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Cheratta AR, Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Subburayan K, Alakkal A, Galadari S. Prostate apoptosis response-4 and tumor suppression: it's not just about apoptosis anymore. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:47. [PMID: 33414404 PMCID: PMC7790818 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) has recently turned ‘twenty-five’. Beyond its indisputable role as an apoptosis inducer, an increasing and sometimes bewildering, new roles for Par-4 are being reported. These roles include its ability to regulate autophagy, senescence, and metastasis. This growing range of responses to Par-4 is reflected by our increasing understanding of the various mechanisms through which Par-4 can function. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge on Par-4 tumor suppressive mechanisms, and discuss how the interaction of Par-4 with different regulators influence cell fate. This review also highlights the new secretory pathway that has emerged and the likely discussion on its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ameer Alakkal
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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2
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Santos RVC, de Sena WLB, Dos Santos FA, da Silva Filho AF, da Rocha Pitta MG, da Rocha Pitta MG, de Melo Rego MB, Pereira MC. Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Par-4 Target for Cancer Treatment: Where Are We Going? Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:635-654. [PMID: 30474528 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666181126122440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges of cancer therapeutics nowadays is to find selective targets successfully. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a selective tumor suppressor protein with an interesting therapeutic potential due to its specificity on inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Par-4 activity and levels can be downregulated in several tumors and cancer cell types, indicating poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Efforts to increase Par-4 expression levels have been studied, including its use as a therapeutic protein by transfection with adenoviral vectors or plasmids. However, gene therapy is very complex and still presents many hurdles to be overcome. We decided to review molecules and drugs with the capacity to upregulate Par-4 and, thereby, be an alternative to reach this druggable target. In addition, Par-4 localization and function are reviewed in some cancers, clarifying how it can be used as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Virgínia Cavalcanti Santos
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Wanessa Layssa Batista de Sena
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Flaviana Alves Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Antônio Felix da Silva Filho
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Moacyr Barreto de Melo Rego
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Michelly Cristiny Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutical Approaches, Research Centre for Therapeutic Innovation Suely Galdino (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
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3
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Clark AM, Ponniah K, Warden MS, Raitt EM, Smith BG, Pascal SM. Tetramer formation by the caspase-activated fragment of the Par-4 tumor suppressor. FEBS J 2019; 286:4060-4073. [PMID: 31177609 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) tumor suppressor can selectively kill cancer cells via apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Full length Par-4 has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro under neutral conditions. As part of the apoptotic process, cellular Par-4 is cleaved at D131 by caspase-3, which generates a 24 kDa C-terminal activated fragment (cl-Par-4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits pro-survival genes, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. Here, the structure of cl-Par-4 was investigated using CD spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, and size exclusion chromatography with mutli-angle light scattering. Biophysical characterization shows that cl-Par-4 aggregates and is disordered at low ionic strength. However, with increasing ionic strength, cl-Par-4 becomes progressively more helical and less aggregated, ultimately forming largely ordered tetramers at high NaCl concentration. These results, together with previous results showing induced folding at acidic pH, suggest that the in vivo structure and self-association state of cl-Par-4 may be strongly dependent upon cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Komala Ponniah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Meghan S Warden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Emily M Raitt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Steven M Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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4
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Clark AM, Ponniah K, Warden MS, Raitt EM, Yawn AC, Pascal SM. pH-Induced Folding of the Caspase-Cleaved Par-4 Tumor Suppressor: Evidence of Structure Outside of the Coiled Coil Domain. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8040162. [PMID: 30518159 PMCID: PMC6316887 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a 38 kDa largely intrinsically disordered tumor suppressor protein that functions in cancer cell apoptosis. Par-4 down-regulation is often observed in cancer while up-regulation is characteristic of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Cleavage of Par-4 by caspase-3 activates tumor suppression via formation of an approximately 25 kDa fragment (cl-Par-4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits Bcl-2 and NF-ƙB, which function in pro-survival pathways. Here, we have investigated the structure of cl-Par-4 using biophysical techniques including circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence. The results demonstrate pH-dependent folding of cl-Par-4, with high disorder and aggregation at neutral pH, but a largely folded, non-aggregated conformation at acidic pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Komala Ponniah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Meghan S Warden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Emily M Raitt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Andrea C Yawn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Steven M Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
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Abstract
Par-4 is a unique proapoptotic protein with the ability to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. The X-ray crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (Par-4CC), which regulates its apoptotic function, was obtained by MAD phasing. Par-4 homodimerizes by forming a parallel coiled-coil structure. The N-terminal half of Par-4CC contains the homodimerization subdomain. This structure includes a nuclear export signal (Par-4NES) sequence, which is masked upon dimerization indicating a potential mechanism for nuclear localization. The heteromeric-interaction models specifically showed that charge interaction is an important factor in the stability of heteromers of the C-terminal leucine zipper subdomain of Par-4 (Par-4LZ). These heteromer models also displayed NES masking capacity and therefore the ability to influence intracellular localization.
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de Bessa Garcia SA, Pavanelli AC, Cruz E Melo N, Nagai MA. Prostate apoptosis response 4 (PAR4) expression modulates WNT signaling pathways in MCF7 breast cancer cells: A possible mechanism underlying PAR4-mediated docetaxel chemosensitivity. Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:809-818. [PMID: 28259909 PMCID: PMC5360433 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel is an effective drug for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. However, the exact mechanisms and/or markers associated with chemosensitivity or resistance to docetaxel remain unclear. We previously showed that the expression of prostate apoptosis response 4 (PAR4) inhibits the growth of MCF7 breast cancer cells and increases their sensitivity to docetaxel. Using cDNA microarray analysis, we evaluated transcriptome changes in MCF7 cells expressing increased levels of PAR4 and control cells before and after docetaxel treatment. Some of the top gene networks generated from the differentially expressed genes were related to the wingless‑type MMTV integration 1 (WNT) canonical (WNT/β-catenin) and non‑canonical (β‑catenin‑independent) pathways. The Human WNT signaling pathway RT2 profiler™ PCR array was used to validate the effects of PAR4 on the expression pattern of genes involved in the WNT pathway. CACNAD2A3, GDF5 and IL6 were upregulated and NANOG was downregulated in the MCF7 breast cancer cells expressing increased levels of PAR4 after treatment with docetaxel, likely indicating inactivation of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Upregulation of FGF7, LEF1 and TWIST1 indicated activation of the WNT/β‑catenin pathway. Although preliminary, our findings could be of particular interest for understanding the action of PAR4 in chemosensitivity, particularly to increase the specificity and effectiveness of drug treatment and overcome resistance to chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to better understand the biological roles of PAR4 in the regulation of WNT pathways in breast cancer cells in response to docetaxel and other chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Aparecida de Bessa Garcia
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246‑903, P.R. China
| | - Ana Carolina Pavanelli
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246‑903, P.R. China
| | - Natália Cruz E Melo
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246‑903, P.R. China
| | - Maria Aparecida Nagai
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 01246‑903, P.R. China
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Abstract
One of the original hypotheses of organismal longevity posits that aging is the natural result of entropy on the cells, tissues, and organs of the animal—a slow, inexorable slide into nonfunctionality caused by stochastic degradation of its parts. We now have evidence that aging is instead at least in part genetically regulated. Many mutations have been discovered to extend lifespan in organisms of all complexities, from yeast to mammals. The study of metazoan model organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, has been instrumental in understanding the role of genetics in the cell biology of aging. Longevity mutants across the spectrum of model organisms demonstrate that rates of aging are regulated through genetic control of cellular processes. The regulation and subsequent breakdown of cellular processes represent a programmatic decision by the cell to either continue or abandon maintenance procedures with age. Our understanding of cell biological processes involved in regulating aging have been particularly informed by longevity mutants and treatments, such as reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling and dietary restriction, which are critical in determining the distinction between causes of and responses to aging and have revealed a set of downstream targets that participate in a range of cell biological activities. Here we briefly review some of these important cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Race DiLoreto
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Coleen T Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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A journey beyond apoptosis: new enigma of controlling metastasis by pro-apoptotic Par-4. Clin Exp Metastasis 2016; 33:757-764. [PMID: 27568374 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-016-9819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptotic response 4 (Par-4) is coined as a therapeutic protein since owing to its diverse physiologically relevant properties, especially in the cancer perspective. Albeit, Par-4 expression is not restricted to any specific tissue/organ, apart from cell death promotion (due to challenging threats), the other biological role of Par-4 is convincingly emerging. In the recent years, several laboratories have intended to dissect the signaling or mechanisms involved in Par-4 activation to augment apoptosis cascades but new developments in Par-4 research have widened its therapeutic potential. One of these important avenues is the prevention of metastasis by pro-apoptotic Par-4. In this review, we will focus on the therapeutic perspective of Par-4 with a special reference to its (Par-4) virgin prospect of devastating metastasis control.
