1
|
Ezenwafor TC, Uzonwanne VO, Madukwe JUA, Amin SM, Anye VC, Obayemi JD, Odusanya OS, Soboyejo WO. Adhesion of LHRH/EphA2 to human Triple Negative Breast Cancer tissues. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 136:105461. [PMID: 36195050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adhesive interactions between molecular recognition units (such as specific peptides and antibodies) and antigens or other receptors on the surfaces of tumors are of great value in the design of targeted nanoparticles and drugs for the detection and treatment of specific cancers. In this paper, we present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the adhesion between Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH)/Epherin type A2 (EphA2)-AFM coated tips and LHRH/EphA2 receptors that are overexpressed on the surfaces of human Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) tissues of different histological grades. Following a histochemical and immuno-histological study of human tissue extracts, the receptor overexpression, and their distributions are characterized using Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF), and a combination of fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy. The adhesion forces between LHRH or EphA2 and human TNBC breast tissues are measured using force microscopy techniques that account for the potential effects of capillary forces due to the presence of water vapor. The corresponding adhesion energies are also determined using adhesion theory. The pull off forces and adhesion energies associated with higher grades of TNBC are shown to be greater than those associated with normal/non-tumorigenic human breast tissues, which were studied as controls. The observed increase in adhesion forces and adhesion energies are also correlated with the increasing incidence of LHRH/EphA2 receptors at higher grades of TNBC. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of targeted nanostructures for the detection and treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa C Ezenwafor
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria; NASENI Centre of Excellence in Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Km 4, Ondo Road, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park Life Sciences and Bioengineering Centre, 60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Vanessa O Uzonwanne
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park Life Sciences and Bioengineering Centre, 60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Jonathan U A Madukwe
- Department of Histopathology, National Hospital, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
| | - Said M Amin
- Department of Histopathology, National Hospital, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
| | - Vitalis C Anye
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
| | - John D Obayemi
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park Life Sciences and Bioengineering Centre, 60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA
| | - Olushola S Odusanya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria; Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Kwale, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Winston O Soboyejo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Km 10 Airport Road, Galadimawa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gateway Park Life Sciences and Bioengineering Centre, 60 Prescott Street, Worcester, MA, 01609, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kukkula A, Ojala VK, Mendez LM, Sistonen L, Elenius K, Sundvall M. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the SUMO Pathway in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4402. [PMID: 34503213 PMCID: PMC8431684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a dynamic and reversible post-translational modification, characterized more than 20 years ago, that regulates protein function at multiple levels. Key oncoproteins and tumor suppressors are SUMO substrates. In addition to alterations in SUMO pathway activity due to conditions typically present in cancer, such as hypoxia, the SUMO machinery components are deregulated at the genomic level in cancer. The delicate balance between SUMOylation and deSUMOylation is regulated by SENP enzymes possessing SUMO-deconjugation activity. Dysregulation of SUMO machinery components can disrupt the balance of SUMOylation, contributing to the tumorigenesis and drug resistance of various cancers in a context-dependent manner. Many molecular mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of specific cancers involve SUMO, highlighting the potential relevance of SUMO machinery components as therapeutic targets. Recent advances in the development of inhibitors targeting SUMOylation and deSUMOylation permit evaluation of the therapeutic potential of targeting the SUMO pathway in cancer. Finally, the first drug inhibiting SUMO pathway, TAK-981, is currently also being evaluated in clinical trials in cancer patients. Intriguingly, the inhibition of SUMOylation may also have the potential to activate the anti-tumor immune response. Here, we comprehensively and systematically review the recent developments in understanding the role of SUMOylation in cancer and specifically focus on elaborating the scientific rationale of targeting the SUMO pathway in different cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antti Kukkula
- Cancer Research Unit, FICAN West Cancer Center Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (A.K.); (V.K.O.); (K.E.)
| | - Veera K. Ojala
- Cancer Research Unit, FICAN West Cancer Center Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (A.K.); (V.K.O.); (K.E.)
- Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Medicity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Lourdes M. Mendez
- Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine and Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Lea Sistonen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland;
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Klaus Elenius
- Cancer Research Unit, FICAN West Cancer Center Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (A.K.); (V.K.O.); (K.E.)
- Medicity Research Laboratories, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland;
- Department of Oncology, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Sundvall
- Cancer Research Unit, FICAN West Cancer Center Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; (A.K.); (V.K.O.); (K.E.)
