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Yuan H, Liang Y, Hu S, Chen J, You J, Jiang J, Luo M, Zeng M. The role of transcription factor FOXA1/C2/M1/O3/P1/Q1 in breast cancer. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37709. [PMID: 38608123 PMCID: PMC11018205 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a common malignancy with the highest mortality rate among women worldwide. Its incidence is on the rise year after year, accounting for more than one-tenth of new cancers worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors play an important role in the occurrence and development of breast cancer. However, little is known about the relationship between the expression, prognostic value, function, and immune infiltration of FOX transcription factors in tumor microenvironment. We used bioinformatics to investigate expression and function of FOX factor in breast cancer. Our results revealed the expression levels of FOXA1 and FOXM1 were significantly higher in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues. The high expression of mRNA in FOXA1 (P < .05), FOXM1 (P < .01), and FOXP1 (P < .05) groups was related to tumor stage. Survival analysis results showed that increased FOXP1 mRNA levels were significantly associated with overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in all patients with breast cancer (P < .05). Patients with the FOXA1 high-expression group had better RFS and DMFS than the low-expression group (P < .05), while patients with FOXM1 high-expression group had worse RFS, OS, and DMFS than the low-expression group (P < .05). Meanwhile, mutation analysis showed that genetic alterations in FOX transcription factors were significantly associated with shorter OS and progression-free survival (P < .05), but not with disease-free survival (P = .710) in patients with breast cancer. FOXP1, FOXA1, and FOXM1 may be used as potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Functional enrichment indicated that FOX was mainly involved in cell division, cell senescence, cell cycle, and prolactin signaling pathway. In patients with breast cancer, FOXC2 expression was negatively correlated with the infiltration of B cells and positively correlated with the infiltration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. However, FOXM1 was negatively correlated with the infiltration of CD8 + T cells and macrophages and positively correlated with the infiltration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. These findings provided novel insights into the screening of prognostic biomarkers of the FOX family in breast cancer and laid a foundation for further research on the immune infiltration of the FOX transcription factor family members in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Liang
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaorun Hu
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Municipal Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinxiang Chen
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Municipal Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingcan You
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Municipal Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of General Surgery (Thyroid Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Metabolic Vascular Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mao Luo
- Basic Medicine Research Innovation Center for Cardiometabolic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Municipal Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Huang X, Wu J, Wang Y, Xian Z, Li J, Qiu N, Li H. FOXQ1 inhibits breast cancer ferroptosis and progression via the circ_0000643/miR-153/SLC7A11 axis. Exp Cell Res 2023; 431:113737. [PMID: 37591453 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of ferroptosis is involved in breast cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Inducing ferroptosis can be a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) is an oncogenic transcription factor that highly expressed and related with poor outcomes in various tumors. However, the specific effects of FOXQ1 on ferroptosis in breast cancer is unclear. In this study, we intended to explore the functions and potential mechanisms of FOXQ1 in breast cancer ferroptosis. By CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, transwell and ferroptosis related assays, we explored the functions of FOXQ1 in breast cancer ferroptosis and progression. Through bioinformatics analysis of public database, luciferase reporter assay, RIP and ChIP assay, we investigated the potential mechanisms of FOXQ1 in breast cancer ferroptosis and progression. We found that FOXQ1 was overexpressed in breast cancer and associated with worse survival. Additionally, inhibition of FOXQ1 suppressed breast cancer ferroptosis and progression. Mechanically, we confirmed that FOXQ1 could bind to the promoter of circ_0000643 host gene to increase the levels of circ_0000643, which could sponge miR-153 and enhance the expression of SLC7A11, leading to reduced cell ferroptosis in breast cancer cells. Targeting the FOXQ1/circ_0000643/miR-153/SLC7A11 axis could be a promising strategy in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Huang
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Jinna Wu
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Yizhuo Wang
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Zhuoyu Xian
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Ni Qiu
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China
| | - Hongsheng Li
- Department of Breast Oncology Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510095, China.
