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Radhakrishnan K, Truong L, Carmichael CL. An "unexpected" role for EMT transcription factors in hematological development and malignancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207360. [PMID: 37600794 PMCID: PMC10435889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental developmental process essential for normal embryonic development. It is also important during various pathogenic processes including fibrosis, wound healing and epithelial cancer cell metastasis and invasion. EMT is regulated by a variety of cell signalling pathways, cell-cell interactions and microenvironmental cues, however the key drivers of EMT are transcription factors of the ZEB, TWIST and SNAIL families. Recently, novel and unexpected roles for these EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) during normal blood cell development have emerged, which appear to be largely independent of classical EMT processes. Furthermore, EMT-TFs have also begun to be implicated in the development and pathogenesis of malignant hematological diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma, and now present themselves or the pathways they regulate as possible new therapeutic targets within these malignancies. In this review, we discuss the ZEB, TWIST and SNAIL families of EMT-TFs, focusing on what is known about their normal roles during hematopoiesis as well as the emerging and "unexpected" contribution they play during development and progression of blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthika Radhakrishnan
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Lynda Truong
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine L. Carmichael
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Wang W, Meng Y, Chen Y, Yu Y, Wang H, Yang S, Sun W. A comprehensive analysis of LMO2 pathogenic regulatory profile during T-lineage development and leukemic transformation. Oncogene 2022; 41:4079-4090. [PMID: 35851847 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
LMO2 is a well-known leukemic proto-oncogene, its ectopic expression in T-lineage specifically initiates malignant transformation of immature T cells and ultimately causes the onset of acute T-lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL) in both mouse models and human patients. In this study, we systematically explored the LMO2 performance on the profiles of transcriptome, DNA-binding and protein interactions during T-lineage development in the pre-leukemic stage. Our data indicated that large-scale transcriptional dysregulation caused by LMO2 primarily occurred in DN3 thymocytes, characterized by enriched upregulation of the target genes of typical LMO2 complex, RUNX, ETS and STATs, and ectopic LMO2 primarily targeted to RUNX motifs along with intensive interaction with RUNX1 and H3K4 methyltransferase component ASH2L in this stage. However, binding of LMO2 on specific motifs was largely reduced in the following DP and SP stages, along with gradually disappeared LMO2-RUNX1 and LMO2-ASH2L interactions and less alteration of certain transcriptional factor profiles. Moreover, LMO2 showed relatively less influence on cellular behavior of DN3 thymocyte whereas displayed more prominent effects in DP and SP stages, including promoting Notch signaling and cell cycles. These findings provide a high-resolution landscape of the pathogenic role of LMO2 during T-lineage development in molecular level, and may benefit further clinical investigations for LMO2-associated T-lineage malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingying Meng
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanhong Yu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hang Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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Intrinsic Balance between ZEB Family Members Is Important for Melanocyte Homeostasis and Melanoma Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082248. [PMID: 32796736 PMCID: PMC7465899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has become clear that cellular plasticity is a main driver of cancer therapy resistance. Consequently, there is a need to mechanistically identify the factors driving this process. The transcription factors of the zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox family, consisting of ZEB1 and ZEB2, are notorious for their roles in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, in melanoma, an intrinsic balance between ZEB1 and ZEB2 seems to determine the cellular state by modulating the expression of the master regulator of melanocyte homeostasis, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). ZEB2 drives MITF expression and is associated with a differentiated/proliferative melanoma cell state. On the other hand, ZEB1 is correlated with low MITF expression and a more invasive, stem cell-like and therapy-resistant cell state. This intrinsic balance between ZEB1 and ZEB2 could prove to be a promising therapeutic target for melanoma patients. In this review, we will summarise what is known on the functional mechanisms of these transcription factors. Moreover, we will look specifically at their roles during melanocyte-lineage development and homeostasis. Finally, we will overview the current literature on ZEB1 and ZEB2 in the melanoma context and link this to the 'phenotype-switching' model of melanoma cellular plasticity.