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Abstract
Presenilin-1 and presenilin-2 are highly homologous genes located on chromosomes 14 and 1, respectively, that have recently been linked to some cases of early-onset autosomal dominant inherited forms of Alzhei mer's disease (AD). Presenilins are integral membrane proteins localized in the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons throughout the nervous system. Studies of presenilin-1 knockout mice, and of invertebrate homo logues of presenilins and their interacting proteins, suggest major roles for presenilins in normal develop ment. Presenilin-1 mutant knockin mice do not exhibit developmental abnormalities, which indicates that the pathogenic mechanism of presenilin mutations involves gain of an adverse property of the mutant protein. Expression of presenilin mutations in cultured neurons and transgenic mice results in increased sensitivity to apoptosis induced by trophic factor withdrawal and exposure to oxidative and metabolic insults, and also alters gene expression. The pathogenic mechanism of presenilin mutations may involve perturbed endo plasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis resulting in enhanced oxidative stress, altered proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), and increased neuronal vulnerability to excitotoxicity. Studies of presenilins are rapidly increasing our understanding the molecular and cellular underpinnings of AD and are also elucidating novel roles of the endoplasmic reticulum in neuronal plasticity and cell death. NEURO SCIENTIST 5:112-124, 1999
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Mattson
- Sanders-Brown Research Center on Aging Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of Kentucky Lexmgton, Kentucky
| | - Qing Guo
- Sanders-Brown Research Center on Aging Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology University of Kentucky Lexmgton, Kentucky
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Lee IC, Choi BY. Withaferin-A--A Natural Anticancer Agent with Pleitropic Mechanisms of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:290. [PMID: 26959007 PMCID: PMC4813154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer, being the second leading cause of mortality, exists as a formidable health challenge. In spite of our enormous efforts, the emerging complexities in the molecular nature of disease progression limit the real success in finding an effective cancer cure. It is now conceivable that cancer is, in fact, a progressive illness, and the morbidity and mortality from cancer can be reduced by interfering with various oncogenic signaling pathways. A wide variety of structurally diverse classes of bioactive phytochemicals have been shown to exert anticancer effects in a large number of preclinical studies. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that withaferin-A can prevent the development of cancers of various histotypes. Accumulating data from different rodent models and cell culture experiments have revealed that withaferin-A suppresses experimentally induced carcinogenesis, largely by virtue of its potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties. Moreover, withaferin-A sensitizes resistant cancer cells to existing chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to highlight the mechanistic aspects underlying anticancer effects of withaferin-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Chul Lee
- Department of Cosmetic science, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea.
| | - Bu Young Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science & Engineering, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-742, Korea.
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Amin H, Nayak D, ur Rasool R, Chakraborty S, Kumar A, Yousuf K, Sharma PR, Ahmed Z, Sharma N, Magotra A, Mukherjee D, Kumar LD, Goswami A. Par-4 dependent modulation of cellular β-catenin by medicinal plant natural product derivative 3-azido Withaferin A. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:864-81. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hina Amin
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology; Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University; Rajouri Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Debasis Nayak
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Reyaz ur Rasool
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Souneek Chakraborty
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Anmol Kumar
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology; Uppal Road; Hyderabad Andra Pradesh India
| | - Khalid Yousuf
- Natural Product Chemistry; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Parduman Raj Sharma
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Zabeer Ahmed
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Asmita Magotra
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product Chemistry; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Lekha Dinesh Kumar
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology; Uppal Road; Hyderabad Andra Pradesh India
| | - Anindya Goswami
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
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Jagtap JC, Parveen D, Shah RD, Desai A, Bhosale D, Chugh A, Ranade D, Karnik S, Khedkar B, Mathur A, Natesh K, Chandrika G, Shastry P. Secretory prostate apoptosis response (Par)-4 sensitizes multicellular spheroids (MCS) of glioblastoma multiforme cells to tamoxifen-induced cell death. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 5:8-19. [PMID: 25685660 PMCID: PMC4309838 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain tumor and is associated with resistance to conventional therapy and poor patient survival. Prostate apoptosis response (Par)-4, a tumor suppressor, is expressed as both an intracellular and secretory/extracellular protein. Though secretory Par-4 induces apoptosis in cancer cells, its potential in drug-resistant tumors remains to be fully explored. Multicellular spheroids (MCS) of cancer cells often acquire multi-drug resistance and serve as ideal experimental models. We investigated the role of Par-4 in Tamoxifen (TAM)-induced cell death in MCS of human cell lines and primary cultures of GBM tumors. TCGA and REMBRANT data analysis revealed that low levels of Par-4 correlated with low survival period (21.85 ± 19.30 days) in GBM but not in astrocytomas (59.13 ± 47.26 days) and oligodendrogliomas (58.04 ± 59.80 days) suggesting low PAWR expression as a predictive risk factor in GBM. Consistently, MCS of human cell lines and primary cultures displayed low Par-4 expression, high level of chemo-resistance genes and were resistant to TAM-induced cytotoxicity. In monolayer cells, TAM-induced cytotoxicity was associated with enhanced expression of Par-4 and was alleviated by silencing of Par-4 using specific siRNA. TAM effectively induced secretory Par-4 in conditioned medium (CM) of cells cultured as monolayer but not in MCS. Moreover, MCS were rendered sensitive to TAM-induced cell death by exposure to conditioned medium (CM)-containing Par-4 (derived from TAM-treated monolayer cells). Also TAM reduced the expression of Akt and PKCζ in GBM cells cultured as monolayer but not in MCS. Importantly, combination of TAM with inhibitors to PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or PKCζ resulted in secretion of Par-4 and cell death in MCS. Since membrane GRP78 is overexpressed in most cancer cells but not normal cells, and secretory Par-4 induces apoptosis by binding to membrane GRP78, secretory Par-4 is an attractive candidate for potentially overcoming therapy-resistance not only in malignant glioma but in broad spectrum of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Parveen
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Ashish Chugh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cimet’s Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Deepak Ranade
- Department of Neurosurgery, D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Swapnil Karnik
- Department of Histopathology, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India
| | | | | | - Kumar Natesh
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | | | - Padma Shastry
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
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13
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The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is regulated by mutant IDH1 and kills glioma stem cells. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:723-32. [PMID: 25135281 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is an endogenous tumor suppressor that selectively induces apoptosis in a variety of cancers. Although it has been the subject of intensive research in other cancers, less is known about its significance in gliomas, including whether it is regulated by key driver mutations, has therapeutic potential against glioma stem cells (GSCs), and/or is a prognostic marker. We found that patient-derived gliomas with mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 have markedly lower Par-4 expression (P < 0.0001), which was validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (P = 2.0 E-13). The metabolic product of mutant IDH1, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), can suppress Par-4 transcription in vitro via inhibition of promoter activity as well as enhanced mRNA degradation, but interestingly not by direct DNA promoter hypermethylation. The Selective for Apoptosis induction in Cancer cells (SAC) domain within Par-4 is highly active against glioma cells, including orthotopic xenografts of patient-derived primary GSCs (P < 0.0001). Among high-grade gliomas that are IDH1 wild type, those that express more Par-4 have significantly longer median survival (18.4 vs. 8.0 months, P = 0.002), a finding confirmed in two external GBM cohorts. Together, these data suggest that Par-4 is a significant component of the mutant IDH1 phenotype, that the activity of 2-HG is complex and can extend beyond direct DNA hypermethylation, and that Par-4 is a promising therapeutic strategy against GSCs. Furthermore, not every effect of mutant IDH1 necessarily contributes to the overall favorable prognosis seen in such tumors; inhibition of Par-4 may be one such effect.
