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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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Pawlicka M, Gumbarewicz E, Błaszczak E, Stepulak A. Transcription Factors and Markers Related to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Their Role in Resistance to Therapies in Head and Neck Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1354. [PMID: 38611032 PMCID: PMC11010970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are heterogeneous and aggressive tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. Although various histological types exist, the most common is squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The incidence of HNSCC is increasing, making it an important public health concern. Tumor resistance to contemporary treatments, namely, chemo- and radiotherapy, and the recurrence of the primary tumor after its surgical removal cause huge problems for patients. Despite recent improvements in these treatments, the 5-year survival rate is still relatively low. HNSCCs may develop local lymph node metastases and, in the most advanced cases, also distant metastases. A key process associated with tumor progression and metastasis is epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), when poorly motile epithelial tumor cells acquire motile mesenchymal characteristics. These transition cells can invade different adjacent tissues and finally form metastases. EMT is governed by various transcription factors, including the best-characterized TWIST1 and TWIST2, SNAIL, SLUG, ZEB1, and ZEB2. Here, we highlight the current knowledge of the process of EMT in HNSCC and present the main protein markers associated with it. This review focuses on the transcription factors related to EMT and emphasizes their role in the resistance of HNSCC to current chemo- and radiotherapies. Understanding the role of EMT and the precise molecular mechanisms involved in this process may help with the development of novel anti-cancer therapies for this type of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrzej Stepulak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.P.); (E.G.); (E.B.)
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Rohner PT, Hu Y, Moczek AP. Utilizing geometric morphometrics to investigate gene function during organ growth: Insights through the study of beetle horn shape allometry. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12464. [PMID: 38041612 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12464] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Static allometry is a major component of morphological variation. Much of the literature on the development of allometry investigates how functional perturbations of diverse pathways affect the relationship between trait size and body size. Often, this is done with the explicit objective to identify developmental mechanisms that enable the sensing of organ size and the regulation of relative growth. However, changes in relative trait size can also be brought about by a range of other distinctly different developmental processes, such as changes in patterning or tissue folding, yet standard univariate biometric approaches are usually unable to distinguish among alternative explanations. Here, we utilize geometric morphometrics to investigate the degree to which functional genetic manipulations known to affect the size of dung beetle horns also recapitulate the effect of horn shape allometry. We reasoned that the knockdown phenotypes of pathways governing relative growth should closely resemble shape variation induced by natural allometric variation. In contrast, we predicted that if genes primarily affect alternative developmental processes, knockdown effects should align poorly with shape allometry. We find that the knockdown effects of several genes (e.g., doublesex, Foxo) indeed closely aligned with shape allometry, indicating that their corresponding pathways may indeed function primarily in the regulation of relative trait growth. In contrast, other knockdown effects (e.g., Distal-less, dachs) failed to align with allometry, implicating these pathways in potentially scaling-independent processes. Our findings moderate the interpretation of studies focusing on trait length and highlight the usefulness of multivariate approaches to study allometry and phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Rohner
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yonggang Hu
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Armin P Moczek
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Xu Y, Park SH, Gye MC. Head dysgenesis and disruption of cranial neural crest stem cells behaviour by 4-octylphenol in fire-bellied toad Bombina orientalis embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122697. [PMID: 37804908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122697] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Alkylphenolic endocrine disruptors (Eds) have been known to affect development of the descendants of multipotent neural crest cells (NCCs) in amphibian embryos. To unravel the mechanism of head dysgenesis induced by alkylphenols in amphibians, the effect of 4-octylphenol (OP) on the differentiation of cranial NCCs in developing embryos and tadpoles, ex vivo NC explant, and isolated NCCs was examined in fire-bellied toad Bombina orientalis with 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 μM concentrations. Following OP treatment, head cartilages were frequently absent together with the decreased col2a1 mRNA level in tadpoles. While the lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and DNA fragmentation were significantly increased in stage 22 neulurae and heads of stage 45 tadpoles. In stage 22 neulurae, OP decreased sox9 mRNA, the master transcription factor for chondrogenic differentiation and increased undifferentiated NCC markers. The ectopic NCCs were found in endoderm while mesodermal SOX10(+) cells were decreased. In cranial NCCs isolated from stage 22 embryos, OP treatment decreased cellular survival and increased apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. In chondrogenic induced cranial NC explants, OP treatment decreased SOX9(+) chondrocytes and cartilage development. Together, OP potentiated oxidative damage, apoptosis, EMT, and ectopic migration of NCCs. Considering that tissue differentiation requires stem cells to activate the molecular mechanism of differentiation at the correct location during embryonic development, these changes caused by OP may inhibit sox9-dependent chondrogenic differentiation of cranial NCCs, leading to head dysgenesis in B. orientalis embryos. Therefore, developing multipotent NCCs could be an important target of OP, provides new direction for the estimation of the risk of EDs exposure in human and wildlife animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Park
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Chan Gye
- Department of Life Science and Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
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Farahzadi R, Valipour B, Fathi E, Pirmoradi S, Molavi O, Montazersaheb S, Sanaat Z. Oxidative stress regulation and related metabolic pathways in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:342. [PMID: 38017510 PMCID: PMC10685711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03571-6] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell remodeling process in which epithelial cells undergo a reversible phenotype switch via the loss of adhesion capacity and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. In other words, EMT activation can increase invasiveness and metastatic properties, and prevent the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, as mesenchymal cells have a higher resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is orchestrated by a complex and multifactorial network, often linked to episodic, transient, or partial events. A variety of factors have been implicated in EMT development. Based on this concept, multiple metabolic pathways and master transcription factors, such as Snail, Twist, and ZEB, can drive the EMT. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in EMT induction. One emerging theory is that reducing mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production may contribute to EMT development. This review describes how metabolic pathways and transcription factors are linked to EMT induction and addresses the involvement of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Valipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Pirmoradi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ommoleila Molavi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Liu B, Yan J, Li J, Xia W. The Role of BDNF, YBX1, CENPF, ZSCAN4, TEAD4, GLIS1 and USF1 in the Activation of the Embryonic Genome in Bovine Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16019. [PMID: 38003209 PMCID: PMC10671747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216019] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic development relies on the maternal RNAs and newly synthesized proteins during oogenesis. Zygotic transcription is an important event occurring at a specific time after fertilization. If no zygotic transcription occurs, the embryo will die because it is unable to meet the needs of the embryo and continue to grow. During the early stages of embryonic development, the correct transcription, translation, and expression of genes play a crucial role in blastocyst formation and differentiation of cell lineage species formation among mammalian species, and any variation may lead to developmental defects, arrest, or even death. Abnormal expression of some genes may lead to failure of the embryonic zygote genome before activation, such as BDNF and YBX1; Decreased expression of CENPF, ZSCAN4, TEAD4, GLIS1, and USF1 genes can lead to embryonic development failure. This article reviews the results of studies on the timing and mechanism of gene expression of these genes in bovine fertilized eggs/embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingnan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiaxin Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
| | - Junjie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
- Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Wei Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (B.L.); (J.Y.); (J.L.)
