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Cui Y, Zhang X, Liu J, Hou Y, Song Q, Cao M, Zhang J, Wang X, Liu C, Wang P, Wang Y. Myeloid ectopic viral integration site 2 accelerates the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Aging Cell 2024:e14260. [PMID: 38994634 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid plaques, a major pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), are caused by an imbalance between the amyloidogenic and non-amyloidogenic pathways of amyloid precursor protein (APP). BACE1 cleavage of APP is the rate-limiting step for amyloid-β production and plaque formation in AD. Although the alteration of BACE1 expression in AD has been investigated, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we determined MEIS2 was notably elevated in AD models and AD patients. Alterations in the expression of MEIS2 can modulate the levels of BACE1. MEIS2 downregulation improved the learning and memory retention of AD mice and decreased the number of amyloid plaques. MEIS2 binds to the BACE1 promoter, positively regulates BACE1 expression, and accelerates APP amyloid degradation in vitro. Therefore, our findings suggest that MEIS2 might be a critical transcription factor in AD, since it regulates BACE1 expression and accelerates BACE1-mediated APP amyloidogenic cleavage. MEIS2 is a promising early intervention target for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Cui
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuli Hou
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Song
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Huairou Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Peichang Wang
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqi Wang
- Clinical Laboratory of Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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2
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Li M, Gao X, Su Y, Shan S, Qian W, Zhang Z, Zhu D. FOXM1 transcriptional regulation. Biol Cell 2024:e2400012. [PMID: 38963053 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202400012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
FOXM1 is a key transcriptional regulator involved in various biological processes in mammals, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, aging, immune regulation, development, and disease. Early studies have shown that FOXM1 acts as an oncogene by regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, metastasis, and apoptosis, as well as genes related to diagnosis, treatment, chemotherapy resistance, and prognosis. Researchers are increasingly focusing on FOXM1 functions in tumor microenvironment, epigenetics, and immune infiltration. However, researchers have not comprehensively described FOXM1's involvement in tumor microenvironment shaping, epigenetics, and immune cell infiltration. Here we review the role of FOXM1 in the formation and development of malignant tumors, and we will provide a comprehensive summary of the role of FOXM1 in transcriptional regulation, interacting proteins, tumor microenvironment, epigenetics, and immune infiltration, and suggest areas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
- School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry & Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Xuzheng Gao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Yanting Su
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Shigang Shan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhenwang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, P. R. China
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3
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Chen H, Lee LJ, Vincent KM, Xu Z, Liu J, Zhang G, Nakevska Z, Smith D, Lee CH, Postovit LM, Fu Y. Transcription factor ZIC2 regulates the tumorigenic phenotypes associated with both bulk and cancer stem cells in epithelial ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2024; 43:1688-1700. [PMID: 38594503 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03026-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy in North America. Current therapeutic regimens are ineffective against advanced EOC. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the biology of EOC will be a critical step toward developing more efficacious therapies against EOC. Herein, we demonstrate that elevated expression of transcription factor ZIC2 was associated with lower survival of EOC patients. Knockout of endogenous ZIC2 in EOC cells attenuated the tumorigenic phenotypes associated with both bulk and cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo, indicating a pro-tumorigenic role of ZIC2 in EOC. On the other hand, however, overexpression of ZIC2 in EOC cells that do not express endogenous ZIC2 promoted cell migration and sphere formation, but inhibited cell growth and colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, indicating that the role for ZIC2 in EOC is context dependent. Our transcriptomic analysis showed that ZIC2-regulated genes were involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways associated with tumor progression. In conclusion, our findings reveal a context-dependent role for ZIC2 in regulating tumorigenic phenotypes in EOC, providing evidence that ZIC2 can be a potential therapeutic target for EOCs that express a high level of ZIC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Chen
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Krista M Vincent
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhihua Xu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Guihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zorica Nakevska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - DuPreez Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - YangXin Fu
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Hall J, Zhang Z, Bhattacharya S, Wang D, Alcantara M, Liang Y, Swiderski P, Forman S, Kwak L, Vaidehi N, Kortylewski M. Oligo-PROTAC strategy for cell-selective and targeted degradation of activated STAT3. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102137. [PMID: 38384444 PMCID: PMC10879796 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) allow targeting undruggable transcription factors, such as STAT3, but their limited potency and lack of delivery methods hampered translation. To overcome these challenges, we conjugated a STAT3-specific decoy to thalidomide, a ligand to cereblon in E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, to generate a proteolysis-targeting chimera (STAT3DPROTAC). STAT3DPROTAC downregulated STAT3 in target cells, but not STAT1 or STAT5. Computational modeling of the STAT3DPROTAC ternary complex predicted two surface lysines, K601 and K626, in STAT3 as potential ubiquitination sites. Accordingly, K601/K626 point mutations in STAT3, as well as proteasome inhibition or cereblon deletion, alleviated STAT3DPROTAC effect. Next, we conjugated STAT3DPROTAC to a CpG oligonucleotide targeting Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) to generate myeloid/B cell-selective C-STAT3DPROTAC. Naked C-STAT3DPROTAC was spontaneously internalized by TLR9+ myeloid cells, B cells, and human and mouse lymphoma cells but not by T cells. C-STAT3DPROTAC effectively decreased STAT3 protein levels and also STAT3-regulated target genes critical for lymphoma cell proliferation and/or survival (BCL2L1, CCND2, and MYC). Finally, local C-STAT3DPROTAC administration to human Ly3 lymphoma-bearing mice triggered tumor regression, while control C-STAT3D and C-SCR treatments had limited effects. Our results underscore the feasibility of using a PROTAC strategy for cell-selective, decoy oligonucleotide-based STAT3 targeting of and potentially other tumorigenic transcription factors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hall
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharya
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marice Alcantara
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yong Liang
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Stephen Forman
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Larry Kwak
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Nagarajan Vaidehi
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marcin Kortylewski
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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5
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Huang D, Ma N, Li X, Gou Y, Duan Y, Liu B, Xia J, Zhao X, Wang X, Li Q, Rao J, Zhang X. Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and its applications in cancer research. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:98. [PMID: 37612741 PMCID: PMC10463514 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by the acquisition of functional capabilities during the transition from a normal to a neoplastic state. Powerful experimental and computational tools can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of occurrence, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance; however, challenges remain. Bulk RNA sequencing techniques only reflect the average gene expression in a sample, making it difficult to understand tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment. The emergence and development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have provided opportunities to understand subtle changes in tumor biology by identifying distinct cell subpopulations, dissecting the tumor microenvironment, and characterizing cellular genomic mutations. Recently, scRNA-seq technology has been increasingly used in cancer studies to explore tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment, which has increased the understanding of tumorigenesis and evolution. This review summarizes the basic processes and development of scRNA-seq technologies and their increasing applications in cancer research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Naya Ma
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xinlei Li
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Yang Gou
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Yishuo Duan
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Bangdong Liu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xianlan Zhao
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
| | - Jun Rao
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
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6
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Hall J, Zhang Z, Wang D, Bhattacharya S, Alcantara M, Liang Y, Swiderski P, Forman S, Kwak L, Vaidehi N, Kortylewski M. Oligo-PROTAC strategy for cell-selective and targeted degradation of activated STAT3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.01.551552. [PMID: 37577590 PMCID: PMC10418257 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.01.551552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Decoy-oligodeoxynucleotides (D-ODNs) can target undruggable transcription factors, such as STAT3. However, challenges in D-ODN delivery and potency hampered their translation. To overcome these limitations, we conjugated STAT3-specific D-ODN to thalidomide (Tha), a known ligand to cereblon (CRBN, a component of E3 ubiquitin ligase) to generate a proteolysis-targeting chimera (STAT3D PROTAC ). STAT3D PROTAC downregulated STAT3, but not STAT1 or STAT5, in target cells. Computational modeling of the STAT3D PROTAC ternary complex predicted two surface lysines on STAT3, K601 and K626 as potential ubiquitination sites for the PROTAC bound E3 ligase. Accordingly, K601/K626 point mutations in STAT3, as well as proteasome inhibitors, and CRBN deletion alleviated STAT3D PROTAC effect. Next, we conjugated STAT3D PROTAC to a CpG ligand targeting Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) to generate myeloid/B-cell-selective C-STAT3D PROTAC conjugate. Naked C-STAT3D PROTAC was spontaneously internalized by TLR9 + myeloid cells, B cells as well as human Ly18 and mouse A20 lymphoma cells, but not by T cells. C-STAT3D PROTAC decreased STAT3 levels to 50% at 250 nM and over 85% at 2 µM dosing in myeloid cells. We also observed significantly improved downregulation of STAT3 target genes involved in lymphoma cell proliferation and/or survival ( BCL2L1, CCND2, MYC ). Finally, we assessed the antitumor efficacy of C-STAT3D PROTAC compared to C-STAT3D or scrambled control (C-SCR) against human lymphoma xenotransplants. Local C-STAT3D PROTAC administration triggered lymphoma regression while control treatments had limited effects. Our results underscore feasibility of using PROTAC strategy for cell-selective, decoy oligonucleotide-based targeting of STAT3 and potentially other tumorigenic transcription factors for cancer therapy.
