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Huang G, Jian J, Liu CJ. Progranulinopathy: A diverse realm of disorders linked to progranulin imbalances. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 76:142-159. [PMID: 37981505 PMCID: PMC10978308 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN), encoded by the GRN gene in humans, was originally isolated as a secreted growth factor that implicates in a multitude of processes ranging from regulation of tumorigenesis, inflammation to neural proliferation. Compelling evidence indicating that GRN mutation can lead to various common neuronal degenerative diseases and rare lysosomal storage diseases. These findings have unveiled a critical role for PGRN as a lysosomal protein in maintaining lysosomal function. The phenotypic spectrum of PGRN imbalance has expanded to encompass a broad spectrum of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, metabolic, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases. These diseases collectively referred to as Progranulinopathy- a term encompasses the wide spectrum of disorders influenced by PGRN imbalance. Unlike its known extracellular function as a growth factor-like molecule associated with multiple membrane receptors, PGRN also serves as an intracellular co-chaperone engaged in the folding and traffic of its associated proteins, particularly the lysosomal hydrolases. This chaperone activity is required for PGRN to exert its diverse functions across a broad range of diseases, encompassing both the central nervous system and peripheral systems. In this comprehensive review, we present an update of the emerging role of PGRN in Progranulinopathy, with special focus on elucidating the intricate interplay between PGRN and a diverse array of proteins at various levels, ranging from extracellular fluids and intracellular components, as well as various pathophysiological processes involved. This review seeks to offer a comprehensive grasp of PGRN's diverse functions, aiming to unveil intricate mechanisms behind Progranulinopathy and open doors for future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiwu Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlong Jian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chuan-Ju Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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2
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Chitramuthu BP, Campos-García VR, Bateman A. Multiple Molecular Pathways Are Influenced by Progranulin in a Neuronal Cell Model-A Parallel Omics Approach. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:775391. [PMID: 35095393 PMCID: PMC8791029 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.775391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN) is critical in supporting a healthy CNS. Its haploinsufficiency results in frontotemporal dementia, while in experimental models of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, the targeted expression of PGRN greatly slows the onset of disease phenotypes. Nevertheless, much remains unclear about how PGRN affects its target cells. In previous studies we found that PGRN showed a remarkable ability to support the survival of NSC-34 motor neuron cells under conditions that would otherwise lead to their apoptosis. Here we used the same model to investigate other phenotypes of PGRN expression in NSC-34 cells. PGRN significantly influenced morphological differentiation, resulting in cells with enlarged cell bodies and extended projections. At a molecular level this correlated with pathways associated with the cytoskeleton and synaptic differentiation. Depletion of PGRN led to increased expression of several neurotrophic receptors, which may represent a homeostatic mechanism to compensate for loss of neurotrophic support from PGRN. The exception was RET, a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase, which, when PGRN levels are high, shows increased expression and enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation. Other receptor tyrosine kinases also showed higher tyrosine phosphorylation when PGRN was elevated, suggesting a generalized enhancement of receptor activity. PGRN was found to bind to multiple plasma membrane proteins, including RET, as well as proteins in the ER/Golgi apparatus/lysosome pathway. Understanding how these various pathways contribute to PGRN action may provide routes toward improving neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babykumari P Chitramuthu
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, and Centre for Translational Biology, Metabolic Disorders and Complications, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Víctor R Campos-García
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, and Centre for Translational Biology, Metabolic Disorders and Complications, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrew Bateman
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, and Centre for Translational Biology, Metabolic Disorders and Complications, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
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3
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Dong D, Zhang W, Xiao W, Wu Q, Cao Y, Gao X, Huang L, Wang Y, Chen J, Wang W, Zhan Q. A GRN Autocrine-Dependent FAM135B/AKT/mTOR Feedforward Loop Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression. Cancer Res 2020; 81:910-922. [PMID: 33323378 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common and deadly diseases. In our previous comprehensive genomics study, we found that family with sequence similarity 135 member B (FAM135B) was a novel cancer-related gene, yet its biological functions and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the protein levels of FAM135B are significantly higher in ESCC tissues than in precancerous tissues, and high expression of FAM135B correlates with poorer clinical prognosis. Ectopic expression of FAM135B promoted ESCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, likely through its direct interaction with growth factor GRN, thus forming a feedforward loop with AKT/mTOR signaling. Patients with ESCC with overexpression of both FAM135B and GRN had worse prognosis; multivariate Cox model analysis indicated that high expression of both FAM135B and GRN was an independent prognostic factor for patients with ESCC. FAM135B transgenic mice bore heavier tumor burden than wild-type mice and survived a relatively shorter lifespan after 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide treatment. In addition, serum level of GRN in transgenic mice was higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting that serum GRN levels might provide diagnostic discrimination for patients with ESCC. These findings suggest that the interaction between FAM135B and GRN plays critical roles in the regulation of ESCC progression and both FAM135B and GRN might be potential therapeutic targets and prognostic factors in ESCC. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings investigate the mechanisms of FAM135B in promoting ESCC progression and suggest new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezuo Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wenchang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qingnan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yiren Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lijie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Weihu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R. China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
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4
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Azangou-Khyavy M, Ghasemi M, Khanali J, Boroomand-Saboor M, Jamalkhah M, Soleimani M, Kiani J. CRISPR/Cas: From Tumor Gene Editing to T Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2062. [PMID: 33117331 PMCID: PMC7553049 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats system has demonstrated considerable advantages over other nuclease-based genome editing tools due to its high accuracy, efficiency, and strong specificity. Given that cancer is caused by an excessive accumulation of mutations that lead to the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is a therapy of choice for tumor genome editing and treatment. In defining its superior use, we have reviewed the novel applications of the CRISPR genome editing tool in discovering, sorting, and prioritizing targets for subsequent interventions, and passing different hurdles of cancer treatment such as epigenetic alterations and drug resistance. Moreover, we have reviewed the breakthroughs precipitated by the CRISPR system in the field of cancer immunotherapy, such as identification of immune system-tumor interplay, production of universal Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells, inhibition of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and Oncolytic Virotherapy. The existing challenges and limitations, as well as the prospects of CRISPR based systems, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mobina Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Khanali
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Monire Jamalkhah
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Hematology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Sandoval DR, Gomez Toledo A, Painter CD, Tota EM, Sheikh MO, West AMV, Frank MM, Wells L, Xu D, Bicknell R, Corbett KD, Esko JD. Proteomics-based screening of the endothelial heparan sulfate interactome reveals that C-type lectin 14a (CLEC14A) is a heparin-binding protein. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:2804-2821. [PMID: 31964714 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal cells express heparan sulfate proteoglycans that perform many important cellular functions by way of heparan sulfate-protein interactions. The identification of membrane heparan sulfate-binding proteins is challenging because of their low abundance and the need for extensive enrichment. Here, we report a proteomics workflow for the identification and characterization of membrane-anchored and extracellular proteins that bind heparan sulfate. The technique is based on limited proteolysis of live cells in the absence of denaturation and fixation, heparin-affinity chromatography, and high-resolution LC-MS/MS, and we designate it LPHAMS. Application of LPHAMS to U937 monocytic and primary murine and human endothelial cells identified 55 plasma membrane, extracellular matrix, and soluble secreted proteins, including many previously unidentified heparin-binding proteins. The method also facilitated the mapping of the heparin-binding domains, making it possible to predict the location of the heparin-binding site. To validate the discovery feature of LPHAMS, we characterized one of the newly-discovered heparin-binding proteins, C-type lectin 14a (CLEC14A), a member of the C-type lectin family that modulates angiogenesis. We found that the C-type lectin domain of CLEC14A binds one-to-one to heparin with nanomolar affinity, and using molecular modeling and mutagenesis, we mapped its heparin-binding site. CLEC14A physically interacted with other glycosaminoglycans, including endothelial heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate E, but not with neutral or sialylated oligosaccharides. The LPHAMS technique should be applicable to other cells and glycans and provides a way to expand the repertoire of glycan-binding proteins for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Sandoval
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Alejandro Gomez Toledo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Chelsea D Painter
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Ember M Tota
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - M Osman Sheikh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Alan M V West
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | | | - Lance Wells
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Ding Xu
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214
| | - Roy Bicknell
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D Corbett
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Jeffrey D Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093; Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093.