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Wang W, Chen Y, Chang Y, Sun W. Biochemical Feature of LMO2 Interactome and LMO2 Function Prospect. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2020; 26:e924421. [PMID: 32713935 PMCID: PMC7409384 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.924421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background LMO2 belongs to the LIM-Only group of LIM domain protein superfamily. It is ubiquitously expressed in different types of tissues and locates either in the nucleus or in the cytoplasm depending on the tissue type. Till now the unique function of LMO2 was considered to be serving as a bridging or blocking molecule that mediates extensive protein-protein interactions. However, the exactly biological features of LMO2 interactome as well as LMO2 function spectrum remain largely unclear. Material/Methods In this study, yeast 2-hybrid assay was firstly performed using LMO2 as the bait and the characteristic of LMO2 protein interactome was analyzed according to the yeast 2-hybrid data and other relative biological information primarily using bioinformatic method. Results Our data indicated that LMO2 favored interacting with peptides containing β-sheet structure and having relatively unstable confirmation. Moreover, several LMO2 favored interacting domains were identified, including WD40 repeat, coiled-coil, Ankyrin repeat, Zinc finger, PDZ, and SH3, and functions of these domain-containing members were dramatically enriched in some types of cancers. Conclusions Our results revealed a LMO2 favored protein-interaction pattern in both secondary structure and domain level, and concentrated LMO2 function in kinds of cytoplasmic metabolism pathways as well as multiple types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Yaxin Chen
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Ying Chang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Tianjin Center Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
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Wu C, Yuan M, Gao Y, Sun W. LMO2 functional and transcriptional regulatory profiles in hematopoietic cells. Leuk Res 2018; 75:11-14. [PMID: 30419549 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2018.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Mei Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Beichen Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
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ZEB Proteins in Leukemia: Friends, Foes, or Friendly Foes? Hemasphere 2018; 2:e43. [PMID: 31723771 PMCID: PMC6745990 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ZEB1 and ZEB2 play pivotal roles in solid cancer metastasis by allowing cancer cells to invade and disseminate through the transcriptional regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. ZEB expression is also associated with the acquisition of cancer stem cell properties and therapy resistance. Consequently, expression levels of ZEB1/2 and of their direct target genes are widely seen as reliable prognostic markers for solid tumor aggressiveness and cancer patient outcome. Recent loss-of-function mouse models demonstrated that both ZEBs are also essential hematopoietic transcription factors governing blood lineage commitment and fidelity. Interestingly, both gain- and loss-of-function mutations have been reported in multiple hematological malignancies. Combined with emerging functional studies, these data suggest that ZEB1 and ZEB2 can act as tumor suppressors and/or oncogenes in blood borne malignancies, depending on the cellular context. Here, we review these novel insights and discuss how balanced expression of ZEB proteins may be essential to safeguard the functionality of the immune system and prevent leukemia.
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Huang D, Wu C, Li H, Zhang X, Meng B, Li Z, Zhu T, Yang S, Sun W. LMO2 promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis in basal-type breast cancer by altering actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Oncotarget 2018; 8:9513-9524. [PMID: 27880729 PMCID: PMC5354749 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
LMO2 is traditionally recognized as a pivotal transcriptional regulator during embryonic hematopoiesis and angionenesis, and its ectopic expression in T lymphocyte progenitors is closely correlated to the onset of acute T lymphocytic leukemia. However, recently studies revealed complicated expression features and dual functions of LMO2 on tumor behaviors in a variety of cancer types, including breast cancers. Basal-type breast cancer is one of the breast cancer subtypes and a prognostically unfavorable subtype among all breast cancers. Herein we found that in basal-type breast cancer specifically, high LMO2 expression was positively correlated with lymph node metastases in patients, promoted tumor cell migration and invasion and increased distant metastasis in SCID mice. Moreover, the novel function of LMO2 was achieved by its predominantly cytoplasmic location and interaction with cofilin1, which is a critical regulator in actin cytoskeleton dynamics. These findings suggest a subtype-dependent role of LMO2 in breast cancers and the potential of LMO2 as a subtype-specific biomarker for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Di Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Meng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zongjin Li
