1
|
Liu Y, Shao K, Yang W, Shen Q, Lu M, Shao Z, Chu S, Wang Y, Wang X, Chen X, Bai J, Wu X. Phosphorylated FOXQ1, a novel substrate of JNK1, inhibits sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by activating ETHE1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:395. [PMID: 38839744 PMCID: PMC11153576 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06789-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous and malignant cancer with poor overall survival. The application of sorafenib is a major breakthrough in the treatment of HCC. In our study, FOXQ1 was significantly overexpressed in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells and suppressed sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. We found that phosphorylation of FOXQ1 at serine 248 is critical for the suppression of sorafenib-induced ferroptosis. Furthermore, as the upstream phosphorylation kinase of FOXQ1, JNK1, which is activated by sorafenib, can directly phosphorylate the serine 248 site of FOXQ1. Then, the phosphorylated FOXQ1 got a high affinity for the promoter of ETHE1 and activates its transcription. Further flow cytometry results showed that ETHE1 reduced intracellular lipid peroxidation and iron levels. Collectively, our study implicated the JNK1-FOXQ1-ETHE1 axis in HCC ferroptosis induced by sorafenib, providing mechanistic insight into sensitivity to sorafenib therapy of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Liu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Shao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Rugao, Affiliated Rugao Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wendong Yang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi Shen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengru Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiying Shao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sufang Chu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jin Bai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sapoor S, Nageh M, Shalma NM, Sharaf R, Haroun N, Salama E, Pratama Umar T, Sharma S, Sayad R. Bidirectional relationship between pancreatic cancer and diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive literature review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:3522-3529. [PMID: 38846873 PMCID: PMC11152885 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal malignant disease. It is well known that the relationship between PC and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated bidirectional relationship. The most important factors causing increased risks of pancreatic cancer are hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinemia, pancreatitis, and dyslipidemia. Genetics and the immune system also play an important role in the relationship between diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer. The primary contributors to this association involve insulin resistance and inflammatory processes within the tumour microenvironment. The combination of diabetes and obesity can contribute to PC by inducing hyperinsulinemia and influencing leptin and adiponectin levels. Given the heightened incidence of pancreatic cancer in diabetes patients compared to the general population, early screening for pancreatic cancer is recommended. Diabetes negatively impacts the survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Among patients receiving chemotherapy, it reduced their survival. The implementation of a healthy lifestyle, including weight management, serves as an initial preventive measure to mitigate the risk of disease development. The role of anti-diabetic drugs on survival is controversial; however, metformin may have a positive impact, especially in the early stages of cancer, while insulin therapy increases the risk of PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rana Sharaf
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria
| | - Nooran Haroun
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria
| | - Esraa Salama
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria
| | | | | | - Reem Sayad
- Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li W, Wang Z, Liang J, Xia B, Chen R, Chen T. Role of Medaka ( Oryzias latipes) Foxo3 in Resistance to Nervous Necrosis Virus Infection. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1587. [PMID: 38891634 PMCID: PMC11171044 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111587] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Upon encountering a virus, fish initiate an innate immune response, guided by IFNs. Foxo3 plays a part in the body's immune response; however, its specific role in the IFN-guided immune response in fish is yet to be clarified. In this study, we characterized foxo3 in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and examined its role in the IFN-dependent immune response upon infection with the RGNNV. The results show that the coding region of the medaka foxo3 gene is 2007 base pairs long, encoding 668 amino acids, and possesses a typical forkhead protein family structural domain. The product of this gene shares high homology with foxo3 in other fish species and is widely expressed, especially in the brain, eyes, testes, and heart. Upon RGNNV infection, foxo3-/- mutant larvae showed a lower mortality rate, and adults exhibited a significant reduction in virus replication. Moreover, the absence of foxo3 expression led to an increase in the expression of irf3, and a decrease in the expression of other IFN-related genes such as tbk1 and mapk9, implying that foxo3 may function as a negative regulator in the antiviral signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial insights for disease-resistant breeding in the aquaculture industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (W.L.); (J.L.); (R.C.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Xiamen 361021, China
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Jingjie Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (W.L.); (J.L.); (R.C.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Xiamen 361021, China
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Bilin Xia
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (Z.W.); (B.X.)
| | - Ruoxue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (W.L.); (J.L.); (R.C.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Tiansheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Fisheries College of Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; (W.L.); (J.L.); (R.C.)
- Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Xiamen 361021, China
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xiamen 361021, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yadav M, Kandhari K, Mathan SV, Ali M, Singh RP. Fisetin induces G2/M phase arrest and caspase-mediated cleavage of p21 Cip1 and p27 Kip1 leading to apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition in HNSCC. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38801393 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23754] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The anticancer potential and associated mechanisms of flavonoid fisetin are yet to be fully investigated on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, fisetin (25-75 µM for 24-48 h) dose-dependently inhibited growth and induced death in HNSCC Cal33 and UM-SCC-22B cells, without showing any death in normal cells. Fisetin (25-50 µM) induced G2/M phase arrest via decrease in Cdc25C, CDK1, cyclin B1 expression, and an increase in p53(S15). A concentration-dependent increase in fisetin-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in HNSCC cells was authenticated by comet assay, gamma-H2A.X(S139) phosphorylation, and marked cleavage of PARP protein. Interestingly, fisetin-induced cell death occurred independently of p53 and reactive oxygen species production. The activation of JNK and inhibition of PI3K/Akt, ERK1/2, EGFR, and STAT-3 signaling were identified. Further, fisetin-induced apoptosis was mediated, in part, via p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 cleavage by caspase, which was reversed by z-VAD-FMK, a pan-caspase inhibitor. Subsequently, fisetin was also found to induce autophagy; nevertheless, autophagy attenuation exaggerated apoptosis. Oral fisetin (50 mg/kg body weight) treatment to establish Cal33 xenograft in mice for 19 days showed 73% inhibition in tumor volume (p < 0.01) along with a decrease in Ki67-positive cells and an increase in cleaved caspase-3 level in tumors. Consistent with the effect of 50 µM fisetin in vitro, the protein levels of p21Cip1 and P27Kip1 were also decreased by fisetin in tumors. Together, these findings showed strong anticancer efficacy of fisetin against HNSCC with downregulation of EGFR-Akt/ERK1/2-STAT-3 pathway and activation of JNK/c-Jun, caspases and caspase-mediated cleavage of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Yadav
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kushal Kandhari
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Sivapar V Mathan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Q, Li J, Zhang L, Zhao N, Sun X, Wang Z. Type I Cystatin Derived from Cysticercus pisiformis-Stefins, Suppresses LPS-Mediated Inflammatory Response in RAW264.7 Cells. Microorganisms 2024; 12:850. [PMID: 38792680 PMCID: PMC11123757 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050850] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cysticercus pisiformis is a kind of tapeworm larvae of Taenia pisiformis, which parasitizes the liver envelope, omentum, mesentery, and rectum of rodents such as rabbits. Cysteine protease inhibitors derived from helminth were immunoregulatory molecules of intermediate hosts and had an immunomodulatory function that regulates the production of inflammatory factors. Thus, in the present research, the recombinant Stefin of C. pisiformis was confirmed to have the potential to fight inflammation in LPS-Mediated RAW264.7 murine macrophages. CCK8 test showed that rCpStefin below 50 μg/mL concentration did not affect cellular viability. Moreover, the NO production level determined by the Griess test was decreased. In addition, the secretion levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as measured by ELISA were decreased. Furthermore, it exerted anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and proinflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 at the gene transcription level, as measured by qRT-PCR. Therefore, Type I cystatin derived from C. pisiformis suppresses the LPS-Mediated inflammatory response of the intermediate host and is a potential candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaolin Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (J.L.); (L.Z.); (N.Z.)
| | - Zexiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (J.L.); (L.Z.); (N.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang Y, Wang G, Zhang N, Zeng X. MAP3K4 kinase action and dual role in cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:99. [PMID: 38568424 PMCID: PMC10992237 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
It is commonly known that the MAPK pathway is involved in translating environmental inputs, regulating downstream reactions, and maintaining the intrinsic dynamic balance. Numerous essential elements and regulatory processes are included in this pathway, which are essential to its functionality. Among these, MAP3K4, a member of the serine/threonine kinases family, plays vital roles throughout the organism's life cycle, including the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, MAP3K4 can interact with key partners like GADD45, which affects organism's growth and development. Notably, MAP3K4 functions as both a tumor promotor and suppressor, being activated by a variety of factors and triggering diverse downstream pathways that differently influence cancer progression. The aim of this study is to provide a brief overview of physiological functions of MAP3K4 and shed light on its contradictory roles in tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Huang
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanwen Wang
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningning Zhang
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaohua Zeng
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jamal SB, Ismail S, Yousaf R, Qazi AS, Iftkhar S, Abbasi SW. Exploring Novel 1-Hydroxynaphthalene-2-Carboxanilides Based Inhibitors Against C-Jun N-Terminal Kinases Through Molecular Dynamic Simulation and WaterSwap Analysis. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:1803-1819. [PMID: 37436549 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04638-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of mutation and lifestyle modifications. A large number of normal genes can transform normal cells to cancer cells due to their deregulations including overexpression and loss of expression. Signal transduction is a complex signaling process that involves multiple interactions and different functions. C-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) is an important protein involved in signaling process. JNK mediated pathways can detect, integrate, and amplify various external signals that may cause alterations in gene expression, enzyme activities, and different cellular functions that affect cellular behavior like metabolism, proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. In this study, we performed molecular docking protocol (MOE) to predict the binding interactions of some known anticancer 1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxanilides candidates. A set of 10 active compounds was retrieved after initial screening on the basis of docking scores, binding energies, and number of interactions and was re-docked in the active site of JNK protein. The results were further validated through molecular dynamics simulation and MMPB/GBSA calculations. The active compounds 4p and 5 k were ranked on top. After computationally exploring interactions of 1-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxanilides with JNK protein, we believe compounds 4p and 5 k can serve as potential inhibitors of JNK protein. It is believed that the results of current research would help to develop novel and structurally diverse anticancer compounds that will be useful not only treat cancer but also for the medication for the other diseases caused by protein deregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Babar Jamal
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saba Ismail
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Rimsha Yousaf
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Asma Saleem Qazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saba Iftkhar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sumra Wajid Abbasi
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Turkowski K, Herzberg F, Günther S, Weigert A, Haselbauer T, Fink L, Brunn D, Grimminger F, Seeger W, Sültmann H, Stiewe T, Pullamsetti SS, Savai R. miR-147b mediated suppression of DUSP8 promotes lung cancer progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:1178-1189. [PMID: 38396293 PMCID: PMC11014796 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02969-7] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Dual-specificity phosphatase 8 (DUSP8) plays an important role as a selective c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphatase in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. In this study, we found that DUSP8 is silenced by miR-147b in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which correlates with poor overall survival. Overexpression of DUSP8 resulted in a tumor-suppressive phenotype in vitro and in vivo experimental models, whereas silencing DUSP8 with a siRNA approach abrogated the tumor-suppressive properties. We found that miR-147b is a posttranscriptional regulator of DUSP8 that is highly expressed in patients with LUAD and is associated with lower survival. NanoString analysis revealed that the MAPK signaling pathway is mainly affected by overexpression of miR-147b, leading to increased proliferation and migration and decreased apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, induction of miR-147b promotes tumor progression in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Knockdown of miR-147b restored DUSP8, decreased tumor progression in vitro, and increased apoptosis via JNK phosphorylation. These results suggest that miR-147b plays a key role in regulating MAPK signaling in LUAD. The link between DUSP8 and miR-147b may provide novel approaches for the treatment of lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati Turkowski
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frederik Herzberg
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Hesse, Germany
| | - Tamara Haselbauer
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
| | - Ludger Fink
- Institute of Pathology and Cytology, UEGP, Wetzlar, Germany
| | - David Brunn
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the DZL, Member of CPI, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the DZL, Member of CPI, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Holger Sültmann
- Cancer Genome Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany Center for Lung Research (DZL), and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stiewe
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Philipps-University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Soni S Pullamsetti
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the DZL, Member of CPI, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany.
