1
|
da Silva IV, Garra S, Calamita G, Soveral G. The Multifaceted Role of Aquaporin-9 in Health and Its Potential as a Clinical Biomarker. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070897. [PMID: 35883453 PMCID: PMC9313442 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels essential for water, energy, and redox homeostasis, with proven involvement in a variety of pathophysiological conditions such as edema, glaucoma, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, oxidative stress, sepsis, cancer, and metabolic dysfunctions. The 13 AQPs present in humans are widely distributed in all body districts, drawing cell lineage-specific expression patterns closely related to cell native functions. Compelling evidence indicates that AQPs are proteins with great potential as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention. Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is the most expressed in the liver, with implications in general metabolic and redox balance due to its aquaglyceroporin and peroxiporin activities, facilitating glycerol and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) diffusion across membranes. AQP9 is also expressed in other tissues, and their altered expression is described in several human diseases, such as liver injury, inflammation, cancer, infertility, and immune disorders. The present review compiles the current knowledge of AQP9 implication in diseases and highlights its potential as a new biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês V. da Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sabino Garra
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.S.)
| | - Graça Soveral
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chow PH, Bowen J, Yool AJ. Combined Systematic Review and Transcriptomic Analyses of Mammalian Aquaporin Classes 1 to 10 as Biomarkers and Prognostic Indicators in Diverse Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1911. [PMID: 32679804 PMCID: PMC7409285 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin (AQP) channels enable regulated transport of water and solutes essential for fluid homeostasis, but they are gaining attention as targets for anticancer therapies. Patterns of AQP expression and survival rates for patients were evaluated by systematic review (PubMed and Embase) and transcriptomic analyses of RNAseq data (Human Protein Atlas database). Meta-analyses confirmed predominantly negative associations between AQP protein and RNA expression levels and patient survival times, most notably for AQP1 in lung, breast and prostate cancers; AQP3 in esophageal, liver and breast cancers; and AQP9 in liver cancer. Patterns of AQP expression were clustered for groups of cancers and associated with risk of death. A quantitative transcriptomic analysis of AQP1-10 in human cancer biopsies similarly showed that increased transcript levels of AQPs 1, 3, 5 and 9 were most frequently associated with poor survival. Unexpectedly, increased AQP7 and AQP8 levels were associated with better survival times in glioma, ovarian and endometrial cancers, and increased AQP11 with better survival in colorectal and breast cancers. Although molecular mechanisms of aquaporins in pathology or protection remain to be fully defined, results here support the hypothesis that overexpression of selected classes of AQPs differentially augments cancer progression. Beyond fluid homeostasis, potential roles for AQPs in cancers (suggested from an expanding appreciation of their functions in normal tissues) include cell motility, membrane process extension, transport of signaling molecules, control of proliferation and apoptosis, increased mechanical compliance, and gas exchange. AQP expression also has been linked to differences in sensitivity to chemotherapy treatments, suggesting possible roles as biomarkers for personalized treatments. Development of AQP pharmacological modulators, administered in cancer-specific combinations, might inspire new interventions for controlling malignant carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea J Yool
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia; (P.H.C.); (J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zheng X, Li C, Yu K, Shi S, Chen H, Qian Y, Mei Z. Aquaporin-9, Mediated by IGF2, Suppresses Liver Cancer Stem Cell Properties via Augmenting ROS/β-Catenin/FOXO3a Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:992-1003. [PMID: 32229502 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) play a critical role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by virtue of their aggressive behavior and association with poor prognoses. Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) is a transmembrane protein that transports water and reportedly transports H2O2. Recent studies have shown that AQP9 expression has a negative effect on HCC cell invasion by inhibiting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, the role of AQP9 in LCSCs remains obscure. We performed spheroid formation assay and flow cytometric analysis to investigate LCSCs stemness. CD133+ and CD133- cells were isolated by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence assay were used to estimate gene expression. The protein association of β-catenin with TCF4 and the interaction of β-catenin with FOXO3a were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP). Here, we found that AQP9 was preferentially decreased in LCSCs. Upregulated AQP9 significantly suppressed LCSCs stemness. In contrast, the inhibition of AQP9 had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, AQP9 was shown to be downregulated by insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), which was widely reported to contribute to maintaining CSCs stemness. Furthermore, AQP9 overexpression was found to result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which inhibited β-catenin activity by attenuating the interaction of β-catenin with TCF4 while concurrently enhancing the association of β-catenin with FOXO3a, ultimately inhibiting LCSCs stemness. Our study implies that stimulation of the AQP9 signaling axis may be a novel preventive and/or therapeutic approach for eliminating LCSCs. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings demonstrate that AQP9 signaling axis may be a novel preventive and/or therapeutic approach for eliminating LCSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences CGH, UCAS, Chongqing, China
| | - Chuanfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Keqi Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shasha Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhechuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Calamita G, Perret J, Delporte C. Aquaglyceroporins: Drug Targets for Metabolic Diseases? Front Physiol 2018; 9:851. [PMID: 30042691 PMCID: PMC6048697 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of transmembrane channel proteins facilitating the transport of water, small solutes, and gasses across biological membranes. AQPs are expressed in all tissues and ensure multiple roles under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Aquaglyceroporins are a subfamily of AQPs permeable to glycerol in addition to water and participate thereby to energy metabolism. This review focalizes on the present knowledge of the expression, regulation and physiological roles of AQPs in adipose tissue, liver and endocrine pancreas, that are involved in energy metabolism. In addition, the review aims at summarizing the involvement of AQPs in metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes and liver diseases. Finally, challenges and recent advances related to pharmacological modulation of AQPs expression and function to control and treat metabolic diseases are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Jason Perret
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li CF, Zhang WG, Liu M, Qiu LW, Chen XF, Lv L, Mei ZC. Aquaporin 9 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through up-regulating FOXO1 expression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:44161-44170. [PMID: 27329843 PMCID: PMC5190086 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is the main aquaglyceroporin in the liver. Few studies have been performed regarding the role of AQP9 in liver cancer. Here we report AQP9 expression and function in liver cancer. We found that AQP9 mRNA and protein levels were reduced in human hepatocellular cancer compared to the para-tumor normal liver tissues. Human hepatoma cell line SMMC7721 expressed low basal levels of AQP9. When AQP9 was overexpressed in SMMC7721 cell line, cell proliferation was inhibited due to cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and increased apoptosis. At the molecular level, AQP9 overexpression decreased the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), leading to reduced phosphorylation of Akt. Subsequently, the protein levels of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) were increased, resulting in down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and up-regulation of caspase-3 expression. AQP9 overexpression inhibited growth of subcutaneously xenografted liver tumors in nude mice. These findings suggest that AQP9 expression is down-regulated in liver cancer compared to the normal liver tissue and restoration of AQP9 expression can inhibit development of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Fei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Guang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lie-Wang Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yongchuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- The First Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe-Chuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheung OKW, Cheng ASL. Gender Differences in Adipocyte Metabolism and Liver Cancer Progression. Front Genet 2016; 7:168. [PMID: 27703473 PMCID: PMC5029146 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third most common cancer type and the second leading cause of deaths in men. Large population studies have demonstrated remarkable gender disparities in the incidence and the cumulative risk of liver cancer. A number of emerging risk factors regarding metabolic alterations associated with obesity, diabetes and dyslipidemia have been ascribed to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and ultimately liver cancer. The deregulation of fat metabolism derived from excessive insulin, glucose, and lipid promotes cancer-causing inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress, which eventually triggers the uncontrolled hepatocellular proliferation. This review presents the current standing on the gender differences in body fat compositions and their mechanistic linkage with the development of NAFLD-related liver cancer, with an emphasis on genetic, epigenetic and microRNA control. The potential roles of sex hormones in instructing adipocyte metabolic programs may help unravel the mechanisms underlying gender dimorphism in liver cancer and identify the metabolic targets for disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otto K-W Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| | - Alfred S-L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bernardino RL, Marinelli RA, Maggio A, Gena P, Cataldo I, Alves MG, Svelto M, Oliveira PF, Calamita G. Hepatocyte and Sertoli Cell Aquaporins, Recent Advances and Research Trends. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071096. [PMID: 27409609 PMCID: PMC4964472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are proteinaceous channels widespread in nature where they allow facilitated permeation of water and uncharged through cellular membranes. AQPs play a number of important roles in both health and disease. This review focuses on the most recent advances and research trends regarding the expression and modulation, as well as physiological and pathophysiological functions of AQPs in hepatocytes and Sertoli cells (SCs). Besides their involvement in bile formation, hepatocyte AQPs are involved in maintaining energy balance acting in hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism, and in critical processes such as ammonia detoxification and mitochondrial output of hydrogen peroxide. Roles are played in clinical disorders including fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity, cholestasis, hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. In the seminiferous tubules, particularly in SCs, AQPs are also widely expressed and seem to be implicated in the various stages of spermatogenesis. Like in hepatocytes, AQPs may be involved in maintaining energy homeostasis in these cells and have a major role in the metabolic cooperation established in the testicular tissue. Altogether, this information represents the mainstay of current and future investigation in an expanding field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel L Bernardino
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Raul A Marinelli
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas-Universidad Nacional de Rosario, 531 S2002LRK Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Anna Maggio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gena
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Cataldo
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Marco G Alves
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS) and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharnaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang WG, Li CF, Liu M, Chen XF, Shuai K, Kong X, Lv L, Mei ZC. Aquaporin 9 is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and its over-expression suppresses hepatoma cell invasion through inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Lett 2016; 378:111-9. [PMID: 27216981 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is the main aquaglyceroporin in the liver. Few studies have been performed regarding the role of AQP9 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report the expression and function of AQP9 in HCC tissues and cell lines. We found that AQP9 mRNA and protein levels were down-regulated in HCC tissues and human hepatoma cell lines compared to the para-cancer normal liver tissues and normal hepatocyte line, respectively. In a human HCC SMMC-7721 cell line, over-expression of AQP9 suppressed cell invasion in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. AQP9 over-expression increased the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the expression of N-cadherin in SMMC-7721 cells and xenografted tumors, which was correlated with decreased levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and p-Akt. Conversely, using siRNA to knock down AQP9 over-expression could reverse the phenotype caused by AQP9 over-expression. Our findings suggest that AQP9 is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and its over-expression suppresses hepatoma cell invasion through inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Guang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Chuan-Fei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Chen
- The First Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Kai Shuai
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xin Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Zhe-Chuan Mei
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Peng R, Zhang Y, Zhao GX, Li J, Shen XZ, Wang JY, Sun JY. Differential regulation of the expression of aquaporins 3 and 9 by Auphen and dbcAMP in the SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Biotech Histochem 2016; 91:333-41. [PMID: 27058469 DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2016.1168525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaglycero-aquaporins (agAQPs) are the structural foundation of rapid water transport and they appear to participate in cancer proliferation and malignancy. AQP3 expression is increased and AQP9 expression is decreased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to normal liver, which suggests their possible use as targets for cancer treatment. AQP-based modifiers, such as Auphen and dibutyryladenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (dbcAMP), might be used to treat several diseases and as chemical tools for assessing the functions of AQPs in biological systems. We investigated the effects of both Auphen on AQP3 and dbcAMP on AQP9 in SMMC-7721 cells. We used western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry to evaluate changes in AQP3 and AQP9 expression in SMMC-7721 cells after culturing with Auphen and dbcAMP, respectively. We also determined the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells. We found that compared to HL-7702 (L02) liver cells, Auphen increased AQP3 expression in tumor cells, whereas dbcAMP decreased expression of AQP9 in these cells. Also, high concentrations of Auphen and dbcAMP inhibited proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in vitro. Auphen and dbcAMP may inhibit HCC development and could be considered targets for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Peng
