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Schneegans S, Löptien J, Mojzisch A, Loreth D, Kretz O, Raschdorf C, Hanssen A, Gocke A, Siebels B, Gunasekaran K, Ding Y, Oliveira-Ferrer L, Brylka L, Schinke T, Schlüter H, Paatero I, Voß H, Werner S, Pantel K, Wikman H. HERC5 downregulation in non-small cell lung cancer is associated with altered energy metabolism and metastasis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:110. [PMID: 38605423 PMCID: PMC11008035 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We previously showed that low HERC5 expression predicts early tumor dissemination and a dismal prognosis in NSCLC patients. Here, we performed functional studies to unravel the mechanism underlying the "metastasis-suppressor" effect of HERC5, with a focus on mitochondrial metabolism pathways. METHODS We assessed cell proliferation, colony formation potential, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and wound healing in NSCLC cell line models with HERC5 overexpression (OE) or knockout (KO). To study early tumor cell dissemination, we used these cell line models in zebrafish experiments and performed intracardial injections in nude mice. Mass spectrometry (MS) was used to analyze protein changes in whole-cell extracts. Furthermore, electron microscopy (EM) imaging, cellular respiration, glycolytic activity, and lactate production were used to investigate the relationships with mitochondrial energy metabolism pathways. RESULTS Using different in vitro NSCLC cell line models, we showed that NSCLC cells with low HERC5 expression had increased malignant and invasive properties. Furthermore, two different in vivo models in zebrafish and a xenograft mouse model showed increased dissemination and metastasis formation (in particular in the brain). Functional enrichment clustering of MS data revealed an increase in mitochondrial proteins in vitro when HERC5 levels were high. Loss of HERC5 leads to an increased Warburg effect, leading to improved adaptation and survival under prolonged inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results indicate that low HERC5 expression increases the metastatic potential of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HERC5-induced proteomic changes influence mitochondrial pathways, ultimately leading to alterations in energy metabolism and demonstrating its role as a new potential metastasis suppressor gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Schneegans
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Löptien
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Mojzisch
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Desirée Loreth
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Raschdorf
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annkathrin Hanssen
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Gocke
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg- Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bente Siebels
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Gunasekaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Laura Brylka
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Schinke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilkka Paatero
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Hannah Voß
- Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Werner
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Rong Z, Zheng K, Chen J, Jin X. The cross talk of ubiquitination and chemotherapy tolerance in colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:154. [PMID: 38521878 PMCID: PMC10960765 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05659-9] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitination, a highly adaptable post-translational modification, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular protein homeostasis, encompassing cancer chemoresistance-associated proteins. Recent findings have indicated a potential correlation between perturbations in the ubiquitination process and the emergence of drug resistance in CRC cancer. Consequently, numerous studies have spurred the advancement of compounds specifically designed to target ubiquitinates, offering promising prospects for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight the role of ubiquitination enzymes associated with chemoresistance to chemotherapy via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell cycle perturbation. In addition, we summarize the application and role of small compounds that target ubiquitination enzymes for CRC treatment, along with the significance of targeting ubiquitination enzymes as potential cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Rong
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China.
| | - Kaifeng Zheng
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Health Science Center, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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Chen J, Feng H, Wang Y, Bai X, Sheng S, Li H, Huang M, Chu X, Lei Z. The involvement of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:458. [PMID: 38104139 PMCID: PMC10725464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01760-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, colorectal cancer (CRC) still has limited therapeutic efficacy and poor prognosis and there is an urgent need for novel targets to improve the outcome of CRC patients. The highly conserved ubiquitination modification mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases is an important mechanism to regulate the expression and function of tumor promoters or suppressors in CRC. In this review, we provide an overview of E3 ligases in modulating various biological processes in CRC, including proliferation, migration, stemness, metabolism, cell death, differentiation and immune response of CRC cells, emphasizing the pluripotency of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We further focus on the role of E3 ligases in regulating vital cellular signal pathways in CRC, such as Wnt/β-catenin pathway and NF-κB pathway. Additionally, considering the potential of E3 ligases as novel targets in the treatment of CRC, we discuss what aspects of E3 ligases can be utilized and exploited for efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haimei Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siqi Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huiyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Sun A, Chen Y, Tian X, Lin Q. The Role of HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Colorectal Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020478. [PMID: 36831013 PMCID: PMC9953483 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020478] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is estimated to rank as the second reason for cancer-related deaths, and the prognosis of CRC patients remains unsatisfactory. Numerous studies on gastrointestinal cell biology have shown that the E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination exerts key functions in the pathogenesis of CRC. The homologous to E6-associated protein C-terminus (HECT) family E3 ligases are a major group of E3 enzymes, featured with the presence of a catalytic HECT domain, which participate in multiple cellular processes; thus, alterations in HECT E3 ligases in function or expression are closely related to the occurrence and development of many human malignancies, including-but not limited to-CRC. In this review, we summarize the potential role of HECT E3 ligases in colorectal carcinogenesis and the related underlying molecular mechanism to expand our understanding of their pathological functions. Exploiting specific inhibitors targeting HECT E3 ligases could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC therapy in the future.