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Hesse, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Member of the DZL, Member of CPI, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ivraghi MS, Zamanian MY, Gupta R, Achmad H, Alsaab HO, Hjazi A, Romero‐Parra RM, Alwaily ER, Hussien BM, Hakimizadeh E. Neuroprotective effects of gemfibrozil in neurological disorders: Focus on inflammation and molecular mechanisms. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14473. [PMID: 37904726 PMCID: PMC10916451 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemfibrozil (Gem) is a drug that has been shown to activate PPAR-α, a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in regulating lipid metabolism. Gem is used to lower the levels of triglycerides and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in patients. Experimental studies in vitro and in vivo have shown that Gem can prevent or slow the progression of neurological disorders (NDs), including cerebral ischemia (CI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuroinflammation is known to play a significant role in these disorders. METHOD The literature review for this study was conducted by searching Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. RESULT The results of this study show that Gem has neuroprotective effects through several cellular and molecular mechanisms such as: (1) Gem has the ability to upregulate pro-survival factors (PGC-1α and TFAM), promoting the survival and function of mitochondria in the brain, (2) Gem strongly inhibits the activation of NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBPβ in cytokine-stimulated astroglial cells, which are known to increase the expression of iNOS and the production of NO in response to proinflammatory cytokines, (3) Gem protects dopamine neurons in the MPTP mouse model of PD by increasing the expression of PPARα, which in turn stimulates the production of GDNF in astrocytes, (4) Gem reduces amyloid plaque pathology, reduces the activity of glial cells, and improves memory, (5) Gem increases myelin genes expression (MBP and CNPase) via PPAR-β, and (6) Gem increases hippocampal BDNF to counteract depression. CONCLUSION According to the study, Gem was investigated for its potential therapeutic effect in NDs. Further research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of Gem in NDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Neurophysiology Research CenterHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of PharmacyHamadan University of Medical SciencesHamadanIran
| | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA UniversityMathuraIndia
| | - Harun Achmad
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of DentistryHasanuddin UniversityMakassarIndonesia
| | - Hashem O. Alsaab
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical TechnologyTaif UniversityTaifSaudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesCollege of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz UniversityAl‐KharjSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Enas R. Alwaily
- Microbiology Research GroupCollege of Pharmacy, Al‐Ayen UniversityThi‐QarIraq
| | - Beneen M. Hussien
- Medical Laboratory Technology DepartmentCollege of Medical Technology, The Islamic UniversityNajafIraq
| | - Elham Hakimizadeh
- Physiology‐Pharmacology Research CenterResearch Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical SciencesRafsanjanIran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Louw-du Toit R, Simons M, Africander D. Progestins and breast cancer hallmarks: The role of the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 237:106440. [PMID: 38048919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Progestins used in hormonal contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Whether the association holds for all progestins is unclear and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We directly compared the effects of four progestins (medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone acetate (NET-A), levonorgestrel (LNG) and drospirenone (DRSP)) to each other and the natural progestogen progesterone (P4) on selected cancer hallmarks. To provide mechanistic insight into these effects, we assessed the role of the progesterone receptor (PR), and the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N terminal (JNK) signaling pathways. We showed that the increased proliferation of the luminal T47D breast cancer cell line by P4 and all progestins, albeit to different extents, was inhibited by PR knockdown and inhibition of both the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. While knockdown of the PR also blocked the upregulation of MKI67 and CCND1 mRNA expression by selected progestogens, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be established in these effects. Similarly, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be confirmed for progestogen-induced colony formation, whereas both the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways were required for cell migration in response to the three older progestins implicated in the etiology of breast cancer, MPA, NET-A and LNG. Together our results show that all the progestins elicit their effects on cell proliferation via a mechanism requiring the PR, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. While the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways are also required for increased cell migration by the older progestins, only a role for the ERK1/2 pathway could be established in their effects on colony formation. Notably, the cytoplasmic PR was not needed for activation of the ERK1/2 pathway by the progestogens. Given that DRSP showed significantly lower proliferation than MPA and NET-A, and that it had no effect on breast cancer cell migration and colony formation, hormonal formulations containing the newer generation progestin DRSP may provide a better benefit/risk profile towards breast cancer than those containing the older generation progestins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renate Louw-du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Mishkah Simons
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ghosh C, Hu J. Importance of targeting various cell signaling pathways in solid cancers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:101-155. [PMID: 38663958 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Most adult human cancers are solid tumors prevailing in vital organs and lead to mortality all over the globe. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer genes or genes of associated signaling pathways impart the most common characteristic of malignancy, that is, uncontrolled proliferation. Unless the mechanism of action of these cells signaling pathways (involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and the maintenance of the stemness of cancer stem cells and cancer microenvironment) and their physiologic alteration are extensively studied, it is challenging to understand tumorigenesis as well as develop new treatments and precision medicines. Targeted therapy is one of the most promising strategies for treating various cancers. However, cancer is an evolving disease, and most patients develop resistance to these drugs by acquired mutations or mediation of microenvironmental factors or due to tumor heterogeneity. Researchers are striving to develop novel therapeutic options like combinatorial approaches targeting multiple responsible pathways effectively. Thus, in-depth knowledge of cell signaling and its components remains a critical topic of cancer research. This chapter summarized various extensively studied pathways in solid cancer and how they are targeted for therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandrayee Ghosh
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States.
