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Baquero J, Tang XH, Ferrotta A, Zhang T, DiKun KM, Gudas LJ. The transcription factor BMI1 increases hypoxic signaling in oral cavity epithelia. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167161. [PMID: 38599260 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167161] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The tongue epithelium is maintained by a proliferative basal layer. This layer contains long-lived stem cells (SCs), which produce progeny cells that move up to the surface as they differentiate. B-lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (BMI1), a protein in mammalian Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and a biomarker of oral squamous cell carcinoma, is expressed in almost all basal epithelial SCs of the tongue, and single, Bmi1-labelled SCs give rise to cells in all epithelial layers. We previously developed a transgenic mouse model (KrTB) containing a doxycycline- (dox) controlled, Tet-responsive element system to selectively overexpress Bmi1 in the tongue basal epithelial SCs. Here, we used this model to assess BMI1 actions in tongue epithelia. Genome-wide transcriptomics revealed increased levels of transcripts involved in the cellular response to hypoxia in Bmi1-overexpressing (KrTB+DOX) oral epithelia even though these mice were not subjected to hypoxia conditions. Ectopic Bmi1 expression in tongue epithelia increased the levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) and HIF1α targets linked to metabolic reprogramming during hypoxia. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to demonstrate that Bmi1 associates with the promoters of HIF1A and HIF1A-activator RELA (p65) in tongue epithelia. We also detected increased SC proliferation and oxidative stress in Bmi1-overexpressing tongue epithelia. Finally, using a human oral keratinocyte line (OKF6-TERT1R), we showed that ectopic BMI1 overexpression decreases the oxygen consumption rate while increasing the extracellular acidification rate, indicative of elevated glycolysis. Thus, our data demonstrate that high BMI1 expression drives hypoxic signaling, including metabolic reprogramming, in normal oral cavity epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Baquero
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annalisa Ferrotta
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Weill Cornell Genomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krysta M DiKun
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorraine J Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA.
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Murakami K, Kamiakito T, Kawata H, Kosami K, Nakaya T, Noguchi T, Mori Y, Tanaka A. Basal differentiation and expression status of SOX2 and KLF4 in basal layers are prognostic factors for disease-specific survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2024; 53:303-309. [PMID: 38659289 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13535] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal differentiation in oral squamous cell carcinoma is usually detected at invasive sites. However, its significance as a prognostic value has been poorly investigated. METHODS COL17 was selected as a basal differentiation marker because of its stable expression in the basal-like cells of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sixty-five cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma were subclassified into COL17-high (30 cases) and -low (35 cases) types, and the prognostic value was analyzed by Cox regression analysis. In addition, the stem cell markers such as SOX2, KLF4, MYC as well as the stem cell-related markers BMI1, EZH2, and YAP and its paralog TAZ, were immunohistochemically analyzed. Their prognostic values were investigated along with their COL17 status by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS No significant difference was observed between the COL17-high and -low groups in the disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma. When the COL17-high and -low categories were combined with the SOX2, KLF4, EZH2, or YAP/TAZ status in the basal layers, together with gender and age as covariates, the hazard ratios reached 3.3, 3.7, 2.8, and 3.1, respectively. In addition, multivariate analysis, including COL17, SOX2, and KLF4, with gender and age as covariates, showed a significantly poor prognosis for disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION Based on the relatively high hazard ratios, it is indicated that basal differentiation and the expression status of SOX2 and KLF4 in the basal layers are prognostic factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Murakami
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kamiakito
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Kawata
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koki Kosami
- Division of Public Health, Center for Communities, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takeo Nakaya
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tadahide Noguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Mori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Akira Tanaka
- Division of Human Pathology, Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Cheng Y, Song Z, Fang X, Tang Z. Polycomb repressive complex 2 and its core component EZH2: potential targeted therapeutic strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:54. [PMID: 38600608 PMCID: PMC11007890 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01666-2] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The polycomb group (PcG) comprises a set of proteins that exert epigenetic regulatory effects and play crucial roles in diverse biological processes, ranging from pluripotency and development to carcinogenesis. Among these proteins, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) stands out as a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which plays a role in regulating the expression of homologous (Hox) genes and initial stages of x chromosome inactivation. In numerous human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), EZH2 is frequently overexpressed or activated and has been identified as a negative prognostic factor. Notably, EZH2 emerges as a significant gene involved in regulating the STAT3/HOTAIR axis, influencing HNSCC proliferation, differentiation, and promoting metastasis by modulating related oncogenes in oral cancer. Currently, various small molecule compounds have been developed as inhibitors specifically targeting EZH2 and have gained approval for treating refractory tumors. In this review, we delve into the epigenetic regulation mediated by EZH2/PRC2 in HNSCC, with a specific focus on exploring the potential roles and mechanisms of EZH2, its crucial contribution to targeted drug therapy, and its association with cancer markers and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we aim to unravel its potential as a therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Cheng