- Research Center of Cattle and Sheep Embryo Engineering Technique of Hebei Province, Baoding 071000, China
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Qiang L, Zhao B, Ming M, Wang N, He TC, Hwang S, Thorburn A, He YY. Autophagy regulates tumor growth and metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.31.564991. [PMID: 37961427 PMCID: PMC10635024 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.564991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of autophagy in tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. Here we show that inhibition of autophagy stabilizes the transcription factor Twist1 through Sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1, also known as p62) and thus increases cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor development and metastasis. Inhibition of autophagy or p62 overexpression blocks Twist1 protein degradation in the proteasomes, while p62 inhibition enhances it. SQSTM1/p62 interacts with Twist1 via the UBA domain of p62, in a Twist1-ubiquitination-dependent manner. Lysine 175 in Twist1 is critical for Twist1 ubiquitination, degradation, and SQSTM1/p62 interaction. For squamous skin cancer and melanoma cells that express Twist1, SQSTM1/p62 increases tumor growth and metastasis in mice. Together, our results identified Twist1 as a key downstream protein for autophagy and suggest a critical role of the autophagy/p62/Twist1 axis in cancer development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Baozhong Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mei Ming
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seungmin Hwang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Thorburn
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Curran CS, Kopp JB. The complexity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), hypoxic, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor cell signaling in chronic kidney disease. J Transl Med 2023; 21:706. [PMID: 37814337 PMCID: PMC10563221 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04584-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-stage detection of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) is important to treatment that may slow and occasionally halt CKD progression. CKD of diverse etiologies share similar histologic patterns of glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Macro-vascular disease and micro-vascular disease promote tissue ischemia, contributing to injury. Tissue ischemia promotes hypoxia, and this in turn activates the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs). HIF-1α and HIF-2α, share a dimer partner, HIF-1β, with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and are each activated in CKD and associated with kidney cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) depletion. The Preiss-Handler, salvage, and de novo pathways regulate NAD biosynthesis and gap-junctions regulate NAD cellular retention. In the Preiss-Handler pathway, niacin forms NAD. Niacin also exhibits crosstalk with HIF and AHR cell signals in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, which is a complication in CKD. Dysregulated enzyme activity in the NAD de novo pathway increases the levels of circulating tryptophan metabolites that activate AHR, resulting in poly-ADP ribose polymerase activation, thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, and immunosuppression. Therapeutically, metabolites from the NAD salvage pathway increase NAD production and subsequent sirtuin deacetylase activity, resulting in reduced activation of retinoic acid-inducible gene I, p53, NF-κB and SMAD2 but increased activation of FOXO1, PGC-1α, and DNA methyltransferase-1. These post-translational responses may also be initiated through non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are additionally altered in CKD. Nanoparticles traverse biological systems and can penetrate almost all tissues as disease biomarkers and drug delivery carriers. Targeted delivery of non-coding RNAs or NAD metabolites with nanoparticles may enable the development of more effective diagnostics and therapies to treat CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Curran
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, BG 10 RM 2C135, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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Casasnovas-Nieves JJ, Rodríguez Y, Franco HL, Cadilla CL. Mechanisms of Regulation of the CHRDL1 Gene by the TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c Transcription Factors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1733. [PMID: 37761873 PMCID: PMC10530651 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091733] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Setleis syndrome (SS) is a rare focal facial dermal dysplasia caused by recessive mutations in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, TWIST2. Expression microarray analysis showed that the chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1) gene is up-regulated in dermal fibroblasts from three SS patients with the Q119X TWIST2 mutation. METHODS Putative TWIST binding sites were found in the upstream region of the CHRDL1 gene and examined by electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA) and reporter gene assays. RESULTS EMSAs showed specific binding of TWIST1 and TWIST2 homodimers, as well as heterodimers with E12, to the more distal E-boxes. An adjoining E-box was bound by ADD1/SREBP1c. EMSA analysis suggested that TWIST2 and ADD1/SREBP1c could compete for binding. Luciferase (luc) reporter assays revealed that the CHRDL1 gene upstream region drives its expression and ADD1/SREBP1c increased it 2.6 times over basal levels. TWIST2, but not the TWIST2-Q119X mutant, blocked activation by ADD1/SREBP1c, but overexpression of TWIST2-Q119X increased luc gene expression. In addition, EMSA competition assays showed that TWIST2, but not TWIST1, competes with ADD1/SREBP1c for DNA binding to the same site. CONCLUSIONS Formation of an inactive complex between the TWIST2 Q119X and Q65X mutant proteins and ADD1/SREBP1c may prevent repressor binding and allow the binding of other regulators to activate CHRDL1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José J. Casasnovas-Nieves
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
| | - Yacidzohara Rodríguez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
| | - Hector L. Franco
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
- Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Carmen L. Cadilla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico; (J.J.C.-N.); (Y.R.); (H.L.F.)
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Gruss MJ, O’Callaghan C, Donnellan M, Corsi AK. A Twist-Box domain of the C. elegans Twist homolog, HLH-8, plays a complex role in transcriptional regulation. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad066. [PMID: 37067863 PMCID: PMC10411555 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
TWIST1 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor in humans that functions in mesoderm differentiation. TWIST1 primarily regulates genes as a transcriptional repressor often through TWIST-Box domain-mediated protein-protein interactions. The TWIST-Box also can function as an activation domain requiring 3 conserved, equidistant amino acids (LXXXFXXXR). Autosomal dominant mutations in TWIST1, including 2 reported in these conserved amino acids (F187L and R191M), lead to craniofacial defects in Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS). Caenorhabditis elegans has a single TWIST1 homolog, HLH-8, that functions in the differentiation of the muscles responsible for egg laying and defecation. Null alleles in hlh-8 lead to severely egg-laying defective and constipated animals due to defects in the corresponding muscles. TWIST1 and HLH-8 share sequence identity in their bHLH regions; however, the domain responsible for the transcriptional activity of HLH-8 is unknown. Sequence alignment suggests that HLH-8 has a TWIST-Box LXXXFXXXR motif; however, its function also is unknown. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was utilized to generate a domain deletion and several missense mutations, including those analogous to SCS patients, in the 3 conserved HLH-8 amino acids to investigate their functional role. The TWIST-Box alleles did not phenocopy hlh-8 null mutants. The strongest phenotype detected was a retentive (Ret) phenotype with late-stage embryos in the hermaphrodite uterus. Further, GFP reporters of HLH-8 downstream target genes (arg-1::gfp and egl-15::gfp) revealed tissue-specific, target-specific, and allele-specific defects. Overall, the TWIST-Box in HLH-8 is partially required for the protein's transcriptional activity, and the conserved amino acids contribute unequally to the domain's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Gruss
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Colleen O’Callaghan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Molly Donnellan
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
| | - Ann K Corsi
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, D.C. 20064USA
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Lee S, Kang E, Lee U, Cho S. Role of pelitinib in the regulation of migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of Twist1. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:703. [PMID: 37495969 PMCID: PMC10373356 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11217-2] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of Twist1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factors (EMT-TFs), is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Pelitinib is known to be an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in clinical trials for colorectal and lung cancers, but the role of pelitinib in cancer metastasis has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of pelitinib in HCC cell lines. METHODS Using three HCC cell lines (Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449 cells), the effects of pelitinib on cell cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration were determined by cell viability, wound healing, transwell invasion, and spheroid invasion assays. The activities of MMP-2 and -9 were examined through gelatin zymography. Through immunoblotting analyses, the expression levels of EMT-TFs (Snail1, Twist1, and ZEB1) and EMT-related signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt signaling pathways were measured. The activity and expression levels of target genes were analyzed by reporter assay, RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoblotting analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's Multiple comparison tests in Prism 3.0 to assess differences between experimental conditions. RESULTS In this study, pelitinib treatment significantly inhibited wound closure in various HCC cell lines, including Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449. Additionally, pelitinib was found to inhibit multicellular cancer spheroid invasion and metalloprotease activities in Huh7 cells. Further investigation revealed that pelitinib treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 cells by inducing Twist1 degradation through the inhibition of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. We also confirmed that the inhibition of cell motility by Twist1 siRNA was similar to that observed in pelitinib-treated group. Furthermore, pelitinib treatment regulated the expression of target genes associated with EMT, as demonstrated by the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin. CONCLUSION Based on our novel finding of pelitinib from the perspective of EMT, pelitinib has the ability to inhibit EMT activity of HCC cells via inhibition of Twist1, and this may be the potential mechanism of pelitinib on the suppression of migration and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, pelitinib could be developed as a potential anti-cancer drug for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewoong Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Kang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Unju Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Sayeon Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Turano M, Vicidomini R, Cammarota F, D'Agostino V, Duraturo F, Izzo P, Rosa MD. The Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Progression: The Emerging Role of Succinate Dehydrogenase Alterations and Succinate Accumulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051428. [PMID: 37239099 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as the third most significant contributor to cancer-related mortality worldwide. A major underlying reason is that the detection of CRC usually occurs at an advanced metastatic stage, rendering therapies ineffective. In the progression from the in situ neoplasia stage to the advanced metastatic stage, a critical molecular mechanism involved is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This intricate transformation consists of a series of molecular changes, ultimately leading the epithelial cell to relinquish its features and acquire mesenchymal and stem-like cell characteristics. The EMT regulation involves several factors, such as transcription factors, cytokines, micro RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Nevertheless, recent studies have illuminated an emerging link between metabolic alterations and EMT in various types of cancers, including colorectal cancers. In this review, we delved into the pivotal role played by EMT during CRC progression, with a focus on highlighting the relationship between the alterations of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, specifically those involving the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme, and the activation of the EMT program. In fact, emerging evidence supports the idea that elucidating the metabolic modifications that can either induce or inhibit tumor progression could be of immense significance for shaping new therapeutic approaches and preventative measures. We conclude that an extensive effort must be directed towards research for the standardization of drugs that specifically target proteins such as SDH and SUCNR1, but also TRAP1, PDH, ERK1/2, STAT3 and the HIF1-α catabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmo Turano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Vicidomini
- Section on Cellular Communication, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Francesca Cammarota
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria D'Agostino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Duraturo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80131 Naples, Italy
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13
