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Suzuki K, Masuike Y, Mizuno R, Sachdeva UM, Chatterji P, Andres SF, Sun W, Klein-Szanto AJ, Besharati S, Remotti HE, Verzi MP, Rustgi AK. LIN28B induces a differentiation program through CDX2 in colon cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:140382. [PMID: 33755595 PMCID: PMC8262288 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.140382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) are moderately differentiated or well differentiated, a status that is preserved even in metastatic tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC differentiation remain to be elucidated. Herein, we unravel a potentially novel posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism via a LIN28B/CDX2 signaling axis that plays a critical role in mediating CRC differentiation. Owing to a large number of mRNA targets, the mRNA-binding protein LIN28B has diverse functions in development, metabolism, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. Our RNA-binding protein IP (RIP) assay revealed that LIN28B directly binds CDX2 mRNA, which is a pivotal homeobox transcription factor in normal intestinal epithelial cell identity and differentiation. Furthermore, LIN28B overexpression resulted in enhanced CDX2 expression to promote differentiation in subcutaneous xenograft tumors generated from CRC cells and metastatic tumor colonization through mesenchymal-epithelial transition in CRC liver metastasis mouse models. A ChIP sequence for CDX2 identified α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) as a potentially novel transcriptional target of CDX2 in the context of LIN28B overexpression. We also found that AMACR enhanced intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity, which is known as a key component of intestinal differentiation, through the upregulation of butyric acid. Overall, we demonstrated that LIN28B promotes CRC differentiation through the CDX2/AMACR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Suzuki
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yasunori Masuike
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rei Mizuno
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Uma M Sachdeva
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priya Chatterji
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah F Andres
- Papé Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Wenping Sun
- Institute for Biomedical informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andres J Klein-Szanto
- Histopathology Facility and Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sepideh Besharati
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Helen E Remotti
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael P Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Lv S, Wang N, Lv H, Yang J, Liu J, Li WP, Zhang C, Chen ZJ. The Attenuation of Trophoblast Invasion Caused by the Downregulation of EZH2 Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Human Recurrent Miscarriage. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:377-387. [PMID: 30710891 PMCID: PMC6356049 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is currently defined as two or more losses of a clinically established intrauterine pregnancy. Despite years of research, RM continues to be a clinically frustrating challenge for patients and physicians, and its etiology remains poorly understood. Accumulating evidence has suggested that epigenetic modifications are involved in early embryogenesis, and defects in epigenetic patterning contribute to the development of RM. Here, we studied the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in the pathogenesis of RM and found that the EZH2 expression was significantly decreased in the villi from women with RM compared with that in control villi. EZH2 promoted the invasion of trophoblast cells. Moreover, EZH2 could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition by epigenetically silencing CDX1. Both chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR and dual-luciferase report assays demonstrated that EZH2 repressed CDX1 transcription via direct binding to its promoter region and then trimethylating Histone3-Lysine27. Furthermore, we discovered that progesterone, which is used extensively in the treatment of miscarriage and RM, increased the expression of EZH2 via the extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway. These findings revealed that EZH2 may regulate trophoblast invasion as an epigenetic factor, suggesting that EZH2 might be a potential therapeutic target for RM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijian Lv
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Na Wang
- Obstetrical Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, No. 128, Shenyang Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200090, China
| | - Hong Lv
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Jieqiong Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Wei-Ping Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China.
| | - Cong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, 88 East Wenhua Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250014, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China.
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China.
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Sun X, Du M, Navarre DA, Zhu MJ. Purple Potato Extract Promotes Intestinal Epithelial Differentiation and Barrier Function by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase. Mol Nutr Food Res 2018; 62:10.1002/mnfr.201700536. [PMID: 29193691 PMCID: PMC7192330 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201700536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Perturbation of gut epithelial barrier function induces inflammation and other health problems that originate from the gut. Purple potato contains a high content of beneficial polyphenolic compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of purple potato extract (PPE) on intestinal differentiation and barrier function, and explore its underlying mechanism using Caco-2 cells and ex vivo cultured gut tissues. METHODS AND RESULTS PPE increases transepithelial electrical resistance and decreases FITC-dextran paracellular flux in Caco-2 cells, which are associated with strengthened intestinal epithelial differentiation in both Caco-2 cells and ex vivo guts. Furthermore, PPE treatment enhances AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, concomitant with the increased expression of CDX2, a key transcriptional factor regulating intestinal epithelial differentiation. Knocking out AMPK using CRISPR/Cas9 system abolishes the positive effects of PPE on intestinal epithelial differentiation and barrier function, in junction with the reduced expression of CDX2. CONCLUSION PPE improves gut epithelial differentiation and barrier function via activating AMPK, indicating that PPE, as well as associated purple potato consumption, could be used as a supportive dietary therapeutic strategy for improving gut epithelial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Sun
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Min Du
- Department of Animal Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Duroy A. Navarre
- Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Prosser, WA 99350, USA
| | - Mei-Jun Zhu
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
