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Jiang Y, Liu B, Fu L, Li F. UBE2C regulates the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway to promote the growth of gastric cancer by inhibiting autophagy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 276:134011. [PMID: 39032892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134011] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, ranking fourth in incidence and second in mortality among malignant tumors. In recent years, there has been some progress in biological treatment and targeted treatment for gastric cancer, but the prognosis for gastric cancer patients remains pessimistic, and the molecular mechanisms involved are not yet clear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis showed that Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C(UBE2C) was abnormally expressed in various types of cancer. Furthermore, UBE2C protein and mRNA expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Silencing UBE2C significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, UBE2C overexpression inhibited gastric cancer cell autophagy, leading to the accumulation of p62. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation results showed that UBE2C overexpression promoted the interaction between p62 and KEAP1, while inhibiting the binding of NRF2 to KEAP1, thereby weakening the ubiquitination and degradation of NRF2. In addition, the silencing of UBE2C leads to a reduction in the nuclear accumulation of NRF2. Importantly, the NRF2 activator TBHQ reversed the inhibition of gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration caused by the silencing of UBE2C. In summary, our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of UBE2C in anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Jiang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lifu Fu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pathogenobiology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Key Laboratory for Bionics Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Key Laboratory for Health Biomedical Materials of Jilin Province, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center for Medical Biomaterials of Jilin Province, Jilin University, Changchun, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang, China.
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2
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Lee H, Min SK, Cho MS, Lee HK. Impact of Nrf2 overexpression on cholangiocarcinoma treatment and clinical prognosis. KOREAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2023; 19:18-26. [PMID: 37449395 DOI: 10.14216/kjco.23004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nrf2 regulates antioxidant protein expression and protects against drug toxicity and oxidative stress, whereas Keap1 controls Nrf2 activity. The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway affects the prognosis of various cancers, however, its effect on cholangiocarcinoma chemoresistance and prognosis remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway affects chemoresistance and prognosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS We investigated the correlation between Nrf2 and Keap1 expression and clinical characteristics and prognosis in 91 patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent curative surgery. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin blocks using primary antibodies against Nrf2 and Keap1. The relationship between Keap1 and Nrf2 protein expression levels, and clinical characteristics and prognosis was examined. RESULTS Nrf2 expression was not associated with overall survival in patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.994). Among patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, the Nrf2 low expression group had a significantly longer median overall survival than the Nrf2 high expression group in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (P=0.019). In multivariate analysis, high expression of Nrf2 was confirmed as an independent poor prognostic factor in the group receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.041). CONCLUSION This study suggests that Nrf2 overexpression reduces the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in distal cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seog Ki Min
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Sun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon Kook Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Fu AB, Xiang SF, He QJ, Ying MD. Kelch-like proteins in the gastrointestinal tumors. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:931-939. [PMID: 36266566 PMCID: PMC10104798 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01007-0] [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: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors have become a worldwide health problem with high morbidity and poor clinical outcomes. Chemotherapy and surgery, the main treatment methods, are still far from meeting the treatment needs of patients, and targeted therapy is in urgent need of development. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that kelch-like (KLHL) proteins play essential roles in maintaining proteostasis and are involved in the progression of various cancers, functioning as adaptors in the E3 ligase complex and promoting the specific degradation of substrates. Therefore, KLHL proteins should be taken into consideration for targeted therapy strategy discovery. This review summarizes the current knowledge of KLHL proteins in gastrointestinal tumors and discusses the potential of KLHL proteins as potential drug targets and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Bo Fu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310002, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Sen-Feng Xiang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Qiao-Jun He