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Shah AM, Guo L, Morales MG, Jaichander P, Chen K, Huang H, Cano Hernandez K, Xu L, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, Liu N. TWIST2-mediated chromatin remodeling promotes fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8184. [PMID: 37115930 PMCID: PMC10146891 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma in children that resembles developing skeletal muscle. Unlike normal muscle cells, RMS cells fail to differentiate despite expression of the myogenic determination protein MYOD. The TWIST2 transcription factor is frequently overexpressed in fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS). TWIST2 blocks differentiation by inhibiting MYOD activity in myoblasts, but its role in FN-RMS pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Here, we show that knockdown of TWIST2 enables FN-RMS cells to exit the cell cycle and undergo terminal myogenesis. TWIST2 knockdown also substantially reduces tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of FN-RMS. Mechanistically, TWIST2 controls H3K27 acetylation at distal enhancers by interacting with the chromatin remodelers SMARCA4 and CHD3 to activate growth-related target genes and repress myogenesis-related target genes. These findings provide insights into the role of TWIST2 in maintaining an undifferentiated and tumorigenic state of FN-RMS and highlight the potential of suppressing TWIST2-regulated pathways to treat FN-RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha M. Shah
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Maria Gabriela Morales
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Priscilla Jaichander
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karla Cano Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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Morello G, La Cognata V, Guarnaccia M, D'Agata V, Cavallaro S. Cracking the Code of Neuronal Cell Fate. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071057. [PMID: 37048129 PMCID: PMC10093029 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is fundamental to most biological processes and reverse-engineering programs can be used to decipher the underlying programs. In this review, we describe how genomics is offering a systems biology-based perspective of the intricate and temporally coordinated transcriptional programs that control neuronal apoptosis and survival. In addition to providing a new standpoint in human pathology focused on the regulatory program, cracking the code of neuronal cell fate may offer innovative therapeutic approaches focused on downstream targets and regulatory networks. Similar to computers, where faults often arise from a software bug, neuronal fate may critically depend on its transcription program. Thus, cracking the code of neuronal life or death may help finding a patch for neurodegeneration and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Morello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina La Cognata
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Guarnaccia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR-IRIB), 95126 Catania, Italy
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15
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Lee J, Roh JL. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity: Implications for Ferroptosis Vulnerability and Cancer Therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103964. [PMID: 36931615 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers polarized to a mesenchymal or poorly differentiated state can often evade cell death induced by conventional therapies. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is involved in lipid metabolism and increases polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in cancer cells, contributing to chemo- and radio-resistance. Altered metabolism in cancer enables invasion and metastasis but is prone to lipid peroxidation under oxidative stress. Cancers with mesenchymal rather than epithelial signatures are highly vulnerable to ferroptosis. Therapy-resistant persister cancer cells show a high mesenchymal cell state and dependence on the lipid peroxidase pathway, which can respond more sensitively to ferroptosis inducers. Cancer cells may survive under specific metabolic and oxidative stress conditions, and targeting this unique defense system can selectively kill only cancer cells. Therefore, this article summarizes the core regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in cancer, the relationship between ferroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, and the implications of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for ferroptosis-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewang Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, General Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Lyel Roh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, General Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Lee YY, Endale M, Wu G, Ruben MD, Francey LJ, Morris AR, Choo NY, Anafi RC, Smith DF, Liu AC, Hogenesch JB. Integration of genome-scale data identifies candidate sleep regulators. Sleep 2023; 46:zsac279. [PMID: 36462188 PMCID: PMC9905783 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Genetics impacts sleep, yet, the molecular mechanisms underlying sleep regulation remain elusive. In this study, we built machine learning models to predict sleep genes based on their similarity to genes that are known to regulate sleep. METHODS We trained a prediction model on thousands of published datasets, representing circadian, immune, sleep deprivation, and many other processes, using a manually curated list of 109 sleep genes. RESULTS Our predictions fit with prior knowledge of sleep regulation and identified key genes and pathways to pursue in follow-up studies. As an example, we focused on the NF-κB pathway and showed that chronic activation of NF-κB in a genetic mouse model impacted the sleep-wake patterns. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the power of machine learning in integrating prior knowledge and genome-wide data to study genetic regulation of complex behaviors such as sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yeng Lee
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Mehari Endale
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Marc D Ruben
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Lauren J Francey
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Andrew R Morris
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Natalie Y Choo
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ron C Anafi
- Department of Medicine, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David F Smith
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine and the Sleep Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Center for Circadian Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Andrew C Liu
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - John B Hogenesch
- Divisions of Human Genetics and Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Center for Circadian Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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17
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Wang T, Rho O, Eguiarte-Solomon F, DiGiovanni J. Twist1 as a target for prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:62-76. [PMID: 36373194 PMCID: PMC9772054 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23482] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents an important clinical problem requiring novel approaches for both prevention and treatment. The transcription factor, Twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), has been identified as having a key mechanistic role in the development and progression of cSCC. Studies in relevant mouse models of cSCC have shown that Twist1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness driving progression and metastasis of cSCC. In addition, further research has shown that Twist1 regulates the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and therefore impacts earlier stages of cSCC development. Through use of keratinocyte specific Twist1 knockout models, a role for this gene in keratinocyte stem cell homeostasis has been revealed. As a transcription factor, Twist1 regulates a large number of genes both in a positive, as well as a negative manner across several interdependent pathways. Studies in keratinocyte specific knockout models have shown that Twist1 upregulates the expression of genes involved in proliferation, stemness, and EMT while downregulating the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Furthermore, a number of compounds, including naturally occurring compounds, have been identified that target Twist1 and can block its effects in cancer cells and in keratinocytes in vivo. Collectively, the current understanding of Twist1 function in cSCC development and progression suggests that it represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzeng Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Okkyung Rho
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Fernando Eguiarte-Solomon
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
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18
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Relationship between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416197. [PMID: 36555840 PMCID: PMC9783529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common metastatic site in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Indeed, 25-30% of the cases develop colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), showing an extremely poor 5-year survival rate and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a nurturing microenvironment for CRC metastasis, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TGF-β signaling pathway, thus driving tumor cells to acquire mesenchymal properties that allow them to migrate from the primary tumor and invade the new metastatic site. EMT is known to contribute to the disruption of blood vessel integrity and the generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), thus being closely related to high metastatic potential in numerous solid cancers. Despite the fact that it is well-recognized that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial in the EMT process, the association between the EMT and the role of TAMs is still poorly understood. In this review, we elaborated on the role that TAMs exert in the induction of EMT during CLM development. Since TAMs are the major source of TGF-β in the liver, we also focused on novel insights into their role in TGF-β-induced EMT.
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19
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Whitman MC, Gilette NM, Bell JL, Kim SA, Tischfield M, Engle EC. TWIST1, a gene associated with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, regulates extraocular muscle organization in mouse. Dev Biol 2022; 490:126-133. [PMID: 35944701 PMCID: PMC9765759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Heterozygous loss of function mutations in TWIST1 cause Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, which is characterized by craniosynostosis, facial asymmetry, ptosis, strabismus, and distinctive ear appearance. Individuals with syndromic craniosynostosis have high rates of strabismus and ptosis, but the underlying pathology is unknown. Some individuals with syndromic craniosynostosis have been noted to have absence of individual extraocular muscles or abnormal insertions of the extraocular muscles on the globe. Using conditional knock-out alleles for Twist1 in cranial mesenchyme, we test the hypothesis that Twist1 is required for extraocular muscle organization and position, attachment to the globe, and/or innervation by the cranial nerves. We examined the extraocular muscles in conditional Twist1 knock-out animals using Twist2-cre and Pdgfrb-cre drivers. Both are expressed in cranial mesoderm and neural crest. Conditional inactivation of Twist1 using these drivers leads to disorganized extraocular muscles that cannot be reliably identified as specific muscles. Tendons do not form normally at the insertion and origin of these dysplastic muscles. Knock-out of Twist1 expression in tendon precursors, using scleraxis-cre, however, does not alter EOM organization. Furthermore, developing motor neurons, which do not express Twist1, display abnormal axonal trajectories in the orbit in the presence of dysplastic extraocular muscles. Strabismus in individuals with TWIST1 mutations may therefore be caused by abnormalities in extraocular muscle development and secondary abnormalities in innervation and tendon formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Whitman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole M Gilette
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jessica L Bell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seoyoung A Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Max Tischfield
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Engle
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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20
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Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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21
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Nicotinamide mononucleotide ameliorates adriamycin-induced renal damage by epigenetically suppressing the NMN/NAD consumers mediated by Twist2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13712. [PMID: 35962139 PMCID: PMC9374671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase, Sirt1, after the administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) suppresses many diseases. However, the role of NMN and Sirt1 in focal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of NMN treatment in mice with adriamycin (ADR)-induced FSGS. Transient short-term NMN treatment was administered to 8-week-old ADR- or saline-treated BALB/c mice (Cont group) for 14 consecutive days. NMN alleviated the increase in urinary albumin excretion in the ADR-treated mice. NMN treatment mitigated glomerulosclerosis and ameliorated the reduced Sirt1 expression and elevated Claudin-1 expression in the kidneys of the mice. Moreover, this treatment improved the decrease in histone methylation and the expression level of Dnmt1 and increased the concentration of NAD+ in the kidney. Dnmt1 epigenetically suppressed the expression of the NMN-consuming enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenyltransferase1 (Nmnat1) by methylating the E-box in the promoter region and repressing the NAD-consuming enzyme PARP1. Additionally, NMN downregulated the expression of Nmnat1 in the ADR-treated mice. Short-term NMN treatment in FSGS has epigenetic renal protective effects through the upregulation of Sirt1 and suppression of the NAD and NMN consumers. The present study presents a novel treatment paradigm for FSGS.