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Yuan Y, Qin H, Li H, Shi W, Bao L, Xu S, Yin J, Zheng L. The Functional Roles of ISG15/ISGylation in Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031337. [PMID: 36771004 PMCID: PMC9918931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein ISG15 encoded by interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) 15 is the first identified member of the ubiquitin-like protein family and exists in the form of monomers and conjugated complexes. Like ubiquitin, ISG15 can mediate an ubiquitin-like modification by covalently modifying other proteins, known as ISGylation. There is growing evidence showing that both the free and conjugated ISG15 are involved in multiple key cellular processes, including autophagy, exosome secretion, DNA repair, immune regulation, and cancer occurrence and progression. In this review, we aim to further clarify the function of ISG15 and ISGylation in cancer, demonstrate the important relationship between ISG15/ISGylation and cancer, and emphasize new insights into the different roles of ISG15/ISGylation in cancer progression. This review may contribute to therapeutic intervention in cancer. However, due to the limitations of current research, the regulation of ISG15/ISGylation on cancer progression is not completely clear, thus further comprehensive and sufficient correlation studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guizhou Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Huilong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wanjin Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lichen Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211198, China
- Correspondence: (J.Y.); (L.Z.)
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Liu C, Li L, Hou G, Lu Y, Gao M, Zhang L. HERC5/IFI16/p53 signaling mediates breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Life Sci 2022; 303:120692. [PMID: 35671810 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120692] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to find differentially expressed ubiquitination-related gene(s) and elucidates their biological significance in breast cancer. MAIN METHODS Differentially expressed genes were profiled in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by using PCR array method. Abnormal expression of HERC5 was studied in the cells and in breast cancer specimens via Quantitative Real-time PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation and cell migration abilities were evaluated by using cell counting kits, or through colony formation, wound healing and trans-well assays. HERC5 target proteins were investigated via proteomic, co-immunoprecipitation and western blot methods. Down-stream signaling pathways were investigated through gene expression/knockdown methods. KEY FINDINGS Huge increase of HERC5 expression was found in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, knockdown of which repressed the cell proliferation and migration. HERC5 interacted with IFI16, mediated IFI16 ISGylation at K274 and facilitated IFI16 proteasomal degradation. IFI16 acted as a tumor suppressor and to some extent mediated the HERC5 function in the breast cancer (BC) cells. HERC5 was negatively correlated with IFI16 protein, while IFI16 was positively correlated to p53 expression at mRNA and protein levels, which indicates a novel signaling pathway - HERC5/IFI16/p53. HERC5 expression was increased in glucose-starved BC cells and in human breast cancer tissues, accompanied with the decrease of IFI16 and P53. SIGNIFICANCE Our work reveals the abnormal expression of HERC5 and its carcinogenic role in breast cancer cells, which is probably mediated by an HERC5/IFI16/p53 signaling pathway. This work also provides potential diagnostic/therapeutic biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Liu
- College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ling Li
- College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Gang Hou
- Department of Pathology, Tai'an City Central Hospital, 29 Longtan Road, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Ying Lu
- College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Meng Gao
- College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lianwen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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The Downregulation of Both Giant HERCs, HERC1 and HERC2, Is an Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and HERC1 Levels Are Associated with Leukemic Cell Differentiation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11020324. [PMID: 35054018 PMCID: PMC8778248 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Large HERC E3 ubiquitin ligase family members, HERC1 and HERC2, are staggeringly complex proteins that can intervene in a wide range of biological processes, such as cell proliferation, DNA repair, neurodevelopment, and inflammation. Therefore, mutations or dysregulation of large HERCs is associated with neurological disorders, DNA repair defects, and cancer. Though their role in solid tumors started to be investigated some years ago, our knowledge about HERCs in non-solid neoplasm is greatly lagging behind. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a model onco-hematological disorder because of its unique and unambiguous relation between genotype and phenotype due to a single genetic alteration. In the present study, we ascertained that the presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene was inversely associated with the expression of the HERC1 and HERC2 genes. Upon the achievement of remission, both HERC1 and HERC2 mRNAs raised again to levels comparable to those of the healthy donors. Additionally, our survey unveiled that their gene expression is sensitive to different Tyrosine Kinases Inhibitors (TKIs) in a time-dependent fashion. Interestingly, for the first time, we also observed a differential HERC1 expression when the leukemic cell lines were induced to differentiate towards different lineages revealing that HERC1 protein expression is associated with the differentiation process in a lineage-specific manner. Taken together, our findings suggest that HERC1 might act as a novel potential player in blood cell differentiation. Overall, we believe that our results are beneficial to initiate exploring the role/s of large HERCs in non-solid neoplasms.
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