1
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Sun J, Jin X, Zhang X, Zhang B. HMGA2 knockdown alleviates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by downregulating SNAI2 expression. Cell Signal 2023:110741. [PMID: 37268162 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex disease that is considered as the next major health epidemic with alarmingly increasing global prevalence. To explore the pathogenesis of NAFLD, data from GSE118892 were analyzed. High mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), a member of the high mobility group family, is declined in liver tissues of NAFLD rats. However, its role in NAFLD remains unknown. This study attempted to identify the multiple roles of HMGA2 in NAFLD process. NAFLD was induced in rats using a high-fat diet (HFD). In vivo, HMGA2 knockdown using adenovirus system attenuated liver injury and liver lipid deposition, accompanied by decreased NAFLD score, increased liver function, and decreased CD36 and FAS, indicating the deceleration of NAFLD progression. Moreover, HMGA2 knockdown restrained liver inflammation by decreasing the expression of related inflammatory factors. Importantly, HMGA2 knockdown attenuated liver fibrosis via downregulating the expression of fibrous proteins, and inhibiting the activation of TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. In vitro, HMGA2 knockdown relieved palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocyte injury and attenuated TGF-β1-induced liver fibrosis, consistent with in vivo findings. Strikingly, HMGA2 activated the transcription of SNAI2, which was evidenced by the dual luciferase assays. Moreover, HMGA2 knockdown largely downregulated SNAI2 levels. Indeed, SNAI2 overexpression effectively blocked the inhibitory effect of HMGA2 knockdown on NAFLD. Totally, our findings reveal that HMGA2 knockdown alleviates the progression of NAFLD by directly regulating the transcription of SNAI2. HMGA2 inhibition may emerge as a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiuli Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Birong Zhang
- Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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2
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Chia L, Wang B, Kim JH, Luo LZ, Shuai S, Herrera I, Chen SY, Li L, Xian L, Huso T, Heydarian M, Reddy K, Sung WJ, Ishiyama S, Guo G, Jaffee E, Zheng L, Cope LM, Gabrielson K, Wood L, Resar L. HMGA1 induces FGF19 to drive pancreatic carcinogenesis and stroma formation. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:151601. [PMID: 36919699 PMCID: PMC10014113 DOI: 10.1172/jci151601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin regulators are upregulated in diverse tumors where they portend adverse outcomes, although how they function in cancer remains unclear. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are highly lethal tumors characterized by dense desmoplastic stroma composed predominantly of cancer-associated fibroblasts and fibrotic tissue. Here, we uncover an epigenetic program whereby HMGA1 upregulates FGF19 during tumor progression and stroma formation. HMGA1 deficiency disrupts oncogenic properties in vitro while impairing tumor inception and progression in KPC mice and subcutaneous or orthotopic models of PDAC. RNA sequencing revealed HMGA1 transcriptional networks governing proliferation and tumor-stroma interactions, including the FGF19 gene. HMGA1 directly induces FGF19 expression and increases its protein secretion by recruiting active histone marks (H3K4me3, H3K27Ac). Surprisingly, disrupting FGF19 via gene silencing or the FGFR4 inhibitor BLU9931 recapitulates most phenotypes observed with HMGA1 deficiency, decreasing tumor growth and formation of a desmoplastic stroma in mouse models of PDAC. In human PDAC, overexpression of HMGA1 and FGF19 defines a subset of tumors with extremely poor outcomes. Our results reveal what we believe is a new paradigm whereby HMGA1 and FGF19 drive tumor progression and stroma formation, thus illuminating FGF19 as a rational therapeutic target for a molecularly defined PDAC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Chia
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bowen Wang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Li Z Luo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shuai Shuai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Iliana Herrera
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Liping Li
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lingling Xian
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tait Huso
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Woo Jung Sung
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shun Ishiyama
- Department of Pathology.,Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology
| | - Gongbo Guo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Leslie M Cope
- Department of Oncology, and.,Division of Biostatistics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Laura Wood
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and.,Department of Pathology.,Department of Oncology, and
| | - Linda Resar
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology and.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pathology.,Department of Oncology, and
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3
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Li L, Kim JH, Lu W, Williams DM, Kim J, Cope L, Rampal RK, Koche RP, Xian L, Luo LZ, Vasiljevic M, Matson DR, Zhao ZJ, Rogers O, Stubbs MC, Reddy K, Romero AR, Psaila B, Spivak JL, Moliterno AR, Resar LMS. HMGA1 chromatin regulators induce transcriptional networks involved in GATA2 and proliferation during MPN progression. Blood 2022; 139:2797-2815. [PMID: 35286385 PMCID: PMC9074401 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021013925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) transform to myelofibrosis (MF) and highly lethal acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although the actionable mechanisms driving progression remain elusive. Here, we elucidate the role of the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin regulator as a novel driver of MPN progression. HMGA1 is upregulated in MPN, with highest levels after transformation to MF or AML. To define HMGA1 function, we disrupted gene expression via CRISPR/Cas9, short hairpin RNA, or genetic deletion in MPN models. HMGA1 depletion in JAK2V617F AML cell lines disrupts proliferation, clonogenicity, and leukemic engraftment. Surprisingly, loss of just a single Hmga1 allele prevents progression to MF in JAK2V617F mice, decreasing erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis, megakaryocyte hyperplasia, and expansion of stem and progenitors, while preventing splenomegaly and fibrosis within the spleen and BM. RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed HMGA1 transcriptional networks and chromatin occupancy at genes that govern proliferation (E2F, G2M, mitotic spindle) and cell fate, including the GATA2 master regulatory gene. Silencing GATA2 recapitulates most phenotypes observed with HMGA1 depletion, whereas GATA2 re-expression partially rescues leukemogenesis. HMGA1 transactivates GATA2 through sequences near the developmental enhancer (+9.5), increasing chromatin accessibility and recruiting active histone marks. Further, HMGA1 transcriptional networks, including proliferation pathways and GATA2, are activated in human MF and MPN leukemic transformation. Importantly, HMGA1 depletion enhances responses to the JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib, preventing MF and prolonging survival in murine models of JAK2V617F AML. These findings illuminate HMGA1 as a key epigenetic switch involved in MPN transformation and a promising therapeutic target to treat or prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Wenyan Lu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Joseph Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Leslie Cope
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Raajit K Rampal
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York, NY
| | - Richard P Koche
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute, New York, NY
| | | | - Li Z Luo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Daniel R Matson
- Blood Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI
| | - Zhizhuang Joe Zhao
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | | | - Karen Reddy
- Department of Biologic Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Antonio-Rodriguez Romero
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; and
| | - Bethan Psaila
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; and
| | - Jerry L Spivak
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Linda M S Resar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program and
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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4
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Pujals M, Resar L, Villanueva J. HMGA1, Moonlighting Protein Function, and Cellular Real Estate: Location, Location, Location! Biomolecules 2021; 11:1334. [PMID: 34572547 PMCID: PMC8468999 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin remodeling protein is upregulated in diverse cancers where high levels portend adverse clinical outcomes. Until recently, HMGA1 was assumed to be a nuclear protein exerting its role in cancer by transcriptionally modulating gene expression and downstream signaling pathways. However, the discovery of an extracellular HMGA1-RAGE autocrine loop in invasive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines implicates HMGA1 as a "moonlighting protein" with different functions depending upon cellular location. Here, we review the role of HMGA1, not only as a chromatin regulator in cancer and stem cells, but also as a potential secreted factor that drives tumor progression. Prior work found that HMGA1 is secreted from TNBC cell lines where it signals through the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) to foster phenotypes involved in tumor invasion and metastatic progression. Studies in primary TNBC tumors also suggest that HMGA1 secretion associates with distant metastasis in TNBC. Given the therapeutic potential to target extracellular proteins, further work to confirm this role in other contexts is warranted. Indeed, crosstalk between nuclear and secreted HMGA1 could change our understanding of tumor development and reveal novel therapeutic opportunities relevant to diverse human cancers overexpressing HMGA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Pujals
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Linda Resar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Departments of Medicine (Hematology), Oncology, Pathology and Institute of Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Pathobiology, Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Human Genetics Graduate Programs, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Josep Villanueva
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Minervini A, Coccaro N, Anelli L, Zagaria A, Specchia G, Albano F. HMGA Proteins in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1456. [PMID: 32503270 PMCID: PMC7353061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mobility group AT-Hook (HMGA) proteins are a family of nonhistone chromatin remodeling proteins known as "architectural transcriptional factors". By binding the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences, they interact with the transcription apparatus, altering the chromatin modeling and regulating gene expression by either enhancing or suppressing the binding of the more usual transcriptional activators and repressors, although they do not themselves have any transcriptional activity. Their involvement in both benign and malignant neoplasias is well-known and supported by a large volume of studies. In this review, we focus on the role of the HMGA proteins in hematological malignancies, exploring the mechanisms through which they enhance neoplastic transformation and how this knowledge could be exploited to devise tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Albano
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), Hematology Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.); (N.C.); (L.A.); (A.Z.); (G.S.)