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Liang L, Wo C, Yuan Y, Cao H, Tan W, Zhou X, Wang D, Chen R, Shi M, Zhang F, Xiao Y, Liu L, Zhou Y, Zhang T, Wang Y, Guo B. miR-124-3p improves mitochondrial function of renal tubular epithelial cells in db/db mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22794. [PMID: 36753399 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201202rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the main cause of end-stage renal failure. However, the pathogenesis of DKD is complicated. In this study, we found that miR-124-3p plays a key role in regulating renal mitochondrial function and explored its possible mechanism in DKD progression by performing a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Decreased expression of miR-124-3p was found in db/db mice compared to db/m mice. Moreover, miR-124-3p down-regulated FOXQ1 by targeting FOXQ1 mRNA 3'-UTR in NRK-52E cells. Also, an increase in FOXQ1 and down-regulation of Sirt4 were found in db/db mouse kidney and renal tubular epithelial cells cultured with high glucose and high lipid. Overexpression of FOXQ1 could further down-regulate the expression of Sirt4 and aggravate the damage of mitochondria. Conversely, the knockdown of the FOXQ1 gene induced Sirt4 expression and partially restored mitochondrial function. To verify the effects of miR-124-3p on Sirt4 and mitochondria, we found that miR-124-3p mimics could up-regulate Sirt4 and inhibit ROS production and MitoSOX, thus restoring the number and morphology of mitochondria. These results showed that under high-glucose and high-lipid conditions, the down-regulation of miR-124-3p induces FOXQ1 in renal tubular epithelial cells, which in turn suppresses Sirt4 and leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, promoting the development of DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luqun Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chunxin Wo
- Department of Pain, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yao Yuan
- Clinical Medical Imaging, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hongjuan Cao
- Clinical Medical Imaging, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wanlin Tan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xingcheng Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Rongyu Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mingjun Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuxia Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Guizhou Province Innovation Base of Common Major Chronic Disease Pathogenesis and Drug Development and Application, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bing Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Major Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Extracellular Vesicles: New Classification and Tumor Immunosuppression. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12010110. [PMID: 36671802 PMCID: PMC9856004 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-surrounded vesicles carrying various types of molecules. These EV cargoes are often used as pathophysiological biomarkers and delivered to recipient cells whose fates are often altered in local and distant tissues. Classical EVs are exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, while recent studies discovered autophagic EVs, stressed EVs, and matrix vesicles. Here, we classify classical and new EVs and non-EV nanoparticles. We also review EVs-mediated intercellular communication between cancer cells and various types of tumor-associated cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, adipocytes, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and immune cells. Of note, cancer EVs play crucial roles in immunosuppression, immune evasion, and immunotherapy resistance. Thus, cancer EVs change hot tumors into cold ones. Moreover, cancer EVs affect nonimmune cells to promote cellular transformation, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, tumor matrix production, destruction of biological barriers, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and metastatic niche formation.
