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Sun Y, Pan J, Li Y, Hu Y, Ma J, Chen F, Zhang Y, Jiang Z, Zhang J. Restoring BARX2 in OSCC reverses partial EMT and suppresses metastasis through miR-186-5p/miR-378a-3p-dependent SERPINE2 inhibition. Oncogene 2024; 43:1941-1954. [PMID: 38719950 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03053-w] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells undergoing partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT) are pivotal in local invasion and lymphatic metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), yet the mechanisms behind pEMT reversal remain poorly understood. In this study, the loss of BARX2 expression was revealed during the process of oral epithelial carcinogenesis and identified to activate the pEMT program, facilitate metastasis, and be associated with poor prognosis. Restoring BARX2 expression in OSCC cell lines effectively reversed tumor pEMT, evident in E/N-Cadherin switching, reduced cell invasion, proliferation, and stemness, and inhibited murine lung metastasis. BARX2 re-expression negatively correlated with several pEMT markers, notably SERPINE2, which was enriched in the invasive OSCC front, enhancing stemness and promoting metastasis, particularly in cervical lymph nodes. Furthermore, rescuing SERPINE2 impaired the inhibitory effect of BARX2 on the pEMT programs and reconstructed ECM through re-expression of MMP1. Mechanistically, we identified that BARX2 inhibited SERPINE2 through activating miR-186-5p and miR-378a-3p. These miRNAs, upregulated by BARX2, post-transcriptionally degraded SERPINE2 mRNA via targeting specific sequences. Blocking miR-186-5p and miR-378a-3p effectively abolished the negative regulatory effect of BARX2 on SERPINE2. Overall, our findings highlight BARX2 as a partial EMT-reverser in OSCC, providing fresh therapeutic prospects for restoring BARX2 signaling to inhibit invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junchen Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yaying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Yu S, Sun L, Peng L, Wu Z, Yu X, Li B, Yang H, Yin X. BarH-Like Homeobox 2 Suppresses Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Angiogenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Activating N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 4. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00930-9. [PMID: 37955776 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00930-9] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2) has been identified to play a key role in the development of multiple cancers. Meanwhile, BARX2 may be an independent prognostic biomarker for patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the regulatory role of BARX2 in HCC is still unclear and needs to be unveiled. In this study, the expressions of BARX2 and N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 4 (GALNT4) were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) as well as western blot. Besides, the abilities of cells to proliferate, migrate, invade, and angiogenesis were assessed with CCK-8, colony formation, wound-healing, Transwell, and tube formation assays, separately. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry analysis. The binding relationship between BARX2 and GALNT4 was predicted by JASPAR website and verified using Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase report assay. It was discovered that BARX2 was reduced in HCC cell lines, while its overexpression greatly repressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis and promoted cell apoptosis in HuH7 and MHCC97-H cells. BARX2 could bind to GALNT4 promoter and positively regulate GALNT4 expression. In addition, GALNT4 deficiency partly abolished the inhibitory effects of BARX2 on the progression of HCC. In summary, this study highlights that BARX2 may hold promise for serving as a potential therapeutic target, facilitating the development of a novel therapeutic strategy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi'an Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The Ninth Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Long Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ganzhou Municipal Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhengyi Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuzhe Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hanqing Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangbao Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Yu S, Yang Y, Yang H, Peng L, Wu Z, Sun L, Wu Z, Yu X, Yin X. Pancancer analysis of oncogenic BARX2 identifying its prognostic value and immunological function in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7560. [PMID: 37161008 PMCID: PMC10170086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2), a member of the Bar-like homeobox gene family, is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, immune responses and tumorigenesis. However, the potential role of BARX2 in the development of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to