| | - Jiangnan Hu
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Unites States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kookli K, Soleimani KT, Amr EF, Ehymayed HM, Zabibah RS, Daminova SB, Saadh MJ, Alsaikhan F, Adil M, Ali MS, Mohtashami S, Akhavan-Sigari R. Role of microRNA-146a in cancer development by regulating apoptosis. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155050. [PMID: 38199132 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite great advances in diagnostic and treatment options for cancer, like chemotherapy surgery, and radiation therapy it continues to remain a major global health concern. Further research is necessary to find new biomarkers and possible treatment methods for cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), tiny non-coding RNAs found naturally in the body, can influence the activity of several target genes. These genes are often disturbed in diseases like cancer, which perturbs functions like differentiation, cell division, cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation. MiR-146a is a commonly and widely used miRNA that is often overexpressed in malignant tumors. The expression of miR-146a has been correlated with many pathological and physiological changes in cancer cells, such as the regulation of various cell death paths. It's been established that the control of cell death pathways has a huge influence on cancer progression. To improve our understanding of the interrelationship between miRNAs and cancer cell apoptosis, it's necessary to explore the impact of miRNAs through the alteration in their expression levels. Research has demonstrated that the appearance and spread of cancer can be mitigated by moderating the expression of certain miRNA - a commencement of treatment that presents a hopeful approach in managing cancer. Consequently, it is essential to explore the implications of miR-146a with respect to inducing different forms of tumor cell death, and evaluate its potential to serve as a target for improved chemotherapy outcomes. Through this review, we provide an outline of miR-146a's biogenesis and function, as well as its significant involvement in apoptosis. As well, we investigate the effects of exosomal miR-146a on the promotion of apoptosis in cancer cells and look into how it could possibly help combat chemotherapeutic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keihan Kookli
- International Campus, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Eman Fathy Amr
- College of Nursing, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Shakhnoza B Daminova
- Department of Prevention of Dental Diseases, Tashkent State Dental Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Department of Scientific affairs, Tashkent Medical Pediatric Institute, Bogishamol Street 223, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Mohamed J Saadh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia; School of Pharmacy, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Saghar Mohtashami
- University of California Los Angeles, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Reza Akhavan-Sigari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Health Care Management and Clinical Research, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yin C, Qin R, Ma Z, Li F, Liu J, Liu H, Shu G, Xiong H, Jiang Q. Oxaloacetic acid induces muscle energy substrate depletion and fatigue by JNK-mediated mitochondrial uncoupling. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23373. [PMID: 38217376 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301796r] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Fatigue is a common phenomenon closely related to physical discomfort and numerous diseases, which is severely threatening the life quality and health of people. However, the exact mechanisms underlying fatigue are not fully characterized. Herein, we demonstrate that oxaloacetic acid (OAA), a crucial tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, modulates the muscle fatigue. The results showed that serum OAA level was positively correlated with fatigue state of mice. OAA-treated induced muscle fatigue impaired the exercise performance of mice. Mechanistically, OAA increased the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) levels in skeletal muscle, which led to decreased energy substrate and enhanced glycolysis. On the other hand, OAA boosted muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncoupled with energy production. In addition, either UCP2 knockout or JNK inhibition totally reversed the effects of OAA on skeletal muscle. Therein, JNK mediated UCP2 activation with OAA-treated. Our studies reveal a novel role of OAA in skeletal muscle metabolism, which would shed light on the mechanism of muscle fatigue and weakness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Yin
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plant Germplasm in Wuling Area of China, Key Laboratory of State Ethnic Affairs Commission for Biological Technology, College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Qin
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plant Germplasm in Wuling Area of China, Key Laboratory of State Ethnic Affairs Commission for Biological Technology, College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zewei Ma
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plant Germplasm in Wuling Area of China, Key Laboratory of State Ethnic Affairs Commission for Biological Technology, College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plant Germplasm in Wuling Area of China, Key Laboratory of State Ethnic Affairs Commission for Biological Technology, College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Shu
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hairong Xiong
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Protection and Application of Special Plant Germplasm in Wuling Area of China, Key Laboratory of State Ethnic Affairs Commission for Biological Technology, College of Life Science, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingyan Jiang
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang HH, Zhang AQ, Peng P, Huang L, Liu CY, Nie XR, Hou DF, Zhang X, Li SZ. USP5 facilitates bladder cancer progression by stabilizing the c-Jun protein. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:32. [PMID: 38229092 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03222-7] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary malignancy worldwide. The death rate of bladder cancer has increased every year. However, the molecular mechanism of bladder cancer is not sufficiently studied. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play an important role in carcinogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated that USP5 associated with malignancy and pathological progression in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. However, the role of USP5 in bladder cancer need to be explored. METHODS The USP5 expression was analysed using the web server GEPIA. To explore USP5 function in bladder cancer, we constructed USP5-knockout cell lines in T24 cells. A FLAG-USP5 (WT USP5) plasmid and a plasmid FLAG-USP5 C335A (catalytic-inactive mutant) used to overexpress USP5 in EJ cells. CCK8, colony formation, transwell and scratch assays were used to assess cell viability, proliferation and migration. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to screen the pathway. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were used to explore the interaction between USP5 and c-Jun. Cycloheximide (CHX) chase assays were performed to establish the effect of USP5 on c-Jun stability. Xenograft mouse model was used to study the role of USP5 in bladder cancer. RESULTS USP5 expression is increased in bladder cancer patients. Genetic ablation of USP5 markedly inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation, viability, and migration both in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq and luciferase pathway screening showed that USP5 activated JNK signalling, and we identified the interaction between USP5 and c-Jun. USP5 was found to activate c-Jun by inhibiting its ubiquitination. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that high USP5 expression promotes bladder cancer progression by stabilizing c-Jun and that USP5 is a potential therapeutic target in bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - An-Qi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cai-Ying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin-Rui Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Fu Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Shang-Ze Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, 371 Tongzipo Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, 131 Yubei Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nie XW, Nasim AA, Yao XJ, Fan XX. ZYZ384 suppresses the growth of EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer by activating JNK/MAPK signaling pathway. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14408. [PMID: 38009559 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14408] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The emergency of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has remarkably enhanced the clinical outcomes of cancer therapy, especially the use of EGFR inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, acquired resistance is inevitable after 8-12 months treatment. New agents or treatments are urgently required to resolve this problem. In this study, we identified that compound ZYZ384 can selectively inhibit the growth of gefitinib-resistant (G-R) lung cancer cells, without affecting that of normal lung epithelial cells. ZYZ384 induced G2 arrest in G-R NSCLC cells, decreasing the expression of Cyclin B1 and increasing the expression of P21. Meanwhile, ZYZ384 also induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells and correspondingly increased the expression of cleaved Caspase 3, 8, and 9 proteins. The expression of p-JNK, p-P38, and p-ERK were also increased in H1975 NSCLC cells treated with ZYZ384. Finally, we observed that the JNK inhibitor effectively reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of ZYZ384. In conclusion, ZYZ384 is a potential therapeutic agent to inhibit the growth of NSCLCs with EGFR mutations through activating JNK, which will help the development of related anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wen Nie
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ali Adnan Nasim
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Weng M, Deng Z, Huang S, Lin X, Xu N, Sun X, Wu W, Lu J, Wang D. Fraxetin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer through the Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23556. [PMID: 37867445 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23556] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Fraxetin, a natural compound extracted from the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini, is reported to boast extensive antitumor properties in various cancers. However, whether fraxetin exhibited an anticancer effect on bladder cancer remains unknown. In this study, cell counting kit-8 was utilized to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed for cell apoptosis analysis. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR were used to ascertain gene expression analysis. A mouse bladder cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to fraxetin treatment. Fraxetin reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited the growth of bladder cancer in vivo. Fraxetin inhibited the Akt pathway in J82 cells. In conclusion, the growth inhibitory properties of fraxetin against bladder cancer may be mediated via an Akt inhibitory effect and cell apoptosis promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingfang Weng
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen Deng
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuijing Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Lin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fujian Provincial People's Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinghui Sun
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weizhen Wu
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, Dongfang Hospital (900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force), Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Urology, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, Dongfang Hospital (900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force), Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
An SY, Lee JW, Kim HD, Kim KS, Cho JH, Kim CH, Lee YC. Regulatory mechanism for the human glioblastoma cell-specific expression of the human GD1c/GT1a/GQ1b synthase (hST8Sia V) gene. Glycoconj J 2023; 40:621-630. [PMID: 37921922 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-023-10136-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study we observed that human GD1c/GT1a/GQ1b synthase (hST8Sia V) is particularly expressed in human glioblastoma cells. To address the mechanism regulating human glioblastoma-specific gene expression of the hST8Sia V, after the transcription start site (TSS) was identified by the 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA end with total RNA from human glioblastoma U87MG cells, the 5'-flanking region (2.5 kb) of the hST8Sia V gene was isolated and its promoter activity was examined. By luciferase reporter assay, this 5'-flanking region revealed strong promoter activity in only U-87MG cells, but not in other tissue-derived cancer cells. 5'-deletion mutant analysis showed that the region from -1140 to -494 is crucial for transcription of the hST8Sia V gene in U87MG cells. This region contains the activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding site, the main target of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) downstream. The AP-1 binding site at -1043/-1037 was proved to be indispensable for the hST8Sia V gene-specific expression in U87MG cells by site-directed mutagenesis. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia V gene in U87MG cells was strongly inhibited by a specific JNK inhibitor, SP600125. These results suggest that the hST8Sia V gene-specific expression in U87MG cells is controlled by JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So-Young An
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, South Korea
| | - Ji-Won Lee
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, South Korea
| | - Hee-Do Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Kyunggi-Do, 16419, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sook Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, South Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Cho
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, South Korea
| | - Cheorl-Ho Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Glycobiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, SungKyunKwan University, Kyunggi-Do, 16419, South Korea.
