein data in genes like vimentin, Snail and HMGA2 in different treatment groups. However, there was disagreement in expression of mRNA and protein in genes like Bax, Bcl-2, E-cadherin, Zeb-1 among the different treatment groups indicating post-transcriptional and post-translational processing of these proteins. Treatment of cells with only SB431542 also increased expression of some E/M genes indicating TGF-β independent effects. Increased IL-6 and IL-10 secretion by SB431542 along with increase in pSTAT3 and pCREB1 could probably explain these TGF-β/Smad3 independent effects. CONCLUSION These results highlight that TGF-β-pSMAD3 and TNF-α-pNF-kB are the predominant signaling pathways in radioresistant cells and possibility of some TGF-β/Smad3 independent effects on prolonged treatment with the drug SB431542.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Yadav
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Priya Kundu
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Vipul K Pandey
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Prayag J Amin
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Jisha Nair
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Bhavani S Shankar
- Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
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