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Perampalam P, MacDonald JI, Zakirova K, Passos DT, Wasif S, Ramos-Valdes Y, Hervieu M, Mehlen P, Rottapel R, Gibert B, Correa RJM, Shepherd TG, Dick FA. Netrin signaling mediates survival of dormant epithelial ovarian cancer cells. eLife 2024; 12:RP91766. [PMID: 39023520 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Dormancy in cancer is a clinical state in which residual disease remains undetectable for a prolonged duration. At a cellular level, rare cancer cells cease proliferation and survive chemotherapy and disseminate disease. We created a suspension culture model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) dormancy and devised a novel CRISPR screening approach to identify survival genes in this context. In combination with RNA-seq, we discovered the Netrin signaling pathway as critical to dormant HGSOC cell survival. We demonstrate that Netrin-1, -3, and its receptors are essential for low level ERK activation to promote survival, and that Netrin activation of ERK is unable to induce proliferation. Deletion of all UNC5 family receptors blocks Netrin signaling in HGSOC cells and compromises viability during the dormancy step of dissemination in xenograft assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 and -3 overexpression in HGSOC correlates with poor outcome. Specifically, our experiments reveal that Netrin overexpression elevates cell survival in dormant culture conditions and contributes to greater spread of disease in a xenograft model of abdominal dissemination. This study highlights Netrin signaling as a key mediator HGSOC cancer cell dormancy and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirunthan Perampalam
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - James I MacDonald
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Komila Zakirova
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Daniel T Passos
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Sumaiyah Wasif
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Yudith Ramos-Valdes
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- The Mary and John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, Canada
| | - Maeva Hervieu
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Netris Pharma, Lyon, France
| | - Rob Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory - Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLAsCAN, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Rohann J M Correa
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- The Mary and John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Frederick A Dick
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, London, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, Canada
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2
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Alehashem M, Alcaraz AJ, Hogan N, Weber L, Siciliano SD, Hecker M. Linking pesticide exposure to neurodegenerative diseases: An in vitro investigation with human neuroblastoma cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173041. [PMID: 38723972 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Although many organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been banned or restricted because of their persistence and linkage to neurodegenerative diseases, there is evidence of continued human exposure. In contrast, registered herbicides are reported to have a moderate to low level of toxicity; however, there is little information regarding their toxicity to humans or their combined effects with OCPs. This study aimed to characterize the mechanism of toxicity of banned OCP insecticides (aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, and lindane) and registered herbicides (trifluralin, triallate, and clopyralid) detected at a legacy contaminated pesticide manufacturing and packing site using SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability, LDH release, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase 3/7 activity were evaluated following 24 h of exposure to the biocides. In addition, RNASeq was conducted at sublethal concentrations to investigate potential mechanisms involved in cellular toxicity. Our findings suggested that aldrin and heptachlor were the most toxic, while dieldrin, lindane, trifluralin, and triallate exhibited moderate toxicity, and clopyralid was not toxic to SH-SY5Y cells. While aldrin and heptachlor induced their toxicity through damage to the cell membrane, the toxicity of dieldrin was partially attributed to necrosis and apoptosis. Moreover, toxic effects of lindane, trifluralin, and triallate, at least partially, were associated with ROS generation. Gene expression profiles suggested that decreased cell viability induced by most of the tested biocides was related to inhibited cell proliferation. The dysregulation of genes encoding for proteins with anti-apoptotic properties also supported the absence of caspase activation. Identified enriched terms showed that OCP toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was mediated through pathways associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pesticide-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, it introduced SH-SY5Y cells as a relevant in vitro model for investigating the neurotoxicity of pesticides in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alehashem
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - A J Alcaraz
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - N Hogan
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; Department of Animal Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - L Weber
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - S D Siciliano
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada
| | - M Hecker
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada.