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Kong J, Sai H, Crissey MAS, Jhala N, Falk GW, Ginsberg GG, Abrams JA, Nakagawa H, Wang K, Rustgi AK, Wang TC, Lynch JP. Immature myeloid progenitors promote disease progression in a mouse model of Barrett's-like metaplasia. Oncotarget 2015; 6:32980-3005. [PMID: 26460825 PMCID: PMC4741744 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cdx2, an intestine specific transcription factor, is expressed in Barrett's esophagus (BE). We sought to determine if esophageal Cdx2 expression would accelerate the onset of metaplasia in the L2-IL-1β transgenic mouse model for Barrett's-like metaplasia. The K14-Cdx2::L2-IL-1β double transgenic mice had half as many metaplastic nodules as control L2-IL-1β mice. This effect was not due to a reduction in esophageal IL-1β mRNA levels nor diminished systemic inflammation. The diminished metaplasia was due to an increase in apoptosis in the K14-Cdx2::L2-IL-1β mice. Fluorescence activated cell sorting of immune cells infiltrating the metaplasia identified a population of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells that are significantly reduced in K14-Cdx2::L2-IL-1β mice. These cells have features of immature granulocytes and have immune-suppressing capacity. We demonstrate that the apoptosis in K14-Cdx2::L2-IL-1β mice is CD8+ T cell dependent, which CD11b+Gr-1+ cells are known to inhibit. Lastly, we show that key regulators of CD11b+Gr-1+ cell development, IL-17 and S100A9, are significantly diminished in the esophagus of K14-Cdx2::L2-IL-1β double transgenic mice. We conclude that metaplasia development in this mouse model for Barrett's-like metaplasia requires suppression of CD8+ cell dependent apoptosis, likely mediated by immune-suppressing CD11b+Gr-1+ immature myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Kong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hong Sai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary Ann S. Crissey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nirag Jhala
- Department of Pathology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gary W. Falk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory G. Ginsberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julian A. Abrams
- Division of Gastroenterology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John P. Lynch
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Liu YQ, Bai ZG, Ma XM, Zhang ZT. CDX2 inhibits invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10/Akt signaling pathway. Chin Med J (Engl) 2015; 128:1065-71. [PMID: 25881601 PMCID: PMC4832947 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.155092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world today, with a high mortality rate. CDX2 is a Drosophila caudal-related homeobox transcription factor that plays an important role in GC. Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) is an important tumor suppressor which is widely expressed in normal human tissues. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship and mechanism between CDX2 and PTEN in invasion and migration of GC cells. METHODS pcDNA3-CDX2 plasmids were transfected into MGC-803 cells to up-regulate CDX2 protein, and small interfering RNA-CDX2 was transfected to down-regulate CDX2. The influence of CDX2 or PTEN on cell migration and invasion was measured by invasion, migration and wound healing assays. Western blotting assay and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of CDX2, PTEN, phosphorylation of Akt, E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Statistical significance was determined by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS The results showed that CDX2 reduced the migration and invasion of GC cells (P < 0.05), and inhibited the activity of Akt through down-regulating PTEN expression (P < 0.05). CDX2 also restrained epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GC cells. CONCLUSIONS CDX2 inhibited invasion and migration of GC cells by PTEN/Akt signaling pathway, and that may be used for potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhong-Tao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
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6
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Villarin BL, Cameron K, Szkolnicka D, Rashidi H, Bates N, Kimber SJ, Flint O, Forbes SJ, Iredale JP, Bradley M, Hay DC. Polymer Supported Directed Differentiation Reveals a Unique Gene Signature Predicting Stable Hepatocyte Performance. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:1820-5. [PMID: 26109270 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In theory, pluripotent stem cells can give rise to all somatic cell types found in the human body. The ability to generate renewable sources of human cells has enormous potential to improve human health and wealth. One major obstacle to the routine deployment of stem cell-derived cells is their instability in culture. To tackle this issue a synthetic polymer surface is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baltasar Lucendo Villarin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Kate Cameron
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Dagmara Szkolnicka
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Hassan Rashidi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Nicola Bates
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Oliver Flint
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - John P Iredale
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Mark Bradley
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - David C Hay
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
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Gehren AS, Rocha MR, de Souza WF, Morgado-Díaz JA. Alterations of the apical junctional complex and actin cytoskeleton and their role in colorectal cancer progression. Tissue Barriers 2015; 3:e1017688. [PMID: 26451338 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2015.1017688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer represents the fourth highest mortality rate among cancer types worldwide. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate their progression can prevents or reduces mortality due to this disease. Epithelial cells present an apical junctional complex connected to the actin cytoskeleton, which maintains the dynamic properties of this complex, tissue architecture and cell homeostasis. Several studies have indicated that apical junctional complex alterations and actin cytoskeleton disorganization play a critical role in epithelial cancer progression. However, few studies have examined the existence of an interrelation between these 2 components, particularly in colorectal cancer. This review discusses the recent progress toward elucidating the role of alterations of apical junctional complex constituents and of modifications of actin cytoskeleton organization and discusses how these events are interlinked to modulate cellular responses related to colorectal cancer progression toward successful metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Sartorio Gehren
- Program of Cellular Biology; Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) ; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Murilo Ramos Rocha
- Program of Cellular Biology; Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) ; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - José Andrés Morgado-Díaz
- Program of Cellular Biology; Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) ; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Livigni A, Peradziryi H, Sharov AA, Chia G, Hammachi F, Migueles RP, Sukparangsi W, Pernagallo S, Bradley M, Nichols J, Ko MSH, Brickman JM. A conserved Oct4/POUV-dependent network links adhesion and migration to progenitor maintenance. Curr Biol 2013; 23:2233-2244. [PMID: 24210613 PMCID: PMC4228055 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2013.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The class V POU domain transcription factor Oct4 (Pou5f1) is a pivotal regulator of embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal and reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Oct4 is also an important evolutionarily conserved regulator of progenitor cell differentiation during embryonic development. RESULTS Here we examine the function of Oct4 homologs in Xenopus embryos and compare this to the role of Oct4 in maintaining mammalian embryo-derived stem cells. Based on a combination of expression profiling of Oct4/POUV-depleted Xenopus embryos and in silico analysis of existing mammalian Oct4 target data sets, we defined a set of evolutionary-conserved Oct4/POUV targets. Most of these targets were regulators of cell adhesion. This is consistent with Oct4/POUV phenotypes observed in the adherens junctions in Xenopus ectoderm, mouse embryonic, and epiblast stem cells. A number of these targets could rescue both Oct4/POUV phenotypes in cellular adhesion and multipotent progenitor cell maintenance, whereas expression of cadherins on their own could only transiently support adhesion and block differentiation in both ESC and Xenopus embryos. CONCLUSIONS Currently, the list of Oct4 transcriptional targets contains thousands of genes. Using evolutionary conservation, we identified a core set of functionally relevant factors that linked the maintenance of adhesion to Oct4/POUV. We found that the regulation of adhesion by the Oct4/POUV network occurred at both transcriptional and posttranslational levels and was required for pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Livigni