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5
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Ryu JR, Ahuja S, Arnold CR, Potts KG, Mishra A, Yang Q, Sargurupremraj M, Mahoney DJ, Seshadri S, Debette S, Childs SJ. Stroke-associated intergenic variants modulate a human FOXF2 transcriptional enhancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2121333119. [PMID: 35994645 PMCID: PMC9436329 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121333119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SNPs associated with human stroke risk have been identified in the intergenic region between Forkhead family transcription factors FOXF2 and FOXQ1, but we lack a mechanism for the association. FoxF2 is expressed in vascular mural pericytes and is important for maintaining pericyte number and stabilizing small vessels in zebrafish. The stroke-associated SNPs are located in a previously unknown transcriptional enhancer for FOXF2, functional in human cells and zebrafish. We identify critical enhancer regions for FOXF2 gene expression, including binding sites occupied by transcription factors ETS1, RBPJ, and CTCF. rs74564934, a stroke-associated SNP adjacent to the ETS1 binding site, decreases enhancer function, as does mutation of RPBJ sites. rs74564934 is significantly associated with the increased risk of any stroke, ischemic stroke, small vessel stroke, and elevated white matter hyperintensity burden in humans. Foxf2 has a conserved function cross-species and is expressed in vascular mural pericytes of the vessel wall. Thus, stroke-associated SNPs modulate enhancer activity and expression of a regulator of vascular stabilization, FOXF2, thereby modulating stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ryeon Ryu
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Suchit Ahuja
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Corey R. Arnold
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Kyle G. Potts
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Aniket Mishra
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team VINTAGE, UMR 1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Muralidharan Sargurupremraj
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Boston University and the NHLBI’s Framingham Heart Study, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Douglas J. Mahoney
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Boston University and the NHLBI’s Framingham Heart Study, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Stéphanie Debette
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Team VINTAGE, UMR 1219, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sarah J. Childs
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Foxf2 represses bone formation via Wnt2b/β-catenin signaling. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:753-764. [PMID: 35668101 PMCID: PMC9256714 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts is a critical process for proper skeletal development and acquisition/maintenance of bone mass. However, since this regulatory mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, the treatment of severe osteoporosis and fractures is a challenge. Here, through a comprehensive analysis of gene expression during the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, we show that the forkhead transcription factor Foxf2 is a crucial regulator of this process. Foxf2 expression transiently increased during MSC osteoblastic differentiation. Overexpression of Foxf2 in MSCs inhibited osteoblastic differentiation, and conversely, knockdown of Foxf2 expression promoted this process. Osteoprogenitor-specific Foxf2 knockout mice developed a high bone mass phenotype due to increased bone formation. RNA-seq analysis and molecular experiments revealed that Foxf2 regulation of bone formation is mediated by Wnt2b. Knockdown of Foxf2 in mouse femurs enhanced bone regeneration in vivo. FOXF2 expression was correlated with hip bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. Finally, inhibition of FOXF2 promoted osteoblastic differentiation of human MSCs. This study uncovers a critical role of Foxf2 in the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and provides insight into the pathogenesis associated with bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and nonunion after fracture.
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Zhang X, Zhang R, Hou C, He R, Wang QS, Zhou TH, Li XQ, Zhai QL, Feng YM. FOXF2 oppositely regulates stemness in luminal and basal-like breast cancer cells through the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102082. [PMID: 35660418 PMCID: PMC9254110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The stemness of cancer cells contributes to tumorigenesis, the heterogeneity of malignancies, cancer metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, the role and regulatory mechanisms maintaining stemness among breast cancer subtypes remain elusive. Our previous studies have demonstrated that ectopic expression and dynamic alteration of the mesenchymal transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) differentially regulates breast cancer progression and metastasis organotropism in a cell subtype-specific manner. Here, we reveal the underlying mechanism by which FOXF2 enhances stemness in luminal breast cancer cells but suppresses that in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells. We show that luminal breast cancer and BLBC cells with FOXF2-regulated stemness exhibit partial mesenchymal stem cell properties that toward osteogenic differentiation and myogenic differentiation, respectively. Furthermore, we show that FOXF2 activates the Wnt signaling pathway in luminal breast cancer cells but represses this pathway in BLBC cells by recruiting nuclear receptor coactivator 3 (NCoA3) and nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) to the promoters of Wnt family member 2B (WNT2B) and frizzled class receptor 1 (FZD1) genes to activate and repress their transcription, respectively. We propose that targeting the Wnt signaling pathway is a promising strategy for the treatment of breast cancers with dysregulated expression of FOXF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chen Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Tian-Hao Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Qiong-Li Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and its transcription factors. Biosci Rep 2021; 42:230017. [PMID: 34708244 PMCID: PMC8703024 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition or EMT is an extremely dynamic process involved in conversion of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, stimulated by an ensemble of signaling pathways, leading to change in cellular morphology, suppression of epithelial characters and acquisition of properties such as enhanced cell motility and invasiveness, reduced cell death by apoptosis, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs etc. Significantly, EMT has been found to play a crucial role during embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and would healing, as well as during cancer metastasis. Over the years, work from various laboratories have identified a rather large number of transcription factors (TFs) including the master regulators of EMT, with the ability to regulate the EMT process directly. In this review, we put together these EMT TFs and discussed their role in the process. We have also tried to focus on their mechanism of action, their interdependency, and the large regulatory network they form. Subsequently, it has become clear that the composition and structure of the transcriptional regulatory network behind EMT probably varies based upon various physiological and pathological contexts, or even in a cell/tissue type-dependent manner.
