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Gebauer J, Hodkovicova N, Tosnerova K, Skoupa K, Batik A, Bartejsova I, Charvatova M, Leva L, Jarosova R, Sladek Z, Faldyna M, Stastny K. Anabolic steroids induced changes at the level of protein expression: Effects of prolonged administration of testosterone and nandrolone to pigs. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 107:104422. [PMID: 38521435 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic derivatives of steroid hormones, specifically anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), have gained prominence due to their observed benefits in enhancing meat quality. The study replicated the administration of banned AAS and investigated their impacts on pigs to contribute to the understanding of animal biochemistry and to explore the feasibility of detecting AAS administration by employing a non-targeted analysis. The effects were corroborated by evaluating changes in the expression of selected proteins, as well as examining haematological and biochemical profiles and histological alterations. Exposure to AAS influenced the expression of proteins related to drug-metabolizing enzymes, muscle and lipid metabolism, kidney function, reproductive processes, immune system functions, and carcinogenic changes. The effects of AAS appear intricate and contingent on factors such as the specific drug used, dosage, and duration of administration. The results underscore that protein expression analysis holds promise as a valuable tool for detecting illicit AAS use in the fattening process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gebauer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Hodkovicova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristina Tosnerova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Skoupa
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgrSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Batik
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgrSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Bartejsova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Charvatova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Leva
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rea Jarosova
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbysek Sladek
- Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgrSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Faldyna
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Stastny
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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Babich M, Sharma A, Li T, Radosevich JA. Labyrinthin: A distinct pan-adenocarcinoma diagnostic and immunotherapeutic tumor specific antigen. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08988. [PMID: 35252607 PMCID: PMC8891966 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural analysis and detection of optimal cell surface localization of labyrinthin, a pan-adenocarcinoma target, was studied with respect to adenocarcinoma specificity vs. normal and non-adenocarcinoma cells. Patient-derived tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 729 commercially prepared tissue blocks of lung, colon, breast, pancreas, prostate, and ovary cancers combined, plus a National Cancer Institute (NCI) tissue microarray derived from another 236 cases. The results confirmed that anti-labyrinthin mouse monoclonal MCA 44-3A6 antibody recognized adenocarcinomas, but not normal or non-adenocarcinoma cancer cells. The consensus of multiple topology analysis programs on labyrinthin (255 amino acids) estimate a type II cell membrane associated protein with an N-terminus signal peptide. However, because the labyrinthin sequence is enveloped within the 758 amino acids of the intracellular aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase (ASPH), a purported tumor associated antigen, standard IHC methods that permeabilize cells can expose common epitopes. To circumvent antibody cross-reactivity, cell surface labyrinthin was distinguished from intracellular ASPH by FACS analysis of permeabilized vs non-permeabilized cells. All permeabilized normal, adeno-and non-adenocarcinoma cells produced a strong MCA 44-3A6 binding signal, likely reflecting co-recognition of intracellular ASPH proteins along with internalized labyrinthin, but in non-permeabilized cells only adenocarcinoma cells were positive for labyrinthin. Confocal microscopy confirmed the FACS results. Labyrinthin as a functional cell-surface marker was suggested when: 1) WI-38 normal lung fibroblasts transfected with labyrinthin sense cDNA displayed a cancerous phenotype; 2) antisense transfection of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells appeared more normal; and 3) MCA44-3A6 suppressed A549 cell proliferation. Collectively, the data indicate that labyrinthin is a unique, promising adenocarcinoma tumor-specific antigen and therapeutic target. The study also raises a controversial issue on the extent, specificity, and usefulness of ASPH as an adenocarcinoma tumor-associated antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Babich
- LabyRx Immunologic Therapeutics (USA) Limited, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ankit Sharma
- LabyRx Immunologic Therapeutics (USA) Limited, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tianhong Li
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James A. Radosevich
- LabyRx Immunologic Therapeutics (USA) Limited, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Nagaoka K, Ogawa K, Ji C, Cao KY, Bai X, Mulla J, Cheng Z, Wands JR, Huang CK. Targeting Aspartate Beta-Hydroxylase with the Small Molecule Inhibitor MO-I-1182 Suppresses Cholangiocarcinoma Metastasis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:1080-1089. [PMID: 32445050 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating disease with a 2% 5-year survival if the disease has spread outside the liver. The enzyme aspartate beta-hydroxylase (ASPH) has been demonstrated to be highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma but not in normal bile ducts and found to stimulate tumor cell migration. In addition, it was found that targeting ASPH inhibits cholangiocarcinoma malignant progression. However, it is not clear whether targeting ASPH with the small molecule inhibitor MO-I-1182 suppresses cholangiocarcinoma metastasis. The current study aims to study the efficacy of MO-I-1182 in suppressing cholangiocarcinoma metastasis. METHODS The analysis was performed in vitro and in vivo with a preclinical animal model by using molecular and biochemical strategies to regulate ASPH expression and function. RESULTS Knockdown of ASPH substantially inhibited cell migration and invasion in two human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Targeting ASPH with a small molecule inhibitor suppressed cholangiocarcinoma progression. Molecular mechanism studies demonstrated that knockdown of ASPH subsequently suppressed protein levels of the matrix metalloproteinases. The ASPH knockdown experiments suggest that this enzyme may modulate cholangiocarcinoma metastasis by regulating matrix metalloproteinases expression. Furthermore, using an ASPH inhibitor in a rat cholangiocarcinoma intrahepatic model established with BED-Neu-CL#24 cholangiocarcinoma cells, it was found that targeting ASPH inhibited intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis and downstream expression of the matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSION ASPH may modulate cholangiocarcinoma metastasis via matrix metalloproteinases expression. Taken together, targeting ASPH function may inhibit intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Kousuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Chengcheng Ji
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Kevin Y Cao
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Joud Mulla
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Zhixiang Cheng
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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Brewitz L, Nakashima Y, Schofield CJ. Synthesis of 2-oxoglutarate derivatives and their evaluation as cosubstrates and inhibitors of human aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase. Chem Sci 2020; 12:1327-1342. [PMID: 34163896 PMCID: PMC8179049 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc04301j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