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3
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Nisar H, Sanchidrián González PM, Labonté FM, Schmitz C, Roggan MD, Kronenberg J, Konda B, Chevalier F, Hellweg CE. NF-κB in the Radiation Response of A549 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells to X-rays and Carbon Ions under Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4495. [PMID: 38674080 PMCID: PMC11050661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular hypoxia, detectable in up to 80% of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumors, is a known cause of radioresistance. High linear energy transfer (LET) particle radiation might be effective in the treatment of hypoxic solid tumors, including NSCLC. Cellular hypoxia can activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which can modulate radioresistance by influencing cancer cell survival. The effect of high-LET radiation on NF-κB activation in hypoxic NSCLC cells is unclear. Therefore, we compared the effect of low (X-rays)- and high (12C)-LET radiation on NF-κB responsive genes' upregulation, as well as its target cytokines' synthesis in normoxic and hypoxic A549 NSCLC cells. The cells were incubated under normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (1% O2) for 48 h, followed by irradiation with 8 Gy X-rays or 12C ions, maintaining the oxygen conditions until fixation or lysis. Regulation of NF-κB responsive genes was evaluated by mRNA sequencing. Secretion of NF-κB target cytokines, IL-6 and IL-8, was quantified by ELISA. A greater fold change increase in expression of NF-κB target genes in A549 cells following exposure to 12C ions compared to X-rays was observed, regardless of oxygenation status. These genes regulate cell migration, cell cycle, and cell survival. A greater number of NF-κB target genes was activated under hypoxia, regardless of irradiation status. These genes regulate cell migration, survival, proliferation, and inflammation. X-ray exposure under hypoxia additionally upregulated NF-κB target genes modulating immunosurveillance and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Increased IL-6 and IL-8 secretion under hypoxia confirmed NF-κB-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Therefore, radiotherapy, particularly with X-rays, may increase tumor invasiveness in surviving hypoxic A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Nisar
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Paulina Mercedes Sanchidrián González
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Frederik M. Labonté
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Claudia Schmitz
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Marie Denise Roggan
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica Kronenberg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
- Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bikash Konda
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
| | - François Chevalier
- UMR6252 CIMAP, CEA-CNRS-ENSICAEN-University of Caen Normandy, 14000 Caen, France;
| | - Christine E. Hellweg
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany; (H.N.); (P.M.S.G.); (J.K.); (B.K.)
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4
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Huang YH, Wang WL, Wang PH, Lee HT, Chang WW. EXOSC5 maintains cancer stem cell activity in endometrial cancer by regulating the NTN4/integrin β1 signalling axis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:265-279. [PMID: 38164180 PMCID: PMC10750274 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.86275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is a common type of uterine cancer in developed countries, originating from the uterine epithelium. The incidence rate of EC in Taiwan has doubled from 2005. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that have high tumorigenicity and play a crucial role in the malignant processes of cancer. Targeting molecules associated with CSCs is essential for effective cancer treatments. This study delves into the role of Exosome component 5 (EXOSC5) in EC. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas suggests a correlation between high EXOSC5 mRNA expression and unfavorable EC prognosis. EXOSC5 knockdown diminished EC-CSC self-renewal and reduced expression of key cancer stemness proteins, including c-MYC and SOX2. Intriguingly, this knockdown significantly curtailed tumorigenicity and CSC frequency in EC tumor spheres. A mechanistic examination revealed a reduction in netrin4 (NTN4) levels in EXOSC5-depleted EC cells. Moreover, NTN4 treatment amplified EC cell CSC activity and, when secreted, NTN4 partnered with integrin β1, subsequently triggering the FAK/SRC axis to elevate c-MYC activity. A clear positive relation between EXOSC5 and NTN4 was evident in 93 EC tissues. In conclusion, EXOSC5 augments NTN4 expression, activating c-MYC via the integrin β1/FAK/SRC pathway, offering potential avenues for EC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Huang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ling Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hui Wang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Te Lee
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Institute of Anatomy & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 115024, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wei Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
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5
