1
|
Wang M, Ying Q, Ding R, Xing Y, Wang J, Pan Y, Pan B, Xiang G, Liu Z. Elucidating prognosis in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma: a novel anoikis-related gene signature model. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1352638. [PMID: 38988712 PMCID: PMC11234598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1352638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) are among the most prevalent gynecologic malignancies globally. The prognosis is abysmal once cervical cancer progresses to lymphatic metastasis. Anoikis, a specialized form of apoptosis induced by loss of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix, plays a critical role. The prediction model based on anoikis-related genes (ARGs) expression and clinical data could greatly aid clinical decision-making. However, the relationship between ARGs and CESC remains unclear. Methods ARGs curated from the GeneCards and Harmonizome portals were instrumental in delineating CESC subtypes and in developing a prognostic framework for patients afflicted with this condition. We further delved into the intricacies of the immune microenvironment and pathway enrichment across the identified subtypes. Finally, our efforts culminated in the creation of an innovative nomogram that integrates ARGs. The utility of this prognostic tool was underscored by Decision Curve Analysis (DCA), which illuminate its prospective benefits in guiding clinical interventions. Results In our study, We discerned a set of 17 survival-pertinent, anoikis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CESC, from which nine were meticulously selected for the construction of prognostic models. The derived prognostic risk score was subsequently validated as an autonomous prognostic determinant. Through comprehensive functional analyses, we observed distinct immune profiles and drug response patterns among divergent prognostic stratifications. Further, we integrated the risk scores with the clinicopathological characteristics of CESC to develop a robust nomogram. DCA corroborated the utility of our model, demonstrating its potential to enhance patient outcomes through tailored clinical treatment strategies. Conclusion The predictive signature, encompassing nine pivotal genes, alongside the meticulously constructed nomogram developed in this research, furnishes clinicians with a sophisticated tool for tailoring treatment strategies to individual patients diagnosed with CESC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei- Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaohui- Ying
- Institute of Oral Basic Research, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ru Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuncan- Xing
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiming- Pan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Guifen- Xiang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhong Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Weng M, Lai Y, Ge X, Gu W, Zhang X, Li L, Sun M. HOXC6: A promising biomarker linked to an immunoevasive microenvironment in colorectal cancer based on TCGA analysis and cohort validation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23500. [PMID: 38192826 PMCID: PMC10772581 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
HOXC6 plays an essential part of the carcinogenesis of solid tumors, but its functional relevance within the immune contexture in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is still uncertain. We intended to investigate the predictive value of HOXC6 expression for survival outcomes and its correlation with immune contexture in CRC patients by utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas database (n = 619). Validation was performed in cohorts from Zhongshan Hospital (n = 200) and Shanghai Cancer Center (n = 300). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was utilized to compare the levels of immunocytes infiltrating the tumor between the groups with high and low expression of HOXC6. Elevated levels of HOXC6 expression in CRC tissues were linked to malignant progression and poor prognosis. HOXC6 as a risk factor for survival of CRC patients was confirmed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed its diagnostic value, and a reliable prognostic nomogram was constructed. KEGG analysis and GSEA showed that HOXC6 participated in immune regulation, and its expression was tightly linked to the abundance of infiltrating immunocytes. HOXC6 was upregulated in patients diagnosed with CRC within the two cohorts, and high HOXC6 levels were correlated with a worse prognosis. The high-HOXC6 expression group showed increased infiltration of Treg cells, CD68+ macrophages, CD66b+ neutrophils, and CD8+ T-cells and elevated levels of PD-L1 and PD-1, but decreased levels of granzyme B and perforin. These findings suggest that HOXC6 abundance in patients with CRC determines a poor prognosis, promotes an immunoevasive environment, and directs CD8+ T-cell dysfunction. HOXC6 is expected to become a prospective biomarker for the outcome of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meilin Weng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuling Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Faculty of medicine, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Xixue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No 221, West Yan'an Road, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lihong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Minli Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Perioperative Stress and Protection, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malvi P, Chava S, Cai G, Hu K, Zhu LJ, Edwards YJK, Green MR, Gupta R, Wajapeyee N. HOXC6 drives a therapeutically targetable pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis pathway by regulating MSK1 and PPP2R2B. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101285. [PMID: 37951219 PMCID: PMC10694669 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101285] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers, which lacks effective therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor, homeobox C6 (HOXC6), is overexpressed in most PDACs, and its inhibition blocks PDAC tumor growth and metastasis. HOXC6 transcriptionally activates tumor-promoting kinase MSK1 and suppresses tumor-inhibitory protein PPP2R2B in PDAC. HOXC6-induced PPP2R2B suppression causes mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation, which facilitates PDAC growth. Also, MSK1 upregulation by HOXC6 is necessary for PDAC growth because of its ability to suppress apoptosis via its substrate DDX17. Combinatorial pharmacological inhibition of MSK1 and mTOR potently suppressed PDAC tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC mouse models. PDAC cells with acquired resistance to MSK1/mTOR-inhibitors displayed activated insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling and were successfully eradicated by IGF1R inhibitor. Furthermore, MEK inhibitor trametinib enhanced the efficacy of dual MSK1 and mTOR inhibition. Collectively, these results identify therapeutic vulnerabilities of PDAC and an approach to overcome acquired drug resistance to prolong therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parmanand Malvi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Suresh Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Guoping Cai
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yvonne J K Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Michael R Green
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Z, Wang Y, Hou X, Guo L, Li Y, Ma Y, Ma Y. High expression of HOXC6 predicts a poor prognosis and induces proliferation and inflammation in multiple myeloma cells. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:945-955. [PMID: 37202556 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01397-3] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common blood system malignance accompanied by monoclonal plasma cell hyperplasia. Homeobox C6 (HOXC6) acts as an oncogene in various cancers, but its function on MM is elusive. OBJECTIVE The role of HOXC6 on MM development was clarified in this study. METHODS HOXC6 expression and its clinical significance were determined in the peripheral blood samples collected from forty MM patients and thirty healthy adult volunteers. The overall survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8, EdU assay and Flow cytometry in U266 and MM.1R cells. Tumor growth was estimated by a xenograft assay. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was evaluated using TUNEL staining. The protein level in tissues was tested by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The HOXC6 expression was elevated in MM and high HOXC6 level was associated with the poor overall survival of MM. Besides, the HOXC6 expression was associated with hemoglobin level and ISS stage. Furthermore, silencing HOXC6 suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and restrained the secretion of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) in MM cells through inactivating the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, silencing HOXC6 suppressed the tumor growth of MM, the inflammatory factors levels, and the activation of NF-κB pathway but enhanced apoptosis in vivo. CONCLUSION HOXC6 was elevated in MM and associated with poor survival. Knockdown of HOXC6 suppressed proliferation, inflammation and tumorigenicity of MM cells via inactivating the NF-κB pathway. HOXC6 may be a meaningful target for MM therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Li
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Xiaoxu Hou
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Luyao Guo
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Department of hematology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 0300001, NO382,Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, shanxi, province, Taiyuan, 0300001, shanxi, province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nag A, Verma P, Paul S, Kundu R. In Silico Analysis of the Apoptotic and HPV Inhibitory Roles of Some Selected Phytochemicals Detected from the Rhizomes of Greater Cardamom. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:4867-4891. [PMID: 35670907 PMCID: PMC9171093 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Occurrence of cervical cancer, caused due to persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, is common in women of developing countries. As the conventional treatments are expensive and associated with severe side effects, there is a need to find safer alternatives, which is affordable and less toxic to the healthy human cells. Present study aimed to evaluate the anti-HPV and apoptotic potential of four compounds from the greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb. var. Golsey), namely rhein, phytosphingosine, n-hexadecenoic acid and coronarin E. Their anti-HPV and apoptotic potential were studied against viral E6, E7 and few anti-apoptotic proteins of host cell (BCL2, XIAP, LIVIN) by in silico docking technique. Phytochemicals from the plant extract were analysed and identified by LC/MS and GC/MS. Involvement of the target proteins in various biological pathways was determined through KEGG. Structural optimization of the three-dimensional structures of the ligands (four phytochemicals and control drug) was done by Avogadro1.1. Receptor protein models were built using ProMod3 and other advanced