2-Oxoglutarate (2OG) is involved in biological processes including oxidations catalyzed by 2OG oxygenases for which it is a cosubstrate. Eukaryotic 2OG oxygenases have roles in collagen biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, DNA/RNA modification, transcriptional regulation, and the hypoxic response. Aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase (AspH) is a human 2OG oxygenase catalyzing post-translational hydroxylation of Asp/Asn-residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs) in the endoplasmic reticulum. AspH is of chemical interest, because its Fe(ii) cofactor is complexed by two rather than the typical three residues. AspH is upregulated in hypoxia and is a prognostic marker on the surface of cancer cells. We describe studies on how derivatives of its natural 2OG cosubstrate modulate AspH activity. An efficient synthesis of C3- and/or C4-substituted 2OG derivatives, proceeding via cyanosulfur ylid intermediates, is reported. Mass spectrometry-based AspH assays with >30 2OG derivatives reveal that some efficiently inhibit AspH via competing with 2OG as evidenced by crystallographic and solution analyses. Other 2OG derivatives can substitute for 2OG enabling substrate hydroxylation. The results show that subtle changes, e.g. methyl- to ethyl-substitution, can significantly alter the balance between catalysis and inhibition. 3-Methyl-2OG, a natural product present in human nutrition, was the most efficient alternative cosubstrate identified; crystallographic analyses reveal the binding mode of (R)-3-methyl-2OG and other 2OG derivatives to AspH and inform on the balance between turnover and inhibition. The results will enable the use of 2OG derivatives as mechanistic probes for other 2OG utilizing enzymes and suggest 2-oxoacids other than 2OG may be employed by some 2OG oxygenases in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Yu Nakashima
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
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Kanwal M, Smahel M, Olsen M, Smahelova J, Tachezy R. Aspartate β-hydroxylase as a target for cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:163. [PMID: 32811566 PMCID: PMC7433162 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As metastasis is a major cause of death in cancer patients, new anti-metastatic strategies are needed to improve cancer therapy outcomes. Numerous pathways have been shown to contribute to migration and invasion of malignant tumors. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a key player in the malignant transformation of solid tumors by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ASPH also promotes tumor growth by stimulation of angiogenesis and immunosuppression. These effects are mainly achieved via the activation of Notch and SRC signaling pathways. ASPH expression is upregulated by growth factors and hypoxia in different human tumors and its inactivation may have broad clinical impact. Therefore, small molecule inhibitors of ASPH enzymatic activity have been developed and their anti-metastatic effect confirmed in preclinical mouse models. ASPH can also be targeted by monoclonal antibodies and has also been used as a tumor-associated antigen to induce both cluster of differentiation (CD) 8+ and CD4+ T cells in mice. The PAN-301-1 vaccine against ASPH has already been tested in a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with prostate cancer. In summary, ASPH is a promising target for anti-tumor and anti-metastatic therapy based on inactivation of catalytic activity and/or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Kanwal
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Mark Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy - Glendale, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Crenae Therapeutics, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jana Smahelova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ruth Tachezy
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Ogawa K, Lin Q, Li L, Bai X, Chen X, Chen H, Kong R, Wang Y, Zhu H, He F, Xu Q, Liu L, Li M, Zhang S, Nagaoka K, Carlson R, Safran H, Charpentier K, Sun B, Wands J, Dong X. Prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes initiates pancreatic cancer pulmonary metastasis. Cancer Lett 2020; 481:63-75. [PMID: 32145343 PMCID: PMC7309190 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To demonstrate multifaceted contribution of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis, in vitro metastasis assay and patient derived xenograft (PDX) murine models were established. ASPH propagates aggressive phenotypes characterized by enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 2-D/3-D invasion, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation/remodeling, angiogenesis, stemness, transendothelial migration and metastatic colonization/outgrowth at distant sites. Mechanistically, ASPH activates Notch cascade through direct physical interactions with Notch1/JAGs and ADAMs. The ASPH-Notch axis enables prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes, subsequently initiates MMPs mediated ECM degradation/remodeling as an effector for invasiveness. Consequently, ASPH fosters primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in PDX models, which was blocked by a newly developed small molecule inhibitor (SMI) specifically against ASPH's β-hydroxylase activity. Clinically, ASPH is silenced in normal pancreas, progressively upregulated from pre-malignant lesions to invasive/advanced stage PDAC. Relatively high levels of ASPH-Notch network components independently/jointly predict curtailed overall survival (OS) in PDAC patients (log-rank test, Ps < 0.001; Cox proportional hazards regression, P < 0.001). Therefore, ASPH-Notch axis is essential for propagating multiple-steps of metastasis and predicts prognosis of PDAC patients. A specific SMI targeting ASPH offers a novel therapeutic approach to substantially retard PDAC development/progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Qiushi Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Internal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Fuliang He
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, The 9th Affiliated Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The University of Sciences and Technology of China, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei City 230001, An Hui Province, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Immunobiology & Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Howard Safran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital/The Miriam Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kevin Charpentier
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China.
| | - Jack Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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7
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Brewitz L, Tumber A, Pfeffer I, McDonough MA, Schofield CJ. Aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase: a high-throughput mass spectrometric assay for discovery of small molecule inhibitors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8650. [PMID: 32457455 PMCID: PMC7251097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human 2-oxoglutarate dependent oxygenase aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase (AspH) catalyses the hydroxylation of Asp/Asn-residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs). AspH is upregulated on the surface of malign cancer cells; increased AspH levels correlate with tumour invasiveness. Due to a lack of efficient assays to monitor the activity of isolated AspH, there are few reports of studies aimed at identifying small-molecule AspH inhibitors. Recently, it was reported that AspH substrates have a non-canonical EGFD disulfide pattern. Here we report that a stable synthetic thioether mimic of AspH substrates can be employed in solid phase extraction mass spectrometry based high-throughput AspH inhibition assays which are of excellent robustness, as indicated by high Z'-factors and good signal-to-noise/background ratios. The AspH inhibition assay was applied to screen approximately 1500 bioactive small-molecules, including natural products and active pharmaceutical ingredients of approved human therapeutics. Potent AspH inhibitors were identified from both compound classes. Our AspH inhibition assay should enable the development of potent and selective small-molecule AspH inhibitors and contribute towards the development of safer inhibitors for other 2OG oxygenases, e.g. screens of the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors revealed that vadadustat inhibits AspH with moderate potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Inga Pfeffer
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A McDonough
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, OX1 3TA, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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8