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22
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Zhang S, Zhang Y, Chen C, Hu Q, Fu Y, Xu L, Wang C, Liu Y. Identification of Robust and Key Differentially Expressed Genes during C2C12 Cell Myogenesis Based on Multiomics Data. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116002. [PMID: 35682680 PMCID: PMC9180599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myogenesis is a central step in prenatal myofiber formation, postnatal myofiber hypertrophy, and muscle damage repair in adulthood. RNA-Seq technology has greatly helped reveal the molecular mechanism of myogenesis, but batch effects in different experiments inevitably lead to misinterpretation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We previously applied the robust rank aggregation (RRA) method to effectively circumvent batch effects across multiple RNA-Seq datasets from 3T3-L1 cells. Here, we also used the RRA method to integrate nine RNA-Seq datasets from C2C12 cells and obtained 3140 robust DEGs between myoblasts and myotubes, which were then validated with array expression profiles and H3K27ac signals. The upregulated robust DEGs were highly enriched in gene ontology (GO) terms related to muscle cell differentiation and development. Considering that the cooperative binding of transcription factors (TFs) to enhancers to regulate downstream gene expression is a classical epigenetic mechanism, differentially expressed TFs (DETFs) were screened, and potential novel myogenic factors (MAF, BCL6, and ESR1) with high connection degree in protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were presented. Moreover, KLF5 cooperatively binds with the three key myogenic factors (MYOD, MYOG, and MEF2D) in C2C12 cells. Motif analysis speculates that the binding of MYOD and MYOG is KLF5-independent, while MEF2D is KLF5-dependent. It was revealed that KLF5-binding sites could be exploited to filter redundant MYOD-, MYOG-, and MEF2D-binding sites to focus on key enhancers for myogenesis. Further functional annotation of KLF5-binding sites suggested that KLF5 may regulate myogenesis through the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and the Hippo signaling pathway. In general, our study provides a wealth of untapped candidate targets for myogenesis and contributes new insights into the core regulatory mechanisms of myogenesis relying on KLF5-binding signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Choulin Chen
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingqing Hu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Fu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Lingna Xu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China; (S.Z.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (Q.H.); (Y.F.); (L.X.); (C.W.)
- Innovation Group of Pig Genome Design and Breeding, Research Centre for Animal Genome, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
- Kunpeng Institute of Modern Agriculture at Foshan, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Foshan 528226, China
- Correspondence:
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23
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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24
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Kim JY, Park M, Ohn J, Seong RH, Chung JH, Kim KH, Jo SJ, Kwon O. Twist2-driven chromatin remodeling governs the postnatal maturation of dermal fibroblasts. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110821. [PMID: 35584664 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts lose stem cell potency after birth, which prevents regenerative healing. However, the underlying intracellular mechanisms are largely unknown. We uncover the postnatal maturation of papillary fibroblasts (PFs) driven by the extensive Twist2-mediated remodeling of chromatin accessibility. A loss of the regenerative ability of postnatal PFs occurs with decreased H3K27ac levels. Single-cell transcriptomics, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq), and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) reveal the postnatal maturation trajectory associated with the loss of the regenerative trajectory in PFs, which is characterized by a marked decrease in chromatin accessibility and H3K27ac modifications. Histone deacetylase inhibition delays spontaneous chromatin remodeling, thus maintaining the regenerative ability of postnatal PFs. Genomic analysis identifies Twist2 as a major regulator within chromatin regions with decreased accessibility during the postnatal period. When Twist2 is genetically deleted in dermal fibroblasts, the intracellular cascade of postnatal maturation is significantly delayed. Our findings reveal the comprehensive intracellular mechanisms underlying intrinsic postnatal changes in dermal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, New York 10032, NY, USA
| | - Minji Park
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jungyoon Ohn
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Rho Hyun Seong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jin Ho Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyu Han Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seong Jin Jo
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Ohsang Kwon
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; Institute of Human-Environment Interface Biology, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
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25
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Tang WJ, Watson CJ, Olmstead T, Allan CH, Kwon RY. Single-cell resolution of MET- and EMT-like programs in osteoblasts during zebrafish fin regeneration. iScience 2022; 25:103784. [PMID: 35169687 PMCID: PMC8829776 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103784] [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: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish regenerate fin rays following amputation through epimorphic regeneration, a process that has been proposed to involve the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to elucidate osteoblastic transcriptional programs during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration. We show that osteoprogenitors are enriched with components associated with EMT and its reverse, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and provide evidence that the EMT markers cdh11 and twist2 are co-expressed in dedifferentiating cells at the amputation stump at 1 dpa, and in differentiating osteoblastic cells in the regenerate, the latter of which are enriched in EMT signatures. We also show that esrp1, a regulator of alternative splicing in epithelial cells that is associated with MET, is expressed in a subset of osteoprogenitors during outgrowth. This study provides a single cell resource for the study of osteoblastic cells during zebrafish fin regeneration, and supports the contribution of MET- and EMT-associated components to this process. Osteoblasts express EMT/MET signatures during zebrafish fin regeneration De/re-differentiating osteoblasts express cdh11, an EMT marker A subset of osteoprogenitors express the MET marker esrp1 Our scRNA-seq data can be explored online
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Affiliation(s)
- W Joyce Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Claire J Watson
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Theresa Olmstead
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Christopher H Allan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ronald Y Kwon
- Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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26
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Sepporta MV, Praz V, Balmas Bourloud K, Joseph JM, Jauquier N, Riggi N, Nardou-Auderset K, Petit A, Scoazec JY, Sartelet H, Renella R, Mühlethaler-Mottet A. TWIST1 expression is associated with high-risk neuroblastoma and promotes primary and metastatic tumor growth. Commun Biol 2022; 5:42. [PMID: 35022561 PMCID: PMC8755726 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02958-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryonic transcription factors TWIST1/2 are frequently overexpressed in cancer, acting as multifunctional oncogenes. Here we investigate their role in neuroblastoma (NB), a heterogeneous childhood malignancy ranging from spontaneous regression to dismal outcomes despite multimodal therapy. We first reveal the association of TWIST1 expression with poor survival and metastasis in primary NB, while TWIST2 correlates with good prognosis. Secondly, suppression of TWIST1 by CRISPR/Cas9 results in a reduction of tumor growth and metastasis colonization in immunocompromised mice. Moreover, TWIST1 knockout tumors display a less aggressive cellular morphology and a reduced disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) reticulin network. Additionally, we identify a TWIST1-mediated transcriptional program associated with dismal outcome in NB and involved in the control of pathways mainly linked to the signaling, migration, adhesion, the organization of the ECM, and the tumor cells versus tumor stroma crosstalk. Taken together, our findings confirm TWIST1 as promising therapeutic target in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Vittoria Sepporta
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Viviane Praz
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Experimental Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Balmas Bourloud
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Joseph
- Pediatric Surgery, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Jauquier
- Pediatric Surgery, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Riggi
- Experimental Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katya Nardou-Auderset
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ophthalmic Hospital Jules-Gonin - Fondation Asile Des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Petit
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department, CHU de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Department of Biology and Medical Pathology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Hervé Sartelet
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Department of Biopathology, CHRU de Nancy, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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27
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Muhammed AO, Bello IO, Muhibi MA, Oduola T, Oyenike MA. Understanding the Complex Milieu of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis: New Insight Into the Roles of Transcription Factors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:762817. [PMID: 34868979 PMCID: PMC8636732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.762817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological program during which polarised, immobile epithelial cells lose connection with their neighbours and are converted to migratory mesenchymal phenotype. Mechanistically, EMT occurs via a series of genetic and cellular events leading to the repression of epithelial-associated markers and upregulation of mesenchymal-associated markers. EMT is very crucial for many biological processes such as embryogenesis and ontogenesis during human development, and again it plays a significant role in wound healing during a programmed replacement of the damaged tissues. However, this process is often hijacked in pathological conditions such as tumour metastasis, which constitutes the most significant drawback in the fight against cancer, accounting for about 90% of cancer-associated mortality globally. Worse still, metastatic tumours are not only challenging to treat with the available conventional radiotherapy and surgical interventions but also resistant to several cytotoxic agents during treatment, owing to their anatomically diffuse localisation in the body system. As the quest to find an effective method of addressing metastasis in cancer intervention heightens, understanding the molecular interplay involving the signalling pathways, downstream effectors, and their interactions with the EMT would be an important requisite while the challenges of metastasis continue to punctuate. Unfortunately, the molecular underpinnings that govern this process remain to be completely illuminated. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that EMT, which initiates every episode of metastasis, significantly requires some master regulators called EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). Thus, this review critically examines the roles of TFs as drivers of molecular rewiring that lead to tumour initiation, progression, EMT, metastasis, and colonisation. In addition, it discusses the interaction of various signalling molecules and effector proteins with these factors. It also provides insight into promising therapeutic targets that may inhibit the metastatic process to overcome the limitation of “undruggable” cancer targets in therapeutic design and upturn the current spate of drug resistance. More so, it extends the discussion from the basic understanding of the EMT binary switch model, and ultimately unveiling the E/M cellular plasticity along a phenotypic spectrum via multiple trans-differentiations. It wraps up on how this knowledge update shapes the diagnostic and clinical approaches that may demand a potential shift in investigative paradigm using novel technologies such as single-cell analyses to improve overall patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Oral Pathology, Dental University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdurrasheed Ola Muhammed
- Department of Histopathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, United States
| | - Musa A Muhibi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Edo State University, Uzairue, Nigeria
| | - Taofeeq Oduola
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Musiliu A Oyenike
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
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28
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Homodimeric and Heterodimeric Interactions among Vertebrate Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312855. [PMID: 34884664 PMCID: PMC8657788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor (bHLH TF) family is involved in tissue development, cell differentiation, and disease. These factors have transcriptionally positive, negative, and inactive functions by combining dimeric interactions among family members. The best known bHLH TFs are the E-protein homodimers and heterodimers with the tissue-specific TFs or ID proteins. These cooperative and dynamic interactions result in a complex transcriptional network that helps define the cell’s fate. Here, the reported dimeric interactions of 67 vertebrate bHLH TFs with other family members are summarized in tables, including specifications of the experimental techniques that defined the dimers. The compilation of these extensive data underscores homodimers of tissue-specific bHLH TFs as a central part of the bHLH regulatory network, with relevant positive and negative transcriptional regulatory roles. Furthermore, some sequence-specific TFs can also form transcriptionally inactive heterodimers with each other. The function, classification, and developmental role for all vertebrate bHLH TFs in four major classes are detailed.