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7
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Kaewbandit N, Malla A, Boonyayothin W, Rattanapisit K, Phetphoung T, Pisuttinusart N, Strasser R, Saetung R, Tawinwung S, Phoolcharoen W. Effect of plant produced Anti-hIL-6 receptor antibody blockade on pSTAT3 expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11927. [PMID: 37488213 PMCID: PMC10366097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As a response to invasion by pathogens, the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) which is a cytokine, activates IL-6/JAKs/STAT3 intracellular signaling via., phosphorylation. Over expression of pSTAT3 induces IL-6 positive feedback loop causing cytokine release syndrome or cytokine storm. Plants have gained momentum as an alternative expression system. Hence, this study aims to produce mAb targeting human IL-6 receptor (hIL-6R) in Nicotiana benthamiana for down regulating its cellular signaling thus, decreasing the expression of pSTAT3. The variable regions of heavy and light chains of anti-hIL-6R mAb were constructed in pBYK2e geminiviral plant expression vector and transiently co-expressed in N. benthamiana. The results demonstrate the proper protein assembly of anti-hIL-6R mAb with highest expression level of 2.24 mg/g FW at 5 dpi, with a yield of 21.4 µg/g FW after purification. The purity and N-glycosylation of plant produced antibody was analyzed, including its specificity to human IL-6 receptor by ELISA. Additionally, we investigated the effect to pSTAT3 expression in human PBMC's by flow cytometry wherein, the results confirmed lower expression of pSTAT3 with increasing concentrations of plant produced anti-hIL-6R mAb. Although, further in vivo studies are key to unveil the absolute functionality of anti-hIL-6R, we hereby show the potential of the plant platform and its suitability for the production of this therapeutic antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namthip Kaewbandit
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wanuttha Boonyayothin
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thareeya Phetphoung
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rattana Saetung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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8
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Chuang KT, Chiou SS, Hsu SH. Recent Advances in Transcription Factors Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies Focusing on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3338. [PMID: 37444447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors involve many proteins in the process of transactivating or transcribing (none-) encoded DNA to initiate and regulate downstream signals, such as RNA polymerase. Their unique characteristic is that they possess specific domains that bind to specific DNA element sequences called enhancer or promoter sequences. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in cancer progression. Many dysregulated transcription factors-such as Myc, SNAIs, Twists, and ZEBs-are key drivers of tumor metastasis through EMT regulation. This review summarizes currently available evidence related to the oncogenic role of classified transcription factors in EMT editing and epigenetic regulation, clarifying the roles of the classified conserved transcription factor family involved in the EMT and how these factors could be used as therapeutic targets in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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9
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Otálora-Otálora BA, López-Kleine L, Rojas A. Lung Cancer Gene Regulatory Network of Transcription Factors Related to the Hallmarks of Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:434-464. [PMID: 36661515 PMCID: PMC9857713 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptomic analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq datasets followed our own bioinformatic pipeline to identify a transcriptional regulatory network of lung cancer. Twenty-six transcription factors are dysregulated and co-expressed in most of the lung cancer and pulmonary arterial hypertension datasets, which makes them the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors. Co-expression, gene regulatory, coregulatory, and transcriptional regulatory networks, along with fibration symmetries, were constructed to identify common connection patterns, alignments, main regulators, and target genes in order to analyze transcription factor complex formation, as well as its synchronized co-expression patterns in every type of lung cancer. The regulatory function of the most frequently dysregulated transcription factors over lung cancer deregulated genes was validated with ChEA3 enrichment analysis. A Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis linked the dysregulation of the top transcription factors with lung cancer patients' survival. Our results indicate that lung cancer has unique and common deregulated genes and transcription factors with pulmonary arterial hypertension, co-expressed and regulated in a coordinated and cooperative manner by the transcriptional regulatory network that might be associated with critical biological processes and signaling pathways related to the acquisition of the hallmarks of cancer, making them potentially relevant tumor biomarkers for lung cancer early diagnosis and targets for the development of personalized therapies against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Andrea Otálora-Otálora
- Grupo de Investigación INPAC, Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá 110131, Colombia
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Departamento de Estadística, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 11001, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
| | - Adriana Rojas
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Genética Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110211, Colombia
- Correspondence: (L.L.-K.); (A.R.)
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10
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Shiah JV, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Transcription Factors and Cancer: Approaches to Targeting. Cancer J 2023; 29:38-46. [PMID: 36693157 PMCID: PMC9881838 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is defined by the presence of uncontrollable cell growth, whereby improper proliferative signaling has overcome regulation by cellular mechanisms. Transcription factors are uniquely situated at the helm of signaling, merging extracellular stimuli with intracellular responses. Therefore, this class of proteins plays a pivotal role in coordinating the correct gene expression levels for maintaining normal cellular functions. Dysregulation of transcription factor activity unsurprisingly drives tumorigenesis and oncogenic transformation. Although this imparts considerable therapeutic potential to targeting transcription factors, their lack of enzymatic activity renders intervention challenging and has contributed to a sense that transcription factors are "undruggable." Yet, enduring efforts to elucidate strategies for targeting transcription factors as well as a deeper understanding of their interactions with binding partners have led to advancements that are emerging to counter this narrative. Here, we highlight some of these approaches, focusing primarily on therapeutics that have advanced to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- From the Department Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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11
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The role of transcription factors in the acquisition of the four latest proposed hallmarks of cancer and corresponding enabling characteristics. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1203-1215. [PMID: 36244529 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
With the recent description of the molecular and cellular characteristics that enable acquisition of both core and new hallmarks of cancer, the consequences of transcription factor dysregulation in the hallmarks scheme has become increasingly evident. Dysregulation or mutation of transcription factors has long been recognized in the development of cancer where alterations in these key regulatory molecules can result in aberrant gene expression and consequential blockade of normal cellular differentiation. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of involvement of dysregulated transcription factor networks with the most recently reported cancer hallmarks and enabling characteristic properties. We present some illustrative examples of the impact of dysregulated transcription factors, specifically focusing on the characteristics of phenotypic plasticity, non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, polymorphic microbiomes, and senescence. We also discuss how new insights into transcription factor dysregulation in cancer is contributing to addressing current therapeutic challenges.