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6
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De Martino M, Fusco A, Esposito F. HMGA and Cancer: A Review on Patent Literatures. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:258-267. [PMID: 31538905 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190919152001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high mobility group A proteins modulate the transcription of numerous genes by interacting with transcription factors and/or altering the structure of chromatin. These proteins are involved in both benign and malignant neoplasias as a result of several pathways. A large amount of benign human mesenchymal tumors has rearrangements of HMGA genes. On the contrary, malignant tumors show unarranged HMGA overexpression that is frequently and causally related to neoplastic cell transformation. Here, we review the function of the HMGA proteins in human neoplastic disorders, the pathways by which they contribute to carcinogenesis and the new patents focused on targeting HMGA proteins. OBJECTIVE Current review was conducted to check the involvement of HMGA as a druggable target in cancer treatment. METHODS We reviewed the most recent patents focused on targeting HMGA in cancer treatment analyzing patent literature published during the last years, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO®), United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO®), Espacenet®, and Google Patents. RESULTS HMGA proteins are intriguing targets for cancer therapy and are objects of different patents based on the use of DNA aptamers, inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, antisense molecules able to block their oncogenic functions. CONCLUSION Powerful strategies able to selectively interfere with HMGA expression and function could represent a helpful approach in the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Campania, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
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7
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Pérot P, Falguieres M, Arowas L, Laude H, Foy JP, Goudot P, Corre-Catelin N, Ungeheuer MN, Caro V, Heard I, Eloit M, Gessain A, Bertolus C, Berthet N. Investigation of viral etiology in potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinomas in non-smoking, non-drinking patients. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232138. [PMID: 32348362 PMCID: PMC7190135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the seventh most frequent cancers. Among HNSCCs, oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) include several anatomical locations of the oral cavity, but exclude the oropharynx. The known risk factors for OSCCs are mainly alcohol consumption and tobacco use for at least 75-80% of cases. In addition to these risk factors, Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, classified as high-risk (HR) HPV genotypes, are considered as risk factors for oropharyngeal cancers, but their role in the development of OSCC remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis of viral etiology in a series of 68 well-characterized OSCCs and 14 potentially malignant disorders (PMD) in non-smoking, non-drinking (NSND) patients using broad-range, sensitive molecular methodologies. Deep-sequencing of the transcriptome did not reveal any vertebrate virus sequences other than HPV transcripts, detected in only one case. In contrast, HPV DNA was detected in 41.2% (28/68) and 35.7% (5/14) of OSCC and PMD cases, respectively. Importantly, 90.9% (30/33) of these belonged to the Betapapillomavirus genus, but no viral transcripts were detected. Finally, high-throughput sequencing revealed reads corresponding to transcripts of the Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV), which were confirmed by RT-PCR in two OSCCs. Our results strongly suggest that Alphapapillomavirus genotypes classified as HR are not involved in the development of OSCCs in NSND patients and that known oncogenic infectious agents are absent in these specific OSCCs. Any possible direct or indirect role of Betapapillomavirus genus members and TVV in OSCCs remains speculative and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Pérot
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France
| | - Michaël Falguieres
- Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence (CNR) des papillomavirus humains (HPV), Paris, France
| | - Laurence Arowas
- Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence (CNR) des papillomavirus humains (HPV), Paris, France
| | - Hélène Laude
- Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence (CNR) des papillomavirus humains (HPV), Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Foy
- Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Goudot
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Nicole Corre-Catelin
- Institut Pasteur, Clinical Investigation and Acces to Bioresources Department, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Ungeheuer
- Institut Pasteur, Clinical Investigation and Acces to Bioresources Department, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Caro
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et risques infectieux, Cellule d’Intervention Biologique d’Urgence, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Heard
- Institut Pasteur, Centre national de référence (CNR) des papillomavirus humains (HPV), Paris, France
| | - Marc Eloit
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France
- National Veterinary School of Alfort, Paris-Est University, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Antoine Gessain
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, CNRS UMR3569, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Bertolus
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Berthet
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Environnement et risques infectieux, Cellule d’Intervention Biologique d’Urgence, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Epidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, CNRS UMR3569, Paris, France
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8
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Cai ZL, Shen B, Yuan Y, Liu C, Xie QW, Hu TT, Yao Q, Wu QQ, Tang QZ. The effect of HMGA1 in LPS-induced Myocardial Inflammation. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:1798-1810. [PMID: 32398950 PMCID: PMC7211173 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.39947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) proteins, serving as a dynamic regulator of gene transcription and chromatin remodeling, play an influential part in the pathological process of a large number of cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise role of HMGA1 in sepsis induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) remains unintelligible. This research was designed to illustrate the effect of HMGA1 involved in SIC. Methods and Results: Cardiomyocyte-specific HMGA1 overexpression was obtained using an adeno-associated virus system with intramyocardial injection in mice heart. The model of SIC in mice was constructed via intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 6h. H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes was stimulated with LPS for 12h. HMGA1 expression was upregulated in murine inflammatory hearts as well as LPS stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes. HMGA1-overexpressing exhibited aggravated cardiac dysfunction, cardiac inflammation as well as cells apoptosis following LPS treatment both in vivo and in vitro experiment. Interestingly, HMGA1 knockdown in H9c2 cardiomyocytes attenuated LPS-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation, but aggravated cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that overexpression of HMGA1 induced increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 inhibitor alleviated the aggravation of inflammation and apoptosis in HMGA1 overexpressed H9c2 cardiomyocytes whereas HMGA1 knockdown induced a reduction in signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression. STAT3 agonist reversed HMGA1 silence induced anti-inflammatory effects, while ameliorated cell apoptosis induced by LPS. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results suggest that overexpression of HMGA1 aggravated cardiomyocytes inflammation and apoptosis by up-regulating COX-2 expression, while silence of HMGA1 expression attenuated inflammation but aggregated cell apoptosis via down-regulation of STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Lan Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Qing-Wen Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Tong-Tong Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Qi Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Qing-Qing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
| | - Qi-Zhu Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, RP China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan 430060, RP China
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9
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Gorbounov M, Carleton NM, Asch-Kendrick RJ, Xian L, Rooper L, Chia L, Cimino-Mathews A, Cope L, Meeker A, Stearns V, Veltri RW, Bae YK, Resar LMS. High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) protein and gene expression correlate with ER-negativity and poor outcomes in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2019; 179:25-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-019-05419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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Palumbo Júnior A, de Sousa VPL, Esposito F, De Martino M, Forzati F, Moreira FCDB, Simão TDA, Nasciutti LE, Fusco A, Ribeiro Pinto LF, Bessa Pereira Chaves C, Meireles Da Costa N. Overexpression of HMGA1 Figures as a Potential Prognostic Factor in Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma (EEC). Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10050372. [PMID: 31096664 PMCID: PMC6562754 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrioid endometrial carcinomas (EEC) are the most common malignant gynecologic tumors. Despite the increase in EEC molecular knowledge, the identification of new biomarkers involved in disease's development and/or progression would represent an improvement in its course. High-mobility group A protein (HMGA) family members are frequently overexpressed in a wide range of malignancies, correlating with a poor prognosis. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze HMGA1 and HMGA2 expression pattern and their potential role as EEC biomarkers. HMGA1 and HMGA2 expression was initially evaluated in a series of 46 EEC tumors (stages IA to IV), and the findings were then validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) EEC cohort, comprising 381 EEC tumors (stages IA to IV). Our results reveal that HMGA1 and HMGA2 mRNA and protein are overexpressed in ECC, but only HMGA1 expression is associated with increased histological grade and tumor size. Moreover, HMGA1 but not HMGA2 overexpression was identified as a negative prognostic factor to EEC patients. Finally, a positive correlation between expression of HMGA1 pseudogenes-HMGA1-P6 and HMGA1-P7-and HMGA1 itself was detected, suggesting HMGA1 pseudogenes may play a role in HMGA1 expression regulation in EEC. Thus, these results indicate that HMGA1 overexpression possesses a potential role as a prognostic biomarker for EEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Palumbo Júnior
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Prédio de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, A. Carlos Chagas, 373-bloco F, sala 26, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brasil.
| | - Vanessa Paiva Leite de Sousa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Floriana Forzati
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Fábio Carvalho de Barros Moreira
- Divisão de Patologia, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua Cordeiro da Graça, 156-Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20220-040, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana de Almeida Simão
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Av. 28 de setembro, 87-fundos-4º andar, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20551-030, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Eurico Nasciutti
- Laboratório de Interações Celulares, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Prédio de Ciências da Saúde-Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, A. Carlos Chagas, 373-bloco F, sala 26, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brasil.
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Luis Felipe Ribeiro Pinto
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Cláudia Bessa Pereira Chaves
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
- Seção de Ginecologia Oncológica, Hospital de Câncer II, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua Equador, 835. Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20220-410, Brazil.
| | - Nathalia Meireles Da Costa
- Programa de Carcinogênese Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Câncer-INCA, Rua André Cavalcanti, 37 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231-050, Brazil.