study the biological role of BARX2 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Through the UALCAN, GTEx PORTAL, TIMER 2.0, LinkedOmics, SMART, MethSurv, Metascape, GSEA and STRING public databases, the BARX2 mRNA level, prognostic value, coexpressed genes, associated differentially expressed genes, DNA methylation and functional enrichment of LIHC patients were studied. The relationships between BARX2 expression and various clinical or genetic parameters of LIHC patients were determined using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and BEAT LIHC databases. In addition, the biological function of BARX2 in LIHC was studied in vitro. Through large-scale data mining, our study showed that BARX2 was differentially expressed between different normal and tumour tissues.BARX2 expression in LIHC tissues was significantly lower than that in corresponding controls, especially in patients with T2-4 stage disease. In patients with LIHC, overexpression of BARX2 was an independent poor prognostic factor associated with poor cytogenetic risk and gene mutations. Genomic hypermethylation of the BARX2 gene was associated with upregulated BARX2 expression and poor overall survival (OS) in LIHC. Functional enrichment analysis showed that BARX2 had an immunomodulatory role and was involved in the inflammatory response in LIHC occurrence. In conclusion, the oncogene BARX2 may serve as a new biomarker and prognostic factor for patients with LIHC. The immunomodulatory function of BARX2 deserves further validation in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shian Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hanqing Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Long Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Zhipeng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhengyi Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xuzhe Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xiangbao Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Chen S, Lin X, He R, Zhang W, Kang M, Xu R. PHLDA3 activated by BARX2 transcription, suppresses the malignant development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by downregulating PI3K/AKT levels. Exp Cell Res 2023; 426:113567. [PMID: 36965748 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113567] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low pleckstrin homology-like domain family A, member 3 (PHLDA3) expression has been reported to be associated with cancer specificity and disease-free survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and was an independent predictor of postoperative recurrence. However, the specific mechanisms involved are still unclear. This paper aimed to explore the role and its mechanisms of PHLDA3 in ESCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS PHLDA3 and BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2) expressions in ESCC were predicted by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) analysis and determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western Blot. Western blot detected the expression of proteins associated with migration, angiogenesis and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway. The University of California Santa Cruz Genomics Institute (UCSC) database predicted that the relationship of BARX2 and PHLDA3 promoter and JASPAR identified the possible binding sites. Dual luciferase gene reporter verified PHLDA3 promoter activity, and the relationship of both was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP). Cell counting kit (CCK)-8, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) and colony formation were used to assess cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell were used to detect cell migration and invasion ability. Tube formation assay was applied to assess angiogenesis. Mice were injected with transfected KYSE30 cells under the right axilla. Body weight and tumor volume and mass were recorded for each group of mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect KI67 level in tumor tissues. RESULTS Both PHLDA3 and BARX2 were downregulated in ESCC. The upregulated PHLDA3 suppressed PI3K/AKT expression. In addition, BARX2 bound to the PHLDA3 promoter and transcriptionally activated PHLDA3. PHLDA3 overexpression inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, but this effect was reversed by BARX2 knockdown. In addition, BARX2 overexpression inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis, but this effect was reversed by PHLDA3 knockdown. CONCLUSION PHLDA3 was transcriptionally activated by BARX2 and inhibited malignant progression of ESCC by downregulating PI3K/AKT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaogeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xianzuan Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Rongqi He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wanfei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Mingqiang Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Rongyu Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China.