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Mei-Dan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Li N, Zhan X. Machine Learning Identifies Pan-Cancer Landscape of Nrf2 Oxidative Stress Response Pathway-Related Genes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8450087. [PMID: 35242279 PMCID: PMC8886747 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8450087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress produced a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which played a pivotal role in balanced ability and determining cell fate. The activated Nrf2 signaling pathway that responds to the excessive ROS regulated the expressions of antiapoptotic proteins, antioxidative enzymes, drug transporters, and detoxifying factors. METHODS The Nrf2 signaling pathway-related genes that had a direct relationship with Nrf2, including ATF4, BACH1, CREBBP, CUL3, EIF2AK3, EP300, FOS, FOSL1, GSK3B, JUN, KEAP1, MAF, MAFF, MAFG, MAFK, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK7, MAPK8, MAPK9, PIK3CA, PRRT2, and RIT1, were selected to do a systematic pan-cancer analysis. The relationship of Nrf2 signaling pathway-related gene expressions with tumor mutation burden, microsatellite status, clinical characteristics, immune system, cancer stemness index, and drug sensitivity was calculated by the Spearson correlation analysis across 11,057 subjects representing 33 cancer types. The prognosis models in lung squamous carcinoma, breast cancer, and stomach cancer were constructed with the Cox multivariate regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression. RESULTS Many Nrf2 signaling pathway-related genes were differently expressed between tumor and normal tissues. PIK3CA showed high mutation rate in pan-cancer. The expressions of Nrf2 signaling pathway-related genes were significantly related to tumor mutation burden, copy number variant, microsatellite instability score, survival rate, pathological stage, immune phenotype, immune score, immune cell, cancer stemness index, and drug sensitivity. The prognosis models were significantly associated with survival rate in lung squamous carcinoma, breast cancer, and stomach cancer; and the prognosis model-based riskscore was significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics of each cancer. CONCLUSIONS The study provided a comprehensive pan-cancer landscape of Nrf2 pathway-related genes. Based on the same Nrf2 pathway-related genes, the different prognosis models were constructed for different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, 440 Jiyan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 6699 Qingdao Road, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
- Gastroenterology Research Institute and Clinical Center, Shandong First Medical University, 38 Wuying Shan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250031, China
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Hamada S, Matsumoto R, Masamune A. HIF-1 and NRF2; Key Molecules for Malignant Phenotypes of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020411. [PMID: 35053572 PMCID: PMC8773475 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer progression involves interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells in harsh tumor microenvironments, which are characterized by hypoxia, few nutrients, and oxidative stress. Clinically, cancer cells overcome therapeutic interventions, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, to continue to survive. Activation of the adaptation mechanism is required for cancer cell survival under these conditions, and it also contributes to the acquisition of the malignant phenotype. Stromal cells, especially pancreatic stellate cells, play a critical role in the formation of a cancer-promoting microenvironment. We here review the roles of key molecules, hypoxia inducible factor-1 and KEAP1-NRF2, in stress response mechanisms for the adaptation to hypoxia and oxidative stress in pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells. Various cancer-promoting properties associated with these molecules have been identified, and they might serve as novel therapeutic targets in the future. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is intractable due to early progression and resistance to conventional therapy. Dense fibrotic stroma, known as desmoplasia, is a characteristic feature of pancreatic cancer, and develops through the interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and stromal cells, including pancreatic stellate cells. Dense stroma forms harsh tumor microenvironments characterized by hypoxia, few nutrients, and oxidative stress. Pancreatic cancer cells as well as pancreatic stellate cells survive in the harsh microenvironments through the altered expression of signaling molecules, transporters, and metabolic enzymes governed by various stress response mechanisms. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 and KEAP1-NRF2, stress response mechanisms for hypoxia and oxidative stress, respectively, contribute to the aggressive behaviors of pancreatic cancer. These key molecules for stress response mechanisms are activated, both in pancreatic cancer cells and in pancreatic stellate cells. Both factors are involved in the mutual activation of cancer cells and stellate cells, by inducing cancer-promoting signals and their mediators. Therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways are promising approaches for novel therapies. In this review, we summarize the roles of stress response mechanisms, focusing on hypoxia inducible factor-1 and KEAP1-NRF2, in pancreatic cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential of targeting these molecules for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Tanaka Y, Hamada S, Matsumoto R, Taguchi K, Yamamoto M, Masamune A. Nrf2 expression in pancreatic stellate cells promotes progression of cancer. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 321:G378-G388. [PMID: 34405729 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00120.