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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Lv SL, Guo P, Zou JR, Chen RS, Luo LY, Huang DQ. Prognostic significance and relationship of SMAD3 phospho-isoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer: A clinicopathological study. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:118-132. [PMID: 38292835 PMCID: PMC10824111 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TGF-β/SMAD3 and VEGFR-1 signaling pathways play important roles in gastric cancer metastasis. SMAD3 phosphorylation is a crucial prognostic marker in gastric cancer. AIM To determine the prognostic value and relationship of SMAD3 phospho-isoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer. METHODS This was a single-center observational study which enrolled 98 gastric cancer patients and 82 adjacent normal gastric tissues from patients aged 32-84 years (median age 65) between July 2006 and April 2007. Patients were followed up until death or the study ended (median follow-up duration of 28.5 mo). The samples were used to generate tissue microarrays (TMAs) for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The expressions of TGF-β1, pSMAD3C(S423/425), pSMAD3L(S204), and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer (GC) tumor tissue and normal tissue were measured by IHC staining using TMAs obtained from 98 GC patients. Prognosis and survival information of the patients was recorded by Outdo Biotech from May 2007 to July 2015. The relationship between TGF-β1, pSMAD3C(S423/425), pSMAD3L(S204), and VEGFR-1 protein expression levels was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The relationship between protein expression levels and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the Chi-squared test. A survival curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS TGFβ-1 and VEGFR-1 expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissue compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissue. The positive expression of phosphorylated isoforms of Smad3 varied depending on the phosphorylation site [pSMAD3C(S423/425): 51.0% and pSMAD3L(S204): 31.6%]. High expression of pSMAD3L(S204) was significantly correlated with larger tumors (P = 0.038) and later N stages (P = 0.035). Additionally, high expression of VEGFR-1 was closely correlated with tumor size (P = 0.015) and pathological grading (P = 0.013). High expression of both pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 was associated with unfavorable outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis indicated that high expression of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 were independent risk factors for prognosis in GC patients. VEGFR-1 protein expression was correlated with TGF-β1 (r = 0.220, P = 0.029), pSMAD3C(S423/425) (r = 0.302, P = 0.002), and pSMAD3L(S204) (r = 0.201, P = 0.047), respectively. Simultaneous overexpression of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 was associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION Co-upregulation of pSMAD3L(S204) and VEGFR-1 can serve as a predictive marker for poor gastric cancer prognosis, and pSMAD3L(204) may be involved in enhanced gastric cancer metastasis in a VEGFR-1-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Lin Lv
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Pei Guo
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun-Rong Zou
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ren-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Yu Luo
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - De-Qiang Huang
- Hospital of Gastroenterology, Institute of Digestive Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Matsumoto Y, Fukui T, Horitani S, Tanimura Y, Suzuki R, Tomiyama T, Honzawa Y, Tahara T, Okazaki K, Naganuma M. A Short-Term Model of Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer That Suggests Initial Tumor Development and the Characteristics of Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11697. [PMID: 37511456 PMCID: PMC10380789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the transition from colitis-associated inflammation to carcinogenesis and the cell origin of cancer formation are still unclear. The azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) mouse model reproduces human colitis-associated colorectal cancer. To elucidate the mechanisms of cancer development and dynamics of the linker threonine-phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3L-Thr)-positive cells, we explored the early stages of colitis-associated colorectal cancer in AOM/DSS mice. The AOM/DSS mice were sacrificed at 4 to 6 weeks following AOM administration. To analyze the initial lesions, immunofluorescence staining for the following markers was performed: β-catenin, Ki67, CDK4, Sox9, Bmi1, cyclin D1, and pSmad2/3L-Thr. Micro-neoplastic lesions were flat and unrecognizable, and the uni-cryptal ones were either open to the surfaces or hidden within the mucosae. These neoplastic cells overexpressed β-catenin, Sox9, Ki67, and Cyclin D1 and had large basophilic nuclei in the immature atypical cells. In both the lesions, pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells were scattered and showed immunohistochemical co-localization with β-catenin, CDK4, and Bmi1 but never with Ki67. More β-catenin-positive neoplastic cells of both lesions were detected at the top compared to the base or center of the mucosae. We confirmed initial lesions in the colitis-associated colorectal cancer model mice and observed results that suggest that pSmad2/3L-Thr is a biomarker for tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Matsumoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Toshiro Fukui
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Horitani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yuji Tanimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yusuke Honzawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Tahara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
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Fang Gong Y, Hou S, Xu JC, Chen Y, Zhu LL, Xu YY, Chen YQ, Li MM, Li LL, Yang JJ, Yang Y. Amelioratory effects of astragaloside IV on hepatocarcinogenesis via Nrf2-mediated pSmad3C/3L transformation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 117:154903. [PMID: 37301185 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphorylated Smad3 isoforms are reversible and antagonistic, and the tumour-suppressive pSmad3C can shift to an oncogenic pSmad3L signal. In addition, Nrf2 has a two-way regulatory effect on tumours, protecting normal cells from carcinogens and promoting tumour cell survival in chemotherapeutics. Accordingly, we hypothesised that the transformation of pSmad3C/3L is the basis for Nrf2 to produce both pro- and/or anti-tumourigenic effects in hepatocarcinogenesis. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the major component of Astragalus membranaceus, exerts anti-fibrogenic and carcinogenic actions. Lately, AS-IV administration could delay the occurrence of primary liver cancer by persistently inhibiting the fibrogenesis and regulating pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways synchronously. However, effect of AS-IV on hepatocarcinogenesis implicated in the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, especially which one contributes palpably than the other still remains unclear. PURPOSE This study aims to settle the above questions by using in vivo (pSmad3C+/- and Nrf2-/- mice) and in vitro (plasmid- or lentivirus- transfected HepG2 cells) models of HCC. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The correlation of Nrf2 to pSmad3C/pSmad3L in HepG2 cells was analysed by Co-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Pathological changes of Nrf2, pSmad3C, and pSmad3L in human HCC patients, pSmad3C+/- mice, and Nrf2-/- mice were gauged by immunohistochemical, haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson, and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, western blot and qPCR were used to verify the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling protein and mRNA in vivo and in vitro models of HCC. RESULTS Histopathological manifestations and biochemical indicators revealed that pSmad3C+/- could abate the ameliorative effects of AS-IV on fibrogenic/carcinogenic mice with Nrf2/HO-1 deactivation and pSmad3C/p21 transform to pSmad3L/PAI-1//c-Myc. As expected, cell experiments confirmed that upregulating pSmad3C boosts the inhibitory activity of AS-IV on phenotypes (cell proliferation, migration and invasion), followed by a shift of pSmad3L to pSmad3C and activation of Nrf2/HO-1. Synchronously, experiments in Nrf2-/- mice and lentivirus-carried Nrf2shRNA cell echoed the results of pSmad3C knockdown. Complementarily, Nrf2 overexpression resulted in the opposite result. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 contributes to AS-IV's anti-HCC effect palpably compared with pSmad3C/3L. CONCLUSION These studies highlight that harnessing the bidirectional crosstalk pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1, especially Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, acts more effectively in AS-IV's anti-hepatocarcinogenesis, which may provide an important theoretical foundation for the use of AS-IV against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China; School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, No.15, feicui Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, China
| | - Shu Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Le-Le Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Qing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Miao-Miao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China.
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Wang B, Gu B, Zhang T, Li X, Wang N, Ma C, Xiang L, Wang Y, Gao L, Yu Y, Song K, He P, Wang Y, Zhu J, Chen H. Good or bad: Paradox of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in digestive system tumors. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216117. [PMID: 36889376 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
The fibrinolytic system is involved in many physiological functions, among which the important members can interact with each other, either synergistically or antagonistically to participate in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) acts as a crucial element of the fibrinolytic system and functions in an anti-fibrinolytic manner in the normal coagulation process. It inhibits plasminogen activator, and affects the relationship between cells and extracellular matrix. PAI-1 not only involved in blood diseases, inflammation, obesity and metabolic syndrome but also in tumor pathology. Especially PAI-1 plays a different role in different digestive tumors as an oncogene or cancer suppressor, even a dual role for the same cancer. We term this phenomenon "PAI-1 paradox". PAI-1 is acknowledged to have both uPA-dependent and -independent effects, and its different actions can result in both beneficial and adverse consequences. Therefore, this review will elaborate on PAI-1 structure, the dual value of PAI-1 in different digestive system tumors, gene polymorphisms, the uPA-dependent and -independent mechanisms of regulatory networks, and the drugs targeted by PAI-1 to deepen the comprehensive understanding of PAI-1 in digestive system tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bofang Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Baohong Gu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Na Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lin Xiang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Kewei Song
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Puyi He
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yueyan Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jingyu Zhu
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China; Department of Surgical Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Ramos-Tovar E, Muriel P. Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 and liver damage. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 121:271-292. [PMID: 36707137 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The liver performs various biochemical and molecular functions. Its location as a portal to blood arriving from the intestines makes it susceptible to several insults, leading to diverse pathologies, including alcoholic liver disease, viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are causes of death worldwide. Illuminating the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic injury will provide targets to develop new therapeutic strategies to fight liver maladies. In this regard, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-recognized mediators of liver damage. ROS induce nuclear factor-κB and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which are the main proinflammatory signaling pathways that upregulate several proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators. Additionally, oxygen-derived free radicals induce hepatic stellate cell activation to produce exacerbated quantities of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS, preventing liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Therefore, several researchers have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants, mainly derived from plants, affords beneficial effects on the liver. Notably, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major factor against oxidative stress in the liver. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Nrf2 plays an important role in liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis via the induction of antioxidant response element genes. The use of Nrf2 inducers seems to be an interesting approach to prevent/attenuate hepatic disorders, particularly under conditions where ROS play a causative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Postgraduate Studies and Research Section, School of Higher Education in Medicine-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Yamaguchi T, Yoshida K, Murata M, Suwa K, Tsuneyama K, Matsuzaki K, Naganuma M. Smad3 Phospho-Isoform Signaling in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116270. [PMID: 35682957 PMCID: PMC9181097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic steatosis with insulin resistance, oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, adipokine secretion by fat cells, endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) released by gut microbiota, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Together, these factors promote NAFLD progression from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and eventually end-stage liver diseases in a proportion of cases. Hepatic fibrosis and carcinogenesis often progress together, sharing inflammatory pathways. However, NASH can lead to hepatocarcinogenesis with minimal inflammation or fibrosis. In such instances, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity can directly lead to liver carcinogenesis through genetic and epigenetic alterations. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling is implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) and activated-Ras/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) differentially phosphorylate the mediator Smad3 to create two phospho-isoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). TβRI/pSmad3C signaling terminates cell proliferation, while constitutive Ras activation and JNK-mediated pSmad3L promote hepatocyte proliferation and carcinogenesis. The pSmad3L signaling pathway also antagonizes cytostatic pSmad3C signaling. This review addresses TGF-β/Smad signaling in hepatic carcinogenesis complicating NASH. We also discuss Smad phospho-isoforms as biomarkers predicting HCC in NASH patients with or without cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-804-0101; Fax: +81-72-804-2524
| | - Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Kanehiko Suwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan;
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Makoto Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.Y.); (M.M.); (K.S.); (K.M.); (M.N.)