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Zuo L, Zhu Y, Han J, Liu H. Circular RNA circSHPRH inhibits the malignant behaviors of bladder cancer by regulating the miR-942/BARX2 pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1891-1909. [PMID: 35200157 PMCID: PMC8908925 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common tumors of the genitourinary system. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of BCa progression is still unclear. Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in the tumorigenesis and progression of BCa. In this article, we showed that circSHPRH expression was obviously decreased in BCa tissues, compared with adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, a low circSHPRH level was positively correlated with a high grade, a high pathological stage, lymphatic metastasis and an unfavorable prognosis for BCa patients. Cell function studies indicated that silencing circSHPRH dramatically increased the proliferation, migration and invasion of BCa cells. Animal experiments revealed that circSHPRH overexpression repressed tumor growth. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that circSHPRH could combine with miR-942 and serve as a sponge of miR-942, which targets BARX2 in BCa cells. Rescue experiments showed that suppression of miR-942 or BARX2 overexpression could significantly abrogate the promoting effects of circSHPRH silencing on BCa cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, circSHPRH overexpression partly eliminated the suppressive effects of miR-942 on BARX2 expression. In addition, circSHPRH knockdown promoted activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by regulating BARX2. Taken together, our findings indicate that circSHPRH serves as a sponge of miR-942 to inhibit BCa progression by upregulating BARX2 expression, thereby inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zuo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524003, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinli Han
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, Guangdong Province, China
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Lu Z, Peng H, Li R, Xu X, Peng J. BarH-like homeobox 2 represses the transcription of keratin 16 and affects Ras signaling pathway to suppress nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression. Bioengineered 2022; 13:3122-3136. [PMID: 35037835 PMCID: PMC8974228 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2026549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) refers to a malignancy initiating from the superior mucosal epithelium of the nasopharynx. Optimal therapies for NPC are still needed. In this investigation, we attempted to explore whether BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2), a well-known tumor suppressor, had anti-cancer properties on NPC, and the possible mechanisms. After searching for NPC-related databases, we determined BARX2 as one of the core genes in NPC. The results of RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry or Western blot demonstrated that BARX2 was reduced in NPC patients and cells. Ectopic expression of BARX2 reverted the malignant phenotype of NPC cells. Mechanistically, BARX2 bound to the keratin 16 (KRT16) promoter to downregulate its expression. In addition, BARX2 was found to reduce the phosphorylation levels of MEK and ERK. Further KRT16 upregulation in cells overexpressing BARX2 promoted malignant aggressiveness of C666-1 and HNE3 cells and activated the Ras signaling pathway. BARX2 inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumors and suppressed the Ras signaling pathway in vivo. In conclusion, our findings indicate that BARX2 reverts malignant phenotypes of NPC cells by downregulating KRT16 in a Ras-dependent fashion. BARX2 might act as a possible therapeutic regulator for NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibing Lu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, P.R. China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, P.R. China
| | - Ruijuan Li
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, P.R. China
| | - Xinyan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, P.R. China
| | - Jiyong Peng
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, He L, Huang L, Yao S, Lin N, Li P, Xu H, Wu X, Xu J, Lu Y, Li Y, Zhu S. Oncogenic PAX6 elicits CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance by epigenetically inactivating the LATS2-Hippo signaling pathway. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e503. [PMID: 34459131 PMCID: PMC8382979 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors hinders their clinical utility in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the predictive markers of CDK4/6 inhibitors in gastric cancer (GC) remain incompletely described. Here, we found that PAX6 expression was negatively correlated with the response to palbociclib in vitro and in vivo in GC. We observed that the PAX6 expression level was negatively correlated with the overall survival of GC patients and further showed that PAX6 can promote GC cell proliferation and the cell cycle. The cell cycle is regulated by the interaction of cyclins with their partner serine/threonine cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and the G1/S-phase transition is the main target of CDK4/6 inhibitors. Therefore, we tested whether PAX6 expression was correlated with the GC response to palbociclib. We found that PAX6 hypermethylates the promoter of LATS2 and inactivates the Hippo pathway, which upregulates cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression. This results in a suppressed response to palbociclib in GC. Furthermore, we found that the induction of the Hippo signaling pathway or treatment with a DNA methylation inhibitor could overcome PAX6-induced palbociclib resistance in GC. These findings uncover a tumor promoter function of PAX6 in GC and establish overexpressed PAX6 as a mechanism of resistance to palbociclib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.600 Tian he RoadGuangzhou510630China