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Hanna Peradziryi
- The Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei A Sharov
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH Biomedical Research Centre, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Gloryn Chia
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Fella Hammachi
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Rosa Portero Migueles
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Woranop Sukparangsi
- The Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Salvatore Pernagallo
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, King's Buildings, the University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Mark Bradley
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, King's Buildings, the University of Edinburgh, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Minoru S H Ko
- Laboratory of Genetics, National Institute on Aging, NIH Biomedical Research Centre, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 100, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Systems Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, Japan
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, 5 Little France Drive, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK; The Danish Stem Cell Centre (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, 3B Blegdamsvej, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Liu X, Zhang X, Zhan Q, Brock MV, Herman JG, Guo M. CDX2 serves as a Wnt signaling inhibitor and is frequently methylated in lung cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 13:1152-7. [PMID: 22892849 PMCID: PMC3469472 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.21344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant promoter region hypermethylation of upstream transcription factors may be responsible for silencing entire anti-neoplastic gene networks. In this study, we explored whether transcription factor coding gene, caudal-related homeobox 2 (CDX2), is silenced by promoter hypermethylation in lung cancer, and examined its potential tumor-suppressive functions. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that four of six lung cancer cell lines exhibited no or weak CDX2 expression. Expression of CDX2 was correlated to CDX2 promoter region methylation status, as determined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfite sequencing. Restoration of CDX2 expression was induced by treatment with demethylating drug 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA) in lung cancer cell lines. Methylation of CDX2 was common in human primary lung cancer (61 of 110 tumors, 55.45%), but no methylation was found in normal lung tissues. Re-expression of CDX2 suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation and blocked cells in G1 phase. β-catenin/TCF activity and downstream genes expression were inhibited by re-expression of CDX2, and increased by depletion of CDX2. In conclusion, CDX2 is frequently methylated in lung cancer, and expression of CDX2 is regulated by promoter region hypermethylation. CDX2 may serve as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer and inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation by suppressing Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Hinkel I, Duluc I, Martin E, Guenot D, Freund JN, Gross I. Cdx2 controls expression of the protocadherin Mucdhl, an inhibitor of growth and β-catenin activity in colon cancer cells. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:875-885.e3. [PMID: 22202456 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The intestine-specific homeobox transcription factor Cdx2 is an important determinant of intestinal identity in the embryonic endoderm and regulates the balance between proliferation and differentiation in the adult intestinal epithelium. Human colon tumors often lose Cdx2 expression, and heterozygous inactivation of Cdx2 in mice increases colon tumorigenesis. We sought to identify Cdx2 target genes to determine how it contributes to intestinal homeostasis. METHODS We used expression profiling analysis to identify genes that are regulated by Cdx2 in colon cancer cells lines. Regulation and function of a potential target gene were further investigated using various cell assays. RESULTS In colon cancer cell lines, Cdx2 directly regulated the transcription of the gene that encodes the protocadherin Mucdhl. Mucdhl localized to the apex of differentiated cells in the intestinal epithelium, and its expression was reduced in most human colon tumors. Overexpression of Mucdhl inhibited low-density proliferation of colon cancer cells and reduced tumor formation in nude mice. One isoform of Mucdhl interacted with β-catenin and inhibited its transcriptional activity. CONCLUSIONS The transcription factor Cdx2 activates expression of the protocadherin Mucdhl, which interacts with β-catenin and regulates activities of intestinal cells. Loss of Cdx2 expression in colon cancer cells might reduce expression of Mucdhl and thereby lead to tumor formation.
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Math1/Atoh1 contributes to intestinalization of esophageal keratinocytes by inducing the expression of Muc2 and Keratin-20. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:845-57. [PMID: 22147253 PMCID: PMC3407817 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-011-1998-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal intestinal metaplasia, also known as Barrett's esophagus, is the replacement of the normal epithelium with one that resembles the intestine morphologically. Generally, this includes intestinal mucin-secreting goblet cells. Barrett's esophagus is an important risk factor for adenocarcinoma development. In-vitro models for Barrett's esophagus have not, to date, focused on the induction of goblet cells in Barrett's epithelium. AIMS To explore the contribution of Math1/Atoh1 to induction of Barrett's esophagus and intestinal mucin-secreting goblet cells from normal human esophageal epithelium. METHODS We explored the level and pattern of Math1/Atoh1 mRNA and protein expression in human Barrett's esophagus. Then, using retroviral-mediated gene expression, we induced Math1 mRNA and protein expression in a human esophageal keratinocyte cell line. We evaluated the effects of this ectopic Math1 expression on cell proliferation and gene expression patterns in cells cultured under two-dimensional and three-dimensional tissue-engineering conditions. RESULTS Math1/Atoh1 mRNA and protein are detected in human Barrett's esophagus specimens, but the mRNA levels vary substantially. In the keratinocyte expression studies, we observed that Math1/Atoh1 ectopic expression significantly reduced cell proliferation and altered cell morphology. Moreover, Math1/Atoh1 expression is associated with a more intestinalized gene expression pattern that is distinct from that reported in after studies using other intestinal transcription factors. Most significantly, we observe the induction of the Barrett's esophagus markers Mucin-2 and Keratin-20 with Math1/Atoh1 expression. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ectopic Math1/Atoh1 expression makes unique contributions to intestinalization of the esophageal epithelium in Barrett's esophagus.