tools. Pharmacophore modelling of the selected phytochemicals was performed in ZINCPharmer. Swiss ADME studies were undertaken to determine drug likeness. The ligands and proteins were digitally docked in DockThor docking program. Protein flexibility-molecular dynamic simulation helped to study protein–ligand stability in real time. Finally, the correlation of evaluated molecules was studied by the use of principal component analysis (PCA) based on the docking scores. All the ligands were found to possess apoptotic and anti-cancer activities and did not violate Lipinsky criteria. n-Hexadecanoic acid and its analogues showed maximum efficacy against the target proteins. All the protein–ligand interactions were found to be stable. The uncommon phytochemicals identified from rhizomes of greater cardamom have anti-cancer, apoptotic and HPV inhibitory potentials as analysed by docking and other in silico studies, which can be utilized in drug development after proper experimental validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anish Nag
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore, India
| | - Preeti Verma
- Laboratory of Advanced Cell Biology, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, 700019
| | - Subhabrata Paul
- Institute of Health Sciences, Presidency University (2Nd Campus), Newtown, Kolkata, India
| | - Rita Kundu
- Laboratory of Advanced Cell Biology, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, 700019.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bai S, Chen L, Yan Y, Li R, Zhou Y, Wang X, Kang H, Feng Z, Li G, Zhou S, Drokow EK, Ren J. Exploration of Different Hypoxia Patterns and Construction of a Hypoxia-Related Gene Prognostic Index in Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:853352. [PMID: 35711425 PMCID: PMC9196334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.853352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been proven to be a highly efficacious treatment for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD). However, it is still unclear how to identify those who might benefit the most from ICI therapy. Hypoxia facilitates the progression of the tumor from different aspects, including proliferation, metabolism, angiogenesis, and migration, and improves resistance to ICI. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive understanding of the influences of hypoxia in COAD and identify a biomarker for predicting the benefit of ICI. Methods An unsupervised consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify distinct hypoxia-related patterns for COAD patients from TCGA and the GEO cohorts. The ssGSEA algorithm was then used to explore the different biological processes, KEGG pathways, and immune characteristics among distinct hypoxia-related clusters. Some hypoxia-related hub genes were then selected by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Subsequently, univariate Cox regression analysis, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were utilized to construct a hypoxia-related gene prognostic index (HRGPI). Finally, validation was also conducted for HRGPI in prognostic value, distinguishing hypoxia-related characteristics and benefits of ICI. Results We identified four hypoxia-related clusters and found that different hypoxia response patterns induced different prognoses significantly. Again, we found different hypoxia response patterns presented distinct characteristics of biological processes, signaling pathways, and immune features. Severe hypoxia conditions promoted activation of some cancer-related signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, ECM-related pathways, and remodeled the tumor microenvironment of COAD, tending to present as an immune-excluded phenotype. Subsequently, we selected nine genes (ANO1, HOXC6, SLC2A4, VIP, CD1A, STC2, OLFM2, ATP6V1B1, HMCN2) to construct our HRGPI, which has shown an excellent prognostic value. Finally, we found that HRGPI has an advantage in distinguishing immune and molecular characteristics of hypoxia response patterns, and it could also be an excellent predictive indicator for clinical response to ICI therapy. Conclusion Different hypoxia response patterns activate different signaling pathways, presenting distinct biological processes and immune features. HRGPI is an independent prognostic factor for COAD patients, and it could also be used as an excellent predictive indicator for clinical response to ICI therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuheng Bai
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- School of Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Chemotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanli Yan
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- School of Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Haojing Kang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhaode Feng
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guangzu Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shuling Zhou
- School of Medicine, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Emmanuel Kwateng Drokow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital & Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Xi’an, China
| | - Juan Ren