- Department of Hepatic surgery, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510080China
| | - Long‐Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCancer CenterSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.651 Dongfeng Road EastGuangzhou510060China
| | - Lin‐Lin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGuangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical
SciencesNo.106 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510080China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.600 Tian he RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Hui‐Wen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Xi‐Wen Wu
- Department of Hepatic surgery, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510080China
| | - Jian‐Liang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.600 Tian he RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.600 Tian he RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Yan‐Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary surgery, the Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.600 Tian he RoadGuangzhou510630China
| | - Sen‐Lin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityNo.58 Zhongshan 2nd RoadGuangzhou510630China
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Zhang J, Zhang T, Tang B, Li J, Zha Z. The miR-187 induced bone reconstruction and healing in a mouse model of osteoporosis, and accelerated osteoblastic differentiation of human multipotent stromal cells by targeting BARX2. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 219:153340. [PMID: 33550149 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proven to regulate osteogenic differentiation by affecting the Runx2 signaling pathway. The intervention of miRNA can delay the progress of osteoporosis (OP) and induce fracture repair by affecting bone regeneration. However, the function and mechanism of miR-187 in osteoporotic fractures are still unknown. METHODS We first established the OP mouse model. Next, the BMD value was certified by iDXA. The miR-187 level in the OP mice and serum of OP patients was identified through qRT-PCR. Bone repair and bone healing were assessed through toluidine blue staining and X-ray, and BARX2 expression was also confirmed. Osteogenesis-related proteins, ALP activity, and the matrix mineralization state were evaluated by western blot, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red staining in hMSCs after transfection with miR-187 mimics, miR-187 inhibitor, or human BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2) siRNA. Moreover, the interplay between miR-187 and BARX2 was identified through the dual-luciferase reporter. RESULTS The BMD value was notably reduced in the OP mice, and miR-187 was markedly downregulated in the OP mice and serum of OP patients. Meanwhile, we proved that miR-187 induced bone reconstruction and healing, and downregulated BARX2 in the OP mouse model. We also proved that BARX2 was a direct target of miR-187, and could be significantly downregulated by miR-187. Furthermore, miR-187 induced osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by targeting BARX2. CONCLUSIONS The miR-187 might have a significant therapeutic effect in osteoporotic fractures. miR-187 accelerated osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs by directly regulating BARX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Institute of Orthopedic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China; Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Guizhou Orthopedics Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Guizhou Orthopedics Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Bensen Tang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Guizhou Orthopedics Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Guizhou Orthopedics Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Zhengang Zha
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Institute of Orthopedic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China.
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Serum miR-375 Levels Are Closely Related to Disease Progression from HBV Infection to HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5819385. [PMID: 32382558 PMCID: PMC7191443 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5819385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need to identify ideal serological biomarkers that not only are closely related to disease progression from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but also have high specificity and sensitivity. We conducted this study to analyze whether miR-375 has a potential value in the early prediction of the progression from HBV-related hepatitis or cirrhosis to HCC. Methods A total of 177 participants were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive capability of selected miR-375 for HBV-HCC. We upregulated the miR-375 expression in HepG2, HepG2.2.15, and HepAD38 cells to determine its effect on cellular proliferation and migration, in vitro using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. Results Serum miR-375 levels decreased in order from healthy controls to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) without cirrhosis, followed by cirrhosis, and finally, HBV-HCC patients. miR-375 levels were significantly lower in HBeAg-positive and HBV DNA-positive patients than negative (P < 0.05) and significantly lower in patients with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) than normal levels (P < 0.05). miR-375 might be a biomarker for HBV-HCC, with a high area under the curve (AUC) of 0.838 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.780 to 0.897; sensitivity: 73.9%; specificity: 93.0%). The AUC (0.768 vs. 0.584) and sensitivity (93.8% vs. 75.0%) for miR-375 were higher than those for AFP. The overexpression of miR-375 noticeably inhibited proliferation and migration in HepG2, HepG2.2.15, and HepAD38, especially in HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38, which are stably infected with HBV. Conclusions Serum miR-375 levels are closely related to disease progression from HBV-related hepatitis or cirrhosis to HCC.
