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Choi YS, Jeon MJ, Doolittle WKL, Song DE, Kim K, Kim WB, Kim WG. Macrophage-Induced Carboxypeptidase A4 Promotes the Progression of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2024. [PMID: 38666696 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background: The density of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is associated with poor prognosis. However, the crosstalk between macrophages and ATC cells is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of macrophages on cancer cell phenotypes. We found a new mediator between M2 macrophages and ATC cells through proteomics analysis. Methods: The role of macrophages in proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells was evaluated using coculture assay and conditioned medium (CM). Secretory factors in the CM from single or coculture were identified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics analysis. We evaluated the role of the secretory factor in proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. In vivo xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of the factor. Results: M2 macrophages significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells, whereas M1 macrophages decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells. Based on proteomic analysis of CM, we identify carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) as a mediator of the crosstalk between macrophages and ATC cells. CPA4 was only detected in the coculture media of M2 macrophage/8505C, and its expression in cancer cells increased by M2 macrophage. The expression of CPA4 protein was significantly higher in human thyroid cancers, particularly in ATCs, than normal and benign tissues. A bioinformatics analysis of public data revealed that CPA4 expression was associated with poor prognosis and dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer. Knockdown of CPA4 suppressed proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of ATC cells, consistent with the decrease of STAT3, ERK, and AKT/mTOR phosphorylation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. In addition, the increased expression of CPA4 in cancer cells by M2 macrophage stimulation induced the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, which formed a positive feedback loop. Xenograft tumors did not develop after CPA4 knockdown. Conclusions: Our data suggest that CPA4 stimulates the progression of thyroid cancer by mediating between M2 macrophages and ATC cells. CPA4 can be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Sook Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Kyung Lee Doolittle
- Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunggon Kim
- Departments of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sunaga N, Kaira K, Shimizu K, Tanaka I, Miura Y, Nakazawa S, Ohtaki Y, Kawabata‐Iwakawa R, Sato M, Girard L, Minna JD, Hisada T. The oncogenic role of LGR6 overexpression induced by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:131-141. [PMID: 38014454 PMCID: PMC10788478 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15169] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular abnormalities in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway confer malignant phenotypes in lung cancer. Previously, we identified the association of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 (LGR6) with oncogenic Wnt signaling, and its downregulation upon β-catenin knockdown in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells carrying CTNNB1 mutations. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying this association and the accompanying phenotypes. METHODS LGR6 expression in lung cancer cell lines and surgical specimens was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Cell growth was assessed using colony formation assay. Additionally, mRNA sequencing was performed to compare the expression profiles of cells subjected to different treatments. RESULTS LGR6 was overexpressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and NSCLC cell lines, including the CTNNB1-mutated NSCLC cell lines HCC15 and A427. In both cell lines, LGR6 knockdown inhibited cell growth. LGR6 expression was upregulated in spheroids compared to adherent cultures of A427 cells, suggesting that LGR6 participates in the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties. Immunohistochemical analysis of lung cancer specimens revealed that the LGR6 protein was predominantly overexpressed in SCLCs, large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, and lung adenocarcinomas, wherein LGR6 overexpression was associated with vascular invasion, the wild-type EGFR genotype, and an unfavorable prognosis. Integrated mRNA sequencing analysis of HCC15 and A427 cells with or without LGR6 knockdown revealed LGR6-related pathways and genes associated with cancer development and stemness properties. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the oncogenic roles of LGR6 overexpression induced by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory MedicineGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Kyoichi Kaira
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, International Medical CenterSaitama Medical UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Kimihiro Shimizu
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of SurgeryShinshu University School of MedicineNaganoJapan
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Yosuke Miura
- Department of Respiratory MedicineGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Seshiru Nakazawa
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Integrative Center of General SurgeryGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Yoichi Ohtaki
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Integrative Center of General SurgeryGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Reika Kawabata‐Iwakawa
- Division of Integrated Oncology ResearchGunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Gunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health SciencesNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Luc Girard
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology ResearchUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - John D. Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology ResearchUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
- Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
- Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at DallasDallasTexasUSA
| | - Takeshi Hisada
- Gunma University Graduate School of Health SciencesMaebashiJapan
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Liu X, Liang H, Fang H, Xiao J, Yang C, Zhou Z, Feng J, Chen C. Angiopoietin-1 promotes triple-negative breast cancer cell proliferation by upregulating carboxypeptidase A4. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1487-1495. [PMID: 37162264 PMCID: PMC10520468 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-1 (ANG1) is a pro-angiogenic regulator that contributes to the progression of solid tumors by stimulating the proliferation, migration and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells, as well as the renewal and stability of blood vessels. However, the functions and mechanisms of ANG1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are unclear. The clinical sample database shows that a higher level of ANG1 in TNBC is associated with poor prognosis compared to non-TNBC. In addition, knockdown of ANG1 inhibits TNBC cell proliferation and induces cell cycle G1 phase arrest and apoptosis. Overexpression of ANG1 promotes tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, ANG1 promotes TNBC by upregulating carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) expression. Overall, the ANG1-CPA4 axis can be a therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Medical CollegeAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainan232001China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Central LaboratoryFengxian District Central Hospital of ShanghaiShanghai201499China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan ProvinceKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650201China
| | - Huichun Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan ProvinceKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650201China
| | - Huan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan ProvinceKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650201China
| | - Ji Xiao
- College of Life Science and TechnologyGuangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development CenterJinan UniversityGuangzhou510632China
| | - Chuanyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan ProvinceKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650201China
| | - Zhongmei Zhou
- The School of Continuing EducationKunming Medical UniversityKunming650500China
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Central LaboratoryFengxian District Central Hospital of ShanghaiShanghai201499China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhen518172China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan ProvinceKunming Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesKunming650201China
- Academy of Biomedical EngineeringKunming Medical UniversityKunming650500China
- The Third Affiliated HospitalKunming Medical UniversityKunming650106China
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4
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Lei X, Liu D, Song D, Fan J, Dai G, Yang L. Knockdown of carboxypeptidase A4 ( CPA4) inhibits gastric cancer cell progression via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:2823-2831. [PMID: 36636089 PMCID: PMC9830365 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-987] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers, with a low survival rate at the later stages. Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) is associated with the aggressiveness and growth in cancer. However, its regulatory role in gastric cancer remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of CPA4 in gastric cancer progression in vitro. Methods The human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS cell line) was used in the present study. CPA4 knockdown lentiviruses were constructed. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the protein expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors, EMT biomarkers, and proteins involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was carried out to evaluate the mRNA expression level of CPA4. The String database was employed for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Cell colony formation, proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle analyses were performed using corresponding kits. Results CPA4 is highly expressed in gastric cancer cell lines. Overexpressed CPA4 was associated with the induction of EMT. Knockdown of CPA4 inhibited cell colony formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of CPA4 also promoted cell apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Conclusions Knockdown of CPA4 inhibited cell progression via arresting the cell cycle and inducing EMT in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Lei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Radiation Therapy, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danjun Song
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of pathology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gaiguo Dai
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Litao Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Wei Y, Li Y, Chen Y, Liu P, Huang S, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Wu Z, Hu M, Wu Q, Wu H, Liu F, She T, Ning Z. ALDH1: A potential therapeutic target for cancer stem cells in solid tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1026278. [PMID: 36387165 PMCID: PMC9650078 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1026278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors can be divided into benign solid tumors and solid malignant tumors in the academic community, among which malignant solid tumors are called cancers. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, and the global incidence of cancer is increasing yearly New cancer patients in China are always the first. After the concept of stem cells was introduced in the tumor community, the CSC markers represented by ALDH1 have been widely studied due to their strong CSC cell characteristics and potential to be the driving force of tumor metastasis. In the research results in the past five years, it has been found that ALDH1 is highly expressed in various solid cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, ovarian cancer, head,and neck cancer. ALDH1 can activate and transform various pathways (such as the USP28/MYC signaling pathway, ALDH1A1/HIF-1α/VEGF axis, wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway), as well as change the intracellular pH value to promote formation and maintenance, resulting in drug resistance in tumors. By targeting and inhibiting ALDH1 in tumor stem cells, it can enhance the sensitivity of drugs and inhibit the proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis of solid tumor stem cells to some extent. This review discusses the relationship and pathway of ALDH1 with various solid tumors. It proposes that ALDH1 may serve as a diagnosis and therapeutic target for CSC, providing new insights and new strategies for reliable tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolu Wei