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It was previously identified that systemic Nrf2 deletion attenuates pancreatic cancer progression in a mutant K-ras/p53-expressing mouse model (KPC mouse). In this study, the type of cell that is responsible for the retarded cancer progression was elucidated. Human pancreatic cancers were first examined, and elevated expression of NRF2-target gene products in α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells was found, suggesting that pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are involved in this process. Closer examination of primary cultured PSCs from Nrf2-deleted mice revealed that the cells were less proliferative and retained a lower migration capacity. The conditioned medium of Nrf2-deleted PSCs exhibited reduced growth-stimulating effects in pancreatic cancer cells. KPC mouse-derived pancreatic cancer cells coinjected with wild-type PSCs developed significantly larger subcutaneous tumors in immunodeficient mice than those coinjected with Nrf2-deleted PSCs. These results demonstrate that Nrf2 actively contributes to the function of PSCs to sustain KPC cancer progression, thus, suggesting that Nrf2 inhibition in PSCs may be therapeutically important in pancreatic cancer.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study identified that Nrf2 contributes to PSC activation. Nrf2 deletion in PSCs resulted in attenuation of cancer-promoting role. Nrf2 in PSCs could be an attractive therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Safarpour AR, Askari H, Ejtehadi F, Azarnezhad A, Raeis-Abdollahi E, Tajbakhsh A, Abazari MF, Tarkesh F, Shamsaeefar A, Niknam R, Sivandzadeh GR, Lankarani KB, Ejtehadi F. Cholangiocarcinoma and liver transplantation: What we know so far? World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol 2021; 12:84-105. [PMID: 34676129 PMCID: PMC8481789 DOI: 10.4291/wjgp.v12.i5.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a type of cancer with increasing prevalence around the world that originates from cholangiocytes, the epithelial cells of the bile duct. The tumor begins insidiously and is distinguished by high grade neoplasm, poor outcome, and high risk for recurrence. Liver transplantation has become broadly accepted as a treatment option for CCA. Liver transplantation is expected to play a crucial role as palliative and curative therapy for unresectable hilar CCA and intrahepatic CCA. The purpose of this study was to determine which cases with CCA should be subjected to liver transplantation instead of resection, although reported post-transplant recurrence rate averages approximately 20%. This review also aims to highlight the molecular current frontiers of CCA and directions of liver transplantation for CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Reza Safarpour
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Hassan Askari
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Farshid Ejtehadi
- The Princess Alexandra Hospital HNS Trust, Harlow, Essex CM20 1QX, United Kingdom
| | - Asaad Azarnezhad
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617913446, Iran
| | - Ehsan Raeis-Abdollahi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Qom Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran
| | - Amir Tajbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Mohammad Foad Abazari
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417653761, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Tarkesh
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Alireza Shamsaeefar
- Shiraz Organ Transplant Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7193711351, Iran
| | - Ramin Niknam
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Sivandzadeh
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
| | | | - Fardad Ejtehadi
- Department of Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 7134814336, Iran
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Hamada S, Matsumoto R, Tanaka Y, Taguchi K, Yamamoto M, Masamune A. Nrf2 Activation Sensitizes K-Ras Mutant Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Glutaminase Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1870. [PMID: 33672789 PMCID: PMC7918355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains intractable owing to the lack of effective therapy for unresectable cases. Activating mutations of K-ras are frequently found in pancreatic cancers, but these have not yet been targeted by cancer therapies. The Keap1-Nrf2 system plays a crucial role in mediating the oxidative stress response, which also contributes to cancer progression. Nrf2 activation reprograms the metabolic profile to promote the proliferation of cancer cells. A recent report suggested that K-ras- and Nrf2-active lung cancer cells are sensitive to glutamine depletion. This finding led to the recognition of glutaminase inhibitors as novel anticancer agents. In the current study, we used murine pancreatic cancer tissues driven by mutant K-ras and p53 to establish cell lines expressing constitutively activated Nrf2. Genetic or pharmacological Nrf2 activation in cells via Keap1 deletion or Nrf2 activation sensitized cells to glutaminase inhibition. This phenomenon was confirmed to be dependent on K-ras activation in human pancreatic cancer cell lines harboring mutant K-ras, i.e., Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 in response to DEM pretreatment. This phenomenon was not observed in BxPC3 cells harboring wildtype K-ras. These results indicate the possibility of employing Nrf2 activation and glutaminase inhibition as novel therapeutic interventions for K-ras mutant pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Ryotaro Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Yu Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
| | - Keiko Taguchi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; (K.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; (K.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan; (R.M.); (Y.T.); (A.M.)