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Juan Ren, ;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen S, Jundi D, Wang W, Ren C. LINC01857 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells via regulating miR-4731-5p/HOXC6. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:689-701. [PMID: 35468304 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2021-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The great importance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis has been acknowledged gradually. LINC01857 is previously reported to be highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC), while the regulatory mechanism of LINC01857 in gastric cancer is largely unknown. In this study, we detected high expression of LINC01857 from the gastric cancer microarray GSE109476. Additionally, LINC01857 expression is remarkably up-regulated in gastric cancer cell lines (AGS, MKN-45, HGC-27 and SGC-7901) compared to the normal gastric mucosal cell line GES-1. Functionally, LINC01857 knockdown suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of GC cells, while LINC01857 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of GC cells. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that LINC01857 targeted miR-4731-5p and subsequently increased the expression of HOXC6 in GC. Rescue experiments showed that miR-4731-5p inhibition and HOXC6 overexpression could reverse the biological behavior of GC cells induced by LINC01857 knockdown. In conclusion, we demonstrated that LINC01857 sponged miR-4731-5p to promote the expression of HOXC6 and eventually acts as an oncogene in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dai Jundi
- Shandong Province, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai, China;
| | - Wei Wang
- Shandong Province, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai, China;
| | - Chenglei Ren
- Shandong Province, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai, China, 264000;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang Y, Chen S. Functional New Transcription Factors (TFs) Associated with Cervical Cancer. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:8381559. [PMID: 35126951 PMCID: PMC8808228 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8381559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this research was to find noval transcription factors (TFs) that are involved in cervical carcinogenesis. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized to analyze ten cervical cancer datasets using the Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) technique. Survival and differential expression were validated using GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis). The transcriptional regulatory network and putative targets were built using Cytoscape. A real-time PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) experiment was used to confirm the mRNA expression. Using public cervical cancer single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), bulk TCGA-CESC RNA-seq, and microarray datasets, coexpression correlations between putative targets and TFs were confirmed. After combining the results of 10 datasets, 8 TFs, including EMX2 (Empty Spiracles Homeobox 2), were chosen among 385 robust DEGs. In the normal female reproductive tract, EMX2 is extensively expressed, but it is reduced in cervical cancer. Overexpression EMX2 suppresses the proliferation of HeLa cells. 12 potential targets of EMX2 were selected. Our research has revealed evidence that EMX2 acted as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer and PDZRN3 might be possible target of EMX2 in cervical cancer. It might be a therapeutic target in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Jiang
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Hechuan, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Chengdu Jinniu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang MQ, Yin QY, Chen YR, Zhu SL. Diagnostic and prognostic value of HOXC family members in gastric cancer. Future Oncol 2021; 17:4907-4923. [PMID: 34751593 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: HOX clusters encode proteins that play pivotal roles in regulating transcription factors and many other proteins during embryogenesis. However, little is known about the diagnostic and prognostic values of HOXC family members in gastric cancer (GC). Materials and methods: The authors evaluated the data in patients with GC based on bioinformatics analysis. Results: HOXC6/8/9/10/11/13 were overexpressed in GC and associated with a poor prognosis. HOXC4/5 were downregulated in GC tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that they have high diagnostic value. In addition, HOXC4/5/6/9/10/11/13 were negatively correlated with DNA methylation level. The gene set enrichment analysis results implied that they play essential roles in multiple biological processes underlying tumorigenesis. Conclusion: HOXC family members are potential targets for diagnosis and may work as prognostic biomarkers of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Qian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Yun Yin
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Ru Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sen-Lin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Feng Y, Zhang T, Wang Y, Xie M, Ji X, Luo X, Huang W, Xia L. Homeobox Genes in Cancers: From Carcinogenesis to Recent Therapeutic Intervention. Front Oncol 2021; 11:770428. [PMID: 34722321 PMCID: PMC8551923 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.770428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox (HOX) genes encoding an evolutionarily highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcriptional factors are essential for embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. HOX genes are involved in cell identity determination during early embryonic development and postnatal processes. The deregulation of HOX genes is closely associated with numerous human malignancies, highlighting the indispensable involvement in mortal cancer development. Since most HOX genes behave as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in human cancer, a better comprehension of their upstream regulators and downstream targets contributes to elucidating the function of HOX genes in cancer development. In addition, targeting HOX genes may imply therapeutic potential. Recently, novel therapies such as monoclonal antibodies targeting tyrosine receptor kinases, small molecular chemical inhibitors, and small interfering RNA strategies, are difficult to implement for targeting transcriptional factors on account of the dual function and pleiotropic nature of HOX genes-related molecular networks. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the roles of HOX genes in human cancer and emphasizes the emerging importance of HOX genes as potential therapeutic targets to overcome the limitations of present cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongyue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Long X, You G, Wu Q, Zhou Y, Xiao Y, Yu F, Deng S, Mo R, Song F, Huang J, Tian M. HomeoboxC6 affects the apoptosis of human vascular endothelial cells and is involved in atherosclerosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:1913-1925. [PMID: 32740941 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is highly important in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). HomeboxC6 (HOXC6) is expressed in higher levels in multiple malignant tissues, and it influences the malignant biological behavior of the cancer cells. However, the effects of HOXC6 on AS and the apoptosis of VECs have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that HOXC6 expression was increased in aortic wall of AS rats and peripheral blood monocytes of patients with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, it was uncovered that BAX expression was upregulated, while BCL-2 expression was downregulated in the aortic wall of AS rats. The apoptosis of human VECs (HVECs) cultured normally or treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein in vitro was decreased after transfection with HOXC6-siRNA. Moreover, the results of Western blot analysis unveiled that the expressions of proapoptotic proteins, such as BAX, caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, and caspase-9 were reduced, while the expression of antiapoptotic protein, BCL-2, was elevated. Meanwhile, mRNA and protein expressions of phospholipase C beta (PLCβ) were decreased, the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) and nuclear transcription factor-κB-p65 (NF-κBp65) and the membrane translocation of PKCζ were reduced as well. Besides, the expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18) protein was downregulated. However, after overexpression of HOXC6, the opposite trends of the abovementioned indices were observed. Furthermore, the inhibition of apoptosis induced by HOXC6-siRNA was reversed by lysophosphatidylcholine, an activator of PKCζ. Taken together, our results indicated that HOXC6 can promote the apoptosis of HVECs and may be involved in the occurrence and development of AS, which may be partially associated with the activation of PLCβ/PKCζ/NF-κBp65/IL-18 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangshu Long
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- People's Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ganhua You
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- People's Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- People's Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fuxun Yu
- Department of Research Laboratory Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shiyan Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Mo
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fang Song
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Maobo Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Topaloğlu U, Aydın Ketani M. The distribution of some homeobox proteins in the bovine placenta during gestation. Theriogenology 2021; 166:71-82. [PMID: 33678478 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox proteins are transcription factors known to be involved in the molecular basics of body model formation and transformation. Some homeobox proteins are known to play critical roles in the control of the extraembryonic development of the placenta during gestation and in the regulation of uterine and placental physiology in adults. The gravid uteruses and placentas of 27 Holsteins cows, obtained from private slaughterhouses, were used in this study. The tissues were assigned to three groups as belonging to the first, second and third timesters of gestation, based on the fetal ages determined. Subsequently, the tissues were subjected to immunohistochemical staining using antibodies specific to the proteins investigated in the study. The evaluation of the immunohistochemical findings obtained in this study, demonstrated the presence of trimester-dependent varying intensities of immunoreactions in the uterus and placenta. Immunoreactivity was observed particularly in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the uterus, as well as in stromal and some endothelial cells. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for the proteins HOXA10, HOXB6, HOXC6 and Dlx-5 was determined in the smooth muscle cells. Moreover, immunoreactivity was also detected in the maternal epithelium and fetal trophoblasts found in the structure of the placenta. The results suggest that the homeobox proteins investigated may have critical roles in the regulation of endometrial functions in cows, and the proliferation and differentiation of endometrial and placental cells. It is concluded that these proteins may have physiological roles in the formation and development of the placenta, as well as in the maintenance of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uğur Topaloğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dicle University, Diyarbakır, 21280, Turkey.