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Y Zhang
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - G X Zhao
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - J Li
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - X Z Shen
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - J Y Wang
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - J Y Sun
- a Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lindskog C, Asplund A, Catrina A, Nielsen S, Rützler M. A Systematic Characterization of Aquaporin-9 Expression in Human Normal and Pathological Tissues. J Histochem Cytochem 2016; 64:287-300. [PMID: 27026296 DOI: 10.1369/0022155416641028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AQP9 is known to facilitate hepatocyte glycerol uptake. Murine AQP9 protein expression has been verified in liver, skin, epididymis, epidermis and neuronal cells using knockout mice. Further expression sites have been reported in humans. We aimed to verify AQP9 expression in a large set of human normal organs, different cancer types, rheumatoid arthritis synovial biopsies as well as in cell lines and primary cells. Combining standardized immunohistochemistry with high-throughput mRNA sequencing, we found that AQP9 expression in normal tissues was limited, with high membranous expression only in hepatocytes. In cancer tissues, AQP9 expression was mainly found in hepatocellular carcinomas, suggesting no general contribution of AQP9 to carcinogenesis. AQP9 expression in a subset of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue samples was affected by Humira, thereby supporting a suggested role of TNFα in AQP9 regulation in this disease. Among cell lines and primary cells, LP-1 myeloma cells expressed high levels of AQP9, whereas low expression was observed in a few other lymphoid cell lines. AQP9 mRNA and protein expression was absent in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overall, AQP9 expression in human tissues appears to be more selective than in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lindskog
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (CL, AA)
| | - Anna Asplund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (CL, AA)
| | - Anca Catrina
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden (AC)
| | - Søren Nielsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (SN, MR)
| | - Michael Rützler
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden (SN, MR),Institute for Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg Ø, Denmark (MR)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Peng R, Zhao GX, Li J, Zhang Y, Shen XZ, Wang JY, Sun JY. Auphen and dibutyryl cAMP suppress growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating expression of aquaporins 3 and 9 in vivo. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3341-3354. [PMID: 27022216 PMCID: PMC4806192 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i12.3341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether the regulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and AQP9 induced by Auphen and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) inhibits hepatic tumorigenesis.
METHODS: Expression of AQP3 and AQP9 was detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and RT-PCR in HCC samples and paired non-cancerous liver tissue samples from 30 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. A xenograft tumor model was used in vivo. Nine nude mice were divided into control, Auphen-treated, and dbcAMP-treated groups (n = 3 for each group). AQP3 and AQP9 protein expression after induction of xenograft tumors was detected by IHC and mRNA by RT-PCR analysis. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and histological evaluation were used to detect apoptosis of tumor cells, and the concentration of serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) was measured using RT-PCR and an ELISA kit.
RESULTS: The volumes and weights of tumors decreased significantly in the Auphen- and dbcAMP-treated mice compared with the control mice (P < 0.01). The levels of AQP3 were significantly lower in the Auphen treatment group, and levels of AQP9 were significantly higher in thedbcAMP treatment mice than in the control mice (P < 0.01). The reduction of AQP3 by Auphen and increase of AQP9 by dbcAMP in nude mice suppressed tumor growth of HCC, which resulted in reduced AFP levels in serum and tissues, and apoptosis of tumor cells in the Auphen- and dbcAMP-treated mice, when compared with control mice (P < 0.01). Compared with para-carcinoma tissues, AQP3 expression increased in tumor tissues whereas the expression of AQP9 decreased. By correlating clinicopathological and expression levels, we demonstrated that the expression of AQP3 and AQP9 was correlated with clinical progression of HCC and disease outcomes.