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11
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Xian L, Chia L, Georgess D, Luo L, Shuai S, Ewald AJ, Resar LMS. Genetic Engineering of Primary Mouse Intestinal Organoids Using Magnetic Nanoparticle Transduction Viral Vectors for Frozen Sectioning. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31132065 DOI: 10.3791/57040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal organoid cultures provide a unique opportunity to investigate intestinal stem cell and crypt biology in vitro, although efficient approaches to manipulate gene expression in organoids have made limited progress in this arena. While CRISPR/Cas9 technology allows for precise genome editing of cells for organoid generation, this strategy requires extensive selection and screening by sequence analysis, which is both time-consuming and costly. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for efficient viral transduction of intestinal organoids. This approach is rapid and highly efficient, thus decreasing the time and expense inherent in CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We also present a protocol to generate frozen sections from intact organoid cultures for further analysis with immunohistochemical or immunofluorescent staining, which can be used to confirm gene expression or silencing. After successful transduction of viral vectors for gene expression or silencing is achieved, intestinal stem cell and crypt function can be rapidly assessed. Although most organoid studies employ in vitro assays, organoids can also be delivered to mice for in vivo functional analyses. Moreover, our approaches are advantageous for predicting therapeutic responses to drugs because currently available therapies generally function by modulating gene expression or protein function rather than altering the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Xian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Lionel Chia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Dan Georgess
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Lebanese American University
| | - Li Luo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Shuai Shuai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Linda M S Resar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;
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12
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He JP, Zhao M, Zhang WQ, Huang MY, Zhu C, Cheng HZ, Liu JL. Identification of Gene Expression Changes Associated With Uterine Receptivity in Mice. Front Physiol 2019; 10:125. [PMID: 30890945 PMCID: PMC6413723 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse is a widely used animal model for studying human reproduction. Although global gene expression changes associated with human uterine receptivity have been determined by independent groups, the same studies in the mouse are scarce. The extent of similarities/differences between mice and humans on uterine receptivity at the molecular level remains to be determined. In the present study, we analyzed global gene expression changes in receptive uterus on day 4 of pregnancy compared to non-receptive uterus on day 3 of pregnancy in mice. A total of 541 differentially expressed genes were identified, of which 316 genes were up-regulated and 225 genes were down-regulated in receptive uterus compared to non-receptive uterus. Gene ontology and gene network analysis highlighted the activation of inflammatory response in the receptive uterus. By analyzing the promoter sequences of differentially expressed genes, we identified 12 causal transcription factors. Through connectivity map (CMap) analysis, we revealed several compounds with potential anti-receptivity activity. Finally, we performed a cross-species comparison against human uterine receptivity from a published dataset. Our study provides a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying uterine receptivity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Peng He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Qian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Yu Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Zhuang Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Wang Y, Hu L, Zheng Y, Guo L. HMGA1 in cancer: Cancer classification by location. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2293-2302. [PMID: 30614613 PMCID: PMC6433663 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene plays an important role in numerous malignant cancers. HMGA1 is an oncofoetal gene, and we have a certain understanding of the biological function of HMGA1 based on its activities in various neoplasms. As an architectural transcription factor, HMGA1 remodels the chromatin structure and promotes the interaction between transcriptional regulatory proteins and DNA in different cancers. Through analysis of the molecular mechanism of HMGA1 and clinical studies, emerging evidence indicates that HMGA1 promotes the occurrence and metastasis of cancer. Within a similar location or the same genetic background, the function and role of HMGA1 may have certain similarities. In this paper, to characterize HMGA1 comprehensively, research on various types of tumours is discussed to further understanding of the function and mechanism of HMGA1. The findings provide a more reliable basis for classifying HMGA1 function according to the tumour location. In this review, we summarize recent studies related to HMGA1, including its structure and oncogenic properties, its major functions in each cancer, its upstream and downstream regulation associated with the tumourigenesis and metastasis of cancer, and its potential as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Department of Pathology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yushuang Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Department of Pathology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University Department of Pathology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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14
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Li HR, Li Y, Liu Y, Yu JJ, Li FX. Expression and regulation of high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) during ovulation and luteinisation in rat ovary. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:698-704. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) is able to regulate gene expression and function as a tumour suppressor. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of HMGA1 was investigated in this study. Immature female rats (22–23 days old) were treated with 10IU, s.c., pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin to stimulate follicular development, followed 48h later by injection with 5IU, s.c., human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). Whole ovaries or granulosa cells were collected at various times after hCG administration (n=3 per time point). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis revealed that HMGA1 was highly stimulated in the ovary by 4–12h after hCG treatment. In situ hybridisation analysis demonstrated that Hmga1 mRNA expression was induced in granulosa cells between 8 and 12h after hCG treatment. There was negligible Hmga1 mRNA signal observed in newly forming corpora lutea. In addition, the data indicated that both the protein kinase (PK) A and PKC pathways regulated Hmga1 expression in rat granulosa cells. In rat granulosa cell cultures, upregulation of Hmga1 was dependent on new protein synthesis because Hmga1 was inhibited by cycloheximide. Furthermore, Hmga1 mRNA expression in rat granulosa cell cultures was inhibited by AG1478, whereas NS398 and RU486 had no effect, suggesting that Hmga1 expression was regulated, in part, by the epidermal growth factor pathway. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that induction of Hmga1 may be important for theca and granulosa cell differentiation into luteal cells.
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15
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Fu F, Wang T, Wu Z, Feng Y, Wang W, Zhou S, Ma X, Wang S. HMGA1 exacerbates tumor growth through regulating the cell cycle and accelerates migration/invasion via targeting miR-221/222 in cervical cancer. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:594. [PMID: 29789601 PMCID: PMC5964147 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High-mobility group AT-hook1 (HMGA1, formerly HMG-I/Y), an architectural transcription factor, participates in a number of tumor biological processes. However, its effect on cervical cancer remains largely indistinct. In this study, we found that HMGA1 was generally overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage. Via exogenously increasing or decreasing the expression of HMGA1, we showed that HMGA1 affected the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Rescue experiments suggested that miR-221/222 could partly reverse HMGA1-mediated migration and invasion processes. Mechanistically, we discovered that HMGA1 accelerated the G1/S phase transition by regulating the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1, which was consistent with the results of the in vivo experiment. Furthermore, we found that HMGA1 regulated the expression of the miR-221/222 cluster at the transcriptional level and that miR-221/222 targeted the 3'UTR of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3(TIMP3). We propose a fresh perspective that HMGA1 participates in the migration and invasion process via the miR-221/222-TIMP3-MMP2/MMP9 axis in cervical cancer. In summary, our study identified a critical role played by HMGA1 in the progression of cervical cancer and the potential mechanisms by which exerts its effects, suggesting that targeting HMGA1-related pathways could be conducive to the therapies for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhangying Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 55000, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yourong Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Su Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangyi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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16
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Resar L, Chia L, Xian L. Lessons from the Crypt: HMGA1-Amping up Wnt for Stem Cells and Tumor Progression. Cancer Res 2018; 78:1890-1897. [PMID: 29618461 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin remodeling proteins are enriched in aggressive cancers and stem cells, although their common function in these settings has remained elusive until now. Recent work in murine intestinal stem cells (ISC) revealed a novel role for Hmga1 in enhancing self-renewal by amplifying Wnt signaling, both by inducing genes expressing Wnt agonist receptors and Wnt effectors. Surprisingly, Hmga1 also "builds" a stem cell niche by upregulating Sox9, a factor required for differentiation to Paneth cells; these cells constitute an epithelial niche by secreting Wnt and other factors to support ISCs. HMGA1 is also highly upregulated in colon cancer compared with nonmalignant epithelium and SOX9 becomes overexpressed during colon carcinogenesis. Intriguingly, HMGA1 is overexpressed in diverse cancers with poor outcomes, where it regulates developmental genes. Similarly, HMGA1 induces genes responsible for pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells. These findings demonstrate that HMGA1 maintains Wnt and other developmental transcriptional networks and suggest that HMGA1 overexpression fosters carcinogenesis and tumor progression through dysregulation of these pathways. Studies are now needed to determine more precisely how HMGA1 modulates chromatin structure to amplify developmental genes and how to disrupt this process in cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 78(8); 1890-7. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Resar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Departments of Oncology, Pathology and Institute of Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lionel Chia