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12
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Fischer F, Grigolon G, Benner C, Ristow M. Evolutionarily conserved transcription factors as regulators of longevity and targets for geroprotection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:1449-1494. [PMID: 35343830 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the single largest risk factor for many debilitating conditions, including heart diseases, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. While far from understood in its full complexity, it is scientifically well-established that aging is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and can be modulated by various interventions. One of aging's early hallmarks are aberrations in transcriptional networks, controlling for example metabolic homeostasis or the response to stress. Evidence in different model organisms abounds that a number of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors, which control such networks, can affect lifespan and healthspan across species. These transcription factors thus potentially represent conserved regulators of longevity and are emerging as important targets in the challenging quest to develop treatments to mitigate age-related diseases, and possibly even to slow aging itself. This review provides an overview of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that impact longevity or age-related diseases in at least one multicellular model organism (nematodes, flies, or mice), and/or are tentatively linked to human aging. Discussed is the general evidence for transcriptional regulation of aging and disease, followed by a more detailed look at selected transcription factor families, the common metabolic pathways involved, and the targeting of transcription factors as a strategy for geroprotective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Fischer
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Grigolon
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Benner
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Michael Ristow
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
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13
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Tong Y, Yu Y, Zheng H, Wang Y, Xie S, Chen C, Lu R, Guo L. Differentially Expressed Genes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma as a Potential Marker for Prognostic and Immune Signatures. Front Oncol 2022; 11:776824. [PMID: 34976818 PMCID: PMC8716543 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.776824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by the inactivation of the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) gene. Of note, no other gene is mutated as frequently as VHL in ccRCC, turning out that patients with inactivated VHL constitute the majority of ccRCC-related character. Thus, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their molecular networks caused by VHL mutation were considered as important factors for influencing the prognosis of ccRCC. Here, we first screened out six DEGs (GSTA1, GSTA2, NAT8, FABP7, SLC17A3, and SLC17A4) which downregulated in ccRCC patients with VHL non-mutation than with the mutation. Generally, most DEGs with high expression were associated with a favorable prognosis and low-risk score. Meanwhile, we spotted transcription factors and their kinases as hubs of DEGs. Finally, we clustered ccRCC patients into three subgroups according to the expression of hub proteins, and analyzed these subgroups with clinical profile, outcome, immune infiltration, and potential Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response. Herein, DEGs might be a promising biomarker panel for immunotherapy and prognosis in ccRCC. Moreover, the ccRCC subtype associated with high expression of hubs fit better for ICB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwen Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanchun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhong Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Cuncun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Renquan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Almeida Machado Costa C, Wang XF, Ellsworth C, Deng WM. Polyploidy in development and tumor models in Drosophila. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:106-118. [PMID: 34562587 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyploidy, a cell status defined as more than two sets of genomic DNA, is a conserved strategy across species that can increase cell size and biosynthetic production, but the functional aspects of polyploidy are nuanced and vary across cell types. Throughout Drosophila developmental stages (embryo, larva, pupa and adult), polyploid cells are present in numerous organs and help orchestrate development while contributing to normal growth, well-being and homeostasis of the organism. Conversely, increasing evidence has shown that polyploid cells are prevalent in Drosophila tumors and play important roles in tumor growth and invasiveness. Here, we summarize the genes and pathways involved in polyploidy during normal and tumorigenic development, the mechanisms underlying polyploidization, and the functional aspects of polyploidy in development, homeostasis and tumorigenesis in the Drosophila model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caique Almeida Machado Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Calder Ellsworth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
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15
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Pan Z, He Y, Zhu W, Xu T, Hu X, Huang P. A Dynamic Transcription Factor Signature Along the Colorectal Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence in Patients With Co-Occurrent Adenoma and Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:597447. [PMID: 34094897 PMCID: PMC8176860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.597447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) often arises from benign adenoma after a stepwise accumulation of genetic alterations. Here, we profiled the dynamic landscapes of transcription factors (TFs) in the mucosa-adenoma-carcinoma progression sequence. Methods The transcriptome data of co-occurrent adenoma, carcinoma, and normal mucosa samples were obtained from GSE117606. Identification of differentially expressed TFs (DE-TFs) and subsequent function annotation were conducted in R software. Expression patterns of DE-TFs were clustered by Short Time-series Expression Miner software. Thereafter, modular co-expression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, mutation profiling, and gene set enrichment analysis were conducted to investigate TF dynamics in colorectal tumorigenesis. Finally, tissue microarrays, including 51 tumors, 32 adenomas, and 53 normal tissues, were employed to examine the expression of significant candidates by immunohistochemistry staining. Results Compared to normal tissues, 20 (in adenoma samples) and 29 (in tumor samples) DE-TFs were identified. During the disease course, 28 expression patterns for DE-TFs and four co-expression modules were clustered. Notably, six DE-TFs, DACH1, GTF2IRD1, MEIS2, NR3C2, SOX9, and SPIB, were identified as having a dynamic signature along the colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence. The dynamic signature was of significance in GO enrichment, prognosis, and co-expression analysis. Among the 6-TF signature, the roles of GTF2IRD1, SPIB and NR3C2 in CRC progression are unclear. Immunohistochemistry validation showed that GTF2IRD1 enhanced significantly throughout the mucosa-adenoma-carcinoma sequence, while SPIB and NR3C2 kept decreasing in stroma during the disease course. Conclusions Our study provided a dynamic 6-TF signature throughout the course of colorectal mucosa-adenoma-carcinoma. These findings deepened the understanding of colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongfu Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying He
- Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Huzhou University, The First People's Hospital of Huzhou, Huzhou, China
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Liang X, Wu P, Yang Q, Xie Y, He C, Yin L, Yin Z, Yue G, Zou Y, Li L, Song X, Lv C, Zhang W, Jing B. An update of new small-molecule anticancer drugs approved from 2015 to 2020. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113473. [PMID: 33906047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A high incidence of cancer has given rise to the development of more anti-tumor drugs. From 2015 to 2020, fifty-six new small-molecule anticancer drugs, divided into ten categories according to their anti-tumor target activities, have been approved. These include TKIs (30 drugs), MAPK inhibitors (3 drugs), CDK inhibitors (3 drugs), PARP inhibitors (3 drugs), PI3K inhibitors (3 drugs), SMO receptor antagonists (2 drugs), AR antagonists (2 drugs), SSTR inhibitors (2 drugs), IDH inhibitors (2 drugs) and others (6 drugs). Among them, PTK inhibitors (30/56) have led to a paradigm shift in cancer treatment with less toxicity and more potency. Each of their structures, approval statuses, applications, SAR analyses, and original research synthesis routes have been summarized, giving us a more comprehensive map for further efforts to design more specific targeted agents for reducing cancer in the future. We believe this review will help further research of potential antitumor agents in clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liang
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China.
| | - Pan Wu
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Qian Yang
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Yunyu Xie
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Changliang He
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Lizi Yin
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Zhongqiong Yin
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Guizhou Yue
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Yuanfeng Zou
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Lixia Li
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Xu Song
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Cheng Lv
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
| | - Bo Jing
- Natural Medicine Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, PR China
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17
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Asl ER, Amini M, Najafi S, Mansoori B, Mokhtarzadeh A, Mohammadi A, Lotfinejad P, Bagheri M, Shirjang S, Lotfi Z, Rasmi Y, Baradaran B. Interplay between MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and MicroRNAs: A crucial mechanism regulating cancer cell metabolism and tumor progression. Life Sci 2021; 278:119499. [PMID: 33865878 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction, as a highly conserved signaling pathway, is reported to be involved in various biological events, including metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Mutations in key molecules involved in MAPK/ERK signaling and dysregulation of this pathway are very common events in various human malignancies, which make the MAPK signaling a crucial signaling pathway participating in the regulation of glucose uptake by malignant cells and tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small non-coding RNAs, are critical regulators of gene expression that play key roles in cancer initiation and progression. On the other hand, these small RNAs mutually regulate the MAPK signaling which is often overexpressed in the case of cancer progression; suggesting that crosstalk between miRNAs and this signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of human cancers. Some miRNAs such as miR-20b, miR-34c-3p, miR-152, miR-181a, and miR-302b through inhibiting MAPK signaling, and miR-193a-3p, miR-330-3p, and miR-592 by activating this signaling pathway, play imperative roles in tumorigenesis. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to focus on the interplay between miRNAs and MAPK signaling in the various steps of tumorigenesis, including metabolic regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Roshani Asl
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Parisa Lotfinejad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mehdi Bagheri
- Department of Biology, Khorasan Razavi Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Solmaz Shirjang
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ziba Lotfi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran..
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran..
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18
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Champion M, Chiquet J, Neuvial P, Elati M, Radvanyi F, Birmelé E. Identification of deregulation mechanisms specific to cancer subtypes. J Bioinform Comput Biol 2021; 19:2140003. [PMID: 33653235 DOI: 10.1142/s0219720021400035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In many cancers, mechanisms of gene regulation can be severely altered. Identification of deregulated genes, which do not follow the regulation processes that exist between transcription factors and their target genes, is of importance to better understand the development of the disease. We propose a methodology to detect deregulation mechanisms with a particular focus on cancer subtypes. This strategy is based on the comparison between tumoral and healthy cells. First, we use gene expression data from healthy cells to infer a reference gene regulatory network. Then, we compare it with gene expression levels in tumor samples to detect deregulated target genes. We finally measure the ability of each transcription factor to explain these deregulations. We apply our method on a public bladder cancer data set derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas project and confirm that it captures hallmarks of cancer subtypes. We also show that it enables the discovery of new potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Chiquet
- Université Paris Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, UMR MIA-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Neuvial
- Institut de Mathématiques de Toulouse, UMR 5219, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, France
| | - Mohamed Elati
- CANTHER, University of Lille, CNRS UMR 1277, Inserm U9020, 59045 Lille cedex, France
| | - François Radvanyi
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Birmelé
- Université de Paris, CNRS, MAP5 UMR8145, Paris, France.,Institut de Recherche Mathématique Avancée, UMR 7501 Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Strasbourg, France
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19
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Shen JF, Ge JF, Zheng SY, Jiang D. Integrative analysis of differential circular RNA and long non-coding RNA profiles and associated competing endogenous RNA networks in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2021; 21:125-138. [PMID: 33415515 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-020-00765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) play vital roles in the tumorigenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Nevertheless, the mechanism and regulatory network associated with this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs by RNA-seq. A total of 3265 mRNAs, 1084 lncRNAs, and 38 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed. Among these, 269 mRNAs were found to encode transcription factors (TFs). Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the dysregulated TFs are associated with the Hedgehog, Jak-STAT, TGF-beta, and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, we constructed co-expression networks to screen the core lncRNAs and circRNAs involved in the regulation of transcription factors in these four pathways. Finally, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of ESCC based on the abovementioned pathways. Our findings provide important insight into the role of lncRNAs and circRNAs in ESCC; the differentially expressed lncRNAs and circRNAs may represent potential targets for ESCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Feng Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, Taizhou Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University (Taizhou People's Hospital), Taizhou, China
| | - Jin-Feng Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ying Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Dong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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20
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Transcription factors in colorectal cancer: molecular mechanism and therapeutic implications. Oncogene 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 33323976 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CRC remain largely unclear. Recent studies have revealed crucial roles of transcription factors in CRC development. Transcription factors essential for the regulation of gene expression by interacting with transcription corepressor/enhancer complexes and they orchestrate downstream signal transduction. Deregulation of transcription factors is a frequent occurrence in CRC, and the accompanying drastic changes in gene expression profiles play fundamental roles in multistep process of tumorigenesis, from cellular transformation, disease progression to metastatic disease. Herein, we summarized current and emerging key transcription factors that participate in CRC tumorigenesis, and highlighted their oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions. Moreover, we presented critical transcription factors of CRC, emphasized the major molecular mechanisms underlying their effect on signal cascades associated with tumorigenesis, and summarized of their potential as molecular biomarkers for CRC prognosis therapeutic response, as well as drug targets for CRC treatment. A better understanding of transcription factors involved in the development of CRC will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and reveal novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for CRC.