- Laboratory of Stem cells in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhui Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Liu Y, Wu C, Zhu T, Sun W. LMO2 Enhances Lamellipodia/Filopodia Formation in Basal-Type Breast Cancer Cells by Mediating ARP3-Profilin1 Interaction. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:695-703. [PMID: 28170369 PMCID: PMC5310228 DOI: 10.12659/msm.903261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The human LMO2 gene was first cloned from an acute T lymphocytic leukemia patient; it is primarily expressed in hematopoietic and vascular endothelial systems, and functions as a pivotal transcriptional regulator during embryonic hematopoiesis and angiogenesis. However, some recent reports indicated that LMO2 is widely expressed in many tissues and tumors, predominantly in cytoplasm, and revealed complicated functions on tumor behaviors in a variety of cancer types. As an adaptor molecule, binding partners and function details of LMO2 in these solid tumors need to be further investigated. Material/Methods In this study, we used yeast two-hybrid method to screen potential LMO2 interacting partners, MBP-pulldown, and co-immunoprecipitation assay to confirm protein-protein interactions, and confocal microscopy to reveal the subcellular localization of relevant proteins and actin cytoskeleton changes in relevant cells. Results We found that ARP3 and profilin1 were 2 binding partners of LMO2, primarily in cytoplasm. LMO2. Functionally, LMO2 mediated the assembly of a complex including ARP3, profilin1, and actin monomer, increased actin monomer binding to profilin1, and promoted lamellipodia/filopodia formation in basal-type breast cancer cells. Conclusions Our data indicate a novel functional mechanism of LMO2 in facilitating the delivery of actin monomers to the branched microfilament and increasing lamellipodia/filopodia formation in basal-type breast cancer cells, suggesting a cancer-promoting role of LMO2 in a subtype-dependent manner and its potential as a subtype-specific biomarker for clinical treatment of breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Chao Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Tianhui Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (mainland)
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Liu Y, Huang D, Wang Z, Wu C, Zhang Z, Wang D, Li Z, Zhu T, Yang S, Sun W. LMO2 attenuates tumor growth by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway in breast and colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36050. [PMID: 27779255 PMCID: PMC5078767 DOI: 10.1038/srep36050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene LIM-domain only 2 (lmo2) was traditionally considered to be a pivotal transcriptional regulator in hematopoiesis and leukemia. Recently, the cytosolic localization of LMO2 was revealed in multiple epithelial tissues and a variety of solid tumors. However, the function of LMO2 in these epithelia and solid tumors remains largely unclear. The Wnt signaling pathway is a crucial determinant of development, and abnormalities in several key segments of this pathway contribute to oncogenesis. The current study demonstrated that LMO2 participates in the regulation of canonical Wnt signaling in the cytoplasm by binding to Dishevelled-1/2 (DVL-1/2) proteins. These interactions occurred at the PDZ domain of Dishevelled, and LMO2 subsequently attenuated the activation of the key factor β-catenin in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Meanwhile, significantly decreased expression of LMO2 was detected in breast and colorectal cancers, and the downregulation of LMO2 in these cells increased cell proliferation and reduced apoptosis. Taken together, the data in this study revealed a novel crosstalk between LMO2 and the Wnt signaling pathway during tumorigenesis and suggested that LMO2 might be a tumor suppressor in certain solid tumors, in contrast to its traditional oncogenic role in the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Di Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Anorectal, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zongjin Li
- Laboratory of Stem cells in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianhui Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics in School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Gheldof A, Hulpiau P, van Roy F, De Craene B, Berx G. Evolutionary functional analysis and molecular regulation of the ZEB transcription factors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:2527-41. [PMID: 22349261 PMCID: PMC11115101 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-0935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ZEB1 and ZEB2, which are members of the ZEB family of transcription factors, play a pivotal role in the development of the vertebrate embryo. However, recent evidence shows that both proteins can also drive the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition during malignant cancer progression. The understanding of how both ZEBs act as transcription factors opens up new possibilities for future treatment of advanced carcinomas. This review gives insight into the molecular mechanisms that form the basis of the multitude of cellular processes controlled by both ZEB factors. By using an evolutionary approach, we analyzed how the specific organization of the different domains and regulatory sites in ZEB1 and ZEB2 came into existence. On the basis of this analysis, a detailed overview is provided of the different cofactors and post-translational mechanisms that are associated with ZEB protein functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gheldof
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paco Hulpiau
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frans van Roy
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bram De Craene
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Unit of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Department for Molecular Biomedical Research, VIB, Technologiepark 927, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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