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14
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Parikh K, Cang S, Sekhri A, Liu D. Selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE)--a novel class of anti-cancer agents. J Hematol Oncol 2014; 7:78. [PMID: 25316614 PMCID: PMC4200201 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-014-0078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of proteins plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The nuclear export of proteins depends on the activity of transport proteins, exportins. Exportins belong to the karyopherin β superfamily. Exportin-1 (XPO1), also known as chromosomal region maintenance 1 (CRM1), mediates transport of around 220 proteins. In this review, we summarized the development of a new class of antitumor drugs, collectively known as selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). KPT-330 (selinexor) as an oral agent is showing activities in early clinical trials in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Delong Liu
- Henan Tumor Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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15
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Tiruttani Subhramanyam UK, Kubicek J, Eidhoff UB, Labahn J. Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (PAWR). Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2014; 70:1224-7. [PMID: 25195896 PMCID: PMC4157423 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x14014691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 protein is an intrinsically disordered pro-apoptotic protein with tumour suppressor function. Par-4 is known for its selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells only and its ability to interact with various apoptotic proteins via its C-terminus. Par-4, with its unique function and various interacting partners, has gained importance as a potential target for cancer therapy. The C-terminus of the rat homologue of Par-4 was crystallized and a 3.7 Å resolution X-ray diffraction data set was collected. Preliminary data analysis shows the space group to be P41212. The unit-cell parameters are a = b = 115.351, c = 123.663 Å, α = β = γ = 90°.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaya Kumar Tiruttani Subhramanyam
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jan Kubicek
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Cube Biotech GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Strasse 10, 40789 Monheim, Germany
| | - Ulf B. Eidhoff
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Joerg Labahn
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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16
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de Thonel A, Hazoumé A, Kochin V, Isoniemi K, Jego G, Fourmaux E, Hammann A, Mjahed H, Filhol O, Micheau O, Rocchi P, Mezger V, Eriksson JE, Rangnekar VM, Garrido C. Regulation of the proapoptotic functions of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) by casein kinase 2 in prostate cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1016. [PMID: 24457960 PMCID: PMC4040712 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The proapoptotic protein, prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer cells. The serine/threonine kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) has a well-reported role in prostate cancer resistance to apoptotic agents or anticancer drugs. However, the mechanistic understanding on how CK2 supports survival is far from complete. In this work, we demonstrate both in rat and humans that (i) Par-4 is a new substrate of the survival kinase CK2 and (ii) phosphorylation by CK2 impairs Par-4 proapoptotic functions. We also unravel different levels of CK2-dependent regulation of Par-4 between species. In rats, the phosphorylation by CK2 at the major site, S124, prevents caspase-mediated Par-4 cleavage (D123) and consequently impairs the proapoptotic function of Par-4. In humans, CK2 strongly impairs the apoptotic properties of Par-4, independently of the caspase-mediated cleavage of Par-4 (D131), by triggering the phosphorylation at residue S231. Furthermore, we show that human Par-4 residue S231 is highly phosphorylated in prostate cancer cells as compared with their normal counterparts. Finally, the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to apoptosis by CK2 knockdown is significantly reversed by parallel knockdown of Par-4. Thus, Par-4 seems a critical target of CK2 that could be exploited for the development of new anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A de Thonel
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - A Hazoumé
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - V Kochin
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - K Isoniemi
- 1] Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland [2] Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6B, Turku, Finland
| | - G Jego
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - E Fourmaux
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - A Hammann
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - H Mjahed
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - O Filhol
- INSERM U1036, DSV/iRTSV/CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - O Micheau
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France
| | - P Rocchi
- 1] INSERM, U624 'Stress Cellulaire', Marseille, France [2] Aix-Marseille Université, Campus de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - V Mezger
- 1] CNRS, UMR7216 Épigénétique et Destin Cellulaire, 35 rue Hélène Brion, Paris, France [2] University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 35 rue Hélène Brion, Paris, France
| | - J E Eriksson
- 1] Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland [2] Department of Biosciences, Åbo Akademi University, Tykistökatu 6B, Turku, Finland
| | - V M Rangnekar
- 1] Department of Radiation Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA [2] Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Lexington, KY, USA [3] Graduate Center for Toxicology, Lexington, KY, USA [4] Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - C Garrido
- 1] INSERM U866, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [2] Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France [3] Anticancer Center Jean François Leclerc, Dijon, France
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17
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Par-4 downregulation confers cisplatin resistance in pancreatic cancer cells via PI3K/Akt pathway-dependent EMT. Toxicol Lett 2013; 224:7-15. [PMID: 24144893 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin (CDDP) efficiency in pancreatic cancer therapy is limited due to development of drug resistance. However, the comprehensive mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we first established a CDDP-resistant pancreatic cancer cell line-BXPC-3/CDDP from its parental cell line-BXPC-3. The results showed that CDDP resistance in BXPC-3/CDDP cells correlates with changes in cellular EMT phenotypes. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) expression at both mRNA and protein levels were reduced in CDDP-resistant BXPC-3/CDDP cells compared with that in BXPC-3 cells. Ectopic expression of Par-4 reversed EMT and CDDP resistance in BXPC-3/CDDP cells. In BXPC-3 cells, knockdown of Par-4 expression induces EMT and CDDP insensitivity, however, these effects were blocked by inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway using LY294002. Furthermore, Par-4 knockdown could significantly stimulate PI3K/Akt signaling in BXPC-3 cells. In vivo studies, xenograft BXPC-3 tumors were sensitive to CDDP treatment. Treatment with CDDP alone had little effect on the growth of Par-4 siRNA-transfected BXPC-3 tumors in nude mice and the survival rate compared with control. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway using LY294002 reversed CDDP resistance in Par-4 siRNA-transfected BXPC-3 tumors. In conclusion, these results indicate that Par-4 downregulation confers CDDP resistance via PI3K/Akt pathway-dependent EMT in BXPC-3 cells. Therefore, Par-4 may be a potential target for overcoming CDDP resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Alvarez JV, Pan TC, Ruth J, Feng Y, Zhou A, Pant D, Grimley JS, Wandless TJ, DeMichele A, Chodosh LA. Par-4 downregulation promotes breast cancer recurrence by preventing multinucleation following targeted therapy. Cancer Cell 2013; 24:30-44. [PMID: 23770012 PMCID: PMC3808871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Most deaths from breast cancer result from tumor recurrence, but mechanisms underlying tumor relapse are largely unknown. We now report that Par-4 is downregulated during tumor recurrence and that Par-4 downregulation is necessary and sufficient to promote recurrence. Tumor cells with low Par-4 expression survive therapy by evading a program of Par-4-dependent multinucleation and apoptosis that is otherwise engaged following treatment. Low Par-4 expression is associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and an increased risk of relapse in patients with breast cancer, and Par-4 is downregulated in residual tumor cells that survive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our findings identify Par-4-induced multinucleation as a mechanism of cell death in oncogene-addicted cells and establish Par-4 as a negative regulator of breast cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V. Alvarez
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Tien-chi Pan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jason Ruth
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Alice Zhou
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Dhruv Pant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Joshua S. Grimley
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Thomas J. Wandless
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Angela DeMichele
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | - Lewis A. Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Lewis A. Chodosh, M.D., Ph.D., Room 612 BRB II/III, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
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Pereira MC, de Bessa-Garcia SA, Burikhanov R, Pavanelli AC, Antunes L, Rangnekar VM, Nagai MA. Prostate apoptosis response-4 is involved in the apoptosis response to docetaxel in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:531-8. [PMID: 23760770 PMCID: PMC4035780 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4, also known as PAWR) is a key regulator of cancer cell survival and may be a target for cancer-selective targeted therapeutics. Par-4 was first identified in prostate cancer cells undergoing apoptosis. Both intracellular and extracellular Par-4 have been implicated in apoptosis. Relatively little is known about the role of Par-4 in breast cancer cell apoptosis. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of Par-4 expression on cell proliferation, apoptosis and drug sensitivity in breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with expression vectors for Par-4, or transiently transfected with siRNA for Par-4 knockdown. Cell proliferation assays were performed using MTT and apoptosis was evaluated using acridine orange staining, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Par-4 overexpression reduced MCF-7 proliferation rates. Conversely, Par-4 knockdown led to increased MCF-7 proliferation. Par-4 downregulation also led to increased BCL-2 and reduced BID expression. Par-4 overexpression did not affect the cell cycle profile. However, MCF-7 cells with increased Par-4 expression showed reduced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibition of cell proliferation promoted by Par-4 may be mediated by the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway. MCF-7 cells with increased Par-4 expression showed a marginal increase in early apoptotic cells. Importantly, we found that Par-4 expression modulates apoptosis in response to docetaxel in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Par-4 exerts growth inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells and chemosensitizes them to docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelly C Pereira
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, CEP 01246-903, São Paulo, Brazil