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lingling Xian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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HMGA2, a driver of inflammation, is associated with hypermethylation in acute liver injury. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 328:34-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Xian L, Georgess D, Huso T, Cope L, Belton A, Chang YT, Kuang W, Gu Q, Zhang X, Senger S, Fasano A, Huso DL, Ewald AJ, Resar LMS. HMGA1 amplifies Wnt signalling and expands the intestinal stem cell compartment and Paneth cell niche. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15008. [PMID: 28452345 PMCID: PMC5414379 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (Hmga1) chromatin remodelling proteins are enriched in intestinal stem cells (ISCs), although their function in this setting was unknown. Prior studies showed that Hmga1 drives hyperproliferation, aberrant crypt formation and polyposis in transgenic mice. Here we demonstrate that Hmga1 amplifies Wnt/β-catenin signalling to enhance self-renewal and expand the ISC compartment. Hmga1 upregulates genes encoding both Wnt agonist receptors and downstream Wnt effectors. Hmga1 also helps to 'build' an ISC niche by expanding the Paneth cell compartment and directly inducing Sox9, which is required for Paneth cell differentiation. In human intestine, HMGA1 and SOX9 are positively correlated, and both become upregulated in colorectal cancer. Our results define a unique role for Hmga1 in intestinal homeostasis by maintaining the stem cell pool and fostering terminal differentiation to establish an epithelial stem cell niche. This work also suggests that deregulated Hmga1 perturbs this equilibrium during intestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Xian
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Dan Georgess
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Tait Huso
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Leslie Cope
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Amy Belton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Yu-Ting Chang
- Department of Pathology, Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Wenyong Kuang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Qihua Gu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Stefania Senger
- Department of Pediatrics, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital East, 16th Street, Building 114, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Department of Pediatrics, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital East, 16th Street, Building 114, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - David L Huso
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Linda M S Resar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Pathology and Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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19
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Walls GV, Stevenson M, Lines KE, Newey PJ, Reed AAC, Bowl MR, Jeyabalan J, Harding B, Bradley KJ, Manek S, Chen J, Wang P, Williams BO, Teh BT, Thakker RV. Mice deleted for cell division cycle 73 gene develop parathyroid and uterine tumours: model for the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome. Oncogene 2017; 36:4025-4036. [PMID: 28288139 PMCID: PMC5472200 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour (HPT-JT) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by occurrence of parathyroid tumours, often atypical adenomas and carcinomas, ossifying jaw fibromas, renal tumours and uterine benign and malignant neoplasms. HPT-JT is caused by mutations of the cell division cycle 73 (CDC73) gene, located on chromosome 1q31.2 and encodes a 531 amino acid protein, parafibromin. To facilitate in vivo studies of Cdc73 in tumourigenesis we generated conventional (Cdc73+/-) and conditional parathyroid-specific (Cdc73+/L/PTH-Cre and Cdc73L/L/PTH-Cre) mouse models. Mice were aged to 18-21 months and studied for survival, tumour development and proliferation, and serum biochemistry, and compared to age-matched wild-type (Cdc73+/+ and Cdc73+/+/PTH-Cre) littermates. Survival of Cdc73+/- mice, when compared to Cdc73+/+ mice was reduced (Cdc73+/-=80%; Cdc73+/+=90% at 18 months of age, P<0.05). Cdc73+/-, Cdc73+/L/PTH-Cre and Cdc73L/L/PTH-Cre mice developed parathyroid tumours, which had nuclear pleomorphism, fibrous septation and increased galectin-3 expression, consistent with atypical parathyroid adenomas, from 9 months of age. Parathyroid tumours in Cdc73+/-, Cdc73+/L/PTH-Cre and Cdc73L/L/PTH-Cre mice had significantly increased proliferation, with rates >fourfold higher than that in parathyroid glands of wild-type littermates (P<0.0001). Cdc73+/-, Cdc73+/L/PTH-Cre and Cdc73L/L/PTH-Cre mice had higher mean serum calcium concentrations than wild-type littermates, and Cdc73+/- mice also had increased mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Parathyroid tumour development, and elevations in serum calcium and PTH, were similar in males and females. Cdc73+/- mice did not develop bone or renal tumours but female Cdc73+/- mice, at 18 months of age, had uterine neoplasms comprising squamous metaplasia, adenofibroma and adenomyoma. Uterine neoplasms, myometria and jaw bones of Cdc73+/- mice had increased proliferation rates that were 2-fold higher than in Cdc73+/+ mice (P<0.05). Thus, our studies, which have established mouse models for parathyroid tumours and uterine neoplasms that develop in the HPT-JT syndrome, provide in vivo models for future studies of these tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Walls
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - M Stevenson
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - K E Lines
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - P J Newey
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - A A C Reed
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - M R Bowl
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - J Jeyabalan
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - B Harding
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - K J Bradley
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - S Manek
- Department of Pathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford, UK
| | - J Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - P Wang
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - B O Williams
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - B T Teh
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - R V Thakker
- Academic Endocrine Unit, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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20
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Sumter TF, Xian L, Huso T, Koo M, Chang YT, Almasri TN, Chia L, Inglis C, Reid D, Resar LMS. The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) Transcriptome in Cancer and Development. Curr Mol Med 2016; 16:353-93. [PMID: 26980699 DOI: 10.2174/1566524016666160316152147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Chromatin structure is the single most important feature that distinguishes a cancer cell from a normal cell histologically. Chromatin remodeling proteins regulate chromatin structure and high mobility group A (HMGA1) proteins are among the most abundant, nonhistone chromatin remodeling proteins found in cancer cells. These proteins include HMGA1a/HMGA1b isoforms, which result from alternatively spliced mRNA. The HMGA1 gene is overexpressed in cancer and high levels portend a poor prognosis in diverse tumors. HMGA1 is also highly expressed during embryogenesis and postnatally in adult stem cells. Overexpression of HMGA1 drives neoplastic transformation in cultured cells, while inhibiting HMGA1 blocks oncogenic and cancer stem cell properties. Hmga1 transgenic mice succumb to aggressive tumors, demonstrating that dysregulated expression of HMGA1 causes cancer in vivo. HMGA1 is also required for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. HMGA1 proteins function as ancillary transcription factors that bend chromatin and recruit other transcription factors to DNA. They induce oncogenic transformation by activating or repressing specific genes involved in this process and an HMGA1 "transcriptome" is emerging. Although prior studies reveal potent oncogenic properties of HMGA1, we are only beginning to understand the molecular mechanisms through which HMGA1 functions. In this review, we summarize the list of putative downstream transcriptional targets regulated by HMGA1. We also briefly discuss studies linking HMGA1 to Alzheimer's disease and type-2 diabetes. CONCLUSION Further elucidation of HMGA1 function should lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cancer and possibly for other diseases associated with aberrant HMGA1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - L M S Resar
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, MD 21205-2109, USA.
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21
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Andreozzi M, Quintavalle C, Benz D, Quagliata L, Matter M, Calabrese D, Tosti N, Ruiz C, Trapani F, Tornillo L, Fusco A, Heim MH, Ng CK, Pallante P, Terracciano LM, Piscuoglio S. HMGA1 Expression in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Correlates with Poor Prognosis and Promotes Tumor Growth and Migration in in vitro Models. Neoplasia 2016; 18:724-731. [PMID: 27855356 PMCID: PMC5110473 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HMGA1 is a non-histone nuclear protein that regulates cellular proliferation, invasion and apoptosis and is overexpressed in many carcinomas. In this study we sought to explore the expression of HMGA1 in HCCs and cirrhotic tissues, and its effect in in vitro models. METHODS We evaluated HMGA1 expression using gene expression microarrays (59 HCCs, of which 37 were matched with their corresponding cirrhotic tissue and 5 normal liver donors) and tissue microarray (192 HCCs, 108 cirrhotic tissues and 79 normal liver samples). HMGA1 expression was correlated with clinicopathologic features and patient outcome. Four liver cancer cell lines with stable induced or knockdown expression of HMGA1 were characterized using in vitro assays, including proliferation, migration and anchorage-independent growth. RESULTS HMGA1 expression increased monotonically from normal liver tissues to cirrhotic tissue to HCC (P<.01) and was associated with Edmondson grade (P<.01). Overall, 51% and 42% of HCCs and cirrhotic tissues expressed HMGA1, respectively. Patients with HMGA1-positive HCCs had earlier disease progression and worse overall survival. Forced expression of HMGA1 in liver cancer models resulted in increased cell growth and migration, and vice versa. Soft agar assay showed that forced expression of HMGA1 led to increased foci formation, suggesting an oncogenic role of HMGA1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS HMGA1 is frequently expressed in cirrhotic tissues and HCCs and its expression is associated with high Edmondson grade and worse prognosis in HCC. Our results suggest that HMGA1 may act as oncogenic driver of progression, implicating it in tumor growth and migration potential in liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Benz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Matter
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Calabrese
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology Laboratory, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Tosti
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Ruiz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Trapani
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Tornillo
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II, Naples, Italy; National Cancer Institute-INCA, Rua Andrè Cavalcanti, 37-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology Laboratory, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Ky Ng
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pierlorenzo Pallante
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples "Federico II, Naples, Italy
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22
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Williams MD, Xian L, Huso T, Park JJ, Huso D, Cope LM, Gang DR, Siems WF, Resar L, Reeves R, Hill HH. Fecal Metabolome in Hmga1 Transgenic Mice with Polyposis: Evidence for Potential Screen for Early Detection of Precursor Lesions in Colorectal Cancer. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:4176-4187. [PMID: 27696867 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Because colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, more accessible screening tests are urgently needed to identify early stage lesions. We hypothesized that highly sensitive, metabolic profile analysis of stool samples will identify metabolites associated with early stage lesions and could serve as a noninvasive screening test. We therefore applied traveling wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIMMS) coupled with ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) to investigate metabolic aberrations in stool samples in a transgenic model of premalignant polyposis aberrantly expressing the gene encoding the high mobility group A (Hmga1) chromatin remodeling protein. Here, we report for the first time that the fecal metabolome of Hmga1 mice is distinct from that of control mice and includes metabolites previously identified in human CRC. Significant alterations were observed in fatty acid metabolites and metabolites associated with bile acids (hypoxanthine xanthine, taurine) in Hmga1 mice compared to controls. Surprisingly, a marked increase in the levels of distinctive short, arginine-enriched, tetra-peptide fragments was observed in the transgenic mice. Together these findings suggest that specific metabolites are associated with Hmga1-induced polyposis and abnormal proliferation in intestinal epithelium. Although further studies are needed, these data provide a compelling rationale to develop fecal metabolomic analysis as a noninvasive screening tool to detect early precursor lesions to CRC in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Williams