- Department of Oncology, Turku University Hospital, FI-20521 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nwagu GC, Bhattarai S, Swahn M, Ahmed S, Aneja R. Prevalence and Mortality of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in West Africa: Biologic and Sociocultural Factors. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1129-1140. [PMID: 34264759 PMCID: PMC8457872 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gift C Nwagu
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Monica Swahn
- International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Saad Ahmed
- International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.,International Consortium for Advancing Research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dai W, Xie S, Chen C, Choi BH. Ras sumoylation in cell signaling and transformation. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 76:301-309. [PMID: 33812985 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ras proteins are small GTPases that participate in multiple signal cascades, regulating crucial cellular processes including cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Mutations or deregulated activities of Ras are frequently the driving force for oncogenic transformation and tumorigenesis. Posttranslational modifications play a crucial role in mediating the stability, activity, or subcellular localization/trafficking of numerous cellular regulators including Ras proteins. A series of recent studies reveal that Ras proteins are also regulated by sumoylation. All three Ras protein isoforms (HRas, KRas, and NRas) are modified by SUMO3. The conserved lysine42 appears to be the primary site for mediating sumoylation. Expression of KRasV12/R42 mutants compromised the activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling axis, leading to a reduced rate of cell migration and invasion in vitro in multiple cell lines. Moreover, treatment of transformed pancreatic cells with a SUMO E2 inhibitor blocks cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner, which is associated with a reduced level of both KRas sumoylation and expression of mesenchymal cell markers. Furthermore, mouse xenograft experiments reveal that expression of a SUMO-resistant mutant appears to suppress tumor development in vivo. Combined, these studies indicate that sumoylation functions as an important mechanism in mediating the roles of Ras in cell proliferation, differentiation, and malignant transformation and that the SUMO-modification system of Ras oncoproteins can be explored as a new druggable target for various human malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dai
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Langone Medical Center, USA
| | - Suqing Xie
- Institute of Pathology, Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Changyan Chen
- Center for Drug Discovery, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Byeong Hyeok Choi
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wright N, Rida P, Rakha E, Agboola A, Aneja R. Panoptic Overview of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Nigeria: Current Challenges and Promising Global Initiatives. J Glob Oncol 2019; 4:1-20. [PMID: 30085829 PMCID: PMC6223531 DOI: 10.1200/jgo.17.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most deadly form of breast cancer (BC) today. TNBC treatment is fraught with challenges because of the extensive interpatient heterogeneity in clinical behavior and scarcity of stratifying biomarkers and actionable targets. Women of African ancestry face a disproportionate burden resulting from this disease, which affects them earlier and more aggressively and has a higher propensity to spread and resist conventional treatments. A much higher proportion of Nigerian patients with BC have TNBC compared with patients with BC in the United States and Europe. Methods This article spotlights Nigeria as an example of a nation wherein genetic and nongenetic spheres of influence intersect to affect the prevalence of this disease, the scale of its challenge, and its toll. Results Studies have illuminated the inherently different tumor biology of Nigerian TNBCs, which show distinct genetic variants and gene expression patterns compared with European or European-American TNBCs. Parallels are apparent between TNBC phenotypes among African Americans and Nigerians, implicating the common thread of shared genetic ancestry between these populations. Reproductive, lifestyle, socioeconomic, and cultural factors also shape TNBC outcomes in Nigeria, as do resource constraints in Nigerian health care and research sectors. Conclusion Increasing our understanding of how these factors contribute to poorer outcomes among Nigerian women may uncover valuable insights and strategies in alleviating the TNBC burden in many countries of the world and help reduce the racial disparity in BC-related outcomes here in the United States. Importantly, this review also highlights collaborative global and local initiatives that converge expertise and resources to advance research on effective management of TNBC in diverse populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Wright
- Nikita Wright, Padmashree Rida, Emad Rakha, Ayodeji Agboola, and Ritu Aneja, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Emad Rakha, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Ayodeji Agboola, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Padmashree Rida
- Nikita Wright, Padmashree Rida, Emad Rakha, Ayodeji Agboola, and Ritu Aneja, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Emad Rakha, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Ayodeji Agboola, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Emad Rakha
- Nikita Wright, Padmashree Rida, Emad Rakha, Ayodeji Agboola, and Ritu Aneja, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Emad Rakha, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Ayodeji Agboola, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji Agboola
- Nikita Wright, Padmashree Rida, Emad Rakha, Ayodeji Agboola, and Ritu Aneja, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Emad Rakha, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Ayodeji Agboola, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Nikita Wright, Padmashree Rida, Emad Rakha, Ayodeji Agboola, and Ritu Aneja, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Emad Rakha, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Ayodeji Agboola, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nomair AM, Ahmed SS, Nomeir HM, El Mansy H, Mohammed AF. The role of protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 and miRNA-18a expressions in breast cancer. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-019-0021-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is a disease characterized by progressive genetic abnormalities including mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, as well as other chromosomal abnormalities. Protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (PIAS3) is a member of the PIAS family of transcriptional modulators; its expression is altered in many cancers. Micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA)-18a acts as an oncogene by negatively regulating PIAS3 and thus modulating the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) target genes. The aim of this work is to examine the expression levels of PIAS3 gene and miRNA-18a in breast cancer tissues and nearby non-tumor tissues. The samples of breast cancer and paired samples of non-cancerous tissue from the same resected breast were obtained from 25 patients undergoing surgery. Full history taking, complete physical examination, pre-operative fine-needle aspiration cytology or ultrasonic (U/S)-guided core biopsy from the breast mass, final surgical biopsy for pathological examination, and routine laboratory investigations were done. Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status were evaluated. Total RNA extraction followed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for quantification of PIAS3 mRNA and miRNA-18a expressions was performed.
