1
|
Qiu X, Xu H, Wang K, Gao F, Xu X, He H. P-21 Activated Kinases in Liver Disorders. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020551. [PMID: 36672500 PMCID: PMC9857091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21 Activated Kinases (PAKs) are serine threonine kinases and play important roles in many biological processes, including cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal organization, migration, and morphology. Recently, PAKs have emerged in the process of liver disorders, including liver cancer, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, hepatitis, and liver fibrosis, owing to their effects in multiple signaling pathways in various cell types. Activation of PAKs promotes liver cancer growth and metastasis and contributes to the resistance of liver cancer to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, leading to poor survival of patients. PAKs also play important roles in the development and progression of hepatitis and other pathological processes of the liver such as fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this review, we have summarized the currently available studies about the role of PAKs in liver disorders and the mechanisms involved, and further explored the potential therapeutic application of PAK inhibitors in liver disorders, with the aim to provide a comprehensive overview on current progress and perspectives of PAKs in liver disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (H.H.)
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (H.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kathania M, Kumar R, Lenou ET, Basrur V, Theiss AL, Chernoff J, Venuprasad K. Pak2-mediated phosphorylation promotes RORγt ubiquitination and inhibits colonic inflammation. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111345. [PMID: 36103814 PMCID: PMC9510046 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated interleukin-17 (IL-17) expression and its downstream signaling is strongly linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the molecular mechanisms by which the function of RORγt, the transcription factor of IL-17, is regulated remains elusive. By a mass spectrometry-based approach, we identify that Pak2, a serine (S)/threonine (T) kinase, directly associates with RORγt. Pak2 recognizes a conserved KRLS motif within RORγt and phosphorylates the S-316 within this motif. Genetic deletion of Pak2 in Th17 cells reduces RORγt phosphorylation, increases IL-17 expression, and induces severe colitis upon adoptive transfer to Rag1−/− mice. Similarly, reconstitution of RORγt-S316A mutant in Rorc−/− Th17 cells enhances IL-17 expression and colitis severity. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Pak2-mediated phosphorylation causes a conformational change resulting in exposure of the ubiquitin ligase Itch interacting PPLY motif and degradation of RORγt. Thus, we have uncovered a mechanism by which the activity of RORγt is regulated that can be exploited therapeutically. Kathania et al. show that Pak2, a Ser/Thr kinase, associates with RORγt and phosphorylates Ser-316 of RORγt. Deletion of Pak2 in Th17 cells enhances IL-17 expression and colitis severity. Pak2-mediated phosphorylation causes a conformational change resulting in increased ubiquitination of RORγt by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Kathania
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Elviche Taskem Lenou
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Arianne L Theiss
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Venuprasad
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis by Upregulating MicroRNA-455-3p through Suppression of p21-Activated Kinase-2. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6685605. [PMID: 33708992 PMCID: PMC7932777 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6685605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were shown to have potential therapeutic effects for treatment of liver fibrosis, and dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) played a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis by regulating their downstream target genes. However, the mechanism by which MSCs affect the progression of liver fibrosis by regulating miRNA expression remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether human umbilical cord MSCs (HUC-MSCs) attenuated hepatic fibrosis by regulating miR-455-3p and its target gene. Significantly upregulated miRNA (miR-455-3p) was screened out by GEO datasets analysis and coculture HUC-MSCs with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) LX-2 cells. p21-activated kinase-2 (PAK2) was forecasted to be the target gene of miR-455-3p by bioinformatics analyses and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. HUC-MSCs were transplanted into mice with carbon tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis, the result showed that HUC-MSC transplantation significantly ameliorated the severity of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, attenuated collagen deposition, improved liver function by reducing the expression of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum, upregulated miR-455-3p, and suppressed PAK2 expression of liver tissue in mice. Taken together, our study suggests that HUC-MSCs inhibit the activation of HSCs and mouse CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by upregulation of miR-455-3p through targeting PAK2.