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6
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Yip CW, Cheung PFY, Wong NCL, Fung SW, Cheung ST. Mouse Monoclonal Antibodies Against Progranulin (PGRN/GEP) as Therapeutics in Preclinical Cancer Models. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1806:131-144. [PMID: 29956274 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8559-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The use of monoclonal antibody (mAb) has become a unique means of targeted therapy for human cancers. mAb-based therapies have shown survival benefits by applying alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Being a humanized biomolecule with exquisite target specificity, mAb demonstrated effects in a relatively lower dose range with limited off-target harm to the patients. Nowadays, novel targets involved in tumorigenic mechanisms and biomarkers expressed exclusively on cancer cell surface are being constantly discovered. The potential effects of their specific mAb could be investigated in the preclinical cancer model. In this chapter, we outlined our experimental procedures in determining the feasibility of novel mAb in the preclinical cancer model, with an example of progranulin (PGRN/GEP) mAb against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor in mouse model. This chapter included the establishment of subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC tumor in mouse model, the injection of the mouse monoclonal antibody in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, the assessment of tumor development, and the analyses of the molecular changes of the tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Phyllis F Y Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas C L Wong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Wai Fung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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7
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Montgomery MR, Hull EE. Alterations in the glycome after HDAC inhibition impact oncogenic potential in epigenetically plastic SW13 cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:79. [PMID: 30651077 PMCID: PMC6335691 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Defects in the type and degree of cellular glycosylation impact oncogenesis on multiple levels. Although the type of glycosylation is determined by protein sequence encoded by the genome, the extent and modifications of glycosylation depends on the activity of biosynthetic enzymes and recent data suggests that the glycome is also subject to epigenetic regulation. This study focuses on the ability of HDAC inhibition to alter glycosylation and to lead to pro-oncogenic alterations in the glycome as assessed by metastatic potential and chemoresistance. Methods Epigenetically plastic SW13 adrenocortical carcinoma cells were treated with FK228, an HDAC inhibitor with high affinity for HDAC1 and, to a lesser extent, HDAC2. In comparing HDAC inhibitor treated and control cells, differential expression of glycome-related genes were assessed by microarray. Differential glycosylation was then assessed by lectin binding arrays and the ability of cellular proteins to bind to glycans was assessed by glycan binding arrays. Differential sensitivity to paclitaxel, proliferation, and MMP activity were also assessed. Results Treatment with FK228 alters expression of enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways for a large number of glycome related genes including enzymes in all major glycosylation pathways and several glycan binding proteins. 84% of these differentially expressed glycome-related genes are linked to cancer, some as prognostic markers and others contributing basic oncogenic functions such as metastasis or chemoresistance. Glycan binding proteins also appear to be differentially expressed as protein extracts from treated and untreated cells show differential binding to glycan arrays. The impact of differential mRNA expression of glycosylation enzymes was documented by differential lectin binding. However, the assessment of changes in the glycome is complicated by the fact that detection of differential glycosylation through lectin binding is dependent on the methods used to prepare samples as protein-rich lysates show different binding than fixed cells in several cases. Paralleling the alterations in the glycome, treatment of SW13 cells with FK228 increases metastatic potential and reduces sensitivity to paclitaxel. Conclusions The glycome is substantially altered by HDAC inhibition and these changes may have far-reaching impacts on oncogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-5129-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKale R Montgomery
- College of Human Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hull
- Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, 85308, USA.