| | - Muzaffer Aydın Ketani
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dicle University, Diyarbakır, 21280, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang J, Zhang S, Huang K, Shi L, Zhang Q. Magnolin Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion of Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells by Targeting the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2021; 68:421-427. [PMID: 32378540 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c19-00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Magnolin (MGL) on inhibition of human breast cancer cells, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The viability of the treated cells was assessed with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the proliferation was analyzed in terms of EdU uptake, colony formation, and flow cytometry. The in vitro invasion and migration were determined by the transwell and wound healing assays respectively. The mRNA and protein levels of relevant factors was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting respectively. MGL significantly decreased the viability and promoted apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, along with reducing EdU incorporation rate as well as the colony forming capacity compared to the untreated control cells. In addition, the in vitro invasion and migration were also significantly inhibited by MGL. Furthermore, MGL suppressed the phosphorylation of MEK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and significantly downregulated the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and metastasis-associated matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) 2 & 9, and upregulated the cleaved caspases 3 and 9. After ERK was completely inhibited with the small interfering RNA (siRNA), MGL had no effect on these factors, indicating that ERK is essential for MGL action in breast cancer. In conclusion, MGL inhibits proliferation and invasion of and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells through the ERK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University
| | - Shengchu Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University
| | - Kuo Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University
| | - Lang Shi
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li J, Zeng Z, Chen J, Liu X, Jiang X, Sun W, Luo Y, Ren J, Gong Y, Xie C. Pathologic evolution-related Gene Analysis based on both single-cell and bulk transcriptomics in Colorectal Cancer. J Cancer 2020; 11:6861-6873. [PMID: 33123277 PMCID: PMC7591993 DOI: 10.7150/jca.49262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) are likely to undergo differential outcomes in clinical survival owing to different pathologic stages. However, signatures in association with pathologic evolution and CRC prognosis are not clearly defined. This study aimed to identify pathologic evolution-related genes in CRC based on both single-cell and bulk transcriptomics. Patients and methods: The CRC single-cell transcriptomic dataset (GSE81861, n=590) with clinical information and tumor microenvironmental tissues was collected to identify the pathologic evolution-related genes. The colonic adenocarcinoma and rectum adenocarcinoma transcriptomics from The Cancer Genome Atlas were obtained as the training dataset (n=363) and 5 other CRC transcriptomics cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus (n=1031) were acquired as validation data. Graph-based clustering analysis algorithm was applied to identify pathologic evolution-related cell populations. Pseudotime analysis was performed to construct the trajectory plot of pathologic evolution and to define hub genes in the evolution process. Cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts was then executed to build a novel cell infiltration classifier. The prediction efficacy of this classifier was validated in bulk transcriptomic datasets. Results: Epithelial and T cells were elucidated to be related to the pathologic stages in CRC tissues. Pseudotime analysis and survival analysis indicated that HOXC5, HOXC8 and BMP5 were the marker genes in pathologic evolution process. Our cell infiltration classifier exhibited excellent forecast efficacy in predicting pathologic stages and prognosis of CRC patients. Conclusion: We identified pathologic evolution-related genes in single-cell transcriptomic and proposed a novel specific cell infiltration classifier to forecast the prognosis of CRC patients based on pathologic stage-related hub genes HOXC6, HOXC8 and BMP5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihang Zeng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiarui Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueping Jiang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangbo Ren