| | - Young-Choon Lee
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan, 49315, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chatzifrangkeskou M, Kouis P, Skourides PA. JNK regulates ciliogenesis through the interflagellar transport complex and actin networks. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202303052. [PMID: 37851005 PMCID: PMC10585068 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202303052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) regulates various important physiological processes. Although the JNK pathway has been under intense investigation for over 20 yr, its complexity is still perplexing, with multiple protein partners underlying the diversity of its activity. We show that JNK is associated with the basal bodies in both primary and motile cilia. Loss of JNK disrupts basal body migration and docking and leads to severe ciliogenesis defects. JNK's involvement in ciliogenesis stems from a dual role in the regulation of the actin networks of multiciliated cells (MCCs) and the establishment of the intraflagellar transport-B core complex. JNK signaling is also critical for the maintenance of the actin networks and ciliary function in mature MCCs. JNK is implicated in the development of diabetes, neurodegeneration, and liver disease, all of which have been linked to ciliary dysfunction. Our work uncovers a novel role of JNK in ciliogenesis and ciliary function that could have important implications for JNK's role in the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Panayiotis Kouis
- Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paris A. Skourides
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yang H, Wei Z, Song Y, Du K, Yin N, Lu H, Li B, Hou L, Xing P, Chen L, Wang C, Xie S. NUAK1 promotes tumor metastasis through upregulating slug transcription in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:258. [PMID: 37919754 PMCID: PMC10621130 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03101-7] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is still a major cause of poor pathological outcome and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. NUAK1 has been reported highly expressed in many human cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of NUAK1 and its underlying signaling mechanism in ESCC metastasis remain unclear. METHODS Expression of NUAK1 in ESCC was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assays were used to determine the role NUAK1 in vitro. Metastasis was evaluated by use of an experimental pulmonary metastasis model in BALB/c-nu/nu mice. The mechanisms were assessed by using coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments. RESULTS NUAK1 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Moreover, the elevated expression of NUAK1 positively correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, pathological TNM stage, and poor survival in ESCC patients. Further experiments showed that NUAK1 overexpression did not change the cell viability and colony formation of ESCC cells, while remarkably promoted the migration and invasion in vitro and experimental pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, NUAK1 enhanced the transcription level of Slug, which enhanced the migratory and invasive capability of ESCC cells. Consistently, silencing Slug almost completely diminished the migration and invasion of NUAK1-overexpressing ESCC cells. Further studies demonstrated that NUAK1 upregulated the transcription activity of Slug through activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that NUAK1 promoted the metastasis of ESCC cells through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, indicating NUAK1 is a promising therapeutic target for metastatic ESCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yifan Song
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Kexin Du
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Nannan Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Lili Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Panfei Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
- The Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Han Z, Huang Q, Lv M, Ma M, Zhang W, Feng W, Hu R, Sun X, Li J, Zhong X, Zhou X. Qizhu Anti-Cancer Recipe promotes anoikis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22089. [PMID: 38053871 PMCID: PMC10694164 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Qizhu Anti-Cancer Recipe (QACR) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in treating several liver diseases. However, its function and the relevant mechanism underlying its effect in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of QACR in HCC, which are expected to be a potential therapeutic scheme for HCC. Materials and methods The chemical compositions of QACR were determined by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The anoikis-resistant HCC cell proliferation and angiopoiesis were detected using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, trypan blue, calcein AM/EthD-1, flow cytometer, Western blot, and tube formation assays. An orthotopic xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the in vivo effects of the QACR. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2, CD31, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, PARP-1, DFF40, phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and JNK was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. Results QACR reduced the growth and tube formation of anoikis-resistant HCC cells and enhanced cell apoptosis in vitro. In the orthotopic xenograft mouse models, QACR suppressed the tumorigenesis of HCC in vivo. Mechanistically, QACR modulated the JNK pathway. The JNK inhibitor (SP600125) reverses the inhibitory effects of QACR on anoikis-resistant HCC cell proliferation and angiopoiesis. Conclusion Our study suggests that QACR suppresses the proliferation and angiopoiesis of anoikis-resistant HCC cells by activating the JNK pathway. Therefore, QACR is a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Han
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Minling Lv
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Mengqing Ma
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Wenxing Feng
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Rui Hu
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xinfeng Sun
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Department of Liver Disease, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 Fuhua Road, Futian District, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jiang C, Zhu Y, Chen H, Lin J, Xie R, Li W, Xue J, Chen L, Chen X, Xu S. Targeting c-Jun inhibits fatty acid oxidation to overcome tamoxifen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:653. [PMID: 37803002 PMCID: PMC10558541 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06181-5] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Tamoxifen-based endocrine therapy remains a major adjuvant therapy for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer (BC). However, many patients develop tamoxifen resistance, which results in recurrence and poor prognosis. Herein, we show that fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was activated in tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) ER-positive BC cells by performing bioinformatic and functional studies. We also reveal that CPT1A, the rate-limiting enzyme of FAO, was significantly overexpressed and that its enzymatic activity was enhanced in TamR cells. Mechanistically, the transcription factor c-Jun was activated by JNK kinase-mediated phosphorylation. Activated c-Jun bound to the TRE motif in the CPT1A promoter to drive CPT1A transcription and recruited CBP/P300 to chromatin, catalysing histone H3K27 acetylation to increase chromatin accessibility, which ensured more effective transcription of CPT1A and an increase in the FAO rate, eliminating the cytotoxic effects of tamoxifen in ER-positive BC cells. Pharmacologically, inhibiting CPT1A enzymatic activity with the CPT1 inhibitor etomoxir or blocking c-Jun phosphorylation with a JNK inhibitor restored the tamoxifen sensitivity of TamR cells. Clinically, high levels of phosphorylated c-Jun and CPT1A were observed in ER-positive BC tissues in patients with recurrence after tamoxifen therapy and were associated with poor survival. These results indicate that the assessment and targeting of the JNK/c-Jun-CPT1A-FAO axis will provide promising insights for clinical management, increased tamoxifen responses and improved outcomes for ER-positive BC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cen Jiang
- Central Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 350001, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youzhi Zhu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350212, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huaying Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junyu Lin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruiwang Xie
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Xue
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350212, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350212, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiangjin Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350212, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Sunwang Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350005, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, 350212, Fuzhou, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Despotović A, Janjetović K, Zogović N, Tovilović-Kovačević G. Pharmacological Akt and JNK Kinase Inhibitors 10-DEBC and SP600125 Potentiate Anti-Glioblastoma Effect of Menadione and Ascorbic Acid Combination in Human U251 Glioblastoma Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2652. [PMID: 37893026 PMCID: PMC10604608 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102652] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by a highly invasive nature and therapy resistance. Combination of menadione and ascorbic acid (AA+MD) exerts strong ROS-mediated anti-GBM activity in vitro. The objective of this study was to improve AA+MD anti-GBM potential by modulating the activity of Akt and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), molecules with an important role in GBM development. The effects of Akt and JNK modulation on AA+MD toxicity in U251 human glioblastoma cells were assessed by cell viability assays, flow cytometry, RNA interference and plasmid overexpression, and immunoblot analysis. The AA+MD induced severe oxidative stress, an early increase in Akt phosphorylation followed by its strong inhibition, persistent JNK activation, and U251 cell death. Small molecule Akt kinase inhibitor 10-DEBC enhanced, while pharmacological and genetic Akt activation decreased, AA+MD-induced toxicity. The U251 cell death potentiation by 10-DEBC correlated with an increase in the combination-induced autophagic flux and was abolished by genetic autophagy silencing. Additionally, pharmacological JNK inhibitor SP600125 augmented combination toxicity toward U251 cells, an effect linked with increased ROS accumulation. These results indicate that small Akt and JNK kinase inhibitors significantly enhance AA+MD anti-GBM effects by autophagy potentiation and amplifying deleterious ROS levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Despotović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Kristina Janjetović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Nevena Zogović
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.D.); (K.J.)
| | - Gordana Tovilović-Kovačević
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wess J, Oteng AB, Rivera-Gonzalez O, Gurevich EV, Gurevich VV. β-Arrestins: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Pharmacological Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:854-884. [PMID: 37028945 PMCID: PMC10441628 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The two β-arrestins, β-arrestin-1 and -2 (systematic names: arrestin-2 and -3, respectively), are multifunctional intracellular proteins that regulate the activity of a very large number of cellular signaling pathways and physiologic functions. The two proteins were discovered for their ability to disrupt signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via binding to the activated receptors. However, it is now well recognized that both β-arrestins can also act as direct modulators of numerous cellular processes via either GPCR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Recent structural, biophysical, and biochemical studies have provided novel insights into how β-arrestins bind to activated GPCRs and downstream effector proteins. Studies with β-arrestin mutant mice have identified numerous physiologic and pathophysiological processes regulated by β-arrestin-1 and/or -2. Following a short summary of recent structural studies, this review primarily focuses on β-arrestin-regulated physiologic functions, with particular focus on the central nervous system and the roles of β-arrestins in carcinogenesis and key metabolic processes including the maintenance of glucose and energy homeostasis. This review also highlights potential therapeutic implications of these studies and discusses strategies that could prove useful for targeting specific β-arrestin-regulated signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The two β-arrestins, structurally closely related intracellular proteins that are evolutionarily highly conserved, have emerged as multifunctional proteins able to regulate a vast array of cellular and physiological functions. The outcome of studies with β-arrestin mutant mice and cultured cells, complemented by novel insights into β-arrestin structure and function, should pave the way for the development of novel classes of therapeutically useful drugs capable of regulating specific β-arrestin functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Antwi-Boasiako Oteng
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Osvaldo Rivera-Gonzalez
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Narożna M, Krajka-Kuźniak V, Bednarczyk-Cwynar B, Baer-Dubowska W. Unlocking the Potential: Novel NSAIDs Hybrids Unleash Chemopreventive Power toward Liver Cancer Cells through Nrf2, NF-κB, and MAPK Signaling Pathways. Molecules 2023; 28:5759. [PMID: 37570726 PMCID: PMC10420225 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155759] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. In this study, novel conjugates of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)-Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen-with oleanolic acid oximes derivatives (OAO) were synthesized, and their activity as modulators of signaling pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis was evaluated in normal THLE-2 liver cells, and HCC-derived HepG2 cells. The results demonstrated that conjugation with OAO derivatives reduces the cytotoxicity of parent compounds in both cell lines. In THLE-2 cells, treatment with conjugates resulted in increased activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway. An opposite effect was observed in HepG2 cells. In the later reduction of NF-κB, it was observed along with modulation of MAPK signaling pathways (AKT, ERK, p38, p70S6K, and JNK). Moreover, STAT3, STAT5, and CREB transcription factors on protein levels were significantly reduced as a result of treatment with IBU- and KET-OAO derivatives conjugates. The most active were conjugates with OAO-morpholide. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate that IBU-OAO and KET-OAO derivative conjugates modulate the key signaling pathways involved in hepatic cancer development. Their effect on specific signaling pathways varied depending on the structure of the conjugate. Since the conjugation of IBU and KET with OAO derivatives reduced their cytotoxicity, the conjugates may be considered good candidates for the prevention of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Narożna