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Ma J, Xia LL, Yao XQ, Zheng SM, Li S, Xu LS, Sha WH, Li ZS. BARX2 expression is downregulated by CpG island hypermethylation and is associated with suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1805-1818. [PMID: 32236603 PMCID: PMC7160541 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BarH-like homeobox 2 (BARX2), a homeobox gene, is associated with several types of cancers. The present study aimed to determine whether DNA methylation downregulates BARX2 expression and whether BARX2 is associated with suppression of gastric carcinogenesis. BARX2 protein expression in normal and cancerous gastric tissues and various gastric cancer (GC) cell lines was detected using immunohistochemical and western blot assays. BARX2 mRNA levels were detected using both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Promoter hypermethylation in GC cells was detected using methylation-specific PCR or bisulfite DNA sequencing PCR. Effects of BARX2 expression on GC cell proliferation, clonal formation, and migration were evaluated after lentivirus-BARX2 transfection. The effect of stable BARX2 transfection on tumor formation was assessed in a nude xenograft mouse model. BARX2 was strongly expressed in the normal gastric mucosa, but weakly or not expressed in GC tissues and most GC cell lines. BARX2 expression was negatively correlated with DNMT (a marker for DNA methylation) expression in the gastric tissues. The BARX2 promoter fragment was hypermethylated in the GC cell lines. Overexpression of BARX2 significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, clonal formation, and migration. Stable BARX2 transfection inhibited tumor formation in xenograft mice, which was correlated with decreased expression of E-cadherin, proliferation markers, and matrix metalloproteinases. In conclusion, BARX2 expression is aberrantly reduced in GC, which is associated with increased DNA methylation of its promoter. BARX2 inhibits GC cell proliferation, migration, and tumor formation, suggesting that BARX2 acts as a tumor suppressor in gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ling Xia
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Qing Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Min Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shi Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Shu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Hong Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Song Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
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11
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Granados-Soler JL, Bornemann-Kolatzki K, Beck J, Brenig B, Schütz E, Betz D, Junginger J, Hewicker-Trautwein M, Murua Escobar H, Nolte I. Analysis of Copy-Number Variations and Feline Mammary Carcinoma Survival. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1003. [PMID: 31969654 PMCID: PMC6976565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57942-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs) are highly malignant. As the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) are short, prognostication is crucial. Copy-number variations (CNVs) analysis by next-generation sequencing serves to identify critical cancer-related genomic regions. Thirty-three female cats with FMCs were followed during two years after surgery. Tumours represented tubulopapillary and solid carcinomas encompassing six molecular subtypes. Regardless of the histopathological diagnosis, molecular subtypes showed important differences in survival. Luminal A tumours exhibited the highest DFS (p = 0.002) and cancer-specific OS (p = 0.001), and the lowest amount of CNVs (p = 0.0001). In contrast, basal-like triple-negative FMCs had the worst outcome (DFS, p < 0.0001; and OS, p < 0.00001) and were the most aberrant (p = 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, copy-number losses (CNLs) in chromosome B1 (1-23 Mb) harbouring several tumour-repressors (e.g. CSMD1, MTUS1, MSR1, DBC2, and TUSC3) negatively influenced DFS. Whereas, copy-number gains (CNGs) in B4 (1-29 Mb) and F2 (64-82.3 Mb) comprising epithelial to mesenchymal transition genes and metastasis-promoting transcription factors (e.g. GATA3, VIM, ZEB1, and MYC) negatively influenced DFS and cancer-specific OS. These data evidence an association between specific CNVs in chromosomes B1, B4 and F2, and poor prognosis in FMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Granados-Soler
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Clinic III, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Daniela Betz
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Junginger
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Haematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Clinic III, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ingo Nolte
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
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12
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Vychytilova-Faltejskova P, Slaby O. MicroRNA-215: From biology to theranostic applications. Mol Aspects Med 2019; 70:72-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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HOXC10 promotes gastric cancer cell invasion and migration via regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 501:628-635. [PMID: 29753747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox gene C10 (HOXC10), known to regulate cell differentiation and proliferation, is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC). The mechanism underlying HOXC10 involvement in GC metastasis is unclear. Herein, we found that HOXC10 is overexpressed in GC relative to normal controls. In the 73 GC patients tissue microarrays (TMA) tested, HOXC10 expression was closely related with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. HOXC10 overexpression tended to associate with low 5-year cumulative survival. Cox regression analysis identified HOXC10 as an independent prognostic factor for poor patient survival. HOXC10 promoted GC cell invasion and migration, regulated the expression of activated ATM and markers of NF-κB signaling. HOXC10 may promote invasion and migration of GC by regulating ATM/NF-κB signaling pathway. HOXC10 should be explored as a clinical marker of GC prognosis.