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Ogawa K, Lin Q, Li L, Bai X, Chen X, Chen H, Kong R, Wang Y, Zhu H, He F, Xu Q, Liu L, Li M, Zhang S, Nagaoka K, Carlson R, Safran H, Charpentier K, Sun B, Wands J, Dong X. Aspartate β-hydroxylase promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis through activation of SRC signaling pathway. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:144. [PMID: 31888763 PMCID: PMC6937817 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signaling pathways critical for embryonic development re-emerge in adult pancreas during tumorigenesis. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) drives embryonic cell motility/invasion in pancreatic development/differentiation. We explored if dysregulated ASPH is critically involved in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. METHODS To demonstrate if/how ASPH mediates malignant phenotypes, proliferation, migration, 2-D/3-D invasion, pancreatosphere formation, immunofluorescence, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, invadopodia formation/maturation/function, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and self-developed in vitro metastasis assays were performed. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were established to illustrate in vivo antitumor effects of the third-generation small molecule inhibitor specifically against ASPH's β-hydroxylase activity. Prognostic values of ASPH network components were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS ASPH renders pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive phenotypes characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 2-D/3-D invasion, invadopodia formation/function as demonstrated by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, stemness (cancer stem cell marker upregulation and pancreatosphere formation), transendothelial migration (mimicking intravasation/extravasation), and sphere formation (mimicking metastatic colonization/outgrowth at distant sites). Mechanistically, ASPH activates SRC cascade through direct physical interaction with ADAM12/ADAM15 independent of FAK. The ASPH-SRC axis enables invadopodia construction and initiates MMP-mediated ECM degradation/remodeling as executors for invasiveness. Pharmacologic inhibition of invadopodia attenuates in vitro metastasis. ASPH fosters primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in PDX models of PDAC, which is blocked by a leading compound specifically against ASPH enzymatic activity. ASPH is silenced in normal pancreas, progressively upregulated from pre-malignant lesions to invasive/advanced stages of PDAC. Expression profiling of ASPH-SRC network components independently/jointly predicts clinical outcome of PDAC patients. Compared to a negative-low level, a moderate-very high level of ASPH, ADAM12, activated SRC, and MMPs correlated with curtailed overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer patients (log-rank test, ps < 0.001). The more unfavorable molecules patients carry, the more deleterious prognosis is destinated. Patients with 0-2 (n = 4), 3-5 (n = 8), 6-8 (n = 24), and 9-12 (n = 73) unfavorable expression scores of the 5 molecules had median survival time of 55.4, 15.9, 9.7, and 5.0 months, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Targeting the ASPH-SRC axis, which is essential for propagating multi-step PDAC metastasis, may specifically/substantially retard development/progression and thus improve prognosis of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Qiushi Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA.,Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Internal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuliang He
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA.,Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, The 9th Affiliated Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The University of Sciences and Technology of China, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei City, 230001, An Hui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Immunobiology & Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Howard Safran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital/The Miriam Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kevin Charpentier
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jack Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA. .,Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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9
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Zou Q, Hou Y, Wang H, Wang K, Xing X, Xia Y, Wan X, Li J, Jiao B, Liu J, Huang A, Wu D, Xiang H, Pawlik TM, Wang H, Lau WY, Wang Y, Shen F. Hydroxylase Activity of ASPH Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Through Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Pathway. EBioMedicine 2018; 31:287-298. [PMID: 29764768 PMCID: PMC6013968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over-expression of aspartyl (asparagynal)-β-hydroxylase (ASPH) contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasiveness, but the role of ASPH hydroxylase activity in this process remains to be defined. As such, the current study investigated the role of ASPH hydroxylase activity in downstream signalling of HCC tumorgenesis and, specifically, metastasis development. Over-expression of wild-type ASPH, but not a hydroxylase mutant, promoted HCC cell migration in vitro, as well as intrahepatic and distant metastases in vivo. The enhanced migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation was notably absent in response to hydroxylase activity blockade. Vimentin, a regulator of EMT, interacted with ASPH and likely mediated the effect of ASPH hydroxylase activity with cell migration. The enhanced hydroxylase activity in tumor tissues predicted worse prognoses of HCC patients. Collectively, the hydroxylase activity of ASPH affected HCC metastasis through interacting with vimentin and regulating EMT. As such, ASPH might be a promising therapeutic target of HCC. Over-expression of ASPH promoted HCC intrahepatic and distant metastases in vivo. ASPH interacts with vimentin to promote HCC cell migration. Enhanced hydroxylase activity in tumor predicted worse prognoses of HCC patients.
Hepatocellular carcinoma has aggressive invasiveness and high metastatic rate. The reason for metastasis is largely unknown and the effective treatment is still lacking. Although over-expression of ASPH has been demonstrated to enhance hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness, whether its hydroxylase activity is necessary remains uncharacterized. Here, we found the hydroxylase activity was critical to promote hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness in vitro and metastasis in vivo, and associated with post-surgery survival. ASPH hydroxylase activity play an important role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through interacting with vimentin. Our findings imply that ASPH antagonists might be promising in developing novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifei Zou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianglei Xing
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuying Wan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghua Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Mengchao Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Aimin Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Mengchao Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjun Xiang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hongyang Wang
- National Scientific Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan Yee Lau
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- Laboratory of Neural Signal Transduction, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Tshering G, Dorji PW, Chaijaroenkul W, Na-Bangchang K. Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1788-1797. [PMID: 29637880 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a malignant tumor of the bile duct, is a major public health problem in many Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand. The slow progression makes it difficult for early diagnosis and most patients are detected in advanced stages. This study aimed to review all relevant articles related to the biomarkers for the diagnosis of CCA and point out potential biomarkers. A thorough search was performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect for CCA biomarker articles. Required data were extracted. A total of 46 articles that fulfilled the inclusion and had none of the exclusion criteria were included in the analysis (17, 22, 3, 4, and 1 articles on blood, tissue, bile, both blood and tissue, and urine biomarkers, respectively). Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), either alone or in combination with other biomarkers, are the most commonly studied biomarkers in the serum. Their sensitivity and specificity ranged from 47.2% to 98.2% and 89.7% to 100%, respectively. However, in the tissue, gene methylations and DNA-related markers were the most studied CCA biomarkers. Their sensitivity and specificity ranged from 58% to 87% and 98% to 100%, respectively. Some articles investigated biomarkers both in blood and tissues, particularly CA19-9 and CEA, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 33% to 100% and 50% to 97.7%, respectively. Although quite a number of biomarkers with a potential role in the early detection of CCA have been established, it is difficult to single out any particular marker that could be used in the routine clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyem Tshering
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Palden Wangyel Dorji
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Wanna Chaijaroenkul
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand.,Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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11