Collapse
|
4
|
Dang Y, Guo Y, Ma X, Chao X, Wang F, Cai L, Yan Z, Xie L, Guo X. Systemic analysis of the expression and prognostic significance of PAKs in breast cancer. Genomics 2020; 112:2433-2444. [PMID: 31987914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PAKs (p21-activated kinases) are reported to play crucial roles in a variety of cellular processes and participate in the progression of human cancers. However, the expression and prognostic values of PAKs remain poorly explored in breast cancers. In our study, we examined the mRNA and protein expression levels of PAKs and the prognostic value. We also analyzed the interaction network, genetic alteration, and functional enrichment of PAKs. The results showed that the mRNA levels of PAK1, PAK2, PAK4 and PAK6 were significantly up-regulated in breast cancer compared with normal tissues, while the reverse trend for PAK3 and PAK5 was found, furthermore, the proteins expression of PAK1, PAK2 and PAK4 in breast cancer tissues were higher than that in normal breast tissues. Survival analysis revealed breast cancer patients with low mRNA expression of PAK3 and PAK5 showed worse RFS, conversely, elevated PAK4 levels predicted worse RFS. In addition, the breast cancer patients with PAKs genetic alterations correlated with worse OS. These results indicated that PAKs might be promising potential biomarkers for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Dang
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Chao
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Linghao Cai
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Zhongyi Yan
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Longxiang Xie
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Xiangqian Guo
- Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weidle UH, Schmid D, Birzele F, Brinkmann U. MicroRNAs Involved in Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Target Candidates, Functionality and Efficacy in Animal Models and Prognostic Relevance. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2020; 17:1-21. [PMID: 31882547 PMCID: PMC6937123 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for the second-leading cancer-related death toll worldwide. Although sorafenib and levantinib as frontline therapy and regorafenib, cabazantinib and ramicurimab have now been approved for second-line therapy, the therapeutic benefit is in the range of only a few months with respect to prolongation of survival. Aggressiveness of HCC is mediated by metastasis. Intrahepatic metastases and distant metastasis to the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, omentum, adrenal gland and brain have been observed. Therefore, the identification of metastasis-related new targets and treatment modalities is of paramount importance. In this review, we focus on metastasis-related microRNAs (miRs) as therapeutic targets for HCC. We describe miRs which mediate or repress HCC metastasis in mouse xenograft models. We discuss 18 metastasis-promoting miRs and 35 metastasis-inhibiting miRs according to the criteria as outlined. Six of the metastasis-promoting miRs (miR-29a, -219-5p, -331-3p, 425-5p, -487a and -1247-3p) are associated with unfavourable clinical prognosis. Another set of six down-regulated miRs (miR-101, -129-3p, -137, -149, -503, and -630) correlate with a worse clinical prognosis. We discuss the corresponding metastasis-related targets as well as their potential as therapeutic modalities for treatment of HCC-related metastasis. A subset of up-regulated miRs -29a, -219-5p and -425-5p and down-regulated miRs -129-3p and -630 were evaluated in orthotopic metastasis-related models which are suitable to mimic HCC-related metastasis. Those miRNAs may represent prioritized targets emerging from our survey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Schmid
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Large Molecule Research, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Demirbakan B, Sezgintürk MK. A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on disposable ITO-PET electrodes for sensitive detection of PAK 2 antigen. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.113304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
7
|
Liu H, Cui J, Zhang Y, Niu M, Xue X, Yin H, Tang Y, Dai L, Dai F, Guo Y, Wu Y, Gao W. Mass spectrometry‐based proteomic analysis of FSCN1‐interacting proteins in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1771-1784. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.2121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Jiajia Cui
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Yuliang Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Min Niu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Xuting Xue
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Hongyu Yin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Yemei Tang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Li Dai
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Fengsheng Dai
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Yujia Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Yongyan Wu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| | - Wei Gao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck CancerShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery Research InstituteShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
- The Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Platform for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, Shanxi ProvinceShanxi Medical University Taiyuan China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ran M, Weng B, Cao R, Li Z, Peng F, Luo H, Gao H, Chen B. miR-26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1375-1385. [PMID: 30024056 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating reports have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in regulating the complex processes of animal testis development and spermatogenesis; yet, the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate spermatogenesis are poorly understood. miR-26a was identified as a miRNA that is differentially expressed among different pig testicular tissue developmental stages in our previous study. In this study, p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) gene was determined as one target gene of miR-26a by luciferase reporter assay, and miR-26a repressed the PAK2 mRNA abundance in porcine Sertoli cells. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay results showed that miR-26a overexpression inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells. These phenomena were similar to the siRNA-mediated knockdown of the PAK2 gene. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-26a inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in porcine Sertoli cells by targeting the PAK2 gene, which may be a regulator of porcine spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maoliang Ran