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21
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Schwartz M, Portugez AS, Attia BZ, Tannenbaum M, Cohen L, Loza O, Chase E, Turman Y, Kaplan T, Salah Z, Hakim O. Genomic retargeting of p53 and CTCF is associated with transcriptional changes during oncogenic HRas-induced transformation. Commun Biol 2020; 3:696. [PMID: 33239721 PMCID: PMC7809021 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene transcription is regulated by distant regulatory elements via combinatorial binding of transcription factors. It is increasingly recognized that alterations in chromatin state and transcription factor binding in these distant regulatory elements may have key roles in cancer development. Here we focused on the first stages of oncogene-induced carcinogenic transformation, and characterized the regulatory network underlying transcriptional changes associated with this process. Using Hi-C data, we observe spatial coupling between differentially expressed genes and their differentially accessible regulatory elements and reveal two candidate transcription factors, p53 and CTCF, as determinants of transcriptional alterations at the early stages of oncogenic HRas-induced transformation in human mammary epithelial cells. Strikingly, the malignant transcriptional reprograming is promoted by redistribution of chromatin binding of these factors without major variation in their expression level. Our results demonstrate that alterations in the regulatory landscape have a major role in driving oncogene-induced transcriptional reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Schwartz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Avital Sarusi Portugez
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Bracha Zukerman Attia
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Miriam Tannenbaum
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Leslie Cohen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Olga Loza
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Emily Chase
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yousef Turman
- Al-Quds-Bard College for Arts and Sciences, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestinian Terretories, Palestine
| | - Tommy Kaplan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Zaidoun Salah
- Al-Quds-Bard College for Arts and Sciences, Al-Quds University, Abu Dis, Palestinian Terretories, Palestine
| | - Ofir Hakim
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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22
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Gheghiani L, Shang S, Fu Z. Targeting the PLK1-FOXO1 pathway as a novel therapeutic approach for treating advanced prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12327. [PMID: 32704044 PMCID: PMC7378169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69338-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) is considered to be a key tumor suppressor due to its involvement in a broad range of cancer-related functions, including cellular differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA damage. Given that inactivation of FOXO1 has been reported in many types of human cancer, we sought to investigate whether restoration of the pro-apoptotic activity of FOXO1 may be used as a new promising strategy for cancer treatment. Our previous study revealed that Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a serine/threonine kinase that is essential for cell cycle progression, is a novel and major regulator of FOXO1 in the late phases of the cell cycle. Here, we provided evidence that PLK1-dependent phosphorylation of FOXO1 induces its nuclear exclusion and negatively regulates FOXO1's transcriptional activity in prostate cancer (PCa). Blocking the PLK1-dependant phosphorylation of FOXO1 restored the pro-apoptotic function of FOXO1 in PCa. Combining PLK1 inhibition with nocodazole (to induce mitotic arrest) had synergistic antitumor effects in vitro, with minimal effect on normal prostate epithelial cells. These findings shed light on a novel approach to reactivate apoptotic pathways in advanced PCa and support targeting PLK1-FOXO1 pathways as a novel approach for treating advanced PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Gheghiani
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Shengzhe Shang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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Identification of PDL1-Related Biomarkers to Select Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients for PD1/PDL1 Inhibitors. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:7291586. [PMID: 32587640 PMCID: PMC7303743 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7291586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PD1/PDL1 inhibitors have been adopted for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, and PDL1 expression has been investigated as a predictive biomarker for PD1/PDL1 inhibitor therapy. However, PDL1 lacks diagnostic accuracy in differentiating patients who are likely or unlikely to benefit. So, it is urgent and clinically significant to identify other associated predictive biomarkers for PD1/PDL1 inhibitor therapy. Our work was to identify PDL1-related biomarkers that could improve the patient selection for PD1/PDL1 inhibitor treatment. We obtained 500 genes coexpressed with PDL1 in lung adenocarcinoma from the TCGA database. Then, we identified 125 out of 500 genes differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 39 genes were distinguished with prognostic value and associated with overall survival. Median survival time analysis based on gene expression level, protein-protein interaction analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, and significant GO and KEGG function consistency analyses were conducted to screen candidate biomarkers. Three candidate genes, BRCA1, BRIP1, and EREG, were identified to be functionally significantly coexpressed with PDL1. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks further showed that these genes mainly participated in immune response and cell activation. Additionally, to find potential adjuvant therapeutic targets in PD1/PDL1 inhibitor treatment, we performed transcription factor prediction analysis. A group of negative differential expression but PDL1-related biomarkers has been identified, which might help to assess the clinical management of lung cancer patients. A combination of potential biomarkers and adjuvant therapeutic targets with PDL1 will predict the response to PD1/PDL1 inhibitors more accurately and help with the patient selection for more personalized immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
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24
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de Araujo Junior RF, Eich C, Jorquera C, Schomann T, Baldazzi F, Chan AB, Cruz LJ. Ceramide and palmitic acid inhibit macrophage-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 468:153-168. [PMID: 32222879 PMCID: PMC7145792 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03719-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that ceramide (Cer) and palmitic acid (PA) possess the ability to modulate switching of macrophage phenotypes and possess anti-tumorigenic effects; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Cer and PA could induce switching of macrophage polarization from the tumorigenic M2- towards the pro-inflammatory M1-phenotype, and whether this consequently altered the potential of colorectal cancer cells to undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a hallmark of tumor progression. Our study showed that Cer- and PA-treated macrophages increased expression of the macrophage 1 (M1)-marker CD68 and secretion of IL-12 and attenuated expression of the macrophage 2 (M2)-marker CD163 and IL-10 secretion. Moreover, Cer and PA abolished M2 macrophage-induced EMT and migration of colorectal cancer cells. At the molecular level, this coincided with inhibition of SNAI1 and vimentin expression and upregulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, Cer and PA attenuated expression levels of IL-10 in colorectal cancer cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages and downregulated STAT3 and NF-κB expression. For the first time, our findings suggest the presence of an IL-10-STAT3-NF-κB signaling axis in colorectal cancer cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages, mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, PA and Cer were powerful inhibitors of this signaling axis and, consequently, EMT of colorectal cancer cells. These results contribute to our understanding of the immunological mechanisms that underlie the anti-tumorigenic effects of lipids for future combination with drugs in the therapy of colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo Fernandes de Araujo Junior
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil. .,Post-Graduation Programme in Structural and Functional Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil. .,Post-Graduation Programme in Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil. .,Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Christina Eich
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Jorquera
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Timo Schomann
- Percuros B.V., 2333 CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Baldazzi
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alan B Chan
- Percuros B.V., 2333 CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luis J Cruz
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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25