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Vennela J, Pottakkat B, Vairappan BS, Verma SK, Mukherjee V. Hepatic Expression of NTN4 and Its Receptors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:4285-4292. [PMID: 38156865 PMCID: PMC10909082 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.12.4285] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Netrin-4 (NTN4) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been reported to control angiogenesis and preserve endothelial homeostasis. Macrovascular invasion of the portal vein, referred to as portal vein invasion (PVI) is associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. In this work, we sought to understand more about the systemic and hepatic level expression of NTN4 and its receptors in HCC patients with and without portal vein invasion. METHODS A total of 154 patients with HCC, and 90 healthy volunteers were recruited in this case-control study. Patients with HCC were further subdivided into those with portal vein invasion (PVI) (n=68), and those without portal vein invasion (NPVI) (n=86). Clinical characteristics and liver function parameters were recorded among the study subjects PVI and NPVI. The serum levels of NTN4 (pg/ml) were estimated by ELISA. HCC tissues and normal non-tumorous liver tissues (controls) were collected for gene expression analysis of NTN4 and its receptors. RESULTS ALT, ALP, and GGT levels were significantly elevated in the serum of HCC patients with PVI compared to NPVI and control subjects. Systemic NTN4 was significantly reduced in both PVI and NPVI patients compared to control subjects. At the tissue level, the hepatic NTN4 followed a similar trend with significantly lower mRNA expression in both patients with PVI and NPVI compared to control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Systemic and hepatic NTN4 levels were reduced in both PVI and NPVI subjects. The hepatic expression of NTN4 receptors Neogenin and UNC5B were markedly elevated in patients with HCC with PVI compared to NPVI. Future experimental studies might shed the role of NTN4 and its receptors in the development of PVI in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi Vennela
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
| | - Biju Pottakkat
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
| | - Bala subramaniyan Vairappan
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
| | - Surendra Kumar Verma
- Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
| | - Victor Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
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Wu Z, Liu S, Pang G, Jiang H. RNA‑binding protein quaking 5 inhibits the progression of non‑small cell lung cancer by upregulating netrin‑4 expression. Oncol Rep 2023; 50:204. [PMID: 37800632 PMCID: PMC10565892 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It was recently reported that netrin‑4 (Ntn‑4), a component of the extracellular matrix, when downregulated, is involved in the progression of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal tumours, neuroblastoma and gastric cancer. In the present study, the level of Ntn‑4 was examined in a public non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) dataset from the Netherlands Cancer Institute. This analysis revealed that the mRNA expression level of Ntn‑4 was lower in the samples of patients with NSCLC compared with that in the control samples. Consistent with the mRNA level, the protein level of Ntn‑4 was also found to be decreased in NSCLC cells. However, both the function of Ntn‑4 and the underlying mechanisms of Ntn‑4 downregulation in NSCLC have yet to be fully elucidated. As was anticipated, the overexpression of Ntn‑4 led to a marked decrease in the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Notably, RNA‑binding protein quaking 5 (Qki‑5) was found to exhibit antitumor activity in lung cancer, not only by enhancing the level of Ntn‑4 by binding to Ntn‑4 mRNA, but also by suppressing the proliferation, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells. However, Qki‑5 is known to be frequently downregulated in NSCLC. Moreover, the knockdown of Ntn‑4 was found to reverse the suppressive effects of Qki‑5 on NSCLC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the findings of the present study demonstrate that Ntn‑4 is able to suppress the progression of NSCLC, and that the level of Ntn‑4 can be regulated by Qki‑5. Therefore, Ntn‑4 may be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Shijun Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Geshuo Pang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, P.R. China
| | - Hongfang Jiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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7
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Jyothi V, Pottakkat B, V B, Verma SK. Serum Levels of Netrin-4 and Its Association With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Results From a Case-Control Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e43844. [PMID: 37736464 PMCID: PMC10510428 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis plays a vital role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by contributing to tumor growth and metastasis. Netrin-4 (NTN4) is a secreted glycoprotein that regulates angiogenesis and maintains endothelial homeostasis. There were no studies found focusing on the value of NTN4 as a serum biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the systemic expression of NTN4 in patients with HCC. We also explore the association of NTN4 with major clinicopathological and biochemical characteristics of HCC. METHODS A total of 116 patients with HCC and 44 healthy volunteers were recruited in this case-control study. Clinical characteristics and liver function parameters were recorded among the study subjects. The levels of α-fetoprotein (AFP) were quantified in patients with HCC. The serum levels of NTN4 (pg/ml) were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The median NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in patients with HCC when compared to control subjects (p < 0.0001). There was no difference between NTN4 levels in AFP-positive patients and AFP-negative patients (p = 0.39). Of note, NTN4 levels were significantly decreased in HCC patients with metastasis (p < 0.02) and portal vein invasion (p < 0.04). Further, NTN4 levels were significantly reduced in HCC patients with Child-Pugh C score (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve for serum levels of NTN4 in the HCC group and control group was generated. At a cut-off of 30 pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for NTN4 were 80% and 82%, respectively, with an AUC of 0.894. CONCLUSIONS Low levels of NTN4 were associated with increased tumor aggressiveness and metastasis in HCC. Estimation of circulating NTN4 has prognostic value as a minimally invasive biomarker in HCC. Future studies might shed the role of NTN4 in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vennela Jyothi
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Biju Pottakkat
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Balasubramaniyan V
- Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Surendra Kumar Verma
- Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, IND
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8
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Lainé A, Gonzalez-Lopez AM, Hasan U, Ohkuma R, Ray-Coquard I. Immune Environment and Immunotherapy in Endometrial Carcinoma and Cervical Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072042. [PMID: 37046702 PMCID: PMC10093320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the seventh most common tumor in women, and prognosis of recurrent and metastatic disease is poor. Cervical cancer (CC) represents the fifth most common gynecological cancer. While ECs are more common in developed countries, the incidence of CC has decreased due to the recent implementation of large screening and vaccination programs. Until very recently, patients with advanced or unresectable EC or CC had very limited treatment options and were receiving in first line setting platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy (CT). Significant progress in the treatment of gynecological cancers has occurred in the last few years, with the use of innovative targeted therapies and immunotherapy. However, targeting the immune system in patients with gynecological tumors remains challenging and is not always successful. In ovarian cancer, several immunotherapy treatment regimens have been investigated (as monotherapy and combination therapy in first and subsequent lines of treatment) and showed poor responses. Therefore, we specifically focused our review on EC and CC for their specific immune-related features and therapeutic results demonstrated with immunotherapy. We report recent and current immunotherapy-based clinical trials and provide a review of emerging data that are likely to impact immunotherapy development based on increased biomarkers' identification to monitor response and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Uzma Hasan
- CIRI, Team Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and ImmunotheRapy INSERM U1111/UCBL 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69364 Lyon, France
- The Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL)/UMR Inserm 1052/CNRS 5286, CLB, 69373 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
| | - Ryotaro Ohkuma
- Team CISTAR, CRCL, INSERM-1052/CNRS-5286, CLB, Lyon, 69373 CEDEX 08, France
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- Centre Léon Bérard, University Claude Bernard Lyon I, 69373 Lyon CEDEX 08, France
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9
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An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
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10
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Guaiquil VH, Xiao C, Lara D, Dimailig G, Zhou Q. Expression of axon guidance ligands and their receptors in the cornea and trigeminal ganglia and their recovery after corneal epithelium injury. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:109054. [PMID: 35427568 PMCID: PMC9133167 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Axon guidance proteins are essential for axonal pathfinding during development. In adulthood, they have been described as pleiotropic proteins with multiple roles in different organs and tissues. While most studies on the roles of these proteins in the cornea have been performed on the Semaphorin family members, with few reports on Netrins or Ephrins, their function in corneal epithelium wound healing and functional nerve regeneration is largely unknown. Here, we studied the expression of ligands belonging to three distinct axon guidance families (Semaphorins, Ephrins, and Netrins) and their most commonly associated receptors in the cornea and trigeminal ganglia (TG) using immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. We also evaluated how their expression recovers after corneal epithelium injury. We found that all ligands studied (Sema3A, Sema3F, EphrinB1, EphrinB2, Netrin-1, and Netrin-4) are abundantly expressed in both the TG and corneal epithelium. Similarly, their receptors (Neuropilin-1, Neuropilin-2, PlexinA1, PlexinA3, EphB2, EphB4, Neogenin, UNC5H1 and DCC) are also expressed in both tissues. Upon corneal epithelium injury, quick recovery of both ligands and receptors was observed at the protein and gene expression levels. While the timing and expression levels vary among these proteins, in general, most of them remained upregulated for several weeks after injury. We propose that the initial protein expression recovery may be related to corneal epithelium recovery since Sema3A, EphrinB2 and Netrin-4 accelerated corneal epithelial cells wound healing. The sustained high expression levels may be functionally related to nerve regeneration and/or patterning. Whilst further studies are required to test this hypothesis, this work contributes to unraveling their function in normal and injured cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor H Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Cissy Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Lara