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8
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Thielen N, Neefjes M, Wiegertjes R, van den Akker G, Vitters E, van Beuningen H, Blaney Davidson E, Koenders M, van Lent P, van de Loo F, van Caam A, van der Kraan P. Osteoarthritis-Related Inflammation Blocks TGF-β's Protective Effect on Chondrocyte Hypertrophy via (de)Phosphorylation of the SMAD2/3 Linker Region. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158124. [PMID: 34360888 PMCID: PMC8347103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by irreversible cartilage damage, inflammation and altered chondrocyte phenotype. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling via SMAD2/3 is crucial for blocking hypertrophy. The post-translational modifications of these SMAD proteins in the linker domain regulate their function and these can be triggered by inflammation through the activation of kinases or phosphatases. Therefore, we investigated if OA-related inflammation affects TGF-β signaling via SMAD2/3 linker-modifications in chondrocytes. We found that both Interleukin (IL)-1β and OA-synovium conditioned medium negated SMAD2/3 transcriptional activity in chondrocytes. This inhibition of TGF-β signaling was enhanced if SMAD3 could not be phosphorylated on Ser213 in the linker region and the inhibition by IL-1β was less if the SMAD3 linker could not be phosphorylated at Ser204. Our study shows evidence that inflammation inhibits SMAD2/3 signaling in chondrocytes via SMAD linker (de)-phosphorylation. The involvement of linker region modifications may represent a new therapeutic target for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Thielen
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Margot Neefjes
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Renske Wiegertjes
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Guus van den Akker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Elly Vitters
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Henk van Beuningen
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Esmeralda Blaney Davidson
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Marije Koenders
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Peter van Lent
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Fons van de Loo
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Arjan van Caam
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
| | - Peter van der Kraan
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 MD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.T.); (M.N.); (R.W.); (E.V.); (H.v.B.); (E.B.D.); (M.K.); (P.v.L.); (F.v.d.L.); (A.v.C.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Xia H, Liu Y, Xu L, Mao H, Zhou Q, Xie Y. APOBEC1 complementation factor facilitates cell migration by promoting nucleus translocation of SMAD3 in renal cell carcinoma cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:501-509. [PMID: 34002283 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is inevitable in about 30% of patients with primary renal cell carcinoma after nephrectomy treatment. APOBEC1 complementation factor (A1CF), an RNA binding protein, participates in tumor progressions such as growth, apoptosis, differentiation, and invasion. Here, we explored biological functions of A1CF and provided a new insight into renal cell carcinoma metastasis. Wound healing assay was conducted to detect migration in A1CF overexpression and knockdown stable cell lines. Quantitative PCR and western blot assays were utilized to test transcriptional and translation levels of A1CF and SMAD3 in A1CF overexpression and knockdown renal carcinoma cells. Nuclear and cytoplasmic protein separation assays were conducted to evaluate the subcellular distribution of A1CF and SMAD3. Immunoprecipitation assay was conducted to detect the interaction between A1CF and SMAD3. Our study demonstrated A1CF overexpression facilitated cell migration in renal carcinoma cells. A1CF deficiency downregulated expression of SMAD3, Snail1, and N-cadherin. In addition, A1CF promoted nucleus translocation of SMAD3 and interacted with SMAD3. SMAD3 knockdown attenuated cell migration induced by A1CF overexpression. Our study suggested A1CF facilitated cell migration by promoting nucleus translocation of SMAD3 in renal cell carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Xia
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, the College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yamin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Lei Xu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, the College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huajie Mao
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, the College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, the College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yajun Xie
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, the College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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10
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Hori Y, Ikeura T, Yamaguchi T, Yoshida K, Matsuzaki K, Ishida M, Satoi S, Okazaki K. Role of phosphorylated Smad3 signal components in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:581-589. [PMID: 32532597 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has poor prognosis. The carcinogenesis of IPMN is not clear. The aim of this study was to clarify transitions in phosphorylated Smad3 signaling during IPMN carcinogenesis. METHODS By using immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of pSmad3C and pSmad3L from 51 IPMN surgical specimens resected at our institution between 2010 and 2013. We also examined the expression of Ki-67, c-Myc and p-JNK. RESULTS The median immunostaining index of pSmad3C was 79.2% in low-grade dysplasia, 74.9% in high-grade dysplasia, and 42.0% in invasive carcinoma (P < 0.01), whereas that of pSmad3L was 3.4%, 4.3%, and 42.4%, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a negative relationship between the expression of pSmad3C and c-Myc (P < 0.001, r = -0.615) and a positive relationship between the expression of pSmad3L and c-Myc (P < 0.001, r = 0.696). Negative relationship between the expression of pSmad3C and Ki-67 (P < 0.01, r = -0.610) and positive relationship between the expression of pSmad3L and Ki-67 (P < 0.01, r = 0.731) were confirmed. p-JNK-positive cells were frequently observed among pSmad3L-positive cancer cells. The median of pSmad3L/pSmad3C ratio in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 0.58 (range, 0.05-0.93), 3.83 (range, 0.85-5.96), respectively (P = 0.02). The median immunostaining index of c-Myc in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 2.91 (range, 0-36.9) and 82.1 (range, 46.2-97.1), respectively (P = 0.02). The median immunostaining index of Ki-67 in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 12.9 (range 5.7-30.8) and 90.9 (range 52.9-98.5), respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS pSmad3L was upregulated in malignant IPMN. pSmad3L/pSmad3C ratio may be a useful prognostic factor in IPMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Ikeura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Ishida
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Sohei Satoi
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan.
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11
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Tanimura Y, Fukui T, Horitani S, Matsumoto Y, Miyamoto S, Suzuki R, Tanaka T, Tomiyama T, Ikeura T, Ando Y, Nishio A, Okazaki K. Long-term model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer suggests tumor spread mechanism and nature of cancer stem cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:7. [PMID: 33240413 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although chemical-induced animal models of colorectal cancer (CRC) suggest a lot about the disease, more efforts are required to establish metastasis models. Azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treated (AOM/DSS) Crl:CD-1 mice were sacrificed after 10 or 20 weeks in our previous study, and most colon tumors exhibited intramucosal adenocarcinomas. Our observations were extended until 30 weeks to study a colitis-associated advanced CRC mouse model, and explore whether linker threonine-phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3L-Thr) immunostaining-positive cells were involved in the progressive course of colitis-associated CRC as cancer stem cells. AOM/DSS mice were sacrificed at 10, 20 and 30 weeks after AOM administration. Following the histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining was performed for the following markers: CD34, podoplanin, β-catenin, E-cadherin, Ki67, Bmi1 and pSmad2/3L-Thr. Compared with AOM/DSS mice at 10 and 20 weeks, submucosal tumor infiltration and tumor invasion into vessels were markedly increased at 30 weeks. In the parts of colon tumors from AOM/DSS mice, particularly in mice at 30 weeks, the positive signal of E-cadherin was clearly reduced in the cell membranes. The percentage of Ki67-positive tumor cells in mucosal areas of AOM/DSS mice was higher than that in the sites of submucosal infiltration. In mucosal areas of colon tumors, pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells were scattered among tumor cells. At sites of submucosal infiltration and vessel invasion of these tumors, pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells were also observed among tumor cells. In colon tumors from AOM/DSS mice at 30 weeks, the percentage of pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells among the nuclear β-catenin-positive tumor cells was higher than that among the cytoplasmic β-catenin-positive tumor cells. For both non-neoplastic and neoplastic epithelial cells, pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells exhibited immunohistochemical co-localization with Bmi1. The present study developed an advanced CRC mouse model that exhibited tumor infiltration into the submucosa and invasion into vessels. The present study re-confirmed the theory that pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells may be cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Tanimura
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Toshiro Fukui
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Horitani
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yasushi Matsumoto
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Sachi Miyamoto
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Tanaka
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Ikeura
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yugo Ando
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Nishio
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
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12
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SMAD-oncoprotein interplay: Potential determining factors in targeted therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Gong Y, Yang Y. Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review. Life Sci 2020; 256:117909. [PMID: 32512009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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14
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Ding H, Fang M, Gong Y, Li D, Zhang C, Wen G, Wu C, Yang J, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation aggravates CCl 4 -induced inflammation in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7044-7054. [PMID: 32406200 PMCID: PMC7299733 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15385] [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: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of C‐terminal phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) is down‐regulated with the progression of liver disease. Thus, we hypothesized that pSmad3C expression may be negatively related to liver disease. To develop novel therapeutic strategies, a suitable animal model is required that will allow researchers to study the effect of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression. The current study aimed to construct a new mouse model with the Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutation and to explore the effects of this mutation on CCl4‐induced inflammation. Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation site mutant mice were generated using TetraOne™ gene fixed‐point knock‐in technology and embryonic stem cell microinjection. Resulting mice were identified by genotyping, and the effects on inflammation were explored in the presence or absence of CCl4. No homozygous mice were born, indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. There was no significant difference in liver phenotype and growth between the wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HT) mice in the absence of reagent stimulation. After CCl4‐induced acute and chronic liver damage, liver pathology, serum transaminase (ALT/AST) expression and levels of inflammatory factors (IL‐6/TNF‐α) were more severely altered in HT mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, pSmad3C protein levels were lower in liver tissue from HT mice. These results suggest that Smad3 C‐terminal phosphorylation may have a protective effect during the early stages of liver injury. In summary, we have generated a new animal model that will be a novel tool for future research on the effects of Smad3 domain‐specific phosphorylation on liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Anatomy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanghua Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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15
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Suwa K, Yamaguchi T, Yoshida K, Murata M, Ichimura M, Tsuneyama K, Seki T, Okazaki K. Smad Phospho-Isoforms for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Assessment in Patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020286. [PMID: 31991602 PMCID: PMC7073158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) sometimes occurs in mildly fibrotic livers, while HCC incidence in NASH-related cirrhosis is lower than and less predictable than in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling in hepatocytic nuclei is implicated in fibrosis and carcinogenesis. TGF-βtype I receptor (TβRI) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) differentially phosphorylate the mediator Smad3, resulting in 2 distinct phospho-isoforms: C-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). In mature hepatocytes, oncogenic signaling via the JNK/pSmad3L pathway antagonizes signaling via the tumor-suppressive TβRI/pSmad3C pathway. We immunohistochemically examined domain-specific Smad3 phosphorylation in liver biopsy specimens from 30 NASH patients representing different fibrotic stages and 20 chronically infected hepatitis C patients as controls, correlating Smad3 phosphorylation with clinical course. HCC occurred during follow-up in 11 of 12 NASH patients with abundant pSmad3L and limited pSmad3C but in only 2 of 18 with limited pSmad3L. In contrast, HCC developed in 12 of 15 NASH patients with limited pSmad3C but only 1 of 15 with abundant pSmad3C. Two of fourteen NASH patients with mild fibrosis developed HCC, their hepatocytic nuclei showed abundant pSmad3L and limited pSmad3C. Five of sixteen patients with severe fibrosis did not develop HCC, their hepatocytic nuclei showed limited pSmad3L and abundant pSmad3C. Smad phospho-isoforms may represent important biomarkers predicting HCC in NASH and potential therapeutic targets for preventing NASH-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanehiko Suwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-72-804-0101; Fax: +81-72-804-2524
| | - Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Mayuko Ichimura
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.I.); (K.T.)
| | - Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School. 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.I.); (K.T.)
| | - Toshihito Seki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (K.S.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (T.S.); (K.O.)
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16
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Kamato D, Do BH, Osman N, Ross BP, Mohamed R, Xu S, Little PJ. Smad linker region phosphorylation is a signalling pathway in its own right and not only a modulator of canonical TGF-β signalling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:243-251. [PMID: 31407020 PMCID: PMC11104920 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathways are intensively investigated because of their diverse association with physiological and pathophysiological states. Smad transcription factors are the key mediators of TGF-β signalling. Smads can be directly phosphorylated in the carboxy terminal by the TGF-β receptor or in the linker region via multiple intermediate serine/threonine kinases. Growth factors in addition to hormones and TGF-β can activate many of the same kinases which can phosphorylate the Smad linker region. Historically, Smad linker region phosphorylation was shown to prevent nuclear translocation of Smads and inhibit TGF-β signalling pathways; however, it was subsequently shown that Smad linker region phosphorylation can be a driver of gene expression. This review will cover the signalling pathways of Smad linker region phosphorylation that drive the expression of genes involved in pathology and pathophysiology. The role of Smad signalling in cell biology is expanding rapidly beyond its role in TGF-β signalling and many signalling paradigms need to be re-evaluated in terms of Smad involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Bich Hang Do
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Ross
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter J Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China
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Muscella A, Vetrugno C, Cossa LG, Marsigliante S. TGF-β1 activates RSC96 Schwann cells migration and invasion through MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. J Neurochem 2019; 153:525-538. [PMID: 31729763 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Following peripheral nerve injury, remnant Schwann cells adopt a migratory phenotype and remodel the extracellular matrix allowing axonal regrowth. Although much evidence has demonstrated that TGF-β1 promotes glioma cell motility and induces the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, the effects of TGF-β1 on Schwann cell migration has not yet been studied. We therefore investigated the cellular effects and the signal transduction pathways evoked by TGF-β1 in rattus norvegicus neuronal Schwann RSC96 cell. TGF-β1 significantly increased migration and invasion of Schwann cells assessed by the wound-healing assay and by cell invasion assay. TGF-β1-enhanced migration/invasion was blocked by inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Consistently, by real-time and western blot analyses, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels. TGF-β1 also increased MMPs activities in cell growth medium, as shown by gelatin zymography. The selective TGF-β Type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 completely abrogated any effects by TGF-β1. Indeed, TGF-β1 Type I receptor activation provoked the cytosol-to-nucleus translocation of SMAD2 and SMAD3. SMAD2 knockdown by siRNA blocked MMP-2 induction and cell migration/invasion due to TGF-β1. TGF-β1 also provoked phosphorylation of MAPKs extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 and JNK1/2. Both MAPKs were upstream to p65/NF-kB inasmuch as both MAPKs' inhibitors PD98059 and SP600125 or their down-regulation by siRNA significantly blocked the TGF-β1-induced nuclear translocation of p65/NF-kB. In addition, p65/NF-κB siRNA knockdown inhibited the effects of TGF-β1 on both MMP-9 and cell migration/invasion. We conclude that TGF-β1 controls RSC96 Schwann cell migration and invasion through MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. MMP-2 is controlled by SMAD2 whilst MMP-9 is controlled via an ERK1/2-JNK1/2-NF-κB dependent pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Muscella
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Carla Vetrugno
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Luca Giulio Cossa
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Santo Marsigliante
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali (Di.S.Te.B.A.), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy
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18
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Guo P, Xing C, Fu X, He D, Dong J. Ras inhibits TGF‐β‐induced KLF5 acetylation and transcriptional complex assembly via regulating SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in epithelial cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:2197-2208. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guo
- Department of Urology The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an China
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia
| | - Changsheng Xing
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia
| | - Xiaoying Fu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an China
| | - Jin‐Tang Dong
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia
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19
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Lysyl oxidases: linking structures and immunity in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 69:223-235. [PMID: 31650200 PMCID: PMC7000489 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02404-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are a family of enzymes deputed to cross-link collagen and elastin, shaping the structure and strength of the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, many novel “non-canonical” functions, alternative substrates, and regulatory mechanisms have been described and are being continuously elucidated. The activity of LOXs, therefore, appears to be integrated into a complex network of signals regulating many cell functions, including survival/proliferation/differentiation. Among these signaling pathways, TGF-β and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, in particular, cross-talk extensively with each other and with LOXs also initiating complex feedback loops which modulate the activity of LOXs and direct the remodeling of the ECM. A growing body of evidence indicates that LOXs are not only important in the homeostasis of the normal structure of the ECM, but are also implicated in the establishment and maturation of the tumor microenvironment. LOXs’ association with advanced and metastatic cancer is well established; however, there is enough evidence to support a significant role of LOXs in the transformation of normal epithelial cells, in the accelerated tumor development and the induction of invasion of the premalignant epithelium. A better understanding of LOXs and their interactions with the different elements of the tumor immune microenvironment will prove invaluable in the design of novel anti-tumor strategies.