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Otálora-Otálora BA, Florez M, López-Kleine L, Canas Arboleda A, Grajales Urrego DM, Rojas A. Joint Transcriptomic Analysis of Lung Cancer and Other Lung Diseases. Front Genet 2019; 10:1260. [PMID: 31867044 PMCID: PMC6908522 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological and clinical evidence points cancer comorbidity with pulmonary chronic disease. The acquisition of some hallmarks of cancer by cells affected with lung pathologies as a cell adaptive mechanism to a shear stress, suggests that could be associated with the establishment of tumoral processes. Objective: To propose a bioinformatic pipeline for the identification of all deregulated genes and the transcriptional regulators (TFs) that are coexpressed during lung cancer establishment, and therefore could be important for the acquisition of the hallmarks of cancer. Methods: Ten microarray datasets (six of lung cancer, four of lung diseases) comparing normal and diseases-related lung tissue were selected to identify hub differentiated expressed genes (DEGs) in common between lung pathologies and lung cancer, along with transcriptional regulators through the utilization of specialized libraries from R language. DAVID bioinformatics tool for gene enrichment analyses was used to identify genes with experimental evidence associated to tumoral processes and signaling pathways. Coexpression networks of DEGs and TFs in lung cancer establishment were created with Coexnet library, and a survival analysis of the main hub genes was made. Results: Two hundred ten DEGs were identified in common between lung cancer and other lung diseases related to the acquisition of tumoral characteristics, which are coexpressed in a lung cancer network with TFs, suggesting that could be related to the establishment of the tumoral pathology in lung. The comparison of the coexpression networks of lung cancer and other lung diseases allowed the identification of common connectivity patterns (CCPs) with DEGs and TFs correlated to important tumoral processes and signaling pathways, that haven´t been studied to experimentally validate their role in the early stages of lung cancer. Some of the TFs identified showed a correlation between its expression levels and the survival of lung cancer patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that lung diseases share genes with lung cancer which are coexpressed in lung cancer, and might be able to explain the epidemiological observations that point to direct and inverse comorbid associations between some chronic lung diseases and lung cancer and represent a complex transcriptomic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Florez
- Departamento de Estadística, Grupo de Investigación en Bioinformática y Biología de sistemas – GiBBS, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Departamento de Estadística, Grupo de Investigación en Bioinformática y Biología de sistemas – GiBBS, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Adriana Rojas
- Instituto de Genética Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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26
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Xiang T, Tang J, Li L, Peng W, Du Z, Wang X, Li Q, Xu H, Xiong L, Xu C, Le X, Wei X, Yu F, Li S, Xiao Q, Luo B, Xiang X, Huang A, Lin Y, Ren G, Tao Q. Tumor suppressive BTB/POZ zinc-finger protein ZBTB28 inhibits oncogenic BCL6/ZBTB27 signaling to maintain p53 transcription in multiple carcinogenesis. Theranostics 2019; 9:8182-8195. [PMID: 31754389 PMCID: PMC6857043 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc-finger and BTB/POZ domain-containing family proteins (ZBTB) are important transcription factors functioning as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, such as BCL6/ZBTB27 as a key oncoprotein for anti-cancer therapy. Through epigenome study, we identified ZBTB28/BCL6B/BAZF, a BTB/POZ domain protein highly homologous to BCL6, as a methylated target in multiple tumors. However, the functions and mechanism of ZBTB28 in carcinogenesis remain unclear. Methods: ZBTB28 expression and methylation were examined by reverse-transcription PCR and methylation-specific PCR. The effects and mechanisms of ectopic ZBTB28 expression on tumor cells were assessed with molecular biological and cellular approaches in vitro and in vivo. Results: Albeit broadly expressed in multiple normal tissues, ZBTB28 is frequently downregulated in aero- and digestive carcinoma cell lines and primary tumors, and correlated with its promoter CpG methylation status. Further gain-of-function study showed that ZBTB28 functions as a tumor suppressor inhibiting carcinoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo, through inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of tumor cells. ZBTB28 suppresses cell migration and invasion by reversing EMT and cell stemness. ZBTB28 transactivates TP53 expression, through binding to the p53 promoter in competition with BCL6, while BCL6 itself was also found to be a direct target repressed by ZBTB28. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ZBTB28 functions as a tumor suppressor through competing with BCL6 for targeting p53 regulation. This newly identified ZBTB28/BCL6/p53 regulatory axis provides further molecular insight into carcinogenesis mechanisms and has implications in further improving BCL6-based anticancer therapy.
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27
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Kehl T, Schneider L, Kattler K, Stöckel D, Wegert J, Gerstner N, Ludwig N, Distler U, Schick M, Keller U, Tenzer S, Gessler M, Walter J, Keller A, Graf N, Meese E, Lenhof HP. REGGAE: a novel approach for the identification of key transcriptional regulators. Bioinformatics 2019; 34:3503-3510. [PMID: 29741575 PMCID: PMC6184769 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/bty372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivation Transcriptional regulators play a major role in most biological processes. Alterations in their activities are associated with a variety of diseases and in particular with tumor development and progression. Hence, it is important to assess the effects of deregulated regulators on pathological processes. Results Here, we present REGulator-Gene Association Enrichment (REGGAE), a novel method for the identification of key transcriptional regulators that have a significant effect on the expression of a given set of genes, e.g. genes that are differentially expressed between two sample groups. REGGAE uses a Kolmogorov-Smirnov-like test statistic that implicitly combines associations between regulators and their target genes with an enrichment approach to prioritize the influence of transcriptional regulators. We evaluated our method in two different application scenarios, which demonstrate that REGGAE is well suited for uncovering the influence of transcriptional regulators and is a valuable tool for the elucidation of complex regulatory mechanisms. Availability and implementation REGGAE is freely available at https://regulatortrail.bioinf.uni-sb.de. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kehl
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Lara Schneider
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Kathrin Kattler
- Department of Genetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Daniel Stöckel
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Jenny Wegert
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute/Biocenter, Developmental Biochemistry, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nico Gerstner
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Nicole Ludwig
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for Immunology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Schick
- Department of Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keller
- Department of Internal Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred Gessler
- Theodor-Boveri-Institute/Biocenter, Developmental Biochemistry, and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Andreas Keller
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
| | - Norbert Graf
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical School, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Lenhof
- Center for Bioinformatics, Saarland Informatics Campus, Saarland University, Saarbrücken D-66041, Germany
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28
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De Bastiani MA, Klamt F. Integrated transcriptomics reveals master regulators of lung adenocarcinoma and novel repositioning of drug candidates. Cancer Med 2019; 8:6717-6729. [PMID: 31503425 PMCID: PMC6825976 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung adenocarcinoma is the major cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Given this, the importance of research on its pathophysiology and therapy remains a key health issue. To assist in this endeavor, recent oncology studies are adopting Systems Biology approaches and bioinformatics to analyze and understand omics data, bringing new insights about this disease and its treatment. METHODS We used reverse engineering of transcriptomic data to reconstruct nontumorous lung reference networks, focusing on transcription factors (TFs) and their inferred target genes, referred as regulatory units or regulons. Afterwards, we used 13 case-control studies to identify TFs acting as master regulators of the disease and their regulatory units. Furthermore, the inferred activation patterns of regulons were used to evaluate patient survival and search drug candidates for repositioning. RESULTS The regulatory units under the influence of ATOH8, DACH1, EPAS1, ETV5, FOXA2, FOXM1, HOXA4, SMAD6, and UHRF1 transcription factors were consistently associated with the pathological phenotype, suggesting that they may be master regulators of lung adenocarcinoma. We also observed that the inferred activity of FOXA2, FOXM1, and UHRF1 was significantly associated with risk of death in patients. Finally, we obtained deptropine, promazine, valproic acid, azacyclonol, methotrexate, and ChemBridge ID compound 5109870 as potential candidates to revert the molecular profile leading to decreased survival. CONCLUSION Using an integrated transcriptomics approach, we identified master regulator candidates involved with the development and prognostic of lung adenocarcinoma, as well as potential drugs for repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antônio De Bastiani
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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29