- Program in Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825, NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
| | - Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcicki Street, 60-781 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Barbara Bednarczyk-Cwynar
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6, Grunwaldzka Street, 60-780 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Wanda Baer-Dubowska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 4, Święcicki Street, 60-781 Poznań, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Singh S, De Carlo F, Ibrahim MA, Penfornis P, Mouton AJ, Tripathi SK, Agarwal AK, Eastham L, Pasco DS, Balachandran P, Claudio PP. The Oligostilbene Gnetin H Is a Novel Glycolysis Inhibitor That Regulates Thioredoxin Interacting Protein Expression and Synergizes with OXPHOS Inhibitor in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097741. [PMID: 37175448 PMCID: PMC10178141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since aerobic glycolysis was first observed in tumors almost a century ago by Otto Warburg, the field of cancer cell metabolism has sparked the interest of scientists around the world as it might offer new avenues of treatment for malignant cells. Our current study claims the discovery of gnetin H (GH) as a novel glycolysis inhibitor that can decrease metabolic activity and lactic acid synthesis and displays a strong cytostatic effect in melanoma and glioblastoma cells. Compared to most of the other glycolysis inhibitors used in combination with the complex-1 mitochondrial inhibitor phenformin (Phen), GH more potently inhibited cell growth. RNA-Seq with the T98G glioblastoma cell line treated with GH showed more than an 80-fold reduction in thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) expression, indicating that GH has a direct effect on regulating a key gene involved in the homeostasis of cellular glucose. GH in combination with phenformin also substantially enhances the levels of p-AMPK, a marker of metabolic catastrophe. These findings suggest that the concurrent use of the glycolytic inhibitor GH with a complex-1 mitochondrial inhibitor could be used as a powerful tool for inducing metabolic catastrophe in cancer cells and reducing their growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivendra Singh
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Flavia De Carlo
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Mohamed A Ibrahim
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Patrice Penfornis
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
- Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Alan J Mouton
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Siddharth K Tripathi
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Ameeta K Agarwal
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Linda Eastham
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - David S Pasco
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Premalatha Balachandran
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Pier Paolo Claudio
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
- Cancer Center & Research Institute, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Frost JM, Amante SM, Okae H, Jones EM, Ashley B, Lewis RM, Cleal JK, Caley MP, Arima T, Maffucci T, Branco MR. Regulation of human trophoblast gene expression by endogenous retroviruses. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:527-538. [PMID: 37012406 PMCID: PMC10113160 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-00960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is a fast-evolving organ with large morphological and histological differences across eutherians, but the genetic changes driving placental evolution have not been fully elucidated. Transposable elements, through their capacity to quickly generate genetic variation and affect host gene regulation, may have helped to define species-specific trophoblast gene expression programs. Here we assess the contribution of transposable elements to human trophoblast gene expression as enhancers or promoters. Using epigenomic data from primary human trophoblast and trophoblast stem-cell lines, we identified multiple endogenous retrovirus families with regulatory potential that lie close to genes with preferential expression in trophoblast. These largely primate-specific elements are associated with inter-species gene expression differences and are bound by transcription factors with key roles in placental development. Using genetic editing, we demonstrate that several elements act as transcriptional enhancers of important placental genes, such as CSF1R and PSG5. We also identify an LTR10A element that regulates ENG expression, affecting secretion of soluble endoglin, with potential implications for preeclampsia. Our data show that transposons have made important contributions to human trophoblast gene regulation, and suggest that their activity may affect pregnancy outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Frost
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Samuele M Amante
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hiroaki Okae
- Department of Trophoblast Research, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Eleri M Jones
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Brogan Ashley
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rohan M Lewis
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane K Cleal
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew P Caley
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Department of Informative Genetics, Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tania Maffucci
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhu M, Sun Y, Bai H, Wang Y, Yang B, Wang Q, Kuang H. Effects of saponins from Chinese herbal medicines on signal transduction pathways in cancer: A review. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1159985. [PMID: 37063281 PMCID: PMC10090286 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses a serious threat to human health, and the search for safe and effective drugs for its treatment has aroused interest and become a long-term goal. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM), an ancient science with unique anti-cancer advantages, has achieved outstanding results in long-term clinical practice. Accumulating evidence shows that saponins are key bioactive components in TCM and have great research and development applications for their significant role in the treatment of cancer. Saponins are a class of glycosides comprising nonpolar triterpenes or sterols attached to hydrophilic oligosaccharide groups that exert antitumor effects by targeting the NF-κB, PI3Ks-Akt-mTOR, MAPK, Wnt-β-catenin, JAK-STAT3, APMK, p53, and EGFR signaling pathways. Presently, few advances have been made in physiological and pathological studies on the effect of saponins on signal transduction pathways involved in cancer treatment. This paper reviews the phytochemistry and extraction methods of saponins of TCM and their effects on signal transduction pathways in cancer. It aims to provide theoretical support for in-depth studies on the anticancer effects of saponins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yanping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Haodong Bai
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yimeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qiuhong Wang, ; Haixue Kuang,
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Qiuhong Wang, ; Haixue Kuang,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Navarrete-Meneses MDP, Salas-Labadía C, Juárez-Velázquez MDR, Moreno-Lorenzana D, Gómez-Chávez F, Olaya-Vargas A, Pérez-Vera P. Exposure to Insecticides Modifies Gene Expression and DNA Methylation in Hematopoietic Tissues In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6259. [PMID: 37047231 PMCID: PMC10094043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The evidence supporting the biological plausibility of the association of permethrin and malathion with hematological cancer is limited and contradictory; thus, further studies are needed. This study aimed to investigate whether in vitro exposure to 0.1 μM permethrin and malathion at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after cell culture initiation induced changes in the gene expression and DNA methylation in mononuclear cells from bone marrow and peripheral blood (BMMCs, PBMCs). Both pesticides induced several gene expression modifications in both tissues. Through gene ontology analysis, we found that permethrin deregulates ion channels in PBMCs and BMMCs and that malathion alters genes coding proteins with nucleic acid binding capacity, which was also observed in PBMCs exposed to permethrin. Additionally, we found that both insecticides deregulate genes coding proteins with chemotaxis functions, ion channels, and cytokines. Several genes deregulated in this study are potentially associated with cancer onset and development, and some of them have been reported to be deregulated in hematological cancer. We found that permethrin does not induce DNA hypermethylation but can induce hypomethylation, and that malathion generated both types of events. Our results suggest that these pesticides have the potential to modify gene expression through changes in promoter DNA methylation and potentially through other mechanisms that should be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María del Pilar Navarrete-Meneses
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.d.P.N.-M.); (C.S.-L.); (M.d.R.J.-V.); (D.M.-L.)
| | - Consuelo Salas-Labadía
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.d.P.N.-M.); (C.S.-L.); (M.d.R.J.-V.); (D.M.-L.)
| | - María del Rocío Juárez-Velázquez
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.d.P.N.-M.); (C.S.-L.); (M.d.R.J.-V.); (D.M.-L.)
| | - Dafné Moreno-Lorenzana
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.d.P.N.-M.); (C.S.-L.); (M.d.R.J.-V.); (D.M.-L.)
| | - Fernando Gómez-Chávez
- Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencia y Tecnología de Vacunas y Bioterapéuticos, Doctorado en Ciencias en Biotecnología, Laboratorio de Enfermedades Osteoarticulares e Inmunológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional-ENMyH, Mexico City 07738, Mexico;
| | - Alberto Olaya-Vargas
- Unidad de Trasplante de Células Hematopoyeticas y Terapia Celular, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Pérez-Vera
- Laboratorio de Genética y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Mexico City 04530, Mexico; (M.d.P.N.-M.); (C.S.-L.); (M.d.R.J.-V.); (D.M.-L.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhou X, Min J, Che M, Yang Y, Yang Y, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zheng X, Chen Y, Yuan L, Nan Y. Investigation on the mechanism of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction in the treatment of gastric carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:148-163. [PMID: 36602525 PMCID: PMC9876642 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SG-D) is a famous classical Chinese prescription that has been used in the treatment of numerous kinds of diseases. However, its mechanism of action in the treatment of Gastric carcinoma (GC) is not clear. METHODS The active ingredients and targets of SG-D were screened using network pharmacology, and GC-related targets were retrieved through several databases. The protein-protein interaction network was then further constructed and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. Subsequently, molecular docking was carried out. Finally, we validated the results of the network pharmacology by performing in vitro cell experiments on CCK-8, apoptosis, cell cycle, platelet clone formation, and Western blotting with AGS cells. RESULTS Three key active ingredients and 8 core targets were screened through a network pharmacological analysis, and the results of the KEGG indicated that the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways are critical signaling pathways for SG-D to treat GC. Experimental results revealed that SG-D was able to inhibit AGS cells proliferation, induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle, and reduce the ability of cell clone formation by regulating the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Network pharmacology has shown that SG-D can act on multiple targets through multiple ingredients and treat GC by regulating multiple signaling pathways. In vitro cell experiments have also confirmed this, so as to provide a reference for subsequent related research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous, China
| | - Jiao Min
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Mengying Che
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yating Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Junfei Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaosha Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Disorders of cancer metabolism: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:113993. [PMID: 36379120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal energy metabolism, as one of the important hallmarks of cancer, was induced by multiple carcinogenic factors and tumor-specific microenvironments. It comprises aerobic glycolysis, de novo lipid biosynthesis, and glutamine-dependent anaplerosis. Considering that metabolic reprogramming provides various nutrients for tumor survival and development, it has been considered a potential target for cancer therapy. Cannabinoids have been shown to exhibit a variety of anticancer activities by unclear mechanisms. This paper first reviews the recent progress of related signaling pathways (reactive oxygen species (ROS), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), and p53) mediating the reprogramming of cancer metabolism (including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism). Then we comprehensively explore the latest discoveries and possible mechanisms of the anticancer effects of cannabinoids through the regulation of the above-mentioned related signaling pathways, to provide new targets and insights for cancer prevention and treatment.
Collapse
|
31
|
Synthesis, molecular docking, and in-vitro studies of pyrimidine-2-thione derivatives as antineoplastic agents via potential RAS/PI3K/Akt/JNK inhibition in breast carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22146. [PMID: 36550279 PMCID: PMC9780203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26571-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present investigation, derivatives from (2-6) containing pyrimidine-2-thione moiety incorporated with different heterocycles such as pyrazoline, phenyl pyrazoline, and pyrimidine were synthesized using different methods. These pyrimidine-2-thione derivatives were evaluated in-silico for their capability to inhibit the H-RAS-GTP active form protein with insight to their pharmacokinetics properties. According to our findings, compound 5a was selected for in vitro studies as it has the in-silico top-ranked binding energy. Furthermore, compound 5a induced apoptosis to panels of cancer cell lines with the best IC50 on MCF-7 breast cancer cells (2.617 ± 1.6 µM). This effect was associated with the inhibition of phosphorylated RAS, JNK proteins, and PI3K/Akt genes expression. Thus, compound 5a has upregulated p21 gene and p53 protein levels. Moreover, 5a arrested the cell cycle progression at the sub-G0/G1 phase. In conclusion, the synthesized compound, 5a exhibited potent antineoplastic activity against breast cancer cell growth by targeting RAS/ PI3K/Akt/ JNK signaling cascades.