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Tang C, Hou Y, Wang H, Wang K, Xiang H, Wan X, Xia Y, Li J, Wei W, Xu S, Lei Z, Pawlik TM, Wang H, Wu M, Shen F. Aspartate β-hydroxylase disrupts mitochondrial DNA stability and function in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e362. [PMID: 28714949 PMCID: PMC5541716 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of aberrant mitochondrial genome and function in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Our previous study demonstrated an increased expression of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) in HCC tissues, which was associated with tumor invasiveness and a worse prognosis. Currently, we unexpectedly observed the presence of ASPH in purified mitochondrial protein fraction. In addition, immunostaining of both exogenously and endogenously expressed ASPH showed a colocalization with mitochondrial biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate whether the mitochondrial ASPH is involved in mitochondrial malfunction in HCC. Our results showed that ASPH overexpression in HCC tissues was correlated with decreased copy numbers of displacement loop (D-loop) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND-1) and enhanced D-loop mutation, suggesting the disrupted mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) stability. The reduced mtDNA copy numbers were associated with aggressive clinicopathological features of HCC. The loss of mtDNA integrity induced by enforced expression of ASPH was accompanied with mitochondrial dysfunction, which was characterized by the aberrant mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased ATP generation and enhanced reactive oxygen species. In contrast, knocking down ASPH by siRNA in HCC cell lines showed the opposite impact on mtDNA integrity and function. Mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation further identified that ASPH interacted with histone H2A member X (H2AX). ASPH overexpression diminished the interaction between H2AX and mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), an important DNA-binding protein for mtDNA replication, which then reduced the binding of mtTFA to D-loop region. Collectively, our results demonstrate that ASPH overexpression disrupts the mtDNA integrity through H2AX-mtTFA signal, thereby affecting mitochondrial functions in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Tang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Y Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - H Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - K Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - H Xiang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Wan
- Department of Clinical Database, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - W Wei
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - S Xu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Lei
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - T M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - H Wang
- National Scientific Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - M Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - F Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Noda T, Shimoda M, Ortiz V, Sirica AE, Wands JR. Immunization with aspartate-β-hydroxylase-loaded dendritic cells produces antitumor effects in a rat model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2012; 55:86-97. [PMID: 21898484 PMCID: PMC3242918 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dendritic cells (DCs) capture and process proteins and present peptides on the cell surface in the context of major histocompatibility complex I and II molecules to induce antigen-specific T cell immune responses. The aims of this study were to (1) employ an expanded and purified DC population and load them with aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), a highly expressed tumor-associated cell surface protein, and (2) to determine if immunization induced antitumor effects in an orthotopic rat model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Splenocytes were incubated with ASPH-coated beads and passed through a magnetic field to yield an 80% pure DC OX62+ population. This DC subset was stimulated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4, CD40L, and interferon-γ, resulting in a 40-fold increase in interleukin-12A messenger RNA expression to subsequently generate a T helper 1-type immune response. After incubation with the cytokine cocktail, DCs were found to have matured, as demonstrated by increased expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 costimulatory molecules. Immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs induced antigen-specific immunity. A clone of the parental tumorigenic rat BDEneu cholangiocyte cell line, designated BDEneu-CL24, was found to have the highest number of cells expressing this surface protein (97%); it maintained the same phenotypic characteristics of the parental cell line and was used to produce intrahepatic tumors in immunocompetent syngeneic Fisher-344 rats. Immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs generated cytotoxicity against cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro and significantly suppressed intrahepatic tumor growth and metastasis, and was associated with increased CD3+ lymphocyte infiltration into the tumors. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs may constitute a novel therapeutic approach for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, because this protein also appears to be highly conserved and expressed on human hepatobiliary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Noda
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Masafumi Shimoda
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Vivian Ortiz
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alphonse E. Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
| | - Jack R. Wands
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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13
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Yang H, Wang H, Xue T, Xue XP, Huyan T, Wang W, Song K. Single-chain variable fragment antibody against human aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2011; 30:69-79. [PMID: 21466288 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2010.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The human aspartyl beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a highly conserved enzyme that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains in transformation-associated proteins. Previous studies showed that the gene of HAAH was overexpressed in many human malignancies. In the present study, the HAAH-specific single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody was produced in recombinant Escherichia coli. The variable regions of the genes of the heavy chain (VH) and light chain (VL) cloned from the hybridoma cells G3/F11 were connected with a flexible linker using an overlap extension polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the anti-HAAH VH was a member of the VH V gene family and the VL gene belonged to the Vκ gene family VI subgroup. Extensive efforts to express the functional ScFv antibody in E. coli have been made by using two different prokaryotic expression vectors-pHEN1 and pET-16b-to compare the expression level and solubility of the antibody. The recombinant pHEN1/E1-anti-HAAH vector could express soluble ScFv, although the yield was only 7.8% of the total cellular protein. However, the pET-16b/E2-anti-HAAH vector produced the ScFv as inclusion bodies inside the host cytoplasm, although the expression level of the antibody was quite high (28.5% of the total cellular protein). Soluble ScFv antibody produced by pHEN1/E1-anti-HAAH was characterized for its antigen-binding characteristics. Its antigen affinity as antibody was measured by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay analysis and proved to have high binding activity to the antigen HAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, China
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14