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Tsang SM, Brown L, Lin K, Liu L, Piper K, O'Toole EA, Grose R, Hart IR, Garrod DR, Fortune F, Wan H. Non-junctional human desmoglein 3 acts as an upstream regulator of Src in E-cadherin adhesion, a pathway possibly involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris. J Pathol 2012; 227:81-93. [DOI: 10.1002/path.3982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Cox2 and β-catenin/T-cell factor signaling intestinalize human esophageal keratinocytes when cultured under organotypic conditions. Neoplasia 2012; 13:792-805. [PMID: 21969813 DOI: 10.1593/neo.11788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is rising in the United States. An important risk factor for EAC is the presence of Barrett esophagus (BE). BE is the replacement of normal squamous esophageal epithelium with a specialized columnar epithelium in response to chronic acid and bile reflux. However, the emergence of BE from squamous keratinocytes has not yet been demonstrated. Our research has focused on this. Wnt and cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox2) are two pathways whose activation has been associated with BE and progression to EAC, but their role has not been tested experimentally. To explore their contribution, we engineered a human esophageal keratinocyte cell line to express either a dominant-active Wnt effector CatCLef or a Cox2 complementary DNA. In a two-dimensional culture environment, Cox2 expression increases cell proliferation and migration, but neither transgene induces known BE markers. In contrast, when these cells were placed into three-dimensional organotypic culture conditions, we observed more profound effects. CatCLef-expressing cells were more proliferative, developed a thicker epithelium, and upregulated Notch signaling and several BE markers including NHE2. Cox2 expression also increased cell proliferation and induced a thicker epithelium. More importantly, we observed cysts form within the epithelium, filled with intestinal mucins including Muc5B and Muc17. This suggests that Cox2 expression in a three-dimensional culture environment induces a lineage of mucin-secreting cells and supports an important causal role for Cox2 in BE pathogenesis. We conclude that in vitro modeling of BE pathogenesis can be improved by enhancing Wnt signaling and Cox2 activity and using three-dimensional organotypic culture conditions.
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Kong J, Crissey MA, Funakoshi S, Kreindler JL, Lynch JP. Ectopic Cdx2 expression in murine esophagus models an intermediate stage in the emergence of Barrett's esophagus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18280. [PMID: 21494671 PMCID: PMC3071814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an intestinal metaplasia that occurs in the setting of chronic acid and bile reflux and is associated with a risk for adenocarcinoma. Expression of intestine-specific transcription factors in the esophagus likely contributes to metaplasia development. Our objective was to explore the effects of an intestine-specific transcription factor when expressed in the mouse esophageal epithelium. Transgenic mice were derived in which the transcription factor Cdx2 is expressed in squamous epithelium using the murine Keratin-14 gene promoter. Effects of the transgene upon cell proliferation and differentiation, gene expression, and barrier integrity were explored. K14-Cdx2 mice express the Cdx2 transgene in esophageal squamous tissues. Cdx2 expression was associated with reduced basal epithelial cell proliferation and altered cell morphology. Ultrastructurally two changes were noted. Cdx2 expression was associated with dilated space between the basal cells and diminished cell-cell adhesion caused by reduced Desmocollin-3 mRNA and protein expression. This compromised epithelial barrier function, as the measured trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the K14-Cdx2 epithelium was significantly reduced compared to controls (1189 Ohm*cm(2) ±343.5 to 508 Ohm*cm(2)±92.48, p = 0.0532). Secondly, basal cells with features of a transitional cell type, intermediate between keratinocytes and columnar Barrett's epithelial cells, were observed. These cells had reduced keratin bundles and increased endoplasmic reticulum levels, suggesting the adoption of secretory-cell features. Moreover, at the ultrastructural level they resembled "Distinctive" cells associated with multilayered epithelium. Treatment of the K14-Cdx2 mice with 5'-Azacytidine elicited expression of BE-associated genes including Cdx1, Krt18, and Slc26a3/Dra, suggesting the phenotype could be advanced under certain conditions. We conclude that ectopic Cdx2 expression in keratinocytes alters cell proliferation, barrier function, and differentiation. These altered cells represent a transitional cell type between normal squamous and columnar BE cells. The K14-Cdx2 mice represent a useful model to study progression from squamous epithelium to BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Kong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary Ann Crissey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shinsuke Funakoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - James L. Kreindler
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John P. Lynch
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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15
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Crissey MAS, Guo RJ, Funakoshi S, Kong J, Liu J, Lynch JP. Cdx2 levels modulate intestinal epithelium maturity and Paneth cell development. Gastroenterology 2011; 140:517-528.e8. [PMID: 21081128 PMCID: PMC3031739 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Revised: 10/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Caudal-related homeobox protein 2 (Cdx2) is an intestine-specific transcription factor that is important for intestinal development and intestine-specific gene expression. Cdx2 regulates intestinal cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, and the transcriptional activities of Wnt and β-catenin in cell culture systems. We generated transgenic mice that overexpress Cdx2 in the small intestinal and colonic epithelium to investigate the role of Cdx2 in differentiation and function of the intestinal epithelium. METHODS We established 4 different lines of villin-Cdx2 transgenic mice. Intestines were collected from infant, 3-month old, and wild-type mice. Genes of interest and cell lineage markers were examined by polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Villin-Cdx2 transgenic mice had complex phenotypes that were associated with transgene expression levels. The 2 lines that had the greatest levels of transgene expression had significant, preweaning failure to grow and death; these were the result of early epithelial maturation and alterations in nutrient digestion and absorption. Fat malabsorption was a prominent feature. Other effects associated with the transgene expression included loss of Paneth cell markers, increases in goblet cells, and migration of proliferating, EphB2-expressing cells to the crypt base. Loss of Paneth cell markers was associated with reduced nuclear localization of β-catenin but not homeotic posteriorization of the epithelium by Cdx2. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of Cdx2 in the small intestine is associated with reduced post-natal growth, early epithelial maturation, alterations in crypt base organization, and changes in Paneth and goblet cell lineages. Cdx2 is a critical regulator not only of intestine-specific genes, but also processes that determine epithelial maturity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ann S Crissey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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16