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Weng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Fuzhi Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Hu Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu H, Wang Y, Xing X, Sun Y, Wei D, Chen G, Liu Q, Chen S, Liu X, Liu J. Comparative proteomics of side population cells derived from human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with varying metastatic potentials. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:335-345. [PMID: 29928419 PMCID: PMC6006459 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and recurrence following surgery are major reasons for the high mortality rate and poor prognosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be able to cause cancer, and to be the primary cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. The underlying mechanisms of the metastatic potential of CSCs is poorly understood. In the present study, side population (SP) cells were isolated from 4 HCC cell lines, and their self-renewal and migratory abilities were compared. The results demonstrate that SP cells from different cell lines exhibited similar self-renewal abilities but different metastatic potentials. Furthermore, the overall proteomes of the SP cells were systematically quantified. This revealed 11 and 19 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), upregulated and downregulated, respectively, associated with increased metastatic potential. These proteins were involved in the ‘regulation of mRNA processing’ and ‘cytoskeleton organization’ biological processes. The majority of the proteins were involved in ‘cell proliferation’, ‘migration’ and ‘invasion of cancer’, and may promote HCC metastasis in a synergistic manner. The AKT and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways may contribute to the regulation of HCC metastasis through regulating the DEPs in SP cells. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the overall proteome difference among SP cells from the different HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials. The present study provides novel information regarding the metastatic potential of CSCs, which will facilitate further investigation of the topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhi Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Xing
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Ying Sun
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, P.R. China
| | - Dahai Wei
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Geng Chen
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Qinying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Tumor Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Tumor Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The First Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350005, P.R. China.,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350025, P.R. China.,Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350007; P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Lv C, Wang H, Tong Y, Yin H, Wang D, Yan Z, Liang Y, Wu D, Su Q. The function of BTG3 in colorectal cancer cells and its possible signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:295-308. [PMID: 29270670 PMCID: PMC5794823 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE B-cell translocation gene 3 (BTG3) has been identified as a candidate driver gene for various cancers, but its specific role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the relationship between expression of BTG3 and clinicopathological features and prognosis, as well as to explore the effects and the role of a possible BTG3 molecular mechanism on aggressive colorectal cancer behavior. METHODS BTG3 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on specimens from 140 patients with CRC. The association of BTG3 expression with clinicopathological features was examined. To confirm the biological role of BTG3 in CRC, two CRC cell lines expressing BTG3 were used and BTG3 expression was knocked down by shRNA. CCK-8, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays were performed. The influence of BTG3 knockdown was further investigated by genomic microarray to uncover the potential molecular mechanisms underlying BTG3-mediated CRC development and progression. RESULTS BTG3 was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and positively correlated with pathological classification (p = 0.037), depth of invasion (p = 0.016), distant metastasis (p = 0.024), TNM stage (p = 0.007), and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). BTG3 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, relieved G2 arrest, and inhibited apoptosis in HCT116 and LoVo cells. A genomic microarray analysis showed that numerous tumor-associated signaling pathways and oncogenes were altered by BTG3 knockdown. At the mRNA level, nine genes referred to the extracellular-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway were differentially expressed. Western blotting revealed that BTG3 knockdown upregulated PAK2, RPS6KA5, YWHAB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 protein levels, but downregulated RAP1A, DUSP6, and STAT1 protein expression, which was consistent with the genomic microarray data. CONCLUSIONS BTG3 expression might contribute to CRC carcinogenesis. BTG3 knockdown might strengthen the aggressive colorectal cancer behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Heling Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Tong