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Wang K, Liu J, Yan ZL, Li J, Shi LH, Cong WM, Xia Y, Zou QF, Xi T, Shen F, Wang HY, Wu MC. Overexpression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with worse surgical outcome. Hepatology 2010; 52:164-73. [PMID: 20578260 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The association between the overexpression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) and the invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro has been reported. However, the prognostic value of AAH expression in HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between AAH expression, tumor recurrence, and patient survival. We identified AAH as the most overexpressed gene in HCC by way of complementary DNA microarray hybridization. A prospective study of 233 patients undergoing curative resection indicated that AAH expression was an independent factor affecting recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.161, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.115-4.724, P < 0.001) and survival (HR 2.712, 95% CI 1.734-4.241, P < 0.001). Patients with AAH overexpression had a poorer prognosis than those with AAH underexpression (P < 0.001 for both recurrence and survival). In Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A patients with AAH overexpression or underexpression, the tumor recurrence and survival rates were also statistically different (45% and 85% versus16% and 33% in 1- and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates, respectively; 73% and 37% versus 90% and 80% in 1- and 3-year survival rates, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Furthermore, in stage A patients with tumors measuring < or =5 cm in diameter, the time to recurrence was 26.7 +/- 1.6 versus 51.9 +/- 2.8 months, and the 1- and 3- year survival rates were 97% and 52% versus 100% and 90% in AAH overexpression and underexpression patients, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION AAH overexpression in HCC is strongly correlated with worse surgical outcome, and this molecule likely provides a more precise prognostic predictor in early stage HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Wang
- Department of Comprehensive Treatment, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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15
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Xue T, Xue XP, Huang QS, Wei L, Sun K, Xue T. Monoclonal antibodies against human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase developed by DNA immunization. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2009; 28:251-7. [PMID: 19663697 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2009.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We newly cloned the gene encoding the human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) from the surgical tissue of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was designed to generate HAAH-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) for further exploration of its structure and function. Mice were co-immunized with naked plasmid DNA containing N-terminal domain of encoding HAAH gene and recombinant HAAH polypeptide. Hybridomas were developed by the electrofusion of the splenocytes from mice immunized with plasmid DNA to Sp2/0 myeloma cells in vitro. Three hybridoma cell lines (designated G3, G9, and F11, respectively) stably secreting HAAH-specific MAbs were obtained. The specificity and sensitivity of MAbs were assessed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Results showed that the three MAbs belong to IgG1 kappa isotype, the titer of MAbs reached was 5 x 10(4) - 1 x 10(5), and the affinity constant (k(aff)) of MAbs ranged between 2.5 x 10(8) - 1.1 x 10(9). MAb G3 was preliminarily applied to detection expression of HAAH for seven tumor tissues, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and glioblastoma by immunohistochemical stain. Our studies demonstrated that co-immunization of naked DNA containing encoding gene of target antigen and recombinant target protein, and combined with in vitro electrofusion, is an effective and simple method to raise MAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xue
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Road, Xi'an, China
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16
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Ethanol inhibition of aspartyl-asparaginyl-beta-hydroxylase in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: potential link to the impairments in central nervous system neuronal migration. Alcohol 2009; 43:225-40. [PMID: 19393862 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol and associated with hypoplasia and impaired neuronal migration in the cerebellum. Neuronal survival and motility are stimulated by insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), whose signaling pathways are major targets of ethanol neurotoxicity. To better understand the mechanisms of ethanol-impaired neuronal migration during development, we examined the effects of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol on aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) expression, because AAH is regulated by insulin/IGF and mediates neuronal motility. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were pair-fed isocaloric liquid diets containing 0, 8, 18, 26, or 37% ethanol by caloric content from gestation day 6 through delivery. Cerebella harvested from postnatal day 1 pups were used to examine AAH expression in tissue, and neuronal motility in Boyden chamber assays. We also used cerebellar neuron cultures to examine the effects of ethanol on insulin/IGF-stimulated AAH expression, and assess the role of GSK-3beta-mediated phosphorylation on AAH protein levels. Chronic gestational exposure to ethanol caused dose-dependent impairments in neuronal migration and corresponding reductions in AAH protein expression in developing cerebella. In addition, prenatal ethanol exposure inhibited insulin and IGF-I-stimulated directional motility in isolated cerebellar granule neurons. Ethanol-treated neuronal cultures (50mMx96h) also had reduced levels of AAH protein. Mechanistically, we showed that AAH protein could be phosphorylated on Ser residues by GSK-3beta, and that chemical inhibition of GSK-3beta and/or global Caspases increases AAH protein in both control- and ethanol-exposed cells. Ethanol-impaired neuronal migration in FASD is associated with reduced AAH expression. Because ethanol increases the activities of both GSK-3beta and Caspases, the inhibitory effect of ethanol on neuronal migration could be mediated by increased GSK-3beta phosphorylation and Caspase degradation of AAH protein.
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17
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Luu M, Sabo E, de la Monte SM, Greaves W, Wang J, Tavares R, Simao L, Wands JR, Resnick MB, Wang L. Prognostic value of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2009; 40:639-44. [PMID: 19200576 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite improvements in the detection and use of biomarkers, including epidermal growth factor receptor, ERCC1, and p16, the 5-year survival rate with non-small cell lung cancer remains at 15%. This suggests that additional biomarkers are needed to better prognosticate clinical course and guide therapeutic approaches. Previous studies showed that increased levels of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase and a highly related molecule, humbug, correlate with clinical course and survival with hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, and colon carcinomas. We now characterize the prognostic use of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug immunoreactivity in different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. Tissue microarrays including 375 paraffin-embedded non-small cell lung cancers (195 adenocarcinomas; 18 bronchioloalveolar carcinomas; 113 squamous cell carcinomas; and 49 large cell carcinomas) were immunostained with FB50 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes human aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug. Immunoreactivity (intensity and distribution) in neoplastic cells were scored under code, and data were subjected to univariate and Cox multivariate analyses, adjusting for age, stage, and treatment. High levels of FB50 immunoreactivity were more often detected in adenocarcinomas (28% for adenocarcinoma, 17% for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma), compared with squamous cell carcinomas (10%) and large cell carcinomas (10%). Univariate analysis demonstrated inverse relationships between intensity of FB50 immunoreactivity and survival with squamous cell carcinoma (P = .004), and a strong trend with respect to large cell carcinoma (P = .057). Cox multivariate test showed that FB50 immunoreactivity (P = .025), clinical stage (P = .029), and tumor size (P = .0001) were all independent predictors of survival with squamous cell carcinoma. High levels of FB50 immunohistochemical staining correlate with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma subtype. Therefore, FB50 immunoreactivity may be useful in defining patient subsets that are likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Luu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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18