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Lingling Xian
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Tait Huso
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Jeong-Jin Park
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - David Huso
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Leslie M Cope
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - David R Gang
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - William F Siems
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Linda Resar
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Raymond Reeves
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Herbert H Hill
- Department of Chemistry, ‡School of Molecular Biosciences, and §Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University , Pullman, Washington 99164, United States.,Department of Medicine, ¶Department of Oncology, and ∥Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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23
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Hillion J, Roy S, Heydarian M, Cope L, Xian L, Koo M, Luo LZ, Kellyn K, Ronnett BM, Huso T, Armstrong D, Reddy K, Huso DL, Resar LMS. The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) gene is highly overexpressed in human uterine serous carcinomas and carcinosarcomas and drives Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in a subset of tumors. Gynecol Oncol 2016; 141:580-587. [PMID: 27001612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although uterine cancer is the fourth most common cause for cancer death in women worldwide, the molecular underpinnings of tumor progression remain poorly understood. The High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) gene is overexpressed in aggressive cancers and high levels portend adverse outcomes in diverse tumors. We previously reported that Hmga1a transgenic mice develop uterine tumors with complete penetrance. Because HMGA1 drives tumor progression by inducing MatrixMetalloproteinase (MMP) and other genes involved in invasion, we explored the HMGA1-MMP-2 pathway in uterine cancer. METHODS To investigate MMP-2 in uterine tumors driven by HMGA1, we used a genetic approach with mouse models. Next, we assessed HMGA1 and MMP-2 expression in primary human uterine tumors, including low-grade carcinomas (endometrial endometrioid) and more aggressive tumors (endometrial serous carcinomas, uterine carcinosarcomas/malignant mesodermal mixed tumors). RESULTS Here, we report for the first time that uterine tumor growth is impaired in Hmga1a transgenic mice crossed on to an Mmp-2 deficient background. In human tumors, we discovered that HMGA1 is highest in aggressive carcinosarcomas and serous carcinomas, with lower levels in the more indolent endometrioid carcinomas. Moreover, HMGA1 and MMP-2 were positively correlated, but only in a subset of carcinosarcomas. HMGA1 also occupies the MMP-2 promoter in human carcinosarcoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, our studies define a novel HMGA1-MMP-2 pathway involved in a subset of human carcinosarcomas and tumor progression in murine models. Our work also suggests that targeting HMGA1 could be effective adjuvant therapy for more aggressive uterine cancers and provides compelling data for further preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Hillion
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sujayita Roy
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mohammad Heydarian
- Department of Biologic Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Leslie Cope
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lingling Xian
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Koo
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Li Z Luo
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kathleen Kellyn
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brigitte M Ronnett
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tait Huso
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Deborah Armstrong
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Karen Reddy
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biologic Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David L Huso
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - L M S Resar
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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24
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Esposito F, De Martino M, Petti MG, Forzati F, Tornincasa M, Federico A, Arra C, Pierantoni GM, Fusco A. HMGA1 pseudogenes as candidate proto-oncogenic competitive endogenous RNAs. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8341-54. [PMID: 25268743 PMCID: PMC4226687 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The High Mobility Group A (HMGA) are nuclear proteins that participate in the organization of nucleoprotein complexes involved in chromatin structure, replication and gene transcription. HMGA overexpression is a feature of human cancer and plays a causal role in cell transformation. Since non-coding RNAs and pseudogenes are now recognized to be important in physiology and disease, we investigated HMGA1 pseudogenes in cancer settings using bioinformatics analysis. Here we report the identification and characterization of two HMGA1 non-coding pseudogenes, HMGA1P6 and HMGA1P7. We show that their overexpression increases the levels of HMGA1 and other cancer-related proteins by inhibiting the suppression of their synthesis mediated by microRNAs. Consistently, embryonic fibroblasts from HMGA1P7-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed a higher growth rate and reduced susceptibility to senescence. Moreover, HMGA1P6 and HMGA1P7 were overexpressed in human anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, which are highly aggressive, but not in differentiated papillary carcinomas, which are less aggressive. Lastly, the expression of the HMGA1 pseudogenes was significantly correlated with HMGA1 protein levels thereby implicating HMGA1P overexpression in cancer progression. In conclusion, HMGA1P6 and HMGA1P7 are potential proto-oncogenic competitive endogenous RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Petti
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Forzati
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mara Tornincasa
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Federico
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Maria Pierantoni
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Scuola di Medicina e Chirurgia di Napoli, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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25
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Up-Regulation of the Biosynthesis and Release of Substance P through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129701. [PMID: 26054011 PMCID: PMC4459973 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine regulatory effects of β-catenin on the biosynthesis and release of substance P, a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model and a rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell culture model were used in the present study. The CCI treatment significantly induced the overall expression of β-catenin (158 ± 6% of sham) in the ipsilateral L5 DRGs in comparison with the sham group (109 ± 4% of sham). The CCI-induced aberrant expression of β-catenin was significantly attenuated by oral administration of diclofenac (119 ± 6% of the sham value; 10 mg/kg). Importantly, aberrant nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in cultured DRG cells resulted in up-regulation of the PPT-A mRNA expression and the substance P release. The up-regulation of both the PPT-A mRNA expression and the substance P release by either a GSK-3β inhibitor TWS119 (10 μM) or a Wnt signaling agonist Wnt-3a (100 ng/ml) were significantly abolished by an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2; NS-398, 1 μM). Collectively, these data suggest that nociceptive input-activated β-catenin signaling plays an important role in regulating the biosynthesis and release of substance P, which may contribute to the inflammation responses related to chronic pain.
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26
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Liu K, Zhang C, Li T, Ding Y, Tu T, Zhou F, Qi W, Chen H, Sun X. Let-7a inhibits growth and migration of breast cancer cells by targeting HMGA1. Int J Oncol 2015; 46:2526-34. [PMID: 25846193 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.2949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Let-7 is one of the earliest discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) and has been reported to regulate self renewal and tumorigenicity of breast cancer cells. Let-7a is a member of this family and its function has not been fully characterized in breast cancer. First, total RNAs of breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7), breast cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues were extracted and used to detect let-7a expression by qRT-PCR. Secondly, the effects of let-7a on proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells were assessed by in vitro cell culture experiments. Finally, western blotting was performed to demonstrate how let-7a regulated HMGA1 expression. We found that let-7a expression was significantly lower in breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissues compared to corresponding adjacent normal tissues. Cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion were decreased after overexpression of let-7a in breast cancer cells and vice versa. Furthermore, we identified the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) as a potential target gene of let-7a. Protein expression of the target gene was significantly downregulated in let-7a mimic transfected breast cancer cells and significantly upregulated in let-7a inhibitor transfected breast cancer cells. Our data suggest that let-7a plays an important role as a tumor suppressor gene by targeting HMGA1, which may open novel perspectives for clinical treatments against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Chunfu Zhang
- The Second People's Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Ding
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Tao Tu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Wenkai Qi
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Huabiao Chen
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaochun Sun
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
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27
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HMGA1 silencing restores normal stem cell characteristics in colon cancer stem cells by increasing p53 levels. Oncotarget 2015; 5:3234-45. [PMID: 24833610 PMCID: PMC4102806 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) proteins are architectural chromatinic proteins, abundantly expressed during embryogenesis and in most cancer tissues, but expressed at low levels or absent in normal adult tissues. Several studies have demonstrated that HMGA1 proteins play a causal role in neoplastic cell transformation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these proteins in the control of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have emerged as a preferred target in cancer therapy, because of their role in cancer recurrence. We observed that HMGA1 is overexpressed in colon tumour stem cell (CTSC) lines compared to normal and colon cancer tissues. We demonstrated that HMGA1 silencing in CTSCs increases stem cell quiescence and reduces self-renewal and sphere-forming efficiency (SFE). The latter, together with the upregulation and asymmetric distribution of NUMB, is indicative of the recovery of an asymmetric division pattern, typical of normal stem cells. We further found that HMGA1 transcriptionally regulates p53, which is known to control the balance between symmetric and asymmetric divisions in CSCs. Therefore, our data indicate a critical role for HMGA1 in regulating both self-renewal and the symmetric/asymmetric division ratio in CSCs, suggesting that blocking HMGA1 function may be an effective anti-cancer therapy.