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Tsang SM, Liu L, Teh MT, Wheeler A, Grose R, Hart IR, Garrod DR, Fortune F, Wan H. Desmoglein 3, via an interaction with E-cadherin, is associated with activation of Src. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14211. [PMID: 21151980 PMCID: PMC2997060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), a desmosomal adhesion protein, is expressed in basal and immediate suprabasal layers of skin and across the entire stratified squamous epithelium of oral mucosa. However, increasing evidence suggests that the role of Dsg3 may involve more than just cell-cell adhesion. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine possible additional roles of Dsg3 during epithelial cell adhesion we used overexpression of full-length human Dsg3 cDNA, and RNAi-mediated knockdown of this molecule in various epithelial cell types. Overexpression of Dsg3 resulted in a reduced level of E-cadherin but a colocalisation with the E-cadherin-catenin complex of the adherens junctions. Concomitantly these transfected cells exhibited marked migratory capacity and the formation of filopodial protrusions. These latter events are consistent with Src activation and, indeed, Src-specific inhibition reversed these phenotypes. Moreover Dsg3 knockdown, which also reversed the decreased level of E-cadherin, partially blocked Src phosphorylation. Conclusions/Significance Our data are consistent with the possibility that Dsg3, as an up-stream regulator of Src activity, helps regulate adherens junction formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Man Tsang
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li Liu
- Centre for Infectious Disease, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muy-Teck Teh
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Wheeler
- Imaging Facility, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Grose
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Institute of Cancer, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian R. Hart
- Centre for Tumor Biology, Institute of Cancer, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Garrod
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farida Fortune
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hong Wan
- Centre for Clinical and Diagnostic Oral Sciences, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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17
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Funakoshi S, Kong J, Crissey MA, Dang L, Dang D, Lynch JP. Intestine-specific transcription factor Cdx2 induces E-cadherin function by enhancing the trafficking of E-cadherin to the cell membrane. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2010; 299:G1054-67. [PMID: 20671195 PMCID: PMC2993167 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00297.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cdx2 is an intestine-specific transcription factor required for normal intestinal epithelium development. Cdx2 regulates the expression of intestine-specific genes and induces cell adhesion and columnar morphogenesis. Cdx2 also has tumor-suppressor properties, including the reduction of colon cancer cell proliferation and cell invasion, the latter due to its effects on cell adhesion. E-cadherin is a cell adhesion protein required for adherens junction formation and the establishment of intestinal cell polarity. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which Cdx2 regulates E-cadherin function. Two colon cancer cell lines were identified in which Cdx2 expression was associated with increased cell-cell adhesion and diminished cell migration. In both cell lines, Cdx2 did not directly alter E-cadherin levels but increased its trafficking to the cell membrane compartment. Cdx2 enhanced this trafficking by altering receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity. Cdx2 expression diminished phosphorylated Abl and phosphorylated Rac levels, which are downstream effectors of RTKs. Specific chemical inhibition or short interfering RNA (shRNA) knockdown of c-Abl kinase phenocopied Cdx2's cell-cell adhesion effects. In Colo 205 cells, Cdx2 reduced PDGF receptor and IGF-I receptor activation. This was mediated by caveolin-1, which was induced by Cdx2. Targeted shRNA knockdown of caveolin-1 restored PDGF receptor and reversed E-cadherin membrane trafficking, despite Cdx2 expression. We conclude that Cdx2 regulates E-cadherin function indirectly by disrupting RTK activity and enhancing E-cadherin trafficking to the cell membrane compartment. This novel mechanism advances Cdx2's prodifferentiation and antitumor properties and suggests that Cdx2 may broadly regulate RTK activity in normal intestinal epithelium by modulating membrane trafficking of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Funakoshi
- 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
| | - Jianping Kong
- 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
| | - Mary Ann Crissey
- 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
| | - Long Dang
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; and
| | - Duyen Dang
- 3Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - John P. Lynch
- 1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