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14
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Homeobox Genes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050621. [PMID: 31058850 PMCID: PMC6562709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths each year. It involves a multi-step progression and is strongly associated with chronic inflammation induced by the intake of environmental toxins and/or viral infections (i.e., hepatitis B and C viruses). Although several genetic dysregulations are considered to be involved in disease progression, the detailed regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Homeobox genes that encode transcription factors with homeodomains control cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis in embryonic development. Recently, more aberrant expressions of Homeobox genes were found in a wide variety of human cancer, including HCC. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence related to the role of Homeobox genes in the development of HCC. The objective is to determine the roles of this conserved transcription factor family and its potential use as a therapeutic target in future investigations.
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15
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Mi Y, Zhao S, Zhou C, Weng J, Li J, Wang Z, Sun H, Tang H, Zhang X, Sun X, Peng Z, Wen Y. Downregulation of homeobox gene Barx2 increases gastric cancer proliferation and metastasis and predicts poor patient outcomes. Oncotarget 2018; 7:60593-60608. [PMID: 27533254 PMCID: PMC5312404 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Barx2 is a Bar family homeodomain transcription factor shown to play a critical role in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton remodeling, key processes in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, we found that Barx2 is expressed at lower levels in human gastric cancer (GC) tissues than in adjacent normal mucosa. In a multivariate analysis, Barx2 expression emerged as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free and overall survival. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a trend toward even shorter overall survival in the patient group with Barx2-negative tumors, independent of advanced UICC stage and tumor relapse. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we demonstrated that under normal conditions Barx2 inhibited GC cell proliferation and invasiveness through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings indicate that reduction or loss of Barx2 dis-inhibits GC cell proliferation and invasion, and that reduction in Barx2 could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for poor outcome in GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuai Mi
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Senlin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-581 85 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Chongzhi Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Jikun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanshan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Huamei Tang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, 310014 Hangzhou Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-581 85 Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Zhihai Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Yugang Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080 Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, SE-581 85 Linkoping, Sweden
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16
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Up-regulation of miR-187 modulates the advances of oral carcinoma by targeting BARX2 tumor suppressor. Oncotarget 2018; 7:61355-61365. [PMID: 27542258 PMCID: PMC5308656 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Aberrations in miRNA regulation are known to play important roles in OSCC pathogenesis. miR-187 was shown to be up-regulated in head and neck malignancies in our previous screening. This study further investigated the oncogenic potential, clinical implications, and targets of miR-187 in OSCC. We observed that miR-187 increased oncogenicity, particularly migration, of OSCC cells. miR-187 expression increased the xenografic tumorigenicity and metastasis in mice. In addition, metastatic human OSCC had higher miR-187 expression than did non-metastatic tumors. Through vigorous screening, we confirmed BarH-like Homeobox 2 (BARX2) gene as an miR-187 target. BARX2 expression suppressed the migration, invasion, anchorage-independent colony formation, and orthotopic tumorigenesis of OSCC cells. The migratory phenotype and neck metastasis induced by miR-187 was rescued by BARX2 expression. BARX2 expression was down-regulated in the vast majority of OSCC, and this down-regulation was particularly conspicuous in tumors with advanced nodal metastasis. In addition, plasma miR-187 was significantly higher in OSCC patients than in normal individuals. This study highlights the roles of miR-187-BARX2 in driving the carcinogenesis of OSCC. The results suggest that miR-187 is a potential serological marker for OSCC and that targeting of miR-187 might prove effective in attenuating nodal metastasis.