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28
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Howitt BE, Sholl LM, Dal Cin P, Jia Y, Yuan L, MacConaill L, Lindeman N, Kuo F, Garcia E, Nucci MR, Quade BJ. Targeted genomic analysis of Müllerian adenosarcoma. J Pathol 2014; 235:37-49. [PMID: 25231023 DOI: 10.1002/path.4442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Müllerian adenosarcoma (MA) is a rare mixed mesenchymal tumour of the female genital tract, composed of malignant stroma and benign-appearing epithelium. Sarcomatous overgrowth (SO) is the only established histological variable associated with higher stage and shorter survival. Specific molecular or immunohistochemistry (IHC) tools for the diagnosis of MA are lacking. Our goal was to study genomic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) in MA to understand better its pathobiology, and develop specific diagnostic and prognostic tools. DNA was extracted from 20 samples of MA from 18 subjects (12 without SO and 6 with SO), including two in which areas of both typical MA histology and SO were independently tested. Samples were analysed using a targeted next-generation sequencing assay interrogating exonic sequences of 275 cancer genes for mutations and CNVs as well as 91 introns across 30 genes for cancer-associated rearrangements. The mean number of mutations in MA with SO (mean 9.7; range 3-14) did not differ significantly from that in MA without SO (mean 9.6; range 5-16). MA with SO had significantly higher mean numbers of gene-level CNVs (24.6) compared to MA without SO (5; p = 0.0002). The most frequent amplification involved MDM2 and CDK4 (5/18; 28%), accompanied by focal CDK4 and MDM2 and diffuse HMGA2 expression using immunohistochemistry. MYBL1 amplification was seen in 4/18 (22%), predominantly in SO. Alterations in PIK3CA/AKT/PTEN pathway members were seen in 13/18 (72%). Notably, TP53 mutations were uncommon, present in only two cases with SO. Three out of 18 (17%) had mutations in ATRX, all associated with SO. No chromosomal rearrangements were identified. We have identified a number of recurrent genomic alterations in MA, including some associated with SO. Although further investigation of these findings is needed, confirmation of one or more may lead to new mechanistic insights and novel markers for this often difficult-to-diagnose tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Howitt
- Women's and Perinatal Pathology Division, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Zhang Z, Wang Q, Chen F, Liu J. Elevated expression of HMGA1 correlates with the malignant status and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 36:1213-9. [PMID: 25344216 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2749-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) has been suggested to play a significant role in tumor progression, but little is known about the accurate significance of HMGA1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The aim of this study was to identify the role of HMGA1 in NSCLC. The expression status of HMGA1 was observed initially in NSCLC by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The expression of HMGA1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein was examined in NSCLC and adjacent normal lung tissues through real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, the relationship of HMGA1 expression levels with clinical features and prognosis of NSCLC patients was analyzed. In our results, HMGA1 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal lung tissues in microarray data (GSE19804). HMGA1 mRNA and protein expressions were markedly higher in NSCLC tissues than in normal lung tissues (P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). Using immunohistochemistry, high levels of HMGA1 protein were positively correlated with the status of clinical stage (I-II vs. III-IV, P < 0.001), T classification (T1-T vs. T3-T4, P = 0.003), N classification (N0N1 vs. N2-N3, P < 0.001), M classification (M0 vs. M1, P = 0.002), and differentiated degree (high or middle vs. low or undifferentiated, P = 0.003) in NSCLC. Patients with higher HMGA1 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival time than did patients with low HMGA1 expression. Multivariate analysis indicated that the level of HMGA1 expression was an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.001) for the survival of patients with NSCLC. In conclusion, HMGA1 plays an important role on NSCLC progression and prognosis and may act as a convictive biomarker for prognostic prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhang
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, 130000, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Yanagisawa BL, Resar LMS. Hitting the bull's eye: targeting HMGA1 in cancer stem cells. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 14:23-30. [PMID: 24410339 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2013.859988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that when cancer cells hijack normal stem cell properties, they acquire the ability to invade, metastasize to distant sites and evade therapy. Thus, eliminating cancer cells with stem cell properties, or cancer stem cells, is of prime importance for the successful treatment of cancer, regardless of the tissue of origin. Previous efforts to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), however, have been largely unsuccessful. Recent studies led to the discovery of a novel role for the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) protein as a master regulator in both CSCs and normal embryonic stem cells. Here, we present exciting new work unveiling HMGA1 as a promising target for therapies directed at eradicating CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breann L Yanagisawa
- Department of Medicine, Pathobiology Graduate Program, Hematology Division, Oncology, the Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Huso TH, Resar LMS. The high mobility group A1 molecular switch: turning on cancer - can we turn it off? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:541-53. [PMID: 24684280 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.900045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence demonstrates that the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin remodeling protein is a key molecular switch required by cancer cells for tumor progression and a poorly differentiated, stem-like state. Because the HMGA1 gene and proteins are expressed at high levels in all aggressive tumors studied to date, research is needed to determine how to 'turn off' this master regulatory switch in cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe prior studies that underscore the central role of HMGA1 in refractory cancers and we discuss approaches to target HMGA1 in cancer therapy. EXPERT OPINION Given the widespread overexpression of HMGA1 in diverse, aggressive tumors, further research to develop technology to target HMGA1 holds immense promise as potent anticancer therapy. Previous work in preclinical models indicates that delivery of short hairpin RNA or interfering RNA molecules to 'switch off' HMGA1 expression dramatically impairs cancer cell growth and tumor progression. The advent of nanoparticle technology to systemically deliver DNA or RNA molecules to tumors brings this approach even closer to clinical applications, although further efforts are needed to translate these advances into therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tait H Huso
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hematology Division , Ross Research Building, Room 1015, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21205 , USA
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Yanagisawa BL, Resar LMS. Hitting the bull’s eye: targeting HMGA1 in cancer stem cells. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2013. [DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2014.859988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Kobayashi H, Uekuri C, Akasaka J, Ito F, Shigemitsu A, Koike N, Shigetomi H. The biology of uterine sarcomas: A review and update. Mol Clin Oncol 2013; 1:599-609. [PMID: 24649216 PMCID: PMC3916197 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2013.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine sarcoma is a rare neoplasm, accounting for only 5% of uterine malignancies. The pathogenesis of uterine sarcoma remains largely unknown, although recent basic science and pre-clinical animal models have provided a better understanding of tumor biology. The aim of this study was to review the clinical features, imaging characteristics, genetic aberrations and therapeutic approaches in uterine sarcoma. This study reviewed the English-language literature on clinical and basic studies on uterine sarcoma. The common variants of uterine sarcoma are carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Genetic profiling efforts have identified amplification, overexpression and mutation, while the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis driven by these genomic and genetic aberrations have yet to be fully elucidated yet. Recent genome-wide studies have also identified complex chromosomal rearrangements as oncogenic mechanisms. The cell cycle regulators, p16 and p53, are frequently over-expressed and appear to be involved in key modifications of sarcomagenesis. Molecular-targeted therapy has now been evaluated in clinical trials for certain subtypes. In conclusion, aberrations of cell cycle control would be a critical step in the development of uterine sarcoma. This review has provided new areas of study targeting molecular and genetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Chiaki Uekuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Juria Akasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Fuminori Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Aiko Shigemitsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Natsuki Koike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shigetomi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Shah SN, Cope L, Poh W, Belton A, Roy S, Talbot CC, Sukumar S, Huso DL, Resar LMS. HMGA1: a master regulator of tumor progression in triple-negative breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63419. [PMID: 23658826 PMCID: PMC3642138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that tumor cells metastasize by co-opting stem cell transcriptional networks, although the molecular underpinnings of this process are poorly understood. Here, we show for the first time that the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene drives metastatic progression in triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, Hs578T) by reprogramming cancer cells to a stem-like state. Silencing HMGA1 expression in invasive, aggressive breast cancer cells dramatically halts cell growth and results in striking morphologic changes from mesenchymal-like, spindle-shaped cells to cuboidal, epithelial-like cells. Mesenchymal genes (Vimentin, Snail) are repressed, while E-cadherin is induced in the knock-down cells. Silencing HMGA1 also blocks oncogenic properties, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and orthotopic tumorigenesis. Metastatic progression following mammary implantation is almost completely abrogated in the HMGA1 knock-down cells. Moreover, silencing HMGA1 inhibits the stem cell property of three-dimensional mammosphere formation, including primary, secondary, and tertiary spheres. In addition, knock-down of HMGA1 depletes cancer initiator/cancer stem cells and prevents tumorigenesis at limiting dilutions. We also discovered an HMGA1 signature in triple negative breast cancer cells that is highly enriched in embryonic stem cells. Together, these findings indicate that HMGA1 is a master regulator of tumor progression in breast cancer by reprogramming cancer cells through stem cell transcriptional networks. Future studies are needed to determine how to target HMGA1 in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep N Shah
- Hematology Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Di Cello F, Shin J, Harbom K, Brayton C. Knockdown of HMGA1 inhibits human breast cancer cell growth and metastasis in immunodeficient mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 434:70-4. [PMID: 23545254 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The high mobility group A1 gene (HMGA1) has been previously implicated in breast carcinogenesis, and is considered an attractive target for therapeutic intervention because its expression is virtually absent in normal adult tissue. Other studies have shown that knockdown of HMGA1 reduces the tumorigenic potential of breast cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, we sought to determine if silencing HMGA1 can affect breast cancer development and metastatic progression in vivo. We silenced HMGA1 expression in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 using an RNA interference vector, and observed a significant reduction in anchorage-independent growth and tumorsphere formation, which respectively indicate loss of tumorigenesis and self-renewal ability. Moreover, silencing HMGA1 significantly impaired xenograft growth in immunodeficient mice, and while control cells metastasized extensively to the lungs and lymph nodes, HMGA1-silenced cells generated only a few small metastases. Thus, our results show that interfering with HMGA1 expression reduces the tumorigenic and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vivo, and lend further support to investigations into targeting HMGA1 as a potential treatment for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francescopaolo Di Cello