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20
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Thielen NGM, van der Kraan PM, van Caam APM. TGFβ/BMP Signaling Pathway in Cartilage Homeostasis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090969. [PMID: 31450621 PMCID: PMC6769927 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cartilage homeostasis is governed by articular chondrocytes via their ability to modulate extracellular matrix production and degradation. In turn, chondrocyte activity is regulated by growth factors such as those of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family. Members of this family include the TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs). Signaling by this protein family uniquely activates SMAD-dependent signaling and transcription but also activates SMAD-independent signaling via MAPKs such as ERK and TAK1. This review will address the pivotal role of the TGFβ family in cartilage biology by listing several TGFβ family members and describing their signaling and importance for cartilage maintenance. In addition, it is discussed how (pathological) processes such as aging, mechanical stress, and inflammation contribute to altered TGFβ family signaling, leading to disturbed cartilage metabolism and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie G M Thielen
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan P M van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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21
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Blum AE, Venkitachalam S, Ravillah D, Chelluboyina AK, Kieber-Emmons AM, Ravi L, Kresak A, Chandar AK, Markowitz SD, Canto MI, Wang JS, Shaheen NJ, Guo Y, Shyr Y, Willis JE, Chak A, Varadan V, Guda K. Systems Biology Analyses Show Hyperactivation of Transforming Growth Factor-β and JNK Signaling Pathways in Esophageal Cancer. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:1761-1774. [PMID: 30768984 PMCID: PMC6701681 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is resistant to standard chemoradiation treatments, and few targeted therapies are available. We used large-scale tissue profiling and pharmacogenetic analyses to identify deregulated signaling pathways in EAC tissues that might be targeted to slow tumor growth or progression. METHODS We collected 397 biopsy specimens from patients with EAC and nonmalignant Barrett's esophagus (BE), with or without dysplasia. We performed RNA-sequencing analyses and used systems biology approaches to identify pathways that are differentially activated in EAC vs nonmalignant dysplastic tissues; pathway activities were confirmed with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of signaling components in patient tissue samples. Human EAC (FLO-1 and EsoAd1), dysplastic BE (CP-B, CP-C, CP-D), and nondysplastic BE (CP-A) cells were incubated with pharmacologic inhibitors or transfected with small interfering RNAs. We measured effects on proliferation, colony formation, migration, and/or growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. RESULTS Comparisons of EAC vs nondysplastic BE tissues showed hyperactivation of transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) and/or Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways in more than 80% of EAC samples. Immunohistochemical analyses showed increased nuclear localization of phosphorylated JUN and SMAD proteins in EAC tumor tissues compared with nonmalignant tissues. Genes regulated by the TGFB and JNK pathway were overexpressed specifically in EAC and dysplastic BE. Pharmacologic inhibition or knockdown of TGFB or JNK signaling components in EAC cells (FLO-1 or EsoAd1) significantly reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and/or growth of xenograft tumors in mice in a SMAD4-independent manner. Inhibition of the TGFB pathway in BE cell lines reduced the proliferation of dysplastic, but not nondysplastic, cells. CONCLUSIONS In a transcriptome analysis of EAC and nondysplastic BE tissues, we found the TGFB and JNK signaling pathways to be hyperactivated in EACs and the genes regulated by these pathways to be overexpressed in EAC and dysplastic BE. Inhibiting these pathways in EAC cells reduces their proliferation, migration, and formation of xenograft tumors. Strategies to block the TGFB and JNK signaling pathways might be developed for treatment of EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E. Blum
- Division of Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Srividya Venkitachalam
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Durgadevi Ravillah
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Aruna K. Chelluboyina
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Ann Marie Kieber-Emmons
- Division of Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Lakshmeswari Ravi
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Adam Kresak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Apoorva K. Chandar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Sanford D. Markowitz
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Marcia I. Canto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD-21205 U.S.A
| | - Jean S. Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, M0-63110 U.S.A
| | - Nicholas J. Shaheen
- Center for Esophageal Diseases and Swallowing, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC-27599 U.S.A
| | - Yan Guo
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN-37232 U.S.A
| | - Yu Shyr
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN-37232 U.S.A
| | - Joseph E. Willis
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Amitabh Chak
- Division of Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH-44106 U.S.A
| | - Kishore Guda
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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22
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Wu C, Chen W, Fang M, Boye A, Tao X, Xu Y, Hou S, Yang Y. Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression via miR-145/miR-21 mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 231:98-112. [PMID: 30412748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (CASE), containing astragalosides, astragalus polysaccharide extracted from Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. and salvianolic acids from Salvia miltiorhiza Bge., has been found to inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis via mediating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling, especially Smad3 phosphorylation. The crucial interaction between microRNA-145/microRNA-21 (miR-145/miR-21) and Smad3 phosphorylation is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, effects of CASE on HCC progression involved in the expression of miR-145/miR-21 and their interaction with Smad3 phosphorylation downstream of TGF-β/MAPK/Smad pathway remain unclear. This study addressed above questions using in vitro (HepG2 cells) and in vivo (Xenografts of nude mice) models of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vivo [Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in rats] and in vitro [TGF-β1-stimulated HepG2 cells] models of HCC were established and co-administrated using graded doses/concentrations CASE (60, 120, 240 mg/kg used in rats; 20, 40, 80 µg/ml used in HepG2 cells), miR-145 and miR-21 were measured. HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-145 antagomir, miR-21 agomir and Smad3C/L plasmids (Smad3 EPSM, Smad3 3S-A and Smad3 WT related to up-regulated expression of pSmad3C, pSmad3L and pSmad3C/3L respectively) and then treated by CASE (80 µg/ml). Similarly, HepG2 cell xenografted nude mice were administered with miR-145 antagomir, miR-21 agomir and CASE (310 mg/kg); Smad3 WT, Smad3 EPSM and Smad3 3S-A plasmids stably transfected HepG2 cell lines were constructed respectively and their xenografted nude mice were established, and then treated by CASE (310 mg/kg). Cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, tumor growth and histopathologic characteristics of xenografts were assessed; also, domain-specific Smad3 phosphorylation isoforms (pSmad3C/pSmad3L), activated MAPKs (pERK1/2, pJNK1/2, pp38) and miR-145, miR-21 were measured. RESULTS CASE up-regulated miR-145 while down-regulated miR-21 expression in both rats with DEN-induced HCC and TGF-β1-stimulated HepG2 cells; CASE inhibited cell migration, proliferation and tumor growth while facilitated cell apoptosis in TGF-β1-stimulated HepG2 cells and xenografts of nude mice with miR-145 antagomir/miR-21 agomir treatment via increasing miR-145 and facilitating miR-145 modulated pSmad3L→pSmad3C signaling switch while decreasing miR-21 and inhibiting miR-21 modulated MAPK-dependent Smad3L phosphorylation. Also, up-regulated pSmad3C enhanced inhibited effect of CASE on tumor growth and facilitated effect of CASE on cell apoptosis involved in increased miR-145 while decreased miR-21 expression, however, inverse phenomena were observed when up-regulated pSmad3L. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that CASE inhibits HCC progression via mediating the interaction of miR-145/miR-21 and Smad3 phosphorylation, especially miR-145/miR-21 mediated Smad3 phosphorylation, which maybe provides an important theoretical foundation for CASE's anti-HCC therapy used for patients in a near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiyang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Alex Boye
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiangming Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shu Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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23
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Kamato D, Burch M, Zhou Y, Mohamed R, Stow JL, Osman N, Zheng W, Little PJ. Individual Smad2 linker region phosphorylation sites determine the expression of proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan synthesizing genes. Cell Signal 2018; 53:365-373. [PMID: 30423352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Growth factors such as thrombin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β facilitate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on proteoglycans, a phenomenon that increases lipoprotein binding in the vessel wall and the development of atherosclerosis. TGF-β signals via canonical carboxy terminal phosphorylation of R-Smads and also non-canonical linker region phosphorylation of R-Smads. The G protein coupled receptor agonist, thrombin, can transactivate the TGF-β receptor leading to both canonical and non-canonical Smad signalling. Linker region phosphorylation drives the expression of genes for the synthesis of the proteoglycan, biglycan. Proteoglycan synthesis involves core protein synthesis, the initiation of GAG chains and the subsequent elongation of GAG chains. We have explored the relationship between the thrombin stimulated phosphorylation of individual serine and threonine sites in the linker region of Smad2 and the expression of GAG initiation xylosyltransferase-1 (XT-1) and GAG elongation chondroitin 4-sulfotransferase-1 (C4ST-1) and chondroitin synthase-1 (CHSY-1) genes. Thrombin stimulated the phosphorylation of all four target residues (Thr220, Ser245, Ser250 and Ser255 residues) with a similar temporal pattern - phosphorylation was maximal at 15 min (the earliest time point studied) and the level of the phospho-proteins declined thereafter over the following 4 h. Jnk, p38 and PI3K, selectively mediated the phosphorylation of the Thr220 residue whereas the serine residues were variously phosphorylated by multiple kinases. Thrombin stimulated the expression of all three genes - XT-1, C4ST-1 and CHSY-1. The three pathways mediating Thr220 phosphorylation were also involved in the expression of XT-1. The target pathways (excluding Jnk) were involved in the expression of the GAG elongation genes (C4ST-1 and CHSY-1). These findings support the contention that individual Smad linker region phosphorylation sites are linked to the expression of genes for the initiation and elongation of GAG chains on proteoglycans. The context of this work is that a specific inhibitor of GAG elongation represents a potential therapeutic agent for preventing GAG elongation and lipid binding and the results indicate that the specificity of the pathways is such that it might be therapeutically feasible to specifically target GAG elongation without interfering with other physiological processes with which proteoglycans are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
| | - Micah Burch
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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24
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Yoshida K, Matsuzaki K, Murata M, Yamaguchi T, Suwa K, Okazaki K. Clinico-Pathological Importance of TGF-β/Phospho-Smad Signaling during Human Hepatic Fibrocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10060183. [PMID: 29874844 PMCID: PMC6025395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis is a global public health problem, with approximately 570 million persons chronically infected. Hepatitis B and C viruses increase the risk of morbidity and mortality from liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and extrahepatic complications that develop. Hepatitis virus infection induces transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, which influences microenvironments within the infected liver. TGF-β promotes liver fibrosis by up-regulating extracellular matrix production by hepatic stellate cells. TGF-β is also up-regulated in patients with HCC, in whom it contributes importantly to bringing about a favorable microenvironment for tumor growth. Thus, TGF-β is thought to be a major factor regulating liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis. Since TGF-β carries out regulatory signaling by influencing the phosphorylation of Smads, we have generated several kinds of phospho-specific antibodies to Smad2/3. Using these, we have identified three types of phospohorylated forms: COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2C and pSmad3C), linker phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2L and pSmad3L), and dually phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad2L/C and pSmad3L/C). TGF-β-mediated pSmad2/3C signaling terminates cell proliferation; on the other hand, cytokine-induced pSmad3L signaling accelerates cell proliferation and promotes fibrogenesis. This review addresses TGF-β/Smad signal transduction in chronic liver injuries and carcinogenic processes. We also discuss the reversibility of Smad signaling after antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Kanehiko Suwa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University 2-5-1, Shin-Machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
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25
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G protein coupled receptors can transduce signals through carboxy terminal and linker region phosphorylation of Smad transcription factors. Life Sci 2018; 199:10-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Lin CH, Shih CH, Lin YC, Yang YL, Chen BC. MEKK1, JNK, and SMAD3 mediate CXCL12-stimulated connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung fibroblasts. J Biomed Sci 2018; 25:19. [PMID: 29499695 PMCID: PMC5833071 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the interaction of CXCL12 and CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4) plays a critical role in lung fibrosis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) overexpression underlies the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous report showed that the Rac1-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and activator protein (AP)-1 pathways are involved in CXCL12-generated CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). In present study, we additionally inspected the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1)/JNK-dependent SMAD3 in CXCL12-triggered CTGF expression in WI-38 cells. Methods WI-38 cells were stimulated with CXCL12 in the absence or presence of specific inhibitors or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). CTGF expression and signaling transduction molecules were assessed by Western blot, luciferase activity assay, or ChIP assay. Results CXCL-12-induced CTGF expression was attenuated by SIS3 (a SMAD3 inhibitor) and SMAD3 siRNA, but not by SB431542 (an activin receptor-like kinase 5, ALK5, inhibitor). CXCL12-stimulated CTGF expression was also attenuated by MEKK1 siRNA. Treatment of cells with CXCL12 caused an increase in SMAD3 phosphorylation at Ser208, translocation to nuclei, SMAD3-luciferase activity, and recruitment of SMAD3 to the CTGF promoter. Stimulation of cells with CXCL12 resulted in increase in JNK phosphorylation at Thr183/Tyr185 and MEKK1 phosphorylation at Thr261. Moreover, CXCL12-mediated SMAD3 phosphorylation or SMAD3-luciferase activity was inhibited by MEKK1 siRNA or SP600125. Finally, CXCL12-mediated JNK phosphorylation was attenuated by MEKK1 siRNA. Conclusion In conclusion, results of this study suggest that CXCL12 activates the MEKK1/JNK signaling pathway, which in turn initiates SMAD3 phosphorylation, its translocation to nuclei, and recruitment of SMAD3 to the CTGF promoter, which ultimately induces CTGF expression in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Huang Shih
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Lan Yang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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27
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IL-37 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth by converting pSmad3 signaling from JNK/pSmad3L/c-Myc oncogenic signaling to pSmad3C/P21 tumor-suppressive signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 7:85079-85096. [PMID: 27835881 PMCID: PMC5356721 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-37 has been characterized as a fundamental inhibitor of innate immunity and a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of IL-37 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely unclear. In this study we found IL-37 expression was down-regulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines, and was negatively correlated with tumor size, vascular invasion, as well as overall-survial and disease-free survival (OS and DFS) of HCC. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that IL-37 was an independent prognostic indicator for OS and DFS in HCC. Functional studies further showed that IL-37 overexpression significantly suppressed tumor growth by confining HCC to G2/M cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we determined that IL-37 promoted Smad3 phospho-isoform signaling conversion from JNK/pSmad3L/c-Myc oncogenic signaling to pSmad3C/p21 tumor-suppressive signaling. Consistently, we detected a significant negative correlation between IL-37 expression and pSmad3L levels in a cohort of HCC biopsies; and the expression of pSmad3L predicted poorer outcome. These data highlight the importance of IL-37 in the cell proliferation and progression of HCC, and suggests that IL-37 may be a valuable biomarker for HCC prognosis.