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Finotti A, Treves S, Zorzato F, Gambari R, Feriotto G. Upstream stimulatory factors are involved in the P1 promoter directed transcription of the A beta H-J-J locus. BMC Mol Biol 2008; 9:110. [PMID: 19087304 PMCID: PMC2625362 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-9-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing of the locus A beta H-J-J generates functionally distinct proteins: the enzyme aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH), truncated homologs of AAH with a role in calcium homeostasis humbug and junctate and a structural protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes junctin. AAH and humbug are over expressed in a broad range of malignant neoplasms. We have previously reported that this locus contains two promoters, P1 and P2. While AAH and humbug are expressed in most tissues under the regulation of the P1 promoter, AAH, junctin and junctate are predominantly expressed in excitable tissues under the control of the P2 promoter. We previously demonstrated that Sp transcription factors positively regulate the P1 promoter. RESULTS In the present study, we extended the functional characterization of the P1 promoter of the A beta H-J-J locus. We demonstrated by quantitative Real-time RT-PCR that mRNAs from the P1 promoter are actively transcribed in all the human cell lines analysed. To investigate the transcription mechanism we transiently transfected HeLa cells with sequentially deleted reporter constructs containing different regions of the -661/+81 P1 nucleotide sequence. Our results showed that (i) this promoter fragment is a powerful activator of the reporter gene in HeLa cell line, (ii) the region spanning 512 bp upstream of the transcription start site exhibits maximal level of transcriptional activity, (iii) progressive deletions from -512 gradually reduce reporter expression. The region responsible for maximal transcription contains an E-box site; we characterized the molecular interactions between USF1/2 with this E-box element by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis. In addition, our USF1 and USF2 chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrate that these transcription factors bind the P1 promoter in vivo. A functional role of USF1/USF2 in upregulating P1-directed transcription was demonstrated by analysis of the effects of (i) in vitro mutagenesis of the P1/E-box binding site, (ii) RNA interference targeting USF1 transcripts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that USF factors positively regulate the core of P1 promoter, and, together with our previously data, we can conclude that both Sp and USF DNA interaction and transcription activity are involved in the P1 promoter dependent expression of AAH and humbug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Feriotto G, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Treves S, Zorzato F, Gambari R. Transcriptional activity and Sp 1/3 transcription factor binding to the P1 promoter sequences of the human AbetaH-J-J locus. FEBS J 2007; 274:4476-90. [PMID: 17681019 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.05976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of the locus AbetaH-J-J generates functionally distinct proteins: the enzyme aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase, humbug and junctate (truncated homologs of aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase with a role in calcium regulation), and junctin (a structural protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane). Aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and humbug are overexpressed in a broad range of malignant neoplasms. We have previously reported the gene structure of this locus, showing the presence of two putative promoters, P1 and P2, and characterized the P2 sequences, directing tissue-specific transcription of junctin, aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and junctate. In addition, aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and humbug are expressed from exon 1 by the P1 promoter. The present study identifies and functionally characterizes the P1 promoter activity of the AbetaH-J-J locus. We demonstrate that mRNAs from the P1 promoter are actively transcribed in all the human tissues and cell lines analyzed, and define the transcription start point in HeLa and RD cells. To investigate the transcription mechanism we cloned 1.7 kb upstream of exon 1 from a human BAC clone, and produced progressively deleted reporter constructs. Our results showed that: (a) the 1.7 kb fragment was a powerful activator of the reporter gene in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) and human embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell lines; (b) 512 bp upstream of the transcription start site were essential for maximal promoter activity; and (c) progressive deletions from -512 resulted in gradually decreased reporter expression. The region responsible for maximal transcription contains at least 12 GC boxes homologous to binding sequences of specific transcription factor 1 (Sp1); by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis, we identified three GC-rich elements that bind Sp transcription factor family nuclear factors with very high efficiency. A functional role of Sp transcription factors in upregulating P1-directed transcription was demonstrated by analysis of the effects of: (a) in vitro mutagenesis of the Sp1 transcription factor binding sites; (b) transfection with Sp transcription factor 1/3 expression vectors; and (c) treatment with decoy oligonucleotides targeting Sp transcription factors. In addition, Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factor chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated in vivo binding of these proteins to P1 promoter. Our results suggest that Sp transcription factors positively regulate the core of the P1 promoter, and the comparison of the two promoters of the AbetaH-J-J locus demonstrates that they are very different with regard to transcriptional efficiency and ability to direct tissue-specific transcription.
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Verma M, Seminara D, Arena FJ, John C, Iwamoto K, Hartmuller V. Genetic and epigenetic biomarkers in cancer : improving diagnosis, risk assessment, and disease stratification. Mol Diagn Ther 2007; 10:1-15. [PMID: 16646573 DOI: 10.1007/bf03256438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression patterns change during the initiation, progression, and development of cancer, as a result of both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Genetic changes arise due to irreversible changes in the nucleotide sequence, whereas epigenetic changes occur due to changes in chromatin conformation, histone acetylation, and methylation of the CpG islands located primarily in the promoter region of a gene. Both genetic and epigenetic markers can potentially be utilized to identify different stages of tumor development. Several such markers exhibit high sensitivity and specificity for different tumor types and can be assayed in biofluids and other specimens collected by noninvasive technologies. In spite of the availability of large numbers of diagnostic markers, only a few have been clinically validated so far. The current status and the challenges in the field of genetic and epigenetic markers in cancer diagnosis, risk assessment, and disease stratification are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Verma
- Analytic Epidemiology Research Branch, Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA.
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Differential growth factor regulation of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase family genes in SH-Sy5y human neuroblastoma cells. BMC Cell Biol 2006; 7:41. [PMID: 17156427 PMCID: PMC1764734 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-7-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Accepted: 12/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspartyl (asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase (AAH) hydroxylates Asp and Asn residues within EGF-like domains of Notch and Jagged, which mediate cell motility and differentiation. This study examines the expression, regulation and function of AAH, and its related transcripts, Humbug and Junctin, which lack catalytic domains, using SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells. Results Real time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated 8- or 9-fold higher levels of Humbug than AAH and Junctin, and lower levels of all 3 transcripts in normal human brains compared with neuroblastic tumor cells. AAH and Humbug expression were significantly increased in response to insulin and IGF-I stimulation, and these effects were associated with increased directional motility. However, over-expression of AAH and not Humbug significantly increased motility. Treatment with chemical inhibitors of Akt, Erk MAPK, or cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk-5) significantly reduced IGF-I stimulated AAH and Humbug expression and motility relative to vehicle-treated control cells. In addition, significantly increased AAH and Humbug expression and directional motility were observed in cells co-transfected with Cdk-5 plus its p35 or p25 regulatory partner. Further studies demonstrated that activated Cdk-5 mediated its stimulatory effects on AAH through Erk MAPK and PI3 kinase. Conclusion AAH and Humbug are over-expressed in SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells, and their mRNAs are regulated by insulin/IGF-1 signaling through Erk MAPK, PI3 kinase-Akt, and Cdk-5, which are known mediators of cell migration. Although AAH and Humbug share regulatory signaling pathways, AAH and not Humbug mediates directional motility in SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells.