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9
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Robertson H, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Hayes JD. NRF2 and the Ambiguous Consequences of Its Activation during Initiation and the Subsequent Stages of Tumourigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3609. [PMID: 33276631 PMCID: PMC7761610 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2, encoded in the human by NFE2L2) mediates short-term adaptation to thiol-reactive stressors. In normal cells, activation of NRF2 by a thiol-reactive stressor helps prevent, for a limited period of time, the initiation of cancer by chemical carcinogens through induction of genes encoding drug-metabolising enzymes. However, in many tumour types, NRF2 is permanently upregulated. In such cases, its overexpressed target genes support the promotion and progression of cancer by suppressing oxidative stress, because they constitutively increase the capacity to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), and they support cell proliferation by increasing ribonucleotide synthesis, serine biosynthesis and autophagy. Herein, we describe cancer chemoprevention and the discovery of the essential role played by NRF2 in orchestrating protection against chemical carcinogenesis. We similarly describe the discoveries of somatic mutations in NFE2L2 and the gene encoding the principal NRF2 repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) along with that encoding a component of the E3 ubiquitin-ligase complex Cullin 3 (CUL3), which result in permanent activation of NRF2, and the recognition that such mutations occur frequently in many types of cancer. Notably, mutations in NFE2L2, KEAP1 and CUL3 that cause persistent upregulation of NRF2 often co-exist with mutations that activate KRAS and the PI3K-PKB/Akt pathway, suggesting NRF2 supports growth of tumours in which KRAS or PKB/Akt are hyperactive. Besides somatic mutations, NRF2 activation in human tumours can occur by other means, such as alternative splicing that results in a NRF2 protein which lacks the KEAP1-binding domain or overexpression of other KEAP1-binding partners that compete with NRF2. Lastly, as NRF2 upregulation is associated with resistance to cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we describe strategies that might be employed to suppress growth and overcome drug resistance in tumours with overactive NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Robertson
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; (H.R.); (A.T.D.-K.)
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; (H.R.); (A.T.D.-K.)
| | - John D. Hayes
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; (H.R.); (A.T.D.-K.)
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10
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Schmidlin CJ, Zeng T, Liu P, Wei Y, Dodson M, Chapman E, Zhang DD. Chronic arsenic exposure enhances metastatic potential via NRF2-mediated upregulation of SOX9. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 402:115138. [PMID: 32682831 PMCID: PMC7594696 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low dose arsenic exposure continues to be a worldwide health concern because of its prevalence and link to increased cancer risk, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mortality of NSCLC patients increases with the development of a metastatic lesion compared to when the tumor is localized; however, the exact mechanism for what causes NSCLC cells to metastasize in the context of environmental toxicant exposure has yet to be fully elucidated. One proposed contributor to metastasis in NSCLC is nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor with known oncogenic properties that has proved to be critical for arsenic carcinogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that chronic arsenic exposure enhances the invasive and migratory capacity of immortalized lung epithelial cells via NRF2-dependent upregulation of SRY-box 9 (SOX9), another transcription factor linked with cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. We identified a functional antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter region of SOX9, suggesting that it is an NRF2 target gene, with mutation of the ARE preventing NRF2 binding. Pharmacological induction or inhibition of NRF2 increased or decreased SOX9 expression, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate that hyperactivation of NRF2 via knockout of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), its negative regulator, contributes to proliferation; while, inhibition of NRF2 or direct knockdown of SOX9 slowed the ability of NSCLC cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade. Overall, this study suggests that NRF2-mediated SOX9 upregulation can contribute to the metastatic potential of both environmentally and genetically driven lung tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Schmidlin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Tao Zeng
- Institutue of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Matthew Dodson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Eli Chapman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Donna D Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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11
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Hayes JD, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Tew KD. Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:167-197. [PMID: 32649885 PMCID: PMC7439808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1167] [Impact Index Per Article: 291.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Contingent upon concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence cancer evolution in apparently contradictory ways, either initiating/stimulating tumorigenesis and supporting transformation/proliferation of cancer cells or causing cell death. To accommodate high ROS levels, tumor cells modify sulfur-based metabolism, NADPH generation, and the activity of antioxidant transcription factors. During initiation, genetic changes enable cell survival under high ROS levels by activating antioxidant transcription factors or increasing NADPH via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). During progression and metastasis, tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress by increasing NADPH in various ways, including activation of AMPK, the PPP, and reductive glutamine and folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hayes
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland.
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth D Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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