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Hu X, Kan H, Boye A, Jiang Y, Wu C, Yang Y. Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors reduce the nuclear accumulation of phosphorylated Smads by inhibiting Imp 7 or Imp 8 in HepG2 cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:4867-4872. [PMID: 29552126 PMCID: PMC5840705 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling pathway is involved in hepatocellular carcinoma development. Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated following TGF-β1 stimulation and subsequently oligomerize with Smad4 to form the Smad2/3/4 complex, which translocates into the nucleus and regulates target genes, including plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI1). Importin (Imp)7 and Imp8 are responsible for transporting phosphorylated (p)Smad2/3 and Smad4 into the nucleus. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, including inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 could inhibit the transcription of PAI1, but ERK inhibitor had no significant effect on the phosphorylation of Smad2/3, and the formation of Smad2/3/4 complexes, which was different from the effect of JNK or p38 inhibitor. We hypothesized that MAPK inhibitors, particularly ERK inhibitor, reduced the transport of Smads into the nucleus by affecting Imp7 and Imp8. To confirm this hypothesis, HepG2 cells were incubated with different MAPK inhibitors for 5 h and subsequently stimulated with TGF-β1 for 1 h. Next, the intracellular locations of Smads (pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3C, pSmad3L and Smad4) and Imp7/8 were detected using immunofluorescence staining assays, and the expression of Imp7/8 was investigated using immunoblotting. It was revealed that JNK or p38 inhibitor decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2C, Smad2L and Smad3L, and affected their nuclear accumulation. Although only inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2C, ERK inhibitor affected the nuclear accumulation of pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3C and pSmad3L. The three MAPK inhibitors attenuated the nuclear distribution of Smad4, and the expression and nuclear accumulation of Imp7. ERK and JNK inhibitors attenuated the expression and nuclear accumulation of Imp8. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that MAPK inhibitors, particularly ERK inhibitor, modulate the nuclear accumulation of Smads via the inhibition of Imp 7/8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangpeng Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China.,Digestive Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Kan
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Alex Boye
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yufeng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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29
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Wang J, Tai G. Role of C-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Target Oncol 2017; 11:723-738. [PMID: 27392951 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-016-0446-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequently occurring cancers and the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Identification of the signaling pathways regulating liver carcinogenesis is critical for developing novel chemoprevention and targeted therapies. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of a larger group of serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinases known as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNK is an important signaling component that converts external stimuli into a wide range of cellular responses, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, as well as the development of inflammation, fibrosis, cancer growth, and metabolic diseases. Because of the essential roles of JNK in these cellular functions, deregulated JNK is often found to contribute to the development of HCC. Recently, the functions and molecular mechanisms of JNK in HCC development have been addressed using mouse models and human HCC cell lines. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the activation of JNK by oncogenes can promote the development of cancers by regulating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway, which makes the oncogenes/JNK/Smad signaling pathway an attractive target for cancer therapy. Additionally, JNK-targeted therapy has a broad potential for clinical applications. In summary, we are convinced that promising new avenues for the treatment of HCC by targeting JNK are on the horizon, which will undoubtedly lead to better, more effective, and faster therapies in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Guixiang Tai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Jilin, Changchun, 130021, China.
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30
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Shi JY, Ma LJ, Zhang JW, Duan M, Ding ZB, Yang LX, Cao Y, Zhou J, Fan J, Zhang X, Zhao YJ, Wang XY, Gao Q. FOXP3 Is a HCC suppressor gene and Acts through regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:648. [PMID: 28903735 PMCID: PMC5598072 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3633-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXP3 has been discovered to be expressed in tumor cells and participate in the regulation of tumor behavior. Herein, we investigated the clinical relevance and biological significance of FOXP3 expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Expression profile of FOXP3 was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence on HCC cell lines, and immunostaing of a tissue microarray containing of 240 primary HCC samples. The potential regulatory roles of FOXP3 were dissected by an integrated approach, combining biochemical assays, analysis of patient survival, genetic manipulation of HCC cell lines, mouse xenograft tumor models and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing. RESULTS FOXP3 was constitutively expressed in HCC cells with the existence of splice variants (especially exon 3 and 4 deleted, Δ3,4-FOXP3). High expression of FOXP3 significantly correlated with low serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) level, absence of vascular invasion and early TNM stage. Survival analyses revealed that increased FOXP3 expression was significantly associated with better survival and reduced recurrence, and served as an independent prognosticator for HCC patients. Furthermore, FOXP3 could potently suppress the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells in vitro and reduce tumor growth in vivo. However, Δ3,4-FOXP3 showed a significant reduction in the tumor-inhibiting effect. The inhibition of FOXP3 on HCC aggressiveness was acted probably by enhancing the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that FOXP3 suppresses tumor progression in HCC via TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, highlighting the role of FOXP3 as a prognostic factor and novel target for an optimal therapy against this fatal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Yi Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Jie Ma
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-Wei Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Duan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Bin Ding
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liu-Xiao Yang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ya Cao
- Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jun Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ying Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032 People’s Republic of China
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31
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Tsai ML, Tsai SP, Ho CT. Tetrahydrocurcumin attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation and autophagy of hepatic stellate cells. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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32
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Thomas AL, Lind H, Hong A, Dokic D, Oppat K, Rosenthal E, Guo A, Thomas A, Hamden R, Jeruss JS. Inhibition of CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation reduces the Pin1-Smad3 interaction and aggressiveness of triple negative breast cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2017; 16:1453-1464. [PMID: 28678584 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2017.1338988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that lacks effective targeted therapies. Although TNBC is not defined by specific therapeutic targets, a subset of patients have tumors that overexpress cyclins. High cyclin D/E expression catalyzes CDK4/2 activity. In turn, CDK4/2 can non-canonically phosphorylate Smad3, a key TGFβ signaling intermediate, and this phosphorylation has been associated with the shift from tumor-suppressive to oncogenic TGFβ pathway action in breast oncogenesis. Additionally, CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation facilitates an interaction between Smad3 and Pin1, a cis-trans isomerase that is also overexpressed in aggressive breast cancers. Treatment with CYC065, a CDK2/9 inhibitor, decreased non-canonical Smad3 phosphorylation and inhibited the Pin1-Smad3 interaction. We hypothesized that the interaction of Pin1 and Smad3, facilitated by CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation, promotes TNBC cell aggressiveness. Inhibition of the Pin1-Smad3 interaction in TNBC cell lines, through depletion of Pin1 or CYC065 treatment, resulted in decreased cell migration/invasion and impeded the EMT program. Inhibition of CDK-mediated phosphorylation of Smad3 by mutagenesis also decreased cell migration, underscoring the importance of non-canonical CDK2 phosphorylation of Smad3 to enable cell motility. Pin1 depletion restored Smad3 protein levels and tumor-suppressive activity, suggesting that the Pin1-Smad3 interaction has a negative impact on canonical Smad3 action. Collectively, the data show that the Pin1-Smad3 interaction, facilitated by CDK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation, is associated with oncogenic TGFβ signaling and breast cancer progression. Inhibition of this interaction with CYC065 treatment may provide an important therapeutic option for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Thomas
- a Driskill Graduate Program , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Hanne Lind
- b University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Angela Hong
- b University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Danijela Dokic
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | | | | - Amina Guo
- b University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Aaron Thomas
- d Department of Surgery , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Randala Hamden
- e Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Jacqueline S Jeruss
- d Department of Surgery , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.,e Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , IL , USA.,f Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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33
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Kalkat M, De Melo J, Hickman KA, Lourenco C, Redel C, Resetca D, Tamachi A, Tu WB, Penn LZ. MYC Deregulation in Primary Human Cancers. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8060151. [PMID: 28587062 PMCID: PMC5485515 DOI: 10.3390/genes8060151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC regulates a complex biological program by transcriptionally activating and repressing its numerous target genes. As such, MYC is a master regulator of many processes, including cell cycle entry, ribosome biogenesis, and metabolism. In cancer, the activity of the MYC transcriptional network is frequently deregulated, contributing to the initiation and maintenance of disease. Deregulation often leads to constitutive overexpression of MYC, which can be achieved through gross genetic abnormalities, including copy number alterations, chromosomal translocations, increased enhancer activity, or through aberrant signal transduction leading to increased MYC transcription or increased MYC mRNA and protein stability. Herein, we summarize the frequency and modes of MYC deregulation and describe both well-established and more recent findings in a variety of cancer types. Notably, these studies have highlighted that with an increased appreciation for the basic mechanisms deregulating MYC in cancer, new therapeutic vulnerabilities can be discovered and potentially exploited for the inhibition of this potent oncogene in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kalkat
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Jason De Melo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Katherine Ashley Hickman
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Corey Lourenco
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Cornelia Redel
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Diana Resetca
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Aaliya Tamachi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - William B Tu
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
| | - Linda Z Penn
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada.