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Greigory Dimailig
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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11
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Bellina M, Bernet A. [Netrin-1, a novel antitumoral target]. Med Sci (Paris) 2022; 38:351-358. [PMID: 35485895 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2022038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Netrin-1, a secreted molecule that was first described for its role in guidance during embryogenesis, was then brought to light for its overexpression in a large number of aggressive cancers. Netrin-1 is a ligand of "dependence receptors". In adults, the interaction between Netrine-1 and these receptors triggers the survival, proliferation, and migration of different cell types. This will confer better survival properties to tumor cells, making them more prone to form aggressive tumors. A recently developed novel therapy aims at inhibiting the binding of Netrin-1 to these receptors in order to trigger cell death by apoptosis. This article presents a review of the functional characteristics of the Netrin-1 molecule, and the potential effects of a novel targeted therapy against Netrin-1 that could lead to very promising results in combination with conventional anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Bellina
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Agnès Bernet
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France
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12
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Belotti Y, Lim EH, Lim CT. The Role of the Extracellular Matrix and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in the Prognostication of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:404. [PMID: 35053566 PMCID: PMC8773831 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the eighth global leading cause of cancer-related death among women. The most common form is the high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). No further improvements in the 5-year overall survival have been seen over the last 40 years since the adoption of platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms governing this aggressive phenotype would help identify better therapeutic strategies. Recent research linked onset, progression, and response to treatment with dysregulated components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in many types of cancer. In this study, using bioinformatic approaches, we identified a 19-gene TME-related HGSOC prognostic genetic panel (19 prognostic genes (PLXNB2, HMCN2, NDNF, NTN1, TGFBI, CHAD, CLEC5A, PLXNA1, CST9, LOXL4, MMP17, PI3, PRSS1, SERPINA10, TLL1, CBLN2, IL26, NRG4, and WNT9A) by assessing the RNA sequencing data of 342 tumors available in the TCGA database. Using machine learning, we found that specific patterns of infiltrating immune cells characterized each risk group. Furthermore, we demonstrated the predictive potential of our risk score across different platforms and its improved prognostic performance compared with other gene panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Belotti
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
| | - Elaine Hsuen Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610, Singapore;
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
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13
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Ziegon L, Schlegel M. Netrin-1: A Modulator of Macrophage Driven Acute and Chronic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010275. [PMID: 35008701 PMCID: PMC8745333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Netrins belong to the family of laminin-like secreted proteins, which guide axonal migration and neuronal growth in the developing central nervous system. Over the last 20 years, it has been established that netrin-1 acts as a chemoattractive or chemorepulsive cue in diverse biological processes far beyond neuronal development. Netrin-1 has been shown to play a central role in cell adhesion, cell migration, proliferation, and cell survival in neuronal and non-neuronal tissue. In this context, netrin-1 was found to orchestrate organogenesis, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and inflammation. In inflammation, as in neuronal development, netrin-1 plays a dichotomous role directing the migration of leukocytes, especially monocytes in the inflamed tissue. Monocyte-derived macrophages have long been known for a similar dual role in inflammation. In response to pathogen-induced acute injury, monocytes are rapidly recruited to damaged tissue as the first line of immune defense to phagocyte pathogens, present antigens to initiate the adaptive immune response, and promote wound healing in the resolution phase. On the other hand, dysregulated macrophages with impaired phagocytosis and egress capacity accumulate in chronic inflammation sites and foster the maintenance-and even the progression-of chronic inflammation. In this review article, we will highlight the dichotomous roles of netrin-1 and its impact on acute and chronic inflammation.