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Di Cello F, Dhara S, Hristov AC, Kowalski J, Elbahloul O, Hillion J, Roy S, Meijerink JPP, Winter SS, Larson RS, Huso DL, Resar L. Inactivation of the Cdkn2a locus cooperates with HMGA1 to drive T-cell leukemogenesis. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 54:1762-8. [PMID: 23311322 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.764422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive leukemia with high relapse rates compared to B-lineage ALL. We previously showed that HMGA1a transgenic mice develop aggressive T-ALL, indicating that HMGA1 causes leukemic transformation in vivo. HMGA1 is also highly expressed in embryonic stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and diverse, refractory human cancers. Disruption of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor locus occurs in most cases of T-ALL and is thought to contribute to leukemic transformation. To determine whether loss of function of CDKN2A cooperates with HMGA1 in T-ALL, we crossed HMGA1a transgenics onto a Cdkn2a null background. We discovered that T-ALL is markedly accelerated in HMGA1a transgenic Cdkn2a null mice. In addition, these mice recapitulate salient clinical and pathologic features of human T-ALL. HMGA1 is also highly overexpressed in human T-ALL. These findings suggest that HMGA1 plays a causative role in T-ALL and could represent a rational therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francescopaolo Di Cello
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Shah SN, Kerr C, Cope L, Zambidis E, Liu C, Hillion J, Belton A, Huso DL, Resar LMS. HMGA1 reprograms somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells by inducing stem cell transcriptional networks. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48533. [PMID: 23166588 PMCID: PMC3499526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although recent studies have identified genes expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) that induce pluripotency, the molecular underpinnings of normal stem cell function remain poorly understood. The high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene is highly expressed in hESCs and poorly differentiated, stem-like cancers; however, its role in these settings has been unclear. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that HMGA1 is highly expressed in fully reprogrammed iPSCs and hESCs, with intermediate levels in ECCs and low levels in fibroblasts. When hESCs are induced to differentiate, HMGA1 decreases and parallels that of other pluripotency factors. Conversely, forced expression of HMGA1 blocks differentiation of hESCs. We also discovered that HMGA1 enhances cellular reprogramming of somatic cells to iPSCs together with the Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, cMYC - OSKM). HMGA1 increases the number and size of iPSC colonies compared to OSKM controls. Surprisingly, there was normal differentiation in vitro and benign teratoma formation in vivo of the HMGA1-derived iPSCs. During the reprogramming process, HMGA1 induces the expression of pluripotency genes, including SOX2, LIN28, and cMYC, while knockdown of HMGA1 in hESCs results in the repression of these genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that HMGA1 binds to the promoters of these pluripotency genes in vivo. In addition, interfering with HMGA1 function using a short hairpin RNA or a dominant-negative construct blocks cellular reprogramming to a pluripotent state. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate for the first time that HMGA1 enhances cellular reprogramming from a somatic cell to a fully pluripotent stem cell. These findings identify a novel role for HMGA1 as a key regulator of the stem cell state by inducing transcriptional networks that drive pluripotency. Although further studies are needed, these HMGA1 pathways could be exploited in regenerative medicine or as novel therapeutic targets for poorly differentiated, stem-like cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep N. Shah
- Hematology Division, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Candace Kerr
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leslie Cope
- Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Biostatistics, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elias Zambidis
- Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Comparative Molecular & Pathobiology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cyndi Liu
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joelle Hillion
- Hematology Division, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amy Belton
- Hematology Division, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David L. Huso
- Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Comparative Molecular & Pathobiology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Pathology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Linda M. S. Resar
- Hematology Division, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Oncology, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Pediatrics, the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Bush BM, Brock AT, Deng JA, Nelson RA, Sumter TF. The Wnt/β-catenin/T-cell factor 4 pathway up-regulates high-mobility group A1 expression in colon cancer. Cell Biochem Funct 2012; 31:228-36. [PMID: 22961697 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.2876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) encodes proteins that act as mediators in viral integration, modification of chromatin structure, neoplastic transformation and metastatic progression. Because HMGA1 is overexpressed in most cancers and has transcriptional relationships with several Wnt-responsive genes, we explored the involvement of HMGA1 in Wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 signalling. In adenomatous polyposis coli (APC(Min/+)) mice, we observed significant up-regulation of HMGA1 mRNA and protein in intestinal tumours when compared with normal intestinal mucosa. Conversely, restoration of Wnt signalling by the zinc induction of wild-type APC resulted in HMGA1 down-regulation in HT-29 cells. Because APC mutations are associated with mobilization of the β-catenin/TCF-4 transcriptional complex and subsequent activation of downstream oncogenic targets, we analyzed the 5'-flanking sequence of HMGA1 for putative TCF-4 binding elements. We identified two regions that specifically bind the β-catenin/TCF-4 complex in vitro and in vivo, identifying HMGA1 as an immediate target of the β-catenin/TCF-4 signalling pathway in colon cancer. Collectively, these findings strongly implicate Wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 signalling in regulating HMGA1 to further expand the extensive regulatory network affected by Wnt/β-catenin/TCF-4 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany M Bush
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA
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Trichomonosis, a common curable STI, and prostate carcinogenesis--a proposed molecular mechanism. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002801. [PMID: 22912571 PMCID: PMC3415452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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Hillion J, Smail SS, Di Cello F, Belton A, Shah S, Huso T, Schuldenfrei A, Nelson DM, Cope L, Campbell N, Karikari C, Aderinto A, Maitra A, Huso DL, Resar LMS. The HMGA1-COX-2 axis: a key molecular pathway and potential target in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2012; 12:372-9. [PMID: 22898640 PMCID: PMC3466102 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although pancreatic cancer is a common, highly lethal malignancy, the molecular events that enable precursor lesions to become invasive carcinoma remain unclear. We previously reported that the high-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) protein is overexpressed in >90% of primary pancreatic cancers, with absent or low levels in early precursor lesions. METHODS Here, we investigate the role of HMGA1 in reprogramming pancreatic epithelium into invasive cancer cells. We assessed oncogenic properties induced by HMGA1 in non-transformed pancreatic epithelial cells expressing activated K-RAS. We also explored the HMGA1-cyclooxygenase (COX-2) pathway in human pancreatic cancer cells and the therapeutic effects of COX-2 inhibitors in xenograft tumorigenesis. RESULTS HMGA1 cooperates with activated K-RAS to induce migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent cell growth in a cell line derived from normal human pancreatic epithelium. Moreover, HMGA1 and COX-2 expression are positively correlated in pancreatic cancer cell lines (r(2) = 0.93; p < 0.001). HMGA1 binds directly to the COX-2 promoter at an AT-rich region in vivo in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. In addition, HMGA1 induces COX-2 expression in pancreatic epithelial cells, while knock-down of HMGA1 results in repression of COX-2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Strikingly, we also discovered that Sulindac (a COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor) or Celecoxib (a more specific COX-2 inhibitor) block xenograft tumorigenesis from pancreatic cancer cells expressing high levels of HMGA1. CONCLUSIONS Our studies identify for the first time an important role for the HMGA1-COX-2 pathway in pancreatic cancer and suggest that targeting this pathway could be effective to treat, or even prevent, pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle Hillion
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Shamayra S. Smail
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Francescopaolo Di Cello
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Amy Belton
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Sandeep Shah
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Tait Huso
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Andrew Schuldenfrei
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Dwella Moton Nelson
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Leslie Cope
- Oncology Center-Biostatistics/Bioinformatics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Nathaniel Campbell
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Collins Karikari
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Abimbola Aderinto
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - David L. Huso
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Linda M. S. Resar
- Hematology Division, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Abstract
PURPOSE Although molecular targeted therapy has improved the clinical outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a complete response is rare and there are various side effects. Identifying novel target molecules is necessary to improve the clinical outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. HMGA1 is over expressed in many types of cancer and it is associated with metastatic potential. It is expressed at low levels or not expressed in normal tissue. We examined HMGA1 expression and function in human renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS HMGA1 expression in surgical specimen from patients with renal cell carcinoma was examined by immunoblot. HMGA1 expression in 6 human renal cell carcinoma cell lines was examined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. The molecular effects of siRNA mediated knockdown of HMGA1 were examined in ACHN and Caki-1 cells. RESULTS Immunoblot using surgical specimen showed that HMGA1 was not expressed in normal kidney tissue but it was expressed in tumor tissue in 1 of 30 nonmetastatic (3%) and 6 of 18 metastatic (33%) cases (p=0.008). Immunoblot and immunofluorescence revealed significant nuclear expression of HMGA1 in ACHN and Caki-1 cells derived from metastatic sites. HMGA1 knockdown remarkably suppressed colony formation and induced significant apoptosis in ACHN and Caki-1 cells. HMGA1 knockdown significantly inhibited invasion and migration in vitro, and induced anoikis associated with P-Akt down-regulation in ACHN cells. CONCLUSIONS HMGA1 is a potential target for novel therapeutic modalities for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
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Belton A, Gabrovsky A, Bae YK, Reeves R, Iacobuzio-Donahue C, Huso DL, Resar LMS. HMGA1 induces intestinal polyposis in transgenic mice and drives tumor progression and stem cell properties in colon cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30034. [PMID: 22276142 PMCID: PMC3262796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although metastatic colon cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, the molecular mechanisms that enable colon cancer cells to metastasize remain unclear. Emerging evidence suggests that metastatic cells develop by usurping transcriptional networks from embryonic stem (ES) cells to facilitate an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastatic progression. Previous studies identified HMGA1 as a key transcription factor enriched in ES cells, colon cancer, and other aggressive tumors, although its role in these settings is poorly understood. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To determine how HMGA1 functions in metastatic colon cancer, we manipulated HMGA1 expression in transgenic mice and colon cancer cells. We discovered that HMGA1 drives proliferative changes, aberrant crypt formation, and intestinal polyposis in transgenic mice. In colon cancer cell lines from poorly differentiated, metastatic tumors, knock-down of HMGA1 blocks anchorage-independent cell growth, migration, invasion, xenograft tumorigenesis and three-dimensional colonosphere formation. Inhibiting HMGA1 expression blocks tumorigenesis at limiting dilutions, consistent with depletion of tumor-initiator cells in the knock-down cells. Knock-down of HMGA1 also inhibits metastatic progression to the liver in vivo. In metastatic colon cancer cells, HMGA1 induces expression of Twist1, a gene involved in embryogenesis, EMT, and tumor progression, while HMGA1 represses E-cadherin, a gene that is down-regulated during EMT and metastatic progression. In addition, HMGA1 is among the most enriched genes in colon cancer compared to normal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate for the first time that HMGA1 drives proliferative changes and polyp formation in the intestines of transgenic mice and induces metastatic progression and stem-like properties in colon cancer cells. These findings indicate that HMGA1 is a key regulator, both in metastatic progression and in the maintenance of a stem-like state. Our results also suggest that HMGA1 or downstream pathways could be rational therapeutic targets in metastatic, poorly differentiated colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Belton