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetics Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Long X, You G, Wu Q, Zhou Y, Yu F, Xiao Y, Deng S, Song F, Huang J, Tian M. Abnormal expression of homeobox c6 in the atherosclerotic aorta and its effect on proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:935-943. [PMID: 32785574 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox c6 (Hoxc6) affects the proliferation, migration, and infiltration of malignant tumor cells; however, the effect of Hoxc6 on atherosclerosis (AS) as well as the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which play a role in promoting AS, has not yet been well clarified. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Hoxc6 affects the proliferation and migration of rat VSMCs, and hence is involved in AS. The results showed that the expression of Hoxc6 mRNA and protein was higher in normal rat aortic wall than in the myocardium. Subsequently, a rat model of AS was established by high-fat feeding for 2 months. The expression of Hoxc6 mRNA and protein was increased significantly in AS lesions, while the expression of p53 protein was decreased and that of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was increased. Moreover, not only the proliferation and mobility of cells in normal culture were decreased, but also the proliferation was stimulated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which was decreased after downregulation of Hoxc6 expression in VSMCs in rat. Consecutively, the expression of PCNA protein was decreased, while that of p53 was increased. These results indicated that Hoxc6 is probably involved in AS via p53 and PCNA by affecting the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangshu Long
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Ganhua You
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Fuxun Yu
- Department of Research Laboratory Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Shiyan Deng
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Fang Song
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Maobo Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yuan Y, Chen J, Wang J, Xu M, Zhang Y, Sun P, Liang L. Development and Clinical Validation of a Novel 4-Gene Prognostic Signature Predicting Survival in Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:595. [PMID: 32509568 PMCID: PMC7251179 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we collected genes related to energy metabolism, used gene expression data from public databases to classify molecular subtypes of colon cancer (COAD) based on the genes related to energy metabolism, and further evaluated the relationships between the molecular subtypes and prognosis and clinical characteristics. Differential expression analysis of the molecular subtypes yielded 1948 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), whose functions were closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. Based on the DEGs, we constructed a 4-gene prognostic risk model and identified the high expression of FOXD4, ENPEP, HOXC6, and ALOX15B as a risk factor associated with a high risk of developing COAD. The 4-gene signature has strong robustness and a stable predictive performance in datasets from different platforms not only in patients with early COAD but also in all patients with colon cancer. The enriched pathways of the 4-gene signature in the high- and low-risk groups obtained by GSEA were significantly related to the occurrence and development of colon cancer. Moreover, the results of qPCR, immunohistochemistry staining and Western blot assay revealed that FOXD4, ENPEP, HOXC6, and ALOX15B are over expressed in CRC tissues and cells. These results suggesting that the signature could potentially be used as a prognostic marker for clinical diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li H, Su Q, Li B, Lan L, Wang C, Li W, Wang G, Chen W, He Y, Zhang C. High expression of WTAP leads to poor prognosis of gastric cancer by influencing tumour-associated T lymphocyte infiltration. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4452-4465. [PMID: 32176425 PMCID: PMC7176877 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, a well-known modification with new epigenetic functions, has been reported to participate in gastric cancer (GC) tumourigenesis, providing novel insights into the molecular pathogenesis of GC. However, the involvement of Wilms' tumour 1-associated protein (WTAP), a key component of m6A methylation, in GC progression is controversial. Here, we investigated the biological role and underlying mechanism of WTAP in GC. METHODS We determined WTAP expression using tissue microarrays and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set, which was used to construct co-expression networks by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). CIBERSORT was used to determine WTAP expression in 22 immune cell types. RESULTS Wilms' tumour 1-associated protein was highly expressed in GC, which indicated a poor prognosis, and WTAP expression served as an independent predictor of GC survival. By WGCNA, GO, KEGG and core gene survival analyses, we found that high WTAP expression correlated with RNA methylation and that low expression correlated with a high T cell-related immune response. CIBERSORT was used to correlate low WTAP expression with T lymphocyte infiltration. CONCLUSION RNA methylation and lymphocyte infiltration are the main causes of high WTAP expression and poor prognosis, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huafu Li
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinopancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Adult Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Qiao Su
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linxiang Lan
- Adult Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Chunming Wang