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29
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Zhang N, Ng AS, Cai S, Li Q, Yang L, Kerr D. Novel therapeutic strategies: targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Lancet Oncol 2021; 22:e358-e368. [PMID: 34339656 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00343-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which cells lose their epithelial characteristics, for instance apical-basal cell polarity and cell-cell contact, and gain mesenchymal properties, such as increased motility. In colorectal cancer, EMT has an important role in tumour progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. There has been accumulating evidence from preclinical and early clinical studies that show that EMT markers might serve as outcome predictors and potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. This Review describes the fundamentals of EMT, including biology, newly partial EMT, and associated changes. We also provide a comprehensive summary of therapeutic compounds capable of targeting EMT markers, including drugs in preclinical and clinical trials and those with repurpose potential. Lastly, we explore the obstacles of EMT bench-to-bedside drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK; Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aik Seng Ng
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK
| | - Shijie Cai
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK
| | - Qiu Li
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - David Kerr
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; University of Oxford-Sichuan University Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Oxford, UK
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30
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Overview of Evidence-Based Chemotherapy for Oral Cancer: Focus on Drug Resistance Related to the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060893. [PMID: 34208465 PMCID: PMC8234904 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents has become a major issue in the treatment of oral cancer (OC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years with regard to its relation to the mechanism of chemotherapy drug resistance. EMT-activating transcription factors (EMT-ATFs), such as Snail, TWIST, and ZEB, can activate several different molecular pathways, e.g., PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and TGF-β. In contrast, the activated oncological signal pathways provide reciprocal feedback that affects the expression of EMT-ATFs, resulting in a peritumoral extracellular environment conducive to cancer cell survival and evasion of the immune system, leading to resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic agents. We present an overview of evidence-based chemotherapy for OC treatment based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Chemotherapy Order Templates. We focus on the molecular pathways involved in drug resistance related to the EMT and highlight the signal pathways and transcription factors that may be important for EMT-regulated drug resistance. Rapid progress in antitumor regimens, together with the application of powerful techniques such as high-throughput screening and microRNA technology, will facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies to augment chemotherapy.
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31
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Tan N, Sun CX, Zhu HJ, Li DY, Huang SG, He SD. Baicalin attenuates adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome by regulating fibrosis procession and inflammatory reaction. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:1011-1021. [PMID: 34129194 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01107-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baicalin has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, blood platelet aggregation-inhibiting, free oxygen radical-clearing, and endotoxin-decreasing properties. However, its molecular mechanism involved in the treatment of Adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS) is still unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the effects of baicalin on Adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS) and to characterize the genes involved in this progression. METHODS We established Adriamycin-induced NS model in 32 rats and used six rats in Sham group. Urinary total protein content and creatinine serum were assessed as physiological indicators. H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes. We determined gene expression profiles using transcriptome sequencing in the rat kidney tissues from Sham, Adriamycin, and Adriamycin + baicalin groups. KEGG was carried out to analyze the enriched pathways of differentially expressed genes among these groups. RESULTS Baicalin treatment relieved renal injury in NS rats. Expression of 363 genes was significantly different between the Adriamycin and Adriamycin + baicalin M groups. Most of the differentially expressed genes were enriched in pathways involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data suggest that Adriamycin-induced NS can be attenuated by baicalin through the suppression of fibrosis-related genes and inflammatory reactions. Baicalin is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of NS, and the identified genes represent potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen-Xia Sun
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Jun Zhu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China
| | - De-Yu Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng-Guang Huang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China
| | - Shou-Di He
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Rheumatism, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), 89 Taoyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518052, Guangdong, China.
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Zhang Y, Ge X, Li Y, Zhang B, Wang P, Hao M, Gao P, Zhao Y, Sun T, Lu S, Ma W. TWIST2 and the PPAR signaling pathway are important in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:39. [PMID: 33879188 PMCID: PMC8059034 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01458-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the roles of the transcription factors twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST1), twist family bHLH transcription factor 2 (TWIST2), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. METHODS The protein levels of TWIST1, TWIST2 and PPARγ were determined in the serum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients and healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An in vivo model for fatty liver was established by feeding C57BL/6 J mice a high-fat diet (HFD). An in vitro model of steatosis was established by treating LO-2 cells with oleic acid (OA). RNA sequencing was performed on untreated and OA-treated LO-2 cells followed by TWIST1, TWIST2 and PPARγ gene mRNA levels analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and pathway analysis. RESULTS The TWIST2 serum protein levels decreased significantly in all fatty liver groups (P < 0.05), while TWIST1 varied. TWIST2 tended to be lower in mice fed an HFD and was significantly lower at 3 months. Similarly, in the in vitro model, the TWIST2 protein level was downregulated significantly at 48 and 72 h after OA treatment. RNA sequencing of LO-2 cells showed an approximately 2.3-fold decrease in TWIST2, with no obvious change in TWIST1 and PPARγ. The PPAR signaling pathway was enriched, with 4 genes upregulated in OA-treated cells (P = 0.0018). The interleukin (IL)-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways were enriched in OA-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence that the TWIST2 and PPAR signaling pathways are important in NAFLD and shed light on a potential mechanism of steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yongqing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Bingyang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Peijun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Mingju Hao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Peng Gao
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yueyi Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Sumei Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China.
| | - Wanshan Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, P. R. China.
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33
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Liu T, Han L, Tilley M, Afzelius L, Maciejewski M, Jelinsky S, Tian C, McIntyre M, Bing N, Hung K, Altman RB. Distinct clinical phenotypes for Crohn's disease derived from patient surveys. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:160. [PMID: 33836648 PMCID: PMC8034169 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Defining clinical phenotypes provides opportunities for new diagnostics and may provide insights into early intervention and disease prevention. There is increasing evidence that patient-derived health data may contain information that complements traditional methods of clinical phenotyping. The utility of these data for defining meaningful phenotypic groups is of great interest because social media and online resources make it possible to query large cohorts of patients with health conditions. Methods We evaluated the degree to which patient-reported categorical data is useful for discovering subclinical phenotypes and evaluated its utility for discovering new measures of disease severity, treatment response and genetic architecture. Specifically, we examined the responses of 1961 patients with inflammatory bowel disease to questionnaires in search of sub-phenotypes. We applied machine learning methods to identify novel subtypes of Crohn’s disease and studied their associations with drug responses. Results Using the patients’ self-reported information, we identified two subpopulations of Crohn’s disease; these subpopulations differ in disease severity, associations with smoking, and genetic transmission patterns. We also identified distinct features of drug response for the two Crohn’s disease subtypes. These subtypes show a trend towards differential genotype signatures. Conclusion Our findings suggest that patient-defined data can have unplanned utility for defining disease subtypes and may be useful for guiding treatment approaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01740-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Shriram Room 209, MC: 4245, 443 Via Ortega Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-4145, USA
| | - Lichy Han
- Biomedical Informatics Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mera Tilley
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lovisa Afzelius
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Scott Jelinsky
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chao Tian
- 23andMe Research Team, 23andMe Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Nan Bing
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth Hung
- Inflammation and Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Russ B Altman
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Shriram Room 209, MC: 4245, 443 Via Ortega Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-4145, USA.