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Smad2/3 Linker Phosphorylation Is a Possible Marker of Pancreatic Stem/Progenitor Cells in the Regenerative Phase of Acute Pancreatitis. Pancreas 2017; 46:605-613. [PMID: 28099259 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study are to characterize cell proliferation and differentiation during regeneration after pancreatitis and pancreatic buds during development to evaluate the role of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at the specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr) in positive cells. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice received hourly intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and were analyzed after induced pancreatitis. Pancreatitis-affected tissue sections and pancreatic buds were immunostained for pSmad2/3L-Thr, with other markers thought to be stem/progenitor markers of the pancreas. RESULTS pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells increased as the pancreatitis progressed. The expression of pSmad2/3L-Thr was seen in acinar cells and ductlike tubular complexes. These results suggest that pSmad2/3L-Thr is expressed during acinar-ductal metaplasia. Immunohistochemical colocalization of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67 was never observed. pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells may remain in an undifferentiated state. During the pancreatic development process, pSmad2/3L-Thr was expressed as other markers. pSmad2/3L-Thr develops in duct structure of the undifferentiated cell population in the last part of viviparity that acinar structure is formed clearly. CONCLUSIONS pSmad2/3L-Thr expression occurs during acinar-ductal metaplasia after pancreatitis and may represent the contribution of stem cells and/or progenitor cells to the differentiation of the pancreas.
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35
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Zhang YX, Yan YF, Liu YM, Li YJ, Zhang HH, Pang M, Hu JX, Zhao W, Xie N, Zhou L, Wang PY, Xie SY. Smad3-related miRNAs regulated oncogenic TRIB2 promoter activity to effectively suppress lung adenocarcinoma growth. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2528. [PMID: 28005074 PMCID: PMC5260984 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and Smad3, as key transcription factors in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling, help regulate various physiological and pathological processes. We investigated the roles of Smad3-regulated miRNAs with respect to lung adenocarcinoma cell apoptosis, proliferation, and metastasis. We observed that Smad3 and phospho-SMAD3 (p-Smad3) were decreased in miR-206- (or miR-140)-treated cells and there might be a feedback loop between miR-206 (or miR-140) and TGF-β1 expression. Smad3-related miRNAs affected tribbles homolog 2 (TRIB2) expression by regulating trib2 promoter activity through the CAGACA box. MiR-206 and miR-140 inhibited lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by suppressing p-Smad3/Smad3 and TRIB2. Moreover, lung adenocarcinoma data supported a suppressive role for miR-206/miR-140 and an oncogenic role for TRIB2—patients with higher TRIB2 levels had poorer survival. In summary, miR-206 and miR-140, as tumor suppressors, induced lung adenocarcinoma cell death and inhibited cell proliferation by modifying oncogenic TRIB2 promoter activity through p-Smad3. MiR-206 and miR-140 also suppressed lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis in vitro and in vivo by regulating EMT-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Yun-Fei Yan
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Yue-Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - You-Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Han-Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Min Pang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Jin-Xia Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Ning Xie
- Department of Chest Surgery, YanTaiShan Hospital, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Ping-Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
| | - Shu-Yang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology in Binzhou Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, YanTai, ShanDong, P.R.China
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Blokzijl A, Zieba A, Hust M, Schirrmann T, Helmsing S, Grannas K, Hertz E, Moren A, Chen L, Söderberg O, Moustakas A, Dübel S, Landegren U. Single Chain Antibodies as Tools to Study transforming growth factor-β-Regulated SMAD Proteins in Proximity Ligation-Based Pharmacological Screens. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:1848-56. [PMID: 26929218 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.055756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular heterogeneity seen in tumors, with subpopulations of cells capable of resisting different treatments, renders single-treatment regimens generally ineffective. Accordingly, there is a great need to increase the repertoire of drug treatments from which combinations may be selected to efficiently target sets of pathological processes, while suppressing the emergence of resistance mutations. In this regard, members of the TGF-β signaling pathway may furnish new, valuable therapeutic targets. In the present work, we developed in situ proximity ligation assays (isPLA) to monitor the state of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, we extended the range of suitable affinity reagents for this analysis by developing a set of in-vitro-derived human antibody fragments (single chain fragment variable, scFv) that bind SMAD2 (Mothers against decapentaplegic 2), 3, 4, and 7 using phage display. These four proteins are all intracellular mediators of TGF-β signaling. We also developed an scFv specific for SMAD3 phosphorylated in the linker domain 3 (p179 SMAD3). This phosphorylation has been shown to inactivate the tumor suppressor function of SMAD3. The single chain affinity reagents developed in the study were fused tocrystallizable antibody fragments (Fc-portions) and expressed as dimeric IgG-like molecules having Fc domains (Yumabs), and we show that they represent valuable reagents for isPLA.Using these novel assays, we demonstrate that p179 SMAD3 forms a complex with SMAD4 at increased frequency during division and that pharmacological inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4)(1) reduces the levels of p179SMAD3 in tumor cells. We further show that the p179SMAD3-SMAD4 complex is bound for degradation by the proteasome. Finally, we developed a chemical screening strategy for compounds that reduce the levels of p179SMAD3 in tumor cells with isPLA as a read-out, using the p179SMAD3 scFv SH544-IIC4. The screen identified two kinase inhibitors, known inhibitors of the insulin receptor, which decreased levels of p179SMAD3/SMAD4 complexes, thereby demonstrating the suitability of the recombinant affinity reagents applied in isPLA in screening for inhibitors of cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andries Blokzijl
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden; **YUMAB GmbH, Rebenring 33 Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Agata Zieba
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden;
| | - Michael Hust
- ‖Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstr. 7, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Thomas Schirrmann
- ‖Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstr. 7, Braunschweig 38106, Germany; **YUMAB GmbH, Rebenring 33 Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Saskia Helmsing
- ‖Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstr. 7, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Karin Grannas
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Ellen Hertz
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Anita Moren
- §Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden
| | - Lei Chen
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Ola Söderberg
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- §Ludwig Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden, ¶Dept. of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 23, Sweden
| | - Stefan Dübel
- ‖Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Biotechnology, Spielmannstr. 7, Braunschweig 38106, Germany
| | - Ulf Landegren
- From the ‡Dept. of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
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Yoshida K, Murata M, Yamaguchi T, Matsuzaki K, Okazaki K. Reversible Human TGF-β Signal Shifting between Tumor Suppression and Fibro-Carcinogenesis: Implications of Smad Phospho-Isoforms for Hepatic Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5010007. [PMID: 26771649 PMCID: PMC4730132 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) are observed during both physiological liver wound healing and the pathological fibrotic/carcinogenic (fibro-carcinogenetic) process. TGF-β and pro-inflammatory cytokine are considered to be the major factors accelerating liver fibrosis and promoting liver carcinogenesis. Smads, consisting of intermediate linker regions connecting Mad homology domains, act as the intracellular mediators of the TGF-β signal transduction pathway. As the TGF-β receptors, c-Jun N-terminal kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase, differentially phosphorylate Smad2/3, we have generated numerous antibodies against linker (L) and C-terminal (C) phosphorylation sites in Smad2/3 and identified four types of phosphorylated forms: cytostatic COOH-terminally-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C), mitogenic pSmad3L (Ser-213) signaling, fibrogenic pSmad2L (Ser-245/250/255)/C signaling and migratory pSmad2/3L (Thr-220/179)/C signaling. After acute liver injury, TGF-β upregulates pSmad3C signaling and terminates pSmad3L (Ser-213)-mediated hepatocyte proliferation. TGF-β and pro-inflammatory cytokines cooperatively enhance collagen synthesis by upregulating pSmad2L (Thr-220)/C and pSmad3L (Thr-179)/C pathways in activated hepatic stellate cells. During chronic liver injuries, hepatocytes persistently affected by TGF-β and pro-inflammatory cytokines eventually become pre-neoplastic hepatocytes. Both myofibroblasts and pre-neoplastic hepatocyte exhibit the same carcinogenic (mitogenic) pSmad3L (Ser-213) and fibrogenic pSmad2L (Ser-245/250/255)/C signaling, with acquisition of fibro-carcinogenic properties and increasing risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Firstly, we review phospho-Smad-isoform signalings in epithelial and mesenchymal cells in physiological and pathological conditions and then consider Smad linker phosphorylation as a potential target for pathological EMT during human fibro-carcinogenesis, because human Smad phospho-isoform signals can reverse from fibro-carcinogenesis to tumor-suppression in a process of MET after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Miki Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
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Mucin1 shifts Smad3 signaling from the tumor-suppressive pSmad3C/p21(WAF1) pathway to the oncogenic pSmad3L/c-Myc pathway by activating JNK in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:4253-65. [PMID: 25714018 PMCID: PMC4414187 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucin1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that acts as an oncogene in human hepatic tumorigenesis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells often gain advantage by reducing the tumor-suppressive activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) together with stimulation of its oncogenic activity as in MUC1 expressing HCC cells; however, molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Type I TGF-β receptor (TβRI) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) differentially phosphorylate Smad3 mediator to create 2 phosphorylated forms: COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C) and linker-phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). Here, we report that MUC1 overexpression in HCC cell lines suppresses TβRI-mediated pSmad3C signaling which involves growth inhibition by up-regulating p21WAF1. Instead, MUC1 directly activates JNK to stimulate oncogenic pSmad3L signaling, which fosters cell proliferation by up-regulating c-Myc. Conversely, MUC1 gene silencing in MUC1 expressing HCC cells results in preserved tumor-suppressive function via pSmad3C, while eliminating pSmad3L-mediated oncogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, high correlation between MUC1 and pSmad3L/c-Myc but not pSmad3C/p21WAF1 expression was observed in HCC tissues from patients. Collectively, these results indicate that MUC1 shifts Smad3 signaling from a tumor-suppressive pSmad3C/p21WAF1 to an oncogenic pSmad3L/c-Myc pathway by directly activating JNK in HCC cells, suggesting that MUC1 is an important target for HCC therapy.