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yenan Chen
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yanling Sun
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zhe Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Meichun Hu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Hongnian Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Fuxing Liu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
| | - Tonghui She
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
| | - Zhifeng Ning
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
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6
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Zhang X, Zhao P, Li S, Ma S, Du J, Liang S, Yang X, Yao L, Duan J. Genome-Wide Identification of M14 Family Metal Carboxypeptidases in Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:1285-1293. [PMID: 35640220 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The M14 family metal carboxypeptidase genes play an important role in digestion and pathogenic infections in the gut of insects. However, the roles of these genes in Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville, 1855) remain to be analyzed. In the present study, we cloned a highly expressed M14 metal carboxypeptidase gene (ApMCP1) found in the gut and discovered that it contained a 1,194 bp open reading frame encoding a 397-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 45 kDa. Furthermore, 14 members of the M14 family metal carboxypeptidases (ApMCP1-ApMCP14) were identified in the A. pernyi genome, with typical Zn_pept domains and two Zn-anchoring motifs, and were further classified into M14A, M14B, and M14D subfamilies. Expression analysis indicated that ApMCP1 and ApMCP9 were mainly expressed in the gut. Additionally, we observed that ApMCP1 and ApMCP9 displayed opposite expression patterns after starvation, highlighting their functional divergence during digestion. Following natural infection with baculovirus NPV, their expression was significantly upregulated in the gut of A. pernyi. Our results suggest that the M14 family metal carboxypeptidase genes are conservatively digestive enzymes and evolutionarily involved in exogenous pathogenic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
| | - Sanyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Jie Du
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
| | - Shimei Liang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
| | - Xinfeng Yang
- Laboratory of Tussah Genetics and Breeding, Henan Institute of Sericulture Science, Zhengzhou 450008, PR China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
| | - Jianping Duan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Funiu Mountain Insect Biology, College of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, PR China
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7
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Xu T, Zhang Z, Chen H, Cai R, Yang Q, Liu Q, Fan Y, Liu W, Yao C. Carboxypeptidase N2 as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:843325. [PMID: 35686102 PMCID: PMC9170673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.843325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase N2 (CPN2) is a plasma metallo-protease that cleaves basic amino acids from the C-terminal of peptides and proteins. Emerging evidence showed that carboxypeptidases perform many diverse functions in the body and play key roles in tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and biological functions of CPN2 in lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear. Our study aimed to explore the potential role and functions of CPN2 in lung adenocarcinoma. The results showed that the transcription level of CPN2 was significantly increased in the tumor tissues of lung adenocarcinoma patients compared to the adjacent normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (P < 0.05). The survival plots showed that the overall survival of patients with a high expression of CPN2 was significantly lower than that of patients with a low expression of CPN2, both in the Kaplan-Meier database and the clinical sample cohort (P < 0.05). The tissue microarray analysis found that CPN2 protein expression was significantly positively correlated with node status and tumor stage as well as tumor malignancy (P < 0.05). Further univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that CPN2 may act as an independent prognostic factor in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). In addition, the analysis of co-expression genes from LinkedOmics showed that CPN2 was positively associated with many genes of fibrillar collagen family members and the PI3K-Akt pathway. The gene set enrichment analysis showed that a higher expression of CPN2 may participate in mTOR, TGF-BETA, NOTCH, TOLL-like-receptor, WNT, and MAPK signaling pathway in lung adenocarcinoma. Notably, the knockdown of CPN2 significantly inhibited the ability of cell proliferation, clone formation, invasion, and migration. Our findings suggested that the upregulation of CPN2 is associated with a worse clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma and cancer-related pathways, which laid the foundation for further research on CPN2 during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hongqiang Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ruili Cai
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yahan Fan
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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8