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Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Rahman A, Kizhakkayil J, Chathoth S, Patel M, Galadari S. Caspase-3 mediated release of SAC domain containing fragment from Par-4 is necessary for the sphingosine-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. J Mol Signal 2013; 8:2. [PMID: 23442976 PMCID: PMC3599610 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-8-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a tumor-suppressor protein that selectively activates and induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. The cancer specific pro-apoptotic function of Par-4 is encoded in its centrally located SAC (Selective for Apoptosis induction in Cancer cells) domain (amino acids 137–195). The SAC domain itself is capable of nuclear entry, caspase activation, inhibition of NF-κB activity, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the precise mechanism(s) of how the SAC domain is released from Par-4, in response to apoptotic stimulation, is not well explored. Results In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that sphingosine (SPH), a member of the sphingolipid family, induces caspase-dependant cleavage of Par-4, leading to the release of SAC domain containing fragment from it. Par-4 is cleaved at the EEPD131G site on incubation with caspase-3 in vitro, and by treating cells with several anti-cancer agents. The caspase-3 mediated cleavage of Par-4 is blocked by addition of the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk, caspase-3 specific inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO, and by introduction of alanine substitution for D131 residue. Moreover, suppression of SPH-induced Akt dephosphorylation also abrogated the caspase dependant cleavage of Par-4. Conclusion Evidence provided here shows that Par-4 is cleaved by caspase-3 during SPH-induced apoptosis. Cleavage of Par-4 leads to the generation of SAC domain containing fragment which may possibly be essential and sufficient to induce or augment apoptosis in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P,O, Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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Azmi AS, Aboukameel A, Bao B, Sarkar FH, Philip PA, Kauffman M, Shacham S, Mohammad RM. Selective inhibitors of nuclear export block pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and reduce tumor growth in mice. Gastroenterology 2013; 144:447-456. [PMID: 23089203 PMCID: PMC3594519 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Tumor-suppressor proteins are inactivated by many different mechanisms, including nuclear exclusion by chromosome region maintenance (CRM)-1. Increased tumor levels of CRM-1 have been correlated with poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer, making it a therapeutic target. Selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINEs) bind to CRM-1 to irreversibly inhibit its ability to export proteins; we investigated a new class of SINEs in pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS We studied the effects of SINE analogs in a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines and nontransformed human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells using proliferation, apoptosis, immunoblot, co-immunoprecipitation, small inhibitor RNA, and fluorescence microscopy analyses. The effects of the SINEs also were investigated in mice with subcutaneous and orthotopic tumors. RESULTS SINEs (KPT-185, KPT-127, KPT-205, and KPT-227) inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells, but did not affect human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. The nuclei of cells incubated with KPT-185 accumulated tumor-suppressor proteins (p27, FOXO, p73, and prostate apoptosis response-4 [PAR-4]) and inhibited interactions between CRM-1 and these proteins. Mutations in the region of CRM-1 that bind to SINEs (Cys-528), or small inhibitor RNA knockdown of PAR-4, prevented the ability of KPT-185 to block proliferation and induce apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Oral administration of KPT-330 to mice reduced growth of subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumors without major toxicity. Analysis of tumor remnants showed that KPT-330 disrupted the interaction between CRM-1 and PAR-4, activated PAR-4 signaling, and reduced proliferation of tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified SINEs that inhibit CRM-1 and promote nuclear accumulation of tumor-suppressor proteins in pancreatic cancer cells. Oral administration of the drug to mice reduces growth of xenograft tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Bin Bao
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Fazlul H Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | - Michael Kauffman
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sharon Shacham
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide and is expected to continue to rise as a result of an aging population. Therefore, new therapies are constantly being developed. Par-4 is a naturally occurring tumor suppressor protein that is capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer, but not normal cells. For this reason, Par-4 offers an attractive target for development of cancer therapy, particularly of difficult to treat cancers. AREAS COVERED The mechanisms by which Par-4 induces cell death are summarized. The ways that Par-4 is controlled in cancer cells are discussed. We discuss how different research groups have developed ways to overexpress and/or activate Par-4 in vitro and in vivo. The studies described demonstrate that when Par-4 levels and/or activity are increased, susceptibility to apoptosis is enhanced and tumor growth is inhibited. EXPERT OPINION Par-4 is a promising therapeutic protein that can be overexpressed and/or activated to induce apoptosis in a cancer-selective manner. This cancer selectivity is important given that the side-effects of chemotherapeutics can be as debilitating as cancer itself. However, there are key issues that need to be addressed to optimize the effects of Par-4 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn B Irby
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par-4), a novel substrate of caspase-3 during apoptosis activation. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 32:826-39. [PMID: 22184067 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.06321-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par-4) is a ubiquitously expressed proapoptotic tumor suppressor protein. Here, we show for the first time, that Par-4 is a novel substrate of caspase-3 during apoptosis. We found that Par-4 is cleaved during cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human normal and cancer cell lines. Par-4 cleavage generates a C-terminal fragment of ~25 kDa, and the cleavage of Par-4 is completely inhibited by a caspase-3 inhibitor, suggesting that caspase-3 is directly involved in the cleavage of Par-4. Caspase-3-deficient MCF-7 cells do not show Par-4 cleavage in response to cisplatin treatment, and restoration of caspase-3 in MCF-7 cells produces a decrease in Par-4 levels, with the appearance of a cleaved fragment. Additionally, knockdown of Par-4 reduces caspase-3 activation and apoptosis induction. Site-directed mutagenesis reveals that Par-4 cleavage by caspase-3 occurs at an unconventional site, EEPD(131)↓G. Interestingly, overexpression of wild-type Par-4 but not the Par-4 D131A mutant sensitizes cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Upon caspase-3 cleavage, the cleaved fragment of Par-4 accumulates in the nucleus and displays increased apoptotic activity. Overexpression of the cleaved fragment of Par-4 inhibits IκBα phosphorylation and blocks NF-κB nuclear translocation. We have identified a novel specific caspase-3 cleavage site in Par-4, and the cleaved fragment of Par-4 retains proapoptotic activity.
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Kline CLB, Irby RB. The pro-apoptotic protein Prostate Apoptosis Response Protein-4 (Par-4) can be activated in colon cancer cells by treatment with Src inhibitor and 5-FU. Apoptosis 2011; 16:1285-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-011-0648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Sharma AK, Kline CL, Berg A, Amin S, Irby RB. The Akt inhibitor ISC-4 activates prostate apoptosis response protein-4 and reduces colon tumor growth in a nude mouse model. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:4474-83. [PMID: 21555373 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-2370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate apoptosis response protein-4 (Par-4) sensitizes cells to chemotherapy; however, Akt1 inactivates Par-4. Previously we showed that Par-4-overexpressing colon cancer cells responded more readily to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) than their wild-type counterparts. In this study we investigated (i) the effects of the Akt inhibitor, phenylbutyl isoselenocyanate (ISC-4), on tumor growth in nude mice and (ii) bystander effect of Par-4-overexpressing cells on wild-type tumor growth. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Mice (n = 80) were injected with wild-type HT29 human colon cancer cells in the right flank. Forty of the mice were also injected in the left flank with HT29 cells engineered to overexpress Par-4. The mice were treated with 5-FU, ISC-4, a combination, or vehicle. RESULTS ISC-4 reduced tumor growth, with or without 5-FU. When Par-4-overexpressing tumors were present, wild-type tumors grew more slowly compared to when no Par-4-overexpressing tumors were present. The level of Par-4 protein as well as the Par-4 binding protein, GRP78, was increased in wild-type cells growing in the same mouse as Par-4-overexpressing tumors compared with wild-type tumors growing without Par-4-overexpressing tumors. CONCLUSIONS Par-4-overexpressing tumors exhibited a bystander effect on wild-type tumors growing distally in the same mouse. This suggests that gene therapy need not achieve total penetration to have a positive effect on tumor treatment. Inhibition of Akt with ISC-4 inhibited tumor growth and had a greater effect on cells overexpressing Par-4. The data indicate ISC-4 alone or in combination with Par-4 can greatly reduce tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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de Bessa Garcia SA, Pereira MC, Nagai MA. Expression Pattern of the Pro-apoptotic Gene PAR-4 During the Morphogenesis of MCF-10A Human Mammary Epithelial Cells. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2010; 4:33-8. [PMID: 21505560 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-010-0059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 12/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The histological organization of the mammary gland involves a spatial interaction of epithelial and myoepithelial cells with the specialized basement membrane (BM), composed of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which is disrupted during the tumorigenic process. The interactions between mammary epithelial cells and ECM components play a major role in mammary gland branching morphogenesis. Critical signals for mammary epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival are provided by the ECM proteins. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture was developed to establish a system that simulates several features of the breast epithelium in vivo; 3D cell culture of the spontaneously immortalized cell line, MCF10A, is a well-established model system to study breast epithelial cell biology and morphogenesis. Mammary epithelial cells grown in 3D form spheroids, acquire apicobasal polarization, and form lumens that resemble acini structures, processes that involve cell death. Using this system, we evaluated the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene PAWR (PKC apoptosis WT1 regulator; also named PAR-4, prostate apoptosis response-4) by immunofluorescence and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). A time-dependent increase in PAR-4 mRNA expression was found during the process of MCF10A acinar morphogenesis. Confocal microscopy analysis also showed that PAR-4 protein was highly expressed in the MCF10A cells inside the acini structure. During the morphogenesis of MCF10A cells in 3D cell culture, the cells within the lumen showed caspase-3 activation, indicating apoptotic activity. PAR-4 was only partially co-expressed with activated caspase-3 on these cells. Our results provide evidence, for the first time, that PAR-4 is differentially expressed during the process of MCF10A acinar morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A de Bessa Garcia
- Disciplina de Oncologia, Departamento de Radiologia da Faculdade de Medicina da, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, 4 andar, sala 4112, 01246-903 São Paulo, Brazil
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Bragg DC, Armata IA, Nery FC, Breakefield XO, Sharma N. Molecular pathways in dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 42:136-47. [PMID: 21134457 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The hereditary dystonias comprise a set of diseases defined by a common constellation of motor deficits. These disorders are most likely associated with different molecular etiologies, many of which have yet to be elucidated. Here we discuss recent advances in three forms of hereditary dystonia, DYT1, DYT6 and DYT16, which share a similar clinical picture: onset in childhood or adolescence, progressive spread of symptoms with generalized involvement of body regions and a steady state affliction without treatment. Unlike DYT1, the genes responsible for DYT6 and DYT16 have only recently been identified, with relatively little information about the function of the encoded proteins. Nevertheless, recent data suggest that these proteins may fit together within interacting pathways involved in dopaminergic signaling, transcriptional regulation, and cellular stress responses. This review focuses on these molecular pathways, highlighting potential common themes among these dystonias which may serve as areas for future research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Advances in dystonia".