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Transcriptomic Analysis Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms of Hanchuan Zupa Granules in Alleviating Asthma in Rat. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5584099. [PMID: 34285702 PMCID: PMC8275397 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5584099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the molecular mechanisms of HCZP treatment of asthma. Materials and Methods Thirty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal, asthma, and HCZP groups (n = 10). The asthma model was sensitized by 1 mg ovalbumin (OVA)/aluminum hydroxide Al(OH)3mixture and then challenged with 1% aerosolized OVA for four weeks. Rats in the HCZP group received 10.08 g/kg/d HCZP for four weeks during OVA challenge. Then, lung tissues of rats in each group were collected for RNA sequencing. Moreover, the expression level of some core genes was detected by using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results Inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological damage of the lungs improved in the HCZP group. Compared with the asthma group (0.049 ± 0.002 mm2/mm; 0.036 ± 0.006 mm2/mm; and 0.014 ± 0.001 mm2/mm), total wall thickness (0.042 ± 0.001 mm2/mm), inner wall thickness (0.013 ± 0.001 mm2/mm), and smooth muscle layer thickness (0.012 ± 0.001 mm2/mm) significantly decreased in the HCZP group. Bioinformatics analysis showed that hub genes such as bradykinin receptor B2 (Bdkrb2) and CD4 molecule (Cd4) had different expression patterns between model and HCZP groups. Two transcription factors, forkhead box Q1 (Foxq1) and nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (Nfatc2), served important regulatory roles in asthma. Compared with the model group, Bdkrb2 protein expression increased and Nfatc2 protein expression decreased in the HCZP group. Discussion and Conclusion. HCZP could alleviate asthma via regulating the expression of several hub genes, which might serve as therapeutic targets for asthma. However, the mechanism of these genes will be studied in the future.
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Liu Z, Yuan M, Meng X, Bie H, Yao S. Identification of testicular Foxq1 as a critical modulator of lactate metabolism in mouse Sertoli cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 156:227-237. [PMID: 34091745 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-01994-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Postmeiotic germ cells require the lactate produced by the adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) as their sole energy fuels. Lactate production in SCs is elaborately regulated by monitoring the transcription of the lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha) gene. However, the transcription factors that are responsible for the control of Ldha transcription in SCs remain ill defined. Herein, the expression of forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1), a central modulator of glucose metabolism in liver, was demonstrated in mouse testis throughout postnatal development, with maximum levels in adult specimens. At this age, FOXQ1 was immunolocalized in the nuclei of the functionally mature SCs. Testicular levels of FOXQ1 were overtly modulated by germ cells (GCs)-derived IL-1α, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To further clarify the biological functions of FOXQ1, we disrupted the mouse Foxq1 gene using a Cas9/RNA-mediated gene targeting strategy. Foxq1-/- males were subfertile and showed oligoasthenozoospermia due to lactate deficiency. Moreover, we provided the molecular evidence that FOXQ1 may regulate lactate production by directly targeting the transactivation of the Ldha gene in SCs. From a functional standpoint, overexpression of the exogenous Ldha ameliorated Foxq1 deficiency-impaired lactate synthesis in the SCsFoxq1-/- cells. Thus, these findings collectively underscore a reproductive facet of this recently characterized transcription factor, which may operate as a novel transcriptional integrator linking energy homeostasis and nursery function in SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zetao Liu
- Department of Urology, Qingdao No. 3 People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266041, China
| | - Mingyou Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiangxiang Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rizhao, 276800, China
| | - Haiwen Bie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Rizhao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rizhao, 276800, China
| | - Shaobo Yao
- Department of Pathology, Linyi Cancer Hospital, No. 6 Lingyuan East Rd., Linyi, 276034, China.