- Medical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhuan Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Dalu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichao Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Su
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, 110004, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thillai K, Lam H, Sarker D, Wells CM. Deciphering the link between PI3K and PAK: An opportunity to target key pathways in pancreatic cancer? Oncotarget 2017; 8:14173-14191. [PMID: 27845911 PMCID: PMC5355171 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of personalised therapies has ushered in a new and exciting era of cancer treatment for a variety of solid malignancies. Yet pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has failed to benefit from this paradigm shift, remaining notoriously refractory to targeted therapies. Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of management but can offer only modest survival benefits of a few months with 5-year survival rates rarely exceeding 3%. Despite these disappointing statistics, significant strides have been made towards understanding the complex biology of pancreatic cancer, with deep genomic sequencing identifying novel genetic aberrations and key signalling pathways. The PI3K-PDK1-AKT pathway has received great attention due to its prominence in carcinogenesis. However, efforts to target several components of this network have resulted in only a handful of drugs demonstrating any survival benefit in solid tumors; despite promising pre-clinical results. p-21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a gene that is recurrently amplified or overexpressed in PDAC and both PAK4 and related family member PAK1, have been linked to aberrant RAS activity, a common feature in pancreatic cancer. As regulators of PI3K, PAKs have been highlighted as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the biology of pancreatic cancer and the close interaction between PAKs and the PI3K pathway. We also suggest proposals for future research that may see the development of effective targeted therapies that could finally improve outcomes for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiruthikah Thillai
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hoyin Lam
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Debashis Sarker
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Wells
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Varshney P, Dey CS. P21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) regulates glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in neuronal cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 429:50-61. [PMID: 27040307 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are recently reported as important players of insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in tissues like muscle, pancreas and liver. However, their role in neuronal insulin signaling is still unknown. Present study reports the involvement of PAK2 in neuronal insulin signaling, glucose uptake and insulin resistance. Irrespective of insulin sensitivity, insulin stimulation decreased PAK2 activity. PAK2 downregulation displayed marked enhancement of GLUT4 translocation with increase in glucose uptake whereas PAK2 over-expression showed its reduction. Treatment with Akti-1/2 and wortmannin suggested that Akt and PI3K are mediators of insulin effect on PAK2 and glucose uptake. Rac1 inhibition demonstrated decreased PAK2 activity while inhibition of PP2A resulted in increased PAK2 activity, with corresponding changes in glucose uptake. Taken together, present study demonstrates an inhibitory role of insulin signaling (via PI3K-Akt) and PP2A on PAK2 activity and establishes PAK2 as a Rac1-dependent negative regulator of neuronal glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Varshney
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Chinmoy Sankar Dey
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang K, Yan J, Peng L, Zou YP, He FQ, Gan HT, Huang XL. Effect of PLCε gene silencing on inhibiting the cancerous transformation of ulcerative colitis. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:422-426. [PMID: 27347072 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cε (PLCε) gene silencing on the inhibition of cancer development in ulcerative colitis (UC) and to explore the pathogenesis and carcinogenic mechanism of UC, in order to facilitate the establishment of novel strategies for the treatment of UC, prevent the cancerous transformation of UC and discern the association between inflammation and cancer. A pGenesil-PLCε RNA interference vector was constructed and transfected into HEK293 cells (pGenesil-PLCε group). HEK293 cells transfected with pGenesil empty plasmid were set as the negative control (pGenesil-NC group). The expression of PLCε was observed, and molecules associated with the PLC signaling pathway were detected using a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. ELISA was used to determine the expression of serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of mice in which the PLCε gene had been silenced. Compared with the pGenesil-NC group, the mRNA and protein levels of PLCε were significantly decreased in the pGenesil-PLCε group. In addition, the mRNA levels of K-ras, NF-κB, Fas and Bcl-2 were markedly reduced, while P53 mRNA level was notably enhanced, in the pGenesil-PLCε group, and these changes were accompanied by similar changes in the corresponding protein levels. The serum IL-1 and TNF-α expression in the PLCε gene-silenced mice was significantly reduced compared with that in the control mice. In conclusion, PLCε RNA silencing can effectively inhibit the cancerous transformation of UC by regulating the colorectal cancer-related cell proliferation and cell cycle in vivo. In addition, PLCε RNA silencing can suppress the expression of inflammatory factors in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yang
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jing Yan
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Lan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Pei Zou
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Qian He
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hua-Tian Gan