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Affiliation(s)
- D Cristopher Bragg
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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Sheng JF, Chen W, Yu Y, Liu J, Tao ZZ. PAR-4 and hTERT expression are negatively correlated after RNA interference targeting hTERT in laryngocarcinoma cells. Tissue Cell 2010; 42:365-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Méndez-López LF, Zapata-Benavides P, Zavala-Pompa A, Aguado-Barrera ME, Pacheco-Calleros J, Rodríguez-Padilla C, Cerda-Flores RM, Cortés-Gutiérrez EI, Dávila-Rodríguez MI. Immunohistochemical analysis of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) in Mexican women with breast cancer: a preliminary study. Arch Med Res 2010; 41:261-8. [PMID: 20637369 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We undertook this study to compare the expression level of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) among patient outcome in two groups of women with breast cancer (short and long survival) and two groups without breast cancer (benign lesion and control). METHODS We included breast specimens with nonhistological abnormalities (eight samples) as a control group. Semiquantitative and quantitative analysis of immunohistochemical staining by image analysis software were used to study the intensity of Par-4 expression. Both methods produced similar results (p>0.05). RESULTS No significant expression of Par-4 was observed in normal breast tissue. Benign lesions and breast cancer tissue showed strong nuclear expression of Par-4, predominantly on epithelial cells and specifically in ductal cells. Par-4 expression was lower in myoepithelial cells and there was no appreciable stromal staining. Significantly less Par-4 reactivity was detected in tissue from patients with a short survival compared with patients with benign lesions and those with a long survival. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a lower expression level of Par-4 is related to an unfavorable prognosis. A larger prospective study of samples of all patient groups with a longer follow-up is needed to validate this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Méndez-López
- División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey, Mexico
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Schwalbe M, Dutta K, Libich DS, Venugopal H, Claridge JK, Gell DA, Mackay JP, Edwards PJB, Pascal SM. Two-state conformational equilibrium in the Par-4 leucine zipper domain. Proteins 2010; 78:2433-49. [PMID: 20602362 DOI: 10.1002/prot.22752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (Par-4) is a pro-apoptotic and tumor-suppressive protein. A highly conserved heptad repeat sequence at the Par-4 C-terminus suggests the presence of a leucine zipper (LZ). This C-terminal region is essential for Par-4 self-association and interaction with various effector proteins. We have used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to fully assign the chemical shift resonances of a peptide comprising the LZ domain of Par-4 at neutral pH. Further, we have investigated the properties of the Par-4 LZ domain and two point mutants under a variety of conditions using NMR, circular dichroism (CD), light scattering, and bioinformatics. Results indicate an environment-dependent conformational equilibrium between a partially ordered monomer (POM) and a predominantly coiled coil dimer (CCD). The combination of techniques used allows the time scales of the equilibrium to be probed and also helps to identify features of the amino acid sequence that may influence the equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schwalbe
- Centre for Structural Biology, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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31
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Azmi AS, Philip PA, Zafar SF, Sarkar FH, Mohammad RM. PAR-4 as a possible new target for pancreatic cancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:611-20. [PMID: 20426700 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2010.487066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a deadly disease that is intractable to currently available treatment regimens. Although well described in different tumors types, the importance of apoptosis inducer prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) in PC has not been appreciated. PC is an oncogenic kras driven disease, which is known to downregulate Par-4. Therefore, this review highlights its significance and builds a strong case supporting the role of Par-4 as a possible therapeutic target in PC. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Literature-based evidence spanning the last 15 years on Par-4 and its significance in PC. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN This review provides comprehensive knowledge of the significance of Par-4 and its association with kras status in PC, along with the crosstalk with crucial resistance and survival molecules NF-kappaB and Bcl-2 that ultimately are responsible for the overall poor outcome of different therapeutic approaches in this disease. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Par-4 holds promise as a potential therapeutic target that can be induced by chemopreventive agents and small-molecule inhibitors either alone or in combination with standard chemotherapeutics leading to selective apoptosis in PC cells. It also acts as a chemosensitizer and therefore warrants further clinical investigations in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Lee TJ, Jang JH, Noh HJ, Park EJ, Choi KS, Kwon TK. Overexpression of Par-4 sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis via inactivation of NF-kappaB and Akt signaling pathways in renal cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2010; 109:885-95. [PMID: 20127709 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The prostate-apoptosis-response-gene-4 (Par-4) is up-regulated in prostate cells undergoing programmed cell death. Furthermore, Par-4 protein has been shown to function as an effector of cell death in response to various apoptotic stimuli that trigger mitochondria and membrane receptor-mediated cell death pathways. In this study, we investigated how Par-4 modulates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant Caki cells. Par-4 overexpressing cells were strikingly sensitive to apoptosis induced by TRAIL compared with control cells. Par-4 overexpressing Caki cells treated with TRAIL showed an increased activation of the initiator caspase-8 and the effector caspase-3, together with an enforced cleavage of XIAP and c-FLIP. TRAIL-induced reduction of XIAP and c-FLIP protein levels in Par-4 overexpressing cells was prevented by z-VAD pretreatment. In addition, the surface DR5 protein level was increased in TRAIL-treated Par-4 overexpressing cells. Interestingly, even though a deletion of leucine zipper domain in Par-4 recovered Bcl-2 level to basal level induced by wild type Par-4, it partly decreased sensitivity to TRAIL in Caki cells. In addition, exposure of Caki/Par-4 cells to TRAIL led to reduction of phosphorylated Akt levels, but deletion of leucine zipper domain of Par-4 did not affect these phosphorylated Akt levels. In conclusion, we here provide evidence that ectopic expression of Par-4 sensitizes Caki cells to TRAIL via modulation of multiple targets, including DR5, Bcl-2, Akt, and NF-kappaB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Jin Lee
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 194 DongSan-Dong Jung-Gu, Taegu 700-712, South Korea
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Saegusa M, Hashimura M, Kuwata T, Okayasu I. Transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic Par-4 by NF-kappaB/p65 and its function in controlling cell kinetics during early events in endometrial tumourigenesis. J Pathol 2010; 221:26-36. [PMID: 20186924 DOI: 10.1002/path.2680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostatic apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) was first identified in prostatic cancer cells that were induced to undergo apoptosis. Recently, Par-4 has been suggested to be a tumour suppressor gene that plays a role in the development of endometrial carcinomas (ECs), but the exact mechanism remains to be clarified. Here we examined gene activation signalling cascades and influence on cell kinetics during endometrial tumourigenesis. In normal endometrium, constitutively high levels of Par-4 expression were observed in epithelial cells through the menstrual cycle, in contrast to the transient up-regulation in stromal components in the menstrual stage, correlated positively with the phospho-p65 (pp65) status and apoptosis. In contrast, most ECs exhibited significant down-regulation as compared to normal endometrium, with positive links only to pp65 expression. In EC cell lines, transfection of the NF-kappaB subunit p65 led to transactivation of Par-4 through specific binding to its promoter region, in contrast to the suppression by active Akt, suggesting that the balance between the two signals may be important to determine Par-4 expression levels. In addition, transient overexpression of Par-4 resulted in the induction of not only apoptosis but also senescence, through changes in the expression of bcl-2 and p21$;{{\rm WAF1}}$, respectively. Together, these findings suggest that a signalling cascade involving sequential activation of NF-kappaB/p65 and Par-4 may participate in relatively early events of endometrial tumourigenesis, leading to modulation of cell kinetics including apoptosis and cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saegusa
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 228-8555, Japan.