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11
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Xu J, Liu H, Lan Y, Jiang R. Cis-Repression of Foxq1 Expression Affects Foxf2-Mediated Gene Expression in Palate Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:665109. [PMID: 33898467 PMCID: PMC8060495 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.665109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of FOXF2, encoding a member of the Forkhead family transcription factors, has been associated with cleft palate in humans and mice. FOXF2 is located in a conserved gene cluster containing FOXQ1, FOXF2, and FOXC1. We found that expression of Foxq1 is dramatically upregulated in the embryonic palatal mesenchyme in Foxf2 -/- mouse embryos. We show here that the Foxf2 promoter-deletion mutation caused dramatically increased expression of the cis-linked Foxq1 allele but had little effect on the Foxq1 allele in trans. We analyzed effects of the Foxf2 mutation on the expression of other neighboring genes and compared those effects with the chromatin domain structure and recently identified enhancer-promoter associations as well as H3K27ac ChIP-seq data. We show that the Foxf2 mutation resulted in significantly increased expression of the Foxq1 and Exoc2 genes located in the same topologically associated domain with Foxf2 but not the expression of the Foxc1 and Gmds genes located in the adjacent chromatin domain. We inactivated the Foxq1 gene in mice homozygous for a Foxf2 conditional allele using CRISPR genome editing and generated (Foxf2/Foxq1)+/- mice with loss-of-function mutations in Foxf2 and Foxq1 in cis. Whereas the (Foxf2/Foxq1)-/- mice exhibited cleft palate at birth similar as in the Foxf2 -/- mice, systematic expression analyses of a large number of Foxf2-dependent genes revealed that the (Foxf2/Foxq1)-/- embryos exhibited distinct effects on the domain-specific expression of several important genes, including Foxf1, Shox2, and Spon1, in the developing palatal shelves compared with Foxf2 -/- embryos. These results identify a novel cis-regulatory effect of the Foxf2 mutation and demonstrate that cis-regulation of Foxq1 contributed to alterations in palatal gene expression in Foxf2 -/- embryos. These results have important implications for interpretation of results and mechanisms from studies of promoter- or gene-deletion alleles. In addition, the unique mouse lines generated in this study provide a valuable resource for understanding the cross-regulation and combinatorial functions of the Foxf2 and Foxq1 genes in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyue Xu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Han Liu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Yu Lan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rulang Jiang
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Departments of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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12
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Chen Q, Zhou L, Chen F, Hu A, Wang K, Liang H, Dong J. Forkhead box F2 as a novel prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in human cancers prone to bone metastasis: a meta-analysis. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211002372. [PMID: 33845605 PMCID: PMC8047092 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211002372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of Forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) levels in different types of cancers prone to bone metastasis. METHODS A systematic search of publications listed in electronic databases (The Web of Science, EMBASE®, PubMed®, PMC, Science Direct and CNKI) from inception to 5 November 2020 was conducted. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the relationship between FOXF2 levels and patient prognosis including overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Sixteen studies enrolling 8461 participants were included in the meta-analysis. High levels of FOXF2 were a predictor of OS (HR: 0.66; 95% CI 0.51, 0.86) and DFS (HR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.48, 0.76). The trim-and-fill analysis, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses stratified by the study characteristics confirmed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION These current findings indicate that high FOXF2 levels could be an indicator of a good prognosis in cancer patients with tumours that are prone to bone metastasis. FOXF2 levels might be a clinically important prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fancheng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ketao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haifeng Liang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Wu Q, Li W, You C. The regulatory roles and mechanisms of the transcription factor FOXF2 in human diseases. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10845. [PMID: 33717680 PMCID: PMC7934645 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have focused on the relationship between transcription factors and a variety of common pathological conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and cancer. It has been found that abnormal transcription factor regulation can lead to aberrant expression of downstream genes, which contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family is encoded by the FOX gene, which mediates gene transcription and follow-up functions during physiological and pathological processes. FOXF2, a member of the FOX transcription family, is expressed in various organs and tissues while maintaining their normal structural and functional development during the embryonic and adult stages. Multiple regulatory pathways that regulate FOXF2 may also be controlled by FOXF2. Abnormal FOXF2 expression induced by uncontrollable regulatory signals mediate the progression of human diseases by interfering with the cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, invasion, and metastasis. FOXF2 manipulates downstream pathways and targets as both a pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic factor across different types of cancer, suggesting it may be a new potential clinical marker or therapeutic target for cancer. However, FOXF2’s biological functions and specific roles in cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we provide an overview of FOXF2’s structure, function, and regulatory mechanisms in the physiological and pathological conditions of human body. We also discussed the possible reasons why FOXF2 performs the opposite function in the same types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chongge You
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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14
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Elian FA, Are U, Ghosh S, Nuin P, Footz T, McMullen TPW, Brindley DN, Walter MA. FOXQ1 is Differentially Expressed Across Breast Cancer Subtypes with Low Expression Associated with Poor Overall Survival. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2021; 13:171-188. [PMID: 33688250 PMCID: PMC7935334 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s282860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of cancers, including ovarian and breast cancer (BC). However, research exploring FOXQ1 expression, copy number variation (CNV), and prognostic value across different BC subtypes is limited. Our purpose was to evaluate FOXQ1 mRNA expression, CNV, and prognostic value across BC subtypes. Materials and Methods We determined FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC patient tumors using RT-qPCR and qPCR, respectively. We also analyzed FOXQ1 expression and CNV in BC cell lines in the CCLE database using K-means clustering. The prognostic value of FOXQ1 expression in the TCGA-BRCA database was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analysis as well as using the online tools OncoLnc, GEPIA, and UALCAN. Results Our analyses reveal that FOXQ1 mRNA is differentially expressed between different subtypes of BC and is significantly decreased in luminal BC and HER2 patients when compared to normal breast tissue samples. Furthermore, analysis of BC cell lines showed that FOXQ1 mRNA expression was independent of CNV. Moreover, patients with low FOXQ1 mRNA expression had significantly poorer overall survival compared to those with high FOXQ1 mRNA expression. Finally, low FOXQ1 expression had a critical impact on the prognostic values of BC patients and was an independent predictor of overall survival when it was adjusted for BC subtypes and to two other FOX genes, FOXF2 and FOXM1. Conclusion Our study reveals for the first time that FOXQ1 is differentially expressed across BC subtypes and that low expression of FOXQ1 is indicative of poor prognosis in patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahed A Elian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ubah Are
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paulo Nuin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Todd P W McMullen
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David N Brindley
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael A Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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15
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He W, Kang Y, Zhu W, Zhou B, Jiang X, Ren C, Guo W. FOXF2 acts as a crucial molecule in tumours and embryonic development. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:424. [PMID: 32503970 PMCID: PMC7275069 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2604-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As a key member of the forkhead box transcription factors, forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) serves as a transcriptional regulator and regulates downstream gene expression in embryonic development, metabolism and in some common diseases, such as stroke and gastroparesis. Recent studies have shown that aberrant expression of FOXF2 is associated with a variety of tumorigenic processes, such as proliferation, invasion and metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in the development of many different organs has been confirmed by studies and has been speculated about in case reports. We focus on the mechanisms and signal pathways of tumour development initiated by aberrant expression of FOXF2, and we summarize the diseases and signal pathways caused by aberrant expression of FOXF2 in embryogenesis. This article highlights the differences in the role of FOXF2 in different tumours and demonstrates that multiple factors can regulate FOXF2 levels. In addition, FOXF2 is considered a biomarker for the diagnosis or prognosis of various tumours. Therefore, regulating the level of FOXF2 is an ideal treatment for tumours. FOXF2 could also affect the expression of some organ-specific genes to modulate organogenesis and could serve as a biomarker for specific differentiated cells. Finally, we present prospects for the continued research focus of FOXF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihan He