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Wu YH, Ai X, Liu FY, Liang HF, Zhang BX, Chen XP. c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor favors transforming growth factor-β to antagonize hepatitis B virus X protein-induced cell growth promotion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:1345-52. [PMID: 26648552 PMCID: PMC4732859 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induces cell growth arrest in well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) minimizes the tumor suppression of TGF-β signaling in early chronic hepatitis B. However, how to reverse the oncogenic effect of HBx and sustain the tumor-suppressive action of TGF-β has yet to be investigated. The present study examined the effect of TGF-β and a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor on cell growth in HCC cells with forced expression of HBx. It was found that HBx promoted cell growth via activation of the JNK/pSMAD3L pathway and inhibition of the transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor (TβRI)/pSMAD3C pathway. pSMAD3L/SMAD4 and pSMAD3C/SMAD4 complexes antagonized each other to regulate c-Myc expression. In the absence of HBx, TGF-β induced cell growth arrest through activation of the TβRI/pSMAD3C pathway in well-differentiated HCC cells. In the presence of HBx, TGF-β had no effect on cell growth. JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly reversed the oncogenic action of HBx and favored TGF-β to regain the ability to inhibit the cell growth in HBx-expressing well-differentiated HCC cells. In conclusion, targeting JNK signaling favors TGF-β to block HBx-induced cell growth promotion in well-differentiated HCC cells. As an adjunct to anti-viral therapy, the combination of TGF-β and inhibition of JNK signaling is a potential therapy for HBV-infected HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hui Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xi Ai
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Fu-Yao Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Bi-Xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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Tarasewicz E, Rivas L, Hamdan R, Dokic D, Parimi V, Bernabe BP, Thomas A, Shea LD, Jeruss JS. Inhibition of CDK-mediated phosphorylation of Smad3 results in decreased oncogenesis in triple negative breast cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:3191-201. [PMID: 25485498 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.950126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer onset and disease progression have been linked to members of the TGFβ superfamily and their downstream signaling components, the Smads. Alterations in Smad3 signaling are associated with the dichotomous role of TGFβ in malignancy, mediating both tumor suppressant and pro-metastatic behaviors. Overexpression of cell cycle regulators, cyclins D and E, renders cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 4/2 hyperactive. Noncanonical phosphorylation of Smad3 by CDK4/2 inhibits tumor suppressant actions of Smad3. We hypothesized that CDK inhibition (CDKi) would restore Smad3 action and help promote cancer cell regression. Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, Hs578T) with CDK2i or CDK4i resulted in increased Smad3 activity and decreased cell migration. Transfection with a 5M Smad3 construct containing inhibitory mutations in 5 CDK phosphorylation sites also resulted in decreased TNBC cell migration and invasion. MDA-MB-231 cells treated with CDK2i or CDK4i resulted in decreased Smad3 protein phosphorylation at the CDK phosphorylation T179 site, decreased MMP2 and c-myc expression, and increased p15 and p21 expression. Using a novel transfected cell array, we found that CDK2i treatment decreased activity of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition related transcription factors Snail and Twist. In vivo studies in an MDA-MB-231 tumor model showed that individual and combination treatment with paclitaxel and CDK2i resulted in decreased tumor volume and Ki67 staining. Collectively, these data support further investigation of targeted CDK inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC, a breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options.
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Key Words
- BCSC, breast cancer stem cells
- CDK
- CDK, cyclin dependent kinase
- CDKi, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor
- CK, cytokeratin
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- ER, estrogen receptor
- HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- PR, progesterone receptor
- Pin1, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1
- Smad3
- TNBC, triple negative breast cancer
- cyclin
- paclitaxel
- triple negative breast cancer
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Tarasewicz
- a Department of Surgery ; Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine ; Chicago , IL USA
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Wang J, Liu G, Li Q, Wang F, Xie F, Zhai R, Guo Y, Chen T, Zhang N, Ni W, Yuan H, Tai G. Mucin1 promotes the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via JNK-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 at the C-terminal and linker regions. Oncotarget 2015; 6:19264-78. [PMID: 26057631 PMCID: PMC4662489 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucin1 (MUC1), as an oncogene, plays a key role in the progression and tumorigenesis of many human adenocarcinomas. In this study, wound-healing, transwell migration and matrigel invasion assays showed that MUC1 promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell migration and invasion by MUC1 gene silencing and overexpressing. Treatment with exogenous transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)1, TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) inhibitor, TGF-β1 siRNAs, or activator protein 1 (AP-1) inhibitor to MUC1-overexpressing HCC cells revealed that MUC1-induced autocrine TGF-β via JNK/AP-1 pathway promotes the cell migration and invasion. In addition, the migration and invasion of HCC cells were more significantly inhibited by JNK inhibitor compared with that by TβRI inhibitor or TGF-β1 siRNAs. Further studies demonstrated that MUC1-mediated JNK activation not only enhances the phosphorylation of Smad2 C-terminal at Ser-465/467 site (Smad2C) through TGF-β/TβRI, but also directly enhances the phosphorylation of Smad2 linker region at Ser-245/250/255 site (Smad2L), and then both of them collaborate to upregulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9-mediated cell migration and invasion of HCC. These results indicate that MUC1 is an attractive target in liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guomu Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiongshu Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruiping Zhai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tanxiu Chen
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weihua Ni
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyan Yuan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guixiang Tai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Phosphorylation status determines the opposing functions of Smad2/Smad3 as STAT3 cofactors in TH17 differentiation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7600. [PMID: 26194464 PMCID: PMC4518312 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8600] [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] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are the pivotal cytokines to induce IL-17-producing CD4+ T helper cells (TH17); yet their signalling network remains largely unknown. Here we show that the highly homologous TGF-β receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads): Smad2 and Smad3 oppositely modify STAT3-induced transcription of IL-17A and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor, RORγt encoded by Rorc, by acting as a co-activator and co-repressor of STAT3, respectively. Smad2 linker phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) at the serine 255 residue interacts with STAT3 and p300 to transactivate, whereas carboxy-terminal unphosphorylated Smad3 interacts with STAT3 and protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3) to repress the Rorc and Il17a genes. Our work uncovers carboxy-terminal phosphorylation-independent noncanonical R-Smad–STAT3 signalling network in TH17 differentiation. TGF-ß and IL-6 are the essential cytokines for mediating the differentiation of IL-17-producing CD4+ T helper cells (TH17). Here, Yoon et al. provide more insights into this process and describe the opposing roles of TGFß-signalling intermediates Smad2 and Smad3 as STAT3 cofactors in Th17 differentiation.
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Suzuki R, Fukui T, Kishimoto M, Miyamoto S, Takahashi Y, Takeo M, Mitsuyama T, Sakaguchi Y, Uchida K, Nishio A, Okazaki K. Smad2/3 linker phosphorylation is a possible marker of cancer stem cells and correlates with carcinogenesis in a mouse model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. J Crohns Colitis 2015; 9:565-74. [PMID: 25908723 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjv073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial cells affected by somatic mutations undergo transition from a tumour-suppressive to a carcinogenic Smad pathway during sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis, and the specific linker threonine phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in colon epithelial cells indicates stem-like cells. This study extends previous observations to a model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. METHODS After Crl:CD-1 mice received an administration of azoxymethane [AOM], the mice were given dextran sodium sulfate [DSS] for 7 days. AOM/DSS-treated mice [AOM/DSS mice] were killed at 10 or 20 weeks. After macroscopic observations, a histopathological analysis was conducted. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method [pSmad3C-Ser, pSmad3L-Ser, c-Myc] and immunofluorescent methods [Ki67, β-catenin, CDK4, cyclin D1, Sox9, pSmad2/3L-Thr]. RESULTS The colons from AOM/DSS mice were shorter than those from control mice. The number of colon tumours at Week 20 was higher than at Week 10. The inflammation scores for AOM/DSS mice were greater than those for control mice. Immunostaining-positive cells (staining by Ki67, β-catenin [nuclear and cytoplasmic], cyclin D1, and Sox9) were diffusely distributed in colon tumours. The percentage of pSmad3L-Ser-positive cells in colon tumours was higher than in sites of pre-neoplastic colitis, and that in sites of pre-neoplastic colitis was higher than in control mice. pSmad2/3L-Thr-positive cells were sparsely detected around crypt bases in non-neoplastic colon epithelia and at the tops of tumours, and immunohistochemical co-localisation of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67 was not observed. Immunohistochemical co-localisation of pSmad2/3L-Thr with β-catenin and CDK4 was observed. CONCLUSIONS pSmad3L-Ser signalling is an early event in colitis-associated colorectal cancer, and pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells might be cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Suzuki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Toshiro Fukui
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kishimoto
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Sachi Miyamoto
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Yu Takahashi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takeo
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Mitsuyama
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Yutaku Sakaguchi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Kazushige Uchida
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Nishio
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
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Zanetti A, Affatato R, Centritto F, Fratelli M, Kurosaki M, Barzago MM, Bolis M, Terao M, Garattini E, Paroni G. All-trans-retinoic Acid Modulates the Plasticity and Inhibits the Motility of Breast Cancer Cells: ROLE OF NOTCH1 AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR (TGFβ). J Biol Chem 2015; 290:17690-17709. [PMID: 26018078 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.638510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is a natural compound proposed for the treatment/chemoprevention of breast cancer. Increasing evidence indicates that aberrant regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a determinant of the cancer cell invasive and metastatic behavior. The effects of ATRA on EMT are largely unknown. In HER2-positive SKBR3 and UACC812 cells, showing co-amplification of the ERBB2 and RARA genes, ATRA activates a RARα-dependent epithelial differentiation program. In SKBR3 cells, this causes the formation/reorganization of adherens and tight junctions. Epithelial differentiation and augmented cell-cell contacts underlie the anti-migratory action exerted by the retinoid in cells exposed to the EMT-inducing factors EGF and heregulin-β1. Down-regulation of NOTCH1, an emerging EMT modulator, is involved in the inhibition of motility by ATRA. Indeed, the retinoid blocks NOTCH1 up-regulation by EGF and/or heregulin-β1. Pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase and NOTCH1 processing also abrogates SKBR3 cell migration. Stimulation of TGFβ contributes to the anti-migratory effect of ATRA. The retinoid switches TGFβ from an EMT-inducing and pro-migratory determinant to an anti-migratory mediator. Inhibition of the NOTCH1 pathway not only plays a role in the anti-migratory action of ATRA; it is relevant also for the anti-proliferative activity of the retinoid in HCC1599 breast cancer cells, which are addicted to NOTCH1 for growth/viability. This effect is enhanced by the combination of ATRA and the γ-secretase inhibitor N-(N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-l-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester, supporting the concept that the two compounds act at the transcriptional and post-translational levels along the NOTCH1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Zanetti
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Affatato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Floriana Centritto
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Maddalena Fratelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Mami Kurosaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Mineko Terao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Garattini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriela Paroni
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milano, Italy.