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34
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Kang E, Seo J, Yoon H, Cho S. The Post-Translational Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Inducing Transcription Factors in Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3591. [PMID: 33808323 PMCID: PMC8037257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is generally observed in normal embryogenesis and wound healing. However, this process can occur in cancer cells and lead to metastasis. The contribution of EMT in both development and pathology has been studied widely. This transition requires the up- and down-regulation of specific proteins, both of which are regulated by EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), mainly represented by the families of Snail, Twist, and ZEB proteins. This review highlights the roles of key EMT-TFs and their post-translational regulation in cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sayeon Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (E.K.); (J.S.); (H.Y.)
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35
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Zeng W, Gu S, Yu Y, Feng Y, Xiao M, Feng XH. ZNF451 stabilizes TWIST2 through SUMOylation and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:898-915. [PMID: 33791162 PMCID: PMC7994150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells lose their tightly packed polarized characteristics and acquire a migratory mesenchymal phenotype. EMT plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis and cancer progression. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors TWIST1/2 are key EMT-inducing transcription factors that govern transcription of EMT-associated genes. Although regulation of TWIST1 activity and stability has been well studied, little is known about how TWIST2 is post-translationally regulated. Here we have identified ZNF451, a SUMO2/3 specific E3 ligase, as a novel regulator of TWIST2 in promoting its stability. ZNF451 directly binds to and SUMOylates TWIST2 at K129 residue, and consequently blocks ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of TWIST2. Ectopic expression of ZNF451 increases the protein level of TWIST2 in mammary epithelial cells, leading to increased expression of mesenchymal markers, whereas depletion of ZNF451 suppresses mesenchymal phenotypes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ZNF451 plays a vital role in EMT through SUMOylation-dependent stabilization of TWIST2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zeng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuchen Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yili Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Surgery of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mu Xiao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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36
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Nafie E, Lolarga J, Lam B, Guo J, Abdollahzadeh E, Rodriguez S, Glackin C, Liu J. Harmine inhibits breast cancer cell migration and invasion by inducing the degradation of Twist1. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247652. [PMID: 33626096 PMCID: PMC7904211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The majority of deaths (90%) in breast cancer patients is caused by invasion and metastasis-two features related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Twist1 is a key transcription factor that promotes the EMT, which leads to cell migration, invasion, cancer metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Harmine is a beta-carboline alkaloid found in a variety of plants and was recently shown to be able to induce degradation of Twist Family BHLH Transcription Factor 1 (Twist1) in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). In this study, we show that harmine can inhibit migration and invasion of both human and mouse breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Further study shows that this inhibition is most likely achieved by inducing a proteasome-dependent Twist1 degradation. At the concentrations tested, harmine did not affect the viability of cells significantly, suggesting that its inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion is largely independent of its cytotoxicity, but due to its ability to affect regulators of EMT such as Twist1. This result may facilitate the development of strategies that target Twist1 to treat metastatic breast cancer, as Twist1 is expressed at a high level in metastatic breast cancer cells but not in normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtesam Nafie
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States of America
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Jade Lolarga
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Brandon Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Guo
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Elnaz Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
| | - Sandy Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, United States of America
| | - Carlotta Glackin
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States of America
| | - Junjun Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, United States of America
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37
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Expression Profiling Identifies TWIST2 Target Genes in Setleis Syndrome Patient Fibroblast and Lymphoblast Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041997. [PMID: 33669496 PMCID: PMC7922891 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Setleis syndrome (SS) is a focal facial dermal dysplasia presenting with bilateral temporal skin lesions, eyelash abnormalities and absent meibomian glands. SS is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the TWIST2 gene, which codes for a transcription factor of the bHLH family known to be involved in skin and facial development. Methods: We obtained gene expression profiles by microarray analyses from control and SS patient primary skin fibroblast and lymphoblastoid cell lines. Results: Out of 983 differentially regulated genes in fibroblasts (fold change ≥ 2.0), 479 were down-regulated and 509 were up-regulated, while in lymphoblasts, 1248 genes were down-regulated and 73 up-regulated. RT-PCR reactions confirmed altered expression of selected genes. Conclusions: TWIST2 is described as a repressor, but expression profiling suggests an important role in gene activation as well, as evidenced by the number of genes that are down-regulated, with a much higher proportion of down-regulated genes found in lymphoblastoid cells from an SS patient. As expected, both types of cell types showed dysregulation of cytokine genes. These results identify potential TWIST2 target genes in two important cell types relevant to rare disorders caused by mutations in this bHLH gene.
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38
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Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Chartoumpekis DV, Kyriazopoulou V, Zaravinos A. EMT Factors and Metabolic Pathways in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:499. [PMID: 32318352 PMCID: PMC7154126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a biological program during which epithelial cells lose their cell identity and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is normally observed during organismal development, wound healing and tissue fibrosis. However, this process can be hijacked by cancer cells and is often associated with resistance to apoptosis, acquisition of tissue invasiveness, cancer stem cell characteristics, and cancer treatment resistance. It is becoming evident that EMT is a complex, multifactorial spectrum, often involving episodic, transient or partial events. Multiple factors have been causally implicated in EMT including transcription factors (e.g., SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB), epigenetic modifications, microRNAs (e.g., miR-200 family) and more recently, long non-coding RNAs. However, the relevance of metabolic pathways in EMT is only recently being recognized. Importantly, alterations in key metabolic pathways affect cancer development and progression. In this review, we report the roles of key EMT factors and describe their interactions and interconnectedness. We introduce metabolic pathways that are involved in EMT, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and characterize the relationship between EMT factors and cancer metabolism. Finally, we present therapeutic opportunities involving EMT, with particular focus on cancer metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dionysios V Chartoumpekis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Venetsana Kyriazopoulou
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Life Sciences European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Grunz-Borgmann EA, Nichols LA, Spagnoli S, Trzeciakowski JP, Valliyodan B, Hou J, Li J, Cheng J, Kerley M, Fritsche K, Parrish AR. The renoprotective effects of soy protein in the aging rat kidney. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2020; 8:10.18103/mra.v8i3.2065. [PMID: 34222651 PMCID: PMC8247450 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v8i3.2065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is itself associated with alterations in renal structure and function. There are no specific interventions to attenuate age-dependent renal dysfunction and the mechanism(s) responsible for these deficits have not been fully elucidated. In this study, male Fischer 344 rats, which develop age-dependent nephropathy, were feed a casein- or soy protein diet beginning at 16 mon (late life intervention) and renal structure and function was assessed at 20 mon. The soy diet did not significantly affect body weight, but was renoprotective as assessed by decreased proteinuria, increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and decreased urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). Renal fibrosis, as assessed by hydroxyproline content, was decreased by the soy diet, as were several indicators of inflammation. RNA sequencing identified several candidates for the renoprotective effects of soy, including decreased expression of Twist2, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that network analysis suggest may regulate the expression of several genes associated with renal dysfunction. Twist2 expression is upregulated in the aging kidney and the unilateral ureteral obstruction of fibrosis; the expression is limited to distal tubules of mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate the renoprotective potential of soy protein, putatively by reducing inflammation and fibrosis, and identify Twist2 as a novel mediator of renal dysfunction that is targeted by soy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Grunz-Borgmann
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - LaNita A Nichols
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Sean Spagnoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Jerome P Trzeciakowski
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77807
| | - Babu Valliyodan
- Division of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Jie Hou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | | | - Jianlin Cheng
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Monty Kerley
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 6521
| | - Kevin Fritsche
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Alan R Parrish
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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40