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Liu F, Zhang H, Xue L, Yang Q, Yan W. Molecular profiling of transcription factors pinpoints MYC-estrogen related receptor α-regulatory factor X5 panel for characterizing the immune microenvironment and predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in renal cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:1895-1903. [PMID: 31423259 PMCID: PMC6614680 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in biological processes, and previous studies revealed that they can control oncogenic processes. However, the functional impact of TFs on the prognosis of patients with cancer has not been extensively elucidated. In the context of The Cancer Genome Atlas, few studies have focused on the roles of TFs in tumorigenesis. In the present study, a TF-based robust MYC-estrogen related receptor α-regulatory factor X5 (MYC-ESRRA-RFX5) signature was developed for predicting the survival of patients with renal cell carcinoma. Functional enrichment analysis of this signature revealed that it was associated with the immune system of these patients. Further analysis demonstrated that this panel could characterize the immune microenvironment and potentially predicts the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, the present study recommends future exploration on TF-based biomarkers for their potential as prognostic predictors. Overall, the highlights of this study are: i) This novel study pinpoints a TF panel for the robust prediction of renal cell carcinoma prognosis, and ii) the MYC-ESRRA-RFX5 panel is proposed as a signature for characterizing the immune microenvironment, and to potentially predict the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Hospital of The Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Family Planning Service Center for Maternal and Child Health in Zhouqu County, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Qiankun Yang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, P.R. China
| | - Wanchun Yan
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of The Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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30
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Andersson MK, Åman P, Stenman G. IGF2/IGF1R Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in MYB-Positive Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas and Other Fusion Gene-Driven Tumors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080913. [PMID: 31426421 PMCID: PMC6721700 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome rearrangements resulting in pathogenetically important gene fusions are a common feature of many cancers. They are often potent oncogenic drivers and have key functions in central cellular processes and pathways and encode transcription factors, transcriptional co-regulators, growth factor receptors, tyrosine kinases, and chromatin modifiers. In addition to being useful diagnostic biomarkers, they are also targets for development of new molecularly targeted therapies. Studies in recent decades have shown that several oncogenic gene fusions interact with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway. For example, the MYB-NFIB fusion in adenoid cystic carcinoma is regulated by IGF1R through an autocrine loop, and IGF1R is a downstream target of the EWSR1-WT1 and PAX3-FKHR fusions in desmoplastic small round cell tumors and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, respectively. Here, we will discuss the mechanisms behind the interactions between oncogenic gene fusions and the IGF signaling pathway. We will also discuss the role of therapeutic inhibition of IGF1R in fusion gene driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias K Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Pierre Åman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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31
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Xu L, Hao H, Hao Y, Wei G, Li G, Ma P, Xu L, Ding N, Ma S, Chen AF, Jiang Y. Aberrant MFN2 transcription facilitates homocysteine-induced VSMCs proliferation via the increased binding of c-Myc to DNMT1 in atherosclerosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4611-4626. [PMID: 31104361 PMCID: PMC6584594 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well‐established that homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Hcy can promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, it plays a key role in neointimal formation and thus contribute to arteriosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanism on VSMCs proliferation underlying atherosclerosis is not well elucidated. Mitofusin‐2 (MFN2) is an important transmembrane GTPase in the mitochondrial outer membrane and it can block cells in the G0/G1 stage of the cell cycle. To investigate the contribution of aberrant MFN2 transcription in Hcy‐induced VSMCs proliferation and the underlying mechanisms. Cell cycle analysis revealed a decreased proportion of VSMCs in G0/G1 and an increased proportion in S phase in atherosclerotic plaque of APOE−/− mice with hyperhomocystinaemia (HHcy) as well as in VSMCs exposed to Hcy in vitro. The DNA methylation level of MFN2 promoter was obviously increased in VSMCs treated with Hcy, leading to suppressed promoter activity and low expression of MFN2. In addition, we found that the expression of c‐Myc was increased in atherosclerotic plaque and VSMCs treated with Hcy. Further study showed that c‐Myc indirectly regulates MFN2 expression is duo to the binding of c‐Myc to DNMT1 promoter up‐regulates DNMT1 expression leading to DNA hypermethylation of MFN2 promoter, thereby inhibits MFN2 expression in VSMCs treated with Hcy. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Hcy‐induced hypermethylation of MFN2 promoter inhibits the transcription of MFN2, leading to VSMCs proliferation in plaque formation, and the increased binding of c‐Myc to DNMT1 promoter is a new and relevant molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hongyi Hao
- The People's Hospital in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yinju Hao
- The People's Hospital in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guo Wei
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Guizhong Li
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Pengjun Ma
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Lingbo Xu
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shengchao Ma
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Alex F Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yideng Jiang
- Ningxia Vascular Injury and Repair Research Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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32
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RUNX family: Oncogenes or tumor suppressors (Review). Oncol Rep 2019; 42:3-19. [PMID: 31059069 PMCID: PMC6549079 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX) proteins belong to a transcription factors family known as master regulators of important embryonic developmental programs. In the last decade, the whole family has been implicated in the regulation of different oncogenic processes and signaling pathways associated with cancer. Furthermore, a suppressor tumor function has been also reported, suggesting the RUNX family serves key role in all different types of cancer. In this review, the known biological characteristics, specific regulatory abilities and experimental evidence of RUNX proteins will be analyzed to demonstrate their oncogenic potential and tumor suppressor abilities during oncogenic processes, suggesting their importance as biomarkers of cancer. Additionally, the importance of continuing with the molecular studies of RUNX proteins' and its dual functions in cancer will be underlined in order to apply it in the future development of specific diagnostic methods and therapies against different types of cancer.
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Li S, Lv M, Qiu S, Meng J, Liu W, Zuo J, Yang L. NF-κB p65 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration via regulating mortalin. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4338-4348. [PMID: 30983127 PMCID: PMC6533498 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies show that mortalin, a HSP70 family member, contributes to the development and progression of ovarian cancer. However, details of the transcriptional regulation of mortalin remain unknown. We aimed to determine whether NF‐κB p65 participates in the regulation of mortalin expression in ovarian cancer cells and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were used to identify mortalin gene sequences, to which NF‐κB p65 binds. Results indicated that NF‐κB p65 binds to the mortalin promoter at a site with the sequence ‘CGGGGTTTCA’. Using lentiviral pLVX‐NF‐κB‐puro and Lentivirus‐delivered NF‐κB short hairpin RNA (shRNA), we created ovarian cancer cell lines in which NF‐κB p65 was stably up‐regulated and down‐regulated. Using these cells, we found that downregulation of NF‐κB p65 inhibits the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Further experimental evidence indicated that downregulation of NF‐κB p65 reduced mortalin, and upregulation of mortalin rescued the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells reduced by NF‐κB p65 knockdown. In conclusion, NF‐κB p65 binds to the mortalin promoter and promotes ovarian cancer cells proliferation and migration via regulating mortalin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyuan Lv
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Qiu
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaqi Meng
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Zuo
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Differential effects, on oncogenic pathway signalling, by derivatives of the HNF4 α inhibitor BI6015. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:488-498. [PMID: 30792535 PMCID: PMC6461897 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly heterogeneous disease with few “targeted” therapeutic options. Previously, we demonstrated involvement of the transcription factor HNF4α in human GC tumours, and the developmental signal mediator, WNT5A, as a prognostic GC biomarker. One previously developed HNF4α antagonist, BI6015, while not advancing beyond preclinical stages, remains useful for studying GC. Methods Here, we characterised the antineoplastic signalling activity of derivatives of BI6015, including transfer of the nitro group from the para position, relative to a methyl group on its benzene ring, to the ortho- and meta positions. We assessed binding efficacy, through surface plasmon resonance and docking studies, while biologic activity was assessed by antimitogenic efficacy against a panel of GC cell lines, and dysregulated transcriptomes, followed by pathway and subpathway analysis. Results The para derivative of BI6105 was found substantially more growth inhibitory, and effective, in downregulating numerous oncogenic signal pathways, including the embryonic cascade WNT. The ortho and meta derivatives, however, failed to downregulate WNT or other embryonic signalling pathways, unable to suppress GC growth. Conclusion Straightforward strategies, employing bioinformatics analyses, to facilitate the effective design and development of “druggable” transcription factor inhibitors, are useful for targeting specific oncogenic signalling pathways, in GC and other cancers.