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Wang J, de la Monte SM, Sabo E, Kethu S, Tavares R, Branda M, Simao L, Wands JR, Resnick MB. Prognostic value of humbug gene overexpression in stage II colon cancer. Hum Pathol 2006; 38:17-25. [PMID: 17020779 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2006.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 07/11/2006] [Accepted: 07/12/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) has been demonstrated in hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. AAH has an important role in regulating cell motility and invasiveness. Humbug is a truncated homolog of AAH, with a role in calcium regulation. The present study examines the prognostic use of AAH and humbug gene expression in stage II colon cancer. One hundred thirty cases of TNM stage II colon carcinoma were retrieved from the Rhode Island Hospital pathology archives. Tissue microarrays were immunostained with the FB50 and 15C7 monoclonal antibodies generated to recombinant AAH. However, FB50 also recognizes humbug. In addition, AAH and humbug expression was analyzed in samples of colon cancer and adjacent normal mucosa by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Humbug (FB50) expression was localized to the tumor cytoplasm, whereas normal colonic epithelium did not exhibit significant immunoreactivity. Humbug staining was detected in 85% of the neoplasms, 23% of which stained strongly. Strong humbug immunoreactivity positively correlated with nuclear grade (P = .006) and inversely with survival (P = .027). In contrast to humbug, AAH (15C7) immunoreactivity was seen in normal and neoplastic epithelium. There was no correlation between AAH immunoreactivity and tumor grade, or survival. Correspondingly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated up-regulation of humbug but not AAH in 95% of colon carcinomas relative to adjacent colon cancer-free mucosa (P < .0001). This study demonstrates that high levels of humbug immunoreactivity in colon carcinomas correlate with histologic grade and tumor behavior, suggesting that humbug can serve as a prognostic biomarker of TNM stage II colon cancers. In addition, molecular studies demonstrated that the increased levels of FB50 detected were due to humbug, as opposed to AAH overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiYi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Cantarini MC, de la Monte SM, Pang M, Tong M, D'Errico A, Trevisani F, Wands JR. Aspartyl-asparagyl beta hydroxylase over-expression in human hepatoma is linked to activation of insulin-like growth factor and notch signaling mechanisms. Hepatology 2006; 44:446-57. [PMID: 16871543 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aspartyl-(asparagyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is overexpressed in various malignant neoplasms, including hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The upstream regulation of AAH and its functional role in Notch-mediated signaling and motility in HCC cells was accessed. The mRNA transcript levels of AAH, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptors and polypeptides, Notch, Jagged, and HES were measured in 15 paired samples of HCC and adjacent HCC-free human liver biopsy specimens using real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of AAH was detected in 87% of the HCC relative to the paired HCC-free liver tissue. IRS-1, IRS-2, and IRS-4 were each overexpressed in 80% of the HCC samples, and IGF-I and IGF-2 receptors were overexpressed in 40% and 100% of the HCCs, respectively. All HCC samples had relatively increased levels of Notch-1 and HES-1 gene expression. Overexpression of AAH led to increased levels of Notch, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated a direct interaction between AAH and Notch as well as its ligand Jagged. In conclusion, contributions to the malignant phenotype of HCC is due to activation of IGF-I and IGF-II signaling that results in over-expression of both AAH and Notch. The functional role of AAH in relation to cell motility has been linked to increased activation of the Notch signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chiara Cantarini
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Gundogan F, Elwood G, Greco D, Rubin LP, Pinar H, Carlson RI, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Role of aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase in placental implantation: Relevance to early pregnancy loss. Hum Pathol 2006; 38:50-9. [PMID: 16949909 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2006.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is a type 2 transmembrane protein with catalytic activity that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains of proteins that have a functional role in cell motility and invasion. Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (CTB) are motile and invasive unpolarized epithelial cells that mediate early implantation through interaction with the endometrium. This study characterizes the potential role of AAH in CTB implantation using human placentas from (1) terminated pregnancies (n = 11), (2) normal term deliveries (n = 21), (3) spontaneous abortuses (n = 21), and (4) small-for-gestational-age (SGA) term deliveries (n = 21). The SGA cases all had established clinical histories of intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta were immunostained using the 15C7 monoclonal antibody generated to recombinant AAH. In addition, snap-frozen or RNAlater-preserved specimens (Ambion, Austin, TX) were used for RNA analysis of AAH expression by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and protein analysis by Western blotting. The immunohistochemical staining studies demonstrated AAH expression in amniocytes, villous CTB, syncytiotrophoblast, extravillous CTB, decidua, and endometrial glands at all gestational ages and in all 4 groups. Higher levels of AAH immunoreactivity were observed in extravillous CTB compared with villous CTB. Immunohistochemical staining and RNA analysis demonstrated abundant AAH expression in placental trophoblastic cells as well as in decidua and endometrial glands, with reduced expression in spontaneous abortion and SGA, suggesting that AAH may serve as a biomarker of impaired implantation. The high levels of AAH in decidua and endometrial glands suggest a role for this molecule in "receptivity" of endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Gundogan
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
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Jain KK. Personalised medicine for cancer: from drug development into clinical practice. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2006; 6:1463-76. [PMID: 16086635 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.6.9.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Personalised management of cancer means the prescription of specific therapeutics that are best suited for an individual patient and the type of tumour. Molecular diagnostics influences cancer management in several ways that aid personalisation. These technologies are enabling the classification of cancer, using molecular profiles, as a basis for more effective personalised therapies. Using microarrays, classification of a cancer based on the gene expression profile is important for personalising cancer therapy. Molecular imaging, such as by positron emission tomography, enables determination of tumour response to drug action at the molecular level. The combination of diagnostics with therapeutics--an important feature of personalised cancer therapy--is facilitated by the use of monoclonal antibodies and nanobiotechnology. Development of drug resistance--an important problem in cancer management--varies according to the anticancer agent, type of tumour and individual patient. There are no universal strategies to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Various efforts to deal with this problem should be tailored to each patient, and examples are given in this review. A better understanding of cancer biology will facilitate rational drug discovery for cancer, by linking the various pathways involved to targeted therapies. Oncoproteomics will play an important role in the development of personalised cancer therapy. Use of pharmacogenomic technologies in early clinical trials is enabling rapid assessment of the efficacy of anticancer agents, and reducing the time of drug development. Application of pharmacogenetics will reduce the adverse effect of anticancer drugs. Cell/gene therapies, cancer vaccines and RNA interference will facilitate the development of personalised cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Jain
- Jain PharmaBiotech, Blaesiring 74057 Basel, Switzerland.