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17
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Zhang Y, Wang W, Wang Y, Huang X, Zhang Z, Chen B, Xie W, Li S, Shen S, Peng B. NEK2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma migration and invasion through modulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncol Rep 2018; 39:1023-1033. [PMID: 29399700 PMCID: PMC5802024 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Never in mitosis gene-A (NIMA)-related expressed kinase 2 (NEK2) has been recently reported to play a role in tumor progression, drug resistance and tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the effects of NEK2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis and the underlying mechanism. NEK2 expression levels were examined by immunochemistry, qRT-PCR and western blot analyses in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. A Transwell assay was used to determine the migration and invasion capacity of NEK2-silenced or NEK2-overexpressing HCC cells. Cell proliferation was investigated by MTT [(3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazolium bromide] assay. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in NEK2-silenced or NEK2-overexpressing HCC cells were examined by western blot analyses and qRT-PCR. The correlations between NEK2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were further analyzed. Gene microarray was further used to analyze the effect of NEK2 expression on downstream cell signals. Our study showed that NEK2 was overexpressed in human HCC (37.84%; 98/259). NEK2 overexpression was significantly associated with liver non-capsulation and predicted poor survival outcomes in HCC patients after hepatectomy. In addition, NEK2 significantly enhanced HCC cell invasive ability. Mechanistically, we found that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the NEK2-mediated promotion of HCC cell invasion. Furthermore, we provided evidence that signaling through the Wnt, NF-κB, focal adhesion, VEGF, Hippo and p53 pathways may be downstream of NEK2. Our findings highlight the importance of NEK2 in HCC metastasis and suggest that NEK2 is a reliable prognostic marker for HCC patients after hepatectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohui Huang
- Department of General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wenxuan Xie
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shaoqiang Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shunli Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Baogang Peng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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18
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Chen H, Zhang M, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhu J, Zhang X, Zhao L, Zhu S, Chen B. Downregulation of BarH-like homeobox 2 promotes cell proliferation, migration and aerobic glycolysis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and predicts a poor prognosis in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Thorac Cancer 2018; 9:390-399. [PMID: 29341468 PMCID: PMC5832481 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human BarH‐like homeobox 2 (Barx2), a homeodomain factor of the Bar family, plays a critical role in cell adhesion and cytoskeleton remodeling, and has been reported in an increasing array of tumor types except non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The purpose of the current study was to characterize the expression of Barx2 and assess the clinical significance of Barx2 in NSCLC. Methods Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were used to examine mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The relationships between Barx2 expression and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and plate colony formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay was used to examine cell migration ability. Glucose uptake, lactate, adenosine triphosphate, and lactate dehydrogenase assays were used to detect aerobic glycolysis. Results Barx2 is downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared with para‐carcinoma. Furthermore, Barx2 expression shows a negative correlation with advanced TNM stage and a high level of Ki‐67. Survival analysis reveals that Barx2 level is an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients. The Barx2 (low) Ki‐67 (high) group had the worst prognosis. Furthermore, the data indicate that downregulation of Barx2 expression promotes cell proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis, including increased lactate dehydrogenase activity, glucose utilization, lactate production, and decreased intracellular adenosine triphospahte level. Furthermore, Barx2 acts as a negative regulator of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Reactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway by LiCl can reverse the inhibiting effect of Barx2. Conclusions These findings reveal that Barx2 serving as a tumor suppressor gene could decrease cell proliferation, migration, and aerobic glycolysis through inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and predicts a good prognosis in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Maowei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuanqin Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiechen Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaojiao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shuyang Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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19