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14
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Vásquez X, Sánchez-Gómez P, Palma V. Netrin-1 in Glioblastoma Neovascularization: The New Partner in Crime? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8248. [PMID: 34361013 PMCID: PMC8348949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common primary tumor of the central nervous system. It is characterized by having an infiltrating growth and by the presence of an excessive and aberrant vasculature. Some of the mechanisms that promote this neovascularization are angiogenesis and the transdifferentiation of tumor cells into endothelial cells or pericytes. In all these processes, the release of extracellular microvesicles by tumor cells plays an important role. Tumor cell-derived extracellular microvesicles contain pro-angiogenic molecules such as VEGF, which promote the formation of blood vessels and the recruitment of pericytes that reinforce these structures. The present study summarizes and discusses recent data from different investigations suggesting that Netrin-1, a highly versatile protein recently postulated as a non-canonical angiogenic ligand, could participate in the promotion of neovascularization processes in GBM. The relevance of determining the angiogenic signaling pathways associated with the interaction of Netrin-1 with its receptors is posed. Furthermore, we speculate that this molecule could form part of the microvesicles that favor abnormal tumor vasculature. Based on the studies presented, this review proposes Netrin-1 as a novel biomarker for GBM progression and vascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Vásquez
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Gómez
- Neurooncology Unit, Unidad Funcional de Investigación de Enfermedades Crónicas (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28220 Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Palma
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile;
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15
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Rosàs-Canyelles E, Modzelewski AJ, Gomez Martinez AE, Geldert A, Gopal A, He L, Herr AE. Multimodal detection of protein isoforms and nucleic acids from low starting cell numbers. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2427-2436. [PMID: 33978041 PMCID: PMC8206029 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00073j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein isoforms play a key role in disease progression and arise from mechanisms involving multiple molecular subtypes, including DNA, mRNA and protein. Recently introduced multimodal assays successfully link genomes and transcriptomes to protein expression landscapes. However, the specificity of the protein measurement relies on antibodies alone, leading to major challenges when measuring different isoforms of the same protein. Here we utilize microfluidic design to perform same-cell profiling of DNA, mRNA and protein isoforms (triBlot) on low starting cell numbers (1-100 s of cells). After fractionation lysis, cytoplasmic proteins are resolved by molecular mass during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), adding a degree of specificity to the protein measurement, while nuclei are excised from the device in sections termed "gel pallets" for subsequent off-chip nucleic acid analysis. By assaying TurboGFP-transduced glioblastoma cells, we observe a strong correlation between protein expression prior to lysis and immunoprobed protein. We measure both mRNA and DNA from retrieved nuclei, and find that mRNA levels correlate with protein abundance in TurboGFP-expressing cells. Furthermore, we detect the presence of TurboGFP isoforms differing by an estimated <1 kDa in molecular mass, demonstrating the ability to discern different proteoforms with the same antibody probe. By directly relating nucleic acid modifications to protein isoform expression in 1-100 s of cells, the triBlot assay holds potential as a screening tool for novel biomarkers in diseases driven by protein isoform expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Rosàs-Canyelles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. and The UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ana E Gomez Martinez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. and The UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alisha Geldert
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. and The UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anjali Gopal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. and The UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lin He
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Amy E Herr
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. and The UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA and Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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16
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Netrin-1 functions as a suppressor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8585. [PMID: 33883596 PMCID: PMC8060280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Netrin-1 is a secreted protein that is well known for its involvement in axonal guidance during embryonic development and as an enhancer of cancer cell metastasis. Despite extensive efforts, the molecular mechanisms behind many of the physiological functions of netrin-1 have remained elusive. Here, we show that netrin-1 functions as a suppressor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in various cellular systems, including a mutually inhibitory interaction with the BMP-promoting function of leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains (LRIG) proteins. The BMP inhibitory function of netrin-1 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts was dependent on the netrin receptor neogenin, with the expression level regulated by both netrin-1 and LRIG proteins. Our results reveal a previously unrecognized function of netrin-1 that may help to explain several of the developmental, physiological, and cancer-promoting functions of netrins at the signal transduction level.