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Glantz LA, Gilmore JH, Overstreet DH, Salimi K, Lieberman JA, Jarskog LF. Pro-apoptotic Par-4 and dopamine D2 receptor in temporal cortex in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Schizophr Res 2010; 118:292-9. [PMID: 20067857 PMCID: PMC2856798 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2009.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Although the etiology of schizophrenia remains unknown, diverse neuropathological evidence suggests a disorder of synaptic connectivity. Apoptosis is a form of cell death that helps determine synaptic circuitry during neurodevelopment and altered regulation of apoptosis has been implicated in schizophrenia. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is an upstream regulator of apoptosis preferentially localized to synapses. Brain Par-4 levels are upregulated in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli in rodent models and in patients with classic neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, Par-4 was also found to form a complex with the dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR) in competition with the calcium-binding protein calmodulin, implicating Par-4 as an important regulatory component in normal dopamine signaling. Interestingly, mutant mice with disrupted Par-4/D2DR interaction demonstrated depressive-like behaviors, suggesting a potential role for Par-4 in both depression and schizophrenia. In this study, Par-4, D2DR and calmodulin protein levels were measured using semiquantitative Western blotting in postmortem temporal cortex in subjects with schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. Compared to normal controls, mean Par-4 levels appeared slightly lower in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, in major depression, Par-4 was decreased by 67% compared to normal controls. No differences were found between any groups for calmodulin or for the D2DR 48 kDa band. The D2DR 98 kDa band was lower by 50% in the schizophrenia compared to control groups. Changes in the Par-4/D2DR signaling pathway represent a novel mechanism that may link apoptotic and dopamine signaling pathways in major depression and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisa A. Glantz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
| | - John H. Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
| | - David H. Overstreet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A,Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 U.S.A
| | - Kayvon Salimi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, U.S.A
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Wang BD, Kline CLB, Pastor DM, Olson TL, Frank B, Luu T, Sharma AK, Robertson G, Weirauch MT, Patierno SR, Stuart JM, Irby RB, Lee NH. Prostate apoptosis response protein 4 sensitizes human colon cancer cells to chemotherapeutic 5-FU through mediation of an NF kappaB and microRNA network. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:98. [PMID: 20433755 PMCID: PMC2883962 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diminished expression or activity of prostate apoptosis response protein 4 (Par-4) has been demonstrated in a number of cancers, although reports on Par-4 expression during colon cancer progression are lacking. An understanding of the molecular events in conjunction with the genetic networks affected by Par-4 is warranted. Results Colon cancer specimens derived from patients have significantly diminished expression of Par-4 mRNA relative to paired normal colon. Hence, the functional consequences of reintroducing Par-4 into HT29 colon cancer cells were assessed. Overexpression augmented the interaction of Par-4 with NFκB in the cytosol but not nucleus, and facilitated apoptosis in the presence of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Analogous findings were obtained when AKT1 pro-survival signaling was inhibited. Transcriptome profiling identified ~700 genes differentially regulated by Par-4 overexpression in HT29 cells. Nearly all Par-4-regulated genes were shown by promoter analysis to contain cis-binding sequences for NFκB, and meta-analysis of patient expression data revealed that one-third of these genes exist as a recurrent co-regulated network in colon cancer specimens. Sets of genes involved in programmed cell death, cell cycle regulation and interestingly the microRNA pathway were found overrepresented in the network. Noteworthy, Par-4 overexpression decreased NFκB occupancy at the promoter of one particular network gene DROSHA, encoding a microRNA processing enzyme. The resulting down-regulation of DROSHA was associated with expression changes in a cohort of microRNAs. Many of these microRNAs are predicted to target mRNAs encoding proteins with apoptosis-related functions. Western and functional analyses were employed to validate several predictions. For instance, miR-34a up-regulation corresponded with a down-regulation of BCL2 protein. Treating Par-4-overexpressing HT29 cells with a miR-34a antagomir functionally reversed both BCL2 down-regulation and apoptosis by 5-FU. Conversely, bypassing Par-4 overexpression by direct knockdown of DROSHA expression in native HT29 cells increased miR-34a expression and 5-FU sensitivity. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the initiation of apoptotic sensitivity in colon cancer cells can be mediated by Par-4 binding to NFκB in the cytoplasm with consequential changes in the expression of microRNA pathway components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Dar Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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Abstract
RASSF2 is a novel proapoptotic effector of K-Ras. Inhibition of RASSF2 expression enhances the transforming effects of K-Ras, and epigenetic inactivation of RASSF2 is frequently detected in mutant Ras-containing primary tumors. Thus, RASSF2 is implicated as a tumor suppressor whose inactivation facilitates transformation by disconnecting apoptotic responses from Ras. The mechanism of action of RASSF2 is not known. Here we show that RASSF2 forms a direct and endogenous complex with the prostate apoptosis response protein 4 (PAR-4) tumor suppressor. This interaction is regulated by K-Ras and is essential for the full apoptotic effects of PAR-4. RASSF2 is primarily a nuclear protein, and shuttling of PAR-4 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is essential for its function. We show that RASSF2 modulates the nuclear translocation of PAR-4 in prostate tumor cells, providing a mechanism for its biological effects. Thus, we identify the first tumor suppressor signaling pathway emanating from RASSF2, we identify a novel mode of action of a RASSF protein, and we provide an explanation for the extraordinarily high frequency of RASSF2 inactivation we have observed in primary prostate tumors.
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Zapata-Benavides P, Méndez-Vázquez JL, González-Rocha TR, Zamora-Avila DE, Franco-Molina MA, Garza-Garza R, Rodriguez-Padilla C. Expression of prostate apoptosis response (Par-4) is associated with progesterone receptor in breast cancer. Arch Med Res 2010; 40:595-9. [PMID: 20082875 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prostate apoptosis response (Par-4) gene encodes a proapoptotic protein that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells after diverse apoptotic stimuli. Par-4 expression and its association with other biomarkers have not been reported in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine Par-4 expression in breast cancer samples and its association with other biomarkers and clinical factors (T-stage, age, nodal status). METHODS Paraffin-embedded section samples of breast cancer were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis to determine Par-4, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), c-erbB2, Ki67, p53 and bcl-2 expression. The correlation between Par-4 and the other biomarkers and clinical factors was determined by multivariate analysis. RESULTS Thirty five percent (n=21) of samples were PAR-4 positive and 64.4% (n=38) were negative. The hormonal status was 64% ER positive (n=38), 35% ER-negative (n=21) and 40.7% PgR positive (n=24), 59.3% PgR negative (n=35). The majority (90%) of the samples presented clear cytoplasmic localization and a small portion (10%) was cytoplasmic and nuclear. Univariate analysis indicates that the Par-4 expression has a significant inverse association (p=0.04) only with expression of PgR and not with the other variables analyzed. Normal breast tissue analyzed was negative for Par-4 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, in breast cancer, Par-4 plays a similar tumor suppressor gene role as reported in endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Zapata-Benavides
- Departamento de Inmunología y Virología, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, México
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Burikhanov R, Zhao Y, Goswami A, Qiu S, Schwarze SR, Rangnekar VM. The tumor suppressor Par-4 activates an extrinsic pathway for apoptosis. Cell 2009; 138:377-88. [PMID: 19632185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a proapoptotic protein with intracellular functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Unexpectedly, we noted Par-4 protein is spontaneously secreted by normal and cancer cells in culture, and by Par-4 transgenic mice that are resistant to spontaneous tumors. Short exposure to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-inducing agents further increased cellular secretion of Par-4 by a brefeldin A-sensitive pathway. Secretion occurred independently of caspase activation and apoptosis. Interestingly, extracellular Par-4 induced apoptosis by binding to the stress response protein, glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP78), expressed at the surface of cancer cells. The interaction of extracellular Par-4 and cell surface GRP78 led to apoptosis via ER stress and activation of the FADD/caspase-8/caspase-3 pathway. Moreover, apoptosis inducible by TRAIL, which also exerts cancer cell-specific effects, is dependent on extracellular Par-4 signaling via cell surface GRP78. Thus, Par-4 activates an extrinsic pathway involving cell surface GRP78 receptor for induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravshan Burikhanov