CONCLUSION: AQP3 increases in HCC while AQP9 decreases. Regulation of AQP3 and AQP9 expression by Auphen and dbcAMP inhibits the development and growth of HCC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Aquaporin 3/genetics
- Aquaporin 3/metabolism
- Aquaporins/genetics
- Aquaporins/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cyclic CMP/analogs & derivatives
- Cyclic CMP/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Middle Aged
- Organogold Compounds/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- alpha-Fetoproteins/metabolism
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang J, Feng L, Zhu Z, Zheng M, Wang D, Chen Z, Sun H. Aquaporins as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer: how far we are? J Transl Med 2015; 13:96. [PMID: 25886458 PMCID: PMC4382841 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water channel proteins distributed in various human tissues, responsible for the transport of small solutes such as glycerol, even gas and ions. The expression of AQPs has been found in more than 20 human cancer types and is significantly correlated with the severity of histological tumors and prognosis of patients with cancer. More recent evidence showed that AQPs could also play a role in tumor-associated edema, tumor cell proliferation and migration, and tumor angiogenesis in solid and hematological tumors. Inhibitors of AQPs in tumor cells and microvessels have been suggested as new therapeutic strategies. The present review overviews AQPs structures, expression variation among normal tissues and tumors, AQPs functions and roles in the development of cancer with special focuses on lung, colorectal, liver, brain and breast cancers, and potential AQPs-target inhibitors. We call the special attention to consider AQPs important as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. It may be a novel anticancer therapy by the AQPs inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Feng
- Minghang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhitu Zhu
- The First Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jingzhou, China.
| | - Minghuan Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Diane Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hongzhi Sun
- The First Hospital of Liaoning Medical University, Jingzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Prognostic value of combined aquaporin 3 and aquaporin 5 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:206525. [PMID: 24224160 PMCID: PMC3810059 DOI: 10.1155/2013/206525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background. Aquaporin (AQP) 3 and AQP 5 are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression of several tumor types. Aim. To investigate expression patterns and clinical significance of AQP3 and AQP5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of AQP3 and AQP5 in HCC tissues. Results. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed the increased expression of AQP3 and AQP5 protein levels in HCC tissues compared with their adjacent nonneoplastic tissues (both P < 0.001). In addition, combined AQP3 and AQP5 protein expression was significantly associated with serum AFP (P = 0.008), tumor stage (P = 0.006), and tumor grade (P = 0.006). Moreover, HCC patients highly expressing both AQP3 and AQP5 proteins had worse 5-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival (P = 0.002 and 0.005, resp.). Furthermore, the Cox proportional hazards model showed that combined AQP3 and AQP5 protein expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for both 5-year disease-free survival (P = 0.009) and 5-year overall survival (P = 0.01) in HCC. Conclusion. Our data suggest for the first time that the aberrant expression of AQP3 and AQP5 proteins may be strongly related to tumor progression and prognosis in patients with HCC. The overexpression of AQP3 in combination with upregulation of AQP5 may be an unfavorable prognostic factor for HCC.
Collapse
|
14
|
Sokolov E, Eheim AL, Ahrens WA, Walling TL, Swet JH, McMillan MT, Simo KA, Thompson KJ, Sindram D, McKillop IH. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor expression and function in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Res 2012. [PMID: 23182454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2012.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a ubiquitously expressed phospholipid that regulates diverse cellular functions. Previously identified LPA receptor subtypes (LPAR1-5) are weakly expressed or absent in the liver. This study sought to determine LPAR expression, including the newly identified LPAR6, in normal human liver (NL), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and non-tumor liver tissue (NTL), and LPAR expression and function in human hepatoma cells in vitro. METHODS We determined LPAR1-6 expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry in NL, NTL, and HCC, and HuH7, and HepG2 cells. Hepatoma cells were treated with LPA in the absence or presence of LPAR1-3 (Ki16425) or pan-LPAR (α-bromomethylene phosphonate) antagonists and proliferation and motility were measured. RESULTS We report HCC-associated changes in LPAR1, 3, and 6 mRNA and protein expression, with significantly increased LPAR6 in HCC versus NL and NTL. Analysis of human hepatoma cells demonstrated significantly higher LPAR1, 3, and 6 mRNA and protein expression in HuH7 versus HepG2 cells. Treatment with LPA (0.05-10 μg/mL) led to dose-dependent HuH7 growth and increased motility. In HepG2 cells, LPA led to moderate, although significant, increases in proliferation but not motility. Pretreatment with α-bromomethylene phosphonate inhibited LPA-dependent proliferation and motility to a greater degree than Ki16425. CONCLUSIONS Multiple LPAR forms are expressed in human HCC, including the recently described LPAR6. Inhibition of LPA-LPAR signaling inhibits HCC cell proliferation and motility, the extent of which depends on LPAR subtype expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Sokolov
- Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang JH, Yan CX, Chen XJ, Zhu YS. Expression of Aquaglyceroporins in Epithelial Ovarian Tumours and Their Clinical Significance. J Int Med Res 2011; 39:702-11. [PMID: 21819701 DOI: 10.1177/147323001103900302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein levels of aquaglyceroporins AQP3, AQP7 and AQP9 were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in epithelial ovarian tumour tissue from 98 patients and in normal ovary tissue from 20 persons with uterine myoma. AQP3 and AQP9 proteins were detected immunohistochemically in the basolateral membranes of benign and borderline tumour cells and were found to be distributed throughout the plasma membranes of malignant tumour cells. AQP7 protein was localized in the plasma membranes of benign tumour cells but, in borderline and malignant tumour cells, it was selectively stained in the nuclear membrane. Western blotting showed significantly higher AQP7 and AQP9 protein expression in malignant and borderline tumours than in benign tumour and normal ovarian tissue. AQP9 expression level was positively and significantly correlated with tumour grade and histological type. It was concluded that a high level of aquaglyceroporin expression may be an important factor in ovarian carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JH Yang
- Department of Gynaecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - CX Yan
- Department of Gynaecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - XJ Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - YS Zhu
- Department of Gynaecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Thompson KJ, Lau KN, Johnson S, Martinie JB, Iannitti DA, McKillop IH, Sindram D. Leptin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation via p38-MAPK-dependent signalling. HPB (Oxford) 2011; 13:225-33. [PMID: 21418127 PMCID: PMC3081622 DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-2574.2010.00259.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Obesity is a significant risk factor for many liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Leptin has been identified as a central mediator of factors that regulate energy intake and expenditure, including appetite, metabolism and fat storage. The role of leptin in the initiation, development and progression of HCC remains poorly understood. The aims of this study were to determine the effect(s) of leptin on HCC cell proliferation and to identify potential signalling mechanism(s) by which leptin exerts these effects. METHODS Rat H4IIE HCC cells and H4IIE-derived HCC tumours were analysed for leptin receptor (LR) expression. H4IIE cells were treated with leptin (0-100 ng/ml) in the absence or presence of pharmacological inhibitors of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (PD98059), p38-MAPK (SB202190) or Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) (AG490; 10 µM) signalling. Cell proliferation was determined and signal pathway activity analysed. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry identified increased LR expression in HCC in human tissue. Leptin did not significantly affect H4IIE cell numbers in serum-depleted (0.1% [v/v] foetal bovine serum [FBS]) medium. However, leptin significantly inhibited serum-stimulated (1.0% [v/v] FBS) H4IIE proliferation. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that leptin significantly activated p42/p44-MAPK, p38-MAPK and STAT3 signalling in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment of H4IIE cells with SB202190 abrogated leptin-dependent inhibition of H4IIE proliferation, an effect not observed in cells pretreated with PD98059 or AG490. CONCLUSIONS Leptin inhibits HCC cell growth in vitro via a p38-MAPK-dependent signalling pathway. Identifying similar effects on tumour growth in vivo may provide an attractive therapeutic target for slowing HCC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Thompson
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kwan N Lau
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA,Section of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Johnson
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - John B Martinie
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA,Section of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - David A Iannitti
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA,Section of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - Iain H McKillop
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| | - David Sindram
- Section of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotte, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|