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Ma Z, Ma Y, Feng J, Xu Z, Cheng C, Qin J, Li S, Jiang J, Kong R. NDRG2 acts as a negative regulator of the progression of small-cell lung cancer through the modulation of the PTEN-AKT-mTOR signalling cascade. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 485:116915. [PMID: 38537875 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116915] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) has been recognised as a negative regulator of the progression of numerous tumours, yet its specific role in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is not fully understood. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the biological role and mechanism of NDRG2 in SCLC. Initial investigation using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset revealed marked downregulation of NDRG2 transcripts in SCLC. The decreased abundance of NDRG2 in SCLC was verified by examining clinical specimens. Increasing NDRG2 expression in SCLC cell lines caused significant changes in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, colony formation, and chemosensitivity. NDRG2 overexpression decreased the levels of phosphorylated PTEN, AKT and mTOR. In PTEN-depleted SCLC cells, the upregulation of NDRG2 did not result in any noticeable impact on AKT or mTOR activation. Additionally, the reactivation of AKT reversed the antitumour effects of NDRG2 in SCLC cells. Notably, increasing NDRG2 expression retarded the growth of SCLC cell-derived xenografts in vivo. In conclusion, NDRG2 serves as an inhibitor of SCLC, and its cancer-inhibiting effects are achieved through the suppression of AKT/mTOR via the activation of PTEN. This work suggests that NDRG2 is a potential druggable target for SCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchuan Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Yuefeng Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Zhengshui Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Chuantao Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Jie Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Shaomin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Jiantao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
| | - Ranran Kong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
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Wang C, Wang X, Zheng H, Yao J, Xiang Y, Liu D. The ndrg2 Gene Regulates Hair Cell Morphogenesis and Auditory Function during Zebrafish Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10002. [PMID: 37373150 PMCID: PMC10297845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210002] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Damages of sensory hair cells (HCs) are mainly responsible for sensorineural hearing loss, however, its pathological mechanism is not yet fully understood due to the fact that many potential deafness genes remain unidentified. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (ndrg2) is commonly regarded as a tumor suppressor and a cell stress-responsive gene extensively involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and invasion, while its roles in zebrafish HC morphogenesis and hearing remains unclear. Results of this study suggested that ndrg2 was highly expressed in the HCs of the otic vesicle and neuromasts via in situ hybridization and single-cell RNA sequencing. Ndrg2 loss-of-function larvae showed decreased crista HCs, shortened cilia, and reduced neuromasts and functional HCs, which could be rescued by the microinjection of ndrg2 mRNA. Moreover, ndrg2 deficiency induced attenuated startle response behaviors to sound vibration stimuli. Mechanistically, there were no detectable HC apoptosis and supporting cell changes in the ndrg2 mutants, and HCs were capable of recovering by blocking the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting that ndrg2 was implicated in HC differentiation mediated by Notch. Overall, our study demonstrates that ndrg2 plays crucial roles in HC development and auditory sensory function utilizing the zebrafish model, which provides new insights into the identification of potential deafness genes and regulation mechanism of HC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.X.)
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China;
| | - Hao Zheng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China;
| | - Jia Yao
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yuqing Xiang
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.X.)