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17
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Yamagishi S, Bando Y, Sato K. Involvement of Netrins and Their Receptors in Neuronal Migration in the Cerebral Cortex. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:590009. [PMID: 33520982 PMCID: PMC7843923 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.590009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, excitatory cortical neurons develop from the proliferative epithelium and progenitor cells in the ventricular zone and subventricular zone, and migrate radially to the cortical plate, whereas inhibitory GABAergic interneurons are born in the ganglionic eminence and migrate tangentially. The migration of newly born cortical neurons is tightly regulated by both extracellular and intracellular signaling to ensure proper positioning and projections. Non-cell-autonomous extracellular molecules, such as growth factors, axon guidance molecules, extracellular matrix, and other ligands, play a role in cortical migration, either by acting as attractants or repellents. In this article, we review the guidance molecules that act as cell-cell recognition molecules for the regulation of neuronal migration, with a focus on netrin family proteins, their receptors, and related molecules, including neogenin, repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs), Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM), fibronectin leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins (FLRTs), and draxin. Netrin proteins induce attractive and repulsive signals depending on their receptors. For example, binding of netrin-1 to deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), possibly together with Unc5, repels migrating GABAergic neurons from the ventricular zone of the ganglionic eminence, whereas binding to α3β1 integrin promotes cortical interneuron migration. Human genetic disorders associated with these and related guidance molecules, such as congenital mirror movements, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Yamagishi
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yuki Bando
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kohji Sato
- Department of Organ and Tissue Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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18
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Laminin N-terminus α31 protein distribution in adult human tissues. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239889. [PMID: 33264294 PMCID: PMC7710073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Laminin N-terminus α31 (LaNt α31) is a netrin-like protein derived from alternative splicing of the laminin α3 gene. Although LaNt α31 has been demonstrated to influence corneal and skin epithelial cell function, its expression has not been investigated beyond these tissues. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to characterise the distribution of this protein in a wide-array of human tissue sections in comparison to laminin α3. The data revealed widespread LaNt α31 expression. In epithelial tissue, LaNt α31 was present in the basal layer of the epidermis, throughout the epithelium of the digestive tract, and in much of the epithelium of the reproductive system. LaNt α31 was also found throughout the vasculature of most tissues, with enrichment in reticular-like fibres in the extracellular matrix surrounding large vessels. A similar matrix pattern was observed around the terminal ducts in the breast and around the alveolar epithelium in the lung, where basement membrane staining was also evident. Specific enrichment of LaNt α31 was identified in sub-populations of cells of the kidney, liver, pancreas, and spleen, with variations in intensity between different cell types in the collecting ducts and glomeruli of the kidney. Intriguingly, LaNt α31 immunoreactivity was also evident in neurons of the central nervous system, in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and spinal cord. Together these findings suggest that LaNt α31 may be functionally relevant in a wider range of tissue contexts than previously anticipated, and the data provides a valuable basis for investigation into this interesting protein.
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19
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Claro V, Ferro A. Netrin-1: Focus on its role in cardiovascular physiology and atherosclerosis. JRSM Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 9:2048004020959574. [PMID: 33282228 PMCID: PMC7691900 DOI: 10.1177/2048004020959574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The netrins form a family of laminin-related proteins which were first
described as modulators of cell migration and axonal guidance during
fetal development. Netrin-1 is the most extensively studied member of
this family and, since its discovery, non-neural roles have been
associated with it. Together with its receptors, DCC/neogenin and
UNC5, netrin-1 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of
angiogenesis, organogenesis, cancer and inflammation. An
NF-κB-dependent truncated isoform of netrin-1 has also been shown to
be produced in endothelial and some types of cancer cells, which both
accumulates in and affects the function of the nucleus. In
atherosclerosis, conflicting roles for netrin-1 have been reported on
plaque progression via its receptor UNC5b. Whereas endothelial-derived
netrin-1 inhibits chemotaxis of leukocytes and reduces the migration
of monocytes to the atherosclerotic plaque, netrin-1 expressed by
macrophages within the plaque plays a pro-atherogenic role, promoting
cell survival, recruiting smooth muscle cells and inhibiting foam cell
egress to the lymphatic system. In contrast, there is evidence that
netrin-1 promotes macrophage differentiation to an alternative
activated phenotype and induces expression of IL-4 and IL-13, while
downregulate expression of IL-6 and COX-2. Further work is needed to
elucidate the precise roles of the two isoforms of netrin-1 in
different cell types in the context of atherosclerosis, and its
potential as a putative novel therapeutic target in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Claro
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Albert Ferro
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, London, UK
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