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Li P, Waldman SA. Corruption of homeostatic mechanisms in the guanylyl cyclase C signaling pathway underlying colorectal tumorigenesis. Cancer Biol Ther 2010; 10:211-8. [PMID: 20592492 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.10.3.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, originates from the malignant transformation of intestinal epithelial cells. The intestinal epithelium undergoes a highly organized process of rapid regeneration along the crypt-villus axis, characterized by proliferation, migration, differentiation and apoptosis, whose coordination is essential to maintaining the mucosal barrier. Disruption of these homeostatic processes predisposes cells to mutations in tumor suppressors or oncogenes, whose dysfunction provides transformed cells an evolutionary growth advantage. While sequences of genetic mutations at different stages along the neoplastic continuum have been established, little is known of the events initiating tumorigenesis prior to adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations. Here, we examine a role for the corruption of homeostasis induced by silencing novel tumor suppressors, including the intestine-specific transcription factor CDX2 and its gene target guanylyl cyclase C (GCC), as early events predisposing cells to mutations in APC and other sequential genes that initiate colorectal cancer. CDX2 and GCC maintain homeostatic regeneration in the intestine by restricting cell proliferation, promoting cell maturation and adhesion, regulating cell migration and defending the intestinal barrier and genomic integrity. Elimination of CDX2 or GCC promotes intestinal tumor initiation and growth in aged mice, mice carrying APC mutations or mice exposed to carcinogens. The roles of CDX2 and GCC in suppressing intestinal tumorigenesis, universal disruption in their signaling through silencing of hormones driving GCC, and the uniform overexpression of GCC by tumors underscore the potential value of oral replacement with GCC ligands as targeted prevention and therapy for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Barrett's oesophagus is the replacement of normal squamous oesophageal epithelium with an intestinalized columnar epithelium. Although some insight has been gained as to what Barrett's oesophagus is, how this columnar epithelium emerges from within a stratified squamous epithelium remains an unanswered question. We have sought to determine whether oesophageal keratinocytes can be trans-differentiated into Barrett's oesophagus cells. Using an Affymetrix microarray, we found unexpectedly that gene-expression patterns in the Barrett's oesophagus were only slightly more similar to the normal small intestine than they were to the normal oesophagus. Thus gene-expression patterns suggest significant molecular similarities remain between Barrett's oesophagus cells and normal squamous oesophageal epithelium, despite their histological resemblance with intestine. We next determined whether directed expression of intestine-specific transcription factors could induce intestinalization of keratinocytes. Retroviral-mediated Cdx2 (Caudal-type homeobox 2) expression in immortalized human oesophageal keratinocytes engineered with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (EPC2-hTERT cells) could be established transiently, but not maintained, and was associated with a reduction in cell proliferation. Co-expression of cyclin D1 rescued proliferation in the Cdx2-expressing cells, but co-expression of dominant-negative p53 did not. Cdx2 expression in the EPC2-hTERT.D1 cells did not induce intestinalization. However, when combined with treatments that induce chromatin remodelling, there was a significant induction of Barrett's oesophagus-associated genes. Studies are ongoing to determine whether other intestinal transcription factors, either alone or in combination, can provoke greater intestinalization of oesophageal keratinocytes. We conclude that, on the basis of gene-expression patterns, Barrett's oesophagus epithelial cells may represent an intermediate between oesophageal keratinocytes and intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, our findings suggest that it may be possible to induce Barrett's oesophagus epithelial cells from oesophageal keratinocytes by altering the expression of certain critical genes.
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20
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Hernández MV, Wehrendt DP, Arregui CO. The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B is required for efficient delivery of N-cadherin to the cell surface. Mol Biol Cell 2010; 21:1387-97. [PMID: 20181825 PMCID: PMC2854096 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-10-0880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This work shows a novel role of PTP1B in the regulation of N-cadherin trafficking. PTP1B is required for the association of p120 to the N-cadherin precursor and this event is crucial for trafficking of the complex through the early stages of the secretory pathway. PTP1B bound to mature N-cadherin promotes the association of β-catenin into the complex, the stable expression of the complex at cell surface, and cadherin-mediated adhesion. Here we show that PTP1B is also required for N-cadherin precursor trafficking through early stages of the secretory pathway. This function does not require association of PTP1B with the precursor. In PTP1B null cells, the N-cadherin precursor showed higher sensitivity to endoglycosidase H than in cells reconstituted with the wild-type enzyme. It also showed slower kinetics of ER-to-Golgi translocation and processing. Trafficking of the viral stomatitis vesicular glycoprotein, VSV-G, however, revealed no differences between PTP1B null and reconstituted cells. N-cadherin precursor complexes contained similar levels of α- and β-catenin regardless of PTP1B expression. In contrast, the associated p120 catenin (p120) was significantly reduced in absence of PTP1B expression. An N-cadherin precursor construct defective in p120 binding, and expressed in PTP1B reconstituted cells, showed higher sensitivity to endoglycosidase H and slower kinetics of processing than the wild-type precursor. Our results suggest that PTP1B promotes the association of p120 to the N-cadherin precursor, facilitating the trafficking of the complex from the ER to the Golgi complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas (IIB-INTECH), Universidad de San Martín, 1650 San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Stairs DB, Kong J, Lynch JP. Cdx genes, inflammation, and the pathogenesis of intestinal metaplasia. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2010; 96:231-70. [PMID: 21075347 PMCID: PMC6005371 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-381280-3.00010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a biologically interesting and clinically relevant condition in which one differentiated type of epithelium is replaced by another that is morphologically similar to normal intestinal epithelium. Two classic examples of this are gastric IM and Barrett's esophagus (BE). In both, a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, provoked either by Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach or acid and bile reflux into the esophagus, precedes the metaplasia. The Caudal-related homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 are critical regulators of the normal intestinal epithelial cell phenotype. Ectopic expression of Cdx1 and Cdx2 occurs in both gastric IM as well as in BE. This expression precedes the onset of the metaplasia and implies a causal role for these factors in this process. We review the observations regarding the role of chronic inflammation and the Cdx transcription factors in the pathogenesis of gastric IM and BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Stairs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Chen Y, Chen CH, Tung PY, Huang SH, Wang SM. An acidic extracellular pH disrupts adherens junctions in HepG2 cells by Src kinases-dependent modification of E-cadherin. J Cell Biochem 2009; 108:851-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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23