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8
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Wang H, Guo R, Du Z, Bai L, Li L, Cui J, Li W, Hoffman AR, Hu JF. Epigenetic Targeting of Granulin in Hepatoma Cells by Synthetic CRISPR dCas9 Epi-suppressors. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:23-33. [PMID: 29858058 PMCID: PMC5849805 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The CRISPR-associated Cas9 system can modulate disease-causing alleles both in vivo and ex vivo, raising the possibility of therapeutic genome editing. In addition to gene targeting, epigenetic modulation by the catalytically inactive dCas9 may also be a potential form of cancer therapy. Granulin (GRN), a potent pluripotent mitogen and growth factor that promotes cancer progression by maintaining self-renewal of hepatic stem cancer cells, is upregulated in hepatoma tissues and is associated with decreased tumor survival in patients with hepatoma. We synthesized a group of dCas9 epi-suppressors to target GRN by tethering the C terminus of dCas9 with three epigenetic suppressor genes: DNMT3a (DNA methyltransferase), EZH2 (histone 3 lysine 27 methyltransferase), and KRAB (the Krüppel-associated box transcriptional repression domain). In conjunction with guide RNAs (gRNAs), the dCas9 epi-suppressors caused significant decreases in GRN mRNA abundance in Hep3B hepatoma cells. These dCas9 epi-suppressors initiated de novo CpG DNA methylation in the GRN promoter, and they produced histone codes that favor gene suppression, including decreased H3K4 methylation, increased H3K9 methylation, and enhanced HP1a binding. Epigenetic knockdown of GRN led to the inhibition of cell proliferation, decreased tumor sphere formation, and reduced cell invasion. These changes were achieved at least partially through the MMP/TIMP pathway. This study thus demonstrates the potential utility of using dCas9 epi-suppressors in the development of epigenetic targeting against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China; VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Rui Guo
- Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China; VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Zhonghua Du
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Bai
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lingyu Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Andrew R Hoffman
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Ji-Fan Hu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China; VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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9
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Cheung PFY, Cheung TT, Yip CW, Ng LWC, Fung SW, Lo CM, Fan ST, Cheung ST. Hepatic cancer stem cell marker granulin-epithelin precursor and β-catenin expression associate with recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:21644-57. [PMID: 26942873 PMCID: PMC5008312 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) has been demonstrated to confer enhanced cancer stem-like cell properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line models in our previous studies. Here, we aimed to examine the GEP-expressing cells in relation to the stem cell related molecules and stem-like cell properties in the prospective HCC clinical cohort. GEP protein levels were significantly higher in HCCs than the paralleled non-tumor liver tissues, and associated with venous infiltration. GEPhigh cells isolated from clinical HCC samples exhibited higher levels of stem cell marker CD133, pluripotency-associated signaling molecules β-catenin, Oct4, SOX2, Nanog, and chemodrug transporter ABCB5. In addition, GEPhigh cells possessed preferential ability to form colonies and spheroids, and enhanced in vivo tumor-initiating ability while their xenografts were able to be serially subpassaged into secondary mouse recipients. Expression levels of GEP and pluripotency-associated genes were further examined in the retrospective HCC cohort and demonstrated significant correlation of GEP with β-catenin. Notably, HCC patients with high GEP and β-catenin levels demonstrated poor recurrence-free survival. In summary, GEP-positive HCC cells directly isolated from clinical specimens showed β-catenin elevation and cancer stem-like cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis F Y Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda W C Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Wai Fung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Tat Fan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Yip CW, Lam CY, Poon TCW, Cheung TT, Cheung PFY, Fung SW, Wang XQ, Leung ICY, Ng LWC, Lo CM, Tsao GSW, Cheung ST. Granulin-epithelin precursor interacts with 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein in hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:409. [PMID: 28601093 PMCID: PMC5466756 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) is a secretory growth factor, which has been demonstrated to control cancer growth, invasion, drug resistance and immune escape. Our previous studies and others also demonstrated its potential in targeted therapy. Comprehensive characterization of GEP partner on cancer cells are warranted. We have previously shown that GEP interacted with heparan sulfate on the surface of liver cancer cells and the interaction is crucial for GEP-mediated signaling transduction. This study aims to characterize GEP protein partner at the cell membrane with the co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry approach. Methods The membrane fraction from liver cancer model Hep3B was used for capturing binding partner with the specific monoclonal antibody against GEP. The precipitated proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry. After identifying the GEP binding partner, this specific interaction was validated in additional liver cancer cell line HepG2 by co-immunoprecipitation using GRP78 and GEP antibodies, respectively, as the bait. GRP78 transcript levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical samples (n = 77 pairs) were examined by real-time quantitative RT-PCR. GEP and GRP78 protein expressions were investigated by immunohistochemistry on paraffin sections. Results We identified the GEP-binding protein as 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78, also named heat shock 70-kDa protein 5, HSPA5). This interaction was validated in independent HCC cell lines. Increased GRP78 mRNA levels were demonstrated in liver cancer tissues compared with the paralleled liver tissues (t-test, P = 0.002). GRP78 and GEP transcript levels were significantly correlated (Spearman’s correlation, P = 0.001), and the proteins were also detectable in the cytoplasm of liver cancer cells by immunohistochemical staining. Conclusions GRP78 and GEP are interacting protein partners in liver cancer cells and may play a role in GEP-mediated cancer progression in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching Yan Lam