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Mitra P, Deshmukh AS, Gurupwar R, Kashyap P. Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Spt5 like transcription elongation factor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2019; 1862:184-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Beretta GL, Corno C, Zaffaroni N, Perego P. Role of FoxO Proteins in Cellular Response to Antitumor Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010090. [PMID: 30646603 PMCID: PMC6356788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
FoxO proteins (FoxOs) are transcription factors with a common DNA binding domain that confers selectivity for DNA interaction. In human cells, four proteins (FoxO1, FoxO3, FoxO4 and FoxO6), with redundant activity, exhibit mainly a positive effect on genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis regulation and drug resistance. Thus, FoxOs can affect cell response to antitumor agent treatment. Their transcriptional activity depends on post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, and mono/poly-ubiquitination. Additionally, alterations in microRNA network impact on FoxO transcripts and in turn on FoxO levels. Reduced expression of FoxO1 has been associated with resistance to conventional agents (e.g., cisplatin) and with reduced efficacy of drug combinations in ovarian carcinoma cells. FoxO3 has been shown as a mediator of cisplatin toxicity in colorectal cancer. A requirement for FoxO3-induced apoptosis has been reported in cells exposed to targeted agents (e.g., gefitinib). Recently, the possibility to interfere with FoxO1 localization has been proposed as a valuable approach to improve cell sensitivity to cisplatin, because nuclear retention of FoxO1 may favor the induction of pro-apoptotic genes. This review focuses on the role of FoxOs in drug treatment response in tumor cells and discusses the impact of the expression of these transcription factors on drug resistance/sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luca Beretta
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Cristina Corno
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Nadia Zaffaroni
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Laissue P. The forkhead-box family of transcription factors: key molecular players in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:5. [PMID: 30621735 PMCID: PMC6325735 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-0938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly occurring cancer worldwide and the fourth most frequent cause of death having an oncological origin. It has been found that transcription factors (TF) dysregulation, leading to the significant expression modifications of genes, is a widely distributed phenomenon regarding human malignant neoplasias. These changes are key determinants regarding tumour’s behaviour as they contribute to cell differentiation/proliferation, migration and metastasis, as well as resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family consists of an evolutionarily conserved group of transcriptional regulators engaged in numerous functions during development and adult life. Their dysfunction has been associated with human diseases. Several FOX gene subgroup transcriptional disturbances, affecting numerous complex molecular cascades, have been linked to a wide range of cancer types highlighting their potential usefulness as molecular biomarkers. At least 14 FOX subgroups have been related to CRC pathogenesis, thereby underlining their role for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment purposes. This manuscript aims to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive review of FOX genes’ roles during CRC pathogenesis. The molecular and functional characteristics of most relevant FOX molecules (FOXO, FOXM1, FOXP3) have been described within the context of CRC biology, including their usefulness regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Potential CRC therapeutics (including genome-editing approaches) involving FOX regulation have also been included. Taken together, the information provided here should enable a better understanding of FOX genes’ function in CRC pathogenesis for basic science researchers and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Laissue
- Center For Research in Genetics and Genomics-CIGGUR, GENIUROS Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 N° 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Yeasmin Khusbu F, Zhou X, Chen H, Ma C, Wang K. Thioflavin T as a fluorescence probe for biosensing applications. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Wang R, Lin J, Bagchi RA. Novel molecular therapeutic targets in cardiac fibrosis: a brief overview 1. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 97:246-256. [PMID: 30388374 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, abolishes cardiac contractility, impairs cardiac function, and ultimately leads to heart failure. In recent years, significant evidence has emerged that supports the highly dynamic and responsive nature of the cardiac extracellular matrix. Although our knowledge of cardiac fibrosis has advanced tremendously over the past decade, there is still a lack of specific therapies owing to an incomplete understanding of the disease etiology and process. In this review, we attempt to highlight some of the recently investigated molecular determinants of ischemic and non-ischemic fibrotic remodeling of the myocardium that present as promising avenues for development of anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Wang
- a Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Justin Lin
- b Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Rushita A Bagchi
- c Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Lin X, Jiang T, Bai J, Li J, Wang T, Xiao J, Tian Y, Jin X, Shao T, Xu J, Chen L, Wang L, Li Y. Characterization of Transcriptome Transition Associates Long Noncoding RNAs with Glioma Progression. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 13:620-632. [PMID: 30472640 PMCID: PMC6251785 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in cancer biogenesis and prognosis. However, we still lack knowledge on their function during glioma progression. In this study, we analyzed the lncRNA expression profile across 907 glioma patients in grades II, III, and IV. Widespread dynamic expression of lncRNAs during glioma progression was revealed, and we identified 33 onco-lncRNAs and 61 tumor suppressor lncRNAs. We found that the expression of these oncogenic lncRNAs is regulated by grade-specific expressed transcription factors. Based on the “guilt by association” rule, we predicted the potential functions of oncogenic lncRNAs, and the majority of these lncRNAs are involved in cancer hallmarks. Especially we found that CARD8-AS1 regulates the metastatic potential of glioma cell lines in vitro. Integrating clinical information, we identified the 12 protective and 8 risk lncRNAs (such as PWAR6 and CARD8-AS1) in glioma. Finally, an lncRNA-gene functional module was identified to be associated with the survival of patients. The predictive ability of this module signature was further validated in an independent dataset. Our results revealed the dynamic transcriptome transition during glioma progression, indicating that the lncRNA signature could be a useful biomarker that may improve upon our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Lin
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Tiantongfei Jiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Jing Bai
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Junyi Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Tianshi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Yi Tian
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Xiyun Jin
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Tingting Shao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Juan Xu
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China
| | - Lingchao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
| | - Yongsheng Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, China.
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Moreira D, Adamus T, Zhao X, Su YL, Zhang Z, White SV, Swiderski P, Lu X, DePinho RA, Pal SK, Kortylewski M. STAT3 Inhibition Combined with CpG Immunostimulation Activates Antitumor Immunity to Eradicate Genetically Distinct Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:5948-5962. [PMID: 30337279 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate cancers show remarkable resistance to emerging immunotherapies, partly due to tolerogenic STAT3 signaling in tumor-associated myeloid cells. Here, we describe a novel strategy combining STAT3 inhibition with Toll-like Receptor 9 (TLR9) stimulation to unleash immune response against prostate cancers regardless of the genetic background. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed and validated a conjugate of the STAT3 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) tethered to immunostimulatory TLR9 agonist (CpG oligonucleotide) to improve targeting of human and mouse prostate cancer and myeloid immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). RESULTS CpG-STAT3ASO conjugates showed improved biodistribution and potency of STAT3 knockdown in target cells in vitro and in vivo. Systemic administration of CpG-STAT3ASO (5 mg/kg) eradicated bone-localized, Ras/Myc-driven, and Ptenpc -/- Smad4pc -/- Trp53c -/- prostate tumors in the majority of treated mice. These antitumor effects were primarily immune-mediated and correlated with an increased ratio of CD8+ to regulatory T cells and reduced pSTAT3+/PD-L1+ MDSCs. Both innate and adaptive immunity contributed to systemic antitumor responses as verified by the depletion of Gr1+ myeloid cells and CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively. Importantly, only the bifunctional CpG-STAT3ASO, but not control CpG oligonucleotides, STAT3ASO alone, or the coinjection of both oligonucleotides, succeeded in recruiting neutrophils and CD8+ T cells into tumors. Thus, the concurrence of TLR9 activation with STAT3 inhibition in the same cellular compartment is indispensable for overcoming tumor immune tolerance and effective antitumor immunity against prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS The bifunctional, immunostimulatory, and tolerance-breaking design of CpG-STAT3ASO offers a blueprint for the development of effective and safer oligonucleotide strategies for treatment of immunologically "cold" human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayson Moreira
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Tomasz Adamus
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Xingli Zhao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Yu-Lin Su
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Zhuoran Zhang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Seok Voon White
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Laboratory, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sumanta K Pal
- Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California.
| | - Marcin Kortylewski
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California. .,Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
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Almuttaqi H, Udalova IA. Advances and challenges in targeting IRF5, a key regulator of inflammation. FEBS J 2018; 286:1624-1637. [PMID: 30199605 PMCID: PMC6563445 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) belongs to a family of transcription factors, originally implicated in antiviral responses and interferon production. However, studies conducted in different laboratories over the last decade have placed IRF5 as a central regulator of the inflammatory response. It has become clear that IRF5 contributes to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Given the role of IRF5 in physiology and disease, IRF5 represents a potential therapeutic target. However, despite a significant interest from the pharmaceutical industry, inhibitors that interfere with the IRF5 pathway remain elusive. Here, we review the advances made by various studies in targeting multiple steps of signalling leading to IRF5 activation with their therapeutic potential, and the possible complications of such strategies are discussed.
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Portugal J. Challenging transcription by DNA-binding antitumor drugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 155:336-345. [PMID: 30040927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been associated with altered gene expression. Therefore, transcription and its regulation by transcription factors are considered key points to be explored in the pursuit of more efficient antitumor agents. This paper reviews the effects of DNA-binding drugs on the interaction between transcription factors and DNA, and it discusses recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms by which small compounds interfere with the activity of transcription factors and gene expression. Many DNA-binding drugs, some of them in clinical use, can compete with a variety of transcription factors for their preferred binding sites in gene promoters, or they can covalently modify DNA, thus preventing transcription factors from recognizing their binding sites. On the other hand, transcription factor activity can be impaired through modification of the protein factors or their complexes. Several "omic" tools have been developed to explore the genome-wide changes in gene expression induced by DNA-binding drugs, which reveal details of the mechanisms of action. Transcriptomic profiles obtained from drug-treated cells and of samples collected from patients upon treatment provide insights into the in vivo mechanisms of drug action related to the inhibition of gene transcription. The information available about the molecular structure and mechanisms of action of both transcription factors and DNA-binding drugs, together with the new opportunities provided by functional genomics, should encourage the development of new more-selective DNA-binding antitumor drugs to target a single gene with little effect on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Portugal
- Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua, CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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FOXC1 plays a crucial role in the growth of pancreatic cancer. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:52. [PMID: 29976975 PMCID: PMC6033944 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IGF-1R signaling controls various vital cellular functions and this signaling is deregulated in many cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Several efforts have mainly focused on inhibiting the IGF-1R signaling cascade. The outcomes of these focused preclinical studies have been positive, whereas clinical trials of IGF-1R inhibitors in pancreatic cancer have failed, raising the questions about this therapeutic approach. This necessitates a better understanding of the role of IGF-1R signaling in pancreatic cancer. We investigated the impact of IGF-1R signaling on crucial transcription factors and identified the FOXC1 as one of the crucial regulator of IGF-1R signaling. We employed genetic approaches to overexpress and silence FOXC1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that IGF-1R and FOXC1 seem to positively regulate each other. Further, FOXC1 increased the metastatic abilities of pancreatic cancer cells by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. The data from xenograft experiments further established the importance of FOXC1 in pancreatic tumorigenesis. In conclusion, FOXC1 is a potent oncogenic transcription factor, which promotes pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Thus, targeting FOXC1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer.