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Boosen M, Vetterkind S, Kubicek J, Scheidtmann KH, Illenberger S, Preuss U. Par-4 is an essential downstream target of DAP-like kinase (Dlk) in Dlk/Par-4-mediated apoptosis. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 20:4010-20. [PMID: 19625447 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-02-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) was initially identified as a gene product up-regulated in prostate cancer cells undergoing apoptosis. In rat fibroblasts, coexpression of Par-4 and its interaction partner DAP-like kinase (Dlk, which is also known as zipper-interacting protein kinase [ZIPK]) induces relocation of the kinase from the nucleus to the actin filament system, followed by extensive myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and induction of apoptosis. Our analyses show that the synergistic proapoptotic effect of Dlk/Par-4 complexes is abrogated when either Dlk/Par-4 interaction or Dlk kinase activity is impaired. In vitro phosphorylation assays employing Dlk and Par-4 phosphorylation mutants carrying alanine substitutions for residues S154, T155, S220, or S249, respectively, identified T155 as the major Par-4 phosphorylation site of Dlk. Coexpression experiments in REF52.2 cells revealed that phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 by Dlk was essential for apoptosis induction in vivo. In the presence of the Par-4 T155A mutant Dlk was partially recruited to actin filaments but resided mainly in the nucleus. Consequently, apoptosis was not induced in Dlk/Par-4 T155A-expressing cells. In vivo phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 was demonstrated with a phospho-specific Par-4 antibody. Our results demonstrate that Dlk-mediated phosphorylation of Par-4 at T155 is a crucial event in Dlk/Par-4-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Boosen
- Institute of Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53117 Bonn, Germany
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Glienke W, Chow KU, Bauer N, Bergmann L. Down-regulation of wt1 expression in leukemia cell lines as part of apoptotic effect in arsenic treatment using two compounds. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 47:1629-38. [PMID: 16966277 DOI: 10.1080/10428190600625398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induces remission in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). To better understand molecular mechanisms of arsenic actions, this study investigated the effect of two different arsenic compounds on gene expression of apoptosis and cellular proliferation related genes. The Wilms' tumor gene (wt1) is up-regulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and a variety of leukemia cell lines. The expression of wt1 in these cells is proposed to have an anti-apoptotic effect. HL-60 and K562 were treated with arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) at concentrations between 0 - 10 microM for up to 48 h. The induction of apoptosis was accompanied by down-regulation of hTERT and wt1 mRNA and protein expression but up-regulation of par-4. Low concentrations of 0.1 microM arsenic induced expression of the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene in both cell lines HL-60 and K562. There were no major differences encountered between compounds. After arsenic treatment of the leukemia cell lines HL-60 and K562 the up-regulation of par-4 may contribute to the induction of apoptosis rather than down-regulation of bcl-2. The therapeutic effect of arsenic is the induction of apoptosis by modulating the gene expression profile of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes including the wt1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Glienke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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41
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Azmi AS, Wang Z, Burikhanov R, Rangnekar VM, Wang G, Chen J, Wang S, Sarkar FH, Mohammad RM. Critical role of prostate apoptosis response-4 in determining the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to small-molecule inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Mol Cancer Ther 2008; 7:2884-93. [PMID: 18790769 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-08-0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Role of prostate apoptosis response-4 (PAR-4) has been well described in prostate cancer. However, its significance in other cancers has not been fully elucidated. For the current study, we selected four pancreatic cancer cell lines (BxPC-3, Colo-357, L3.6pl, and HPAC) that showed differential endogenous expression of PAR-4. We found that nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors (SMI) of Bcl-2 family proteins (apogossypolone and TW-37; 250 nmol/L and 1 micromol/L, respectively) could induce PAR-4-dependent inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis. Sensitivity to apoptosis was directly related to the expression levels of PAR-4 (R = 0.92 and R2 = 0.95). Conversely, small interfering RNA against PAR-4 blocked apoptosis, confirming that PAR-4 is a key player in the apoptotic process. PAR-4 nuclear localization is considered a prerequisite for cells to undergo apoptosis, and we found that the treatment of Colo-357 and L3.6pl cells with 250 nmol/L SMI leads to nuclear localization of PAR-4 as confirmed by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. In combination studies with gemcitabine, pretreatment with SMI leads to sensitization of Colo-357 cells to the growth-inhibitory and apoptotic action of a therapeutic drug, gemcitabine. In an in vivo setting, the maximum tolerated dose of TW-37 in xenograft of severe combined immunodeficient mice (40 mg/kg for three i.v. injections) led to significant tumor inhibition. Our results suggest that the observed antitumor activity of SMIs is mediated through a novel pathway involving induction of PAR-4. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting SMI-mediated apoptosis involving PAR-4 in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfar Sohail Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, 732 HWCRC, 4100 John R Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Munirajan AK, Ando K, Mukai A, Takahashi M, Suenaga Y, Ohira M, Koda T, Hirota T, Ozaki T, Nakagawara A. KIF1Bbeta functions as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor gene mapped to chromosome 1p36.2 by inducing apoptotic cell death. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:24426-34. [PMID: 18614535 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m802316200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the distal region of chromosome 1 frequently occurs in a variety of human cancers, including aggressive neuroblastoma. Previously, we have identified a 500-kb homozygously deleted region at chromosome 1p36.2 harboring at least six genes in a neuroblastoma-derived cell line NB1/C201. Among them, only KIF1Bbeta, a member of the kinesin superfamily proteins, induced apoptotic cell death. These results prompted us to address whether KIF1Bbeta could be a tumor suppressor gene mapped to chromosome 1p36 in neuroblastoma. Hemizygous deletion of KIF1Bbeta in primary neuroblastomas was significantly correlated with advanced stages (p = 0.0013) and MYCN amplification (p < 0.001), whereas the mutation rate of the KIF1Bbeta gene was infrequent. Although KIF1Bbeta allelic loss was significantly associated with a decrease in KIF1Bbeta mRNA levels, its promoter region was not hypermethylated. Additionally, expression of KIF1Bbeta was markedly down-regulated in advanced stages of tumors (p < 0.001). Enforced expression of KIF1Bbeta resulted in an induction of apoptotic cell death in association with an increase in the number of cells entered into the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, whereas its knockdown by either short interfering RNA or by a genetic suppressor element led to an accelerated cell proliferation or enhanced tumor formation in nude mice, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the rod region unique to KIF1Bbeta is critical for the induction of apoptotic cell death in a p53-independent manner. Thus, KIF1Bbeta may act as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor, and its allelic loss may be involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma and other cancers.
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Vetterkind S, Morgan KG. The pro-apoptotic protein Par-4 facilitates vascular contractility by cytoskeletal targeting of ZIPK. J Cell Mol Med 2008; 13:887-95. [PMID: 18505470 PMCID: PMC2700217 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00374.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Par-4 (prostate apoptosis response 4) is a pro-apoptotic protein and tumour suppressor that was originally identified as a gene product up-regulated during apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Here, we show, for the first time, that Par-4 is expressed and co-localizes with the actin filament bundles in vascular smooth muscle. Furthermore, we demonstrate that targeting of ZIPK to the actin filaments, as observed upon PGF-2α stimulation, is inhibited by the presence of a cell permeant Par-4 decoy peptide. The same decoy peptide also significantly inhibits PGF-2α induced contractions of smooth muscle tissue. Moreover, knockdown of Par-4 using antisense morpholino nucleotides results in significantly reduced contractility, and myosin light chain and myosin phosphatase target subunit phosphorylation. These results indicate that Par-4 facilitates contraction by targeting ZIPK to the vicinity of its substrates, myosin light chain and MYPT, which are located on the actin filaments. These results identify Par-4 as a novel regulator of myosin light chain phosphorylation in differentiated, contractile vascular smooth muscle.