Collapse
|
32
|
Non-kinase targeting of oncogenic c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling: the future of clinically viable cancer treatments. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1823-1836. [PMID: 36454622 PMCID: PMC9788565 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) have been identified as key disease drivers in a number of pathophysiological settings and central oncogenic signaling nodes in various cancers. Their roles in driving primary tumor growth, positively regulating cancer stem cell populations, promoting invasion and facilitating metastatic outgrowth have led JNKs to be considered attractive targets for anti-cancer therapies. However, the homeostatic, apoptotic and tumor-suppressive activities of JNK proteins limit the use of direct JNK inhibitors in a clinical setting. In this review, we will provide an overview of the different JNK targeting strategies developed to date, which include various ATP-competitive, non-kinase and substrate-competitive inhibitors. We aim to summarize their distinct mechanisms of action, review some of the insights they have provided regarding JNK-targeting in cancer, and outline the limitations as well as challenges of all strategies that target JNKs directly. Furthermore, we will highlight alternate drug targets within JNK signaling complexes, including recently identified scaffold proteins, and discuss how these findings may open up novel therapeutic options for targeting discrete oncogenic JNK signaling complexes in specific cancer settings.
Collapse
|
33
|
Patrad E, Khalighfard S, Amiriani T, Khori V, Alizadeh AM. Molecular mechanisms underlying the action of carcinogens in gastric cancer with a glimpse into targeted therapy. Cell Oncol 2022; 45:1073-1117. [PMID: 36149600 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00715-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer imposes a substantial global health burden despite its overall incidence decrease. A broad spectrum of inherited, environmental and infectious factors contributes to the development of gastric cancer. A profound understanding of the molecular underpinnings of gastric cancer has lagged compared to several other tumors with similar incidence and morbidity rates, owing to our limited knowledge of the role of carcinogens in this malignancy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified gastric carcinogenic agents into four groups based on scientific evidence from human and experimental animal studies. This review aims to explore the potential comprehensive molecular and biological impacts of carcinogens on gastric cancer development and their interactions and interferences with various cellular signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we highlight recent clinical trial data reported in the literature dealing with different ways to target various carcinogens in gastric cancer. Moreover, we touch upon other multidisciplinary therapeutic approaches such as surgery, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Rational clinical trials focusing on identifying suitable patient populations are imperative to the success of single-agent therapeutics. Novel insights regarding signaling pathways that regulate gastric cancer can potentially improve treatment responses to targeted therapy alone or in combination with other/conventional treatments. Preventive strategies such as control of H. pylori infection through eradication or immunization as well as dietary habit and lifestyle changes may reduce the incidence of this multifactorial disease, especially in high prevalence areas. Further in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the role of carcinogenic agents in gastric cancer development may offer valuable information and update state-of-the-art resources for physicians and researchers to explore novel ways to combat this disease, from bench to bedside. A schematic outlining of the interaction between gastric carcinogenic agents and intracellular pathways in gastric cancer H. pylori stimulates multiple intracellular pathways, including PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Wnt, Shh, Ras/Raf, c-MET, and JAK/STAT, leading to epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, survival, motility, and inflammatory cytokine release. EBV can stimulate intracellular pathways such as the PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, Notch, TGF-β, and NF-κB, leading to cell survival and motility, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and the transcription of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nicotine and alcohol can lead to angiogenesis, metastasis, survival, proliferation, pro-inflammatory, migration, and chemotactic by stimulating various intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, and JAK/STAT. Processed meat contains numerous carcinogenic compounds that affect multiple intracellular pathways such as sGC/cGMP, p38 MAPK, ERK, and PI3K/AKT, leading to anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammatory responses, proliferation, and invasion. Lead compounds may interact with multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, DNA methylation-dependent, and epigenetic-dependent, leading to tumorigenesis, carcinogenesis, malignancy, angiogenesis, DNA hypermethylation, cell survival, and cell proliferation. Stimulating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, RAS/RAF, JAK/STAT, WNT, TGF-β, EGF, FGFR2, and E-cadherin through UV ionizing radiation leads to cell survival, proliferation, and immortalization in gastric cancer. The consequence of PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, Ras/Raf, ROS, JAK/STAT, and WNT signaling stimulation by the carcinogenic component of Pickled vegetables and salted fish is the Warburg effect, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, proliferation, inflammatory response, and migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Patrad
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solmaz Khalighfard
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorders Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Breast Disease Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lee EH, Chung JW, Sung E, Yoon BH, Jeon M, Park S, Chun SY, Lee JN, Kim BS, Kim HT, Kim TH, Choi SH, Yoo ES, Kwon TG, Kang HW, Kim WJ, Yun SJ, Lee S, Ha YS. Anti-Metastatic Effect of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4 Inhibition in Bladder Cancer via the ERK, SRC, and JNK Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13240. [PMID: 36362028 PMCID: PMC9658024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a common global cancer with a high percentage of metastases and high mortality rate. Thus, it is necessary to identify new biomarkers that can be helpful in diagnosis. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) belongs to the PDK family and plays an important role in glucose utilization in living organisms. In the present study, we evaluated the role of PDK4 in bladder cancer and its related protein changes. First, we observed elevated PDK4 expression in high-grade bladder cancers. To screen for changes in PDK4-related proteins in bladder cancer, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis using PDK4 knockdown cells. In bladder cancer cell lines, PDK4 silencing resulted in a lower rate of cell migration and invasion. In addition, a PDK4 knockdown xenograft model showed reduced bladder cancer growth in nude mice. Based on our results, PDK4 plays a critical role in the metastasis and growth of bladder cancer cells through changes in ERK, SRC, and JNK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hye Lee
- Joint Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Chung
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Eunji Sung
- BK21 FOUR Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Bo Hyun Yoon
- Joint Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Minji Jeon
- Joint Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Song Park
- Division of Biotechnology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - So Young Chun
- BioMedical Research Institute, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, Korea
| | - Jun Nyung Lee
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Bum Soo Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Hyun Tae Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Tae Hwan Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Seock Hwan Choi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Eun Sang Yoo
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Tae Gyun Kwon
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| | - Ho Won Kang
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Wun-Jae Kim
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Urotech, Cheongju 28120, Korea
| | - Seok Joong Yun
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Department of Urology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sangkyu Lee
- BK21 FOUR Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Yun-Sok Ha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41405, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Waudby CA, Alvarez-Teijeiro S, Josue Ruiz E, Suppinger S, Pinotsis N, Brown PR, Behrens A, Christodoulou J, Mylona A. An intrinsic temporal order of c-JUN N-terminal phosphorylation regulates its activity by orchestrating co-factor recruitment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6133. [PMID: 36253406 PMCID: PMC9576782 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is a major regulatory mechanism of cellular signalling. The c-JUN proto-oncoprotein is phosphorylated at four residues within its transactivation domain (TAD) by the JNK family kinases, but the functional significance of c-JUN multisite phosphorylation has remained elusive. Here we show that c-JUN phosphorylation by JNK exhibits defined temporal kinetics, with serine63 and serine73 being phosphorylated more rapidly than threonine91 and threonine93. We identify the positioning of the phosphorylation sites relative to the kinase docking motif, and their primary sequence, as the main factors controlling phosphorylation kinetics. Functional analysis reveals three c-JUN phosphorylation states: unphosphorylated c-JUN recruits the MBD3 repressor, serine63/73 doubly-phosphorylated c-JUN binds to the TCF4 co-activator, whereas the fully phosphorylated form disfavours TCF4 binding attenuating JNK signalling. Thus, c-JUN phosphorylation encodes multiple functional states that drive a complex signalling response from a single JNK input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Waudby
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Saul Alvarez-Teijeiro
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Asturias, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Josue Ruiz
- Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon Suppinger
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikos Pinotsis
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
| | - Paul R Brown
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Guy's Campus, King's College, London, UK
| | - Axel Behrens
- Cancer Stem Cell Laboratory, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK
- CR-UK Convergence Science Centre, Imperial College, London, SW7 2BU, UK
| | - John Christodoulou
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, UK.
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Anastasia Mylona
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK.