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Phyllis F Y Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze Wai Fung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao Qi Wang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Idy C Y Leung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda W C Ng
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - George S W Tsao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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11
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Wang C, Lei H, Tian Y, Shang M, Wu Y, Li Y, Zhao L, Shi M, Tang X, Chen T, Lv Z, Huang Y, Tang X, Yu X, Li X. Clonorchis sinensis granulin: identification, immunolocalization, and function in promoting the metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:262. [PMID: 28545547 PMCID: PMC5445496 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term infections by Clonorchis sinensis are associated with cholangitis, cholecystitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Molecules from the worm play vital roles in disease progress. In the present study, we identified and explored molecular characterization of C. sinensis granulin (CsGRN), a growth factor-like protein from C. sinensis excretory/secretory products (CsESPs). Methods The encoding sequence and conserved domains of CsGRN were identified and analysed by bioinformatics tools. Recombinant CsGRN (rCsGRN) protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The localisation of CsGRN in adult worms and Balb/c mice infected with C. sinensis was investigated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Stable CsGRN-overexpressed cell lines of hepatoma cells (PLC-GRN cells) and cholangiocarcinoma cells (RBE-GRN cells) were constructed by transfection of eukaryotic expression plasmid of pEGFP-C1-CsGRN. The effects on cell migration and invasion of CsGRN were assessed through the wound-healing assay and transwell assay. The levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and MMP9) in PLC-GRN or RBE-GRN cells were detected by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, zona occludens proteins (ZO-1), β-catenin, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) were analysed by Western blotting. Results CsGRN, including the conserved GRN domains, was confirmed to be a member of the granulin family. CsGRN was identified as an ingredient of CsESPs. CsGRN was localised in the tegument and testes of the adult worm. Furthermore, it appeared in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and biliary epithelium cells from infected Balb/c mouse. The enhancement of cell migration and invasion of PLC-GRN and RBE-GRN cells were observed. In addition, CsGRN upregulated the levels of vimentin, N-cadherin, β-catenin, MMP2 and MMP9, while it downregulated the level of ZO-1 in PLC-GRN/RBE-GRN cells. In total proteins of liver tissue from rCsGRN immunised Balb/c mice, vimentin level decreased, while E-cadherin level increased when compared with the control groups. Meanwhile, the levels of p-ERK reached a peak at 4 weeks post immunisation and the level of p-AKT did at 2 weeks after immunisation. Conclusions The encoding sequence and molecular characteristics of CsGRN were identified. As a member of granulin superfamily, CsGRN induced mesenchymal characteristics of PLC and RBE cells and was found to regulate the activities of the downstream molecules of the ERK and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways, which could contribute to the enhancement of cell migration and invasion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2179-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Huali Lei
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Tian
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Shang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinjuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengchen Shi
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingjin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinbing Yu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuerong Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Tropical Diseases Control of Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China. .,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Bansal PS, Smout MJ, Wilson D, Cobos Caceres C, Dastpeyman M, Sotillo J, Seifert J, Brindley PJ, Loukas A, Daly NL. Development of a Potent Wound Healing Agent Based on the Liver Fluke Granulin Structural Fold. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4258-4266. [PMID: 28425707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Granulins are a family of protein growth factors that are involved in cell proliferation. An orthologue of granulin from the human parasitic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, known as Ov-GRN-1, induces angiogenesis and accelerates wound repair. Recombinant Ov-GRN-1 production is complex and poses an obstacle for clinical development. To identify the bioactive region(s) of Ov-GRN-1, four truncated N-terminal analogues were synthesized and characterized structurally using NMR spectroscopy. Peptides that contained only two native disulfide bonds lack the characteristic granulin β-hairpin structure. Remarkably, the introduction of a non-native disulfide bond was critical for formation of β-hairpin structure. Despite this structural difference, both two and three disulfide-bonded peptides drove proliferation of a human cholangiocyte cell line and demonstrated potent wound healing in mice. Peptides derived from Ov-GRN-1 are leads for novel wound healing therapeutics, as they are likely less immunogenic than the full-length protein and more convenient to produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramjit S Bansal
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Michael J Smout
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Claudia Cobos Caceres