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Li Huang
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar R, Li DQ. PAKs in Human Cancer Progression: From Inception to Cancer Therapeutic to Future Oncobiology. Adv Cancer Res 2016; 130:137-209. [PMID: 27037753 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the initial recognition of a mechanistic role of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in breast cancer invasion, PAK1 has emerged as one of the widely overexpressed or hyperactivated kinases in human cancer at-large, allowing the PAK family to make in-roads in cancer biology, tumorigenesis, and cancer therapeutics. Much of our current understanding of the PAK family in cancer progression relates to a central role of the PAK family in the integration of cancer-promoting signals from cell membrane receptors as well as function as a key nexus-modifier of complex, cytoplasmic signaling network. Another core aspect of PAK signaling that highlights its importance in cancer progression is through PAK's central role in the cross talk with signaling and interacting proteins, as well as PAK's position as a key player in the phosphorylation of effector substrates to engage downstream components that ultimately leads to the development cancerous phenotypes. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances in PAK cancer research and its downstream substrates in the context of invasion, nuclear signaling and localization, gene expression, and DNA damage response. We discuss how a deeper understanding of PAK1's pathobiology over the years has widened research interest to the PAK family and human cancer, and positioning the PAK family as a promising cancer therapeutic target either alone or in combination with other therapies. With many landmark findings and leaps in the progress of PAK cancer research since the infancy of this field nearly 20 years ago, we also discuss postulated advances in the coming decade as the PAK family continues to shape the future of oncobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Kumar
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States; Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
| | - D-Q Li
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Epigenetics in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kanda T, Yokosuka O. The androgen receptor as an emerging target in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2015; 2:91-9. [PMID: 27508198 PMCID: PMC4918288 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s48956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the male-dominant liver diseases with poor prognosis, although treatments for HCC have been progressing in the past decades. Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Previous studies reported that AR was expressed in human HCC and non-HCC tissues. AR is activated both ligand-dependently and ligand-independently. The latter is associated with a mitogen-activated protein kinase–, v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1–, or signal-transducer and activator of transcription–signaling pathway, which has been implicated in the development of HCC. It has been reported that more than 200 RNA expression levels are altered by androgen treatment. In the liver, androgen-responsive genes are cytochrome P450s, transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa, which are also associated with human hepatocarcinogenesis. Recent studies also revealed that AR plays a role in cell migration and metastasis. It is possible that cross-talk among AR-signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and innate immune response is important for human hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC development. This review shows that AR could play a potential role in human HCC and represent one of the important target molecules for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tse EYT, Ching YP. The role of p21-activated kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. J Mol Signal 2014; 9:7. [PMID: 25093037 PMCID: PMC4121300 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-9-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are downstream effectors of the Rho family small GTPases as well as a wide variety of mitogenic factors and have been implicated in cancer formation, development and metastasis. PAKs phosphorylate a wide spectrum of substrates to mediate extracellular signals and regulate cytoskeletal remodeling, cell motility and survival. In this review, we aim to summarize the findings regarding the oncogenic role and the underlying mechanisms of PAKs signaling in various cancers, and in particular highlight the prime importance of PAKs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and metastasis. Recent studies exploring the potential therapeutic application of PAK inhibitors will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith Yuk Ting Tse
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yick Pang Ching
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Flate E, Stalvey JRD. Motility of select ovarian cancer cell lines: effect of extra-cellular matrix proteins and the involvement of PAK2. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:1401-11. [PMID: 25050916 PMCID: PMC4151804 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between tumor cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins influences cell migration and the invasive behavior of cancer cells. In this study, we provide experimental evidence that collagen I and fibronectin affect ovarian cancer cell migration. In vitro wound healing assays and transwell migration assays were used to measure both total wound healing and directionality of individually migrating OV2008 and C13 ovarian cancer cells on glass, collagen I and fibronectin. Involvement of p21-activated kinase 2 (Pak2) in the motility of these cell lines was investigated using a chemical inhibitor as well as siRNA transfection. Culturing ovarian cancer cells on collagen type I (COLL) increased the migratory ability of OV2008 and C13 cells by increasing the directional migration of cells. In contrast, fibronectin (FN) decreased the migratory ability of OV2008 cells by reducing their ability to migrate