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Fan Q, Shi K, Zhan M, Xu Q, Liu X, Li Z, Liu H, Xia Y, Chen Y, Shi X, Sha Z. Acute damage from the degradation of Ulva prolifera on the environmental microbiota, intestinal microbiota and transcriptome of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119022. [PMID: 35219793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Green tide outbreaks caused by overgrowth of Ulva prolifera in the Yellow Sea of China can cause serious ecological stress with concomitant economic hardships, especially to marine fisheries. In this study, short-term effects (14 days) were evaluated using fresh algae U. prolifera (FU), and a 7-day assessment of the effects of decomposing U. prolifera (DU) algal effluent was conducted to determine the effects on the environmental and intestinal microbiota, intestinal transcriptome and mortality of the commercial marine benthic fish, Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The results revealed that algal degradation altered the microbial community structure of fish farm water and fish intestines and increased the relative abundance of the pathogens Flavobacteriaceae in water and Vibrio in fish intestines. Fish intestinal tissue structure appeared to be damaged, as indicated in pathological sections, and transcriptome analysis showed intestinal inflammation after exposure, which may have caused an increase in fish mortality. The degradation of U. prolifera led to a bloom of potential pathogenic bacteria and the inflammation of fish intestines, which resulted in disease in the flounder population that reduced fish harvests and might pose a potential health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Fan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Kunpeng Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Min Zhan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xinbao Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhujun Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hongning Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanting Xia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Key Laboratory for Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xiaoyong Shi
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, 100194, China
| | - Zhenxia Sha
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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9
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CPE Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Primary Myocardial Cells Mediated by Ischemia and Hypoxia Injury. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:3155171. [PMID: 35340224 PMCID: PMC8942647 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3155171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective To observe the effect of carboxypeptidase E (CPE) on the ischemia and hypoxia (I/H) injury of primary cardiomyocytes. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology was used to detect the expression of CPE in sham and myocardial infarction (MI) rat heart tissue, and the plasmid was transferred into primary cardiomyocytes by transfection technology. The apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, Annexin V-PI staining, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. In addition, Caspase kit and qRT-PCR technology were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related factors. The cell proliferation was detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR technology. In addition, Western blotting (WB) and qRT-PCR techniques were used to detect the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Results First, we found that the expression of CPE in the marginal zone of MI was obviously reduced. Overexpression of CPE in primary cardiomyocytes can effectively inhibit ischemia/hypoxia (I/H)-induced apoptosis and decreased cell activity. In addition, CPE can promote cell proliferation and relieve the inhibitory effect of I/H on cardiomyocytes. At the same time, CPE can promote the expression of β-catenin and c-myc. Conclusion Overexpression of CPE in primary cardiomyocytes can effectively alleviate the decreased cell activity, increased apoptosis, and decreased proliferation caused by I/H and regulated by Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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10
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Arman T, Baron JA, Lynch KD, White LA, Aldan J, Clarke JD. MCLR-elicited hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenic gene expression changes persist in rats with diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through a 4-week recovery period. Toxicology 2021; 464:153021. [PMID: 34740672 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) causes liver extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and is a risk factor for fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is a hepatotoxin produced by fresh-water cyanobacteria that causes a NASH-like phenotype, liver fibrosis, and is also a risk factor for HCC. The focus of the current study was to investigate and compare hepatic recovery after cessation of MCLR exposure in healthy versus NASH animals. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control or a high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet for eight weeks. Animals received either vehicle or 30 μg/kg MCLR (i.p: 2 weeks, alternate days). Animals were euthanized at one of three time points: at the completion of the MCLR exposure period and after 2 and 4 weeks of recovery. Histological staining suggested that after four weeks of recovery the MCLR-exposed HFHC group had less steatosis and more fibrosis compared to the vehicle-exposed HFHC group and MCLR-exposed control group. RNA-Seq analysis revealed dysregulation of ECM genes after MCLR exposure in both control and HFHC groups that persisted only in the HFHC groups during recovery. After 4 weeks of recovery, MCLR hepatotoxicity in pre-existing NASH persistently dysregulated genes related to cellular differentiation and HCC. These data demonstrate impaired hepatic recovery and persistent carcinogenic changes after MCLR toxicity in pre-existing NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Arman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - J Allen Baron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - Katherine D Lynch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - Laura A White
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, United States
| | - Johnny Aldan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States
| | - John D Clarke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, 99202, United States.