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Mohadeseh Dastpeyman
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Julia Seifert
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University , Washington D.C. 20037, United States
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns 4870, Queensland Australia
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13
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Cheung PF, Yip CW, Ng LW, Wong CK, Cheung TT, Lo CM, Fan ST, Cheung ST. Restoration of natural killer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma by treatment with antibody against granulin-epithelin precursor. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1016706. [PMID: 26140244 PMCID: PMC4485783 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1016706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairment of natural killer (NK) cell activity is an important mechanism of tumor immunoevasion. We have previously shown that expression of granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells rendered the cells resistant to NK cell immunosurveillance. Here, we examined whether targeting GEP could rescue NK activity in HCC patients. The current study demonstrated that quantities and activities of NK cells were significantly lower in HCC patients compared with healthy individuals, and were negatively correlated with GEP levels in HCC cells. NK cells demonstrated enhanced expression of the stimulatory receptors natural-killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) and CD69, increased secretion of IFN-γ and perforin, and cytotoxicity against HCC cells upon GEP suppression. Opposite phenotypes of NK cells were observed when GEP was overexpressed in HCC cells. Importantly, GEP blockage by monoclonal antibody A23 restored NK activity in HCC patients and sensitized HCC cells to NK cytotoxicity. Furthermore, A23 induced NK-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HCC. In summary, the activity of NK cells in HCC was impaired by GEP expression, which could be rescued by GEP antibody. This study provides new insight for treatments targeting GEP to boost NK activity in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis Fy Cheung
- Department of Surgery ; Center for Cancer Research; The University of Hong Kong ; Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery ; Center for Cancer Research; The University of Hong Kong ; Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Chun Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Prince of Wales Hospital ; Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery ; Department of Surgery; Queen Mary Hospital ; Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery ; Department of Surgery; Queen Mary Hospital ; Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Tat Fan
- Department of Surgery ; Department of Surgery; Queen Mary Hospital ; Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery ; Center for Cancer Research; The University of Hong Kong ; Hong Kong, China
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14
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Cheung PFY, Yip CW, Ng LWC, Lo KW, Wong N, Choy KW, Chow C, Chan KF, Cheung TT, Poon RTP, Fan ST, Cheung ST. Establishment and characterization of a novel primary hepatocellular carcinoma cell line with metastatic ability in vivo. Cancer Cell Int 2014; 14:103. [PMID: 25349534 PMCID: PMC4209051 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-014-0103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous disease. HCC cell lines established from different patients would be useful in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis. However, success of HCC primary culture establishment remains at low rate. We aim to establish and characterize HCC primary culture and the derived cell line. Methods Fresh tumor tissues were collected from 30 HCC patients. Culture conditions were optimized for the attachment and growth of the isolated hepatocytes. Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP), a growth factor reported to associate with cancer stem cell properties, was examined by flow cytometry to elucidate its role on primary culture establishment. The primary cell line was characterized in detail. Results Cells isolated from 16 out of 30 HCC cases (53%) had viability more than 70% and were subject to subsequent in vitro culture. 7 out of 16 cases (44%) could give rise to cells that were able to attach and grow in culture. GEP expression levels significantly correlated with the viability of isolated hepatocytes and success rate of subsequent primary culture establishment. Cells from HCC patient 21 grew and expanded rapidly in vitro and was selected to be further characterized. The line, designated HCC21, derived from a Hong Kong Chinese female patient with HCC at Stage II. The cells exhibited typical epithelial morphology and expressed albumin, AFP and HBV antigens. The cell line was authenticated by short tandem repeat analysis. Comparative genome hybridization analysis revealed chromosomal loss at 1p35-p36, 1q44, 2q11.2-q24.3, 2q37, 4q12-q13.3, 4q21.21-q35.2, 8p12-p23, 15q11.2-q14, 15q24-q26, 16p12.1-p13.3, 16q, 17p, 22q and gain at 1q21-q43 in both HCC21 cells and the original clinical tumor specimen. Sequence analysis revealed p53 gene mutation. Subcutaneous injection of HCC21 cells into immunodeficient mice showed that the cells were able to form tumors at the primary injection sites and metastatic tumors in the peritoneal cavity. Conclusions The newly established cell line could serve as useful in vitro and in vivo models for studying primary HCC that possess metastasis ability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-014-0103-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis Fung-Yi Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Yip
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda Wing-Chi Ng
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwong Wai Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chit Chow
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Fat Chan
- Department of Pathology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tan To Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronnie Tung-Ping Poon
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sheung Tat Fan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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