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De Bastiani MA, Pfaffenseller B, Klamt F. Master Regulators Connectivity Map: A Transcription Factors-Centered Approach to Drug Repositioning. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:697. [PMID: 30034338 PMCID: PMC6043797 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a very expensive and time-consuming endeavor. Fortunately, recent omics technologies and Systems Biology approaches introduced interesting new tools to achieve this task, facilitating the repurposing of already known drugs to new therapeutic assignments using gene expression data and bioinformatics. The inherent role of transcription factors in gene expression modulation makes them strong candidates for master regulators of phenotypic transitions. However, transcription factors expression itself usually does not reflect its activity changes due to post-transcriptional modifications and other complications. In this aspect, the use of high-throughput transcriptomic data may be employed to infer transcription factors-targets interactions and assess their activity through co-expression networks, which can be further used to search for drugs capable of reverting the gene expression profile of pathological phenotypes employing the connectivity maps paradigm. Following this idea, we argue that a module-oriented connectivity map approach using transcription factors-centered networks would aid the query for new repositioning candidates. Through a brief case study, we explored this idea in bipolar disorder, retrieving known drugs used in the usual clinical scenario as well as new candidates with potential therapeutic application in this disease. Indeed, the results of the case study indicate just how promising our approach may be to drug repositioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De Bastiani
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bianca Pfaffenseller
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Clinicas Hospital of Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Hanson C, Cairns J, Wang L, Sinha S. Principled multi-omic analysis reveals gene regulatory mechanisms of phenotype variation. Genome Res 2018; 28:1207-1216. [PMID: 29898900 PMCID: PMC6071639 DOI: 10.1101/gr.227066.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have analyzed large-scale data sets of gene expression to identify genes associated with interindividual variation in phenotypes ranging from cancer subtypes to drug sensitivity, promising new avenues of research in personalized medicine. However, gene expression data alone is limited in its ability to reveal cis-regulatory mechanisms underlying phenotypic differences. In this study, we develop a new probabilistic model, called pGENMi, that integrates multi-omic data to investigate the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying interindividual variation of a specific phenotype—that of cell line response to cytotoxic treatment. In particular, pGENMi simultaneously analyzes genotype, DNA methylation, gene expression, and transcription factor (TF)-DNA binding data, along with phenotypic measurements, to identify TFs regulating the phenotype. It does so by combining statistical information about expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and expression-correlated methylation marks (eQTMs) located within TF binding sites, as well as observed correlations between gene expression and phenotype variation. Application of pGENMi to data from a panel of lymphoblastoid cell lines treated with 24 drugs, in conjunction with ENCODE TF ChIP data, yielded a number of known as well as novel (TF, Drug) associations. Experimental validations by TF knockdown confirmed 41% of the predicted and tested associations, compared to a 12% confirmation rate of tested nonassociations (controls). An extensive literature survey also corroborated 62% of the predicted associations above a stringent threshold. Moreover, associations predicted only when combining eQTL and eQTM data showed higher precision compared to an eQTL-only or eQTM-only analysis using pGENMi, further demonstrating the value of multi-omic integrative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Hanson
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Junmei Cairns
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Liewei Wang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Department of Computer Science and Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Mammoto T, Muyleart M, Konduri GG, Mammoto A. Twist1 in Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Hypertension through Transforming Growth Factor-β-Smad Signaling. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2018; 58:194-207. [PMID: 28915063 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0323oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating pulmonary vascular disease characterized by aberrant muscularization of the normally nonmuscularized distal pulmonary arterioles. The expression of the transcription factor, Twist1, increases in the lungs of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, the mechanisms by which Twist1 controls the pathogenesis of PH remain unclear. It is becoming clear that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) contributes to various vascular pathologies, including PH; Twist1 is known to mediate EndMT. In this report, we demonstrate that Twist1 overexpression increases transforming growth factor (TGF) β receptor2 (TGF-βR2) expression and Smad2 phosphorylation, and induces EndMT in cultured human pulmonary arterial endothelial (HPAE) cells, whereas a mutant construct of Twist1 at the serine 42 residue (Twist1S42A) fails to induce EndMT. We also implanted fibrin gel supplemented with HPAE cells on the mouse lung, and found that these HPAE cells form vascular structures and that Twist1-overexpressing HPAE cells undergo EndMT in the gel, whereas Twist1S42A-overexpressing cells do not. Furthermore, hypoxia-induced EndMT is inhibited in endothelial cells overexpressing Twist1S42A mutant construct in vitro. Hypoxia-induced accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in the pulmonary arterioles is attenuated in Tie2-specific Twist1 conditional knockout mice in vivo. These findings suggest that Twist1 serine 42 phosphorylation plays a key role in EndMT through TGF-β signaling and that modulation of Twist1 phosphorylation could be an effective strategy for managing PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadanori Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and.,2 Department of Radiology and
| | - Megan Muyleart
- 2 Department of Radiology and.,3 Department of Pediatrics Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - G Ganesh Konduri
- 3 Department of Pediatrics Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Akiko Mammoto
- 1 Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and.,3 Department of Pediatrics Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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48
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TWIST1 induces expression of discoidin domain receptor 2 to promote ovarian cancer metastasis. Oncogene 2018; 37:1714-1729. [PMID: 29348456 PMCID: PMC5876071 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The mesenchymal gene program has been shown to promote the metastatic progression of ovarian cancer; however, specific proteins induced by this program that lead to these metastatic behaviors have not been identified. Using patient derived tumor cells and established human ovarian tumor cell lines, we find that the Epithelial-to –Mesenchymal Transition inducing factor TWIST1 drives expression of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that recognizes fibrillar collagen as ligand. The expression and action of DDR2 was critical for mesothelial cell clearance, invasion and migration in ovarian tumor cells. It does so, in part, by upregulating expression and activity of matrix remodeling enzymes that lead to increased cleavage of fibronectin and spreading of tumor cells. Additionally, DDR2 stabilizes SNAIL1, allowing for sustained mesenchymal phenotype. In patient derived ovarian cancer specimens, DDR2 expression correlated with enhanced invasiveness. DDR2 expression was associated with advanced stage ovarian tumors and metastases. In vivo studies demonstrated that the presence of DDR2 is critical for ovarian cancer metastasis. These findings indicate that the collagen receptor DDR2 is critical for multiple steps of ovarian cancer progression to metastasis, and thus, identifies DDR2 as a potential new target for the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer.
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49
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Rajagopal C, Lankadasari MB, Aranjani JM, Harikumar KB. Targeting oncogenic transcription factors by polyphenols: A novel approach for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:273-291. [PMID: 29305909 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is one of the major causative factor of cancer and chronic inflammation is involved in all the major steps of cancer initiation, progression metastasis and drug resistance. The molecular mechanism of inflammation driven cancer is the complex interplay between oncogenic and tumor suppressive transcription factors which include FOXM1, NF-kB, STAT3, Wnt/β- Catenin, HIF-1α, NRF2, androgen and estrogen receptors. Several products derived from natural sources modulate the expression and activity of multiple transcription factors in various tumor models as evident from studies conducted in cell lines, pre-clinical models and clinical samples. Further combination of these natural products along with currently approved cancer therapies added an additional advantage and they considered as promising targets for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer. In this review we discuss the application of multi-targeting natural products by analyzing the literature and future directions for their plausible applications in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Rajagopal
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Manendra Babu Lankadasari
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Jesil Mathew Aranjani
- Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - K B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India.
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50
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Heppler LN, Frank DA. Rare mutations provide unique insight into oncogenic potential of STAT transcription factors. J Clin Invest 2017; 128:113-115. [PMID: 29199995 DOI: 10.1172/jci98619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate activation of transcription factors, including STATs, is known to promote tumor initiation and progression. The most common mechanisms of misregulation lead to constitutive activation of WT STATs. However, the recent discovery of rare STAT mutations in hematopoietic malignancies suggests that STAT mutants may be oncogenic. In this issue of the JCI, Pham et al. use a transgenic mouse model to demonstrate that STAT5BN642H is sufficient for the development of T cell neoplasia. This study, along with other studies of constitutively active STAT mutants, provides insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of STAT5-driven cancer.
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