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Fu Z, Kim J, Vidrich A, Sturgill TW, Cohn SM. Intestinal cell kinase, a MAP kinase-related kinase, regulates proliferation and G1 cell cycle progression of intestinal epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2009; 297:G632-40. [PMID: 19696144 PMCID: PMC2763805 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00066.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal cell kinase (ICK), originally cloned from the intestine and expressed in the intestinal crypt epithelium, is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that is similar to mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the catalytic domain and requires dual phosphorylation within a MAPK-like TDY motif for full activation. Despite these similarities to MAPKs, the biological functions of ICK remain unknown. In this study, we report that suppression of ICK expression in cultured intestinal epithelial cells by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference significantly impaired cellular proliferation and induced features of gene expression characteristic of colonic or enterocytic differentiation. Downregulation of ICK altered expression of cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1, c-Myc, and p21(Cip1/WAF1)) of G(1)-S transition, consistent with the G(1) cell cycle delay induced by ICK shRNA. ICK deficiency also led to a significant decrease in the expression and/or activity of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), concomitant with reduced expression of their upstream regulators, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the regulatory associated protein of mTOR (Raptor). Furthermore, ICK interacts with the mTOR/Raptor complex in vivo and phosphorylates Raptor in vitro. These results suggest that disrupting ICK function may downregulate protein translation of specific downstream targets of eIF4E and S6K1 such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc through the mTOR/Raptor signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings demonstrate an important role for ICK in proliferation and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fu
- Digestive Health Center of Excellence, Univ. of Virginia Health System, PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Jungeun Kim
- 1Digestive Health Center of Excellence and Department of Medicine and
| | - Alda Vidrich
- 1Digestive Health Center of Excellence and Department of Medicine and
| | - Thomas W. Sturgill
- 2Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Steven M. Cohn
- 1Digestive Health Center of Excellence and Department of Medicine and
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24
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Guo RJ, Funakoshi S, Lee HH, Kong J, Lynch JP. The intestine-specific transcription factor Cdx2 inhibits beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity by disrupting the beta-catenin-TCF protein complex. Carcinogenesis 2009; 31:159-66. [PMID: 19734199 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgp213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdx2 is an intestine-specific transcription factor known to regulate proliferation and differentiation. We have reported previously that Cdx2 limits the proliferation of human colon cancer cells by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of the beta-catenin-T-cell factor (TCF) bipartite complex. Herein we further elucidate this mechanism. Studies with a classic Cdx2 target gene and a canonical Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF reporter suggest that Cdx2 regulates these promoters by distinctly different processes. Specifically, inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF activity by Cdx2 does not require Cdx2 transcriptional activity. Instead, Cdx2 binds beta-catenin and disrupts its interaction with the DNA-binding TCF factors, thereby silencing beta-catenin/TCF target gene expression. Using Cdx2 mutants, we map the Cdx2 domains required for the inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF activity. We identify a subdomain in the N-terminus that is highly conserved and when mutated significantly reduces Cdx2 inhibition of beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity. Mutation of this subdomain also abrogates Cdx2's anti-proliferative effects in colon cancer cells. In summary, we conclude that Cdx2 binds beta-catenin and disrupts the beta-catenin-TCF complex. Considering the pivotal role of beta-catenin/TCF activity in driving proliferation of normal intestinal epithelial and colon cancer cells, our findings suggest a novel mechanism for Cdx2-mediated regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jun Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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25
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Protein kinase C-Fyn kinase cascade mediates the oleic acid-induced disassembly of neonatal rat cardiomyocyte adherens junctions. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:1536-46. [PMID: 19166962 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oleic acid (OA) affects assembly of gap junctions in neonatal cardiomyocytes. Adherens junction (AJ) regulates the stability of gap junction integrity; however, the effect of OA on AJ remains largely unexplored. The distribution of N-cadherin and catenins at cell-cell junction was decreased by OA. OA induced activation of protein kinase C(PKC)-alpha and -epsilon and Src family kinase, and all three kinases were involved in the oleic acid-induced disassembly of the adherens junction, since it was blocked by pretreatment with Gö6976 (a PKCalpha inhibitor), epsilonV1-2 (a PKCepsilon inhibitor), or PP2 (a Src family kinase inhibitor). Src family kinase appeared to be the downstream of PKC-alpha and -epsilon, as blockade of either PKC-alpha or -epsilon activity prevented the OA-induced activation of Src family kinase. Immunoprecipitation analyses showed that OA activated Fyn and Fer. OA promoted the association of p120 catenin/beta-catenin with Fyn and Fer and caused increased tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin and beta-catenin, resulting in decreased binding of the former to N-cadherin and of the latter to alpha-catenin. Pretreatment with PP2 abrogated this OA-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin and beta-catenin and restored the association of N-cadherin with p120 catenin and that of beta-catenin with alpha-catenin. In conclusion, these results show that OA activates the PKC-Fyn signaling pathway, leading to the disassembly of the AJ. Therefore, inhibitors of PKC-alpha/-epsilon and Src family kinase are potential candidates as cardioprotection agents against OA-induced heart injury during ischemia-reperfusion.