Results
The mean value of PIAS3 mRNA fold expression was significantly lower in the tumor group (5.12 ± 9.85) compared to the normal group (8.38 ± 17.10) (p = 0.040). miRNA-18a fold expression was higher among tumor group (3.5 ± 7.4) than that of normal group (2.5 ± 3), however, it did not reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.861). miRNA-18a fold expression had negative significant correlation with PIAS3 mRNA fold expression (p = 0.018). A significant association was observed between miRNA-18a expression in breast cancer tissues and the pathological grade of the tumor (p = 0.029).
Conclusions
The results of this study showed that PIAS3 mRNA and miRNA-18a might be of importance in breast cancer development and pathogenesis, and this may be reflected on the treatment strategies targeting STAT3 pathway. However, further studies with larger sample size are needed to validate these observations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Taheri M, Oskooei VK, Ghafouri-Fard S. Protein inhibitor of activated STAT genes are differentially expressed in breast tumor tissues. Per Med 2019; 16:277-285. [DOI: 10.2217/pme-2018-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aim: Protein inhibitor of activated STAT ( PIAS) family includes transcriptional regulator proteins with SUMO E3 ligase activity. They regulate expression of several genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. Method: We evaluated expression of PIAS1–4 genes in 54 breast cancer tissues and their paired adjacent noncancerous tissues. Results: PIAS2 and PIAS3 genes were significantly downregulated in tumoral tissues compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. PIAS1–3 expressions were significantly lower in estrogen receptor (ER+) samples compared with ER- samples while PIAS4 had the opposite trend. PIAS3 expression was significantly higher in grade 1 samples compared with grade 2 samples. Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of PIAS genes in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and their association with determinants of response to antihormone therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Taheri
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid K Oskooei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Agboola AOJ, Ebili HO, Iyawe VO, Banjo AAF, Salami BA, Rakha EA, Nolan CC, Ellis IO, Green AR. Clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of Ku 70/80 expression in Nigerian breast cancer and its potential therapeutic implications. Pathol Res Pract 2016; 213:27-33. [PMID: 27914769 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ku 70/80 is a regulator of the Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) roles in clinicopathological features, and has prognostic significance in breast cancer (BC) in Caucasian populations. However, its significance in the Nigerian BC population, which is characterized by a higher rate of the triple-negative and basal phenotype, p53 mutation rate and BRCA1 deficiency, still needs to be investigated. We hypothesize that Ku70/80 expression shows adverse expression in Nigerian BC and, furthermore, that it is likely to have a therapeutic implication for Black BC management. This study investigated the biological, clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Ku 70/80 expression in a BC cohort from a Nigerian population. Ku 70/80 expression was determined in 188 well-characterized formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) BC samples using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. Ku 70/80 expression was correlated with clinicopathological, molecular and prognostic characteristics of patients. Ku 70/80 was expressed in 113 (60.1%) tumors, and was positively associated with metastatic disease, triple-negative and basal phenotype, BRCA1 down regulators (MTA-1 and ID4), p-cadherin, PI3KCA and p53 expression. It inversely correlated with BRCA1, BRCA2, BARD1 and p27. Ku 70/80 was predictive of breast cancer-specific survival in multivariate analysis, but not of disease-free interval. This study demonstrated that Ku 70/80 expression is associated with triple negativity and down-regulation of the homologous recombination pathway of DNA repair. Therefore, the development of novel drugs to target KU70/80 may improve the patients' outcome in the treatment of Black BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji O J Agboola
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria.
| | - Henry O Ebili
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Victoria O Iyawe
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Adekunbiola A F Banjo
- Department of Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | | | - Emad A Rakha
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chrstopher C Nolan
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Green
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
SUMOylation is a key post-translational modification that regulates crucial cellular functions and pathological processes. Recently, Small Ubiquitin-related MOdifier (SUMO) modification has emerged as a fundamental route that may drive different steps of human tumorigenesis. Indeed, alteration in expression or activity of one of the different SUMO pathway components may completely subvert cellular properties through fine-tuning modulation of protein(s) involved in carcinogenic pathways, leading to altered cell proliferation, apoptosis resistance and metastatic potential. Here we describe some of the most interesting findings pointing to a clear link between SUMO pathway and human malignancies. Importantly, a putative role for SUMO enzymes to predict cancer behavior can be speculated, and thus the possible application of alterations in SUMO pathway components as tumor biomarkers is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mattoscio
- 1Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology@ IFOM-IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- 1Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology@ IFOM-IEO Campus, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|