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Wang G, Liu J, Cai Y, Chen J, Xie W, Kong X, Huang W, Guo H, Zhao X, Lu Y, Niu L, Li X, Zhang H, Lei C, Lei Z, Yin J, Hu H, Yu F, Nie Y, Xia L, Wu K. Loss of Barx1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through up-regulating MGAT5 and MMP9 expression and indicates poor prognosis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:71867-71880. [PMID: 29069753 PMCID: PMC5641096 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major dominant reason for poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgical treatment. However, the molecular mechanism of metastasis has not been well characterzied. Here, we report a novel function of Barx homeobox1 (Barx1) in inhibiting HCC invasion and metastasis. Barx1 expression is significantly decreased in human HCC tissues than in adjacent non-tumorous tissues and normal liver tissues. Low Barx1 expression is correlated with higher tumor-nodule-metastasis stage and indicates poor prognosis. Down-regulation of Barx1 promotes HCC migration, invasion and metastasis, whereas up-regulation of Barx1 inhibits HCC migration, invasion and metastasis. Mannosyl (alpha-1,6-)-glycoprotein beta-1,6-N-acetyl-glucosaminyltransferase 5 (MGAT5) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) are direct target genes of Barx1. Knockdown of Barx1 up-regulates MGAT5 and MMP9 expression in HCC cells with low metastatic capability, whereas over-expression of Barx1 suppresses their expression in HCC cells with high metastatic capability. Knockdown of both MGAT5 and MMP9 significantly decreases the invasion and metastasis abilities induced by Barx1 knockdown. Barx1 expression is negatively correlated with MGAT5 and MMP9 expression in human HCC tissues. Patients with low expression of Barx1 and high expression of MGAT5 or MMP9 are associated with poorer prognosis. Thus, loss of Barx1 represents a prognostic biomarker in human HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Cai
- Department of Oncology and The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Tangdu Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbing Xie
- Department of Oncology and The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Xiangqian Kong
- Department of Oncology and The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wenjie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haijia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jipeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Fifth Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Yinchuan 750000, Ningxia Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology & National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases & Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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20
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Mi Y, Zhao S, Zhang W, Zhang D, Weng J, Huang K, Sun H, Tang H, Zhang X, Sun X, Peng Z, Wen Y. Down-regulation of Barx2 predicts poor survival in colorectal cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 478:67-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.07.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Yin J, Hou P, Wu Z, Wang T, Nie Y. Circulating miR-375 and miR-199a-3p as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:4501-7. [PMID: 25618599 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aiming to find novel non-invasive biomarkers with high accuracy for the detention of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we examined the predictive power of two microRNAs (miR; miR-375 and miR-199a-3p) as potential biomarkers in early-stage HCC. A total of 234 serum samples (78 samples from HCC patients, 156 samples from healthy controls) were collected. We measured the levels of the two mature microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-375 and miR-199a-3p) with probe-based stem-loop quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) in all subjects. In addition, the correlation between the expression levels of two miRs and clinicopathological factors was explored. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses revealed that the two serum miRs could be promising biomarkers for HCC, with relatively high area under the curve (AUC) values as follows: miR-375, 0. 637 with 95 % confidence interval (CI) of 0.560-0.741; miR-199a-3p, 0. 883 with 95 % CI of 0.827-0.938. Stratified analyses indicated that circulating miR-199a-3p showed better predictive value in patients with long-term drinking. Our data suggested that circulating miR-375 and miR-199a-3p could be a novel serum biomarker for HCC. Nevertheless, further validating and improving study with larger sample should be conducted to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated to Chinese PLA General Hospital, 51 Fucheng Road, Beijing, 100048, China,
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Huang LL, Zhang Y, Zhang JX, He LJ, Lai YR, Liao YJ, Tian XP, Deng HX, Liang YJ, Kung HF, Xie D, Zhu SL. Overexpression of NKX6.1 is closely associated with progressive features and predicts unfavorable prognosis in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:4405-15. [PMID: 25596704 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox gene NKX6.1 was recently identified in cervical tumors. This study was designed to explore the clinical and prognostic significance of NKX6.1 further in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression levels of NKX6.1 were examined using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues. The invasion capability of cell lines following silencing or overexpression of NKX6.1 was investigated by Transwell assay. Cells proliferation was tested by MTT assays. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression levels were detected in relation to NKX6.1 expression. Correlation between NKX6.1 immunohistochemical staining, clinicopathologic parameters, and follow-up data of HCC patients was analyzed statistically. NKX6.1 expression was higher in HCC tissues compared to the adjacent noncancerous tissue. NKX6.1 overexpression was significantly correlated with tumor size, tumor differentiation, clinical stage, metastasis, and relapse. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that NKX6.1 overexpression was related to unfavorable 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival. Importantly, multivariate analysis indicated that NKX6.1 overexpression was an independent unfavorable marker for overall survival. Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between NKX6.1 and EMT marker expression levels, and NKX6.1 knockdown inhibited cell invasion, and overexpression of NKX6.1 promotes cell proliferation in vitro. NKX6.1 is upregulated in HCC and is a reliable prognostic marker for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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