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Kong J, Nakagawa H, Isariyawongse BK, Funakoshi S, Silberg DG, Rustgi AK, Lynch JP. Induction of intestinalization in human esophageal keratinocytes is a multistep process. Carcinogenesis 2009; 30:122-30. [PMID: 18845559 PMCID: PMC2722140 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgn227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2008] [Revised: 08/28/2008] [Accepted: 09/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the replacement of normal squamous esophageal mucosa with an intestinalized columnar epithelium. The molecular mechanisms underlying its development are not understood. Cdx2 is an intestine-specific transcription factor that is ectopically expressed in BE, but its role in this process is unclear. Herein, we describe a novel cell culture model for BE. Retroviral-mediated Cdx2 expression in immortalized human esophageal keratinocytes [EPC-human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)] could transiently be established but not maintained and was associated with a reduction in cell proliferation. Coexpression of cyclin D1, but not a dominant-negative p53, rescued proliferation in the Cdx2-expressing cells. Cdx2 expression in the EPC-hTERT.D1 cells decreased cell proliferation but did not induce intestinalization. We investigated for other treatments to enhance intestinalization and found that acidic culture conditions uniformly killed EPC-hTERT.D1.Cdx2 cells. However, treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-AzaC) to demethylate epigenetically silenced genes did appear to be tolerated. Multiple Cdx2 target genes, markers of intestinal differentiation and markers of BE, were induced by this 5-AzaC treatment. More interestingly, the expression level of several of these genes was enhanced only in the EPC-hTERT.D1-Cdx2 cells treated with 5-AzaC. Two of these, SLC26a3/DRA (downregulated in adenoma) and Na+/H+ exchanger 2 (NHE2), were not previously known to be elevated in BE; however, we confirmed their elevation in BE tissue samples. 5-AzaC treatment also induced cell senescence, even at low doses. We conclude that ectopic proliferation signals, alterations in epigenetic gene regulation and the inhibition of tumor suppressor mechanisms are required for Cdx2-mediated intestinalization of human esophageal keratinocytes in BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Kong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brandon K. Isariyawongse
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shinsuke Funakoshi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Debra G. Silberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850-5437, USA
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John P. Lynch
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Funakoshi S, Ezaki T, Kong J, Guo RJ, Lynch JP. Repression of the desmocollin 2 gene expression in human colon cancer cells is relieved by the homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2. Mol Cancer Res 2008; 6:1478-90. [PMID: 18819935 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-07-2161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Desmosomes are intracellular junctions that provide strong cell-cell adhesion in epithelia and cardiac muscle. Their disruption causes several human diseases and contributes to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition observed in cancer. Desmocollin 2 (DSC2) is a cadherin superfamily member and a critical component of desmosomes found in intestinal epithelium. However, the mechanism regulating DSC2 gene expression in intestinal cells is not known. Cdx1 and Cdx2 are homeodomain transcription factors that regulate intestine-specific gene expression. Cdx expression in the past has been associated with the induction of desmosomes. We now show that the DSC2 gene is a transcriptional target for Cdx1 and Cdx2. Colon cancer cell lines retaining Cdx2 expression typically express DSC2. Restoration of Cdx expression in Colo 205 cells induced DSC2 mRNA and protein and the formation of desmosomes. The 5'-flanking region of the DSC2 promoter contains two consensus Cdx-binding sites. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays show that Cdx1 and Cdx2 bind these sites in vitro, and chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed Cdx2 binding in vivo. DSC2 promoter truncations established that these regions are Cdx responsive. The truncations also identify a region of the promoter in which potent transcriptional repressors act. This repressor activity is relieved by Cdx binding. We conclude that the homeodomain transcription factors Cdx1 and Cdx2 regulate DSC2 gene expression in intestinal epithelia by reversing the actions of a transcriptional repressor. The regulation of desmosomal junctions by Cdx contributes to normal intestinal epithelial columnar morphology and likely antagonizes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition necessary for the metastasis of colon cancer cells in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Funakoshi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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28
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Winter MC, Shasby S, Shasby DM. Compromised E-cadherin adhesion and epithelial barrier function with activation of G protein-coupled receptors is rescued by Y-to-F mutations in beta-catenin. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2007; 294:L442-8. [PMID: 18083766 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00404.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the type 1 histamine (H1) or the type 2 protease-activated (PAR-2) G protein-coupled receptors interrupts E-cadherin adhesion and decreases the transepithelial resistance (TER) of epithelium. Several reports suggest that cadherin adhesive function depends on the association of cadherin with beta-catenin and that this association is regulated by phosphorylation of tyrosines in beta-catenin. We tested the hypothesis that loss of cadherin adhesion and compromise of TER on activation of the H1 or PAR-2 receptor is due to phosphorylation of tyrosines in beta-catenin. L cells were stably transfected to express E-cadherin (L-E-cad cells) and H1 (L-H1-E-cad cells). L cells and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells constitutively express PAR-2. Stably transfected L-E-cad, L-H1-E-cad, and MDCK cells were also stably transfected with FLAG-tagged wild-type (WT) or mutant beta-catenin, converting tyrosine 142, 489, or 654 to the nonphosphorylatable mimetic, phenylalanine (WT, Y142F, Y489F, or Y654F). Activation of H1 or PAR-2 interrupted adhesion to an immobilized E-cadherin-Fc fusion protein of L-H1-E-cad, L-E-cad, and MDCK cells expressing WT or Y142F beta-catenin but did not interrupt adhesion of L-H1-E-cad, L-E-cad, and MDCK cells expressing the Y489F or Y654F mutant beta-catenins. PAR-2 activation decreased the TER of monolayers of MDCK cells expressing WT or Y142F beta-catenin 40-45%. However, PAR-2 activation did not decrease the TER of monolayers of MDCK cells expressing Y489F or Y654F beta-catenin. The protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B binds to the cadherin cytoplasmic domain and dephosphorylates beta-catenin. Inhibition of PTP1B interrupted adhesion to E-cadherin-Fc of MDCK cells expressing WT beta-catenin but did not affect the adhesion of MDCK cells expressing Y489F or Y654F beta-catenin. Similarly, inhibition of PTP1B compromised the TER of MDCK cells expressing WT beta-catenin but did not affect the TER of MDCK cells expressing Y489F or Y654F beta-catenin. We conclude that phosphorylation of tyrosines 489 and 654 in beta-catenin is a necessary step in the process by which G protein-coupled H1 and PAR-2 receptors interrupt E-cadherin adhesion. We also conclude that activation of PAR-2 has no effect on the TER without first interrupting E-cadherin adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Winter
- University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, C33 GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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