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11
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Zhang L, Tao H, Li J, Zhang E, Liang H, Zhang B. Comprehensive analysis of the competing endogenous circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and identification of a novel potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15990-16008. [PMID: 34049287 PMCID: PMC8266324 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) hypothesis has received increasing attention as a novel explanation for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive analysis of the circular RNA (circRNA)-long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were employed to identify Differentially Expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), DElncRNAs, and DEcircRNAs between HCC and normal tissues. Candidates were identified to construct networks through a comprehensive bioinformatics strategy. A prognostic mRNA signature was established based on data from TCGA database and validated using data from the GEO database. Then, the HCC prognostic circRNA-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was established. Finally, the expression and function of an unexplored hub gene, deoxythymidylate kinase (DTYMK), was explored through data mining. The results were examined using clinical samples and in vitro experiments. RESULTS We constructed a prognostic signature with seven target mRNAs by univariate, lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses, which yielded 1, 3 and 5-year AUC values of 0.797, 0.733 and 0.721, respectively, indicating its sensitivity and specificity in the prognosis of HCC. Moreover, the prognostic signature could be validated in GSE14520. The prognostic ceRNA network of 21 circRNAs, 15 lncRNAs, 5 miRNAs, and 7 mRNAs was established according to the targeting relationship between 7 hub mRNAs and other RNAs. Our experiment results indicated that the depletion of DTYMK inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and invasion. CONCLUSIONS The network revealed in this study may help comprehensively elucidate the ceRNA mechanisms driving HCC, and provide novel candidate biomarkers for evaluating the prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Haisu Tao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Erlei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
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12
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Lin T, Lin Z, Mai P, Zhang E, Peng L. Identification of prognostic biomarkers associated with the occurrence of portal vein tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:11786-11807. [PMID: 33878734 PMCID: PMC8109071 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is strongly correlated to the staging and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, the mechanisms of PVTT formation remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary tumor (PT) and PVTT tissues and comprehensively explored the underlying mechanisms of PVTT formation. The DEGs between PT and paired PVTT tissues were analyzed using transcriptional data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression, clinical relevance, prognostic significance, genetic alternations, DNA methylation, correlations with immune infiltration, co-expression correlations, and functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs were explored using multiple databases. As result, 12 DEGs were commonly down-expressed in PVTT compared with PT tissues among three datasets. The expression of DCN, CCL21, IGJ, CXCL14, FCN3, LAMA2, and NPY1R was progressively decreased from normal liver, PT, to PVTT tissues, whose up-expression associated with favorable survivals of HCC patients. The genetic alternations and DNA methylation of the DEGs frequently occurred, and several methylated CpG sites of the DEGs significantly correlated with outcomes of HCC patients. The immune infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of HCC was correlated with the expression level of the DEGs. Besides, the DEGs and their co-expressive genes participated in the biological processes of extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and focal adhesion. In summary, this study indicated the dysregulation of ECM and focal adhesion might contribute to the formation of PVTT. And the above seven genes might serve as potential biomarkers of PVTT occurrence and prognosis of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhimei Lin
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peipei Mai
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - E Zhang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lisheng Peng
- Department of Science and Education, Shenzhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Wang Y, Xie Y, Niu Y, Song P, Liu Y, Burnett J, Yang Z, Sun D, Ran Y, Li Y, Sun L. Carboxypeptidase A4 negatively correlates with p53 expression and regulates the stemness of breast cancer cells. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:1753-1759. [PMID: 33746592 PMCID: PMC7976593 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.54954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer subtype lacking effective treatment options, and p53 is the most frequently mutated or deleted gene. Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) is an extracellular metallocarboxypeptidase, which was closely associated with aggressiveness. Although a recent study indicated that CPA4 could induce epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells, no studies investigated its stemness-related function and the correlation between CPA4 and p53 in TNBC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the CPA4 levels in breast cancer tissues and analyze its association with p53, and study its roles in cancer stemness maintenance. Methods: CPA4 mRNA level and its prognostic value were analyzed by using online database UALCAN (http://ualcan.path.uab.edu) and Kaplan-Meier plotter (www.kmplot.com), respectively. The expression of CPA4, p53 and ALDH1A1 in breast cancer and adjacent normal tissues were evaluated by IHC using the corresponding primary antibodies on a commercial tissue array (Shanghai Biochip Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China). siRNA knockdown was used to study the function of proliferation, colony formation assay and sphere formation in serum-free medium. Results: Analysis of the UALCAN datasets identified that CPA4 mRNA levels were elevated in TNBC, especially in the TP53-mutant subgroup. Furthermore, high levels of CPA4 mRNA were significantly associated with unfavourable overall survival OS in breast cancer patients. Immunohistochemistical analysis demonstrated that CPA4 levels were elevated in 32.1% of breast cancer samples (45/140), and the positive rates of ALDH1A1 and p53 in the breast cancer tissues were 25% (35/140) and 50% (70/140), respectively. Statistical analysis revealed high levels of CPA4 was significantly associated with TNBC phenotype. Correlation analysis indicated that CPA4 over-expression was positively associated with ALDH1A1 (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with p53 (P<0.05). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, either high CPA4 or ALDH1A1 levels was significantly correlated with poor survival in breast cancer patients. Functional studies demonstrated that down-regulation of CPA4 significantly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, colony-formation assays in soft agar and sphere formation in serum-free medium. Conclusion: This study demonstrated for the first time that CPA4 was negatively correlates with p53 expression and inhibition of CPA4 could reduce the number of breast cancer cells with stemness property. It might be a potential target for the TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yibin Xie
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P.R. China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of oncology, second medical centre of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Joseph Burnett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Zhihua Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
| | - Yuliang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Institute of Medical Information, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, P.R. China
| | - Lichao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P.R. China
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14
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Moon Y, Moon R, Roh H, Chang S, Lee S, Park H. HIF-1α-Dependent Induction of Carboxypeptidase A4 and Carboxypeptidase E in Hypoxic Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Mol Cells 2020; 43:945-952. [PMID: 33203807 PMCID: PMC7700838 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia induces the expression of several genes through the activation of a master transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α. This study shows that hypoxia strongly induced the expression of two carboxypeptidases (CP), CPA4 and CPE, in an HIF-1α-dependent manner. The hypoxic induction of CPA4 and CPE gene was accompanied by the recruitment of HIF-1α and upregulation in the active histone modification, H3K4me3, at their promoter regions. The hypoxic responsiveness of CPA4 and CPE genes was observed in human adipocytes, human adipose-derived stem cells, and human primary fibroblasts but not mouse primary adipocyte progenitor cells. CPA4 and CPE have been identified as secreted exopeptidases that degrade and process other secreted proteins and matrix proteins. This finding suggests that hypoxia changes the microenvironment of the obese hypoxic adipose tissue by inducing the expression of not only adipokines but also peptidases such as CPA4 and CPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwon Moon
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
- Present address: Cell Therapy Research Center, GC LabCell, Yongin 16924, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Ramhee Moon
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Hyunsoo Roh
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
| | - Soojeong Chang
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
| | - Seongyeol Lee
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
| | - Hyunsung Park
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
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15
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Gao W, Guo N, Zhao S, Chen Z, Zhang W, Yan F, Liao H, Chi K. Carboxypeptidase A4 promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20200669. [PMID: 32347291 PMCID: PMC7214395 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4) is a member of the metallocarboxypeptidase family. Current studies have identified the roles of CPA4 in cancer biology and insulin sensitivity. However, the roles of CPA4 in other diseases are not known. In the present study, we investigated the roles of CPA4 in cardiac hypertrophy. The expression of CPA4 was significantly increased in the hypertrophic heart tissues of human patients and isoproterenol (ISO)-induced hypertrophic heart tissues of mice. We next knocked down Cpa4 with shRNA or overexpressed Cpa4 using adenovirus in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with ISO. We