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wuguo Li
- Animal Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gangqiang Wang
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinopancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinopancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinopancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cui Y, Zhang C, Wang Y, Ma S, Cao W, Guan F. HOXC11 functions as a novel oncogene in human colon adenocarcinoma and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2020; 243:117230. [PMID: 31923422 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Accumulating evidence has confirmed the involvement of the homeobox (HOX) gene family in carcinogenesis. HOXC11, belongs to the homeobox-C (HOXC) gene cluster, has been reported to play important roles in the development of several cancers. However, its expression and clinical value in pan-cancer remain elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bioinformatics analysis, CCK-8 assay, Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze gene expression and patient survival, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and protein level, respectively. KEY FINDINGS In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profile and prognostic value of HOXC11 in human pan-cancer using online The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. HOXC11 was widely up-regulated in tumor tissues when compared with the normal tissues in pan-cancer across nine cancer types. In addition, high mRNA level of HOXC11 predicted poor overall survival (OS) of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), mesothelioma (MESO) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), respectively. By comparative analysis, we found that HOXC11 was up-regulated and closely correlated patient OS in COAD and KIRC. Functionally, down-regulation of HOXC11 inhibited cell proliferation but promoted apoptosis of COAD and KIRC in vitro. Mechanistically, HOXC11 promoted cell proliferation of COAD and KIRC might by inactivating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that HOXC11 may act as a tumor driving gene in COAD and KIRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Cui
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Translational Medicine Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yu M, Zhan J, Zhang H. HOX family transcription factors: Related signaling pathways and post-translational modifications in cancer. Cell Signal 2019; 66:109469. [PMID: 31733300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HOX family transcription factors belong to a highly conserved subgroup of the homeobox superfamily that determines cellular fates in embryonic morphogenesis and the maintenance of adult tissue architecture. HOX family transcription factors play key roles in numerous cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, motility, and angiogenesis. As tumor promoters or suppressors HOX family members have been reported to be closely related with a variety of cancers. They closely regulate tumor initiation and growth, invasion and metastasis, angiogenesis, anti-cancer drug resistance and stem cell origin. Here, we firstly described the pivotal roles of HOX transcription factors in tumorigenesis. Then, we summarized the main signaling pathways regulated by HOX transcription factors, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor β, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and nuclear factor-κB signalings. Finally, we outlined the important post-translational modifications of HOX transcription factors and their regulation in cancers. Future research directions on the HOX transcription factors are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jun Zhan
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Peking University Health Science Center, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Li B, Huang Q, Wei GH. The Role of HOX Transcription Factors in Cancer Predisposition and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040528. [PMID: 31013831 PMCID: PMC6520925 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors, encoded by a subset of homeodomain superfamily genes, play pivotal roles in many aspects of cellular physiology, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Findings over the past decade have revealed that mutations in HOX genes can lead to increased cancer predisposition, and HOX genes might mediate the effect of many other cancer susceptibility factors by recognizing or executing altered genetic information. Remarkably, several lines of evidence highlight the interplays between HOX transcription factors and cancer risk loci discovered by genome-wide association studies, thereby gaining molecular and biological insight into cancer etiology. In addition, deregulated HOX gene expression impacts various aspects of cancer progression, including tumor angiogenesis, cell autophagy, proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell migration, and metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the fundamental roles of HOX genes in cancer susceptibility and progression, highlighting multiple molecular mechanisms of HOX involved gene misregulation, as well as their potential implications in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qilai Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|