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de la Monte SM, Tamaki S, Cantarini MC, Ince N, Wiedmann M, Carter JJ, Lahousse SA, Califano S, Maeda T, Ueno T, D'Errico A, Trevisani F, Wands JR. Aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase regulates hepatocellular carcinoma invasiveness. J Hepatol 2006; 44:971-83. [PMID: 16564107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 01/25/2006] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We measured aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) gene expression in human hepatocelluar carcinoma and surrounding uninvolved liver at both the mRNA and protein level and examined the regulation and function of this enzyme. METHODS Since growth of HCC is mediated by signaling through the insulin-receptor substrate, type 1 (IRS-1), we examined-if AAH is a downstream gene regulated by insulin and IGF-1 in HCC cells. In addition, IRS-1 regulation of AAH was examined in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which the human (h) IRS-1 gene was over-expressed in the liver, and an in vitro model in which a C-terminus truncated dominant-negative hIRS-1 cDNA (hIRS-DeltaC) was over-expressed in FOCUS HCC cells. The direct effects of AAH on motility and invasiveness were examined in AAH-transfected HepG2 cells. RESULTS Insulin and IGF-1 stimulation increased AAH mRNA and protein expression and motility in FOCUS and Hep-G2 cells. These effects were mediated by signaling through the Erk MAPK and PI3 kinase-Akt pathways. Over-expression of hIRS-1 resulted in high levels of AAH in Tg mouse livers, while over-expression of hIRS-DeltaC reduced AAH expression, motility, and invasiveness in FOCUS cells. Finally, over-expression of AAH significantly increased motility and invasiveness in HepG2 cells, whereas siRNA inhibition of AAH expression significantly reduced directional motility in FOCUS cells. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that enhanced AAH gene activity is a common feature of human HCC and growth factor signaling through IRS-1 regulates AAH expression and increases motility and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, AAH may represent an important target for regulating tumor growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M de la Monte
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Brown Medical School, Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Liu MP, Guo XZ, Xu JH, Wang D, Li HY, Cui ZM, Zhao JJ, Ren LN. New tumor-associated antigen SC6 in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 11:7671-5. [PMID: 16437697 PMCID: PMC4727239 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i48.7671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the concentration of a new antigen SC6 (SC6-Ag) recognized by monoclonal antibody (MAb) in patients with pancreatic cancer and other malignant or benign diseases and to understand whether SC6-Ag has any clinical significance in distinguishing pancreatic cancer from other gastrointestinal diseases. METHODS Six hundred and ninety-five serum specimens obtained from 115 patients with pancreatic cancer, 154 patients with digestive cancer and 95 patients with non-digestive cancer were used and classified in this study. Serum specimens obtained from 140 patients with benign digestive disease and 89 patients with non-benign digestive disease served as controls. Ascites was tapped from 16 pancreatic cancer patients, 19 hepatic cancer patients, 16 colonic cancer patients, 10 gastric cancer and 6 severe necrotic pancreatitis patients. The samples were quantitated by solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The cut-off values (CV) of 41, 80, and 118 U/mL were used. RESULTS The average intra- and interassay CV detected by immunoradiometric assay of SC6-Ag was 5.4% and 8.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 73.0% and 90.9% respectively. The levels in most malignant and benign cases were within the normal upper limit. Among the 16 pancreatic cancer cases, the concentration of SC6-Ag in ascites was over the normal range in 93.8% patients. There was no significant difference in the concentration of SC6-Ag. Decreased expression of SC6-Ag in sera was significantly related to tumor differentiation. The concentration of SC6-Ag was higher in patients before surgery than after surgery. The specificity of SC6-Ag and CA19-9 was significantly higher than that of ultrasound and computer tomography (CT) in pancreatic cancer patients. Higher positive predictive values were indicated in 92.3% SC6-Ag and 88.5% CA19-9, but lower in 73.8% ultrasound and 76.2% CT. CONCLUSION The combined test of SC6-Ag and CA19-9 may improve the diagnostic rate of primary cancer. The detection of SC6-Ag is valuable in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer before and after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Pei Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Northern Hospital, No. 83, Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China.
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Xian ZH, Zhang SH, Cong WM, Yan HX, Wang K, Wu MC. Expression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase and its clinicopathological significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2006; 19:280-6. [PMID: 16341145 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The human aspartyl beta-hydroxylase is a highly conserved enzyme that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains in transformation-associated proteins. The aspartyl beta-hydroxylase gene is upregulated in many human malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aspartyl beta-hydroxylase mRNA levels were measured in 161 hepatocellular carcinomas and paired nontumorous liver tissues by conventional and real-time RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was performed using EnVision Plus system. The results showed that aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was overexpressed in 150 of 161 hepatocellular carcinomas (93%), including 45 of 48 unifocal small hepatocellular carcinomas (94%). Aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in contrast to its low level of expression in non-neoplastic liver cells. The protein expression level of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase in the hepatocellular carcinoma was parallel with the mRNA expression level (r=0.6594, P<0.0001). A significantly higher tumor aspartyl beta-hydroxylase overexpression level was associated with the presence of intrahepatic metastasis and the progression of histological grades. In conclusion, aspartyl beta-hydroxylase is overexpressed frequently in hepatocellular carcinoma, including early-stage small hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating that overexpression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase plays a role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Xian
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Maeda T, Taguchi KI, Aishima SI, Shimada M, Hintz D, Larusso N, Gores G, Tsuneyoshi M, Sugimachi K, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Clinicopathological correlates of aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase over-expression in cholangiocarcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 28:313-8. [PMID: 15542253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdp.2004.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/12/2004] [Accepted: 06/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) expression in surgically resected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma significantly correlated with tumor size, growth type, differentiation, vascular invasion, and prognosis after surgery. AAH may have a role in regulating invasive or metastatic tumor cell growth of human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. BACKGROUND Recent studies demonstrated increased expression of the AAH gene in the majority of cholangiocarcinomas. The present study was undertaken to determine the relationship between high or low levels of AAH expression and the clinical course of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). METHODS AAH expression was examined in 50 surgically resected primary ICCs, 12 samples of normal liver, and 12 cases of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The sections were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining with the FB-50 monoclonal antibody to human AAH protein. The sections were examined under code and graded for relative levels of AAH immunoreactivity. The results were analyzed with respect to multiple clinical and histopathological variables to determine correlates of AAH expression in ICCs. RESULTS Forty-six of the 50 (92%) ICCs had AAH immunoreactivity, whereas the 12 normal liver and 12 PSC specimens were AAH negative. In the ICC specimens, the highest levels of AAH immunoreactivity were detected at the infiltrating margins that interfaced with uninvolved liver tissue, and the lowest levels occurred in the central portions of the tumors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high levels of AAH expression were correlated with tumor size (P < 0.05), infiltrative growth pattern (P < 0.01), aggressive histological grade (P < 0.01), vascular invasion (P < 0.05), and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that AAH has an important role in regulating invasive or metastatic tumor cell growth of human ICC, and that high levels of AAH expression correlate with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Maeda
- Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Floor Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Abstract
One out of four deaths in the USA is due to cancer. Identification of populations at risk of developing cancer is important as it provides opportunities for prevention and treatment of cancer. Biomarkers are measurable indicators of exposure effects and susceptibility or disease state, and are used to understand the mechanisms of cancer progression. In recent molecular epidemiology studies genomic, proteomic, and epigenomic markers have been utilized which exhibit high sensitivity and specificity for different tumor types and can be assayed in biofluids and other specimens collected by non-invasive technologies. The current challenges and future directions in the field are discussed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Verma
- Analytical Epidemiology Research Branch, Epidemiology and Genetics, Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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