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yuanbo Kang
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bolun Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Weihua Guo
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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16
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Lu JT, Tan CC, Wu XR, He R, Zhang X, Wang QS, Li XQ, Zhang R, Feng YM. FOXF2 deficiency accelerates the visceral metastasis of basal-like breast cancer by unrestrictedly increasing TGF-β and miR-182-5p. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:2973-2987. [PMID: 32424142 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0555-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesenchymal transcription factor forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) is a critical regulator of embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Our previous studies demonstrated that FOXF2 is ectopically expressed in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) cells and that FOXF2 deficiency promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and aggressiveness of BLBC cells. In this study, we found that FOXF2 controls transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling pathway activation through transrepression of TGF-β-coding genes in BLBC cells. FOXF2-deficient BLBC cells adopt a myofibroblast-/cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype, and tend to metastasize to visceral organs by increasing autocrine TGF-β signaling and conferring aggressiveness to neighboring cells by increasing paracrine TGF-β signaling. In turn, TGF-β silences FOXF2 expression through upregulating miR-182-5p, a posttranscriptional regulator of FOXF2 and inducer of metastasis. In addition to mediating a reciprocal repression loop between FOXF2 and TGF-β through direct transrepression by SMAD3, miR-182-5p forms a reciprocal repression loop with FOXF2 that directly transrepresses MIR182 expression. Therefore, FOXF2 deficiency accelerates the visceral metastasis of BLBC through unrestricted increases in autocrine and paracrine TGF-β signaling, and miR-182-5p expression. Our findings provide novel mechanisms underlying the roles of TGF-β, miR-182-5p, and FOXF2 in accelerating BLBC dissemination and metastasis, and may facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for aggressive BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Tao Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Cong-Cong Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Ran Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China. .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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17
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Wang S, Li GX, Tan CC, He R, Kang LJ, Lu JT, Li XQ, Wang QS, Liu PF, Zhai QL, Feng YM. FOXF2 reprograms breast cancer cells into bone metastasis seeds. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2707. [PMID: 31222004 PMCID: PMC6586905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone metastases occur in most advanced breast cancer patients and cause serious skeletal-related complications. The mechanisms by which bone metastasis seeds develop in primary tumors and specifically colonize the bone remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that forkhead box F2 (FOXF2) functions as a master transcription factor for reprogramming cancer cells into an osteomimetic phenotype by pleiotropic transactivation of the BMP4/SMAD1 signaling pathway and bone-related genes that are expressed at early stages of bone differentiation. The epithelial-to-osteomimicry transition regulated by FOXF2 confers a tendency on cancer cells to metastasize to bone which leads to osteolytic bone lesions. The BMP antagonist Noggin significantly inhibits FOXF2-driven osteolytic bone metastasis of breast cancer cells. Thus, targeting the FOXF2-BMP/SMAD axis might be a promising therapeutic strategy to manage bone metastasis. The role of FOXF2 in transactivating bone-related genes implies a biological function of FOXF2 in regulating bone development and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Gui-Xi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Cong-Cong Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Rui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Li-Juan Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jun-Tao Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Pei-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.,Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Qiong-Li Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Mei Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China. .,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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