- Hematology Division, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander Gabrovsky
- Hematology Division, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Young Kyung Bae
- Department of Pathology, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Ray Reeves
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Christine Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David L. Huso
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Linda M. S. Resar
- Hematology Division, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Schuldenfrei A, Belton A, Kowalski J, Talbot CC, Di Cello F, Poh W, Tsai HL, Shah SN, Huso TH, Huso DL, Resar LMS. HMGA1 drives stem cell, inflammatory pathway, and cell cycle progression genes during lymphoid tumorigenesis. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:549. [PMID: 22053823 PMCID: PMC3245506 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene is widely overexpressed in diverse cancers and portends a poor prognosis in some tumors, the molecular mechanisms that mediate its role in transformation have remained elusive. HMGA1 functions as a potent oncogene in cultured cells and induces aggressive lymphoid tumors in transgenic mice. Because HMGA1 chromatin remodeling proteins regulate transcription, HMGA1 is thought to drive malignant transformation by modulating expression of specific genes. Genome-wide studies to define HMGA1 transcriptional networks during tumorigenesis, however, are lacking. To define the HMGA1 transcriptome, we analyzed gene expression profiles in lymphoid cells from HMGA1a transgenic mice at different stages in tumorigenesis. RESULTS RNA from lymphoid samples at 2 months (before tumors develop) and 12 months (after tumors are well-established) was screened for differential expression of > 20,000 unique genes by microarray analysis (Affymetrix) using a parametric and nonparametric approach. Differential expression was confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR in a subset of genes. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed for cellular pathways and functions using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Early in tumorigenesis, HMGA1 induced inflammatory pathways with NFkappaB identified as a major node. In established tumors, HMGA1 induced pathways involved in cell cycle progression, cell-mediated immune response, and cancer. At both stages in tumorigenesis, HMGA1 induced pathways involved in cellular development, hematopoiesis, and hematologic development. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that stem cell and immature T cell genes are enriched in the established tumors. To determine if these results are relevant to human tumors, we knocked-down HMGA1 in human T-cell leukemia cells and identified a subset of genes dysregulated in both the transgenic and human lymphoid tumors. CONCLUSIONS We found that HMGA1 induces inflammatory pathways early in lymphoid tumorigenesis and pathways involved in stem cells, cell cycle progression, and cancer in established tumors. HMGA1 also dyregulates genes and pathways involved in stem cells, cellular development and hematopoiesis at both early and late stages of tumorigenesis. These results provide insight into HMGA1 function during tumor development and point to cellular pathways that could serve as therapeutic targets in lymphoid and other human cancers with aberrant HMGA1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Schuldenfrei
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Amy Belton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jeanne Kowalski
- Department of Oncology, Division of Oncology Biostatistics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - C Conover Talbot
- Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Francescopaolo Di Cello
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Weijie Poh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Hua-Ling Tsai
- Department of Oncology, Division of Oncology Biostatistics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sandeep N Shah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Tait H Huso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David L Huso
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Linda MS Resar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Nelson DM, Joseph B, Hillion J, Segal J, Karp JE, Resar LMS. Flavopiridol induces BCL-2 expression and represses oncogenic transcription factors in leukemic blasts from adults with refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 52:1999-2006. [PMID: 21728742 PMCID: PMC3214625 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2011.591012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Flavopiridol is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and clinical responses in selected patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A better understanding of the molecular pathways targeted by flavopiridol is needed to design optimal combinatorial therapy. Here, we report that in vivo administration of flavopiridol induced expression of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic gene in leukemic blasts from adult patients with refractory AML. Moreover, flavopiridol repressed the expression of genes encoding oncogenic transcription factors (HMGA1, STAT3, E2F1) and the major subunit of RNA Polymerase II. Our results provide mechanistic insight into the cellular pathways targeted by flavopiridol. Although further studies are needed, our findings also suggest that blocking anti-apoptotic pathways could enhance cytotoxicity with flavopiridol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwella M. Nelson
- Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Biju Joseph
- Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Joelle Hillion
- Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Jodi Segal
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Judith E. Karp
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Linda M. S. Resar
- Division of Hematology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Division of Hematologic Malignancy; The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Moliterno AR, Resar LMS. AKNA: another AT-hook transcription factor "hooking-up" with inflammation. Cell Res 2011; 21:1528-30. [PMID: 21670742 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2011.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alison R Moliterno
- Division of Hematology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Phase 1 and pharmacokinetic study of bolus-infusion flavopiridol followed by cytosine arabinoside and mitoxantrone for acute leukemias. Blood 2011; 117:3302-10. [PMID: 21239698 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-09-310862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavopiridol is a protein bound, cytotoxic, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Flavopiridol given by 1-hour bolus at 50 mg/m(2) daily 3 times followed by cytosine arabinoside and mitoxantrone (FLAM) is active in adults with poor-risk acute leukemias. A pharmacologically derived "hybrid" schedule (30-minute bolus followed by 4-hour infusion) of flavopiridol was more effective than bolus administration in refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Our phase 1 trial "hybrid FLAM" in 55 adults with relapsed/refractory acute leukemias began at a total flavopiridol dose of 50 mg/m(2) per day 3 times (20-mg/m(2) bolus, 30-mg/m(2) infusion). Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at level 6 (30-mg/m(2) bolus, 70-mg/m(2) infusion) with tumor lysis, hyperbilirubinemia, and mucositis. Death occurred in 5 patients (9%). Complete remission occurred in 22 (40%) across all doses. Overall and disease-free survivals for complete remission patients are more than 60% at more than 2 years. Pharmacokinetics demonstrated a dose-response for total and unbound plasma flavopiridol unrelated to total protein, albumin, peripheral blast count, or toxicity. Pharmacodynamically, flavopiridol inhibited mRNAs of multiple cell cycle regulators, but with uniform increases in bcl-2. "Hybrid FLAM" is active in relapsed/refractory acute leukemias, with a recommended "hybrid" dose of bolus 30 mg/m(2) followed by infusion of 60 mg/m(2) daily for 3 days. This clinical trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00470197.
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Differential expression and prognostic value of HMGA1 in pancreatic head and periampullary cancer. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:3393-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Expression of a truncated Hmga1b gene induces gigantism, lipomatosis and B-cell lymphomas in mice. Eur J Cancer 2010; 47:470-8. [PMID: 21044834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Revised: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HMGA1 gene rearrangements have been frequently described in human lipomas. In vitro studies suggest that HMGA1 proteins have a negative role in the control of adipocyte cell growth, and that HMGA1 gene truncation acts in a dominant-negative fashion. Therefore, to define better the role of the HMGA1 alterations in the generation of human lipomas, we generated mice carrying an Hmga1b truncated (Hmga1b/T) gene. These mice develop a giant phenotype together with a drastic expansion of the retroperitoneal and subcutaneous white adipose tissue. We show that the activation of the E2F pathway likely accounts, at least in part, for this phenotype. Interestingly, the Hmga1b/T mice also develop B-cell lymphomas similar to that occurring in Hmga1-knockout mice, supporting a dominant-negative role of the Hmga1b/T mutant also in vivo.
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Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is highly expressed during embryogenesis and in poorly differentiated cancers, and high levels portend a poor prognosis in some tumors. HMGA1 induces oncogenic transformation in cultured cells and causes aggressive cancers in transgenic mice, whereas blocking it interferes with transformation in experimental models. These findings suggest a pivotal role for HMGA1 in cancer. This review focuses on two recently described HMGA1 transcriptional targets that mediate inflammatory signals and drive malignant transformation because they could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Further elucidation of HMGA1 function in transformation promises to have a major impact on our war on cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M S Resar
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205-2109., USA.
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Amant F, Coosemans A, Debiec-Rychter M, Timmerman D, Vergote I. Clinical management of uterine sarcomas. Lancet Oncol 2010; 10:1188-98. [PMID: 19959075 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(09)70226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pure mesenchymal uterine tumours encompass endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), uterine leiomyosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcomas. This Review discusses pathology, preoperative diagnosis, and standard treatment of uterine leiomyosarcoma and low-grade ESS (distinct from undifferentiated uterine sarcomas), with an emphasis on targeted treatment. We show that several features on ultrasonography and MRI can raise suspicion of a uterine sarcoma; however, there are no pathognomonic features on any imaging technique. For both ESS and uterine leiomyosarcoma, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, but without lymphadenectomy, is the standard surgical treatment for early stage disease. The clinical benefit of chemotherapy is limited, which underscores the importance of targeted therapy. ESS and uterine leiomyosarcoma are driven by different pathways, resulting in a different clinical behaviour. ESS typically is a hormone-sensitive tumour with indolent growth. Uterine leiomyosarcoma is notorious for its aggressive growth and poor outcome. Individualisation of treatment is mandatory, because randomised trials are almost non-existent. The progesterone and oestrogen receptors are clinically important targets for most primarily advanced or recurrent ESS and a subset of recurrent uterine leiomyosarcomas. Potential future targets and targeted treatments that are under investigation are presented for both entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Amant
- Leuven Cancer Institute, Gynaecological Oncology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium.
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