directionally. When both cell lines are cultured on COLL and treated with increasing concentrations of a PAK inhibitor (IPA-3), there is a dose-dependent response such that there is a decrease in migration with an increase in inhibitor concentration. Further experiments utilizing PAK2 knockdown via siRNA transfection demonstrated significantly reduced migration of OV2008 cells on COLL as compared to those receiving control siRNA. In conclusion, our results indicate that FN and COLL affect the motility of the selected ovarian cancer cells lines and the effect of COLL is likely mediated, at least in part, by PAK2. A better understanding of the molecular events that contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis is crucial for developing novel treatment strategies to improve the long-term survival of women with ovarian cancer. As PAK2 is involved in motility, it should be further explored as a pro-metastatic gene in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kuželová K, Grebeňová D, Holoubek A, Röselová P, Obr A. Group I PAK inhibitor IPA-3 induces cell death and affects cell adhesivity to fibronectin in human hematopoietic cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92560. [PMID: 24664099 PMCID: PMC3963893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are involved in the regulation of multiple processes including cell proliferation, adhesion and migration. However, the current knowledge about their function is mainly based on results obtained in adherent cell types. We investigated the effect of group I PAK inhibition using the compound IPA-3 in a variety of human leukemic cell lines (JURL-MK1, MOLM-7, K562, CML-T1, HL-60, Karpas-299, Jurkat, HEL) as well as in primary blood cells. IPA-3 induced cell death with EC50 ranging from 5 to more than 20 μM. Similar range was found for IPA-3-mediated dephosphorylation of a known PAK downstream effector, cofilin. The cell death was associated with caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage and apoptotic DNA fragmentation. In parallel, 20 μM IPA-3 treatment induced rapid and marked decrease of the cell adhesivity to fibronectin. Per contra, partial reduction of PAK activity using lower dose IPA-3 or siRNA resulted in a slight increase in the cell adhesivity. The changes in the cell adhesivity were also studied using real-time microimpedance measurement and by interference reflection microscopy. Significant differences in the intracellular IPA-3 level among various cell lines were observed indicating that an active mechanism is involved in IPA-3 transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Kuželová
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Dana Grebeňová
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Holoubek
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Röselová
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Obr
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chen H, Miao J, Li H, Wang C, Li J, Zhu Y, Wang J, Wu X, Qiao H. Expression and prognostic significance of p21-activated kinase 6 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Res 2014; 189:81-8. [PMID: 24576777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND p21-activated protein kinase (PAK) 6 is a serine-threonine kinase belonging to the PAK family. Previous studies have indicated that abnormal expressions of PAK1, PAK2, and PAK5 played critical roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies suggested that deregulation of PAK6 expression played an important role in oncogenesis. To explore the potential roles of PAK6 in HCC, expression of PAK6 was detected in human HCC specimens. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed for PAK6 in 121 HCC samples. The data were correlated with clinicopathologic features. The univariate and multivariate survival analyses were also performed to determine their clinical prognostic significance. RESULTS PAK6 was overexpressed in HCC as compared with the adjacent noncancerous liver tissues. High expression of PAK6 was associated with Edmondson-Steiner grade (P = 0.006) and number of tumor nodules (P < 0.001), and PAK6 was positively correlated with proliferation marker Ki-67 (P < 0.01). Univariate analysis suggested that PAK6 expression was associated with poor prognosis (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that PAK6 and Ki-67 protein expressions were independent prognostic markers for HCC (P = 0.0245 and 0.0331, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PAK6 overexpression is involved in the pathogenesis of HCC; it may be an independent poor prognostic factor for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China.
| | - Jinlin Miao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, The Fourth People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, China
| | - Hongchen Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Junliang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Jianxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Xia Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Hongying Qiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Role of p-21-activated kinases in cancer progression. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 309:347-87. [PMID: 24529727 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800255-1.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The p-21-activated kinases (PAKs) are downstream effectors of Rho GTPases Rac and Cdc42. The PAK family consists of six members which are segregated into two subgroups (Group I and Group II) based on sequence homology. Group I PAKs (PAK1-3) are the most extensively studied but there is increasing interest in the functionality of Group II PAKs (PAK4-6). The PAK family proteins are thought to play an important role in many different cellular processes, some of which have particular significance in the context of cancer progression. This review explores established and more recent data, linking the PAK family kinases to cancer progression including expression profiles, evasion of apoptosis, promotion of cell survival, and regulation of cell invasion. Finally, we discuss attempts to therapeutically target the PAK family and outline the major obstacles that still need to be overcome.
Collapse
|