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Lee TJ, Lee JT, Kim SH, Choi YH, Song KS, Park JW, Kwon TK. Overexpression of Par-4 enhances thapsigargin-induced apoptosis via down-regulation of XIAP and inactivation of Akt in human renal cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2008; 103:358-68. [PMID: 18041764 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The prostate-apoptosis-response-gene-4 (Par-4) protein has been shown to function as an effector of cell death in response to various apoptotic stimuli that trigger mitochondria and membrane receptor-mediated cell death pathways. We found that overexpressing Par-4 by stable transfection sensitizes Caki cells to induction of apoptosis by TRAIL and drugs that induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress [thapsigargin (TG), tunicamycin (TU) and etoposide]. Ectopic expression of Par-4 is associated with decreased levels of XIAP protein in TG-treated cells, caused in part by XIAP protein instability and caspase activation. Levels of phospho-Akt are decreased in Caki/Par-4 cells to a significantly greater extent than in Caki/Vector cells by treatment with TG, and this is in turn associated with decreased levels of phospho-PDK1, the kinase upstream of Akt. In conclusion, we provide evidence that ectopic expression of Par-4 sensitizes Caki cells to TG and that XIAP protein instability and inactivation of Akt are important in cellular pathways affected by Par-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Jin Lee
- Department of Immunology and Chronic Disease Research Center and Institute for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 194 DongSan-Dong Jung-Gu, Taegu 700-712, South Korea
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Gonzalez IH, Santana P, Gonzalez-Robayna I, Ferrer M, Morales V, Blanco FL, Fanjul LF. Regulation of the expression of prostate apoptosis response protein 4 (Par-4) in rat granulosa cells. Apoptosis 2008; 12:769-79. [PMID: 17219052 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-006-0019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The par-4 gene, directs the expression of a protein in the rat ventral prostate after apoptotic stimuli but not growth stimulatory, growth arresting or necrotic signals. Since Par-4 expression appears to be ubiquitous we investigated the possibility of Par-4 having a role in the rat ovary granulosa cells apoptotic death. Par-4 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR with oligonucleotides designed to prime Par-4 leucine zipper in the ovaries of 12 day old rats and reached the higher levels in 24 days old rats. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that Par-4 expression is restricted to granulosa cells. PMSG priming of 24 day old rats for 2 days greatly reduced Par-4 expression in granulosa cells as determined by in situ hybridization, RT-PCR of mRNA and protein immunodetection with Western blot. Granulosa cells placed in serum-fee culture, exhibited increased levels of Par-4 mRNA and protein, in good correlation with the degree of apoptosis. The culture-induced increases in Par-4 are significantly prevented by FSH. Transient transfection of granulosa cells with Par-4 leucine zipper domain that functions as a dominant-negative regulator of Par-4 activity resulted in lower rates of apoptosis while overexpression of the full length Par-4 counteracted FSH effects on apoptosis. Par-4 association with PKCzeta which is supposed to inhibit this kinase mediated antiapoptotic way is also prevented by FSH and, FSH antiapoptotic effects are counteracted by a PKCzeta specific inhibitor. These findings indicate that FSH by suppressing Par-4 expression in the ovary activates PKCzeta-dependent antiapoptotic pathway and suggest that Par-4 is part of the mechanism underlying granulosa cells apoptotic demise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Hernandez Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Payette DJ, Xie J, Shirwany N, Guo Q. Exacerbation of apoptosis of cortical neurons following traumatic brain injury in par-4 transgenic mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2008; 1:44-56. [PMID: 18784822 PMCID: PMC2480534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2007] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant clinical problem, yet few effective strategies for treating it have emerged. People that sustain and survive a TBI are left with significant cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disabilities. Apoptotic neuronal death occurs following TBI. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a death domain-containing protein initially characterized as a critical regulator of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. We have recently generated and characterized Par-4 transgenic mice in which the expression of the par-4 transgene was limited to cells of neuronal lineage. We now provide evidence that, in cortical neurons from these mice, Par-4 drastically increases apoptotic neuronal death in both in vitro and in vivo models of TBI. In vitro experiments were performed in 7-day-old primary cultures of cortical neurons using a previously published, scratch-induced mechanical trauma model. Neurons that overexpress Par-4 showed not only a significant decrease in overall neuron survival after TBI compared to wild-type cells, but also exhibited a sharper decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, a higher degree of free radical accumulation, and earlier activation of caspase-3 than wild-type cells did. In vivo experiments were performed utilizing a weight drop TBI model. A significantly increased volume of cortical injury and exacerbated activation of caspase-3 were observed in Par-4 transgenic mice when compared to those in wild-type mice. These data suggests that aberrant Par-4 expression exacerbates neuronal cell death following TBI by altering mitochondrial function, enhancing oxidative damage, and execution of apoptosis via caspase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Payette
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Zhao Y, Burikhanov R, Qiu S, Lele SM, Jennings CD, Bondada S, Spear B, Rangnekar VM. Cancer resistance in transgenic mice expressing the SAC module of Par-4. Cancer Res 2007; 67:9276-85. [PMID: 17909035 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-2124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a tumor-suppressor protein that induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but not in normal/immortalized cells. The cancer-specific proapoptotic action of Par-4 is encoded in its centrally located SAC domain. We report here the characterization of a novel mouse model with ubiquitous expression of the SAC domain. Although SAC transgenic mice displayed normal development and life span, they were resistant to the growth of spontaneous, as well as oncogene-induced, autochthonous tumors. Resistance to tumorigenesis was linked to inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activity and induction of apoptosis by the SAC domain. Collectively, our findings provide genetic evidence that the SAC domain of Par-4 confers cancer resistance in transgenic mice without compromising normal viability or aging, and may have therapeutic significance.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Female
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/biosynthesis
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Neoplasms, Experimental/prevention & control
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Receptors, Proteinase-Activated/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Proteinase-Activated/genetics
- Receptors, Proteinase-Activated/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Zhao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Room 309, Combs Research Building, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Moreno-Bueno G, Fernandez-Marcos PJ, Collado M, Tendero MJ, Rodriguez-Pinilla SM, Garcia-Cao I, Hardisson D, Diaz-Meco MT, Moscat J, Serrano M, Palacios J. Inactivation of the candidate tumor suppressor par-4 in endometrial cancer. Cancer Res 2007; 67:1927-34. [PMID: 17332319 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-2687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, it has been shown that mice deficient in the proapoptotic protein prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par-4) are specifically prone to develop endometrial carcinomas. Based on this, we have examined here the possible role of Par-4 as a tumor suppressor gene in human endometrial cancer. Using cDNA arrays, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and immunohistochemistry, we detected Par-4 down-regulation in approximately 40% of endometrial carcinomas. This alteration was not associated with phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), K-RAS, or beta-catenin mutations, but was more frequent among tumors showing microsatellite instability (MSI) or among tumors that were estrogen receptor positive. Mutational analysis of the complete coding sequence of Par-4 in endometrial cancer cell lines (n = 6) and carcinomas (n = 69) detected a mutation in a single carcinoma, which was localized in exon 3 [Arg (CGA) 189 (TGA) Stop]. Interestingly, Par-4 promoter hypermethylation was detected in 32% of the tumors in association with low levels of Par-4 protein and was more common in MSI-positive carcinomas. Par-4 promoter hypermethylation and silencing was also detected in endometrial cancer cell lines SKUT1B and AN3CA, and reexpression was achieved by treatment with the demethylating agent 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Together, these data show that Par-4 is a relevant tumor suppressor gene in human endometrial carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Moreno-Bueno
- Breast and Gynecological Cancer Group, Tumor Suppression Group, Spanish National Cancer Center (CNIO), 3 Melchior Fernandez Almagro Street, Madrid E-28029, Spain
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Sheffer Y, Leon O, Pinthus JH, Nagler A, Mor Y, Genin O, Iluz M, Kawada N, Yoshizato K, Pines M. Inhibition of fibroblast to myofibroblast transition by halofuginone contributes to the chemotherapy-mediated antitumoral effect. Mol Cancer Ther 2007; 6:570-7. [PMID: 17267660 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-06-0468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stromal myofibroblasts play an important role in tumor progression. The transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is characterized by expression of smooth muscle genes and profuse synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. We evaluated the efficacy of targeting fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition with halofuginone on tumor progression in prostate cancer and Wilms' tumor xenografts. In both xenografts, low doses of halofuginone treatment, independent of the route of administration, resulted in a trend toward inhibition in tumor development. Moreover, halofuginone synergizes with low dose of docetaxel in prostate cancer and vincristine and dactinomycin in Wilms' tumor xenografts, resulting in significant reduction in tumor volume and weight comparable to the effect observed by high doses of the respective chemotherapies. In prostate cancer and Wilms' tumor xenografts, halofuginone, but not the respective chemotherapies, inhibited the synthesis of collagen type I, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transgelin, and cytoglobin, all of which are characteristics of activated myofibroblasts. Halofuginone, as the respective chemotherapies, increased the synthesis of Wilms' tumor suppressor gene product (WT-1) and prostate apoptosis response gene-4 (Par-4), resulting in apoptosis/necrosis. These results suggest that targeting the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition with halofuginone may synergize with low doses of chemotherapy in achieving a significant antitumoral effect, avoiding the need of high-dose chemotherapy and its toxicity without impairing treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Sheffer
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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Jensen EH, Lewis JM, McLoughlin JM, Alvarado MD, Daud A, Messina J, Enkemann S, Yeatman TJ, Sondak VK, Riker AI. Down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes is an early event in the progression of malignant melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2006; 14:1416-23. [PMID: 17195911 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-006-9226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2006] [Revised: 07/06/2006] [Accepted: 07/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Down-regulation of apoptosis genes has been implicated in the development and progression of malignant melanoma. We used cDNA microarray to evaluate pro-apoptotic gene expression comparing normal skin to melanoma (thin and thick), nodal disease and distant metastases. METHODS Twenty-eight specimens including skin (n = 1), thin melanoma (n = 6), thick melanoma (n = 7), nodal disease (n = 6), and distant metastases (n = 8), were harvested at the time of resection from 16 individuals. RNA was isolated and microarray analysis utilizing the Affymetrix GeneChip (54,000 genetic elements, U133A+B... levels) was performed. Mean level of expression was calculated for each gene within a sample group. Expression profiles were then compared between tissue groups. Student's t-test was used to determine variance in expression between groups. RESULTS We reviewed the expression of 54,000 genetic elements, of which 2,015 were found to have significantly altered expression. This represents 1,602 genes. Twenty-two pro-apoptotic genes were found to be down-regulated when compared to normal skin. Overall reduction was evaluated comparing normal skin to metastases with a range of 3.31-64.04-fold-decrease. When comparing the tissue types sequentially, the greatest fold-decrease in gene expression occurred when comparing skin to all melanomas (thin and thick) (p = 0.011). Subset analysis comparing normal skin to thin melanoma or thick melanoma, revealed the greatest component of overall reduction at the transition from thin to thick lesions (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Sequential down-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes is associated with the progression of malignant melanoma. The greatest fold-decrease occurs in the transformation from thin to thick lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Jensen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Cutaneous Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Stabile Research Building, Room 22043, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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