| | - Dong Liu
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China; (C.W.); (J.Y.); (Y.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China;
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Bonfim Neto AP, Cardoso APMM, Silva RDS, Sousa LMMDC, Giometti IC, Binelli M, Bauersachs S, Kowalewski MP, Papa PDC. An approach to uncover the relationship between 17b-estradiol and ESR1/ESR2 ratio in the regulation of canine corpus luteum. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:885257. [PMID: 35982918 PMCID: PMC9378837 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.885257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The canine corpus luteum (CL) is able to synthetise, activate and deactivate 17b-estradiol (E2) and also expresses nuclear estrogen receptors in a time-dependent manner during diestrus. Nevertheless, we are still missing a better comprehension of E2 functions in the canine CL, especially regarding the specific roles of estrogen receptor alpha (ERa) and ERb, encoded by ESR1 and 2, respectively. For that purpose, we analyzed transcriptomic data of canine non-pregnant CL collected on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 of diestrus and searched for differentially expressed genes (DEG) containing predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) for ESR1 or ESR2. Based on biological functions of DEG presenting TFBS, expression of select transcripts and corresponding proteins was assessed. Additionally, luteal cells were collected across specific time points during diestrus and specificity of E2 responses was tested using ERa and/or ERb inhibitors. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 517 DEGs containing TFBS, from which 67 for both receptors. In general, abundance of predicted ESR1 targets was greater in the beginning, while abundance of ESR2 targets was greater in the end of diestrus. ESR1/ESR2 ratio shifted from an increasing to a decreasing pattern from day 30 to 40 post ovulation. Specific receptor inhibition suggested an ERa-mediated positive regulation of CL function at the beginning of diestrus and an ERb-mediated effect contributing to luteal regression. In conclusion, our data points toward a broad spectrum of action of E2 and its nuclear receptors, which can also act as transcription factors for other genes regulating canine CL function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata dos Santos Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ines Cristina Giometti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Mario Binelli
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Stefan Bauersachs
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Paula de Carvalho Papa
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Paula de Carvalho Papa
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Glycogen Storage Disease Phenotypes Accompanying the Perturbation of the Methionine Cycle in NDRG3-Deficient Mouse Livers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091536. [PMID: 35563842 PMCID: PMC9103136 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N-Myc downstream regulated gene 3 (NDRG3) is a unique pro-tumorigenic member among NDRG family genes, mediating growth signals. Here, we investigated the pathophysiological roles of NDRG3 in relation to cell metabolism by disrupting its functions in liver. Mice with liver-specific KO of NDRG3 (Ndrg3 LKO) exhibited glycogen storage disease (GSD) phenotypes including excessive hepatic glycogen accumulation, hypoglycemia, elevated liver triglyceride content, and several signs of liver injury. They suffered from impaired hepatic glucose homeostasis, due to the suppression of fasting-associated glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Consistently, the expression of glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL) and glucose-6-phosphate transporter (G6PT) was significantly down-regulated in an Ndrg3 LKO-dependent manner. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that NDRG3 depletion significantly perturbed the methionine cycle, redirecting its flux towards branch pathways to upregulate several metabolites known to have hepatoprotective functions. Mechanistically, Ndrg3 LKO-dependent downregulation of glycine N-methyltransferase in the methionine cycle and the resultant elevation of the S-adenosylmethionine level appears to play a critical role in the restructuring of the methionine metabolism, eventually leading to the manifestation of GSD phenotypes in Ndrg3 LKO mice. Our results indicate that NDRG3 is required for the homeostasis of liver cell metabolism upstream of the glucose–glycogen flux and methionine cycle and suggest therapeutic values for regulating NDRG3 in disorders with malfunctions in these pathways.
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Tinsley SL, Allen-Petersen BL. PP2A and cancer epigenetics: a therapeutic opportunity waiting to happen. NAR Cancer 2022; 4:zcac002. [PMID: 35118387 PMCID: PMC8807117 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic state of chromatin is altered by regulators which influence gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. While several post-translational modifications contribute to chromatin accessibility and transcriptional programs, our understanding of the role that specific phosphorylation sites play is limited. In cancer, kinases and phosphatases are commonly deregulated resulting in increased oncogenic signaling and loss of epigenetic regulation. Aberrant epigenetic states are known to promote cellular plasticity and the development of therapeutic resistance in many cancer types, highlighting the importance of these mechanisms to cancer cell phenotypes. Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric holoenzyme that targets a diverse array of cellular proteins. The composition of the PP2A complex influences its cellular targets and activity. For this reason, PP2A can be tumor suppressive or oncogenic depending on cellular context. Understanding the nuances of PP2A regulation and its effect on epigenetic alterations can lead to new therapeutic avenues that afford more specificity and contribute to the growth of personalized medicine in the oncology field. In this review, we summarize the known PP2A-regulated substrates and potential phosphorylation sites that contribute to cancer cell epigenetics and possible strategies to therapeutically leverage this phosphatase to suppress tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Tinsley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Ichikawa T, Sugamoto K, Matsuura Y, Kunitake H, Shimoda K, Morishita K. Inhibition of ATL cell proliferation by polymerized proanthocyanidin from blueberry leaves through JAK proteolysis. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1406-1416. [PMID: 35100463 PMCID: PMC8990289 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15277] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported that the proanthocyanidin (PAC) fraction of blueberry leaf extract (BB-PAC) inhibits the proliferation of human T lymphotropic retrovirus (HTLV-1)-infected adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) by inducing apoptosis. In the present study, we further analyzed the structure of BB-PAC and elucidated the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibitory function of HTLV-1 infected and ATL cells. After hot water extraction with fractionation with methanol-acetone, BB-PAC was found to be concentrated in fractions 4 to 7 (Fr 7). The strongest inhibition of ATL cell growth was observed with Fr7, which contained the highest BB-PAC polymerization degree of 14. The basic structure of BB-PAC is mainly B-type bonds, with A-type bonds (7.1%) and cinchonain I units as the terminal unit (6.1%). The molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity observed around Fr7 against ATL cells was the degradation of JAK1 to 3 and the dephosphorylation of STAT3/5, which occurs by proteasome-dependent proteolysis, confirming that PAC directly binds to HSP90. JAK degradation was caused by proteasome-dependent proteolysis, and we identified the direct binding of PAC to HSP90. In addition, the binding of cochaperone ATPase homolog 1 (AHA1) to HSP90, which is required for activation of the cofactor HSP90, was inhibited by BB-PAC treatment. Therefore, BB-PAC inhibited the formation of the HSP90/AHA1 complex and promoted the degradation of JAK protein due to HSP90 dysfunction. These results suggest that the highly polymerized PAC component from blueberry leaves has great potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent against HTLV-1 infected and ATL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonaga Ichikawa
- Division of Tumor and Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sugamoto
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Matsuura
- Miyazaki Prefectural Food Research and Development Center, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hisato Kunitake
- Department of Biochemistry and Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.,Director of Center for Collaborative Research & Community Cooperation, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuya Shimoda
- Division of Hematology, Diabetes, and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Morishita
- Division of Tumor and Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.,Project for Advanced Medical Research and Development, Project Research Division, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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Hon KW, Zainal Abidin SA, Othman I, Naidu R. The Crosstalk Between Signaling Pathways and Cancer Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:768861. [PMID: 34887764 PMCID: PMC8650587 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.768861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming represents an important cancer hallmark in CRC. Reprogramming core metabolic pathways in cancer cells, such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid metabolism, is essential to increase energy production and biosynthesis of precursors required to support tumor initiation and progression. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes regulate metabolic reprogramming through the downstream signaling pathways. Protein kinases, such as AKT and c-MYC, are the integral components that facilitate the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic pathways in CRC. This review provides an insight into the crosstalk between signaling pathways and metabolic reprogramming in CRC. Targeting CRC metabolism could open a new avenue for developing CRC therapy by discovering metabolic inhibitors and repurposing protein kinase inhibitors/monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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N-myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 2 (NDRG2) Function as a Positive Regulator of Apoptosis: A New Insight into NDRG2 as a Tumor Suppressor. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102649. [PMID: 34685629 PMCID: PMC8534062 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a tumor suppressor gene that increases tumor sensitivity to anticancer drugs, slows tumor progression, and inhibits metastasis. NDRG2 is suppressed in various aggressive tumor positions, whereas NDRG2 expression is associated with patient prognosis, such as an improved survival rate. In this review, we summarize the tumor suppressor mechanism of NDRG2 and provide information on the function of NDRG2 concerning the susceptibility of cells to apoptosis. NDRG2 increases the susceptibility to apoptosis in various physiological environments of cells, such as development, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and cancer drug treatment. Although the molecular and cell biological mechanisms of NDRG2 have not been fully elucidated, we provide information on the mechanisms of NDRG2 in relation to apoptosis in various environments. This review can assist the design of research regarding NDRG2 function and suggests the potential of NDRG2 as a molecular target for cancer patients.
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