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Ren J, Crowley SD. Twist1: A Double-Edged Sword in Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES 2020; 6:247-257. [PMID: 32903940 DOI: 10.1159/000505188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix domain containing transcription factor that regulates cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and inflammatory responses by transcriptionally regulating a wide range of downstream target genes. Its homologous protein, Twist2, shares many structural and functional similarities with Twist1. Summary Accumulating evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that Twist1 is a pivotal regulator of several forms of renal disease. Twist1 is persistently activated following renal insults, particularly in chronic kidney diseases, and contributes to the renal inflammatory responses, tubular cell transformation programs, and possibly fibroblast activation, all of which are involved in the initiation and progression of kidney diseases. Key Message This review will specifically focus on Twist1 and outline our understanding of its functions in kidney disorders along with the introduction of Twist2 where pertinent. The thorough knowledge of Twist1's actions in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases should facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Ren
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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41
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Zhou L, Li Q, Chen A, Liu N, Chen N, Chen X, Zhu L, Xia B, Gong Y, Chen X. KLF15-activating Twist2 ameliorated hepatic steatosis by inhibiting inflammation and improving mitochondrial dysfunction via NF-κB-FGF21 or SREBP1c-FGF21 pathway. FASEB J 2019; 33:14254-14269. [PMID: 31648561 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901347rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Twist-related protein 2 (TWIST2) is identified as a basic helix-loop-helix (b-HLH) transcription repressor by dimerizing with other b-HLH proteins. The significance of TWIST2 has been emphasized in various tumors; however, few studies report its functions in metabolism and metabolic diseases. Here we aimed to explore the novel role and regulation mechanism of TWIST2 in hepatic steatosis. Our results showed that Twist2 knockdown caused mice obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis, which were accompanied with inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro, TWIST2 overexpression ameliorated hepatocellular steatosis, inhibited inflammation, and improved mitochondrial content and function with a fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)-dependent pattern. NF-κB negatively regulated FGF21 transcription by directly binding to FGF21 promoter DNA, which was eliminated by TWIST2 overexpression by inhibiting NF-κB expression and translocation to nucleus. TWIST2 overexpression decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species level, increased mitochondrial DNA and biogenesis, and enhanced ATP production and antioxidation ability. Additionally, TWIST2 expression was repressed by insulin-targeting sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and forkhead box protein O1 and was enhanced by dexamethasone targeting Krüppel-like factor 15, which directly interacted with Twist2 promoter DNA. Together, our studies identify an important role and regulation mechanism of TWIST2 in maintaining hepatic homeostasis by ameliorating steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress via the NF-κB-FGF21 or SREBP1c-FGF21 pathway, which may provide a new therapeutic scheme for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.-Zhou, L., Li, Q., Chen, A., Liu, N., Chen, N., Chen, X., Zhu, L., Xia, B., Gong, Y., Chen, X. KLF15-activating Twist2 ameliorated hepatic steatosis by inhibiting inflammation and improving mitochondrial dysfunction via NF-κB-FGF21 or SREBP1c-FGF21 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinjin Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Benzeng Xia
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Gong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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42
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Roles of the Phosphorylation of Transcriptional Factors in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:5810465. [PMID: 31275381 PMCID: PMC6582791 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5810465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the first step in the development of the invasive and migratory properties of cancer metastasis. Since the transcriptional reprogramming of a number of genes occurs in EMT, the regulation of EMT transcription factors has been intensively investigated. EMT transcriptional factors are commonly classified by the direct or indirect repression of E-cadherin because one of hallmarks of EMT is the loss of E-cadherin. This facilitates the expression of genes for EMT, tumor invasion, and metastasis. The posttranslational modification of EMT transcriptional factors, such as Snail and Slug, directly regulates their functions, including their stability, nuclear localization, protein-protein interaction, and ubiquitination for the promotion or termination of EMT at the specific points. Here, we discuss how posttranslational modifications regulate gene expression in a dynamic and reversible manner by modifying upstream signaling pathways, focusing in particular on the posttranslational modifications of Snail, Slug, ZEB1, ZEB2, and TWIST1. This review demonstrates that EMT transcription factors regulate metastasis through their posttranslational modifications and that the flexibility and reversibility of EMT can be modified by phosphorylation.
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Bone Metastasis Phenotype and Growth Undergo Regulation by Micro-Environment Stimuli: Efficacy of Early Therapy with HGF or TGFβ1-Type I Receptor Blockade. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102520. [PMID: 31121879 PMCID: PMC6567054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) are biological stimuli of the micro-environment which affect bone metastasis phenotype through transcription factors, but their influence on the growth is scarcely known. In a xenograft model prepared with 1833 bone metastatic cells, derived from breast carcinoma cells, we evaluated mice survival and Twist and Snail expression and localization after competitive inhibition of HGF with NK4, or after blockade of TGFβ1-type I receptor (RI) with SB431542: in the latter condition HGF was also measured. To explain the in vivo data, in 1833 cells treated with SB431542 plus TGFβ1 we measured HGF formation and the transduction pathway involved. Altogether, HGF seemed relevant for bone-metastatic growth, being hampered by NK4 treatment, which decreased Twist more than Snail in the metastasis bulk. TGFβ1-RI blockade enhanced HGF in metastasis and adjacent bone marrow, while reducing prevalently Snail expression at the front and bulk of bone metastasis. The HGF accumulation in 1833 cells depended on an auxiliary signaling pathway, triggered by TGFβ1 under SB431542, which interfered in the transcription of HGF activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1) downstream of TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1): HGF stimulated Twist transactivation. In conclusion, the impairment of initial outgrowth with NK4 seemed therapeutically promising more than SB431542 chemotherapy; a functional correlation between Twist and Snail in bone metastasis seemed to be influenced by the biological stimuli of the micro-environment, and the targeting of these phenotype biomarkers might inhibit metastasis plasticity and colonization, even if it would be necessary to consider the changes of HGF levels in bone metastases undergoing TGFβ1-RI blockade.
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Li S, Chen K, Zhang Y, Barnes SD, Jaichander P, Zheng Y, Hassan M, Malladi VS, Skapek SX, Xu L, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, Liu N. Twist2 amplification in rhabdomyosarcoma represses myogenesis and promotes oncogenesis by redirecting MyoD DNA binding. Genes Dev 2019; 33:626-640. [PMID: 30975722 PMCID: PMC6546057 DOI: 10.1101/gad.324467.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Li et al. show that TWIST2 shapes the epigenetic landscape to drive chromatin opening at oncogenic loci and chromatin closing at myogenic loci. These epigenetic changes redirect MyoD binding from myogenic genes toward oncogenic, metabolic, and growth genes. Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive pediatric cancer composed of myoblast-like cells. Recently, we discovered a unique muscle progenitor marked by the expression of the Twist2 transcription factor. Genomic analyses of 258 RMS patient tumors uncovered prevalent copy number amplification events and increased expression of TWIST2 in fusion-negative RMS. Knockdown of TWIST2 in RMS cells results in up-regulation of MYOGENIN and a decrease in proliferation, implicating TWIST2 as an oncogene in RMS. Through an inducible Twist2 expression system, we identified Twist2 as a reversible inhibitor of myogenic differentiation with the remarkable ability to promote myotube dedifferentiation in vitro. Integrated analysis of genome-wide ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed the first dynamic chromatin and transcriptional landscape of Twist2 binding during myogenic differentiation. During differentiation, Twist2 competes with MyoD at shared DNA motifs to direct global gene transcription and repression of the myogenic program. Additionally, Twist2 shapes the epigenetic landscape to drive chromatin opening at oncogenic loci and chromatin closing at myogenic loci. These epigenetic changes redirect MyoD binding from myogenic genes toward oncogenic, metabolic, and growth genes. Our study reveals the dynamic interplay between two opposing transcriptional regulators that control the fate of RMS and provides insight into the molecular etiology of this aggressive form of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Spencer D Barnes
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Priscilla Jaichander
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Yanbin Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Mohammed Hassan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Venkat S Malladi
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Stephen X Skapek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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Hirsch N, Eshel R, Bar Yaacov R, Shahar T, Shmulevich F, Dahan I, Levaot N, Kaplan T, Lupiáñez DG, Birnbaum RY. Unraveling the transcriptional regulation of TWIST1 in limb development. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007738. [PMID: 30372441 PMCID: PMC6233932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor TWIST1 plays a vital role in mesoderm development, particularly in limb and craniofacial formation. Accordingly, haploinsufficiency of TWIST1 can cause limb and craniofacial malformations as part of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. However, the molecular basis of TWIST1 transcriptional regulation during development has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterized active enhancers in the TWIST1-HDAC9 locus that drive transcription in the developing limb and branchial arches. Using available p300 and H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, we identified 12 enhancer candidates, located both within and outside the coding sequences of the neighboring gene, Histone deacetyase 9 (HDAC9). Using zebrafish and mouse enhancer assays, we showed that eight of these candidates have limb/fin and branchial arch enhancer activity that resemble Twist1 expression. Using 4C-seq, we showed that the Twist1 promoter region interacts with three enhancers (eTw-5, 6, 7) in the limb bud and branchial arch of mouse embryos at day 11.5. Furthermore, we found that two transcription factors, LMX1B and TFAP2, bind these enhancers and modulate their enhancer activity. Finally, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we showed that homozygous deletion of eTw5-7 enhancers reduced Twist1 expression in the limb bud and caused pre-axial polydactyly, a phenotype observed in Twist1+/- mice. Taken together, our findings reveal that each enhancer has a discrete activity pattern, and together comprise a spatiotemporal regulatory network of Twist1 transcription in the developing limbs/fins and branchial arches. Our study suggests that mutations in TWIST1 enhancers could lead to reduced TWIST1 expression, resulting in phenotypic outcome as seen with TWIST1 coding mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Hirsch