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Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 at specific linker threonine indicates slow-cycling intestinal stem-like cells before reentry to cell cycle. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:362-74. [PMID: 25185661 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-014-3348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quiescent (slow-cycling) and active (rapid-cycling) stem cells are demonstrated in small intestines. We have identified significant expression of Smad2/3, phosphorylated at specific linker threonine residues (pSmad2/3L-Thr), in murine stomach, and suggested these cells are epithelial stem cells. AIM Here, we explore whether pSmad2/3L-Thr could serve as a biomarker for small intestine and colon stem cells. METHODS We examined small intestines and colons from C57BL/6 mice and colons with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. We performed double-immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67, cytokeratin 8, chromogranin A, CDK4, DCAMKL1, and Musashi-1. Small intestines and colons from Lgr5-EGFP knock-in mice were examined by pSmad2/3L-Thr immunofluorescent staining. To examine BrdU label retention of pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-positive cells, we collected specimens after BrdU administration and observed double-immunofluorescent staining of pSmad2/3L-Thr with BrdU. RESULTS In small intestines and colons, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells were detected around crypt bases. Immunohistochemical co-localization of pSmad2/3L-Thr with Ki67 was not observed. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with cytokeratin 8, CDK4, and Musashi-1 and different localization from chromogranin A and DCAMKL1 immunostaining-positive cells. Under a light microscope, pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells were morphologically undifferentiated. In Lgr5-EGFP knock-in mice, some but not all pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with Lgr5. pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells showed co-localization with BrdU at 5, 10, and 15 days after administration. In DSS-induced colitis, pSmad2/3L-Thr and Ki67 immunostaining-positive cells increased in the regeneration phase and decreased in the injury phase. CONCLUSION In murine small intestines and colons, we suggest pSmad2/3L-Thr immunostaining-strongly positive cells are epithelial stem-like cells just before reentry to the cell cycle.
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Liu Y, Kimura K, Orita T, Teranishi S, Suzuki K, Sonoda KH. All-trans-retinoic acid inhibition of transforming growth factor-β-induced collagen gel contraction mediated by human Tenon fibroblasts: role of matrix metalloproteinases. Br J Ophthalmol 2015; 99:561-5. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-306175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Schon HT, Weiskirchen R. Immunomodulatory effects of transforming growth factor-β in the liver. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2015; 3:386-406. [PMID: 25568862 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3881.2014.11.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family are potent regulatory cytokines that affect multiple cell types of the immune system mediating pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses. In the liver, TGF-β is produced by a multitude of non-parenchymal liver cells including hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), and dendritic cells (DCs) as well as natural killer (NK) T cells among other hepatic lymphocytes. The effect of TGF-β on other cells is highly versatile. In concert with other soluble factors, it controls the maturation, differentiation and activity of various T cell subsets that either prevent or actuate infections, graft-versus-host reactions, immune diseases, and cancer formation. During the last decades, it became evident that some TGFB1 polymorphisms are associated with the pathogenesis of hepatic disease and that plasma TGF-β is a suitable biomarker to detect liver lesions. Moreover, since TGF-β has capacity to influence the quantity and quality of T cell subsets as well as their activity, it is obvious that a well-balanced TGF-β activity is essential for liver homeostasis. In the present review, we highlight some pivotal functions of TGF-β in hepatic immunobiology. We discuss its regulatory function on adaptive immunity, the impact on differentiation of various T cell subsets, its crosstalk with Toll like receptor signaling, and its contribution to functional impairment of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Theo Schon
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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SMAD4 exerts a tumor-promoting role in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2014; 34:5055-68. [PMID: 25531314 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Further understanding of the molecular biology and pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for future therapeutic development. SMAD4, recognized as an important tumor suppressor, is a central mediator of transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. This study investigated the role of SMAD4 in HCC. Nuclear localization of SMAD4 was observed in a cohort of 140 HCC patients using tissue microarray. HCC cell lines were used for functional assay in vitro and in immune-deficient mice. Nuclear SMAD4 levels were significantly increased in patient HCC tumors as compared with adjacent tissues. Knockdown of SMAD4 significantly reduced the efficiency of colony formation and migratory capacity of HCC cells in vitro and was incompatible with HCC tumor initiation and growth in mice. Knockdown of SMAD4 partially conferred resistance to the anti-growth effects of BMP ligand in HCC cells. Importantly, simultaneous elevation of SMAD4 and phosphorylated SMAD2/3 is significantly associated with poor patient outcome after surgery. Although high levels of SMAD4 can also mediate an antitumor function by coupling with phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8, this signaling, however, is absent in majority of our HCC patients. In conclusion, this study revealed a highly non-canonical tumor-promoting function of SMAD4 in HCC. The drastic elevation of nuclear SMAD4 in sub-population of HCC tumors highlights its potential as an outcome predictor for patient stratification and a target for personalized therapeutic development.
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Murata M, Yoshida K, Yamaguchi T, Matsuzaki K. Linker phosphorylation of Smad3 promotes fibro-carcinogenesis in chronic viral hepatitis of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:15018-15027. [PMID: 25386050 PMCID: PMC4223235 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i41.15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 03/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical data point to a close association between chronic hepatitis B virus infection or chronic hepatitis C virus infection and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC develops over several decades and is associated with fibrosis. This sequence suggests that persistent viral infection and chronic inflammation can synergistically induce liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in diverse cellular processes and contributes to hepatic fibro-carcinogenesis under inflammatory microenvironments during chronic liver diseases. The biological activities of TGF-β are initiated by the binding of the ligand to TGF-β receptors, which phosphorylate Smad proteins. TGF-β type I receptor activates Smad3 to create COOH-terminally phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3C), while pro-inflammatory cytokine-activated kinases phosphorylates Smad3 to create the linker phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3L). During chronic liver disease progression, virus components, together with pro-inflammatory cytokines and somatic mutations, convert the Smad3 signal from tumor-suppressive pSmad3C to fibro-carcinogenic pSmad3L pathways, accelerating liver fibrosis and increasing the risk of HCC. The understanding of Smad3 phosphorylation profiles may provide new opportunities for effective chemoprevention and personalized therapy for patients with hepatitis virus-related HCC in the future.
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Kamato D, Rostam MA, Piva TJ, Babaahmadi Rezaei H, Getachew R, Thach L, Bernard R, Zheng W, Little PJ, Osman N. Transforming growth factor β-mediated site-specific Smad linker region phosphorylation in vascular endothelial cells. J Pharm Pharmacol 2014; 66:1722-33. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β regulates the function of vascular endothelial cells and may be involved in endothelial dysfunction. The canonical TGF-β pathway involves TGF-β receptor-mediated carboxy-terminal phosphorylation of Smad2; however, TGF-β signalling also activates numerous serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate Smad2 in its linker region. The expression of phosphorylated Smad linker proteins were determined following TGF-β stimulation in the absence and presence of different serine/threonine kinase inhibitors in vascular endothelial cells.
Methods
Proteins were quantified by Western blotting using specific antibodies to individual phosphorylated Smad2 linker region residues.
Key findings
TGF-β mediated the phosphorylation of all four Smad2 linker region residues of interest. Erk and Jnk specifically phosphorylate Ser245 while all mitogen-activated protein kinases phosphorylate Ser250 and Ser255. Thr220 and Ser245 are phosphorylated by phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K), while Ser255 was phosphorylated by the PI3K/Akt pathway. CDK and GSK-3 were shown to phosphorylate Thr220 and Ser245. TGF-β also mediated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expression that was attenuated by p38 and CDK inhibitors.
Conclusions
TGF-β-mediated phosphorylation of individual serine/threonine sites in the linker region of Smad2 occurs in a highly specific manner by kinases. These phosphorylations provide an opportunity to further understand a therapeutically targeted and very specific signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Muhamad Ashraf Rostam
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Terence J Piva
- Discipline of Cell Biology, School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi Rezaei
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Robel Getachew
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Lyna Thach
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Rebekah Bernard
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Peter J Little
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
- Departments of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Immunology, Monash University School of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Alfred Health, Prahran, Vic, Australia
| | - Narin Osman
- Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Medical Sciences and Diabetes Complications Group, Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic, Australia
- Departments of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and Immunology, Monash University School of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Alfred Health, Prahran, Vic, Australia
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