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lee EH, Kim HT, Chun SY, Chung JW, Choi SH, Lee JN, Kim BS, Yoo ES, Kwon TG, Kim TH, Ha YS. Role of the JNK Pathway in Bladder Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:963-971. [PMID: 36091874 PMCID: PMC9462548 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s374908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer, one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, is associated with high morbidity and mortality and a poor prognosis. The bladder cancer types include 1) non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and 2) muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Metastases and chemoresistance in MIBC patients are the leading causes of the high death rate. c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is an important factor for the undifferentiated state of cancer cells. JNK belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) family; it is activated by various extracellular stimuli, such as stress, radiation, and growth factors and mediates diverse cellular functions, such as apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, invasion, and migration by mediating AKT (Ak strain transforming), ATG (Autophagy related), mTOR (Mammalian target of rapamycin), and caspases 3, 8, and 9. This review describes the JNK-related functions, mechanisms, and signaling in bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hye Lee
- Joint Institution of Regenerative Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyun Tae Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - So Young Chun
- BioMedical Research Institute, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae-Wook Chung
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seock Hwan Choi
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jun Nyung Lee
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Bum Soo Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Eun Sang Yoo
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Tae Gyun Kwon
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yun-Sok Ha
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xu Y, Liu R. Analysis of the role of m6A and lncRNAs in prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10612. [PMID: 36158075 PMCID: PMC9489786 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the role of m6A and lncRNAs in the prognosis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma, construct the risk score of overall survival of hepatocellular carcinoma, and search for new therapeutic targets and drugs. Methods The data used in this study are obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A total of 424 HCC samples were included. The co-expression of lncRNAs and M6A-related genes in HCC was analyzed, COX regression analysis was conducted to construct the risk score for HCC prognosis, and the model's validity was further verified in different clinical trials subtypes and principal component analysis. GO enrichment analysis and immune function analysis were performed for the differential genes in the high-risk group and the low-risk group divided by risk score and analyzed the prognostic effect of TMB on the two groups. Based on the results, potential therapeutic agents for HCC were screened. Results The risk score can better predict the prognosis of HCC, the area under the ROC curve is 0.727. Differential genes were mainly located in the extracellular matrix and chromosomal regions and may play regulatory roles in binding sites and catalytic enzymes, thereby affecting the chromosome division and cell proliferation of cells. Type Ⅱ IFN response, type Ⅰ IFN response and MHC class Ⅰ were the three most different functions in terms of immune function between the high-risk group and the low-risk group. Type II IFN response, type I IFN response was significantly down-regulated in the high-risk group, while MHC class I was up-regulated. 14 potential therapeutic drugs were screened out. Conclusions The risk score constructed with NRAV and AL031985.3 had a good predictive effect on the prognosis of HCC. Differences in genes and immune function between high-risk and low-risk groups promoted the occurrence and progression of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Asare O, Ayala Y, Hafeez BB, Ramirez-Correa GA, Cho YY, Kim DJ. Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and its Impacts on Cutaneous Phosphorylation Signaling in Carcinogenesis: Focusing on Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases †. Photochem Photobiol 2022; 99:344-355. [PMID: 36029171 DOI: 10.1111/php.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sunlight exposure is a significant risk factor for UV-induced deteriorating transformations of epidermal homeostasis leading to skin carcinogenesis. The ability of UVB radiation to cause melanoma, as well as basal and squamous cell carcinomas, makes UVB the most harmful among the three known UV ranges. UVB-induced DNA mutations and dysregulation of signaling pathways contribute to skin cancer formation. Among various signaling pathways modulated by UVB, tyrosine phosphorylation signaling which is mediated by the action of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) on specific tyrosine residues is highly implicated in photocarcinogenesis. Following UVB irradiation, PTKs get activated and their downstream signaling pathways contribute to photocarcinogenesis by promoting the survival of damaged keratinocytes and increasing cell proliferation. While UVB activates oncogenic signaling pathways, it can also activate tumor suppressive signaling pathways as initial protective mechanisms to maintain epidermal homeostasis. Tyrosine dephosphorylation is one of the protective mechanisms and is mediated by the action of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). PTP can counteract UVB-mediated PTK activation and downregulate oncogenic signaling pathways. However, PTPs have not been studied extensively in photocarcinogenesis with previous studies regarding their inactivation induced by UVB. This current review will summarize the recent progress in the protective function of PTPs in epidermal photocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Obed Asare
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX
| | - Yasmin Ayala
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX
| | - Bilal Bin Hafeez
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX.,South Texas Center for Excellence in Cancer Research, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
| | - Genaro A Ramirez-Correa
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX
| | - Yong-Yeon Cho
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Korea
| | - Dae Joon Kim
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX.,South Texas Center for Excellence in Cancer Research, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX.,Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals SH3TC2 as an Oncogene for Colorectal Cancer and Promotes Tumorigenesis via the MAPK Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153735. [PMID: 35954399 PMCID: PMC9367385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary SH3 domain and tetrapeptide repeat 2 (SH3TC2) is a protein-encoding gene and has previously been described as a critical signaling hub for neurological disorders, but no systematic analysis of SH3TC2 is available in cancer research. We analyzed SH3TC2 in various kinds of cancer to find its tumorigenic role in one or more specific cancers and further explored the mechanism of SH3TC2 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our research revealed that higher expression of SH3TC2 indicated poor disease-free survival and promoted CRC progression and invasion via the MAPK signaling pathway. Abstract SH3 domain and tetrapeptide repeat 2 (SH3TC2) is a protein-encoding gene and has previously been described as a critical signaling hub for neurological disorders. Although increasing evidence supports a vital role of SH3TC2 in the tumorigenesis of various kinds of cancer, no systematic analysis of SH3TC2 is available. The function and mechanism of SH3TC2 in other cancers remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to analyze SH3TC2 in various kinds of cancer to find its tumorigenic role in one or more specific cancers. In the current study, we analyzed the expression level and prognostic value of SH3TC2 in different tumors in the TCGA-GTEx pan-cancer dataset. Subsequently, the prognostic role and mechanism of SH3TC2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) were further explored via clinical samples and in vitro and in vivo experiments. We observed differential expression of SH3TC2 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), acute myeloid leukemia (LAML), READ (rectum adenocarcinoma), SKCM (skin cutaneous melanoma), and TGCT (testicular germ cell tumors). Subsequently, SH3TC2 showed a significant effect on the clinical stage and prognostic value in CRC, LAML, and SKCM. Moreover, we found in the TCGA database and seven GEO datasets that SH3TC2 was significantly highly expressed in tumor tissue. Through enrichment analysis of SH3TC2 and its co-expressed genes, we found that SH3TC2 may play a role in the MAPK signaling pathway. Correlation analysis indicated that SH3TC2 was significantly associated with multiple key factors in the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, higher expression of SH3TC2 was found in tumor tissue in our cohort including 40 CRC patients. Overexpression of SH3TC2 may imply poor prognosis. Knockdown of SH3TC2 significantly inhibited tumor invasion, migration, and proliferation. More importantly, knockdown of SH3TC2 inhibited tumor growth in a CRC mouse model. The study preliminarily conducted a pan-cancer study of SH3TC2 and further explored the mechanism of SH3TC2 in CRC. Our research revealed that higher expression of SH3TC2 may promote CRC progression and invasion via the MAPK signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhang J, Qi Y. Depleting TMED3 alleviates the development of endometrial carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:231. [PMID: 35854294 PMCID: PMC9295347 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As one of gynecologic tumors, endometrial carcinoma (EC) has been characterized by high incidence rate, but its molecular pathogenesis has remained unclear. TMED3 is a membrane protein and has been indicated to implicate several tumor-related diseases. In the current study, we aimed to explore the physiological function of TMED3 in EC progression. Methods Through bioinformatic analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and immunohistochemistry assay on tissue microarray, we examined whether TMED3 was upregulated in EC tissues. After constructing TMED3-knockdown cell models via lentiviral transfection, qPCR and western blot were employed to determine the expression levels of TMED3 mRNA and protein. Then, Celigo cell counting assay, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and cell migration, respectively. Results As a result, it was found that TMED3 was upregulated in EC cells, which was also verified in clinical samples. We then found that downregulation of TMED3 considerably restrained cell cycle, cell growth and migration but promoted apoptosis of EC cells. The following in-vivo experiments also verified that tumor growth was inhibited after TMED3 knockdown. The exploration in molecular mechanisms showed that TMED3 deletion may weaken cellular viability through upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins and targeting PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Conclusions This study suggested that knocking down TMED3 affected the malignant phenotype of EC cells and thus limited tumor progression, which provided insights to the development of targeted drugs for EC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02649-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ye B, Ma J, Li Z, Li Y, Han X. Ononin Shows Anticancer Activity Against Laryngeal Cancer via the Inhibition of ERK/JNK/p38 Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:939646. [PMID: 35912256 PMCID: PMC9334013 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.939646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundLaryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck tumor with a poor prognosis and survival rate. The new cases of laryngeal cancer increased rapidly with a higher mortality rate around the world.ObjectiveThe current research work was focused to unveil the in vitro antitumor effects of ononin against the laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells.MethodologyThe cytotoxic effects of ononin against the laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells and normal HuLa-PC laryngeal cells were studied using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, apoptotic cell death, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), and cell adhesion on the 25 and 50 µM ononin-treated Hep-2 cells were detected using respective staining assays. The levels of TBARS and antioxidants were assayed using specific kits. The expressions of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2), Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase 1/2 (PI3K1/2), and protein kinase-B (Akt) in the ononin-treated Hep-2 cells were investigated using Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay.ResultsThe ononin treatment effectively inhibited the Hep-2 cell viability but did not affect the viability of HuLa-PC cells. Furthermore, the ononin treatment effectively improved the intracellular ROS accumulation, depleted the MMP, and triggered apoptosis in Hep-2 cells. The Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were improved, and Glutathione (GSH) levels and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) were depleted in the ononin-administered Hep-2 cells. The ononin treatment substantially inhibited the JNK/ERK/p38 axis in the Hep-2 cells.ConclusionTogether, the outcomes of this exploration proved that the ononin has remarkable antitumor activity against laryngeal cancer Hep-2 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Ye
- Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jianhua Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Rongjun General Hospital, Ji’nan, China
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaopan Han
- Department of ENT, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji’nan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopan Han,
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lin EH, Hsu JW, Lee TF, Hsu CF, Lin TH, Jan YH, Chang HY, Cheng CM, Hsu HJ, Chen WW, Chen BH, Tsai HF, Li JJ, Huang CY, Chuang SH, Chang JM, Hsiao M, Wu CW. Targeting cancer stemness mediated by BMI1 and MCL1 for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4305-4321. [PMID: 35794816 PMCID: PMC9401641 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐associated death, with a global 5‐year survival rate <20%. Early metastasis and recurrence remain major challenges for lung cancer treatment. The stemness property of cancer cells has been suggested to play a key role in cancer plasticity, metastasis and drug‐resistance, and is a potential target for drug development. In this study, we found that in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), BMI1 and MCL1 play crucial roles of cancer stemness including invasion, chemo‐resistance and tumour initiation. JNK signalling serves as a link between oncogenic pathway or genotoxicity to cancer stemness. The activation of JNK, either by mutant EGFR or chemotherapy agent, stabilized BMI1 and MCL1 proteins through suppressing the expression of E3‐ubiquitin ligase HUWE1. In lung cancer patient samples, high level of BMI1 is correlated with poor survival, and the expression of BMI1 is positively correlated with MCL1. A novel small‐molecule, BI‐44, was developed, which effectively suppressed BMI1/MCL1 expressions and inhibited tumour formation and progression in preclinical models. Targeting cancer stemness mediated by BMI1/MCL1 with BI‐44 provides the basis for a new therapeutic approach in NSCLC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erh-Hsuan Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jhen-Wei Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Fang Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Jan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yi Chang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Development Center for Biotechnology, Institute for Drug Evaluation Platform, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Jan Hsu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Center for Biotechnology, Institute of Pharmaceutics, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Development Center for Biotechnology, Institute for Drug Evaluation Platform, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Hung Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jung-Jung Li
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ying Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsien Chuang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Development Center for Biotechnology, Institute of Pharmaceutics, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ming Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, Development Center for Biotechnology, Institute for Drug Evaluation Platform, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wen Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lai Y, Chang H, Chen H, Chang G, Chen JJW. Peruvoside is a novel Src inhibitor that suppresses NSCLC cell growth and motility by downregulating multiple Src-EGFR-related pathways. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2576-2593. [PMID: 35812056 PMCID: PMC9251685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase Src plays an essential role in the progression of many cancers and is involved in several epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signalling pathways. To improve the efficacy of lung cancer treatments, this study aimed to identify novel compounds that can disrupt the Src-EGFR interaction and that are less dependent on EGFR status with wild-type and mutations than other compounds. We used the Src pY419 ELISA as the platform to screen a compound library of more than 400 plant-derived active ingredients and identified peruvoside as a candidate Src-EGFR crosstalk inhibitor. The effects of peruvoside were evaluated by western blotting, cell function assays, combination Index (CI)-isobologram analyses and in vivo experiments. Peruvoside significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of Src, EGFR, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in a dose- and time-dependent manner and somewhat suppressed their protein expression. Cell function assays revealed that peruvoside inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation of lung cancer cells in vitro and tumour growth in vivo. Furthermore, peruvoside sensitized gefitinib-resistant tumour cells (A549, PC9/gef and H1975) to gefitinib treatment, indicating that peruvoside may exert synergistic effects when used in combination with established therapeutic agents. Our data also demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of peruvoside on lung cancer progression might be attributed to its ability to regulate Src, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Paxillin, p130cas, and EGFR. Our findings suggest that peruvoside suppresses non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) malignancy by downregulating multiple Src-related pathways and could serve as a potential base molecule for developing new anticancer drugs and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, China Medical University HospitalTaichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University HospitalTaichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiuhui Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
| | - Hueiwen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, National Taiwan University College of MedicineTaipei, Taiwan
| | - Geechen Chang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University HospitalTaichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
| | - Jeremy JW Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
PCAT19 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting miR-25-3p via Targeting the MAP2K4 Signal Axis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:2442094. [PMID: 35615401 PMCID: PMC9126706 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2442094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Both PCAT19 and miR-25-3p have been reported in lung cancer studies, but whether there is a correlation between the two and whether they jointly regulate the progress of lung cancer have not been reported yet. Therefore, this study carried out a further in-depth research. The expression of PCAT19 was detected in lung cancer (LC) tissues and cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effect of PCAT19 on tumor growth was detected in a tumor-bearing model of nude mice. PCAT19-transfected cells were treated with Honokiol and anisomycin. The effects of PCAT19 on proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle of LC cells were investigated by biomolecule experiments. The effects of PCAT19 on the expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase- (MAPK-) related proteins were evaluated by western blotting. The expression of PCAT19 was decreased in LC tissues and related to patient survival, tumor size, and pathology. In addition, upregulation of PCAT19 hindered LC cell proliferation, miR-25-3p expression, and the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), while facilitating LC cell apoptosis. Furthermore, upregulation of PCAT19 reversed the effects of Honokiol and anisomycin on promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Collectively, our findings show that upregulated PCAT19 suppresses proliferation yet promotes the apoptosis of LC cells through modulating the miR-25-3p/MAP2K4 signaling axis.