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reut Eshel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reut Bar Yaacov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Shahar
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Fania Shmulevich
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idit Dahan
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noam Levaot
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tommy Kaplan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Darío G. Lupiáñez
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Human Genetics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ramon Y. Birnbaum
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics and Medicine, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Chan SC, Zhang Y, Shao A, Avdulov S, Herrera J, Aboudehen K, Pontoglio M, Igarashi P. Mechanism of Fibrosis in HNF1B-Related Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:2493-2509. [PMID: 30097458 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutation of HNF1B, the gene encoding transcription factor HNF-1β, is one cause of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease, a syndrome characterized by tubular cysts, renal fibrosis, and progressive decline in renal function. HNF-1β has also been implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways, and sustained EMT is associated with tissue fibrosis. The mechanism whereby mutated HNF1B leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis is not known. METHODS To explore the mechanism of fibrosis, we created HNF-1β-deficient mIMCD3 renal epithelial cells, used RNA-sequencing analysis to reveal differentially expressed genes in wild-type and HNF-1β-deficient mIMCD3 cells, and performed cell lineage analysis in HNF-1β mutant mice. RESULTS The HNF-1β-deficient cells exhibited properties characteristic of mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts, including spindle-shaped morphology, loss of contact inhibition, and increased cell migration. These cells also showed upregulation of fibrosis and EMT pathways, including upregulation of Twist2, Snail1, Snail2, and Zeb2, which are key EMT transcription factors. Mechanistically, HNF-1β directly represses Twist2, and ablation of Twist2 partially rescued the fibroblastic phenotype of HNF-1β mutant cells. Kidneys from HNF-1β mutant mice showed increased expression of Twist2 and its downstream target Snai2. Cell lineage analysis indicated that HNF-1β mutant epithelial cells do not transdifferentiate into kidney myofibroblasts. Rather, HNF-1β mutant epithelial cells secrete high levels of TGF-β ligands that activate downstream Smad transcription factors in renal interstitial cells. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of HNF-1β in renal epithelial cells leads to the activation of a Twist2-dependent transcriptional network that induces EMT and aberrant TGF-β signaling, resulting in renal fibrosis through a cell-nonautonomous mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Zhang
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; and
| | | | | | | | | | - Marco Pontoglio
- Department of Development, Reproduction and Cancer, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1016/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8104, Université Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
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Pan Y, Zhu Y, Yang W, Tycksen E, Liu S, Palucki J, Zhu L, Sasaki Y, Sharma MK, Kim AH, Zhang B, Yano H. The role of Twist1 in mutant huntingtin-induced transcriptional alterations and neurotoxicity. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:11850-11866. [PMID: 29891550 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of polyglutamine repeats in the huntingtin protein (Htt). Transcriptional dysregulation is an early event in the course of HD progression and is thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis, but how mutant Htt causes transcriptional alterations and subsequent cell death in neurons is not well understood. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that expression of a mutant Htt fragment in primary cortical neurons leads to robust gene expression changes before neuronal death. Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1, which is essential for embryogenesis and is normally expressed at low levels in mature neurons, was substantially up-regulated in mutant Htt-expressing neurons in culture and in the brains of HD mouse models. Knockdown of Twist1 by RNAi in mutant Htt-expressing primary cortical neurons reversed the altered expression of a subset of genes involved in neuronal function and, importantly, abrogated neurotoxicity. Using brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), which is known to be involved in HD pathogenesis, as a model gene, we found that Twist1 knockdown could reverse mutant Htt-induced DNA hypermethylation at the Bdnf regulatory region and reactivate Bdnf expression. Together, these results suggest that Twist1 is an important upstream mediator of mutant Htt-induced neuronal death and may in part operate through epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying Zhu
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery
| | - Wei Yang
- Genome Technology Access Center.,Department of Genetics
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Albert H Kim
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery.,Department of Genetics.,Department of Developmental Biology.,Center of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Neurology, and.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology.,Center of Regenerative Medicine
| | - Hiroko Yano
- From the Department of Neurological Surgery, .,Department of Genetics.,Center of Regenerative Medicine.,Department of Neurology, and.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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Yang J, Zhu DM, Zhou XG, Yin N, Zhang Y, Zhang ZX, Li DC, Zhou J. HIF-2α promotes the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in pancreatic cancer by regulating the binding of Twist1 to the VE-cadherin promoter. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47801-47815. [PMID: 28599281 PMCID: PMC5564606 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a blood supply modality that occurs independently of endothelial cell angiogenesis. Hypoxia and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induce VM formation by remodeling the extracellular matrix. Our previous study demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) promotes the progress of EMT in pancreatic cancer; however, whether HIF-2α promotes VM formation in pancreatic cancer remains unknown. In this study, we investigated HIF-2α expression and VM by immunohistochemistry in 70 pancreatic cancer patients as well as the role of Twist1and Twist2 in HIF-2α-induced VM in vitro and in vivo. We found that the overexpression of HIF-2α and VM were correlated with poor tumor differentiation, late clinical stage and lymph node metastasis, and a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the upregulation of HIF-2α in SW1990 cells induced VM formation, whereas the opposite results were found after silencing HIF-2α in AsPC-1 cells. A mechanistic study indicated that HIF-2α might regulate the binding of twist1 to vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) to promote VM formation in pancreatic cancer cells, and that the P1 (-421bp) and P4 (-2110bp) regions of the Twist1 binding sequences are positive regulatory elements for VE-cadherin. In addition, we confirmed that the overexpression of HIF-2α increased Twist1 expression and promoted tumor growth and VM formation in pancreatic cancer xenografts in nude mice. These findings indicated that HIF-2α might play a critical role in VM and that HIF-2α and the pathway of HIF-2α inducing VM formation are potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Dong-Ming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Gang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Ni Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Zi-Xiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - De-Chun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China.,Pancreatic Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, China
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shRNA targeting of ferritin heavy chain activates H19/miR-675 axis in K562 cells. Gene 2018; 657:92-99. [PMID: 29544765 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The heavy subunit of the iron storage protein ferritin (FHC) is essential for the intracellular iron metabolism and, at the same time, it represents a central hub of iron-independent pathways, such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, p53 regulation, chemokine signalling, stem cell expansion, miRNAs expression. In this work we have explored the ability of FHC to modulate gene expression in K562 cells, through the up-regulation of the lncRNA H19 and its cognate miR-675. MATERIALS AND METHODS Targeted silencing of FHC was performed by lentiviral-driven shRNA strategy. FHC reconstitution was obtained by full length FHC cDNA transfection with Lipofectamine 2000. ROS amounts were determined with the redox-sensitive probe H2DCFDA. H19, miR-675, miR-107, Twist1, ID3, EPHB6, GNS, ANK1 and SMAD6 mRNA amounts were quantified by Taqman assay and qPCR analysis. RESULTS FHC silencing in K562 cells modulates gene expression through the up-regulation of the lncRNA H19 and its cognate miR-675. Experimental findings demonstrate that the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is represented by an FHC knock-down-triggered increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. CONCLUSIONS In this paper we uncover a so far not described function of the ferritin heavy subunit in the control of lncRNA pathways.
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Ioannou M, Kouvaras E, Papamichali R, Samara M, Chiotoglou I, Koukoulis G. Smad4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins in colorectal carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study. J Mol Histol 2018; 49:235-244. [PMID: 29468299 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9763-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in cancer metastasis. During EMT, tumor cells acquire the capacity to migrate and invade the stroma. Activation of the transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) signaling pathway is of major importance for the initiation of EMT. Smad4, an essential protein of this pathway, is known to complex with multiple transcription factors (e.g. Snail-1, Slug, Twist-1), in various types of cancer, promoting the repression or activation of target genes. The role of Smad4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not straightforward so far. In the present study forty eight resected CRC tumor specimens were immunohistochemically examined in order to assess the expression of Smad4 and its association with E-cadherin, Snail-1, Slug, Twist-1 protein expression and with various pathological parameters. Smad4 was found to be positively correlated with Snail-1, Slug and Twist-1 expression (p < 0.001). On the other hand it was negatively correlated with the expression of E-cadherin (p < 0.001). Furthermore, lymphatic invasion could be clearly associated with Smad4 expression, a finding complying with the metastatic ability of EMT cells. In conclusion, Smad4 could be considered as a central component of EMT transition in human colorectal cancer that combines with transcriptional factors to reduce E-cadherin and alter the expression of the epithelial phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ioannou
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece.
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, 41110, Greece.
| | - E Kouvaras
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece
| | - R Papamichali
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece
| | - M Samara
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece
| | - I Chiotoglou
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece
| | - G Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larisa, 41110, Greece
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