observed that Cpa4 overexpression promoted whereas Cpa4 knockdown reduced ISO-induced growth of cardiomyocyte size and overexpression of hypertrophy marker genes, such as myosin heavy chain β (β-Mhc), atrial natriuretic peptide (Anp), and brain natriuretic peptide (Bnp). Our further mechanism study revealed that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was activated by Cpa4 in cardiomyocytes, which depended on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling. Besides, we showed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling was critically involved in the roles of Cpa4 during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Collectively, these results demonstrated that CPA4 is a regulator of cardiac hypertrophy by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, and CPA4 may serve as a promising target for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinian Gao
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Na Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Shijiazhuang Translational Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Shuguang Zhao
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Ziying Chen
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Hongjuan Liao
- Department of Cardiac Macrovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Kui Chi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
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16
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Wu Q, Wu Z, Bao C, Li W, He H, Sun Y, Chen Z, Zhang H, Ning Z. Cancer stem cells in esophageal squamous cell cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5022-5032. [PMID: 31612013 PMCID: PMC6781610 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to govern the origin, progression, drug resistance, recurrence and metastasis of human cancer. CSCs have been identified in nearly all types of human cancer, including esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Four major methods are typically used to isolate or enrich CSCs, including: i) fluorescence-activated cell sorting or magnetic-activated cell sorting using cell-specific surface markers; ii) stem cell markers, including aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1; iii) side population cell phenotype markers; and iv) microsphere culture methods. ESCC stem cells have been identified using a number of these methods. An increasing number of stem cell signatures and pathways have been identified, which have assisted in the clarification of molecular mechanisms that regulate the stemness of ESCC stem cells. Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus, are also considered to be important in the formation of CSCs, and there is a crosstalk between stemness and viruses-associated genes/pathways, which may suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for the eradication of CSCs. In the present review, findings are summarized along these lines of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China.,Nurse School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Wu
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Cuiyu Bao
- Nurse School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Hui He
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Sun
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Zimin Chen
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Basic Medical School, Ji'nan University Medical School, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Zhifeng Ning
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
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17
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Zhang H, Hao C, Wang H, Shang H, Li Z. Carboxypeptidase A4 promotes proliferation and stem cell characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Exp Pathol 2019; 100:133-138. [PMID: 31058377 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4), a member of the metallo-carboxypeptidase family, is overexpressed in liver cancer and is associated with cancer progression. The role of CPA4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relevance of CPA4 to the proliferation and expression of stem cell characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Western blot analysis showed high CPA4 expression in the liver cancer cell line Bel7402 and low expression in HepG2 cells. Knock-down of CPA4 decreased cancer cell proliferation as detected by MTT and clone formation assays. The serum-free culture system revealed that downregulated CPA4 suppressed the sphere formation capacities of tumour cells. However, upregulated CPA4 increased the proliferation and sphere formation capacity. In addition, the protein expression of CD133, ALDH1 and CD44 also increased in cells with upregulated CPA4. In vivo, the overexpression of CPA4 in tumour cells that were subcutaneously injected into nude mice markedly increased the growth of the tumours. These data suggest that CPA4 expression leads to poor prognoses by regulating tumour proliferation and the expression of stem cell characteristics and may therefore serve as a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Nan-Kai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chengfei Hao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Nan-Kai Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Nan-Kai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Haitao Shang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Nan-Kai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhonglian Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Nan-Kai Hospital, Tianjin, China
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