Collapse
|
45
|
A Structural Characterisation of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Network in Cancer. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14051009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene regulatory networks represent collections of regulators that interact with each other and with other molecules to govern gene expression. Biological signalling networks model how signals are transmitted and how activities are coordinated in the cell. The study of the structure of such networks in complex diseases such as cancer can provide insights into how they function, and consequently, suggest suitable treatment approaches. Here, we explored such topological characteristics in the example of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling network derived from published studies in cancer. We employed well-established techniques to conduct network analyses, and collected information on gene function as obtained from large-scale public databases. This allowed us to map topological and functional relationships, and build hypotheses on this network’s functional consequences. In particular, we find that the topology of this MAPK network is highly non-random, modular and robust. Moreover, analysis of the network’s structure indicates the presence of organisational features of cancer hallmarks, expressed in an asymmetrical manner across communities of the network. Finally, our results indicate that the organisation of this network renders it problematic to use treatment approaches that focus on a single target. Our analysis suggests that multi-target attacks in a well-orchestrated manner are required to alter how the network functions. Overall, we propose that complex network analyses combined with pharmacological insights will help inform on future treatment strategies, exploiting structural vulnerabilities of signalling and regulatory networks in cancer.
Collapse
|
46
|
Ni Z, Sun P, Zheng J, Wu M, Yang C, Cheng M, Yin M, Cui C, Wang G, Yuan L, Gao Q, Li Y. JNK Signaling Promotes Bladder Cancer Immune Escape by Regulating METTL3-Mediated m6A Modification of PD-L1 mRNA. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1789-1802. [PMID: 35502544 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) writer methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is upregulated in many types of cancer and promotes cancer progression by increasing expression of several oncogenes. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulating METTL3 expression and the key targets of METTL3 in cancer cells could provide new therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that activated JNK signaling is associated with increased METTL3 expression in bladder cancer. Knockdown of JNK1 or administration of a JNK inhibitor impaired the binding of c-Jun with the METTL3 promoter, thereby decreasing the expression of METTL3 and global RNA m6A levels. Moreover, RNA m6A sequencing indicated enrichment of m6A in the 3'-UTR of immune checkpoint PD-L1 mRNA, which could be recognized by the m6A reader IGF2BP1 to mediate RNA stability and expression levels of PD-L1. Inhibition of JNK signaling suppressed m6A abundance in PD-L1 mRNA, leading to decreased PD-L1 expression. Functionally, METTL3 was essential for bladder cancer cells to resist the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells by regulating PD-L1 expression. Additionally, JNK signaling contributed to tumor immune escape in a METTL3-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. These data reveal the JNK/METTL3 axis as a mechanism of aberrant m6A modification and immune regulation in bladder cancer. SIGNIFICANCE The identification of a novel m6A-dependent mechanism underlying immune system evasion by bladder cancer cells reveals JNK signaling as a potential target for bladder cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zegui Ni
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Pengli Sun
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingqing Wu
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Congcong Yang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingwei Yin
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chengying Cui
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guangxian Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Genetics, School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Clinic Pathology Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Park HB, Baek KH. E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes regulating the MAPK signaling pathway in cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188736. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
48
|
Ibrutinib in the Treatment of Solid Tumors: Current State of Knowledge and Future Directions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081338. [PMID: 35456016 PMCID: PMC9032968 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) is considered crucial in the activation and survival of both physiological and malignant B-cells. In recent years, ibrutinib, an oral BTK inhibitor, became a breakthrough therapy for hematological malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic. However, ibrutinib’s feasibility might not end there. Several other kinases with established involvement with solid malignancies (i.e., EGFR, HER2) have been found to be inhibited by this agent. Recent discoveries indicate that BTK is a potential anti-solid tumor therapy target. Consequently, ibrutinib, a BTK-inhibitor, has been studied as a therapeutic option in solid malignancies. While most preclinical studies indicate ibrutinib to be an effective therapeutic option in some specific indications, such as NSCLC and breast cancer, clinical trials contradict these observations. Nevertheless, while ibrutinib failed as a monotherapy, it might become an interesting part of a multidrug regime: not only has a synergism between ibrutinib and other compounds, such as trametinib or dactolisib, been observed in vitro, but this BTK inhibitor has also been established as a radio- and chemosensitizer. This review aims to describe the milestones in translating BTK inhibitors to solid tumors in order to understand the future potential of this agent better.
Collapse
|
49
|
Seo JH, Jeon YJ. Global Proteomic Analysis of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells via Connective Tissue Growth Factor Treatment under Chemically Defined Feeder-Free Culture Conditions. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:126-140. [PMID: 34750284 PMCID: PMC9628825 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2110.10032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells can be applied usefully in basic research and clinical field due to their differentiation and self-renewal capacity. The aim of this study was to establish an effective novel therapeutic cellular source and create its molecular expression profile map to elucidate the possible therapeutic mechanism and signaling pathway. We successfully obtained a mesenchymal stem cell population from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) cultured on chemically defined feeder-free conditions and treated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and performed the expressive proteomic approach to elucidate the molecular basis. We further selected 12 differentially expressed proteins in CTGF-induced hESC-derived mesenchymal stem cells (C-hESC-MSCs), which were found to be involved in the metabolic process, immune response, cell signaling, and cell proliferation, as compared to bone marrow derived-MSCs(BM-MSCs). Moreover, these up-regulated proteins were potentially related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results suggest that C-hESC-MSCs are a highly proliferative cell population, which can interact with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway; thus, due to the upregulated cell survival ability or downregulated apoptosis effects of C-hESC-MSCs, these can be used as an unlimited cellular source in the cell therapy field for a higher therapeutic potential. Overall, the study provided valuable insights into the molecular functioning of hESC derivatives as a valuable cellular source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Seo
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joo Jeon
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author Phone: +82-42-860-4386 Fax: +82-42-860-4608 E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pua LJW, Mai CW, Chung FFL, Khoo ASB, Leong CO, Lim WM, Hii LW. Functional Roles of JNK and p38 MAPK Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031108. [PMID: 35163030 PMCID: PMC8834850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members integrate signals that affect proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration in a cell context- and cell type-specific way. JNK and p38 MAPK activities are found upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Studies have shown that activation of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling can promote NPC oncogenesis by mechanisms within the cancer cells and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. They regulate multiple transcription activities and contribute to tumor-promoting processes, ranging from cell proliferation to apoptosis, inflammation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Current literature suggests that JNK and p38 MAPK activation may exert pro-tumorigenic functions in NPC, though the underlying mechanisms are not well documented and have yet to be fully explored. Here, we aim to provide a narrative review of JNK and p38 MAPK pathways in human cancers with a primary focus on NPC. We also discuss the potential therapeutic agents that could be used to target JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC, along with perspectives for future works. We aim to inspire future studies further delineating JNK and p38 MAPK signaling in NPC oncogenesis which might offer important insights for better strategies in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making in NPC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Jia Wei Pua
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.J.W.P.); (C.-O.L.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Felicia Fei-Lei Chung
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (L.J.W.P.); (C.-O.L.)
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- AGTC Genomics, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Wei-Meng Lim
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (W.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), Institute for Research, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-W.M.); (A.S.-B.K.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (W.-M.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| |
Collapse
|