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengzheng Song
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaodan Fang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Academician, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Wang C, Liu X, Nov P, Li L, Li C, Liao X, Li L, Du K, Li J. A signature based on circadian rhythm-associated genes for the evaluation of prognosis and the tumour microenvironment in HNSCC. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7594. [PMID: 38556542 PMCID: PMC10982303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality rates of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain high worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify a new prognostic biomarker to guide the personalized treatment of HNSCC patients. Increasing evidence suggests that circadian rhythm genes play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. We aimed to explore the value of circadian rhythm genes in predicting prognosis and guiding the treatment of HNSCC. We first obtained a list of circadian rhythm genes from previous research. The sequencing data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Finally, univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis were performed to develop a prognostic signature (Circadian Rhythm-Related Gene Prognostic Index, CRRGPI) consisting of nine circadian rhythm genes. The signature exhibited good performance in predicting overall survival. Patients with low CRRGPI scores had lower metabolic activities and an active antitumour immunity ability. Additionally, a clinical cohort was used to further evaluate the ability of the CRRGPI to predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, the novel circadian rhythm-related gene signature can provide a precise prognostic evaluation with the potential capacity to guide individualized treatment regimens for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqian Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pengkhun Nov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lilin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xuejiao Liao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kunpeng Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Jiqiang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oncology Center, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong Province, China.
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Jiang L, Zhou J, Wu Y, Zhou L, Zhang C, Zhu J, Fang Z, Shao Y, Wang W. Brucea javanica oil inhibits tongue squamous cell invasion and metastasis by regulating miR-138-EZH2 pathway. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2023; 124:101611. [PMID: 37619672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of head and neck. Its incidence is on the rise, and the proportion of young patients is gradually increasing, which is prone to tumor recurrence and metastasis. At present, there is no effective method to completely treat TSCC. Studies have shown that brucea javanica oil (BJO) has good antitumor activity against lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, but its therapeutic effect on TSCC is not clear. We have previously confirmed that oleic acid, the main component of BJO, can induce apoptosis of TSCC and reduce its invasion and metastasis ability. However, the anticancer effect and mechanism of BJO in TSCC remain unclear. In order to further explore the effects of BJO on the biological characteristics of TSCC cells, we studied the effects of different concentrations of BJO on the migration, invasion ability and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression of TSCC cells and the possible mechanisms through in vitro experiments. We found that BJO could inhibit the invasion and metastasis of TSCC and up-regulate miR-138. After BJO treatment, the expression of E-cad was significantly increased, while the expression of EZH2, Slug, p-ERK1/2 and Vimentin was significantly decreased. EZH2 is a miR-138 target gene involved in TSCC. BJO inhibits TSCC invasion and metastasis by regulating the miR-138-EZH2 pathway. In vivo experiments have also well demonstrated the targeting effect of this pathway. This study provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Jianhan Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006; School of Stomatology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330036
| | - Yuan Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Lanfei Zhou
- Graduate School of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Chenwei Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Jiajun Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Zhiyi Fang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006
| | - Yisen Shao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, 330006.
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Sharma V, Gangopadhyay S, Shukla S, Chauhan A, Singh S, Singh RD, Tiwari R, Singh D, Srivastava V. Prenatal exposure to arsenic promotes sterile inflammation through the Polycomb repressive element EZH2 and accelerates skin tumorigenesis in mouse. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 443:116004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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